Who oh who, might I vote for in Coolbaugh 2?

As the Primary Election Day approaches us in Pennsylvania, I have to drop off my ballot at the local drop box. With some critical local races up for grabs. I wanted to give my unsolicited insight on why I’m voting for some candidates. 

You are able to see a scanned copy of my ballot. (Except the Treasurer candidate who was too far south on the ballot to fit on the scanner bed. But I did vote for, Ira Jolley). 

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS in the 43rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT (aka Monroe County):

Patrick Best—Patrick is a local attorney and former chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee. He did Pro Bono work for the county committee—including when during the 2022 election, as the Monroe County GOP led by fake elector and democracy troll, Josephine Ferro—attempted to get as many mail in ballots tossed as possible, because their (the GOP) candidates were too weak to win. 

Attorney Best, successfully argued against the plaintiff’s logically flawed “pre-canvassing” claims. Which allowed for a much quicker turnaround in counting all mail ballots, than years past (where Monroe County would hold up statewide races). As well as permitting voters with issues to their ballots, to make corrections before the Election Day deadline at 8PM. (ELECTION 2022 ARGUMENTS)

Because the Republicans ONLY strategy to win that year, was to prevent people from their constitutional right to vote. 

Best is also, endorsed by a real who’s who of Monroe County government. Including: District Attorney Michael Mancuso, Sheriff Nick Cirranello, Coroner Tom Yanac, and State Representative Maureen Madden. And obviously by, me voting for him!

Janet Jackson (NOT the one you’re thinking of, but the attorney!)—Attorney Jackson has been practicing law longer than any of the candidates running (since 1985, when “New Coke” was introduced to cola lovers). She has had over fifty jury trials (that is a great deal for an attorney). And hundreds of bench trials. Handling criminal and civil cases. She has an incredibly well rounded career. Which behooves a new judge on the bench. As civil dockets are the most common for court—but criminal are the most followed cases. 

Attorney Jackson might be a registered Democrat. But her support might be the most bi-partisan of any candidate on the ballot. 

She earned my vote. 

COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP CONSTABLE:

So this office holds a special place in my heart. As I was a full-time deputy constable for several years. Before then being the elected constable for the township. I spent a decade of my life serving the local courts of Monroe County, the residents of Coolbaugh Township, and keeping the peace at all four township polling places. 

Abdullah Karim Muqarrabin (AKM) has my vote. In large part, because of my disappointment and embarrassment of the person who replaced me when I choose to retire from the office. Constable Blanch, has for years appointed a few terrible Election Day deputies. Including one who is known for his pick-up truck loaded with Trump flags. That at one time was plastered in crazy political decals and messages. Including the swastika on his truck. (And was parked right in front of a polling place all day whilst he was the deputy there!) 

Multiple voters and judges of elections have complained about said deputy constable. Who also would advocate for Republican candidates within 10 feet of the polling place door. Literally one of the things a constable is tasked with preventing on Election Day. 

Constable Blanch has also never been certified by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD). Which means he is not covered with full liability insurance. Nor is he firearms certified to use a firearm in the commission of being a constable. YET, he has carried a firearm for over five years in uniform on Election Day! Sadly the powers that be in the county courthouse, and PCCD have done squat for this behavior. 

For those reasons, I am voting to replace the current constable with AKM! 

COOLBAUGH TWO JUDGE OF ELECTIONS:

Write-in Margaret Williams!!!!

Margaret or “Meg”, has been judge of elections for more than a minute. Most of my career as constable she was the judge for two. And I can tell you from working with her on Election Day, Meg absolutely is the BEST person for this position. And takes Election Day VERY seriously. 

Unfortunately due to family issues she was unable to circulate to be on the ballot this winter. BUT only needs a minimum of ten write-in votes to be on the ballot for November. And bless her! Because it is an absolute thankless job that pays a whopping $125 to work from 6AM until at best 9:30 PM (if you’re lucky). 

So please join me if you vote at the Coolbaugh Township firehouse on Laurel Drive, WRITE-IN MARGARET WILLIAMS!!!! 

Tomorrow I will cover races where else I have skin in the game. Including Lackawanna County, and the City of Scranton—where “the machine” will surely cringe at my commentary. As well as a few other local races across the countryside here in Monroe County. 

Until then, be sure to give the “Rockefeller salute” to those who deserve it.