D
auphin County Commissioner George Hartwick is facing criticism from his fellow commissioners over a failed $10.4 million real estate deal that cost the county its $400,000 deposit. The project, which aimed to build a new human services building on Tecport Drive in Swatara Township, was championed by Hartwick but ultimately fell through due to lack of progress.

    Hartwick has been accused of not doing enough to move the project forward, including failing to hire key personnel such as a project manager and architect. However, he claims that his fellow commissioners failed to provide him with clear direction on the project's scope and timeline.

    "We need guidance from the Board of Commissioners to determine how those individuals will be procured," Hartwick said. "That is still something we are awaiting direction on."

    Commissioner Justin Douglas criticized Hartwick for not presenting any proposals or plans for the project, saying that he had never been given anything to consider. Douglas also expressed frustration over the lack of a procurement process and the absence of cost estimates.

    Hartwick has pushed back against these criticisms, stating that significant time was spent planning the project through meetings with state agency partners and building owners. However, Douglas remains skeptical, saying that without clear direction or proposals, he had no choice but to vote to cancel the deal.

    The failed project is not Hartwick's only controversy. He was arrested for DUI in April after attending a commissioners meeting under the influence. Hartwick has since checked into an inpatient treatment center and claims to be committed to his recovery.

    Despite calls from his fellow commissioners for him to resign, Hartwick says he has no intention of stepping down. Instead, he believes that the controversy surrounding him is a distraction from the real issues facing the county.

    "I believe the public deserves better," Douglas said. "I believe the public deserves someone they can trust, and I believe Commissioner Hartwick has betrayed that trust."