With their black robes and strict, gavel-minded approach to authority, Luzerne County judges historically have ruled with an iron fist.
Taxpayers trusted their judgment – at least most of them. Now we’re wondering if the judges have simply become too powerful – at least some of them.
The continuing rumors of a FBI investigation – confirmed in recent newspaper articles by some of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s best newspaper reporters – has fueled talk of corruption, collusion and conspiracy.
To make matters worse, judges last week met in a closed door session presumably to talk about the reassessment process. That alone opened new doors to speculation. I have no idea if any courthouse worker, including judges, will be indicted. But I’m still putting faith in the criminal justice system to reassure us that all is well or not.
I’m also hoping that if crimes have been committed, the people responsible for the wrongdoing will be brought to justice – an irony for a judge if there ever was one. This won’t be the first time that a Luzerne County judge has crossed over to the dark side.
Nor will it likely be the last.
All I know is that the system upon which we depend for some of the most serious decision-making in our lives is at risk.
My hopes are not unrealistic.
All I want are judges who are judges – full-time and above-board with not even the mere appearance of impropriety to cause confusion in the minds of people who need them.
And we all need them.
The code of judicial conduct seems to agree with me. Even the mere appearance of impropriety is unacceptable. Like all codes of conduct, though, especially those overseen by judges and people who make friends with judges, this one is open to interpretation.
My code is very different. My code is simple. My code is meant to hold judges to a higher standard than most other public servants. My code disallows gifts, favors and outside employment – including sitting on the board of directors for non-profit groups and organizations. My code particularly prohibits sitting on the board of a for-profit organization such as a bank.
Former Luzerne County President Judge Michael Conahan sits on the board of directors at the First National Community Bank (FNCB) of Dunmore. Now a senior part-time judge, Conahan is one of 12 members of the bank board of directors, a position that paid him $53,180 in 2007, according to an article written by Terrie Morgan-Besecker in Sunday’s Times Leader.
That’s more money than most of the people he serves as a judge make in a year.
FNCB, a relatively new bank that formed in 1997, is controlled by Louis DeNaples and his brother Dominick, who are the largest shareholders, the newspaper said.
Louis DeNaples owns the Mt. Airy Resort and Casino and is currently awaiting a hearing after being charged with perjury in connection with his testimony during the casino application process.
DeNaples says he’s not guilty and doesn’t know no stinking organization crime bosses.
Until the charge is adjudicated – by judges, I might add – DeNaples is not allowed to even set foot on his casino’s grounds and has taken a leave of absence from the bank.
This must feel awkward for Conahan, who must see how DeNaples’ problems tarnish Conahan’s credibility. If nothing else, Conahan should take his own leave of absence from the bank.
Then Conahan should resign his board seat.
Judges should not find themselves in the position in which Conahan now finds himself. If he wants to be a banker, quit being a judge and become a banker. The DeNaples brothers would likely give him a job.
They’ve already given his wife a loan for a Florida condo. The condo cost $785,000, the newspaper report said. The loan was for $848,000, according to Sunday’s Times Leader.
Everybody into the pool!
But it’s doubtful that taxpayers will be invited to participate in a time share with the Conahans.
If Conahan expects people to trust him he must take his judicial duties far more seriously.
The judge must learn to better uphold the public trust – not wrap it in a towel, toss off his robe, don his shades and head south like some no-account beach bum on a permanent vacation.
Life’s not a beach for most people.
No wonder taxpayers want to kick sand in Conahan’s face.
Sue Henry
