Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse appears on Smart Talk

Harrisburg skyline from east 600 x 340.jpg

Photo by Scott LaMar/WITF

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, May 31, 2018:

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse appears on Thursday’s Smart Talk.

There always are numerous issues related to Pennsylvania’s capital city to discuss and among the topics we’ll ask the Mayor to address are Harrisburg’s finances, proposed new trash and recycling rules, parking and crime.

Harrisburg is part of a lawsuit filed against several financial, legal and engineering firms that had advised the city on the 2003 repairs and retrofit of the city’s trash-burning incinerator.  The suit blames those firms for misleading the city that led to borrowing and huge debts.  At one time, Harrisburg was $360 million in debt and teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.  With state assistance, a recovery plan was developed, taxes went up and assets were sold, but today Harrisburg is viable financially.  We’ll talk with the Mayor about what he hopes the suit achieves.

Also, one of those assets that was contracted out was parking.  Most believe parking is expensive in Harrisburg and businesses have long complained that it has hurt their bottom lines.  Papenfus recently announced a plan to make parking free after 5 p.m. in the downtown — something that should help night time businesses like restaurants. 

As a hub for the region, even those who don’t live in Harrisburg can be affected by decisions made there so tune into Thursday’s show.