The candidates in a special election to fill the remaining two-plus years of former Democratic Commissioner Matt McGloin’s unexpired term will debate Thursday night at the University of Scranton.
They are:
Thom Welby of Scranton: The Democratic nominee in the commissioner special election previously won a special election in 2021 to fill former state Rep. Marty Flynn’s unexpired term in the 113th state House District after Flynn became a state senator. Welby, who had worked as Flynn’s chief of staff, ran and won that special election vowing he would not seek reelection in 2022. His political career followed a long career in radio and television, most recently with WNEP-TV from about 2002-2012.
Former Democratic state Rep. Thom Welby, pictured here in 2021. (FILE PHOTO)
Chet Merli of Blakley: The Republican nominee for commissioner currently serves on the Lackawanna County Regional Planning Commission’s board and as chairman of the Blakely Borough Panning Commission. He has decades of professional experience in the energy and utility industries, having worked for Williams Midstream, Laser Midstream & Gathering LLC, UGI Corporation, PG Energy and the Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company, per his resume.
Chet Merli
Michael Cappellini of Jessup: Otherwise a Democrat, Cappellini said he launched his independent campaign for commissioner after he requested the Democratic nomination in the special election but didn’t hear back from party officials. The independent candidate majored in political science and Italian linguistics at Penn State and currently works as the national brand ambassador in the United States for Toscano Cigars of Rome, Italy.
Michael Cappellini
The winner of the Nov. 4 special election will ostensibly serve the remainder of McGloin’s unexpired term running into early January 2028.
But Democratic Commissioner Brenda Sacco — sworn in Wednesday to fill the seat at least temporarily following a monthslong legal challenge that delayed her appointment — said she hopes to serve through that unexpired term, creating the potential for additional legal battles. Sacco is not a candidate in the special election.
Thursday’s debate inside the Pearn Auditorium at the University of Scranton’s Brennan Hall will begin at 6 p.m.