[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES McNULTY, 26TH MAYOR OF SCRANTON

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                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2016

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Jim 
McNulty, former Mayor of Scranton, who passed away on March 2, 2016 
after battling cancer and heart problems. Jim was a champion for the 
Electric City and will be remembered for his service to his community.
  Born in Scranton on February 27, 1945 to Henry and Eloise McNulty, he 
was the eldest of six siblings. Jim graduated from the University of 
Scranton in 1966, with a degree in Political Science. In 1981, Jim 
entered his name in Scranton's mayoral election, and his campaign was 
centered on reviving Scranton's economy. The rose became an iconic 
image of Jim's candidacy, as he handed out thousands to voters and wore 
one on his lapel.
  Jim assumed office in 1982. During his time as mayor, he took on 
several projects that revitalized city's infrastructure, attracted 
tourism, and reclaimed pride in Scranton's history as a railroad hub. 
Jim worked with the National Park Service to establish Steamtown 
National Historic Site. Through Jim's efforts, Scranton was also able 
to rehabilitate the historic Erie-Lackawanna train station on Jefferson 
Avenue and convert it into hotel. His administration committed the 
funding needed to finish Montage Mountain Road, which allowed for the 
development of Montage Mountain Ski Resort. He also attracted a 
heavyweight championship fight between Larry Holmes and Lucien 
Rodriguez.
  After his term ended in 1986, Jim went on to become a local media 
personality. He hosted a radio talk show on WARM, billed as ``the Mayor 
of WARMland.'' He also covered politics on WYOU-TV's ``Sunday Live with 
Jim McNulty.'' Outside of the media, Jim worked as a political 
consultant to other candidates and campaigns. In 1991, Jim married Evie 
Rafalko, and the couple recently celebrated their 25th anniversary.
  It is an honor to recognize the life of this talented public servant. 
Jim's legacy will not be soon forgotten by the Electric City. His 
passing is deeply saddening, and he will be greatly missed by the 
people of Scranton.

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