We all knew when Harrisburg sold off most of its assets that there would be budget problems. With a new sheriff in town, there were also bound to be personnel changes - maybe even new or reconstituted positions. And the money to fund those has to come from somewhere.
What no one knew was that one of those "somewheres" would be a group of businesses that stand to profit from development in the city. That's right, one of Mayor Papenfuse's right hand aides will have her salary paid for by business donations funneled through the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). And CREDC plans on raising the money through donations from the business community. Already onboard are entities like Capital Blue Cross, PPL, Alexander Building Construction and a host of other companies that stand to gain from economic development. Funding is contingent on a specific individual holding the job - former Lebanon Mayor Jackie Parker will become Harrisburg's economic development director.
Inquiring minds want to know whether it's legal to have an outside entity fund a city position. Or is this akin to putting the fox in the henhouse?
This is just one of many stories I am working on here in Harrisburg as the chickens come home to roost after the massive sell-off to pay off the ill-fated Incinerator debt.
Keep 'em honest, Trog.
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