Cognetti confronted water break crisis

Editor: As desperate Bresnahan fans throw shade on Paige Cognetti on social media in the aftermath of the July 17 and 27 downtown Scranton water main breaks, it’s time we set the record straight.

Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) owns those ruptured 24-inch, 140-year-old conduits, not the City of Scranton. PAWC has long been aware of the need to replace those pipes but have never endeavored to act.

Mayor Cognetti, on the other hand, leapt into action staying in close contact with repair crews and visiting the sites, later handing out food and water to affected residents at a nearby firehouse. The very next day at a City Hall  press conference with the full city council and the head of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, she exhorted PAWC to replace the damaged pipe and to reconsider their latest rate hike.

Further actions proved that Paige was only getting started.

The mayor’s next move was to ask residents to submit claims documents to PAWC to recover their losses. Additionally, she  established a special web portal to gather accurate information to report to the state to help when asking for help. Paige is working daily with the state Department of Community and Economic Development, State Rep. Kyle Donahue, and Gov. Shapiro’s office to find even more ways to help recompense businesses for monies lost during the shutdown.

Taking into account the wide breadth of Paige’s response to this crisis, one wonders just how Bresnahan’s supporters could wax so strikingly obtuse that she “wasn’t there and didn’t care.” Her documented actions prove otherwise. Conversely, Bresnahan’s sole action during this crisis was to pose for yet another photo op. How reassuring.

The pattern of lies emanating from MAGA Rob’s rabid attack dogs is as cynical as it is wrong. The adage that we are judged by the company we keep applies here, and so might we judge Bresnahan.

Fact: Paige  was there for us in our moment of need. That’s one more reason why we should send Paige Cognetti to Congress.

Patrick Francis Joyce, Moosic