Haddock provides down-to-earth leadership
Editor: In the past decade or so, I’ve watched a little hopelessly as our political culture transformed from service dedicated to the community, into essentially an ugly cage match. I miss the days when politicians, no matter how big their name was, just showed up at local pancake breakfasts, fairgrounds, and parades to genuinely connect with neighbors rather than to score cheap partisan points. Back then, leaders earned respect by being accessible and putting community pride over party warfare. Today’s endless online outrage and toxic name-calling leaves little room for that kind of down-to-earth leadership.
But there are still some who serve in that good old-fashioned way. State Rep. Jim Haddock, D-118, Pittston Twp., reminds me of what politics used to be.
Even back when he was just one of our local mayors, Jim always made it a point to connect with people face to face, and he still does as a state representative. He’s known for his office services, making sure local issues are resolved quickly and thoroughly when brought to his attention. But beyond the paperwork, Jim is just a friendly face around town. Sure, he attends the standard ribbon-cutting ceremonies, but you’ll also find him celebrating birthday parties at our senior centers, strolling the Scranton Farmers Market, having fun at the Tomato Festival with friends, or showing Little Leaguers how to throw their first pitch. And above all, he’s always eager to listen to anyone with a question or concern, or who just wants to say hello.
Politics doesn’t have to be loud and angry to be effective, no matter what cable news may have you thinking. Jimmy Haddock shows every day what neighborly service looks like, and our community is better off for it.
John Alaimo, Pittston Twp.