City Democratic committee endorses candidates

Borys Krawczeniuk, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
Updated ·1 min read

Apr. 11—Scranton's Democratic Party committee endorsed only incumbents for city council and magisterial district judge, but only two of five incumbent school directors.

After a meeting Monday evening, the committee endorsed council members Mark McAndrew and Jessica Rothchild for new four-year terms and Councilman Gerald Smurl for a two-year term, chairman Bob Sheridan said. Joseph Matyjevich is the only other Democratic candidate for two- and four-year terms.

The committee endorsed school directors Tara Yanni and Carol Cleary, newcomer Marie Merkel and former directors Bob Casey and Tom Borthwick.

The other Democratic candidates are incumbents Ro Hume, Sarah Cruz and Catherine Fox and newcomers Chris Gaidos, Mark Dennebaum and David Burgerhoff.

For magisterial district judgeships, the committee endorsed Judge Paul Ware, attorney Sean Gallagher and Judge Joanne Corbett. Ware faces attorney Mariclare Hayes. Gallagher and Corbett face no opposition for their seats.

For city controller, the committee endorsed incumbent John Murray, who is unopposed.

— BORYS KRAWCZENIUK