SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Brenda Sacco now fills the empty seat that former commissioner Matt McGloin left open when he officially resigned back in March. However, the special election set for November 4 will still take place.
Sacco was sworn in at 10:00 a.m. and immediately went to work at the Lackawanna County Commissioner’s Public budget hearing in Ransom Township. While there was excitement, it’s a position Sacco will only hold for 13 days.
For Sacco, it’s been a long seven months to get to this moment. A new Supreme Court ruling sided with the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee to appoint someone to the role.
Sacco will be the interim commissioner for 13 days until the special election on November 4. Sacco says she is just happy to be able to serve.
“My plan is exactly what my plan was seven months ago: To get in there, work hard and make this a better place in Lackawanna County and serve our residents as best as we can,” Sacco told 28/22 News.
Back in March, former County Commissioner Matt McGloin resigned from office, leaving Republican Chris Chremak and Democrat Bill Gaughan as the lone commissioners in the county.
Lackawanna Democratic Committee Chairman Chris Patrick told 28/22 News that this stretched-out process could have easily been avoided.
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“This is about the people of Lackawanna County. They waited seven months to have a third commissioner. The games that have been played. The lawsuits that have been entered. It was just crazy. It was childish. It was foolish, and it didn’t have to happen,” Patrick explained.
Gaughan and the county filed a lawsuit in March, stating that the Democratic Committee should not have been able to appoint McGloin’s replacement.
I respect the decision of the Supreme Court. The Court declared that section 1-2.206 of the Home Rule Charter controls the process for filling the vacancy. Consistent with that provision and the Commonwealth Court’s decision dated July 18, 2025, the special election on November 4 will decide who permanently fills the vacancy. I am very comforted by the knowledge that the voters of Lackawanna County will decide who permanently fills the vacancy.
Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan
Sacco tells 28/22 News that she is hitting the ground running. She attended the county’s budget hearing in Ransom Township early Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m excited and I’m glad it’s here and that it’s finally come to fruition. I believe that I have the right qualifications to come in and truly make a positive impact in this county,” Sacco added.
Sacco will be the interim commissioner for 13 days. The special election is still happening to decide the commissioner.
A debate between Michael Cappelini, Chet Merli, and Thom Welby will take place on Thursday night, starting at 6:00 p.m., with the election happening on November 4.
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