Re-elected to the state house in 1976 and 1978, Reed was elected Dauphin County, Pennsylvania Commissioner in 1979 and Mayor of Harrisburg in 1981.

"[10] During Reed's tenure, restaurants, museums, hotels, several large office buildings and new residences were constructed within the city limits.

[11] In 2000, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania placed Reed in charge of the failing Harrisburg School District, for which he imposed a massive reform and rehabilitation project.

Most recently, in 2006 Reed was credited and recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for reducing the city's flood risks.

[13] Reed continued to bear strong criticism for purchases of historical Civil War and "American Old West" artifacts with public funds.

[14]" Reed won reelection in 2005, unopposed, after winning the Democratic Primary against Jason N. Smith, a Harrisburg entrepreneur and outspoken critic of the Old West Museum and artifact purchases.

"[7] In the May 2009 Democratic Primary, Reed lost his re-election bid to Harrisburg City Council president Linda D.

[15] On July 14, 2015, Kathleen Kane, the Attorney General of the State of Pennsylvania, announced 499 criminal charges against Reed for his activities involving the museums and the incinerator project.

"[16] Reed was charged with diverting money from Harrisburg bond funds, including buying Wild West and Civil War memorabilia, some of which he hoarded in a private collection at his home, or sold for his own benefit.

[17] Noting his long tenure in office, Kane said as mayoral terms passed Reed came to disregard legal restraints on expenditures.