LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Lackawanna County is now asking the court to change how Commissioner McGloin's replacement is chosen. A petition was filed on Monday by Commissioner Bill Gaughan and the county's attorneys.
It argues that Rule 1908, a supreme court ruling from 2019, should govern the process, not the home ruler chapter.
If granted, any registered Democrat in the county could apply for the seat, instead of going through the democratic party's nomination process.
Popular recreation spot turning into illegal dump site
The county confirmed there is no extra cost to the county for the attorney's fees, Commissioner Chis Chermak says however he does not support this use of the county's services.
"I'm sure our judges know exactly, you know, what they should and shouldn't do, but my main concern right now is that he's filing a petition to the court of common pleas utilizing county funds and county solicitor, which I am totally opposed to, and actually put a letter out to my solicitors saying 'Absolutely I do not authorize use of county funds, nor do I authorize use of the county solicitor,'" Commissioner Chermak explained.
In a phone call, Gaughan said it would be in the county's best interest that any residents interested in the position should be able to apply for the job and he hopes Commissioner Chermak would support the court's decision if they choose to follow Rule 1908 rather than the county's democratic party.
No word yet on when a ruling will be made.
