Pocono News Section

DiBileo Launches Write-In Campaign for Scranton Mayoral Race

DiBileo Launches Write-In Campaign for Scranton Mayoral Race - Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 6:23PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 @ 06:23pm EDT

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - There are big developments tonight in the upcoming race for Scranton mayor.

Late Thursday afternoon, Gary DiBileo, a well-known political figure, announced plans to launch a write-in campaign. DiBileo is no stranger to politics. He's served on Scranton city council and has run unsuccessfully for the mayor's job before.

DiBileo made the announcement on the steps of City Hall. He most recently lost the primary to current mayor Chris Doherty in May.

"A lot has changed since the prior election. We've come to find out Mr. Doherty, who has asked for four more years, it turns out wants to leave the city and take another job and we have too many problems in the city now," DiBileo said.

Efforts to reach Mayor Doherty for comment late Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful. Earlier in the day on Thursday, Eyewitness News talked with him about the city's progress at an event on courthouse square. He has constantly run on a platform of moving the city forward.

"The city today is active and vibrant. There's tremendous construction," Doherty said.

DiBileo and his supporters say Doherty has his eyes set on the governor's seat. While Doherty has not officially announced his candidacy, he has taken steps to run. As for DiBileo, he knows his latest endeavor will be a challenge.

"A write-in campaign is a challenge. There's no question about it but so are the challenges that face our city. I think in my heart, we can overcome both," DiBileo said.

DiBileo says he plans to run a grassroots effort write-in campaign.