UPDATE: Voters in Luzerne County have decisively rejected a proposed new charter in the latest election, with unofficial results showing 29,993 votes against and only 20,184 in favor. This significant outcome was confirmed as 120 of 186 precincts reported their results earlier today.
The proposed charter aimed to overhaul parts of the current Home Rule charter, which has been in place since 2010. It would have reduced the county council size from 11 to 9 members and made modest amendments to the government structure. Voters decisively turned down the charter, highlighting widespread concerns about potential power consolidation.
Critics, including former council member Tim McGinley, warned that reducing the council would limit representation for smaller communities, concentrating power in fewer hands. McGinley voiced that the proposed changes strayed from the original goal of the 2010 charter, which sought to lessen political influence in governance.
Opposition also came from current council members and several candidates, who voiced their apprehensions regarding the proposal. Walter Griffith, the county controller, labeled the charter a “bait and switch,” arguing it would empower council members to alter the requirements for the county election board and ethics commission.
In a surprising twist, support for the charter was voiced by Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and state Representative Brenda Pugh, who emphasized that the revisions could lead to a more effective and ethical county government. Pugh stated, “This isn’t change for change’s sake — it’s about a more effective, ethical, and responsive county government.”
Despite these endorsements, the proposal faced overwhelming rejection from the electorate, particularly among mail-ballot voters, who voted 10,635 to 7,749 against the charter. This indicates a clear preference for maintaining the current governance structure rather than embracing proposed changes.
The charter was initially brought to the ballot following a April 2024 referendum that established a county government study commission. The commission, which consisted of seven members elected by voters, voted 4-2 to recommend the charter to the electorate. However, the public’s response shows a divergence from the commission’s recommendations.
As Luzerne County moves forward, the rejection of the charter signals a potential pushback against proposed governmental changes. Observers are now keenly watching to see how local leaders will respond and what future initiatives may emerge to address community concerns.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Luzerne County residents continue to voice their priorities for governance and representation.
