The Democrat will fill the remainder of the term left by former Commissioner Matt McGloin.
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — A round of applause ends one chapter in Lackawanna County government history, and opens a new one, the title, Thom Welby, your newest county commissioner.
“I’m still somewhat in a little bit of shock,” said Welby.
Welby won a special election earlier this month to fill the rest of the term that was left after former commissioner Matt McGloin resigned back in February.
During his swearing-in, Welby was joined by friends, family, and political figures from across the county and state.
“Sometimes the lengths this man would go through to help people like no other. I know it. You know it. We all know it,” said Lackawanna County Treasurer Angela Rempe Jones.
“What has always set Thom apart is his combination of fairness and practicality he brings to every decision,” said State Senator Marty Flynn.
Welby is one of 13 brothers and sisters who grew up in West Scranton.
He brings with him a resume that includes working for several state representatives and even serving in the role briefly for the 113th district from 2021 to 2022.
But something the Democrat has carried with him throughout his life is a sense of helping his community.
“I think that there’s some areas that I can fill in on and improve and perhaps bring in a little bit more money to our region, which we need for our development and for our community growth,” said Welby.
Signing his name on the dotted line, Welby has already started his role as county commissioner.
A job Welby says he plans to do to the best of his ability for the good of all in Lackawanna County.
“I’m really not into, you know, being a Democrat or a Republican,” said Welby. “I’m tired of all the poison that exists between those two parties and how it’s manifested itself all through government. I just want to see the three of us working together, forgetting about political parties, just doing what’s right.”