 Hackett was described by "The New York Times" as six foot four and "garrulous, profane, and quick with a barked retort or a mischievous joke".Hackett had organized the recall of a councilman in Milford in 1995 and was elected to the council in his place, serving three years.He had also just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and played up his military service in the campaign.