Chet Merli

State Sen. Marty Flynn contributed $100,000 to Lackawanna County commissioner candidate Thom Welby, his former employee, and offered to give more. Welby's opponents question the contribution.

Lackawanna County special commissioner election candidates Michael Cappellini, Chet Merli and Thom Welby debated Thursday night at the University of Scranton — mostly politely.

Former Lackawanna County planning and economic development director Brenda Sacco took the oath of office as the county's newest commissioner Wednesday, replacing Matt McGloin, who resigned in February.

The state Commonwealth Court has rejected a Lackawanna County Democratic Party appeal of a county court ruling that said voters can decide on a replacement for ex-Commissioner Matt McGloin at a special election Nov. 4.

Ryan Runco, a maintenance man for Lackawanna County, withdrew his candidacy among a court challenge to him being on the Nov. 4 special election ballot.

Ryan Runco is an independent candidate for Lackawanna County commissioner in a Nov. 4 special election, but two voters say he filled flawed nominating papers and should be removed from the ballot.

The Lackawanna County Democratic Party wants the state Commonwealth Court to overturn a county court ruling that allows the Nov. 4 special election to happen.

Three Lackawanna County common pleas court judges rule the Nov. 4 special election to replace ex-Commissioner Matt McGloin can move forward, rejecting a county Democratic Party attempt to block it at least temporarily.

The special election is Nov. 4. Voters will also choose in a special election for clerk of judicial records.

Brenda Sacco, the confirmed replacement for ex-Lackawanna County commissioner Matt McGloin, said Wednesday she won’t run in the Nov. 4 special election for commissioner if there is one.