During a recent debate at the University of Scranton, the city’s mayoral candidates presented sharply differing perspectives on the community’s challenges and priorities.
Republican candidate Trish Beynon and Independent hopeful Gene Barrett emphasized concerns over rising crime and deteriorating infrastructure. Meanwhile, Democratic Mayor Paige Cognetti highlighted her administration’s financial investments aimed at revitalizing the city.
Rik Little, representing the AAAMission from God party, shared personal stories of facing homelessness and eviction during the debate, which took place in front of more than 150 attendees at the PNC Auditorium of Loyola Science Center.
Moderated by Brian Snee, the event featured questions from journalists Borys Krawczeniuk of WVIA News, Elizabeth Haikes of FOX56, and Donnie Collins from the Times-Tribune.
Crime in focus
Trish Beynon stated, “Crime has increased over the past few years. It concerns me. It concerns my neighbors. I definitely think we have to back the blue as much as possible. They’re doing a fantastic job, but they can always use a little bit more support from the city of Scranton and the city administration.”
Mayor Cognetti countered by questioning the data cited by her opponents, asserting that her administration has prioritized effective policing. “I’m not sure where the people up here with me are getting their crime stats,” Cognetti stated. “We do not have an increase in crime. We have an extraordinary record of combating crime here in Scranton and an incredible police department that we support fully and continue to add to the tools.”
Despite the claims, no definitive evidence of increased crime was presented during the debate. Beynon referred to a New York Post article from 2024, which lacked specific sourcing on Scranton’s crime data.
Scranton city streets
The condition of Scranton’s streets was a shared concern among all candidates. Beynon highlighted issues with temporary repairs, emphasizing the need for better coordination with utility companies, stating, “There’s no coordination. Coordination is key. It needs to keep be done. It starts at City Hall.”
Cognetti defended her administration’s efforts by mentioning a $9 million investment in street paving. “Paving a road is very expensive. We’d love to pave everybody’s road every few years. It’s just not possible. But we do the very best we can, and we do it based on the issues that come before us,” she explained.
Stormwater projects in Scranton
Gene Barrett raised concerns about the aging infrastructure, describing it as “collapsing.” Beynon criticized the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds (ARPA), suggesting they should be redirected toward stormwater improvements.
Mayor Cognetti highlighted the allocation of $25 million toward essential stormwater projects, stating, “These are legacy stormwater issues that have been untouched. We are doing the hard work. It is hard. It requires incredible project managers.”
Scranton’s future
Reflecting on her tenure, Cognetti emphasized the city’s progress since her predecessor’s corruption scandal, portraying Scranton as “a place on the rise.” Barrett, leveraging his past experience on the city council, pledged commitment to the mayoral role, stating, “I’m here to be your mayor.”
Beynon, drawing from her long-term residency in the city, expressed dedication to addressing local challenges and stated, “I definitely know the pain and struggles that the city of Scranton residents are seeing with the blight in their area.”
Other topics:
- Barrett addressed homelessness by suggesting employment as a solution, while Little shared his personal experiences with homelessness.
- Cognetti accused Barrett of ignoring environmental concerns related to toxic waste in Scranton, to which Barrett responded with caution against making such claims.
- A protester interrupted Cognetti’s remarks with a “Free Palestine” chant, leading to their removal by law enforcement.
