In case you missed it, here are some mentions about the push for tax reform that appeared in the media recently:
- "Tax Reforms -- Back to city's future" -- The lead editorial in Monday's Philadelphia Inquirer blasted the city's spendthrift ways and encouraged city leaders to embrace the Tax Reform Commission's vision for growth. It concludes, "Philadelphia can do better than merely control its continued shrinkage. But that requires a mayor willing to steer a harder but smarter path, and a City Council with the courage to do the same." (Full Editorial)
- "Tax issue lives to fight another day" -- The Philadelphia Business Journal offered its editorial take on the ongoing push to eliminate the job-killing Business Privilege Tax. The editorial gives Philadelphia Forward some nice credit -- "Philadelphia Forward, the tax-cutting advocacy group established to continue the work of the voter-created Tax Reform Commission appears energized. Its executive director, former assistant city controller Brett Mandel, has done an impressive job of talking up the issue and reaching out to business groups that can help stir support." It concludes, "But, regardless of the mayor's stance, this issue presents the business community with an opportunity to make a difference in the economic vitality of Philadelphia for years to come. No matter the level of opposition -- no matter the challenge -- this is worth the fight. " (Full Editorial)
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"Tax-break tower has power failure" -- Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Andrew Cassel pondered the state legislature's failure to create a tax-free zone for a proposed office tower in Center City. Cassel's conclusion is inspiring: "What happens next? Nobody is talking much, although a terse Comcast press release stated that it is 'considering its alternatives.' I sure hope that's the case. Because if local taxes are really a problem for Comcast, it is in an excellent position to help itself and everyone else in Philadelphia as well. It can join the movement to overhaul city taxes, as recommended last year by the voter-mandated Tax Reform Commission. Specifically, City Council is planning soon to consider eliminating the much-loathed business privilege tax. Comcast could use its considerable clout to make sure that plan gets a full and fair hearing, both from Council and from Mayor Street." (Full Column)
