It’s very long ago in today’s always connected world, but some people might remember that Jim Haggerty became well-known locally in a surprising way.
Republican control of Kingston politics fell apart in 1993 due to serious mismanagement which resulted in the tax rate doubling, an increase in the garbage fee, and the laying off of municipal workers to cover a $3.5 million debt. Voters elected the first Democratic mayor in recent memory.
By 1997, many Republicans still seemed to be recovering, as potential mayoral candidates hesitated and refused to seek the nomination. Haggerty, a relatively unknown attorney and newcomer to politics, was asked to run and announced his candidacy.
“I know I’m at a disadvantage in terms of name recognition, but once people get to know me, I believe they’ll vote for me,” he stated in March. It turned out to be an understatement.
Eight months later, he won easily and his coattails were credited with a Republican resurgence on the council as well.
Haggerty’s law partner and newly-elected Kingston Councilman Stephen Urbanski predicted “The only way the Democrats can make a comeback is if Haggerty makes some major mistakes.” Haggerty responded that it would never happen. “I'm someone who knows the details. No financial information will get past me.”
According to all reports, this was another understatement. Following news of Haggerty’s premature passing on Wednesday night, Kingston’s numbers-focused administrator Paul Keating acknowledged Haggerty for helping address a $2 million unfunded debt when he became mayor. Haggerty also receives recognition for the improvements across the municipality involving the library, the pool, the firehouse, and parks during his 20 years in office.
But just in case anyone thinks his dedication to good governance ended at Kingston, it's important to remember the significant role Haggerty played in reshaping Luzerne County government. In 2009, voters approved the establishment of a government study commission which Haggerty served as a member of. The other 10 ultimately appointed him as chairman of the commission.
He dealt with transparency issues (the commission received positive feedback in that), endured heart bypass surgery, and kept the commission focused despite times when the complex task became much like the proverbial herding of cats. He usually handled the inevitable political drama, frequent public criticism, and constant media attention with professionalism, completing the first draft of the new proposed county Home Rule Charter ahead of his planned schedule. The proposed charter received voter approval and went into full effect in 2012, freeing county residents from a very outdated state-mandated system of three county commissioners who held too much power which inevitably resulted in favoritism and even criminal charges of corruption — undoubtedly a reason why voters chose to change the system.
Haggerty achieved all this while still serving as mayor of Kingston, a role he left only upon successfully running for district judge. He entered Roswell Park Cancer Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., on his 58th birthday last year, a day before he won a second six-year term as judge.
Haggerty, clearly, was not flawless, and critics were always easy to find during his public career. However, we believe his track record shows he did more things correctly as an elected official than incorrectly. And perhaps most importantly, he always seemed to have his focus on assisting others rather than — as is too common in politics — helping himself.
In that aspect, his most significant legacy may be that he demonstrated “servant leadership” for decades.
Kingston and Luzerne County are in a better position because of his work. We have lost a valuable community asset, but can honor him best by following his example.
– Times Leader
