Preceded by Linda D. Thompson Spouse Catherine Papenfuse | Name Eric Papenfuse | |
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Children Chauncey Papenfuse, Clara Papenfuse, Everett Papenfuse People also search for Catherine Papenfuse, Chauncey Papenfuse, Clara Papenfuse, Everett Papenfuse |
Harrisburg mayor Eric Papenfuse on Stephen Reed's sentencing
Eric Robert Papenfuse (born c. 1971) is the current mayor of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He won a contested Democratic primary election in May 2013 by beating incumbent mayor Linda Thompson as well as Dan Miller and Lewis Butts. Miller switched parties and ran against Papenfuse in the general election as the Republican candidate. Papenfuse defeated him and several write-in candidates to win the mayor's seat on November 5, 2013. There were an unusual amount of write-in votes for mayor, accounting for about 17% of the final vote. Papenfuse assumed office on January 6, 2014.
Contents
- Harrisburg mayor Eric Papenfuse on Stephen Reeds sentencing
- Harrisburg mayor eric papenfuse addresses mistaken stolen valor incident
- Stolen Valor Controversy
- 2015 Comprehensive Plan
- References

Prior to becoming mayor, Papenfuse managed The Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg, PA, which he and his wife still co-own. Papenfuse is also a graduate of Yale University.

Harrisburg mayor eric papenfuse addresses mistaken stolen valor incident
Stolen Valor Controversy

On July 3, 2015, Papenfuse, who wasn't present at the time of the incident, publicly defended Harrisburg Police detective John O'Connor, who had, according to witnesses, repeatedly and loudly yelled to the crowd at The Harrisburg Artsfest: "He's not a real Marine!", accused 75-year-old Marine veteran Robert Ford of being a "fake marine." Following Papenfuse's comments Ford declined a previously scheduled meeting with police officials.
2015 Comprehensive Plan

In the second year of his tenure as Mayor, Papenfuse initiated a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Harrisburg. The Plan was launched in 2015 with Mr. Papenfuse stating that "The City of Harrisburg endeavors to be a community balancing the preservation of our historic buildings, strong neighborhoods, and environmental assets with an accommodation for social, cultural, and economic growth and development that improves the quality of life for residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors by adopting a new Comprehensive Plan." The $200,000 Plan was to be completed in Spring of 2016 but issues with the contracted professional lead to the City terminating the contract.