Commissioners approve temporary appointment to airport board after heated debate over vacancy and conflicts

The Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners approved a temporary appointment of James Christopher Munley, Esquire, to the joint board of managers for the AVP Bi‑County Partnership, which oversees the Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton International Airport.

The matter produced a lengthy debate about process and potential conflicts. The minority commissioner moved to table the resolution, arguing that "recusal is not the same as a vacancy" and asking for a written legal opinion on the board's authority to create a temporary voting position. The motion to table received no second. County counsel said a prior letter from the airport solicitor had concluded a vacancy existed and recommended filling the seat; Solicitor Christopher Caputo told the board a vacancy had been created and recommended proceeding.

Supporters of the appointment said filling the seat preserves equal representation on the bi‑county board and ensures the county can respond should an urgent matter arise. Opponents pressed for transparency about the selection process, including who recommended Munley and whether others were considered. After the chair reintroduced the motion, the board approved the temporary appointment; the vote was announced as two ayes and one no. The motion carried and the appointment will expire when the airport hires a new executive director or Commissioner Chermack is no longer a candidate for the director role.