Trading in the Hammer for the Gavel

Lawrence County
Community Action Partnership

Thomas Carney

Thomas Carney came to Lawrence County looking to start over after a series of personal setbacks. After years of dedicated employment at International Paper, Inc. in Erie, Pennsylvania, Tom lost his job. Exhausting unemployment compensation benefits, he was forced to rely on Food Stamp benefits for seven months. With assistance from long-time friends, Tom learned of an opening for a maintenance person at Lawrence County Community Action Partnership (LCCAP). He applied for the position and was hired part time at LCCAP in its maintenance department.  

"After 30 years of employment at International Paper, I felt lost and let down by this employer. I scrambled to seek new employment and was willing to drive 100 miles each way from Erie to New Castle for the opportunity at LCCAP," Tom said.

After six months of employment, Tom's widespread knowledge of maintenance and construction impressed LCCAP's management; and he was promoted to Project Manager in the agency's Housing Department. In his new role, he was responsible for designing job specifications, bidding out contracts, managing LCCAP's Union Carpenter, managing volunteer construction crews, ordering building permits, attending zoning and variance hearings and counseling individual families on their construction projects.

Tom was also quick to take advantage of a variety of continuing education opportunities provided by LCCAP. Courses provided at the agency allowed him to upgrade his computer skills, obtain his State Certifications as a Lead Risk Assessor and Lead Inspector, serve on the Health and Safety Committee and becoming a Lead Safe Work Practices Instructor. During his tenure as Project Manager, he assisted over 100 families in obtaining safe, secure housing through accessible housing modifications and housing upgrades.

Tom was very successful at LCCAP. He was now ready to face his next goal, moving from the foreman's room to the courtroom. In his free time, Tom had been studying to become a certified District Judge. In November 2005 he entered the race for Magisterial District Judge in the 3rd District of Erie and won a six-year term to serve his community.

"Every 1000 mile journey starts with the first step," is an ancient Chinese proverb Tom quotes when asked about his journey from the paper mill to the bench. It is with this strong will that he has made great progress in his life's voyage.

Lawrence County Community Action Partnership offers a variety of programs to assist low income individuals throughout Lawrence County move from poverty to self-sufficiency.