Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ethics Nepotism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Harrisburg mayor rejects media reports of hiring relatives, cites longstanding family ties to city workforce
Summary
The mayor of Harrisburg addressed recent media reports alleging she created positions for family members, saying her administration is committed to transparency and noting her son worked in the city's public works department for 10 years, before she took office.
The mayor of Harrisburg issued a public statement at a city meeting rejecting recent media reports that suggested she created positions for family members and defending her family's long record of service to the city.
The mayor said the administration is "dedicated to transparency, accountability, and progress for the people of Harrisburg," and that she welcomed "constructive dialogue" about how to move the city forward.
"Good afternoon, and thank you all for coming today. I wanna take this time to speak to the residents of Harrisburg. Not only as your mayor, But also as a mother. A grandmother. A friend," the mayor said. She acknowledged that holding office "requires sacrifices" and that criticism is to be expected.
Responding to a recent PennLive article, the mayor said, "The PennLive article stating, I create a position for family members." She disputed the implication that she had hired relatives into new positions, and provided details about family employment in city jobs.
The mayor said her son "has worked for Harrisburg City, public works, for 10 years. Long before I took office." She also said seasonal summer job applicants were hired and that "mine were no exception," indicating family members who applied for short-term positions were hired alongside other applicants.
She urged residents not to let "gossip and speculation" overshadow the city's work, saying the challenges Harrisburg faces are "just too important" and that her "door remains open to those who seek honest conversations and real solutions."
She closed by urging unity: "And may we move forward together, and it's stronger than ever."
