This is the fifth part of our series presenting the most significant mayoral races in the Commonwealth.
Incumbent Democrat Paige Cognetti is seeking a second full term as mayor of The Electric City while also filing for a congressional seat in the 8th Congressional District. He faces three challengers in the Republican Party Tinnon, Rick Little AND Gene Barrett.
Paige Cognetti (no)
- Basic. defeated Bob Sheridan76%-22%
- Experience. Mayor of Scranton, as of 2020; Special Assistant to the Auditor General of Pennsylvania (2019); Scranton School Board Director (2018); Goldman Sachs (2014–2016); US Department of the Treasury (2009–2012).
- Priorities.
- Fight to reduce costs for residents
- Reduce bureaucracy and promote economic growth
- Invest in the police
- Revitalize neighborhoods with park upgrades and fresh amenities
- Center
- Cultivate community partnerships to better serve all miniature business residents through wage-boosting programs
- Quotable. “We have spent six years moving this issue forward. I know the people of Scranton want to continue to move forward. We cannot go back to where we were. If I am elected to Congress in 2026, I will make sure that in 2027 there is someone sitting on that debate stage to whom I can pass the torch so that we can continue to make progress.”
- Education. B.A., University of Oregon. M.B.A., Harvard Business School.
- Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Tinso Beyon (right)
- Basic. defeated Lynn Labrosky44.8%-39.0%
- Experience. Accountant at Don Scartelli Construction Services and General Contractors Inc
- Priorities.
- Reducing the tax burden, reducing waste and supporting affordable housing.
- Working with our community and local organizations for safer communities.
- Investing in real repairs – giving up quick fixes that waste money.
- Pursuing investment and cutting red tape to restore jobs and pride to Scranton.
- Quotable. “I am not interested in political parties – what matters is good ideas and working together. We will be better off if we focus on solutions, not partisan politics. Together we can create a city government that is transparent, responsive and works for every resident of Scranton.”
- Education. Luzerne County Community School
- Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Gene Barrett (me)
- Experience. former Scranton alderman; former executive director of the Scranton Sewer Authority; Army veteran
- Priorities.
- It focuses on safer streets, fair taxes and business development
- Quotable. “I am not trying to push myself into a higher position in government. I want to be your mayor. I am fully qualified, fully experienced. I feel I can represent the voters of Scranton and all residents to make Scranton a proud place where everyone would like to live, work and enjoy everyday life.”
- Cufflinks: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Rik Little (me)
- Experience. Not applicable
- Priorities.
- He is running to reclaim control of the government for “the people” and take it back from “the legal class that runs everything in government and the courts.”
- Cufflinks: not applicable
Debates
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