2015 Top Stories on Smart Talk: Reed arrest

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, December 28, 2015:

The Top Stories of 2015 on Smart Talk series kicks off with a look back at the arrest of former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed.

Reed was once hailed as the city’s savior — a leader with vision that transformed Pennsylvania’s dying capital city into a destination for entertainment and investors.

During his 28 year tenure, Reed did oversee a resurrection, but today many are asking at what cost?

Last July, a grand jury recommended almost 500 criminal counts on 17 charges ranging from theft and bribery to corruption for Reed.

Reed dreamed of five national scale museums in Harrisburg that would draw tourists who would spend money, stay overnight, and make the city a destination.  Over the years, Reed had acquired thousands of artifacts that would go on display in the museums. 

Now, Reed is accused of using money that belonged to the city to improperly purchase those artifacts.

The investigation also showed that bonds used to pay for upgrades to Harrisburg’s trash-burning incinerator were not obtained using proper procedure.

Monday’s Smart Talk focuses on the Reed years and what the charges mean with Harrisburg Solicitor Neil Grover, The Burg staff writer Paul Barker and Keystone Crossroads reporter Emily Previti.