A controversial video spoofing Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson and City Council has claimed its first victim.
David Black, Harrisburg Regional Chamber President, who appeared in the presentation, has resigned as a member of the city's Financial Recovery Advisory Committee.
The video was part of the Chamber's annual awards ceremony. Black said, at the time it wasn't meant to offend anyone, and he apologized. But the presentation was hurtful to some.
It this morning's meeting of the Municipal Financial Recovery Advisory Committee, city receiver William Lynch read a letter from black informing him that he had submitted his resignation to Gov. Tom Corbett. "I do not want recent controversies of my making to stall or otherwise impede the clear progress that is being made in the financial recovery of Harrisburg. Our goal remains a financially strong and vibrant city and a world class region."
Lynch called Black's resignation the right course of action. "I think there's a lesson in this for all of us. Particularly at this special time of year, we can and should treat each other with more kindness and sensitivity."
But Mayor Thompson had strong words, saying Black's shenanigans and ill behavior created further division and distractions. And this isn't the first time they've had differences. "I just didn't want to have this drag out any further. I've had my discussions with Dave Black on his actions, not just this time, but other prior actions. I think I've been pretty fair in how i addressed it. I'm done with it. it's behind me. I want to move on."
In his letter to the receiver, Black offered to continue providing the chamber's professional services to the city. Black was the Governor's appointee to the committee. Other members include the Mayor and City Council President, Dauphin County's Assistant Solicitor and the Receiver.
Neither the Receiver nor the Mayor say they asked Black to resign. His successor will be appointed by the Governor.