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Scranton City Council sworn in, elects leadership and adopts rules in reorganization meeting
Summary
At its January 2026 reorganization meeting the Scranton City Council received certificates of election, administered oaths to newly elected officials, elected Thomas Shuster president and Patrick Flynn vice president, appointed a city clerk and solicitor, and adopted Resolution No. 1 2026 setting council rules.
Scranton’s City Council held its annual reorganization meeting in January 2026, receiving certificates of election and administering oaths to newly elected officials before selecting leadership and adopting new council rules.
Council members voted by voice to receive and file the certificate of election for Katharine Wessler as tax collector and to receive the certificates of election for city council members Thomas Shuster, Sean McAndrew and Patrick Flynn. Judges present then administered the oaths of office to the newly elected officials.
The council elected Councilman Thomas Shuster president of the council and Councilman Patrick Flynn vice president for the two-year term. Both elections were recorded by roll call in the meeting minutes and declared adopted by the presiding officer.
The council also confirmed Frank Voldenberg as city clerk, appointed attorney Thomas J. Gilbride as council solicitor, and adopted Resolution No. 1 2026 (which amends Resolution No. 1 2024) to establish the rules and order of business that will govern the council over the next two years. Those measures were approved by voice vote.
Speaker 4 (council chairing the session) announced committee chair and vice-chair assignments for standing committees and subcommittees, naming committee leads for rules, finance, public works, public safety and community development and listing subcommittee chairpersons and vice chairs.
Several council members offered brief remarks after the reorganization. Councilman Sean McAndrew stressed transparency and fiscal accountability, saying, “Residents deserve clear answers, honest numbers, and real accountability for how their tax dollars are spent.” Vice President Patrick Flynn thanked family and supporters and said he would press the administration and pursue policies to protect public health and strengthen neighborhoods, adding, “Scranton deserves nothing less.” Doctor Rothschild welcomed new members and thanked longstanding staff and the solicitor for their service.
The meeting concluded with a benediction and an announcement that the next regular council meeting will be held at 1 p.m. in Council Chambers; a motion to adjourn was then approved.
