SCRANTON, Pa. — Former Scranton Mayor Jimmy Connors died Wednesday morning, according to the mayor's office.
Connors was mayor of the Electric City from 1990-2002.
James 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 Scranton 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. Many of his followers did the same, and Connors beat the Republican party's endorsed candidate in the primary. Connors squeaked by the Democrat Jerry Notarianni in the general election, by fewer than 500 votes, marking the beginning of three terms in City Hall.
A lot happened on Connors' 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.
"This is a big day for the people of the City of Scranton. Because you had faith in this project and this project will revitalize the city," Mayor Connors said in 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.
Always the charmer, always 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 U.S. Representative Joe McDade retired. He came in second in a crowded field.
Connors was reelected 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. 01 92
Connors tried for a fourth 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 Connors' 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, professionalizing the police and fire departments, and 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 community events and even a ping pong tournament.
During an appearance when Ryan Leckey announced a total for his 2018 fundraiser for Allied Services, Connors displayed his trademark sense of humor, joking with Ryan about his spinal surgery.
"I'm back in the game. They straightened me out. I'm not a crooked politician anymore," laughed Connors.
Connors' name will forever be a part of Scranton history. A park in Southside is dedicated to the man who led the city through some of its most challenging years.
“It’s a very sad day in Scranton as we recognize the passing of the beloved Mayor Connors,” Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “Mayor Connors cherished Scranton and cared passionately about the wellbeing of our residents. Jimmy never stopped being mayor – he continued to be a warm, jovial, comforting presence at public events and was a source of wisdom for me personally. He’ll live on in Scranton as ‘the Mayor,’ and we will deeply miss him. Our hearts are with his wife, Susie, his children, and his entire family.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Mayor James Connors was 77.