Following Eric Papenfuse’s election as Harrisburg’s next mayor, some City Council members say they’re looking forward to a better relationship with the city’s administration and acknowledged challenges ahead.
“To see that we are finally going to move the city forward, finally get rid of some old baggage, finally have a fresh perspective on what we can do, I’m beyond excited,” said Council member Sandra Reid (D).
Papenfuse (D) defeated city Controller Dan Miller (R) in Tuesday’s election. Aaron Johnson and Lewis Butts ran as write-in candidates.
“I think the hopelessness has just turned into hopeful,” said Reid.
During his victory speech Tuesday night, Papenfuse acknowledged the significant work he’ll have to do to bring the city together following a contentious race run amid a financial crisis.
“We’re tired of all the fighting, the divisiveness. I think this is a clear and commanding message that we’re ready to move Harrisburg forward together,” said Papenfuse.
In the time until Papenfuse is sworn into office, city leaders are trying to close major deals affecting the sewer system, the incinerator and the parking assets. The moves are outlined in the “Harrisburg Strong Plan,” which the receiver designed to handle more than $600 million of public debt.
Harrisburg attorney Shamaine Daniels is one of two new council members elected Tuesday. She said she ran because of the city’s response to sinkholes that had formed in her neighborhood. She said she was optimistic Papenfuse would bring a positive change to how such issues are addressed.
“It seemed like there was often a lot of personality conflicts that held up decisions as opposed to folks who would make decisions based on what was right idea or wrong idea,” said Daniels.