County Council Candidate Profile

Harry Haas
                 I am seeking this office in order to serve the decent people of Luzerne County who just want to live their lives without interference from government.  My background has allowed me to experience people from diverse walks of life, and on a council of eleven the skill of being able to work with people who hold different opinions is critical.  I plan to do so with humility and decency. Furthermore, if I am elected to this part-time position, I can still maintain a job that I love, build a family, and be effective in all three roles as councilman, educator, and husband.  I am running for this office because it is a way to give back to my community without shirking my other two--and frankly, more important--roles.
            My adult experience began as a 1993 graduate of Dallas High School, Rotary Exchange Student to Spain, and college student at George Washington University Washington, DC.  I am blessed that my experience has taken me from the rural edge of Luzerne County over to Europe and south to our nation’s capital. It has allowed me learn that most problems here are similar to those elsewhere.  My studies have prepared me to not repeat the same mistakes that have been made in other places and in different times.  Most importantly, experience outside of Luzerne County has helped me appreciate the quality of life we have here.  I currently reside in downtown Wilkes-Barre with my wife, Kristin, and I teach ancient history to 7th graders at Dallas Middle School.  On Monday nights I have taught citizenship class to new immigrants in the LCCC annex in downtown Hazleton.  
            If elected, my main goal is to restore trust and financial responsibility to county government by hiring the most qualified, experienced, and honest county manager.  Essential qualities for our new county manager are: 1) a reputation beyond reproach 2) proven experience in managing a similar municipality or large entity and 3) sterling references and background check. 
            Thank you for your consideration to represent you on our county council,

Harry Haas


Why are you a Republican?
 

My path to becoming a Republican actually began as a member of the College Democrats and internship under Congressman Kanjorski in the US Capitol in 1995.  When I moved back home 10 years ago I saw that most of my beliefs like individual responsibility, smaller government, equality of all opportunity for all people black and white, born and unborn, wealthy and poor, all fit into the Republican party.  In an attempt to make our city and public schools better for all people, I have run for Wilkes-Barre mayor and school board on the Republican ticket.  I am currently a member of the county Young Republicans, 6th district Republicans, and county Executive Board.

What past experiences qualify you to serve on the County Council?


I have served as Judge of Elections for 6 years.  The job is to ensure that the polling place is run safely and fairly to all voters.  My duties as State Committeeman are to attend seasonal meetings in Harrisburg in order to communicate the wishes of Luzerne County Republicans to the state party.  At my church I have served alternatively as an elder, board member, and youth director, all of which demanded working with budgets, personalities, and compromise while staying true to my vision and scripture.  I have a BA and MEd from George Washington University.

Did you support the home rule in the last election?  Why or why not?
 

Yes I did.  Home Rule is the best opportunity we have to combat corruption and cronyism from county government. Having part-time council offices will allow professional people-and not lifetime political hacks-to serve in government.  A full time, professional manager who follows the vision set forth by the 11-member council will also make our government run more efficiently and not beholden to amateur commissioners.   

What do you see as the most important challenge facing Luzerne County and how do you plan on addressing that challenge?


My top agenda item is to choose a top-notch county manager who will shrink our biggest challenge: a half billion dollar debt.