Cognetti should focus on crime, not Congress
Editor: As a concerned resident of Scranton, I am writing to express my deep anxiety over the state of crime in our city. It is becoming increasingly difficult to feel safe in our own neighborhoods, with reports of violence, including gang activity and violent incidents, appearing far too frequently in the news.
While Mayor Paige Cognetti has been busy launching her campaign for Congress to represent all of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the situation on the ground in Scranton suggests her focus should be closer to home. We have seen a rise in high-profile violent crimes, including incidents that have deeply shaken the community, such as the violent acts in late 2025 and early 2026.
If Mayor Cognetti cannot get a handle on crime in a single city, how can she possibly be expected to represent the diverse and broad needs of all of NEPA in Washington? The residents of Scranton deserve to feel safe, and our neighbors across the region deserve a representative who prioritizes public safety over higher office ambitions.
If she cannot control the Electric City, she cannot be trusted with the 8th Congressional District. It is time for a change in leadership at City Hall, not in Congress.
Jo Mayer, Scranton