Joe Hackett never struck me as Harrisburg kind of guy.
In fact, that's why we endorsed him.
Twice.
If anything, Hackett was anti-Harrisburg. This was not some blow-dried empty suit created by a slick PR campaign.
This was a street guy, someone who knew what it was like for Joe Citizen.
That's because, before deciding to get into politics, Hackett spent a career protecting those citizens. He was a cop, spending 20 years in the Ridley Police Department, before becoming a county detective.
Hackett knew what he was talking about when it came to the issues that really strike at the gut of Delaware County: Crime, guns, drugs, quality of life and, of course, property taxes. You could see Hackett sitting at his kitchen table trying to balance a check book, just like so many other folks here in Delco. He was every man.
That's why last night's announcement that he was walking away from politics was so surprising. Or maybe not.
Hackett, R-161, announced he would resign his seat in the Legislature effective April 30.
Here's what he had to say, in a statement emailed from his office:
“Serving in the state House of Representatives has truly been a rewarding experience. I am thankful to my neighbors in the 161st District for trusting in me as their representative.
“In light of recent episodes and situations that have placed a strain on the relationship between police and citizens of this nation, I’ve realized my true passion is in law enforcement.
“Coming from a family of blue bloods - my grandfather, wife, father-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and three nephews - I’ve realized that law enforcement is not just a career – it’s a calling.
“My family supports my decision, just as they did in my initial run for the House in 2008. I have to admit, it will be good to be back home.”
That's it. He wants to go back to being a cop. I can't hold that against him.
But I can find fault with his timing. For starters, he dropped this after business hours on Thursday of Easter Week, when he knew many offices would then be closed on Friday and through the holiday weekend.
But it’s more than that.
Hackett was just sworn in for a second term in the House in January. His resignation will set off a wild series of events, both in the Legislature as well as the county Courthouse.
It certainly appears as if Hackett will head back to the county Criminal Investigation Division, where he served as a detective. Technically, he's been on a leave of absence since heading out the Turnpike to Harrisburg in 2010.
Then there's his state House seat.
What will happen now is that state House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, will call a special election. It most likely will be held sometime this summer, but can be held any time following a 60-day period following the date of Hackett's resignation on April 30. Before that a date will be set for the parties to make their nominations of candidates known.
The real shame of all this is that the woman Hackett defeated last November, Democrat Leanne Krueger-Braneky, was a terrific candidate with a solid background in helping small businesses.
It was a tough call between her and the incumbent. I wish they could just hand her the seat now.
Obviously that is not going to happen.
County Republican Chairman Andy Reilly said they are already talking about candidates, noting that he's known about Hackett's decision for a few days. I'll bet.
A possible return by Hackett to CID and the Media Courthouse could also put in motion something of a waterfall of shuffling positions.
County District Attorney Jack Whelan last night lauded Hackett's work as a detective and said he would welcome him back.
No doubt.
Hackett will take with him something not everyone in Harrisburg can claim. As per his background as a cop, he saved lives.
He was one of the driving forces behind 'David's Law,' honoring Upper Chichester resident David Massi, who died of a heroin overdose. David's Law would allow someone who is with a person suffering an OD to call 911 and get help without, for the most part, fear of criminal prosecution.
But it was Hackett who added the amendment that led to the anti-OD drug Naloxone being put in the hands of police. In its generic form of Narcan, the nasal spray can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose, literally bringing a drug user back from death’s door. That move has saved 30 lives in the county since it was put in place.
Now Hackett says he wants to return to his true calling, police work.
I just wish he had made that decision a few months earlier.
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