As we get closer to January 7th, enquiring minds are posing this question: “Will Michael Giangrieco actually take office as the minority commissioner in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania?” Let’s examine this on several levels.
First, given the well known quality of self confidence (read that as ego and arrogance), will he be satisfied to NOT be the chairman of commissioners? Although Michael got more votes than either MaryAnn Warren or Leon Allen, it is NOT carved in stone NOR is it law that the one receiving the most votes will necessarily be voted in to the Chairmanship.with the most votes is automatically the chairman. Quite to the contrary. Since this is the first time the Democratic Party has taken control of the Commissioners’ office - ever, there is no way they will let the minority commissioner of the party they have been controlled by since the beginning of time and just beaten. In the event the Majority commissioners elect have a lapse in judgment, it will almost assure that the Democrats will Never Again, at least in the be the majority party. The view from here is that they will not have a lapse in judgment and MaryAnn Warren will be the Chairman of Commissioners.
Second, lets discuss Ethics. There are several in the Law Community in Susquehanna County who are waiting with baited breath to see if Michael Giangrieco, Esq. will continue to practice Law after January 7th. As previously noted on this blog, the Pennsylvania Law Weekly in June, 2007 had an article in the ethics column stating the problems with continuing a practice and voting on items as a county commissioner. In fact, one attorney is willing to offer free office space to the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board (as they will need an office) to run a continuing investigation of Michael if he persists in practicing law if he in fact does get sworn in as a county commissioner.
Third, is a question which still remains unanswered. It is a question of sheer, basic economics. Why would anyone in their right mind give up or curtail the business in their obviously successful law practice which arguably makes many multiples of the commissioner’s salary. Surely it isn’t for the benefits. While one can understand the argument of giving back to the community, the cynic in this writer absolutely doesn’t believe it about this person in this case.
Another writer in this blog previously referred to Michael Giangrieco as possibly becoming the “Incredible Sulk” due to the first item above. One should never believe that because someone is “self assured” that they are not intelligent. Quite the contrary. However, some things just don’t add up. Thus, the view from here is that unless there are some factors which haven’t been considered yet there is the real possiblilty that the Minority Commissioner Elect will come up with some reason (read excuse) why he cannot serve. Or, if he does get sworn in, he will probably find a “reason” to resign within a year. Of course this will bring further discomfort (read embarassment) to the Republican Party, possibly assuring another Democratic win in a future election.
Finally, if Minority Commissioner Elect Michael Giangrieco, Esq. does not serve, or leaves during the term of office, the Judge (Kenneth Seamans) with input from the Republican Party will choose the successor. If that would occur, smart money would be on the number 2 Republican in the Party, Ray Telnock.
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