Community leaders in Scranton, Pennsylvania, are calling for the removal of President Joe Biden’s name from a local expressway following his controversial pardon of Judge Michael Conahan, a central figure in the “cash-for-kids” scandal.
At a Glance
- The pardon of Judge Michael Conahan has reignited controversy in Scranton, leading to calls for Biden’s name to be removed from a local expressway.
- Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak and other officials express disappointment over the clemency.
- The “cash-for-kids” scandal resulted in thousands of overturned juvenile convictions.
- An online petition pushing for the name change has garnered significant public support.
Community Push Against Biden Expressway Naming
Scranton renamed a part of Spruce Street to Biden Street in 2021 during President Joe Biden’s visit, a decision that has sparked substantial local criticism due to his recent pardon of ex-Judge Michael Conahan. Conahan was involved in the notorious “Kids for Cash” scandal, where he received payments for sending juveniles to for-profit detention centers.
The ‘cash-for-kids’ scandal rocked Pennsylvania, leading to the state Supreme Court overturning 4,000 juvenile convictions. Biden’s clemency grants for Conahan have drawn the ire of State Rep. Jamie Walsh and other local leaders, urging Scranton officials to remove Biden’s name from the expressway. Commissioner Chris Chermak referred to the clemency as potentially undermining trust in leadership.
Scranton Finally Turning on Biden as Officials Demand Removal of His Name from Landmark: The case the local officials cite is absolutely shocking. It’s not a wonder that as news of what Biden did spreads more people will call for his name’s deletion.
Visit the link in our… pic.twitter.com/DHOaRdJDQM
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) December 21, 2024
Political Reactions Intensify Debate
The pardon has also attracted criticism from Pennsylvania officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro, who lamented the pardon as a painful decision, and State Rep-elect Brenda Pugh, who voiced concerns over its impact on justice for victims of the scandal.
“Conahan’s conduct is forever a blight on Pennsylvania and is a slap in the face to the victims and their families who deserve justice to be served for his atrocious crimes,” Pugh wrote.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano emphasized that the clemency for Conahan was a clear indicator of justice miscarried, aligning himself with community sentiment urging for President Biden’s name removal from the local landmark. Despite Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti expressing disappointment, the decision to rename streets remains with city leadership, complicating the route to action.
People are continuing to call to remove President Joe Biden's name from highway signs in Scranton.https://t.co/eabxVy4RwW
— Eyewitness News (@wbrewyou) December 20, 2024
Public Sentiment and Petition Efforts
Amid these political discussions, public sentiment has mirrored the dissatisfaction expressed by leaders. An online petition to have Biden’s name removed has gained traction, gathering over 20,000 signatures. The move signifies strong public support, reflecting a community disheartened by Biden’s recent decision to pardon Conahan.
“He’s a failed president who couldn’t help himself to pardon his corrupt criminal son from so many illegals schemes. His name is to be off the highway.” – State Sen. Doug Mastriano
With voices both local and state-level urging reversal of the expressway renaming, Scranton faces a complex decision in navigating community values against national political actions. The debate continues to highlight the intersection of justice, local leadership, and presidential actions, as the impact of Conahan’s pardon reverberates across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Sources
2. Scranton Officials Demand for Biden’s Name to Be Removed from Landmark
