tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33434285382918531882011-04-21T10:58:35.438-07:00The Crosstown Coalition invites Philadelphians to discuss mayoral candidates' answers to questions posed by the Coalition. Questions were generated by citizen responses to a questionnaire sent in Feb, 2007. We encourage you to read candidate answers and comment on what you think. By: Bella Vista United Civic Assoc, Center City Residents' Assoc, Logan Square Neighborhood Assoc, Old City Civic Assoc, Queen Village Neighborhood Assoc, Society Hill Civic Assoc, Washington Square West Civic Assoc.Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.comBlogger2251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-70352070783695685932007-04-06T15:56:00.000-07:002007-04-15T15:03:49.935-07:00

1. Click on “comment” found at the bottom of each question2. Type your thoughts in the window labeled “Leave Your Comment”3. If you wish to be identified with your comments, click “Other” and enter either your own name or a nom de plume. If you wish to be anonymous, click “Anonymous.”4. There will be a set of letters. Please copy them in the space provided. This is a security section that

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-52965684930382098172007-04-05T17:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:36:05.134-07:00

People are fed up with City corruption.95% of those surveyed indicated that the integrity of the political process would be positively impacted by public disclosure of those who have received City contracts, grants, and loans and 92% indicated that public disclosure of all donors to political campaigns would have a positive impact.Would your administration publish after each election cycle, a

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-87648342509770050362007-04-05T16:55:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:06:04.716-07:00

Yes.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-49641099315262582512007-04-05T16:50:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:39:25.161-07:00

Yes, my administration will publish this information. I also agree with the Committee Seventy’s comprehensive agenda for an open, transparent and ethical mayoral administration; I was one of the first mayoral candidates to fully endorse their agenda and pledge to implement their recommendations as mayor.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-68823992115753132402007-04-05T16:45:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:39:56.134-07:00

As part of my ethics plan, I have pledged to post on the city’s eContract Philly website any consultants or lobbyists that a vendor may have utilized in pursuit of all city contracts. Any sub-contractors used by the vendor will also be clearly disclosed. The website will link to, or provide, records of campaign contributions made by the vendor, its owners or executives, or by the consultants,

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-69474788641399789422007-04-05T16:40:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:42:32.370-07:00

Philadelphia deserves a mayor who has no interest in making his friends, relatives or contributors wealthy at our city’s expense. I donated 5 million dollars to my campaign to show that I could not be bought.As mayor, I’ll make good on my promise to curb pay-to-play politics by pushing for greater openness and disclosure. The citizens of Philadelphia deserve no less.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-32035138171104323342007-04-05T16:35:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:43:39.665-07:00

In an effort to restore integrity to City Hall and renew the public’s confidence in their government, I have led Philadelphia for comprehensive ethics reform. The initiatives that I championed and supported while in City Council have placed serious tools in the hands of Philadelphians working to end the corruption in our City.As Councilman, I introduced and successfully passed legislation (Bill

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-2592166208362604352007-04-05T16:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:44:19.007-07:00

93% of those surveyed indicated they would have a favorable reaction to a candidate who supported legislation penalizing those who provide gifts or favors to city employees.Would you, within the first six months of your administration, ask City Council to introduce a meaningful civil penalty to be applied to any person who provides such gifts or favors and, further, barring the issuance of City

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-6203883948978431012007-04-05T16:25:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:45:28.952-07:00

Yes, I would support such legislation.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-43043332623959801462007-04-05T16:20:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:45:58.958-07:00

Yes. I would ask Council to pass civil penalties for those who provide gifts or favors to city employees and would support legislation prohibiting them, or those on whose behalf they operated, from receiving city contracts as a way to further curb pay-to-play.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-83050607741973700612007-04-05T16:10:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:46:34.208-07:00

As Mayor, I will renew Executive Order No. 002-04, prohibiting gifts, gratuities, and favors for city employees and pledge to take appropriate action against any person or persons violating the order.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-13695327590282274102007-04-05T16:05:00.001-07:002007-04-13T09:07:37.461-07:00

Yes.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-77841838857217228522007-04-05T16:05:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:47:03.885-07:00

As Mayor I will propose, and work with City Council to enact, legislation that makes permanent the current ban on gifts, gratuities and favors and extends it to all City officials and employees, including City Council and other elected officials and their employees. I will seek a workable penalty for a broad definition of what constitutes a bribe, as part of such legislation.I have also proposed

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-28842900934032437742007-04-05T16:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:47:37.106-07:00

Will your administration award no-bid contracts for non-emergency services? If your answer is “yes”, for what services or products would such no-bid contracts be awarded and would you award them through random selection from a list of qualified service providers? If your answer is “no”, define what you would term an “emergency”.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-41207233024402224012007-04-05T15:55:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:48:26.039-07:00

No. I have pledged to study ways to completely eliminate no-bid contracting and will maximize the number of contracts awarded through a competitive bid process. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-86087773215319618872007-04-05T15:40:00.002-07:002007-04-13T09:08:51.057-07:00

No. I was the first candidate to sign the Committee of Seventy Ethics policy, which defines emergency.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-89262591480899167512007-04-05T15:40:00.001-07:002007-04-12T09:49:05.847-07:00

As a businessman, I know the importance of competitive contracting. As Deputy Mayor, I re-bid non-bid contracts and saved the city millions of dollars. If elected mayor, I’ll implement stringent bidding practices that minimize the use of the non-bid process. My budgeting practices will be open, honest, and accountable.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-49235128087429112592007-04-05T15:35:00.001-07:002007-04-12T09:49:31.259-07:00

No, I would not favor awarding no-bid contracts for non-emergency services. I would define an “emergency” as any situation that would require immediate response from city government; I would still, however, make all information about such contracts available to the public.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-53055936043471267462007-04-05T15:35:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:50:23.232-07:00

As Councilman, I introduced and successfully passed new legislation to reform the City’s contracting process. New legislation was approved in June 2005 which provides for an open and transparent process for no-bid contracts, limits campaign contributions, and requires mandatory disclosure of campaign contributions before the award of a no-bid contract and during the contract period. The new

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-91784596604382452192007-04-05T15:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:50:53.703-07:00

Federal legislation creates a two-year “cooling off” period for high level employees leaving government during which they cannot lobby for projects or employers which they dealt with while in government.In view of the poll response indicating that 85% believe that the government acts corruptly, would you refuse to appoint any person who refused to sign a contract providing for a monetary

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-11440550892314610782007-04-05T15:25:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:51:21.192-07:00

I will refuse to appoint such a person. Philadelphians deserve elected and appointed officials who will make the right decision not just some of the time, or most of the time, but all of the time.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-46985020074268280972007-04-05T15:15:00.000-07:002007-04-13T10:16:35.500-07:00

Yes.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-61028038096773932362007-04-05T15:10:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:51:48.325-07:00

Yes, I would support such a policy.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-1541724977527183302007-04-05T15:05:00.001-07:002007-04-12T09:52:31.220-07:00

I believe the most effective way to close the revolving door between government and the private sector is for City Council to pass legislation mandating a cooling-off period, as I have called for in my ethics policy.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-24303546986139122322007-04-05T15:05:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:53:06.792-07:00

As I have demonstrated throughout my career, my administration will consist of employees with the highest ethical standards. I have already proposed to review and, if necessary, tighten regulations governing the future employment of City officials and employees by companies doing business with the City. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-67480283699464164812007-04-05T15:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:53:59.627-07:00

93% of the survey respondents thought that an independent Board of Ethics could have an important role in dealing with governmental corruption.Presently the Mayor appoints the five members of the Board of Ethics to five-year terms subject to Council approval.Would you support a Charter change requiring that appointees be chosen from a single list of 10 to 15 candidates selected by a nominating

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-4356123426227591242007-04-05T14:55:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:54:58.416-07:00

As Councilman, I introduced and successfully passed legislation providing for a new City Charter created Board of Ethics. To insure the integrity of this Board, I pushed for a strong, independent entity with adjudicatory and enforcement powers, and sufficient funding and staff to carry out its mission. In addition, I made changes to the City's Ethics Code which now mandates routine ethics

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-9146772537977104212007-04-05T14:50:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:11:39.644-07:00

Yes. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-54770006744200975582007-04-05T14:40:00.001-07:002007-04-12T09:55:29.682-07:00

Yes, I would support such a charter change.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-25975179883933700822007-04-05T14:40:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:56:24.603-07:00

I am committed to supporting a strong independent board of ethics and would be open to choosing appointees from a nominating list.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-85259180526678539052007-04-05T14:35:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:56:51.008-07:00

Independence is a critical quality for an effective board of ethics. I would support such a change.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-1385534487987169952007-04-05T14:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:30:53.127-07:00

In the first three months of your administration, would you ask City Council to introduce legislation modeled after Pennsylvania’s Lobbying Disclosure Act of 2006 requiring that, lobbyists, including lawyers acting as lobbyists, who lobby with your administration, City Council and its staff, or any City boards or agencies register and report semi-annually their lobbying contacts and the sources

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-63791711436547801972007-04-05T14:25:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:12:46.188-07:00

Yes.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-34030707310066592182007-04-05T14:20:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:57:50.906-07:00

Yes, I would support a lobbyist disclosure bill for the City of Philadelphia.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-53631229529305817332007-04-05T14:15:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:58:24.604-07:00

In my ethics agenda, I have pledged to work to pass legislation requiring all lobbyists to register with the Board of Ethics bi-annually, providing detailed lists of clients seeking city business, the amount of compensation they received and what city offices, departments, boards, commissions, agencies or authorities they lobbied on behalf of each client.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-37162840933239189152007-04-05T14:10:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:58:53.823-07:00

As mayor, I will push for comprehensive lobby disclosure legislation. It may not be modeled exactly after state legislation, but it will be wide-ranging and provide for harsh penalties.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-21752298732525051072007-04-05T14:05:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:59:23.009-07:00

I have already stated that, as Mayor, I will propose, and work with City Council to enact, legislation that requires all lobbyists, and individuals acting as lobbyists who are engaged in business with the City, City-related departments, agencies and commissions and quasi-City agencies and authorities, to register as lobbyists and to identify their clients. I will make this information publicly

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-23757096370606186652007-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T09:59:55.619-07:00

Do you undertake to post on your campaign website by May 1 the identity of any contributor who, since June 30, 2006, has made a contribution in excess of $250.00 to any funds used by your mayoral campaign and also post your state campaign disclosure reports contemporaneously with their filing with the Commonwealth?Would you also favor such disclosures for all elected city officials? If not, why

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-86267818621770860322007-04-05T13:55:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:00:59.281-07:00

I will follow all campaign finance disclosure timelines in the election code and will make my campaign finance statements available to the public.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-30720347275912760462007-04-05T13:50:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:01:30.066-07:00

I absolutely support campaign finance disclosure. Campaign finance reports are publicly available and posted online through the city’s website. As Mayor, I will continue to post all of my campaign contributors on the city’s website.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-80411039186128813562007-04-05T13:45:00.001-07:002007-04-12T10:02:01.737-07:00

My campaign has complied with every disclosure requirement to date and will continue to disclose all information required by law. I am happy to assist any voter requiring information by directing him or her to the relevant state and city agencies. In addition I have released my tax returns for the last three years to the Daily News and the Inquirer for review. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-40889926470177555232007-04-05T13:40:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:02:33.008-07:00

Yes. The City will be posting this information and we will be happy to put our information on our own website as well. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-60593626491281630242007-04-05T13:35:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:14:11.538-07:00

I will disclose all campaign donations per the City charter. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-77619122947170236102007-04-05T13:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:03:11.980-07:00

84% of the respondents believe that the current City business tax structure discourages job growth and hampers business development. The 2003 Tax Reform Commission recommended phasing out both the net income and gross receipts portion of the Business Privilege Tax over ten years, ten per percent a year.Would you commit to following the Commission’s schedule? If not, what would you do instead? If

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-47144643869138635952007-04-05T13:25:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:03:52.799-07:00

I support overhauling the onerous business privilege tax, but believe that we must balance this with the need to provide city services. I have called for immediately eliminating the gross receipts portion of the BPT and replacing the net income portion with a simple charge on net profits. This change will increase the competitiveness of city businesses, make Philadelphia more attractive as a

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-90694373072326837992007-04-05T13:20:00.001-07:002007-04-12T10:04:46.367-07:00

My primary concern with the Business Privilege tax is the gross receipts portion. It drives businesses and jobs out of the city. I favor addressing the net profits portion once the gross receipts portion has been eliminated and the wage tax has been addressed. At that time, we should work to lower the net profits portion to a tandem with the wage tax.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-83420079758034987292007-04-05T13:15:00.000-07:002007-04-07T10:46:28.517-07:00

I support the phased elimination of the gross receipts portion of the BPT and the phased reduction of the net income portion of the BPT to a rate equal to the rate for the Wage Tax. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-8667201543395510402007-04-05T13:10:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:16:27.126-07:00

As Mayor, I will work to eliminate the gross receipts portion of the Business Privilege Tax over an 8 year period. It has been estimated that for every 500,000 square feet of occupied office space, $11.1 million dollars in tax revenue is generated. Barriers to economic development, such as the gross receipts tax must be removed; as the revenue which would be generated by business locating in the

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-88457839527858542007-04-05T13:05:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:06:22.406-07:00

I do believe that the gross receipts portion of the Business Privilege Tax is onerous and needs to be phased out. I think we need to balance its elimination, however, with the more immediate need to reduce the level of violence in Philadelphia. As Mayor, my top priority will be to make Philadelphia the safest big city in America; subsequent to that, we will do what we can afford in terms of

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-69741197301655817192007-04-05T13:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:06:59.758-07:00

The Tax Reform Commission recommended that the wage tax, 4.26% for residents and 3.7557% for non-residents in tax year 2007, be reduced to 3.25% for both residents and non-residents by the year 2015.Legislation has been passed to implement this ten-year reduction plan. Do you support the continued implementation of this plan? If not, what would you do instead?WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-25730908276523337412007-04-05T12:55:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:07:58.615-07:00

I support the current schedule and will push for a more aggressive one depending on available revenues.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-85878578577140898772007-04-05T12:50:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:08:36.909-07:00

Yes.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-90720446035344149262007-04-05T12:45:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:20:28.232-07:00

Future reductions in the City wage tax are tied to revenue streams from newly licensed gambling halls. As Mayor, I will work to make sure that as these streams of revenue become available, they are correctly applied to the reduction of the wage tax.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-47468146158870066882007-04-05T12:40:00.001-07:002007-04-12T10:09:09.519-07:00

I do believe that in order to attract businesses and to achieve job growth, we must have a competitive tax structure. For this reason, I supported Governor Ed Rendell’s gaming legislation which would provide revenues to cut the wage tax in Philadelphia. I will also continue to support its reduction and to look at studies, including those from the Tax Reform Commission, to seek ways to make

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-69714371616047809532007-04-05T12:35:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:09:58.440-07:00

I support continuing the reductions in the city wage tax on the schedule passed by City Council. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-9877921030471451592007-04-05T12:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:10:49.597-07:00

86% of all respondents stated that it was either important or very important that the City institute transition rules to phase the changes in real estate tax assessment methods.Three questions:a. Do you believe that the tax changes should neither increase nor decrease total real estate tax receipts for the City?b. The Tax Reform Commission recommended a three-year buffering program so that tax

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-72579031348318814542007-04-05T12:25:00.000-07:002007-04-12T11:19:02.626-07:00

a. The full-value project of the BRT should be matched by a proportional reduction in the millage rate. The BRT’s current fractional assessment (0.32 of BRT assessed value) would thus require a rate reduction to approximately one-third the current millage rate of 0.08264, in order to be revenue neutral.b. A three-year average would introduce some buffering, but we should simply have an

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-28270819765241048542007-04-05T12:20:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:19:23.401-07:00

As Mayor, I would work to ensure that real estate taxes are administered in a fair and equitable manner. Too often, taxes within the City act as a disincentive for those who are interested in locating businesses here. As Mayor, I would work to create a tax environment that welcomes investment, and remains fair to the residents of the City. With regard to assessments, the administration of

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-25366139612745765202007-04-05T12:15:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:12:17.490-07:00

a. Yes, I believe the move to full assessment should be revenue neutral.b. Yes, I would support such legislation.c. I am concerned with how reassessment would impact homeowners whose property values have increased but who are income poor. For that reason, I have supported a series of state initiatives which would give such homeowners tools to minimize the impact of increased assessments. I

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-55319983720414472782007-04-05T12:10:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:12:46.760-07:00

a. Yes. In my fiscal policy I stated my commitment to making the re-assessment revenue-neutral for the city.b. I have said that this re-assessment should not unduly hurt our residents, to this end I have pledged to support efforts to provide a homestead exemption to Philadelphia homeowners and a phase-in of the reassessment to ease the impact on homeowners. I would also consider a buffering

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-76270808233023975412007-04-05T12:05:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:13:56.994-07:00

a. I believe that the current move to full assessment should be revenue neutral.b. I support the concept of a buffering program. However, I favor a cap on increases and decreases rather than a system of rolling averages.c. Deferments are well worth exploring and I support them for the elderly, infirm, or disabled who are living on fixed income. As Mayor, I will convene a panel of real estate and

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-23496788977271406732007-04-05T12:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:14:22.035-07:00

92% of those surveyed stated it was important to present a budget displaying bottom-line figures for the costs of city services. For example, the current budget lists police pensions as a separate line item dealing with pensions for all employees rather than allocating this expense to the cost of policing.a. Are you willing to publish a budget that details the total cost of each governmental

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-6533958151272493182007-04-05T11:55:00.000-07:002007-04-13T10:15:39.419-07:00

I would consider the change, but not commit to it definitively before consulting with City Council and PICA. WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-1652656657949009892007-04-05T11:50:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:15:04.435-07:00

a. I would be willing to publish such details as soon as it is practical. b. I would commit to an open process for all phases of crafting the city’s budgets, either the primary one or any supplemental appropriations.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-69075556181243261862007-04-05T11:45:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:15:46.677-07:00

I would be open to bottom-line budgeting but would first speak with my departmental commissioners and those in the Managing Director’s office to make sure that this change made sense in terms of accurately reporting a city dollars spent. I support a budget process where all planned expenditures are included and supplemental appropriation goes through that same public comment and hearing process

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-59835738897008647272007-04-05T11:40:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:16:49.356-07:00

I am committed to a budgeting process that is both open and details programmatic costs. Philadelphians deserve to know how much municipal initiatives cost and, above all, City Hall has an obligation to be open, honest, and accountable about how it spends money.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-78326002369339808712007-04-05T11:35:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:17:21.320-07:00

Yes. As Mayor, I will convene a process to revise our budget process to involve citizens, identify priorities, budget for outputs rather than inputs, and ensure that supplemental and other mechanisms are governed by the same practices.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-56873391504299514832007-04-05T11:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:18:00.405-07:00

The PICA report “Look Before You Leap? The Fiscal Situation that Awaits the Next Mayor” points out that the three big challenges to the city finances are pensions, benefits, and debt service that by FY09 will reach, according to the report, almost $1 billion of required expenditures—1/3 of the current budget. Two questions:a. Are union concessions necessary to make ends meet? If so, what

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-32689185862825958282007-04-05T11:25:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:18:41.910-07:00

a. I believe that both revenues and expenditures must be on the table as we take on the challenges facing this city. That means all revenues and expenditures must be on the table, including the “political” expenditures.b. My overwhelming preference is to use “pay-as-you go” provisions versus taking on more debt. We can no longer afford to increase our debt burden and practice avoidance behavior

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-82966972716406192902007-04-05T11:20:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:19:27.769-07:00

a. Employee health costs and pensions have been rising at an unsustainable rate. I will work constructively with the city’s municipal unions to identify creative ways to slow the growth of these costs to the city while continuing to provide high-quality benefits to our city workers. I have proposed pooling the city’s health care costs and bidding out a single contract to maximize the purchasing

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-2997889092311155252007-04-05T11:15:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:20:49.165-07:00

a. I do not believe that union concessions are necessary to make ends meet. I look forward to engaging in productive negotiations with the city’s major unions that produce a solution that protects worker’s rights as well as the city’s fiscal health.b. As Mayor, I pledge to maintain a responsible level of debt by issuing an executive debt policy. The executive debt policy will outline the

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-58149137447950487712007-04-05T11:10:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:22:24.980-07:00

a. As PICA has noted, the status quo is not sustainable. However, I have been surprised at the lack of public interest in the City’s fiscal situation and would welcome the involvement of the city’s civic associations in creating a broader understanding of this issue. It doesn’t help to have Mayoral candidates promising new programs and costs that are not realistic or sustainable, with no

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-60151400671909671312007-04-05T11:05:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:24:29.225-07:00

Through ongoing discussions with union officials and advisers, I am working to develop a fair plan to tackle this challenge. It is important to me that we find a solution that will not undercut workers and not unduly burden taxpayers. Workers deserve to receive the retirement monies they counted on when hired and while working for the City. Funding levels are at 56% presently and the City is

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-29336140307812582962007-04-05T11:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:21:40.246-07:00

While 20% of the survey respondents thought the City did “well” or “okay” in the area of jobs and business development over the last 5 years, 69% rated the City’s performance as mediocre or bad.In the last decade, tourism has joined higher education and health care to become a significant part of the City’s economy creating jobs for residents in all of the City’s neighborhoods.Do you see your

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-64058322740510473622007-04-05T10:55:00.000-07:002007-04-07T13:08:02.597-07:00

We need to focus job training and business development in areas in which our city and region has an advantage. These industries include the medical field, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, chemicals and health care billing.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-8118318135893716292007-04-05T10:50:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:22:57.129-07:00

As an entrepreneur, I understand the needs of the business community. As Mayor, I intend to form a coalition of business and academic leaders to identify sectors of growth and recommend businesses that could relocate to Philadelphia. I will then personally lobby these businesses to come to Philadelphia and join our vibrant community.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-37696914230667912122007-04-05T10:45:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:23:50.202-07:00

Far more important that choosing winning growth sectors, a City must get the fundamentals right. These include tax reform to bring Philadelphia into the modern economy, ending the “corruption tax” that keeps Philadelphia off the location list for many firms, providing basics services, and maintaining a capital investment program that provides the infrastructure need by tomorrow’s economy. These

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-65800830651317720602007-04-05T10:40:00.001-07:002007-04-13T09:29:33.588-07:00

As stated above, I will work to eliminate the gross receipts tax on businesses. This regressive tax discourages investment in the City of Philadelphia. By removing this tax, investment in the City will be encouraged, thus creating new jobs. Additionally, I will work to improve the educational level of our workforce.As Mayor, I will create a college re-entry center, to act as a one stop shop for

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-32324082427025520432007-04-05T10:40:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:27:26.625-07:00

As stated above, I will work to eliminate the gross receipts tax on businesses. This regressive tax discourages investment in the City of Philadelphia. By removing this tax, investment in the City will be encouraged, thus creating new jobs. Additionally, I will work to improve the educational level of our workforce. As Mayor, I will create a college re-entry center, to act as a one stop shop

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-10026016213304848262007-04-05T10:35:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:24:49.491-07:00

A strong economy consists of the creation of good-paying jobs as well as the assurance that people have the skills needed to receive and to excel at these jobs. I have assisted in the creation of a model workforce training program with the private sector as a state representative and would continue that leadership as mayor. Employment statistics for 2005 cite that less than half of

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-43745053149844591782007-04-05T10:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:25:15.292-07:00

Other than improving the tax structure, what can the City do to encourage the growth and retention of small businesses?WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-57162559328619429062007-04-05T10:25:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:25:59.936-07:00

Improving workforce training and education is more important to attracting business than reforming the tax structure. As mayor, I will provide the Community College of Philadelphia, and the workforce investment system as a whole, with the resources necessary to make meaningful change in our economy.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-47343829622310476862007-04-05T10:20:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:26:40.807-07:00

Too many of our economic development resources are directed at large business, even though small businesses create most of the new jobs in the U.S. As Mayor, I will establish an Office of Business Services to work with any business or prospective business, in order to provide technical assistance and eliminate obstacles that businesses encounter in the City. Every business that comes through the

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-1952434043300914232007-04-05T10:10:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:27:34.323-07:00

Small business growth rates are low in Philadelphia; as Mayor, I will not only focus on developing a workforce for industry but on creating entrepreneurs as well. Since climbing the ladder to the middle class can be tough, I will support individual development accounts (IDAs), which can be used to start a business among other things. The true advancement and path to financial security as well

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-6968599587109004622007-04-05T10:05:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:28:03.420-07:00

I have laid out a plan to give small businesses the tools they need to grow in Philadelphia, including an emergency loan fund for small businesses in crisis, business relocation loans for intra-city moves, matching seed capital, creating an independent non-profit to provide free consulting services. The city can do more in its day-to-day operations to help grow small businesses, like using city

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-56498439594977197972007-04-05T10:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:31:48.070-07:00

Citizens’ interactions with City government would be made much more transparent and efficient by (a) publishing a directory of city agencies on the web with phone numbers and email addresses; and (b) developing provisions for applying for City permits and applications and paying taxes online.Will you provide online access to your administration’s telephone, email and street address book within

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-19363858829449909622007-04-05T09:55:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:32:34.155-07:00

Yes. In addition, I will establish a 311 call center to target resources on non-police or –fire emergencies and improve service delivery on the entire portfolio of municipal services. Up to one-third of calls placed to 911 in Philadelphia are non-emergencies regarding illegal parking, animal complaints, loud noise, etc. Although these are important quality of life issues that add to disorder and

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-26258904197913819982007-04-05T09:50:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:31:47.213-07:00

As stated above, I will create a one stop shop for those who desire to open a business within the City of Philadelphia. As Mayor, I will work to expand the core principle of this initiative, customer service, to all aspects of City government. For Philadelphia to be truly successful in this new century, our government must transform itself into a organization focused on the people it serves.As

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-14199780704747149982007-04-05T09:45:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:33:06.671-07:00

Yes, I will support opening up access to city hall by publishing much more information on the City’s web site and providing for more city services via the web.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-27602631105756331782007-04-05T09:40:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:33:35.323-07:00

I have laid out an ambitious plan to expand citizen access to City Hall, including developing new ways to apply for permits and applications and paying taxes online. I am also interested in making the city’s website more user-friendly by making the directory of city agencies and offices, with their contact information, more easily accessible.Finally, I have pledged to bring City Hall to every

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-75918854477447366322007-04-05T09:35:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:34:58.802-07:00

Open information is the key to ensuring accountability. I pledge to do all of the above as mayor. Philadelphians deserve open information and ease of access in dealing with City Hall.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-40772190414604182412007-04-04T17:00:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:36:08.207-07:00

72% of the respondents who expressed an opinion strongly agreed or agreed that the School Reform Commission remain in charge of the Philadelphia School District for the next four years.Do you agree?If not, do you recommend that the District be run by the Mayor as in Chicago or do you recommend an alternative method of governance such as the former Board of Education and, if so, what type of

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-79699458382286123822007-04-04T16:55:00.000-07:002007-04-13T09:33:31.262-07:00

As Mayor, I will work to ensure that the voice of parents, teachers, students, and all Philadelphians are heard before the School Reform Commission. I will also work to create “report cards” for each of the schools within the district. By understanding which schools are succeeding , and which ones are failing, we will foster a culture of accountability within the district.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-7965823500958799612007-04-04T16:50:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:37:08.158-07:00

What the city needs is a mayor who will continue to support the schools as they strive for excellence. After decades of mismanagement and poor student achievement, I helped to lead the formation of the unique city-state partnership that now runs the school district under the leadership of School Reform Commission Chairman Jim Nevels and CEO Paul Vallas. Since I led this effort, we have seen

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-22431485635546652462007-04-04T16:45:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:37:39.637-07:00

I support continuing the city-state partnership, in the form of the School Reform Commission, in governing our schools. I would like to have balanced control of the SRC, with three representatives appointed by the Mayor and three appointed by the Governor. But more importantly, I will work with the Governor to create a fairer state-wide school funding formula that reduces the disparity in per

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-59978970732828902092007-04-04T16:40:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:38:11.933-07:00

The people of Philadelphia deserve accountability in education. Right now, I don’t believe that the School Reform Commission can be held adequately accountable. As mayor, I intend to reform Philadelphia’s government by eliminating pay-to-play politics so that Harrisburg can be confident in returning control of the school district to City Hall.WANT TO COMMENT? Learn how to add your comments.

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-28768158637476185422007-04-04T16:35:00.002-07:002007-04-12T10:38:40.420-07:00

I have a child in a public school, so I relate to the School District of Philadelphia as a parent as well as a candidate. Although Philadelphia has some excellent public schools, the overwhelming majority of them are inadequate. Every day, many families leave the city because of our inadequate schools. I believe the long-term solution is for the city to re-gain control of our school system from

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-29025156188839139272007-04-04T16:30:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:39:46.842-07:00

92% who expressed an opinion believed that a significant portion of the Mayor’s political capital should be expended to attract more funding from Harrisburg.Would you be willing to spend significant political capital to attract funding from Harrisburg? If not, why not?If you are willing to commit to this goal, what steps would you take and would those steps include visits to Harrisburg and the

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-86978102283159164662007-04-04T16:25:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:40:29.081-07:00

Philadelphia School District’s spending per child averages around $11,000 while its suburban counterparts spend $15,000 or more. While Philadelphia may have more obstacles to overcome, it has less money to deal with them. In the early 1990s, I initiated an effort between the House Appropriations Committee, which I chair, and the Education Committee. I led the committees in developing a school

Crosstown Coalitionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00783649409374486024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3343428538291853188.post-11240175916103063512007-04-04T16:20:00.000-07:002007-04-12T10:41:59.707-07:00

As Mayor, my top priority will be education and we must increase funding from both the city and state for our schools to close the per pupil funding disparity between the city schools and our suburban neighbors. I will go to Harrisburg and will use the relationships that I have developed over 25 years of public service, including 12 years as a legislator in Harrisburg, to push for a fairer

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