SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Lackawanna County Solicitor Paul Walker has resigned from his position, citing what he described as internal disagreements and a lack of communication surrounding a leadership change within county government.

In a resignation letter sent Wednesday to county officials and obtained by FOX56, Walker said he learned he had been replaced as county solicitor by Chris Caputo without prior notice to either of them. Walker indicated there was an apparent plan to swap their roles, though he said the reasoning behind the decision was unclear.

“The only explanation I have heard is that I ‘do not get along with department heads,’” Walker wrote, adding that his working relationships had generally been positive, “save one.”

Walker suggested the move stemmed more from “personality clashes” and “power and control” than job performance. He described himself as “independently minded, hard-nosed and strong-willed,” and said those traits may have contributed to the situation.

I believe my professional performance has been decent enough. It is clear to me that this is about personality clashes. I believe this is happening because I am an independently minded, hard-nosed and strong-willed person. Maybe I am this way because I am young and a little naïve; we’ll see. It is also clear to me that this is about power and control. I understand it.

Walker, who was appointed as county solicitor earlier this year, said he remained grateful for the opportunity despite his short tenure. According to previous reporting by FOX56, Walker had stepped into the role as part of a broader transition within county leadership.

In his letter, Walker also highlighted that he had not been keeping his county salary, instead donating it to charitable causes. He noted he had recently offered to donate $1,000 in each commissioner’s name to a charity of their choosing—an offer he has since increased to $3,000 per commissioner.

Walker concluded his resignation by announcing he had helped secure a successor, stating that Judge Thomas Munley has agreed to take on a role as general counsel for litigation.

It’s unclear if Munley can expect to assume the general counsel for litigation position. Typically, the commissioners make the appointment.

Commissioner Bill Gaughan told FOX56, “It’s a personnel matter, so I won’t be commenting.

Commissioner Thom Welby responded to a text message. “Atty. Walker is one of the smartest, sharpest legal and ethical advisors that any entity could ask for. He has had, and continues to have, my support, and I would like to see this decision reversed. Atty. Walker has provided counsel to all three Commissioners that I believe has been sound and fair. He has provided endless hours of work to the county and has donated ALL of his salary to entities in need.

In the past, present, and future – I support Atty. Paul Walker 100%.”

FOX56 has reached out to Commissioner Chris Chermak for comment as well.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.