The political landscape in Lackawanna County saw a significant shift as Brenda Sacco was appointed as the new county commissioner. This decision by the county judges aims to fill the vacancy left by former Commissioner Matt McGloin, marking a crucial turn in a prolonged political saga.
Sacco will join forces with Commissioner Bill Gaughan, a colleague who previously played a role in her dismissal from the position of county planning and economic development director. This new appointment comes alongside the selection of Lauren Bieber Mailen as the county clerk of judicial records, succeeding the recently retired Mauri Kelly.
The judges stated the appointments would remain in effect until an elected successor is determined, though not extending beyond January 3, 2028. The special elections slated for November 4 have become a focal point of legal disputes, raising questions about whether the appointed officials need to seek election to serve until January 2028.
Commissioner Chermak Supports Sacco
Commissioner Chris Chermak expressed his approval of Sacco’s return, highlighting their past collaboration. “I’m good with Brenda. I worked with her, as you know, in my first administration, which was a difficult thing when we had to deal with pandemics and grants and all the things that she helped us with,” Chermak stated. “And she was an asset. She’s a smart person. I think we’ll do fine.” Meanwhile, Commissioner Gaughan refrained from commenting.
Awaiting the State Supreme Court’s Decision
Despite the appointments, their permanence is uncertain as the state Supreme Court might intervene if it decides to hear appeals from Gaughan and the county. The appeals challenge the judges’ authority in making these appointments, with President Judge James Gibbons indicating the judges would proceed unless directed otherwise by the Supreme Court.
A lawyer representing the county Democratic Party urged the court to dismiss the appeal, arguing that Commissioner Gaughan’s preferences were obstructing governmental operations. “For six months, a single Lackawanna County commissioner, William Gaughan, has ground government business nearly to a halt because his preferred choice was not a finalist to fill the nearly three years remaining in a commissioner’s vacated term,” attorney Adam Bonin noted.
A Complex Procedural Journey
The county Democratic Party initially recommended Sacco, James Baldan, and Bob Casey as potential replacements following McGloin’s resignation in February. However, Baldan withdrew his candidacy, leading to interviews with Sacco and Casey by the judges. The party’s recommendations were part of a longstanding charter process that faced legal challenges from Gaughan and the county, who argued for a different selection procedure.
Despite these challenges, the Commonwealth Court upheld the charter process used by the county judges. The ongoing legal battles and appeals reflect the complexity of the procedural landscape, with Gaughan seeking a Supreme Court review of the appointment process rulings.
Proceeding Amidst Legal Challenges
The county judges moved forward with interviews and appointments despite recent developments, including the scheduling of special elections on November 4 and requests for emergency orders to halt appointments. The judges conducted their deliberations behind closed doors, citing personnel matters as the reason for the confidentiality.
In addition to interviewing Sacco and Casey for the commissioner role, the judges also considered candidates for the clerk position, ultimately appointing Bieber Mailen.
Sacco’s Extensive Background
Brenda Sacco, a resident of Dunmore, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her career includes over a decade in banking in New York City, operating a restaurant in Dunmore, and extensive work in planning and economic development at the county level. Her recent positions include a directorship at the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp. and an administrative officer role at the State Workers’ Insurance Fund.
With a salary of $88,929 as commissioner, Sacco’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage her expertise for the benefit of Lackawanna County. Her past collaborations and professional background position her as a promising asset in her new role.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin’s resignation in February touched off a complex, monthslong replacement battle. For anyone trying to keep track of who’s who and what happened when, here is a rundown of key developments.
