Pa. capital's mayor vows 3-day fast for unity

[June 22, 2011]  HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- The mayor of Pennsylvania's capital is vowing to go on a three-day fast she hopes will unite citizens and leaders in the face of a financial crisis.

Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson says she'll begin fasting Wednesday with city religious leaders and is inviting residents to join.

The city was admitted into a state-run program for distressed municipalities in December as it struggles with nearly $300 million in debts related to a problem-plagued incinerator project. A state panel has warned the city could run out of money for payroll and other obligations if it doesn't reduce personnel costs and sell assets.

Thompson tells WHTM-TV she relies on "spiritual guidance" from God for things that are beyond her control.

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Information from: WHTM-TV, http://www.whtm.com/

[Associated Press]

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