Officials in Scranton demand the removal of President Joe Biden’s name from a highway following his controversial pardon of former Judge Michael Conahan.
At a Glance
- President Joe Biden pardons former Judge Michael Conahan, stirring controversies in Scranton.
- Officials demand the removal of Biden’s name from Scranton’s street and highway as a result.
- Conahan’s “cash-for-kids” scandal had deep ramifications, overturning 4,000 juvenile convictions.
- Online petition to revert the street names garners over 20,000 signatures.
Pardon Sparks Backlash
President Joe Biden’s hometown of Scranton is in turmoil after Biden’s pardon of former Judge Michael Conahan. Conahan, involved in the notorious “cash-for-kids” scandal, received payments for unjust juvenile detentions. This decision by Biden has led Scranton officials to call for the removal of his name from a prominent highway, reflecting deep-seated community outrage.
Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, who actively pushes for this change, believes removing Biden’s name would signify a step toward restoring trust in local leadership. His view underlines the severity of the reaction across Scranton and beyond.
State Representative Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne) 120th called on city officials to remove President Joe Biden's name from signage on the expressway that leads into Scranton, claiming it "will forever be a scar" to the people of northeastern Pennsylvania.https://t.co/dVdiKOxLs8
— abc27 News (@abc27News) December 18, 2024
Community’s Demand for Justice
The amusement over Biden’s clemency resonates beyond Scranton. Pennsylvania State Rep. Jamie Walsh criticized Biden’s act, labeling it as perpetuating corrupt behavior and causing unrest in the community. State Rep-elect Brenda Pugh voiced her opinion strongly, describing the pardon as a miscarriage of justice that rips through the core of public trust.
His clemency places complicity and a stamp of approval on his behavior. Children are among the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. This decision is nothing short of a travesty, and his clemency is a miscarriage of justice. – Brenda Pugh
Judge Conahan’s scandal led to over 4,000 overturned juvenile convictions, highlighting the depth of injustice served. Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, echoing this sentiment, termed Biden’s decision as “a grave error,” adding to growing calls against Biden’s subject of honor in the city’s infrastructure.
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
Seeking Accountability
Pennsylvania officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro, also vocalized disapproval of Biden’s clemency. They argue that such decisions undermine justice and erode public confidence, causing considerable distress in northeastern Pennsylvania. The online petition to revert the highway and street names has now amassed over 20,000 signatures, signaling a broad consensus.
I’ll offer these thoughts as an outsider, not privy to all the information he looked at, but I do feel strongly that President Biden got it absolutely wrong and created a lot of pain here in northeastern Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said last week. – Ben Shapiro
The decision-making authority resides with Scranton city officials, who now face immense pressure to act. This episode reflects broader themes of accountability and integrity, challenging public servants to align with the values their communities uphold.
Sources
1. Chermak wants Biden’s name off street in Scranton after ‘Kids for Cash’ judge released early
2. Scranton Officials Demand for Biden’s Name to Be Removed from Landmark
