President Joe Biden’s controversial pardon of Judge Michael Conahan has led to an uproar in Scranton, igniting calls for Biden’s name to be removed from a local expressway.
At a Glance
- Scranton officials demand the removal of Biden’s name from the President Biden Expressway.
- The uproar follows Biden’s pardon of Michael Conahan, involved in the ‘Kids for Cash’ scandal.
- Over 20,000 signatures have been collected in a petition against the expressway naming.
- Pennsylvania officials criticize Biden’s clemency as a miscarriage of justice.
Scranton’s Reaction to Biden’s Pardon
Scranton faces growing opposition following Biden’s pardon of Conahan. Former Judge Conahan’s involvement in the ‘Kids for Cash’ scandal—where he received payments for sentencing juveniles to for-profit detention centers—prompted outcry. Scranton’s officials, led by Republican State Rep. Brenda Pugh and Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, are demanding Biden’s name be removed from the expressway.
Chermak stated the move would “be a step toward restoring confidence in the city’s leadership and reaffirming our commitment to decisions that reflect the values and integrity of our community.” Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti expressed disappointment, dubbing the pardon a “grave error.”
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
Criticism and Consequences of the Pardon
Biden’s pardon for Conahan has intensified local and state criticisms. An online petition demanding the name reversal has already gathered over 20,000 signatures. While Scranton has the authority to change street names, public sentiment strongly supports renaming it. State figures, including State Rep. Jamie Walsh, have criticized the pardon as a vindication of corrupt behavior.
“In light of the recent decision made by the Biden administration to commute former Judge Conahan’s sentence, I implore city officials and Mayor [Paige Gebhardt Cognetti] to remove President Joe Biden’s name from the expressway sign that leads to the heart of the ‘Electric City’s’ downtown area.” – State Rep. Jamie Walsh
The scandal led to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturning thousands of juvenile convictions, further fueling the discontent over Biden’s actions. Governor Josh Shapiro noted, “[H]is clemency is a miscarriage of justice,” highlighting the enduring impact on the victims and their families.
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
Future Implications on Biden’s Name in Scranton
Scranton officials’ demand for the name removal symbolizes broader tensions about Biden’s legacy in his hometown. Expression of support for the name change could lead to repercussions on how Biden’s legacy is perceived in Scranton and beyond. State Rep-elect. Brenda Pugh emphasized that “Conahan’s conduct is forever a blight on Pennsylvania.”
“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.” – Brenda Pugh
As the debate continues, the case presents broader concerns over accountability and how politicians’ actions reflect their guiding principles, especially when it involves the controversial intersection of politics and justice.
Sources
2. Scranton Officials Demand for Biden’s Name to Be Removed from Landmark
