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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Interesting questions all. But were he to resign, don’t think for one minute that anyone will dictate to Judge Seamans who Mr. Giangrieco’s replacement would be. Recall Joan Stalter’s untimely demise, and the events which ensued and led to the installation of her replacement (Gary Marcho). Judge Seamans may again require any replacement to have already previously served as a County Commissioner. Given the performance of Jeff Loomis, it appears unlikely he would be the replacement; Lee Smith appears past his expiration date; Gary Marcho is no longer marketable. So who could it be now? Let’s let that one simmer for awhile.
Great response Smart Gurl. Here is another wrinkle for you. Remember Joey Marshall’s untimely demise? Judge Seamans appointed an unknown to fill her position. The potential list could be longer, which would add even more to the simmering pot.
Those of us around these parts for a while recall Mr. Giangrieco’s interest in the District Attorney’s office years ago, when he announced his candidacy and ran enthusiastically for some time, then abruptly withdrew from the race. It left the Party in quite a predicament. So he clearly has a history of wishy-washiness in important decisions and moreover has little concern for how his personal ambitions effect the greater good of the Party. If he does take office, and I think he will, don’t expect any GOP loyalty to magically surface at this late date. The word “loyalty” is not in his vocabulary, though “me” certainly is. I would have thought the Party regulars who supported him had better recall. How long he’ll stay in office, voluntarily or otherwise, is the real question as 2008 unfolds…or unravels.
It was quite evident throughout the campaign that neither Mr. Loomis nor Mr. Giangrieco ran as a team. If one harkens back to the 4th of July in Montrose, you will note that Mr. Giangrieco rode on a float by himself (the “me” thing) and Mr. Loomis made comment about it to anyone who would listen on the Green. Generally, it was pretty obvious to anyone paying attention, Michael ran his campaign by himself rather than as a team. One more reason the Republicans lost this election.