My experience during the past four years has taught me about relevant facts of city finances, operations and politics.  I was not aware of the huge amount of debt crushing the city and the mismanagement in the current administration.  I have spent the past three years trying to revitalize the system of checks and balances that had lapsed. 

I initiated legislation to form the first citizens’ Audit Committee to allow city residents to ensure openness, transparency and accuracy in city financial reporting. During the first nine months I was in office, tens of thousands of dollars of western artifacts were purchased on a monthly basis by the Harrisburg Authority.  These purchases did not cease until I introduced and passed legislation to restore an independent Authority board.

The current Controller has not worked for the best interests of the citizens of Harrisburg.  On December 31, 2007 the Controller paid in excess of $700,000 of legal fees generated by the Mayor that were never approved by the city solicitor, as required, or appropriated in the city budget.  This was a gross and blatant violation of the city code.  The job of Controller is to stop this exact type of misappropriation of funds.

The Controller should follow both the letter and intent of the law in carrying out their duties.  Harrisburg is best served by an independent Controller providing oversight and accountability. The Controller’s office is a crucial check in a well designed government.  As a CPA, with an MBA in Finance, I possess the necessary skills to bring higher standards of compliance and transparency to city government.