SCRANTON, Pa. — “I do feel strongly, that President Biden got it absolutely wrong.”
Strong emotions are coming from every level of Pennsylvania… including the highest office. Governor Josh Shapiro weighed in last week on President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the rest of former Judge Michael Conahan’s sentence, the man at the center of the Kids for Cash scandal.
“He deserved to be behind bars, not walking as a free man,” said Governor Shapiro.
The President’s decision surrounding Conahan is now sparking debate over his legacy in his hometown of Scranton.
Back in 2021, the Scranton City Council voted unanimously to rename Spruce Street and the then Central Scranton Expressway to honor President Joe Biden’s hometown roots. Commissioner Bill Gaughan was the Council President at the time and brought the idea to life. He still stands by it, despite the new calls to change it.
“I don’t think each president should be defined by one decision that they make, they should be defined by their entire career.” Commissioner Bill Gaughan.
While he believes the Biden name should still stand strong in Scranton, he doesn’t agree with the President’s decision to commute the sentence of former Judge Michael Conahan.
“I haven’t met one person so far who thinks that’s the right move,” added Commissioner Gaughan.
Meanwhile, Minority Commissioner Chris Chermak is once again joining the calls for change. He says the decision to rename the street has been controversial from the start. Chermak sent Newswatch 16 this statement saying, in part:
“While I respect differing opinions on this matter, my request to restore the original name of Spruce Street is a reflection of the community’s desire to uphold the integrity and values we stand for. This issue is not personal, but a response to the voices of those we serve.”
“The Kids for Cash judge Conahan’s commutation is appalling. I was surprised and extraordinarily disappointed when that news flashed across my phone screen,” said Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti.
For the very first time, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is speaking on the President’s decision to commute Conahan’s sentence for the first tie since last Thursday’s announcement. She also address the the calls for change to Biden Street. Cognetti signed off on the renaming of Biden Street three years ago.
“I think those are two separate issues, and those calls on the street and the expressway are not new. I believe some of this is being used for political purposes and that’s unfortunate,” added the Mayor.
Right now there are more than 21,000 signatures on an online petition to revert the street name and express back in Scranton. It was created prior to the White House’s Commutation announcement.