If Harrisburg doesn’t get its act together and implement the state Act 47 coordinator proposal fast, there could soon be a takeover of the city. According to Gov. Tom Corbett who is in favor of the Senate Bill 1151, issued by Jeffrey Piccola, it would facilitate the city’s financial recovery plan while stampeding “any efforts by the city to declare bankruptcy.” Should city leaders fail to act on this Bill, Piccola will look toward a “three-person management board” to put it into effect.
No More Bankruptcy Options
It seems like the longer it is left, the less chance Harrisburg will have to file for bankruptcy. The Act 47 plan is remiss of any “debt forgiveness” too. Corbett – somewhat sensibly IMHO – is saying that he will indeed sign it should it get through the legislative process. According to councilman Brad Koplinski, Corbett’s support is great, “and really should put all of us on alert as to how quickly this is moving on, and I hate to say it, but the fix might be in for Harrisburg.”
Act 47 Disadvantages
But of course there are always two sides to every coin. While Corbett may be an Act 47 supporter, he might not realize that it would lead to an increase in taxes and unemployment, alongside a selling or leasing of the “city’s parking garages and incinerator…to ensure banks get their money back.” So it seems like the main beneficiary here would be Wall Street, according to Koplinski.
Piccola’s argument however is that Bill 1151 seeks to “protect municipalities and the state itself.” Declaring bankruptcy is only going to end up “hurting credit ratings elsewhere,” rendering it much harder for townships to borrow money. The city’s mayor, Linda Thompson pointed out however that the bill fails to “respect the publicly elected officials in this city.” She just doesn’t feel that it is the “appropriate process at this time.”
Well, we might know a little bit more in a few days’ time since it could get to the Senate floor “for a vote Friday,” moving on to the House by next week. But then state lawmakers are going to be on recess so the timing might end up being not so great and once out of sight, may become out of mind.
