Pocono News Section

Scranton Mayor's Race Has Voter Turnout Heavy

Scranton Mayor's Race Has Voter Turnout Heavy - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 6:10PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 @ 06:10pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Voter turnout in Scranton has been moderate to heavy. The mayor's race is what's bringing everyone out, and Tuesday it was all about last minute campaigning for the three candidates.

They may have different plans, but all three Scranton mayoral candidates were together looking for last minute votes, outside the Charles Sumner School.

Incumbent Chris Doherty is facing Gary DiBileo on the Democratic ticket. “I feel good. I feel like we gave it our all. I feel that we ran a clean campaign, a good campaign and I'm feeling confident," said DiBileo.

“We believe people are very happy in the direction the city is going in, for all the progress we've seen and the development and our park system," said Doherty. This is a rematch of the democratic primary four years ago. In that race, more than 50% of voters turned out. The margin of victory was only a few hundred votes.

“I think the difference is, people are ready for change in this election. They're finished with divisive politics and I want to move the city forward together," added DiBileo.

Just like last time, voters are once again split. Elizabeth Granahan said, “I think the city is really moving forward now, as it is, I mean. The mayor's done a wonderful job."

However Kami Schmechel said, “I just think we need a change, more than what we have here, with taxes and everything."

On the Republican side, Bob Bolus is alone, but Mayor Doherty is running a write-in campaign. If it’s successful, Bolus may challenge. “It’s never been challenged. This may be the first, hopefully it won't. Hopefully the Republicans will be true Republicans and vote for me," he said.