On December 12, 2024, an event took place that was deeply distressing to our community: the sentence of Judge Michael Conahan, infamous for participating in the "kids for cash" scandal, was commuted by Joe Biden. This scandal has left a tremendous impact on Northeast PA, shaking our community to its core. It seems inappropriate and unacceptable that a politician who pardoned such an individual should be honored with a landmark named after him in our area.

For years, we've known Central Scranton Expressway and Spruce Street by their rightful names. Yet, they have been renamed to honor a person who, by his actions, displayed a disregard for our community and our values. Therefore, we are advocating to have their original names restored.

It’s important to remember the harm caused by the "kids for cash" scandal in Northeast PA. It was a shocking revelation of how two judges, one of them being Michael Conahan, were found guilty of receiving kickbacks for sending minors to for-profit detention centers (source: US Department of Justice). The commutation of Conahan's sentence by Joe Biden is a symbol of injustice to many.

Let's strive to uphold the integrity of our town. Let's stand together to ensure that the landmarks of our city bear the names of individuals whom we hold in high regard and respect, not those who have inflicted harm on our communities.

Join us in restoring the original and rightful names of the Central Scranton Expressway and Spruce Street. Sign this petition today.