BREAKING: Luzerne County voters have decisively rejected a proposed overhaul of the county’s Home Rule charter in a stunning election outcome. As of now, with 120 of 186 precincts reporting, the unofficial tally shows 29,993 votes against the proposal and only 20,184 votes in favor.
The proposed charter aimed to modify the structure of county governance, reducing the county council from 11 members to 9 and revising some operational frameworks established by the current charter adopted 15 years ago. However, mail-in ballots reflected a clear disapproval as well, with a rejection score of 10,635 to 7,749.
This charter was set against a backdrop of significant political changes in Luzerne County. The 2010 charter eliminated a state-mandated government led by three county commissioners, leading to a more streamlined council composed mainly of district attorney, controller, and council members. The proposed changes were met with considerable skepticism and opposition from both current council members and candidates.
Critics voiced concerns that reducing the council size would concentrate power and diminish representation for smaller communities and underrepresented groups. Tim McGinley, a member of the county government study commission, expressed worries that the proposal deviated from the original 2010 charter’s goal of minimizing political influence in governance.
In contrast, supporters like District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and State Representative Brenda Pugh argued that the changes would create a more efficient and ethical government. Pugh stated, “This isn’t change for change’s sake — it’s about a more effective, ethical, and responsive county government.”
However, skepticism prevailed as Walter Griffith, the county controller, labeled the new charter a “bait and switch,” suggesting it could allow the council to alter key requirements for the county election board and ethics commission.
The proposed charter was developed following a April 2024 referendum that established a county government study commission, which later voted 4-2 to recommend the changes. Despite some backing from local officials, the proposal faced substantial backlash, leading to its overwhelming defeat in the polls.
The implications of this rejection are significant for Luzerne County’s governance structure moving forward. Voters have clearly expressed their desire for stability and a continuation of the current system, which has been in place since the 2010 charter was enacted.
As the community reflects on this decisive vote, attention now turns to how local leaders will address the ongoing governance challenges and whether new proposals will emerge in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on this developing story as Luzerne County navigates its political landscape.
