Doherty victorious in bid for a third term

SCRANTON – Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty has secured a third term as mayor of Scranton, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s general election. Scranton city council, meanwhile, retained one councilwoman, Janet Evans, and will welcome two new faces, Pat Rogan and Frank Joyce – all Democrats.

With 138 of 163 precincts reporting late Tuesday night, Doherty, a Democrat, had secured 6,526 votes, or 60.84 percent. A total of 4,201 write-ins were reported late Tuesday night. All results are unofficial.

Write-in votes are expected to be tallied later this week. Bob Bolus who did not get the Republican nod, and is disqualified from holding the seat if elected, announced a write-in campaign late last week. According to published reports, Bolus cannot serve because he was convicted of a crime. Also, Gary DiBileo, who failed in his bid for the Democratic nod, also mounted a write-in campaign.

DiBileo formerly served on city council, including as its president from 2003 to 2005 and vice president from 2001 to 2003. He served as a board member of the Scranton School District from 1994 to 1999.

In a previous mayoral run in 2005 and this past May, DiBileo failed to win the position with just fewer than 50 percent of the city’s votes, DiBileo said. He said he hopes results of his write-in will be more favorable this year. He cited recent speculation that Doherty may be seeking a gubernatorial run in 2010 as a reason for staying in the race.

Doherty said that he was “happy that people like what I’m doing in Scranton.”

He said he has helped reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Scranton. These issues are priorities for him, he said. Doherty said he was instrumental in the opening of the new Commonwealth Medical College. He is also working to remove blight and rehabilitate problem properties in the city, he said.

Doherty declined to confirm or deny a possible run for the governor’s office and said that the news will come soon. Gov. Ed Rendell cannot seek a third term under existing state laws.

Doherty said that his reelection confirms that the people of Scranton are happy with the success he has secured for the city.

Unofficial results also show that incumbent Evans will remain on city council and her running mates, Rogan and Joyce, will begin their first terms.

The three say changes will come to council because of the election. And the mayor will be held more accountable in his third term.

At press time, Evans, who cross-filed, secured 6,318 votes or 22.65 percent. Rogan had 6,667 votes or 23.90 percent and Joyce had 6,608 votes or 23.69 percent.

Council member Judy Gatelli, voted out in the Democratic primary, also was running a write-in campaign. Write-in votes are expected to be tallied later in the week. A total of 1,843 write-ins were reported late Tuesday night.

Councilman Bill Courtright, who cross-filed, will be the city’s next tax collector, having secured 8,199 votes, or 97.79 percent, according to unofficial results. There were 185 write-in votes.

Incumbent Evans had served as a minority council member in the previous administration. She said that administration was characterized by prominent “rubber stampers” for Doherty. She is looking forward to seeing that change.

“You are my boss and I’m honored to work for you,” Evans said to the voters.

She said she, Joyce and Rogan will “truly represent the people and exercise fiscal responsibility.”

Joyce said the three will work to ensure an “open honest government” in Scranton.