Former Scranton Mayor Jimmy Connors has died

Published: Jun 25, 2024 Duration: 00:02:49 Category: News & Politics
Tags : news ] local [ lackawanna-county
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Patrick Connors compiled a long public service record before he became Scranton's 28th mayor in 1990. On the Connors resume jobs as a teacher, police dispatcher and community development director in the administration of Mayor David Wenzel. When Wenzel decided one term in City Hall was enough. Connors made his move. Connors switched his registration from Democrat to Republican. A lot of his followers did the same and Connors beat the Republican Party's endorsed candidate in the primary. Connor squeaked by the Democrat, Jerry Notarianni in the general election by fewer than 500 votes. Marking the beginning of three terms in a lot happened on Connor's watch. The state declared Scranton financially distressed. In 1992 City Hall had major structural problems and needed massive repairs. A block of buildings along Lackawanna Avenue was imploded on a chilly Sunday morning in April of 1992 the mall at Steamtown opened about a year and a half later. Many felt the new mall and all those stores would signal the rebirth of downtown Scranton. The good feelings didn't last long. In 1994 the Globe Store, a Scranton landmark and one of the mall's anchors closed. The Steamtown National historic site held its grand opening federal money helped turn a rusting collection of old locomotives into a major tourist attraction. The charmer, a showman it was on display in 2001 when visitors from Scranton's Irish sister city Ballina made a trip to Scranton. Connors ran for congress in 1998. When long time representative Joe mcdade retired, he came in second in a crowded field. Connors was re elected twice. He jumped back to the Democratic Party in 2000. At the time, Connors said he was impressed by the Democratic presidential nominee that year. Vice President Al Gore Connors tried for 1/4 term in 2001. It was not to be, he finished third in the Democratic primary far behind eventual winner Chris Doherty. There was a big party on Connor's last day in office city hall workers said thank you and farewell to the man who led the city for 12 years as he left city Hall. Connors pointed to some of his biggest achievements, flood control along the Lackawanna River and professionalizing the police and fire departments. Plus helping secure the money to tear down the old hotel, Casey and build a new hotel and conference center on the opposite side of Adams Avenue. After leaving office, Connors remained a familiar face appearing at the events and even a ping pong tournament. Connor's name will forever be a part of Scranton history. There's a park in Southside dedicated to the man who led the city through some of its most challenging years. I'm Andy Palumbo News Watch 16.

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