Lackawanna County Commissioner Gaughan criticizes new communications policy

New policy requires at least two commissioners to approve any county statements or postings.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan is criticizing a new county communications policy implemented by Commissioners Thom Welby and Chris Chermak. The policy requires at least two commissioners to sign off on any statement, publication or posting issued on behalf of the board of commissioners or purporting to represent a county position. Gaughan argues the policy is an attempt to silence him after recent video clips of his commentary on federal immigration enforcement and artificial intelligence data centers went viral on the county's Facebook page.

Why it matters

The new communications policy highlights ongoing tensions between the three Lackawanna County Commissioners. Gaughan, a Democrat, sees the policy as an effort by the other two commissioners, also Democrats, to limit his ability to publicly voice his views. The dispute raises questions about transparency, free speech, and the balance of power on the county board.

The details

The new policy, announced in an email from Commissioner Welby, states that any county communications must be approved in advance by at least two commissioners. Gaughan argues this amounts to requiring 'majority approval' for his speech, 'blurring the line between institutional communications and individual speech.' Welby defends the policy, saying it is meant to prevent the perception that one commissioner's views represent the official position of the county.

  • The new communications policy was implemented on February 13, 2026.
  • A January 21, 2026 video clip of Gaughan criticizing ICE went viral on the county's Facebook page.

The players

Bill Gaughan

A Lackawanna County Commissioner who is criticizing the new communications policy as an attempt to silence him.

Thom Welby

A Lackawanna County Commissioner who defended the new communications policy, saying it is meant to prevent the perception that one commissioner's views represent the official position of the county.

Chris Chermak

The lone Republican Lackawanna County Commissioner, who voted with Welby to implement the new communications policy.

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What they’re saying

“The voters of Lackawanna County did not elect me to seek permission before speaking. They did not elect me to have my words filtered, diluted, or vetoed by two other commissioners. They elected three independent voices — not a two-person communications review board.”

— Bill Gaughan, Lackawanna County Commissioner (thetimes-tribune.com)

“I think that one person shouldn't give the impression to the public that his opinion is that of the entire board without an opinion being made by the entire board.”

— Thom Welby, Lackawanna County Commissioner (thetimes-tribune.com)

What’s next

The Lackawanna County Commissioners are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, where the new communications policy is likely to be further discussed.

The takeaway

This dispute over the new county communications policy highlights the ongoing political tensions between the three Lackawanna County Commissioners. It raises questions about the balance of power, transparency, and free speech within the county government.