Democrat Brad Koplinski has been on Harrisburg City Council for the past three years, and today announced in an email to his supporters that he is “seriously considering” a run for Mayor of Harrisburg in 2013.
The following is the full text of the letter to supporters:
Dear Friends,
Over the past few months, I have spoken with many friends, neighbors and residents about the issues facing our city. During these discussions, many of you have encouraged me to run for Mayor of Harrisburg in 2013. I am seriously considering it and I am flattered by your belief in me and what I have been trying to do to help our city and its residents.
In November, I will have something more substantive to say about the Mayor’s race. But for now, I will continue to fight for our city and will also use the next 45 days to work to re-elect President Obama and Senator Casey, elect Gene Stilp and Harry Perkinson to Congress and help other great Democratic candidates to win our State row offices and take back the State Senate and State House.
There will be plenty of time in the months ahead to discuss the future of our city and who should be mayor. For now, I would ask that you focus on the tough elections this November and wait until after before deciding who is best to lead our city and the direction we should go on vital issues like crime, debt, trash, and our quality of life. In the meantime, please join me in supporting our great Democratic candidates! I have attached links to their websites, so you can volunteer and donate to the candidates of your choice!
Thanks for your continued support and I’ll be in touch soon.
Brad
Before serving on City Countil, Koplinski worked for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, as well as the Internal Revenue Service’s Office of Chief Counsel. Koplinski was also a Policy Analyst for the Department of the Auditor General.
ABC 27 reports that “in May, Koplinski called on the current mayor, Linda Thompson to step down, saying she is dishonest and incompetent. Both Koplinski and Thompson are Democrats.”
According to Koplinski’s website, his major achievements include serving as Chair of Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee, co-authoring the final 2011 city budget that saved firefighters’ jobs and prevented the closing of the 2nd Street Fire Station, and brought in over $6 million in federal funding for investment in Harrisburg and assistance to homeowners and the homeless.
