Dan's Plan for Harrisburg

"Harrisburg is a beautiful, historic, vibrant and diverse community, that I proudly call home. Our city currently suffers from uncertainty related to troubled city finances and decaying infrastructure caused by a mismanaged City Government. It’s time to end the decline and begin building a better future. I believe the best way for the city of Harrisburg  to solve its long term financial challenges is to expand its tax base through growth, not to tax residents more. To do this, we need new leadership. My vision for Harrisburg’s recovery is founded on getting back to the basics and ensuring our revival is not only felt in center city but in every one of our neighborhoods." –Dan Miller

•  Balance the annual budget and reduce city debt by implementing a comprehensive financial solution, including bankruptcy if necessary
•  Improve the quality of life of every resident by making essential city services more efficient, accessible and responsive
•  Utilize experience as a small business owner to reinvest and support growth in our businesses and neighborhoods
•  Lead the revitalization of our communities through regional partnerships
•  Advocate for improvement in our children’s schools

Transparent and Responsive Government

As a former Vice President of City Council, Dan had a successful record of working with City officials and will bring that skill set to the Mayor’s office. Dan believes the Mayor and city council should have an improved working relationship. More so, every resident deserves to know how every penny of his or her tax money is spent and what projects are ongoing throughout the city. Dan wants to build upon the City Controller website (www.HarrisburgCityController.com) and provide transparency in all aspects of Harrisburg City Government.

• Rebuilding City website with an improved directory to provide easy access to city employees and resources
• Nurturing strong, working relationships between the Mayor’s office and City Council, as well as other officials, by involving them in planning for and delivering better City government
• Meet with community groups and citizens to answer questions, share ideas and listen to the concerns of City residents

Sound Fiscal Management

City finances have been under the microscope for years with no solution. Dan is ready to take charge and lead Harrisburg out of deficit and debt. Dan is a financial professional with more than 30 years experience including 8 years of city government experience that uniquely positions him to implement a comprehensive financial solution. In the short term, Dan will focus on streamlining city operations to reduce costs and improve government response. Dan will also develop a long term strategy for a solvent and fiscally responsible Harrisburg.

• Lead and deliver a comprehensive financial plan
• Build a long term plan for the City
• Explore cost effective measures that reduce city costs through streamlining operations and green initiatives such as recycling and composting

Safer Neighborhoods

City residents deserve safe streets and well protected neighborhoods. But, there is growing concern that Harrisburg’s streets are becoming less safe. Although we can implement reforms that allow a more proactive approach to the problem, we can’t rely on law enforcement alone to meet the challenge. We need to develop comprehensive neighborhood based strategies that recognize the complexity of the problem and work in tandem with community leaders to solve it.

• Develop a better model in order to tackle crime in Harrisburg by utilizing new technology, methods and tactics that have been successful in other cities
• Work with neighborhood organizations to ensure that the City is responsive to resident’s safety concerns
• Develop better city policies to enforce laws against nuisance crimes

Improved Quality of Life

Providing essential and effective services to Harrisburg’s residents is city government’s primary responsibility. We must improve and update operations so that the city can efficiently repair our deteriorating infrastructure and optimize other services. We need to collaborate with neighborhood leaders, local non-profits, and regional organizations to establish priorities and ensure that we are working together in the best interests of city residents. By emphasizing green initiatives such as increased gardening, composting, and recycling, the city will create a more alluring and resourceful character. A bike and pedestrian friendly city will attract more residents.

• Improve essential City services to combat deteriorating infrastructure
• Coordinate with local non-profits and community groups to establish priorities
• Support a comprehensive city-wide traffic study to improve traffic flow including researching making 2^nd Street two way
• Work with City residents to assist with City-wide clean-up plans
• Make Harrisburg a more attractive, bike and pedestrian friendly city

Economic Development

In order to properly address the city’s financial crisis we need to spur growth and development in addition to identifying cost saving initiatives. We must develop a 5 to 10 year economic plan to incorporate strategic methods that create growth. We can use well established tools such as tax abatement to strategically target vacant lots and buildings for development. But, we must also be open to new ideas in which the city can help businesses and new residents prosper. We must also work diligently to change the city’s image regionally as well as nationally. Investors, whether home buyers or businesses, balance many factors when deciding where to locate. Delivery of basic city services, quality of life and faith in the area’s future are prominent among them.

• Develop a comprehensive and strategic plan for economic development through the next 5-10 years
• Strategically utilize tax abatement to increase development focused on vacant lots and buildings
• Coordinate with organized labor, Chamber of Commerce, and other economic development organizations to create a business friendly environment in Harrisburg
•  Implement a marketing strategy to improve our City’s image and attract professionals into the City

SPECIAL NOTE ON EDUCATION

Although most have no direct role, Mayors around the country are becoming more involved with education in their cities. They understand how critically important good schools are in promoting their city’s economic development and its image. Dan realizes that finding ways to improve our children’s education plays a critical role in Harrisburg’s future. He will be an active participant in the debate as we face the challenge of closing the achievement gap and raising the graduation rate.