Mar 28, 2013 1 min read

Canonsburg Borough Council is poring over applications from a couple of dozen applicants for borough manager. They haven’t had to do so for 11 years, because that’s how long Terry Hazlett has held the position.

Hazlett’s retirement takes effect April 30, and whoever takes his place will have a difficult time matching his accomplishments.

After a long career as a writer and editor for the Observer-Reporter, Hazlett worked as executive director of the ARC Foundation before becoming Canonsburg’s manager. His civic enthusiasm has brought much attention to the borough, and he was a driving force behind the borough’s highly successful and long-running Oktoberfest celebration, its Perry Como statue, the emerging America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame and Canonsburg Magazine.

Moreover, unlike so many managers of smaller municipalities who have come and gone after brief stays, Hazlett stuck with the job. A highly visible and accessible administrator, he brought efficiency and accountability to Canonsburg’s government. His ideas and proposals were not always accepted or even welcomed, but his commitment and work ethic could never be questioned.

Canonsburg will be fortunate to find a replacement as effective – and enduring – as Hazlett.