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Episode 397: Why The Hero Of Harrisburg Couldn't Save The City

Former Harrisburg receiver, David Unkovic, in the wilderness.
Zoe Chace
/
NPR
Former Harrisburg receiver, David Unkovic, in the wilderness.

The city of Harrisburg, Pa owes over $1.5 billion. David Unkovic, the city's former receiver, tried to save the broke city, but his plan just led to political trouble.

A few months ago, Unkovic left a scrawled, handwritten note on the steps of the courthouse. "I find myself in an untenable position in the political and ethical crosswinds," the letter said, "and am no longer in a position to effectuate a solution."

Unkovic fled Harrisburg and stopped answering emails, phone calls, and questions from the press. Until recently. He's started to speak out about what drove Harrisburg into debt — and what drove him out of town.

On the show today, Unkovic speaks. And eats a Philly pretzel.

Download the Planet Money iPhone App. Music: Bobby Bland's "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City." Find us:Twitter/Facebook/ Spotify/ Tumblr.

More on Harrisburg from Planet Money:

* This Man Tried To Save A Broke City

* How A City Goes Broke

* Trying To Save A Broke City

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