Peter Flaherty
The Honorable Peter Flaherty
Term: 1970 – 1977
Term: 1970 – 1977
A World War II Air Corps veteran, Pete Flaherty was an Assistant District Attorney from 1957 - 1965. The still powerful democratic party organization slated him for a seat on City Council, however he challenged the organization and ran for Mayor on the theme of “Nobody's Boy” His victory ended the democratic machine and began a period of independent politics.
Reacting to the public’s weariness of great urban renewal projects, as Mayor, Flaherty emphasized “Neighborhood Renaissance” Flaherty promoted austerity in City finances and eliminated patronage from the City’s hiring and promotion process.
In 1977 Flaherty resigned the office to become a Deputy Attorney General in the administration of President Jimmy Carter.
