Harrisburg council confirms Antonio Magna as business administrator after heated questioning

Harrisburg City Council confirmed Antonio J. Magna as the city’s business administrator on April 14, voting 6–1 after an extended period of questioning that focused on the nominee’s experience, residency and the mayor’s decision to push the appointment at the meeting.

Magna, who introduced himself to council members before the vote, described a background in public administration and public policy, prior work at Gannett Fleming and recent service to the city that began in July 2025. “I am proud to serve as the business administrator,” he said, and summarized three priorities: moving budget planning earlier in the year, modernizing city approval processes and improving communication between departments, the mayor’s office and council.

Council members voiced mixed reactions. Vice President Jones said he had reservations about the timing and the nominee’s independent track record and said he hoped council would monitor Magna’s performance; Jones cast the lone no vote. Councilwoman Green and Chair Rawls said they were uncomfortable with how quickly the appointment arrived for a vote and said they would have preferred more time to evaluate performance in a work-session setting. Councilman Rodriguez and others defended Magna based on having worked with him on constituent services and on expedited bargaining and grant-related work.

Solicitor Neil Grover told council the mayor had submitted a written appointment and cited City Code section 2-301.5(a), which requires council action within seven days or results in automatic approval; Grover said the provision has been used to avoid gaps in department leadership. “The mayor exercised that authority,” he said, describing the code’s purpose as preventing avoidable vacancies so management can continue operations.

Magna said he lives in Mechanicsburg and would, if confirmed, request whatever waiver is required; he told council he would work to hire a special assistant and to be available to members, providing monthly reports and direct contact information. Council members urged transparency, regular reporting and attention to the city’s priorities if Magna remains in the role for more than a year.

The council then read Resolution 23 a final time and took a roll-call vote. The tally was six in favor and one opposed; Vice President Jones voted no. Following the vote, several members reiterated expectations for accountability and regular updates from the business administrator’s office.