Crime in Scranton is a dire concern, yet residents feel unheard. Voters in northeastern PA, especially rural PA-08, do not want policies that turn our whole region into a crime-ridden city. Mayor Paige Cognetti downplayed gang activity, saying it’s “nothing new.” That response misses the point. While there may have been isolated gang activity in the past, the number of homicides in Scranton last year reportedly exceeded the totals from previous years combined. That should sound the alarm for anyone responsible for leading the city.
Dismissing the issue as something we’ve “seen before” is not leadership but a refusal to acknowledge a growing problem. Residents expect public officials to confront crime directly and honestly. Our communities value safety, accountability and strong law enforcement. This region is not Portland, and our voters do not support policies that ignore or excuse rising crime. People across PA-08 deserve leaders who recognize the seriousness of these issues and are willing to act before they get worse, and inevitably spread to the rural communities surrounding Scranton.
Hoping that Paige Cognetti wakes up.
Peter V. Quaglia
Tyler Hill, PA