Pa. takeover of capital faces court challenge

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Three residents of Pennsylvania’s financially troubled capital are asking a federal judge to throw out a new state law that is unleashing an unprecedented state takeover of the city.

The lawsuit filed today in federal court in Harrisburg names Gov. Tom Corbett, who signed the law Oct. 20. It also names the Corbett appointee who, if confirmed, would have broad authority to force Harrisburg to pay down a massive debt tied to its trash incinerator.

The suit alleges that the law and the state’s takeover violate the plaintiffs’ state constitutional rights.

It was filed the same day that a state judge heard Corbett’s case to appoint David Unkovic as the receiver for Harrisburg. As receiver, Unkovic would the power to sell city assets and negotiate contracts but not raise taxes.