Residents urge release of $250,000 for Hines Senior Center and raise governance concerns during public comment

Two residents used the public comment period of the Harrisburg City Council work session to raise separate concerns: one urged the council to release $250,000 to the Hines Senior Center, and another accused city officials of corruption.

Cynthia Lee Watkins, who identified herself as a longtime Harrisburg resident and senior, told council members she supports "the $250,000 that should rightly be due to the Hines Senior Center." Watkins said seniors are a large voting bloc in the city and said she believes council members are using senior citizens "as hostages" in a dispute with the mayor. "I am here in support of the $250,000 that should rightly be due to the Hines Senior Center," Watkins said.

Earlier in the public comment period, Kirsten Miller addressed the council and criticized perceived corruption in city government. Miller named Mayor Wanda Williams and the police department, saying she would "continue to speak on the corruption in my city" and that she plans to keep attending meetings and speaking out. "I'm a keep continuing talking," Miller said.

Council members did not record any formal response or action on either comment during the work session. President Bowers offered to speak with Watkins after the meeting; Watkins accepted an offer to remain for a brief conversation.

The comments highlight community concern over senior services funding and broader dissatisfaction from at least one resident with local governance. No council decision about the $250,000, nor any formal referral or motion, was recorded in the meeting transcript.