Hazleton moves toward police hires, controversial Earned Income Tax increase

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Expert witness: Matthew Gailie’s death staged to look like ‘financially related’ suicide

I never had the opportunity to vote for Tom Tigue. Yet, as a Luzerne County resident, I benefited from his leadership; as a legislative staffer, I learned from his example; and as an American, I continue to enjoy the rights and freedoms protected by his Marine Corps service.One of his House colleagues described former state Rep. Tigue as the only person he knew who wouldn&#8217;t take &#8220;Yes&#8221; for an answer. He nobly served his constituents &#8211; and all Pennsylvanians &#8211; by studying legislation, asking questions and speaking in a resolute manner that demonstrated his obligation to his oath.On a snowy morning just about 10 years ago, I told Rep. Tigue that I was being encouraged to run for state representative in a district adjacent to his. He generously spoke with me about many aspects of House service and the prodigious duties of an elected official. I tried to balance my respect for his time with my desire to talk with him more. While I decided against the campaign, I still cherish that conversation.Today, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania&#8217;s loss is the almighty&#8217;s gain, because the streets of heaven are that much safer, guarded by a U.S. Marine named Thomas M. Tigue.Michael P. ThomasHampden TownshipCumberland County

Letter to the Editor: The late Thomas Tigue’s leadership in Harrisburg left lasting impression