Pocono News Section

Voters Full of Opinions on Scranton Mayoral Race

Voters Full of Opinions on Scranton Mayoral Race - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 5:19PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 @ 05:19pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- A steady stream of voters filled the Keyser Valley Community Center Tuesday afternoon. It seemed everyone here had a clear choice for mayor.

Kami Schmechel said, “I voted basically for Gary, because of his confidence. He sounds like he's gonna make a big change for us."

Keyser Valley is where Gary DiBileo voted with his family. He's facing Incumbent Mayor Chris Doherty on the Democratic ticket, who found voter support at the Charles Sumner School. Elizabeth Granahan said, “I think the city is really moving forward now as it is, I mean. The mayor's done a wonderful job."

John Granahan added, “The town looks, certainly it looks a lot better than it did, say about 10 years ago. People are moving in. Business is moving in, there's new construction going on all the time."

Not everyone agrees though. Some say Mayor Doherty has forgotten people who don't live downtown. Lee Skiba said, “He forgot about Keyser Valley. We get nothing back here.”

On the Republican side, Bob Bolus is on the ballot alone, but Mayor Doherty has launched a write-in campaign.