Thom Welby

The Lackawanna County Democratic Party and Commissioner Brenda Sacco plan to withdraw lawsuits that sought to declare illegal a special election meant to choose someone to serve out the remainder of former Commissioner Matt McGloin's term. Former state Rep. Thom Welby, a Democrat, won that election Tuesday, according to unofficial results.

The Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted Wednesday to obtain a line of credit of up to $5 million to cover social services program bills as the state budget stalemate continues.

Democrats won a lot of elections statewide Tuesday and that includes in Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti won the marquee race of the night, the third time city voters elected her mayor.

Former state Rep. Thom Welby, a Democrat, easily defeated two challengers to win the right to finish out the term of former Commissioner Matt McGloin.

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.

Former Lackawanna County official Brenda Sacco is scheduled to take the oath of office as former Commissioner Matt McGloin's replacement Wednesday at 10 a.m., despite being allowed to serve only until a replacement is elected. A special election is set for Nov. 4 to replace McGloin.

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.