Monticello Democrats endorse trustee candidate

MONTICELLO, NY — The Town of Thompson Democratic Committee has endorsed accountant and trustee candidate David Komatz for the Village of Monticello election coming up in March. This endorsement was for a three-year unexpired term. The committee made no endorsement for the one-year unexpired term for mayor. The committee said members think Komatz will serve village residents well with his extensive accounting experience.

The endorsement was made at a meeting held on Thursday, November 29. Thompson Democratic Committee chair Bill James said, “The candidate and his volunteers will be gathering signatures in Monticello from December 3 through January 14. Please welcome them as they go door to door.”

The village election will be held on Tuesday, March 19 from 12 noon to 9 p.m.

Cartwright elected to leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. —- Congressman Matt Cartwright released the following statement after being elected co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) by his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives: “I am humbled and honored by being elected Co-Chair for the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee for the 116th Congress. I intend to use this leadership position to help the House of Representatives do more for the 8th congressional district of Pennsylvania.

“Northeastern Pennsylvania reflects the make-up and spirit of much of the country. My colleagues recognized how crucial it is that the DPCC leadership include a member who knows about the struggles of working-class families and the economic challenges they face,” he said. “I understand both the hardships and the hopes that many rural and small-town Americans have. In my leadership role, I intend to help craft policies to address those concerns and aspirations.

“The DPCC is tasked with developing solutions and messages that forcefully communicate where House Democrats stand, that resonate with working Americans, and that present a sharp contrast to the narrow agendas of Wall Street, large corporations and other special interests.”

Cartwright currently represents the 17th Congressional District and will represent the newly-created Pennsylvania 8th District, which includes Wayne and Pike counties, starting January 3, 2019.

Honesdale man sentenced for transporting portable meth lab

HONESDALE, PA — A Honesdale man has been sentenced to between nine to 23.5 months in prison. Seth VanValkenburg was pulled over in Cherry Ridge Township last summer. Police say they found a smoking portable meth lab in the trunk of the vehicle. One of the troopers breathed in some of the smoke fumes and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

It took several hours to decontaminate the scene. In addition to jail time, VanValkenbrug was ordered to pay $1,200 to pay for the crime-scene clean-up.

VanValkenburg had been held on $100,000 bail.

Democratic women greet Metzger

KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY — It was a victory party and a holiday celebration all in one when the Democratic Women of Sullivan County (DWSC) gathered at the Local Table and Tap in Kauneonga Lake on November 27.

The holiday party was made even merrier by the attendance of Senator-elect Jen Metzger, the first female Democrat to ever represent the 42nd New York State Senatorial District.

During a very brief speech, Metzger said that the DWSC were with her from the very beginning of her campaign, and noted how grateful she is for their support.

DWSC president Janet Lybolt welcomed the crowd of nearly 40 before they got down to the serious business of celebrating. Attendees also brought pet food and treats as donations to local animal shelters.

A re-organizational meeting for the DWSC will be held in late January. For additional information on membership or the upcoming meeting, call vice-president Carol Montana at 845/985-7783.

Nexstar to buy Tribune Media Group

IRVING, TX — Nexstar Media Group has announced that it has agreed to buy the Tribune Media Company in a deal worth $6.4 billion. Tribune is the parent company of WNEP in Scranton.

Once the transaction is complete, Nexstar television stations will reach 39% of television homes in the U.S., and will be the largest local television group in the country.

Nexstar was established in 1996 with a single television station in Scranton and has grown to own, operate, or provide services to 171 television stations in 100 markets across the U.S.