SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A three-judge panel issued a ruling that would put the empty Lackawanna County commissioner's seat up for a special election on Friday.
The Democratic and Republican parties of Lackawanna County had until Monday, September 15, to submit their candidates' names for the special election scheduled for November.
Democrats in Lackawanna County were pushing to appoint someone from their party to replace Commissioner Matt McGloin, as the party had won the seat back in the 2023 election.
The two major parties had until Monday to provide the names of their candidates to the county's board of elections.
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The Democratic Party chose Thom Welby, and the republicans countered with Chet Merli.
This information was confirmed by the Lackawanna County Board of Elections to 28/22 News on Monday afternoon.
28/22 News received a statement from the Lackawanna Democratic Committee about their candidate for the seat, Thom Welby.
We've seen enough childish immaturity in the commissioner's office for the last two years. It is time to elect a competent, honest gentleman. Thom Welby will bring integrity and competence back to the commissioner's office. Thom has served the public his entire life adult life and Lackawanna County needs a man like him to do what's best for this county.
LCDC Chairman Chris Patrick
"How can either one of those fix what the taxpayers need right now if they can't even select a commissioner. It's been seven months, and we don't even have a commissioner. It's a broken system. I think a Republican majority is the answer," Merli stated.
With 50 days until the election, Merli acknowledged it's a small window to campaign and get his message to the voters.
When asked what he would say to potential voters, he had a concise answer.
"I'm here for the taxpayer. I am not here for any party. I am here for the taxpayer," Merli continued.
Michael Cappellini will be running as an independent candidate in this upcoming election. He recently changed his party status from Democrat for this election.
28/22 News learned late Monday afternoon Ryan Runco also threw his name into the race as an independent candidate.
