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About Thom Welby
Thom Welby is a longtime NEPA broadcaster and community volunteer who served in the Pennsylvania House (HD-113) after winning the November 2, 2021 special election to complete Sen. Marty Flynn’s unexpired term. He was sworn in on November 17, 2021, and later chose not to seek a full term. Before and after his stint in Harrisburg, Welby worked in local radio/TV and as an advertising consultant at WNEP-TV, and previously served as chief of staff to then-Rep. Marty Flynn. — Wikipedia
In 2025, the Lackawanna County Democratic Executive Committee tapped Welby as its nominee for the county commissioner special election created by a vacancy. He has publicly stated he will serve the full unexpired term if elected, pushing back on rumors to the contrary. — WOLF
A familiar face in local civic life, Welby has logged years of service with regional nonprofits and authorities, including leadership on the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority board. — Lackawanna Heritage Valley
Career highlights
- State Representative, HD-113 (Scranton area): Elected in 2021 special; succeeded Marty Flynn; succeeded by Kyle Donahue after Welby did not seek a full term. — Wikipedia
- Broadcasting & media: Decades in NEPA radio/TV; advertising consultant at WNEP-TV. — Ballotpedia
- Civic leadership: Former vice-chair, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority board. — Lackawanna Heritage Valley
- Recent public forum: Participated in the University of Scranton commissioner debate with Chet Merli and Michael Cappellini on Oct. 27, 2025. — Royal News
Key Positions
- Budget & taxes: Opposes routine tax hikes; favors tightening costs department-by-department while growing non-residential tax base (e.g., industrial/commercial development along the Casey Highway) and strengthening grant-seeking capacity at the county. — Royal News
- State budget delays & services: Said county reserves and reimbursements make near-term operations manageable if Harrisburg resolves the impasse by December; warned of strain on human services reimbursements if the stalemate persists. — Royal News
- Property reassessment: Criticized the rollout as confusing and insufficiently explained to residents; argued for slowing the process and improving public guidance, noting high rates of successful appeals. — Royal News
- Data centers: Emphasized local zoning control and community consent; said siting near neighborhoods is inappropriate and that claims about impacts (e.g., water use) are often outdated—urged case-by-case scrutiny. — Royal News
- Board decorum/governance: Attributed much recent turmoil to operating for months without a third commissioner; said restoring a full board and practicing compromise are essential. — Royal News