Limerick Contest Press Release (May 4, 2004)

Philadelphia Forward Searches for Poet Laureate

 

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Forward today launched a search for a tax-reform poet laureate.  Philadelphia Forward is encouraging aspiring poets to submit a tax-reform related limerick to illustrate the need for tax reform.  The author of the most creative tax-reform limerick submission as judged by the Philadelphia Forward poetry review panel will win a Philadelphia Forward mug.  Two entries to kick off the contest include:

There once was a city called Philly

With a tax structure that was just silly

The taxes were so high

That jobs and neighbors said, “bye-bye”

And new arrivals got a reception quite chilly

Here is a story that’s not new

Our city needs change, that’s a lot true

Let this be our vow:

Philadelphia tax reform now —

For our future, we can’t afford not to!

 

 In addition to the search for the best tax reform limerick, Philadelphia Forward kicked off its new web-based game “Tax Reform Challenge” — found on its website www.philadelphiaforward.org. In the Tax Reform Challenge, players can enjoy some light-hearted democracy in action as they try to convince the city’s elected officials to vote for tax reform.   

 

 

Philadelphia Forward is an organization formed to educate about measures to transform Philadelphia — from a city that is growing older, poorer, and fewer — into a vibrant city that is a preferred place to live, work, and visit.  Its primary focus will be to educate and inform regarding tax reform in Philadelphia.  Philadelphia Forward will show that tax reform fosters neighborhood and community economic development, which will create jobs and opportunities for city residents and increase investment in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia.  For more information about Philadelphia Forward, visit www.philadelphiaforward.org.

 

The Tax Reform Commission was established by a vote of approximately 80 percent of Philadelphia voters to reduce the burden of city taxes in a fair and fiscally responsible manner.  In November 2003, it released its final report -- a blueprint for comprehensive reform of the city's burdensome and unfair tax structure.  That blueprint has been endorsed by Mayor Street's transition team (the 21st Century Review Forum) and many civic and business organizations.  For more information on the Tax Reform Commission and its work, visit www.philadelphiataxreform.org.

 

 
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