As a former mayor is charged, another is praised

(Harrisburg) — At the same time a former Harrisburg mayor faces criminal charges, another one is earning praise.

Attorney General Kathleen Kane says Mayor Eric Papenfuse is a big reason why former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed has been charged with bribery, theft and corruption.

Kane says Papenfuse tried to do something about Reed’s alleged past actions.

“The present mayor, Mayor Papenfuse, had a lot to do with this because he was an advocate for the people of this city, and he just, the squeaky wheel gets the grease sometimes, and he just wouldn’t let it go,” says Kane.

Investigators say Reed used city bonds to raise money for purchases of more than 10,000 artifacts – some of which were recently seized from his home.

Kane adds: “It’s unfortunate that sometimes that’s what needs to happen to bring it to light and to get someone to actually do something about it.”

In a statement, Papenfuse says the criminal charges are an important step.

Speaking in 2014, he said his administration cooperated with investigators.

“To the extent to which we have accountability in Harrisburg, I will feel that is a very positive thing. We’re all working to the goal of helping the city grow and have a real rebirth and I’ve always said that that won’t happen without accountability,” he says. 

“As you may recall in 2007, I stood up and requested that the Attorney General investigate what I saw as a pattern of illegal activity emanating at that time from the Harrisburg Authority.”

Kane says Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico’s office also played a large role in the investigation.

Former Mayor Reed is due back in court next week. He maintains his innocence..