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The Indiana Daily Student

politics

Courthouse conference room named after former public servant

Haley

It was formally an open house for the renovated Monroe County Courthouse, but really, it was Pat Haley’s night.

During the open house, former Monroe County Clerk and County Recorder Haley received a surprise when her close friends and co-workers announced they were naming a conference room after her.

“I’m speechless,” Haley said to the crowd gathered at the courthouse Nov. 15.

Monroe County Commissioner Patrick Stoffers and current Recorder Jim Fielder made the dedication. Both have a long history with Haley, especially Fielder, who has known her since 1979.

Fielder was looking for a job, and a friend of his referred him to Haley, he said. Haley hired Fielder and they immediately clicked. The two spent the next couple decades working together at the courthouse.

Haley served as county clerk three times and recorder twice. She and Fielder would swap jobs. When Haley first ran for recorder, Fielder became clerk, and then they switched for her next term, and the term after that.

Fielder said he always called Haley if he needed advice.

Fielder said he has fond memories of Haley, such as when the courthouse was last renovated in 1984 and they had to move their offices. He recalled how Haley didn’t want to wait for the moving van, so she made Fielder help her roll the office shelves down the sidewalk.

He said he also loved that she was quotable. If someone told her a story, Haley, a Monroe County native, would play a trick and say, “You’ll have to show me, I’m from Missouri.” If she misplaced a file, she’d offer a nickel to anyone who would help her find it.

“I never saw anyone come around Pat that she didn’t treat the way people should be treated,” Fielder said.

When it was time for the unveiling, one of Haley’s friends took her hand and led her down the aisle as everyone clapped and cheered.

Stoffers presented Haley with a certificate and a hug.

Haley, who had a small American flag pinned to her navy blue sweater, accepted the award with grace, thanking all of her co-workers for everything they had done through the years.

Haley’s husband died in 1977, and she said the courthouse helped her through the hardest time in her life.

Once the formal ceremony was over, members of the crowd went up one-by-one to hug her and kiss her cheek. Stoffers was one of the last. He said the dedication was long overdue.

“We have a consummate public servant who’s served the people of Monroe County well with honor and distinction,” Stoffers said. “It’s the least we can do.”

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