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<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; An attorney suspended by the state for misconduct will return to City Hall &#8212; this time in the Health Department.</p><p>Mayor Tony George said James Hayward Jr., a city resident, was hired with a state grant to work as health educator.</p><p>George said Hayward was chosen &#8220;because of his qualifications.&#8221;</p><p>Hayward, a city firefighter who was injured and left the department, went to law school and joined the administration of former Mayor Tom McGroarty where he held several positions, including city administrator. He was not retained when Tom Leighton took office as mayor in 2004.</p><p>The state Office of Disciplinary Counsel acting on a number of complaints suspended Hayward from practicing law for a total of five years in 2011. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania also suspended him for five years in 2010.</p><p>Hayward, who was born in 1951, was still listed as suspended by the Disciplinary Board.</p><p>When contacted Friday, Hayward told a reporter, &#8220;I have no comment.&#8221;</p><p>The mayor said Hayward will paid an annual salary of $27,000 with a two-year grant from the state Department of Health. He also will also receive benefits because he will work more than 28 hours a week, the mayor said.</p><p>Hayward was one of two people hired to fill vacancies in the city Health Department, the mayor said. One spot is a permanent position represented by Laborers&#8217; International Union of North America Local 1310. The mayor said his administration is working to include Hayward&#8217;s job in the union.</p><p>The mayor defended adding Hayward to the city workforce, saying other administrations hired far more people than his. &#8220;Everything is questioned. I think I hired five people,&#8221; the mayor said.</p><p>Even though Hayward has a suspended law license, the mayor said he would consult with him. &#8220;He&#8217;s always there for advice,&#8221; said George.</p><p>&#8220;I&#8217;m getting a lawyer for nickels and dimes,&#8221; the mayor added. &#8220;I think I&#8217;m making out big time.&#8221;</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Jerry Lynott</p><p>jlynott@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Former WB official suspended from practicing law to return to City Hall