Lou Hosts Last Town Hall

SCRANTON – In a town hall meeting, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta met with about 50 people Wednesday night to answer their questions and pitch his positions on Social Security, job creation, health care reform and bipartisanship.

Barletta, the Republican candidate trying to unseat Democratic Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski in the 11th Congressional District, told the crowd his opponent was “disconnected” from voters.

The health care bill was a prime example, because Congress pushed it forward despite public protest, Barletta said.

“It’s going to be a job killer,” he said of the legislation.

Rolling back the bill and encouraging alternate, more affordable health care reforms would be Barletta’s second order of business, he said. The first would be to win the U.S. House for Republicans and “fire” Speaker Nancy Pelosi – a priority that drew applause from the audience.

The crowd at the Clarion Hotel included lifelong Republicans like Bob Pearson and his wife, Josephine, both 63 from Scranton, who said he worried about Social Security.

Barletta called it “unforgivable” that Social Security recipients have not received cost-of-living adjustments while Congress found the money for bank bailouts. He said he would not privatize Social Security or withdraw its funds for other programs.

Colleen Weisenfluh, 23, of Moosic, spoke about the waste and inefficiency of the social welfare system, which Barletta agreed was riddled with “fraud.” A few people, like 60-year-old Dominick Netti of Scranton, expressed concern about the climate for American entrepreneurship.

Barletta called it “frightening” how much U.S. debt is held by foreign countries. And Congress needs to realize that private business – not government spending – is what will save the economy, he said.

Also in the crowd were Brendan Gaughan and Kyle Calvey, both 22, who said afterward they were undecided Democrats.

Gaughan asked Barletta how he could reassure Democrats he will represent them, too. The GOP mayor said everybody wants to create jobs and opportunity, regardless of party affiliation.

“It’s not going to be about party for me,” Barletta said.

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