LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Lackawanna County Board of Elections voted in favor two to zero, with one vote abstained, for a special election to be held to fill the empty Lackawanna County Commissioner position on November 4.
The special election comes after former commissioner Matt McGloin's resignation was accepted in March.
Both Democrats and Republicans can nominate candidates for the special election to place on the ballot for the November 4 election.
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The Lackawanna County Board of Elections is comprised of County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak, along with Judge Terrence R. Nealon, who was filling in the vacant position for the vote.
Democrat Gaughan voted in favor, along with Judge Nealon. Republican Chermak abstained from voting.
A special election will take place in November that could turn the tide in Lackawanna County.
28/22 News Reporter Connor Coar joins us in Scranton to explain.
After discussions that lasted well over an hour, Lackawanna County officials decided this morning to hold a special election in November.
The county commissioners voted two to zero to hold a special election in November to fill the seat left open by Matt McGloin earlier this year.
Democratic Commissioner Bill Gaughan and Judge Terrance Nealon voted in favor of the election. Nealon was assigned to the case earlier this year.
Commissioner Chris Chermak, a Republican, abstained from the vote.
He raised some concern that this vote could allow one party control in the commissioner's seats while a part of a two-party system.
Having party control for the empty seat in Lackawanna County was a point of contention for many involved in Friday's meeting.
One Lackawanna County resident tells us that she just wants the right person for the job.
"Then it might help to have different opinions and different parties to be able to make some kind of agreement or some kind of decision because it's nice to bounce off of each other no matter what you are," stated Pamela Green of Green Ridge.
All this comes after former Commissioner Matt McGloin's letter of resignation was accepted in march.
When it comes to November's general election, Reed gets more excited when she hears about special elections like this one.
"It actually makes me intrigued to vote to make sure that we have the right people and the right party there for this kind of thing that is happening," voiced Reed.
There was only one person that spoke during the public's opportunity to address the board.
She spoke with 28/22 News after the meeting, and was disappointed in low the turnout of people who live in Lackawanna County.
"I just want people to pay attention to their local government, and to vote when election day comes. It's important, you get the government you deserve," expressed Joan Hodowanitz, of Scranton.
The special election for Lackawanna County commissioner will take place on November 4 during the general election.
Both Republicans and Democrats are welcome to throw their hat into the race.
