Polachek Gartley would restore county's rep from bench

We’ve heard these headlines before.

“The most egregious abuse of power in the history of the American legal system” (ABC’s <i>20/20</i>, March 27, 2009).

“A system wrought with inefficiencies, political agendas and personal allegiances” (<i>The Times Leader</i>, March 29, 2009).

“The most corrupt county in the country” (<i>Ripoff Report</i>, June 23, 2009).

Needless to say, not much shocks us here in Luzerne County any more. Something that may actually surprise residents about this area, however, would be real attempts to clean up our dismal public reputation. Is it even possible? Could politics in this area ever again be viewed in a favorable light? If one judicial candidate has any say in the matter, the answer to that question is a resounding yes.

On Thursday, Wilkes University hosted that candidate.  She strolled around Club Day, talking to students and getting their perspective on the current political climate. Her name is Tina Polachek Gartley and she’s interested in what you have to say. Far from the standard politicians we normally get to choose between, Tina has unique insight and always remembers who she’s serving: the people. In her eighteenth year of practicing law, she specializes in sexual assault and domestic violence cases and has been an active voice in the fight to end violence against women. Proudly serving on a tri-county Sexual Assault Task Force, Polachek Gartley lends her expertise where she can and volunteers to speak at law enforcement classes.

Polachek Gartley entered this race without political connections or an agenda; she decided to run for the Court of Common Pleas because of the circumstances that face Luzerne County. She may be new to the political scene, but she is no stranger to the courtroom and even worked as an Assistant District Attorney.

If like me, you aren’t used to politicians being concerned with what you have to say.  She is.  Tina Polachek Gartley is the new voice for Luzerne County, and if November 3 turns out the way she hopes, she will be serving the residents of Luzerne County in the very near future. Get out and vote.