Renewed focus on Josh Shapiro’s actions as potential Harris VP pick
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s reputation as a potential Democratic vice presidential candidate has been called into question recently, shedding light on some controversial incidents during his time in office. Let’s delve into the details surrounding these cases to understand the full scope of the scrutiny he faces.
In 2011, the tragic death of 27-year-old Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg shocked the community. Found dead in her apartment with 20 stab wounds, including a particularly suspicious wound on the back of her neck, the case raised eyebrows from the start. Initially ruled as a homicide by the medical examiner’s office, the police contested this conclusion due to peculiarities at the scene – notably, the locked door from the inside and the absence of defensive wounds on Greenberg’s fiancé, who discovered her body. Subsequently, the medical examiner’s office altered the cause of death to suicide, a decision met with skepticism by Greenberg’s bereaved parents.
Following persistent efforts by Greenberg’s parents to seek justice for their daughter, the case caught the attention of Philadelphia’s district attorney in 2018. However, due to a perceived conflict of interest, he handed the case over to State Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s jurisdiction. After a thorough review, Shapiro’s office reaffirmed the ruling of suicide in February 2022. Nevertheless, mounting pressure and unverified claims linking Shapiro to Greenberg’s fiancé’s family sparked renewed interest in the case, leading to its reassignment to the Philadelphia district attorney’s office in July 2022.
Amidst these allegations, Shapiro’s team has remained steadfast in their stance, dismissing the accusations as unfounded and baseless. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to revisit Greenberg’s case highlights the ongoing quest for clarity and justice by her parents. They have taken legal action against various parties involved, underscoring the complexity and gravity of the situation.
Shapiro’s tenure as governor faced further criticism over the mishandling of a sexual harassment complaint against one of his cabinet members. Allegations of misconduct by Michael Vereb, the former head of legislative affairs, surfaced in a complaint filed in March 2023. The complainant, a former employee, detailed instances of harassment and subsequent retaliation, prompting her resignation due to the lack of redressal and protection from the governor’s office.
In a bid to resolve the matter, Shapiro’s administration agreed to a settlement amounting to $295,000 in early September 2023, followed by Vereb’s resignation. The confidentiality agreement signed by both parties underscores the sensitivity and confidentiality of the case, precluding public discourse on the issue. According to a statement by Shapiro’s spokesperson, the governor was unaware of the complaint until months after its filing, maintaining a zero-tolerance stance towards workplace harassment.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding Shapiro’s delayed response to clemency requests during his tenure on Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons. Working alongside then-Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, Shapiro’s voting record on commutations garnered attention, particularly in comparison to Fetterman’s more proactive approach. A notable instance in 2019 involving the clemency petition of two prisoners, Lee and Dennis Horton, showcased the contrasting viewpoints of Shapiro and Fetterman.
While Shapiro initially voted against granting clemency to the Horton brothers in 2019, citing the need for further investigation, he later sided with the Board of Pardons in favor of their release in 2020. Emphasizing his commitment to evaluating each case individually, Shapiro’s spokesperson highlighted his extensive approval of pardons and commutations during his tenure, surpassing the collective decisions of his predecessors over the past few decades.
As these controversies and challenges continue to shape the narrative around Josh Shapiro’s political career, the spotlight intensifies on his leadership style, decision-making processes, and commitment to justice and integrity. The intricacies of these cases underscore the complexities of governance and the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in public service.
