An intriguing dispute has emerged within Lackawanna County’s political circles, involving allegations of coercion tied to a local Democratic Party election. The clash centers around Chris Calvey, manager of the Electric City Trolley Museum, and Josh Castellani, a county employee who recently resigned.
Chris Calvey, 69, claims that Josh Castellani, who was then the executive assistant to Commissioner Thom Welby, suggested his job might be at risk if he did not back Castellani’s preferred candidates in an upcoming Democratic Party election. This conversation allegedly occurred during a phone call in the week leading up to the July 14 election for county party offices.
Allegations of Pressure
Calvey recounted that during their eight-minute call, Castellani solicited support for his slate of candidates, one of whom was Castellani himself, running for party secretary. Calvey stated, “And at one point he said, ‘Well, you’re director of the trolley museum, and it should be in your best interest (to support Castellani’s slate), and you should be concerned as to the outcome, as the position could be jeopardized.”
Despite feeling pressured, Calvey continued the conversation, attempting to defuse the situation with small talk. He later shared details of the exchange with others, which inadvertently sparked further attention and led to phone calls from county officials.
Castellani’s Response
Castellani, 24, has firmly denied Calvey’s allegations. In a text to WVIA News, he asserted, “No,” when asked if Calvey’s claims were accurate. Later, in a statement, Castellani declared, “I have been vindicated: my suspension was lifted, my pay was reinstated, and this stands as a clear victory.” Despite his resignation, Castellani maintained his innocence regarding the accusations.
Following the resignation, county chief of staff Brian Jeffers confirmed Castellani’s departure but refrained from further comment. Meanwhile, Commissioner Welby, advised by legal counsel, also chose not to discuss whether any disciplinary actions were taken.
Official Silence
County commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak remained tight-lipped, citing the situation as a personnel matter. Gaughan emphasized, “Because it’s a personnel issue,” while Chermak mentioned, “I don’t know what’s going on. I’m not involved with anything with Josh … He has nothing to do with me.”
Efforts by WVIA News to obtain the final disciplinary letter concerning Castellani were thwarted when the county denied the request, invoking the state Right-To-Know Law.
In the election, Castellani was part of a six-person team supporting chairperson candidate Larissa Cleary-Valonis, yet emerged as the only candidate on the slate who was not elected.
