Controversy has emerged in Luzerne County as Action Together NEPA and several residents challenge a petition aiming to overturn the county’s anti-discrimination ordinance. This dispute highlights the tension between local governance and citizen rights under the county’s home rule charter.
Action Together NEPA’s communications director, Jessica Brittain, confirmed the organization’s submission of a challenge to the petition on the final deadline, seeking scrutiny of over 8,900 signatures from the 15,405 verified on August 25.
The group, joined by seven county residents, has requested the Luzerne County Board of Elections to conduct a review of the petition initiated by former County Controller Walter Griffith and his committee.
Assistant County Solicitor Gene Molino indicated that the board is expected to arrange a hearing soon to address the challenge.
The challenge raises concerns over alleged irregularities, such as missing dates on circulator statements and misleading information provided to signatories.
Luzerne County’s anti-discrimination ordinance, approved in June with a 7-4 council vote, broadens protection against discrimination in employment, housing, and public services, covering areas not protected under state and federal laws. This includes discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and disabilities.
Walter Griffith, spearheading the effort to repeal the ordinance through a public vote or council action, argues the petition process reflects the rights enshrined in the home rule charter.
The charter stipulates that to advance such a petition, it must gather a number of signatures equal to or exceeding 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, which was 11,615. It also permits residents to challenge the petition’s validity.
Griffith’s Response to the Challenge
Griffith criticized the challenge as an effort to undermine the county’s governance structure. He stated, “There were 15,404 people that supported and signed the petition to place this question on the ballot because they were given this opportunity by the very Home Rule Charter they adopted in 2012 as their government. Shame on these outside parties and political groups for trying to remove that right given to the people of Luzerne County.”
Gilbert Advocates for Due Process
Beth Gilbert, representing Action Together NEPA, emphasized the importance of adhering to the petition process. “Luzerne County Council passed this ordinance to provide important protections against discrimination for people throughout our community,” she noted. “An effort to repeal those protections is significant, and the petition process must be followed correctly.”
