Summary
Harrisburg parents and city leaders to meet monthly in an effort to discuss issues taking place in homes, neighborhoods.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Maisel
Director of Communications, City of Harrisburg
(717) 255-7295
[email protected]
November 3, 2023
HARRISBURG – In response to the latest episode of violence in the City of Harrisburg centered around kids, Mayor Wanda Williams is announcing the formation of the inaugural City of Harrisburg Parent Task Force.
This group will consist of Mayor Williams, Councilman – and Public Safety Committee Chairman – Ralph Rodriguez, Capt. Russell Winder, who oversees community policing within the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, and either Superintendent Eric Turman or Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marisol Craig of the Harrisburg School District. Parents are invited to sign up using this link: https://laserfiche.harrisburgpa.gov/Forms/Parent-Task-Force
The City of Harrisburg Parent Task Force will meet Wednesday, November 29 from 5:30-7:30pm at City Council Chambers, located at 10 N. 2nd Street in Downtown Harrisburg. All successive meetings will take place the second Wednesday of every month, beginning January 10. Parents will have an outlet to meet and talk with city and school district officials in a safe environment to discuss concerns in their neighborhood, their block, and their homes. Its goal will be to foster a sense of community, to get to the heart of family issues, and work together to prevent violence in the city.
“So many of the issues we face in this city start within the walls of someone’s home. In some cases, families don’t even have that much,” said Mayor Williams. “We cannot parent from City Hall but we can be a helping hand and a listening ear, and that is what I want to come out of this task force.”
On Sunday, October 29, three children – ages 13, 11, and 3 – were shot in the area of 18th and Regina Streets. Harrisburg Police took Mandjou Sylla, 20, into custody Thursday night, and have charged him with criminal attempt homicide.
At a press conference the next day, Mayor Williams said, “These were children who were just on the street playing. What will you do in the community to help us?”
Parents interested in participating in the task force are encouraged to sign up in advance, and provide their name, number, email, and home address.
