LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — It’s been less than a week since Lackawanna County interim commissioner Brenda Sacco was sworn into office, and it’ll be less than three weeks until a new county commissioner will be chosen in the upcoming special election.

But already, Sacco’s made some changes in the county.

“It’s been a whirlwind, obviously, but it’s been a long time coming,” said Chris Chermak, (R) Lackawanna County Commissioner.

Republican commissioner Chris Chermak joined Democrat Brenda Sacco to make personnel changes effective immediately.

“I have no issues working with Brenda, I think it’s going to be a positive for the county,” said Chermak.

One personnel change Chermak and Sacco signed off on was hiring Sacco’s personal attorney, Paul Walker, as the new county solicitor. 

“I think Paul’s a nice young guy, I have a lot of respect for him, I think he can do a pretty good job, I know he’s got a lot to learn,” said Chermak.

The previous county solicitor, Donald Frederickson, will now be general counsel in the solicitor’s office.

“Our solicitor, Don Frederickson, really never wanted to be the Solicitor; I think he really wanted to go back to just being general counsel,” explained Chermak.

Sacco’s former attorney, Paul Walker, said the following in a statement to Newswatch16:

“Brenda looks forward to continuing her job as commissioner and I look forward to and am honored by the opportunity to serve as solicitor.”

Newswatch16 did ask Commissioner Sacco and Walker about the new personnel changes, but they wanted to hold off on commenting until after a reorganization meeting that’s scheduled for Monday. 

Commissioner Bill Gaughan says it’s unusual for a reorganization meeting to be held in October.

“Reorganizations take place the first Monday of January, that’s the way that it’s done, always been done, it’s in our home rule charter,” said Bill Gaughan, (D) Lackawanna County Commissioner.

The first agenda item of the reorganization meeting is to appoint a chair of the board of commissioners. Gaughan, the current chair, believes he will be ousted.

“This is unfortunate, I feel as though I’ve done a good job as chairman, and as a commissioner here in Lackawanna County, but I’ll continue to fight for the people over the next few years,” said Gaughan.

The Lackawanna County reorganization commissioners meeting will be on Monday at 10 a.m.