On Wednesday, March 21st, Federal Judge John E. Jones heard testimony from various witnesses on the right for three City of Harrisburg citizens to have Standing in the Federal Court to challenge the constitutionality of Harrisburg's Receivership.

After the hearing, Receiver David Unkovic discusses some of his testimony and is asked to explain his use of words on the stand, such as "mismanagement," "corruption," and "scam." Although he says his language may have been stronger than he intended, Unkovic goes on to stress that the more he works on the complexity of the City's financial problems, the more damage he finds.

Using the sewer and water fund transfers as an example, Unkovic declares, "These plans and schemes are so complicated, that they have broad ranging implication."

The Plaintiffs are arguing that Receivership violates Harrisburg citizens' constitutional rights to due process and equal protection and is harmful because it seeks to tax the citizens of Harrisburg in order to solve problems caused by wrongdoings. On the stand, Plaintiff Nevin Mindlin testified that the Receiver's intention to raise taxes won't solve the City's financial problems, but will only acerbate them. "A high tax burden drives people and business out of the City."

In response, Unkovic said, "I don't want people to leave the City," but states City residents will have to contribute to solve the enormous fiscal hole of Harrisburg.--Tara Leo Auchey

Photo/Natalie Cake