Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Another Go: Harrisburg City Council member Ben Allatt announces bid for re-election

 

Ben Allatt sworn into his first City Council term in 2014.

Ben Allatt was sworn into his first City Council term in 2014.

City Council member Ben Allatt announced his bid for a second term today via a Facebook Live video in front of the Broad Street Market, pledging to work to continue Harrisburg’s financial recovery.

“I’m proud of the record I have in working for more financial accountability, increased communication among our leaders, and also government transparency,” he said. “These are themes I want to build on going forward.”

A Democrat, Allatt won his first four-year term on council in 2013 and currently chairs council’s Budget and Finance Committee. He said in a press release that he has immersed himself in “understanding the intricacies” of the state-mandated financial recovery plan, the Act 47 process, municipal finance and the state laws pertaining to local government.

Speaking on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, he cited the civil rights leader’s legacy of equality and service as something he doesn’t “take lightly.”

“I think the lesson for all of us is to figure out how we can work together to serve our community,” he said.

City Councilman Jeff Baltimore will serve as his campaign chair. Caleb Wright, Sawyer Neale and Julian Salinas also are serving on his campaign team.

Allatt works as the associate vice president of human resources at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. He graduated from Messiah College and has lived in Harrisburg since 2001, according to his website.

Four, four-year council seats are at stake for the May 16 primary. Allatt is the first council incumbent to announce for re-election. Incumbent Destini Hodges will not run again in order to pursue a magisterial district justice seat.

Author: Danielle Roth

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