TimesLeader.com

November 3

Scranton mayor candidates predict low turnout amid high hopes

By Christopher J. Hughes chughes@timesleader.com
Online Editor

and Shelby Fisk sfisk@scrantonedition.com
Scranton Edition Staff Writer / Photographer

Before many everyday citizens had a chance to make their way to the polls, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty was smiling and greeting campaign volunteers outside Robert Morris Elementary School in the city's Green Ridge section on Tuesday.

The mayor arrived at about 7:30 a.m. to place his vote, including one that could ensure his third term in the city's highest office.

If elected today, Doherty will be the second consecutive mayor to be elected to a third term. He defeated three-term Mayor Jim Connors in the 2001 election.

With his eyes possibly cast on a higher office, a former challenger hopes to finally unseat the incumbent.

Former Scranton School Board member and City Council President Gary DiBileo hopes the results of his write-in campaign, launched just over two weeks ago, will be more in his favor this year. He cites speculation that Doherty may seek a gubernatorial run in 2010 as his reason for jumping back into the race.

Doherty previously defeated DiBileo when he netted a Republican nomination for the 2005 general election. He also defeated DiBileo on the Democrat ticket in the May 2009 primary and sealed a Republican nomination on a write-in campaign.

“From what I am gathering the voter turnout is slightly low this year,” DiBileo said. “(But) at the different polling places that I’m going to, from what I’m hearing from people, I’m doing well.

“I’m hoping for the best,” DiBileo said. “I’m hoping that people will really shock the world tonight.”

Doherty appeared confident in acheiving a third term this morning. "I usually do better in a general election than I do in a primary election because I do well with independent voters and Republican voters."

When asked if he thought his possible run for Harrisburg would hurt his chances in Scranton, he said, "No. One of the reasons that we're considering it is because our numbers are so strong in northeastern Pennsylvania. People are happy with us and they like the job that we're doing."

If elected, the incumbent mayor's goals for a third term include a focus on finances and improving the downtown and the park systems.

DiBileo said that if his write-in is successful, he wants to lower the city’s 3.4 percent wage tax, and acknowledges cutbacks are needed in the budget. He also vowed to reduce $750,000 worth of so-called “political fat” from the city’s budget within his first year in office.