Mayor Paige Cognetti Endorses

Council President Jerry Smurl   

SCRANTON, PA –  Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti today announced her official  endorsement of City Council President Gerald Smurl in his bid for re-election, the only council candidate she is endorsing in the Nov. 4th General Election.

This key endorsement signals Cognetti’s continued commitment to a productive partnership with City Council and a desire for stability in city leadership.

"Council President Smurl has been an invaluable partner in delivering on the promises we've made to the people of Scranton,” Mayor Cognetti said. "His co-leadership on key issues like public safety, government transparency, addressing blight, and fiscal responsibility have made a real difference and strengthened our community. He is dedicated to making our city a more vibrant place to live through his volunteer neighborhood cleanups and his Prospect Avenue holiday tradition and elaborate light display that he and his wife, Carol, have offered free to the community for almost 40 years.  I am proud to give my full support to his campaign." 

Throughout their shared time in office, Mayor Cognetti and Council President Smurl  have collaborated on several initiatives, including upgrading the city’s parks and pools; improving stormwater infrastructure; and restoring government transparency and financial stability.

"I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful to have the support of Mayor Cognetti," Council President Smurl said. "Like any two public servants dedicated to their city, we’ve had our fair share of disagreements. But by working through those differences, I have come to respect the mayor’s deep commitment to finding solutions and serving the people of this city. I look forward to continuing to represent the residents of Scranton and delivering real results for all of our neighborhoods.”

Council President Smurl serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Rules and formerly served as Vice President of the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority and President of the Housing Appeals Board. He continues to volunteer significant time and labor, cleaning up and maintaining city parks, recreation areas and neighborhoods.

Mayor Cognetti’s endorsement comes at a crucial time in the city’s campaign cycle, as mail-in ballots are expected to arrive in voter mailboxes within the next 10 days.