(Wendy bumped up slightly to make the chronology clear -- W)
We're getting right down to the issues this morning: SEPTA funding and taxes have already been addressed. Here are the most intersting things so far:
Fattah has discussed his interesting idea for an incentive to lure businesses from other cities: Tell them that, if they move operations to Philadelphia, they can pay either the rate they were paying in their old home or pay Philadelphia's rate, whichever is less. The incentive would be good for 5 years and is designed to remove tax concerns from the decision of whether to move a business to Philly.
Evans has played on his experience in Harrisburg, talking about the need to work better with the legislature to fix the hole in mass transit funding - as well as the crisis in the city's maternity wards, which have been closing. He talked specifically about aligning the city with Gov. Rendell's broad health care plan, which seems like an excellent point.
Nutter and Taubenberger both backed the Tax Commission suggestions for re-working the city's tax code. They are the strongest on tax cuts this morning. Nutter also managed to deliver shout-outs to his work on disclosing city contracts and ending pay-to-play.
The city's Minority Business Development Council - as it had existed - was soundly (and, to be honest, deservedly) trashed. Nutter pointed out that the Convention Center (hey, didn't he used to work there?) did better in minority contracting. Evans suggesting outsourcing business development - it's not clear if he means minority business development or more broad business recruitment - to a non-government agency.
Comments (17)
"...whichever is MORE." Wouldn't surprise me if that's actually Fattah's plan.
Posted by Haha | May 3, 2007 9:29 AM
"...whichever is MORE." Wouldn't surprise me if that's actually Fattah's plan.
Posted by Haha | May 3, 2007 9:31 AM
I'm not voting for Fattah, but I do like his incentive idea. The only problme is, it's not very fair to the existing businesses in Philly, especially small businesses, who are carrying the tax burden for everyone else. Why should they pay more?
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 9:42 AM
Please don't seek a fair tax system. Just vote for Fattah and trust him when he says that selling the airport and launching anti-poverty programs will cure all the city's problems. Oh and ignore the fact that the airport has a lot of debt that would need to be paid off. And the fact that if Chicago's airport sale is approved, selling the Philly airport would require a change in federal law. Just don't think and vote Fattah!
Posted by Stop asking intelligent questions | May 3, 2007 9:58 AM
Under Fattah's plan, can existing small businesses in Philly choose to pay another city's tax instead of Philly's BPT?
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 10:08 AM
Existing businesses in the city will be so overjoyed if fattah is elected that they'll happily stay in the city and keep paying the current taxes (or another city's, whichever is more).
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 11:05 AM
Failure to understand the inherent unfairness of the City's tax code, and failure to understand the importance of center city business development has been my chief criticism of Fattah from day one.
He just doesn't get it.
Cities exist to support commerce. If the City is not welcoming to businesses you have blight.
Simple as that.
Posted by Jill | May 3, 2007 11:10 AM
The thing I like about Nutter is his ability to think of issues in multi-dimensional terms. It's not just about poverty. It's not just about jobs. It's not just about taxes. It's not just about zoning. It's not just about education. It's not just about supporting stable families. It's about all of these things and more. We need a mayor who sees and understands the complexity of these issues and who can craft a direction for the city that responds to the needs of all citizens. All of the candidates have positive and negative aspects. But for me, Nutter is the guy who understands the full scope of issues facing the city and their interrelatedness. I respect most of the candidates (sorry Knox), but Nutter gives me the most confidence. He almost makes me optimistic about Philly's future.
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 11:20 AM
I like how Nutter doesn't talk down to the voters. He talks substance.
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 11:29 AM
Actaully, I think that this is a GREAT idea, but only if it is combined with the across the board business tax relief that Nutter is proposing. These businesses won't be exempt from paying taxes--they would just get to keep the rate that they have from their former city (and for only 5 years at that). It is definitely something that would attract more businesses to the city. However, this would be useless if we don't do anything to keep the businesses in the city that are already there, which is why we need Nutter's plan too.
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 12:10 PM
People, there is a reason no union small or large (ATF anyone?) is backing Michael Nutter... he is not to be trusted! It took me several months campaigning with him to understand this. When NONE of your ex-fellow councilmates are rallying around you... THERE IS A PROBLEM! When no prominent African-American church or organization backs you... there is a problem. Read Johnny Doc's comments in today's City Paper about the prospect's of Nutter becoming Mayor. Yes I know the source is shaky at best. But, over the course of campaining with Michael, a lot of what Dougherty had to say about Michael rang true. You will all understand this on E-Day.
Posted by Son of Anonymous | May 3, 2007 12:46 PM
OK, folks, OBVIOUSLY the "more" was my error, and has been corrected.
The idea is in his fiscal stability plan, and it is this:
"the city will offer established businesses, with five or more employees that have been in continuous existence at least five years the option of paying the same local taxes it paid to its prior jurisdiction, through a tax credit system, for the first five years it operates in Philadelphia. The duration of the offer could be extended depending on the number of new jobs the business brings to Philadelphia. If taxes in the prior jurisdiction were higher than in Philadelphia, the business will save money by paying only Philadelphia's Net Profits Charge. This will improve our city's competitiveness and remove a barrier to businesses relocating to Philadelphia."
Posted by Wendy | May 3, 2007 1:27 PM
That still doesn't help the guy running a restaurant, the guy running the corner store, or your local dry cleaner.
Chaka just doesn't get it.
High taxes not only drive out jobs, they also adversely impact the quality of life. When you can't buy groceries, get your dry cleaning done, or rent a movie in your neighborhood... the BPT is partially to blame.
Posted by Jill | May 3, 2007 2:24 PM
Poverty and crime are symptoms of larger issues; namely, lack of economic opportunity (jobs), poor education (unskilled labor force) and corrupt and/or ineffectual city government (Jannie Blackwell). Fattah actually supports reducing the BPT but he doesn't seem to fully appreciate the interconnectedness of these issues with respect to poverty. I give him credit for talking so passionately about poverty, but until our politicians have the courage to tackle the underlying issues keeping people in poverty, it will always be a losing battle. Nutter connects the dots better than anyone I've seen for a long time.
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 3:55 PM
I like Fattah, but he doesn't seem to fully understand the connection between job growth and poverty reduction. If we don't aggressively work to replace the old industrial jobs that left the city many years ago, Philly will continue to be a tale of two cities. Without decent jobs and a quality education system, poverty and crime will continue to flourish.
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 3:59 PM
The fact that Johnny Doc dislikes Nutter is a GOOD thing for Nutter.
People are sick and tired Doc AND the Party Machine (Fumo, Street, Brady, Campbell, Blackwell)
Posted by Anonymous | May 3, 2007 7:06 PM
I just love seeing anonymous comments that are not rants...or other campaign staffers...
Posted by Wendy | May 4, 2007 2:35 AM