OVERVIEW

On July 10, 2023, a fire severely damaged the brick building of the Broad Street Market, destroying the roof but sparing the structure. Eighteen months have passed, and construction has yet to begin. Shockingly, it took over a year just to start cleaning up the debris. Steve Reed had his issues, but it’s hard not to agree with Nancy Eshelman, Pennlive, that Reed would have “watch(ed) the firefighters extinguish the flames and by morning, he would have had demolition crews on speed dial. Reed would have cut the ribbon on a new, improved market by now.”

The Broad Street Market is more than a shopping destination; it is the heart of Harrisburg. It’s where the city’s diverse currents converge, where people connect, converse, and build community. How can 18 months go by with so little progress? It’s incredible. It’s unthinkable. So much has been lost and will continue to be lost until the market reopens. Any informed observer would understand that prompt reopening is crucial for the market’s success. Vendors need certainty, buyers change their habits, and an empty market benefits no one.

Harrisburg needed a strong leader to tackle its most significant challenge in the past two years. So far, there is a leadership vacuum. Nothing highlights the lack of leadership in Harrisburg more than the Broad Street Market fiasco. It’s time for action. I will get it done. I will ensure that the Broad Street Market will be back in operation soon – it’s too important not to get it open now!

OVERVIEW

The COVID-19 pandemic placed a significant burden on city businesses, and now is the time to revitalize them. An effective urban business plan should focus on creating a walkable, vibrant environment. In my travels to numerous cities around the world, I have observed that most successful urban centers feature pedestrian-only areas filled with restaurants, shops, apartments, and businesses. These areas are lively, with people enjoying life and engaging in various activities around the clock. Harrisburg boasts one of the most scenic rivers I have ever seen in any city, making it a valuable asset. By enhancing downtown Harrisburg, the city could become a sought-after destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Key elements of my business development plan include:

Pedestrian-Friendly Design: The top priority is to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for pedestrians. This includes establishing pedestrian-only streets—some permanent and some during busy hours—along with street trees, landscaping, public art, fountains, safe crosswalks, and traffic calming infrastructure. Such an environment would encourage social interaction and congregation, making it a desirable area for businesses to thrive.

Mixed-Use Development: Creating a live-work environment by integrating residential units with commercial spaces is essential. This trend is already underway, with some office buildings being converted into residential apartments throughout the city. Increasing the number of residences will boost foot traffic and help create a vibrant live-work district.

Public Spaces: Whenever possible, the city should design inviting plazas, parks, and green spaces for community events and relaxation. In the small towns I visited in Italy this summer, people were out before and after dinner, strolling, having a drink, or simply sitting on benches watching the world go by—a wonderful way to end the day. Adding lighting and internet connectivity will only make these spaces more appealing.

Targeted Marketing and Tax Breaks: To generate initial momentum, it is necessary to target specific businesses and provide tax breaks and other assistance. Once established as "the place to be," growth will occur naturally. Both paid and unpaid artists will be drawn to perform and sell their art. Harrisburg's diverse population will foster a welcoming exchange of cultures. It's crucial to include input from current successful businesses to determine what could be done to create an exciting business district.

Arts, Community Events, and Festivals: The city should assist in organizing regular public events and festivals to create a lively atmosphere and foster a sense of community. Promoting local arts and cultural events, galleries, and live music venues will attract visitors and generate buzz. By working together, entirely new business districts could emerge in Harrisburg, transforming the city's dynamic.

OVERVIEW

I know from personal experience the significance of civil rights, having faced arguably some of the most severe discrimination in Harrisburg. In 1990, while employed at a CPA firm in Camp Hill, I was abruptly fired when my employer discovered I am gay. This happened despite my employer testifying under oath that I was the best employee he had ever had and was scheduled to become a partner within the next 15 months. Although the experience was shocking, I quickly rebounded and started my own CPA firm in downtown Harrisburg. Thanks to my advanced computer skills, a third of the clients followed me to my new firm.

Since there were no laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, I had no legal recourse against my former employer. However, he was annoyed that so many clients left and filed a lawsuit against me. In a completely unjust decision, I was ordered to pay the employer who fired me solely because I am gay, $156,000—a significant sum in 1993 and more money than I had. I sold everything I owned and borrowed where I could to make the payment. Undeterred, I worked hard to build a successful and profitable firm located at 2nd and North Streets. Despite facing clear discrimination and lacking civil rights protection, I persevered and beat the odds.

When my partner, Carl, and I, along with our two children, wanted to formalize our family union, there was no legal mechanism available to us. We could not legally marry. However, we persevered and grew together as a loving family, remaining close to this day. When the law changed, Carl and I were finally able to marry.

Civil rights for everyone, ensuring an equal playing field, is a major moral tenet of mine. I am firmly committed to fighting for civil rights for all. I have testified before a Congressional committee on civil rights, and Ted Kennedy spoke about me and the discrimination I faced on the floor of the US Senate. Over the years, I have fought many battles for civil rights at the state capitol. I know firsthand the importance of civil rights, and I will continue to fight for everyone.

OVERVIEW

I am a passionate gardener. My passion for gardening began in second grade when I sprouted a pumpkin seed and planted it in my yard. Watching that pumpkin grow into an abundant harvest hooked me for life. After landscaping my city yard, I turned my attention to nearby vacant lots, purchasing properties on the 2200 block of Atlas Street. I cleared them of trash, weeds, and wild trees, transforming them into a thriving vegetable garden, later adding a berry patch and a small orchard. When the adjacent Community Garden faced closure, I stepped in to save it, ensuring the gardeners could keep their plots. Today, I own and manage the Atlas Street Community Garden, which supports 14 happy gardeners.

Clean and green spaces are incredibly important to me. After my morning runs along the river, I pick up trash on Emerald Street. I also planted the ten street trees that now grace my block—without me, those trees wouldn’t exist. These accomplishments are among my proudest, and I’m committed to planting 1,000 more street trees in Harrisburg during my term.

My vision for a cleaner, greener Harrisburg is rooted in education and community engagement. I’m dedicated to teaching residents that littering is unacceptable and fostering a sense of community ownership. I plan to promote litter prevention, initiate beautification projects, and install trash bins in high-traffic areas to ensure they are regularly emptied. I’ll also use surveillance cameras to catch and prosecute illegal dumping. Trash accumulation harms neighborhoods, but with collective effort, we can turn things around and make Harrisburg a beautiful city.

OVERVIEW

A quality education is one of the most positive influences on an individual. It can be transformative, helping people grow and achieve their potential. For those from lower-income backgrounds, education can be a pathway to securing a good job, buying a home, raising a stable family, and living a fulfilling life. Well-educated residents contribute to lower crime rates, reduced drug use, and fewer incidents of violence. It is crucial that Harrisburg provides an education system that works for every student. The attitudes of students and parents play a vital role in valuing and striving for a quality education. A quality education, combined with the desire to achieve, is a powerful way to unlock the potential of Harrisburg's citizens and create a better city.

I am running for mayor, not the school board. The school board, with state assistance, is responsible for Harrisburg City Schools. The school district has had a significant impact on Harrisburg. I know many former residents who loved living in Harrisburg but felt compelled to move out of the city before their children began school. Their departures negatively impacted both the city and the school district. Harrisburg would be a different place if the school district had a strong reputation for providing quality education. Although the mayor has no direct power over the school district, I recognize the importance of having a quality school district in Harrisburg. I will do everything possible to support Harrisburg City Schools so that every student obtains a quality education.

While I don’t have specific authority or a detailed plan for the school district, educating our city’s youth is a great concern. I will be a champion for public education. I will work with the school district when asked and when possible. I will gladly meet with student groups and work to have students intern in city government. When funding is available, I will hire students for summer jobs. Nothing is more important to the future of Harrisburg than our youth, and nothing is more important to our youth than obtaining a quality education.

OVERVIEW

I am a long-time financial professional with CPA and MBA credentials. After working with firms of all sizes, I established my own CPA firm in 1990 at 2nd and North Streets, where it thrived, created good-paying jobs, and continues to serve clients today. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of individuals and businesses develop systems, manage finances, and navigate regulations. Harrisburg’s shaky finances urgently need the skills and experience I bring to the table.

With COVID relief funds running out and the city’s fund balance declining, Harrisburg requires professional budget management. Real estate tax revenue is at risk as commercial property values drop, and businesses appeal for tax reductions—one major property has already succeeded. The city’s financial challenges will only grow, and my expertise is essential to avert a crisis.

Present Truly Balanced and Thoughtful Budgets

The recently passed 2025 city budget claims a small surplus but hides a $15M deficit. Revenue includes an “Estimated Cash Carryover,” using prior years’ cash surpluses to mask a shortfall. This practice is unsustainable. I understand the city’s budget better than any elected official and will ensure a truly balanced budget that allocates resources effectively and serves residents’ needs.

$14.8M of Uncollected Trash Accounts Receivable

Since 2018, I’ve advocated for solutions to collect $14.8M in unpaid trash fees, largely from landlord-owned properties. In 2020, Mayor Williams promised to include trash fees in annual real estate tax notices but failed to act. The only viable solution is to hand these accounts to Dauphin County for collection. Over the past year alone, the balance has grown by $1.24M. I am committed to collecting these receivables to stabilize our precarious financial position.

2022 and 2023 City Audited Financial Statements Are Overdue

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) must be completed by June 30 each year, yet Harrisburg has failed to publish the 2022 and 2023 reports. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. Early in my career, I conducted audits in public accounting, and I understand the importance of timely, accurate reporting. I will ensure the Finance Department complies with annual deadlines.

ICA Recommendations for Financial Stability

The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA) has made critical recommendations for Harrisburg, including:

1.  Addressing the declining fund balance to avoid financial depletion.

2. Focusing on $14.8M in past-due trash receivables and improving collection rates.

3. Developing a comprehensive Economic Development Plan, which is currently nonexistent.

4. Establishing a funded OPEB Trust for retired employees, addressing a $157M liability.

These are major issues that require competent leadership. The current administration has failed to address them, and I am ready to take on the challenge to secure Harrisburg’s financial future.

OVERVIEW

Addressing homelessness is an incredibly complex challenge that requires the collective efforts of numerous community partners—government, churches, non-profits, and businesses. For a successful urban plan to tackle homelessness, collaboration is key. These organizations must work together on prevention, support services, housing options, job opportunities and training, substance abuse rehabilitation, and mental health programs. There is no quick fix to this issue. It demands time, understanding, financial resources, and unwavering commitment. I am dedicated to reducing homelessness in Harrisburg by exploring and providing viable options. However, I cannot guarantee a definitive solution.

In the past, I have taken significant steps to alleviate homelessness. During my tenure on City Council, I spearheaded the effort to secure adequate funding for the construction of Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven, which opened in June 2009 near Cameron Street. Partnering with Jacqui Rucker from Christian Churches United, the operator of the facility, we successfully allocated funds for two consecutive years, enabling the Haven to commence operations. This facility offers 25 permanent units and space for 40 overnight beds, serving as a transitional space from homelessness to permanent housing and providing refuge from harsh weather conditions.

I remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders in Harrisburg to address homelessness. My past support reflects my dedication, and I will continue to uphold this commitment as Mayor..

OVERVIEW

Crime and violence are a present issue in the City of Harrisburg.  Nothing is more important than for city residents to feel safe as they go about their daily lives.  The city’s reputation for crime, whether right or wrong, it is a major impediment that holds back future city growth.  For Harrisburg to thrive it is imperative that violent crime be prevented and criminals held accountable and removed from city streets.  As Mayor I will work to address crime by focusing on for major initiatives.

Camera Surveillance

I will work to establish a locally run non-profit Camera Surveillance Organization that will own, maintain, monitor and manage a citywide surveillance network. While this organization will work with police and others, it will NOT be police or government run. Private citizens rights will be accorded great consideration.  The Lancaster Safety Coalition (LSC) has been successfully using this model for 20 years.  In 2023 LSC was able to provide usable video evidence 85% of the time requested. Their funding is a mix of government grants (45%) and private contributions (55%) with modest annual expenditures of $600,000.  Initial investment estimates in a surveillance camera network are $3M. Of course, more cameras mean more expense. Grants and charitable funding would be the source of the initial investment. My neighbors have asked for camera surveillance where shootings have occurred. Video evidence helps capture those responsible, deters crime and makes prosecution easier.

Proactive Policing Intervention

I will work to implement proactive policing intervention and an anti-violence workforce. This strategy uses existing data to identify repeat and likely perpetrators. Engaging with those identified can help prevent future crime.  Resources must be available to assist them with mental health services, employment, education, housing, transportation, family support and more.  This initiative would be focused in neighborhoods where it would do the most good.  Credible personnel would provide on-going engagement with high-risk individuals.  Generally, a small percentage of perpetrators drive most community violence.  This is an attempt to steer those involved in violence in a more positive direction and reduce crime. 

Community Policing

Community policing is an easy catch phrase that evokes friendly police walking the neighborhood and getting to know the neighbors. With the current shortage of resources this hardly seems realistic.  However, it is important to view the crime and community together. Officers should seek the root cause of crime and try to address it with other partners and agencies if possible. Problem solving is enhanced by the speed and advances of technology. Gathering data from many sources can assist in identifying the criminal as well as causes of the crime. Using automatic license plate readers, digital crime mapping and surveillance cameras can help in intelligence-led policing. Community members working with police can help identify offenders and causes while intervention and enforcement can work to stop this behavior.

OVERVIEW

City streets are the lifeblood of our community. They are more than just roads; they are the spaces where we live, work, and play. They must be safe, efficient, accessible, and beautiful for all users – drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and those with disabilities.

The recent revitalization of North Second Street demonstrates the transformative power of thoughtful street design. However, many of our less-traveled streets are in disrepair, impacting the quality of life for our residents.

I pledge to work with the Department of Public Works to develop a comprehensive, data-driven plan to repave every street in the city, prioritizing those in the most critical need. We will publish this plan online, ensuring transparency and community engagement throughout the process. By focusing on a sustainable pace of 5% of streets per year, we can systematically address this critical infrastructure need, making Harrisburg a more vibrant and equitable city for all."

OVERVIEW

Residents often rightfully complain about quality-of-life issues.  Addressing these issues makes a neighborhood more vibrant and a much better place to live, while also reducing crime.  Prompt response to quality-of-life issues allows residents to maintain their faith in government and view their community as safe. I am committed to solving quality-of-life issues promptly and providing safe and attractive neighborhoods for residents.

Quality of Life Issues

I commit to promptly logging, monitoring and solving these following problems as soon as reported: 

• Street lights: It has been problematic keeping the lights on, instill renewed dedication.

• Potholes: Receive reports and promptly fill. Dedicate one day a week if necessary to potholes.

• Tractor trailers parked on residential streets:  Enforce no parking.

• Abandoned vehicles: Tag and remove promptly. Allow police to do police work and use other staff when possible (e.g., for abandoned vehicles).

• Blight: Use code enforcement and fines to curb.  Encourage minority builders to purchase and refurbish blighted building.

• Trash dumping: Use surveillance cameras to catch and fine perpetrators.

• Graffiti: Paint over quickly with the assistance of community groups.

• Abandoned lots and buildings: Keep vegetation cut down, collect trash and secure buildings.

• Improve road and pedestrian safety:  Catch and confiscate illegal bikers on city streets.

• Summer youth employment program to pick up trash: Hire city youth, funded via grants, to clean and green Harrisburg.

Responding to these and other quality-of-life issues will build trust and respect for local government and foster a positive working relationship.