Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has upheld a ruling that reaffirms Lackawanna County’s Home Rule Charter as the guiding authority in filling the commissioner seat left vacant by former Democratic Commissioner Matt McGloin.
The decision supports a prior ruling by a county judicial panel — a ruling that had been challenged by current Democratic Commissioner Bill Gaughan and the county itself.
The court’s ruling marks another victory for the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee, which is given a central role under the Home Rule Charter in the process of filling vacancies. The charter requires the committee to submit a list of three potential replacements to the commissioned judges of the county Court of Common Pleas, who then select a successor from that list.
The decision reinforces the Home Rule Charter’s authority in guiding local government succession and sets the stage for the next steps in naming McGloin’s replacement. It is unclear if Commissioner Bill Gaughan will appeal to the State Supreme Court.
