What began last winter with a resignation and stretched through months of uncertainty finally reached a calm and welcome conclusion this week. Thom Welby, a steady, familiar presence in local public service, took the oath of office and brought closure to a saga that had gone on far too long.
The chain reaction started when former Commissioner Matt McGloin resigned in February, triggering a complicated appointment process and a legal back-and-forth that left the county without clear direction. Brenda Sacco stepped in briefly, serving just over a month, but it was clear the story wouldn’t end until voters made the choice themselves.
They did on Nov. 4, electing Welby in a special election to serve through early 2028. His swearing-in ceremony inside a packed courtroom had none of the tension of the past several months. Instead, it was filled with the kind of warmth and sincerity that people who’ve worked with Welby speak about automatically.
Welby thanked his family, colleagues, and predecessors, and he repeated the message that has become his hallmark: he’s here to help, he’s here to listen, and he’s here to do what’s right.
“I just want to do good and do right,” he said. “We’ll disagree, but hopefully we’ll eventually get along and do the right thing.”
State Sen. Marty Flynn praised Welby’s fairness, patience, and practicality — qualities that have made him widely trusted across political lines. County Treasurer Angela Rempe Jones spoke about the “Welby wave,” the long list of people he’s quietly helped over the years without expecting credit.
That’s why many see Welby’s arrival as a chance for a reset. After months marked by procedural fights and frayed relationships, there’s a sense — even among those involved — that it’s time for clarity, cooperation, and a fresh start.
Commissioner Bill Gaughan attended the ceremony and spoke optimistically about working closely with Welby. Whatever disagreements or tensions existed during the vacancy process, he’s clearly hoping to turn the page.
“I’m really confident that Thom Welby and I are going to be able to work closely together,” Gaughan said. He described Welby as a straight shooter and expressed genuine excitement to begin working as a full board again.
Chris Chermak, who was traveling, called Welby a gentleman and welcomed him aboard as well.
Welby, for his part, emphasized unity from the outset. He talked about being tired of the bitterness that too often defines politics, saying he wants the three commissioners to “work together, forgetting about political party and just doing what’s right.”
He’s not here to build a legacy campaign — he’s already said he won’t run again in 2027. He’s here to finish the job with calm, competence, and a focus on service.
After nearly a year of turnover, legal questions, and uncertainty, Lackawanna County finally has a clear direction — and a commissioner whose guiding principle is simply to help people.
The long winter of confusion is over. Welby is sworn in. The county can move forward.
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