Luzerne Times

Rep. Alec Ryncavage from Luzerne, Pennsylvania has voiced concern over President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentence of former Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan. Ryncavage, a Republican, aligned with his colleagues in condemning the decision. He stated, "The recent action of the president is utter nonsense and yet another disservice to the children and families that have already suffered." He added that granting clemency condones the actions for which Conahan and another judge, Ciavarella, were indicted in 2009.

Both Conahan and Ciavarella had been charged with receiving $2.8 million in kickbacks in exchange for funneling juveniles to for-profit detention centers. This affected numerous young people, many first-time offenders on minor charges. Conahan was nearing the end of his sentence, with only 20 months left.

Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak has also expressed opposition to the clemency. In a letter addressed to Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, Chermak requested the renaming of ‘President Biden Expressway’ back to its previous name, Spruce Street. Chermak urged local officials and state transportation authorities to oppose honoring an individual associated with unpleasant events, despite the presidential origin of the order.

Additionally, Rep. Ryncavage acknowledged the efforts of Reps. Brenda Pugh and Jamie Walsh on this issue. He called for bipartisan support among legislators to speak against the president's decision, indicating that this matter transcends party lines.