Tag Archives: Karen Balaban

Large field of candidates to run for Harrisburg mayor, City Council, as nominating deadline passes

March 11, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Campaign signs outside of Harrisburg city hall last November

Harrisburg voters soon will cast ballots in highly competitive primary races for mayor and council, as the deadline passed on Tuesday for candidates to submit their nominating petitions.

For mayor, incumbent Wanda Williams faces a large field of Democratic competitors, including city Treasurer Dan Miller, City Council member Lamont Jones, community activist Tone Cook Jr. and former candidate Lewis Butts Jr., according to the Dauphin County Bureau of Registration & Elections.

Williams is vying for a second term in office, following a long tenure on city council. Miller, in his third term as treasurer, also has served on city council and as city controller. Jones is serving his second year on council. Cook hasn’t held elected office previously but is known as an anti-crime and anti-gun violence advocate. Butts has run unsuccessfully for mayor several times before.

All candidates are Democrats. No Republicans filed to run for mayor for the May 20 primary.

For city council, three incumbents, all Democrats, submitted nominating petitions for re-election for the four, four-year seats: Ausha Green, Jocelyn Rawls and Ralph Rodriguez. Three-term incumbent Shamaine Daniels did not file for re-election, leaving one seat open.

In addition to the incumbents, challengers Leslie Franklin, Lisa Glenn, Sharon Horne, Elyse Irvis, Robert Lawson, Willie Ross, Rich Sanders, Lori Saulisbury, Karl Singleton and Basir Vincent filed to run in the Democratic primary for council.

Like in the mayoral election, no Republicans chose to run for council in Harrisburg, an overwhelmingly Democratic city.

For city controller, attorney Karen Balaban filed for the Democratic nomination. Notably, long-time controller Charlie DeBrunner did not submit for re-election. No Republicans filed to run.

The Harrisburg school board has four, four-year seats and one, two-year seat up for grabs this year.

At the petition deadline, Democratic incumbents Roslyn Copeland, Danielle Robinson, Brian Carter and Jaime Johnsen filed for the four, four-year seats, while Annie Hughes, appointed to the board last year, will run for the two-year seat. No Republicans filed to run.

Dauphin County also has elections for several row offices this year.

For prothonotary, incumbent Matt Krupp of Harrisburg is seeking re-election, running as a Republican. Harrisburg resident Antonio Carreno is the sole Democrat seeking the office.

The clerk of courts primary is competitive, as Tina Nixon and Timothy Pianka, both of Harrisburg, are vying for the Democratic nomination. John McDonald is seeking the Republican nomination for the office.

For county coroner, long-time incumbent Graham Hetrick is seeking another term, running as a Republican. John Harris Jr. filed for the Democratic nomination.

The candidate fields are preliminary, as petition signatures can be challenged through March 18. The ballot will be finalized on March 26, with the primary election slated for May 20.

The candidates in this story are those listed by Dauphin County as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday. We will update the story if candidates are added or removed. Click here to see the full list of candidates running for office in Dauphin County.

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Mayoral candidate Otto Banks stays in race; court decides that he lives in Harrisburg

March 25, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Mayoral candidate Otto Banks outside the Dauphin County Courthouse on Tuesday

Harrisburg mayoral candidate Otto Banks will remain on the ballot, winning a legal battle to prove his residency in the city.

On Thursday, Dauphin County Judge Andrew Dowling issued his decision on whether or not Banks lives in Harrisburg—a requirement to run for office—and decided he did.

“We are very pleased with the decision of the court and very glad Otto will have a chance to face voters of the city of Harrisburg,” Bank’s attorney John Bravacos said when reached by phone.

The petition against Banks was filed by city resident Joseph Wright earlier this month. On Tuesday, attorney Karen Balaban argued in a Dauphin County courtroom that Banks may have purchased his house at 1204 S. 19^th St. over a year before the coming general election on Nov. 2, but he hasn’t been residing there.

According to Dauphin County, Banks bought the Harrisburg house on Aug. 31 for $50,000. He stated that he moved in shortly afterward, even though he still owns his Swatara Township house, which he bought in February 2007.

One of Balaban’s main arguments was Banks’s low water, gas and electric usage, which all substantially decreased from the previous owner. However, Dowling wasn’t convinced, citing in his opinion, Banks’ testimony that he didn’t spend much time in his home during the day and often traveled to Colombia to visit his wife and son.

“We do not find the purportedly low utility bills to be persuasive or sufficient to overcome the presumption that the candidate lives where he said he lives,” Dowling wrote in the memorandum supporting his decision.

Balaban also sought to prove that Banks spent more time at his Swatara Township home on Hoffman Drive. But Dowling again supported Banks’ testimony that he sleeps and has most of his belongings in his Harrisburg home.

When reached by phone on Thursday evening, Balaban said she is reviewing the transcript and will decide if she wants to appeal the ruling. She has 10 days to file an appeal.

Banks said in court on Tuesday that he does still use his Swatara Township home as office space for his consulting company, Skyler Group LLC, and occasionally sleeps over if he is working late.

In the memorandum, Dowling noted that Banks applied for and was granted a homestead exemption, updated his voter registration, changed his bank account mailing address, updated his driver’s license and car registration and put in for a change of address at the post office, all to reflect his Harrisburg address.

“In conclusion, we find that the credible evidence shows that the candidate was both physically present at the city property, and clearly manifested an intent to make the city property his principal home, thus making it his residence for the purpose of qualifying as a candidate for the office of mayor of the City of Harrisburg,” Dowling stated.

Banks, a former city council member, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the mayor of Harrisburg. He joins incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse, City Council President Wanda Williams, businessman Dave Schankweiler and HMAC manager Kevyn Knox on the ballot for the May 18 primary.

Updated at 6:00 p.m. on 3-35-21 to include a statement from Balaban.

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Mayoral candidate Otto Banks fights to prove residency, remain on the ballot

March 23, 2021 | by Maddie Conley Gittens

Otto Banks (front) and his attorney John Bravacos outside the Dauphin County Courthouse after their hearing

In court on Tuesday, mayoral candidate Otto Banks attempted to prove his residency in Harrisburg in a case that, if lost, would knock him out of the race.

On March 16, Harrisburg resident Joseph Wright filed a petition against Banks, challenging his qualification as a mayoral candidate. The case was taken up in the Dauphin County Courthouse on Tuesday, but Judge Andrew Dowling did not immediately issue a decision.

Wright’s attorney, Karen Balaban, argued that while Banks may have changed his address to 1204 S. 19^th St., Harrisburg, it’s not where he has been primarily living. Banks also owns a home on Hoffman Drive in Swatara Township.

“This is not a mere technicality,” Balaban said in court on Tuesday. “This is an absolute requirement that determines eligibility.”

According to Banks, he purchased the Harrisburg house in late August 2020, thereby meeting the requirement that a candidate must live in the city for at least a year before the general election, which is on Nov. 2. He did say that he still stays at his Swatara Township house, which he bought in 2007 and still owns, intermittently.

Balaban relied heavily on utility records to claim that Banks was not spending time in his Harrisburg home.

She used records from UGI Utilities to show that Banks had asked the company to not turn on natural gas service until Dec. 31.

Additionally, Nancy Kuhn a customer service manager at Capital Region Water, testified that, over the course of five months, records show that Banks’ water usage was zero. According to CRW, that could either mean that he used no water or that he used a very low amount, as the company’s meters only start recording at 1,000 gallons. Comparatively, Kuhn said a typical customer will use 1,800 gallons in one month. During those same months, she said that Banks was not receiving or paying water bills for his Harrisburg home.

Graph provided by Karen Balaban to show the decrease in Banks’ water usage compared to the previous owner of the S. 19th Street house.

“Changing his address doesn’t show he is using his address,” Balaban said.

Banks testified that he has intended to renovate the property, but that the COVID-19 pandemic has made following through on that difficult.

“The only thing I am guilty of today is investing in my house and raising property value in the community,” he said.

However, Ann Montgomery, deputy codes administrator for Harrisburg, said there have not been any building, electrical or plumbing permits issued to Banks’ Harrisburg property—some of which would have been required for the work he said he was having done.

Banks also attributed his low utility usage to the frequent traveling he does to Colombia, where his wife and son live. He also has a son who lives in Harrisburg.

Banks asserted that he intends to sell his Swatara Township home in the near future.

“I never really wanted that property, and I’m happy to sell that property,” he said. “I live in the city, that is where my home is.”

According to Banks, he uses his Swatara Township home as an office space for his consulting business, Skyler Group LLC, and occasionally stays the night. His son who lives in Harrisburg uses the house sometimes, as well, he said.

“He always returns to the property [in Harrisburg], and that’s the property he believes to be his home,” Banks’ attorney, John Bravacos, said.

After hours of hearing the case, Dowling adjourned the meeting.

Balaban suspects he will make a decision by the end of the week.

“We believe that is was a very fair hearing,” Banks said. “We are just looking forward to getting past this so we can continue to keep doing good work here in the community. Regardless of the outcome, Otto Banks is here to stay.”

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Density, parking concerns voiced over proposed Salvation Army building conversion

March 4, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

A front view of the Salvation Army Harrisburg building in Midtown

Density and parking emerged as the two principal concerns of Harrisburg residents on Wednesday night, as neighbors got their first chance to voice opinions publicly over a proposed residential conversion of the Salvation Army building.

About 30 residents attended the Harrisburg Planning Commission meeting, many to comment on a proposal to create a 25-unit apartment building from the long-time Salvation Army Harrisburg headquarters at Green and Cumberland streets.

“Thanks so much for coming up with a cool plan for this building,” said Penn Street resident Jonathan Henrickson. “My concern is that, while this does do a good job to make this a taxable property, it doesn’t fit in with the current zoning code. There are reasons we have zoning.”

The proposed developer, Michael Lam, explained that he was seeking a zoning variance because the current zoning code allows only four units for the 18,500-square-foot building. With just a few large units, he could not afford to undertake a renovation.

“Twenty-five units are very important,” he said. “Twenty-five units will satisfy the bank’s requirements for the project.”

Lam has the building under contract to purchase, but first must receive city approval. If he buys it, the currently non-taxable property would be put on the tax rolls.

Still, several residents said that 25 units would be too dense. Units would range from 500 to 700 square feet, with most apartments configured as duplexes with an internal staircase.

“I think it’s a good thing it won’t be vacant, but I agree that 25 units seems like a lot,” said Cumberland Street resident Karen Balaban.

Numerous residents also expressed concerns over parking. The project would come with a 34-space parking lot across the street from the building, but some neighbors said they were worried that residents would have more than one car or would have visitors, which would take available street parking.

“We may have something for the residents, but nothing for visitors,” said one Penn Street resident. “Visitors will be taking spots that we currently use.”

The proposal also includes a large commercial space, which raised additional concerns over parking. Lam said he hasn’t firmed up yet what that space might be used for.

A few residents spoke up in favor of the project, saying that apartments would be a good use for the building. The Salvation Army moved out last year after completing a new facility on S. 29^th Street.

“I’m constantly asked by individuals for . . . an apartment like this,” said a Penn Street resident who identified herself as a licensed realtor. “It’s very hard to find a location like this. I don’t know of anywhere else in the city of Harrisburg where you can have 25 units with parking.”

Planning commission members likewise seemed split on the project. Like residents, some commissioners expressed concerns over parking and density.

“I can’t vote for this just because of the density,” said Commissioner Shaun O’Toole. “There are too many units.”

Commissioner Zachary Monnier said he was concerned that if this plan doesn’t get approved, the building would sit empty for years, possibly becoming blighted. The Salvation Army’s realtor, Bo Mangam, told the commission that she has been trying to sell the building for five years already and has shown it to some 100 prospects during that time.

“Twenty-five units sounds like a lot, but . . . there is desire to live in this area,” Monnier said.

In the end, the planning commission tabled the issue. They asked Lam to return next month with more detailed drawings of the project and to use the time to meet with community groups to hear their concerns and try to gain their support.

Lam has said that he’d like to start the project in May. However, that timetable now would seem endangered. If the planning commission approves the variance application, it would need to be approved by the city’s Zoning Hearing Board. After that, Lam would need to file a land use plan for the project, which would need to be approved by the planning commission and City Council.

“I will come back at your next meeting,” Lam said. “Ultimately, if the community is against it, I’m OK with that.”

June News Digest

June 30, 2016 | by Lawrance Binda

Miller Named Treasurer

Long-time Harrisburg official Dan Miller is the city’s new treasurer, following a close vote last month by City Council.

Miller bested a field of four nominees to replace Tyrell Spradley, who left after 18 months in office and just months after being sworn in for a full term. Miller will serve until the next municipal election in 2017.

Council selected Miller by a 4 to 3 margin in a second round of voting, following interviews with all four nominees. Besides Miller, the finalists included former city Councilman Brad Koplinski and local attorneys Karen Balaban and Peter Marks.

Miller, an accountant by trade, told council that he wished to serve because he is well qualified for the job and hopes to improve the operations of the department. He plans to set up a separate website for the treasurer’s office and said he is not interested in running for higher office.

Miller has a long history of public service in Harrisburg, previously serving as a city councilman and city controller. Three years ago, he ran unsuccessfully for mayor in a contentious race against now-Mayor Eric Papenfuse.

School Budget Passed

The school portion of Harrisburg’s property tax will drop slightly this year under a $143 million budget passed last month by the district’s school board.

The board cut the tax rate from about 27.9156 mills to 27.8 mills, meaning that an owner with property valued at $100,000 would see a tax decrease of about $11 for the 2016-17 school year. Property tax bills are due to be mailed this month.

The school board was divided on whether to retain the current tax rate and keep about $150,000 in the budget or give homeowners a small tax break. In the end, the board decided to offer the largely symbolic tax cut.

Teacher Contract Approved

The Harrisburg school board and teachers agreed to a new contract last month, ending a four-year battle between the two sides.

The agreement gives teachers their first raise since a state-appointed chief recovery officer was named in 2012. In turn, teachers and others covered by the agreement, including school guidance counselors and nurses, will contribute more to their health care plans.

Before the agreement, teachers had threatened to strike if the school board and the Harrisburg Education Association could not reach a new accord.

Dispersal of Housing Funds Considered

Harrisburg would retain federal housing funds for its own use under an ordinance introduced last month by the city administration.

Under the proposal, the city would keep nearly $1.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, an annual grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. For years, the city has shared the money with a select group of nonprofit organizations.

Under the administration’s proposal, about one-third of the amount would go to debt service, as the city must pay back a federal loan it backed for the once-bankrupt Capitol View Commerce Center, as well as pay back other federal community development loans dating back about 15 years.

Remaining funds would go to public safety, housing rehabilitation, emergency demolition and several other city-identified priorities.

Several nonprofit groups have protested being shut out of the annual distribution. At press time, City Council had not agreed to the final disbursement of the monies.

Tax Abatement Finalized

Dauphin County last month gave the final OK to Harrisburg’s tax abatement plan, allowing the 10-year abatement to proceed.

The county commissioners approved the plan unanimously, which will offer a full, 100-percent abatement over 10 years for improvements to residential properties and at least a 50-percent abatement on improvements to commercial properties.

A divided City Council passed the administration’s abatement plan last year. The school board approved it in May, leaving only Dauphin County—as the final taxing authority for city properties—to offer its blessing. Harrisburg now must hire an administrator to oversee the program.

The abatement also offers some benefit for new construction, but, to get tax relief, developers must follow certain requirements, including paying a prevailing wage for construction workers and hiring a certain percentage of minority and local workers.

State Forgoes Appeal

The state attorney general’s office will not appeal a court ruling that dismissed 305 criminal counts against former Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed.

In a brief statement, the office said it would honor a May ruling by presiding Judge Kevin A. Hess that the crimes alleged by the state occurred too long ago, exceeding the statute of limitations.

The state, though, will continue to pursue 144 criminal counts against Reed on theft-related charges.

“With his fascination for the Wild West, this man used other people’s money to decorate his house and office with antiques,” said Solicitor General Bruce L. Castor Jr. “But Pennsylvania is not the Wild West. We have the rule of law here.”

New Precinct Planned

Allison Hill soon may get a new police precinct, as the city plans to renovate a building near 15^th and Derry streets.

Money to rehab the one-story structure would come from part of a $250,000 federal community grant, according to Harrisburg Police Chief Thomas Carter.

Allison Hill residents have been clamoring for increased police presence for many years, and Carter said the new, 24-hour station should make police officers more visible, while reducing response times and increasing ties to the community.

Home Sales Jump

Home sales in the Harrisburg area continued their yearlong rise, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

Sales rose to 908 units in May compared to 792 units in the year-ago period, with the median price rising to $174,900 vs. $170,000, said GHAR.

In Dauphin County, sales totaled 297 units against 269 in May 2015, while the median price dipped to $155,000 from $159,900. In Cumberland County, sales rose to 326 from 281, and the median price increased to $219,561 from 213,712. Average days on the market fell in both counties.

In Perry County, 30 homes sold compared to 37 in the year-ago period. However, the median price increased to $151,500 vs. $117,900 in May 2015.

In addition to all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, GHAR covers parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

Harrisburg Beer Week handed over a check for $40,000 last month to Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services. The check was double the amount raised last year during the weeklong celebration of craft beer. River Rescue plans to use the money for additional improvements to its facility.

Highmark Blue Shield presented Harrisburg with a $100,000 grant last month to fund summer enrichment and after-school programs for children in the city school district. The Highmark funding will support activities like basketball, golf, swimming, various educational field trips and a daily lunch. Harrisburg children ages 6 to 18 are eligible.

PinnacleHealth this month plans to open the new Lebanon Valley Advanced Care Center, an 80,000-square-foot building at 1251 E. Main St., Annville. When fully occupied, the facility will house numerous groups, including Annville Family Medicine, PinnacleHealth Endocrinology, Select Physical Therapy, PinnacleHealth Express and the PinnacleHealth CardioVascular Institute.

Rite Aid in downtown Harrisburg will move across Market Street into about 14,000 square feet in Strawberry Square, it was announced last month. The larger space will allow Rite Aid to offer more products, as well as a retail pharmacy, said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown Enterprises, which owns Strawberry Square. The move should occur by the end of the year. In other Strawberry Square news, CASA plans to take another 2,400 square feet of space there, while the fashion brand AMMA JO last month doubled its presence by expanding into an adjoining storefront.

The Game Table Café has cut the ribbon on its location at 4900 Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg. The Game Table Café provides a relaxed setting to enjoy a cup of coffee and play board games with friends and family.

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2515: K. Troung & L. Pham to L. Truong, $45,000

Bellevue Rd., 2114: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to D. & E. Kerr, $153,000

Boas St., 219: D. Commins to A. Moyer, $136,000

Brookwood St., 2434: R. Hillman to The IRA Club & T. McDougal, $42,000

Calder St., 115: A. & M. Anselmo to Penn Real Estate Solutions LLC, $49,700

Calder St., 519: S. & M. Martin to J. Fisher, $100,000

Croyden Rd., 2778: PA Deals LLC to D. Blumenthal, $78,000

Derry St., 2712: L. & J. Burnette to D. Diehl, $72,000

Edward St., 243: A. Clionsky to D. & J. Ruscito, $200,000

Edward St., 504: S. Krum to D. & J. Kruzhilin, $88,000

Ellersie St., 2344: G. Rudy to V. Ramsey, $59,000

Fulton St., 1405: PA Deals LLC to S. Orwan, $110,000

Fulton St., 1937: B. Rodriquez & American Heritage Property Management to T. Gates, $43,800

Green St., 1414: S. Jusufovic to V. Reydams, $140,000

Green St., 1423: J. & V. Bates to R. Walter, $81,900

Green St., 1915: GRSW Stewart Real Estate Trust to J. & K. Johnston, $195,000

Green St., 1945: J.A. Hartzler to WCI Partners LP, $212,000

Hale Ave., 415: T. Pham & T. Vu to J. & J. Fickett, $59,000

Hamilton St., 238: J. Manzella to J. & M. Moritz, $135,000

Herr St., 127: R. Lake to C. Wagoner, $156,500

Hudson St., 1246: Bank of New York Mellon to PA Deals LLC, $47,250

Logan St., 1728: Wilmington Savings Fund Society to S. Eagle, $102,000

Maclay St., 245: N. Do to M. Cvetko, $30,000

Midland Rd., 2408: J. Jaxheimer to M. Boone, $179,900

Mulberry St., 1951: C. Campbell to E. & B. O’Brien, $51,000

N. 2^nd St., 812: J. Swoyer to A. Meoli, $197,500

N. 2^nd St., 1700: Metro Bank to Hopewell Estates 2^nd Street LLC, $400,000

N. 2^nd St., 2414: A. & G. Hall to R. Gist, $62,000

N. 2^nd St., 2539: US Bank NA Trustee to D. Garber, $58,000

N. 2^nd St., 2802: D. Skerpon & C. Baldrige to S. Gallagher & C. Prestia, $166,900

N. 2^nd St., 3004: E. & T. Lukoski to 8219 Ventures LLC, $40,000

N. 3^rd St., 1621: Wells Fargo Bank NA to Henly Homes LLC, $54,180

N. 3^rd St., 2451: Triple J. Assoc. Ltd. To Hornby Zeller Properties LLC, $149,900

N. 5^th St., 3204: Information Systems Networks Corp. & Secretary of Housing & Urban Development to T. Radcliff, $98,100

N. 16^th St., 911: M. McManus to S. Sprinkle, $87,500

N. 18^th St., 1116: P. & S. Mitchell to K. Wright, $70,000

Parkside Lane, 2922: A. Anderson to J. & B. Williams, $200,000

Race St., 562: Brady Daughters Realty LLC to S. Garnes, $153,500

S. 2^nd St., 302: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. to J. Pronio, $49,900

S. 17^th St., 319: E. & L. Castillo to 4P Ventures LLC, $120,000

S. 29^th St., 720: C. Karstetter to S. Maurer, $38,000

S. Front St., 709: R. Stevenson to D. Smith, $185,000

State St., 217: Medical Bureau of Harrisburg to D. Ragland, $110,000

State St., 231, Unit 303: LUX 1 LP to T. & D. Jensen, $121,000

State St., 1936, 1940 & 1942: L. & K. Price to M. & E. Duvall, $75,000

Susquehanna St., 1825: A. Tilley to M. Manley, $87,000

Susquehanna St., 2005: Kusic Financial Services LLC to M. Rioux & H. Perry, $68,000

Harrisburg property sales for May 2016, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

Trail Fix: For 60 years, a group of volunteers has taken a stretch of the Appalachian Trail into its care.

October 30, 2014 | by Sarah Moesta

A 20-minute drive north of Harrisburg up PA-225, and you’re there—the tree-shrouded Appalachian Trail, pothole-free and quiet except for the occasional squirrel or rabbit in the leaves.

The 20-mile section of the Appalachian Trail that runs north of the city on Peters Mountain is clean, and the branches of the tall trees weave together, creating a “green tunnel,” as experienced through-hikers call it.

The Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, comprised of 431 nature-loving volunteers, is responsible for the maintenance of this stretch of trail. That means that, on any given day, members might be picking up trash, leading hikes or doing major manual labor, like carting construction supplies for miles into and out of the trail.

“We want to encourage people to be active in the club,” said member Karen Balaban.

This year, SATC celebrates its 60^th anniversary, an event marked by numerous activities, such as a trail photo contest and a special hiking trip. Members of the club also did a “60 Miles for 60 Years” hike, in which 59 volunteers collectively hiked a total of 60 miles of the trail contiguous with the SATC’s section. At the club’s annual banquet, attendees received mugs proudly emblazoned with the SATC’s special 60^th anniversary logo.

Notably, the club is responsible for the Peters Mountain Shelter, which sits about three miles from the southernmost point of the SATC’s 20-mile stretch. Unlike most trail shelters, which are often small, three-sided lean-tos, the Peters Mountain Shelter is structured more like a cabin, with a full roof and a loft for extra sleeping space. Some added perks to this shelter: there’s a bear-proof storage box for food in the back, a contained fire pit and a well-maintained privy just a short walk away.

SATC maintains the shelter to keep it safe and clean for the many through-hikers who pass through—those hiking the entire 2,200-mile length of the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. SATC volunteers cut down trees that are too close to the shelter and pose a risk of falling. They also remove trash from the site, although, as the trail operates on a “leave no trace” policy, they prefer if hikers remove their own trash.

Hikers who make shorter treks on the trail also benefit from SATC’s work. For example, club volunteers constructed a large number of stone steps to help hikers make their way through the trail’s steeper, trickier areas. In addition, volunteers make frequent trips along the trail to pick up cans and bottles that have been left behind.

More strenuous projects are completed on work trips. Club volunteers take part in work trips as needed, and volunteer support is critical. This fall, the club will replace the old roof on the Peters Mountain Shelter, a project that will need plenty of volunteers to complete. The new roof will be made from durable aluminum, which will hold up well against the weather.

The most difficult part of work trips is getting supplies to and from the site. Volunteers have to carry their supplies onto the trail by hand and then move them back out when they’re finished. Sometimes, volunteers have to make multiple trips in and out of the trail to move all of their supplies. Because of this, the process can take a long time.

For those less inclined to sign up for heavy lifting, the club has something for everybody. SATC sponsors hikes that vary in length and difficulty. Also, there are club meetings and events for those more interested in the social aspect. Though SATC is the only Appalachian Trail Club in Dauphin County, members don’t have to live in the area. Some hail from places as far away as West Virginia.

SATC hopes to have members that stay involved and active. The group also tries to educate members and hikers about good outdoor habits and to keep the trail clean and safe. Above all, though, SATC wants to get people in the Harrisburg area outdoors—enjoying the trail whenever they can.

Learn more about the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club at www.satc-hike.org.

Applicants for City Treasurer

September 23, 2014 | by Paul Barker

On Tuesday morning, the city clerk released the applications and resumes of six applicants for city treasurer. Individual applications are linked to the names below, listed in the order in which they were received from the city and excluding contact information the city redacted. City Council will interview applicants at a public meeting in city hall on Monday, Sept. 29, at 5:30 p.m.

1. Daniel C. Miller

2. Timothy R. East

3. Peter V. Marks, Sr.

4. Karen M. Balaban

5. Joseph M. Gilpatrick

6. Tyrell Spradley

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