SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Calls are gaining traction to remove President Joe Biden's name from highway signs in Scranton since the Conahan sentence commutation.
Changing the name of the Scranton Expressway and Spruce Street has been a controversy since 2021, but now with President Biden granting clemency for a notorious judge involved in the Kids for Cash scandal, the spark of controversy has reignited.
"You know if we do a crime we have to do the time," said Republican Representative for the 120th District of Pennsylvania, Brenda Pugh.
One of those calls is coming Pugh. She is calling for action from the Electric City to remove President Biden's name from signage in Scranton.
"I felt that our residents of northeast PA driving up 81 and having to see that sign every day, we're never going to be able to let them heal, and completely heal. It's going to be a constant reminder of what just happened. I would urge them to think about the children and the families that were affected by this," Pugh explained.
Pa. State Rep. calls for name change of Biden Expressway in Scranton
Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak agrees.
In a letter to Scranton's mayor, Chermak wrote in part:
"Reverting the name to Spruce Street would be a step toward restoring confidence in the city's leadership and reaffirming our commitment to decisions that reflect the values and integrity of our community."
Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak
On the other hand, Commissioner Bill Gaughan, who was the president of the city council when the signs were changed, says to keep President Biden's name.
"No president should be defined by one decision. He's been president for four years now, and I think he's done a wonderful job, especially representing our area here in Scranton, where he was born and raised for the first 10 years of his life. So I fully support the street remaining Biden Street," Gaughan stated.
Opinions are mixed from residents in the city on the signage names.
"What Biden did was a slap in the face for all Americans. We want off here. I want it back to Spruce Street, I want the Central Scranton Expressway," said Scranton resident Bob Bolus.
"I don't think one situation erases everything else and he was the President of the United States, and he was born in our city, and I think that's enough reason to name the street after him," said Marylynn Carey from Scranton.
28/22 News has reached out to Scranton Mayor Cognetti for two days for a comment but has yet to hear back.
