Yo, Mike: Taxes, Growth and Development

Mary Barr Mann
Maplewood, NJ
Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is ...
. . . bring me back to Philadelphia. I know this sounds rather self-serving, what with all the pressing crises of the city - including poverty, crime, and education. But I represent the vast Philadelphia diaspora - the many former inhabitants who long for Philadelphia, who spend hours a week on philly.com and phillyblog and read the Business Journal and City Paper on line. We miss our neighborhoods, our families and our soft pretzels. We want to come back, but something is missing: jobs.
Almost seven years ago, I married a man who lives and works in North Jersey. His technology-based firm is thriving in the New York area with many clients ranging in geographic location from Garden City, Long Island to Parsippany, NJ. How many clients do they have in the Philadelphia area? One. In Blue Bell.
Philadelphia needs to significantly lower its wage and business taxes and aggressively work to attract and grow new businesses. Some might argue that there is growth on the 202 corridor and in other suburbs, but without a vibrant economic engine at the center, the Philadelphia region is lagging behind metro areas like New York and Boston. Jobs will bring new residents, new income and new life to the city -- both at its center and in the neighborhoods.

Harriette Mishkin
Create a more inviting work environment for businesses in Philadelphia. The tax structure is a burden and a disincentive, particularly to small business owners who wish to stay here or come here in the first place. Business privelege tax, on top of net profits tax, school tax, etc., bleeds us dry and prohibits business reinvestment opportunities for future investment and potential growth.
A secondary effect of a reduced tax structure would be to create more opportunities for all the local college grads to stay in Philadelphia because there would be more jobs and dollars to hire them. Over time this would provide the tax dollars lost in a better tax structure for business.
We must compete economically in order to prepare for Philadelphia's future. Attention to business taxes is the way to go.

Bill SJP'58
East Torresdale
Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is to fix the Board of Revision of Taxes. The BRT sets the property values for our real estate taxes and the BRT hears the appeals by property owners. The appeal MUST be heard by an independent body and not the BRT so that the property owner can avoid filing a costly appeal in the Court of Common Pleas in order to get a fair hearing and decision.

John Furey
President
Broad Street West Civic Association
Philadelphia, PA.
Posted on Please take a long hard look at L & I and Zoning. Just as car owners are required to display inspection and regitration stickers the same should apply to multi family dwellings. These stickers would have a bar code available to inspectors. When properties are not inspected it is risking the health and welfare of the community. Present conditions result in wasted man hours and lost revenue for the city. Inspectors are unable to gain access to the property, the courts can't serve notice for hearings because they can't locate the owner. These owners must list their principal residence for mailing purposes.. There should be a seperate fine attached to applications to legalize apartment buildings where owners have neglected thier legal obligations for years and years. It should be noted that this only occurs when they want to sell the property.
There are serious inequities with real estate assessments when the multi family property is assessed the same as the adjoining single family property. L & I should enforce the Zoning Board of Adjustments refusals , too often these owners continue to operate their multi family dwelling collecting rents and laughing all the way to the bank.
Every district should have an advocate to work with L & I and the community.

NB Wolfe
Seems impossible to get into your website to leave a message SO,
Mike, what I'd like you to do is decrease the tax abatement from 10 years to 3 years. I understand the need to have folks move into Philadelphia but IF folks can afford to pay over a million dollars for a condo or other property, they certainly CAN afford to pay the property taxes on it. Giving them 10 years allows them to turn the original property over and get another tax abatement property with a sizeable profit. I believe the 3 year abatement allows for SOME benefit without bankrupting the city. If ANYONE needs tax abatement, it's the poor folks who can barely make ends meet. Perhaps 3 year tax abatements can also be given to folks who choose properties that are abandoned, preparing to rehabilitate them for their home.
Thank you for considering this.

Heather Rose
Chester County Resident w/ familial roots in Philly
 “Yo, Mike! The one thing I really need you to do is stand up for sustainable, community- centered development. Please entertain us with your thoughts on the plans for the Convention Center expansion.
Is the proposed expansion in- line with your idea of good development? Or would you envision smaller- scaled projects that assure city residents are best served by the proposal? Historic building preservation, artists’ needs and human relations are currently being trumped under this proposed plan by “what is bigger is better for Philadelphia.”
Sustainable development means just that. It sustains our communities. Human relationships. Our landscapes. Scale is a critical component in this equation.
Thank you,

Robert J. Weinand
Glenolden, Pa.
The one thing I need you to do
is...........Legislation (SB717-718) will soon be introduced to abolish all property taxes on homesteads in Pennsylvania. Visit www.grandoldusa.com for more details. Philadelphians need you to educate them on this urgent legislation. Then ask them to contact Senator Anthony Williams, co-sponsor, seeking his continued open support. Abolishing all property taxes will allow more individuals to own their homes, including women and minorities. It will help keep families together. It will create a huge economic boom, generate thousands of jobs and revitalize the City of Brotherly Love. More importantly Mayor Nutter, you sir will enjoy the supreme pride of putting your great city back on it's feet.
Additionally, history will record you with a legacy that will be the envy of all politician's.
Congratulations, in advance, Mayor Elect Nutter!!

Anne Scardino
Philadelphia
Congratulations on your win. Now...what are you going to do to bring business to the city? We have the baby boomer condo owners taking advantage of the 10-year tax abatement, but what do you have in mind for businesses that would be similar in approach? Crime and education are also important, but it takes money for funding in those areas, which could come from bringing business to the city. What can you offer a business so that they don't find space in the zillion office complexes of the suburbs where you can't find a good cheesesteak for lunch!

Michael Rutberg, MD
If Philadelphia is to grow and truly become a great city, it must provide an atmosphere which promotes private industry which in turn provides employment opportunities by creating good jobs. Philadelphia’s progress is stymied by its regressive wage tax which drives businesses out of the city. Philadelphia needs a total tax overhaul if it is to remain vibrant in the 21st century. The city must find ways to keep its best young college educated young people from leaving town as soon as they graduate.

ljlong
The press seems to overlook one obvious solution to crime and bad schools, the overdue city property taxes now totaling $622 million!
Philly schools simply can't afford optional property tax payment.
Actual foreclosure would be unlikely, as people would simply find ways to catch up in order to keep their homes.
Compiled by web activist Ed Goppelt at:
http://www.hallwatch.org/proptax/about/redelinq/stats/summary
Types Amounts owed Number of Debtors
Business $245,863,932.37 56,329
Individuals $376,918,886.13 124,210

Total ****$622,782,818.50****
by 180,539 owners
Years delinquent, Property count, Total delinquency:
1 80,360 $81,653,573.17
2 23,775 $48,856,298.16
3 12,195 $32,702,018.86
4 7,834 $26,352,790.72
5 5,771 $24,481,946.88
6 4,612 $26,301,778.64
7 5,105 $24,895,863.68
8 3,645 $21,677,086.25
9 3,314 $22,665,143.63
10 3,707 $27,133,962.16
11 29,937 $286,062,183.35
Philadelphians vs. Non-Philadelphians
Group Total Due Total properties
Philadelphians $539,731,736.44 159,236
Non-Philadelphians $58,244,761.86 17,699
Philly can afford better schools, but Philly must collect what is owed the city promptly and in full. Other counties in the surrounding areas collect or start foreclosure proceedings in about 12 months for unpaid bills to a school district or county.
Philly can't afford to prioritize deadbeat owners over kids.

Pew can't pay for everything in this town!
Property taxes outstanding and unpaid now total more than $622,782,818.50 by 180,539 owners in Philly.
Any debt collector would buy this debt from the city for a huge sum. That's how Rendell funded his first surplus.
So where is the fire to put this money to good use, instead of providing deadbeat owners with free pass?
What could the schools do with $311 million dollars? What could the city do about crime with the rest?
How about abolish the wage tax for good and have a city that rivals NYC and Chicago?

No to BPT, yes to job creation, goodbye hole of poverty in the middle of a booming region
Abolish the BPT. Whoever heard of taxing gross receipts before even knowing your profit? We can create jobs by making employers want to be here.
Nothing could disincentivize business more. I think the person who wrote that legislation wanted to create a large federally funded socialst dream state.
What resulted is a city where no one with good legal counsel houses their registered headquarters to avoid this crazy tax.
Let's have a local economy again, since we are the fulcrum of the pharmaceutical, health, energy, and other industries on both sides of us.
Why is Philly a big empty hole of poverty in the middle of one of the nation's booming regional economies?

Jason Augustine
Yo, Mike! The one thing I really need you to do is ...
...enable construction projects in the City to use whatever contractors and sub-contractors they see fit; union or non-union. The ridiculous spectacle of coercion and veiled threats by the building trades has gone on long enough. With higher built-in construction cost for the City compared to the suburbs (where most of the unions' membership lives by the way), is it any surprise investment in Philadelphia continues to lag?
Philadelphia was made great in the first place through commerce. Removing such artificial impediments to commerce should be the first order of business. This is one Philadelphian who will fully back whatever move you make.

Ralph D. Bloch
Dresher, Pa.
Yo Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is demolish areas of blight creating open space of as many square blocks as possible. Then provide whatever safety necessary and tax incentives to entice suburban type super markets and fast food franchises to locate there. This would provide local jobs and a sense of civic pride which might well extend into the sourounding areas. These small oases within the city could include a youth and teenage "hang-out" which beats curfews and restrictions young people hate. The possibilities are endless.

Edgar Harris
Yo, Mike! The single most important thing a new mayor could do would be to repeal the city wage tax. It is probably the single reason why large American business (and their thousands of jobs ) go to Wilmington Del. Corporate headquarters always locate in the most salutary location. In the not too distant past a high percentage of the American oil refining industry was here. The wage tax and the dollar a barrel refined products tax drove them to Houston; and are a major reason why we are smaller and less appealing than they are today.

Albert Raman
Spring Garden District, Philadelphia
Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is focus on Center City.
Philadelphia was once considered a destination city, maybe even a future world class city, for business and tourism. We still have tourism, but business is leaving.
Walk east of City Hall, down Market Street, Chestnut Street, Walnut Street. Look at the empty store fronts and the store fronts that cater primarily to the poor people. Macy's decided to not bring a department store to Center City. The Macy's in the former Wanamaker's store is merely a clothing and accessories store. That means the big department store in Center City is a K-Mart. Think about it, the big department store in Center City is a K-Mart. People who have the means do not shop at K-Mart, especially they do not use it as a destination. People who have money do not ordinarily shop in the same stores as poor people.
During the past few weeks we have been informed that one in four Philadelphians live at or below the poverty level, and that Philadelphia is too poor to support its school system.
If Center City is not brought up to a level that will support a couple of major department stores then Philadelphia will become another Detroit, Camden or Newark, New Jersey.
Too much public money has been directed to the neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods do not contribute enough revenue to justify the allocation of public funds so disproportionately. It is immoral and corrupt.
Also, walk from City Hall to the Art Museum. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway looks like an abandoned and vacant lot. Look how the lawns have been allowed to go to seed, or weed, or develop bare spots surrounded by crab grass. If you want Center City to be a destination and Philadelphia to be a world class city then Center City's appearance must be improved and become the example the entire city looks up to.

Robin Luber
I really want you to take a walk down the 6400 block of Dorcas Street. I have lived here since 1979 and would love to not have to move. Only two doors away, a HUD owned home sits empty with all the windows boarded. Many calls and emails have fallen on deaf ears. This is an eyesore. Over 8 homes are for sale on this block. They sit because of this visual blight. The lawns grow high, the owners have moved on. At the end of the street at Hellerman is a dead end driveway that PENDOT has created. In blocking this drive for their purposes, illegal dumping and trash have accumulated. Again no one cares. Calls have been made. Now drive down Dorcas during rush hour and try to turn left onto Levick. Visibility is difficult. Cars park on Levick right up to the corner. Neighbors have made numerous calls for a no parking sign since February. No one cares about us, Dorcas Street, or anything else. Please dare to be different.

Danny
Congratulations on becoming the next mayor of Philly. I know there still remains the formality of trouncing the Repub candidate in November and as a proud elephant I'll be casting my lame protest vote, but seriously, best wishes.
I'd like to challenge you on taxes here in Philadelphia. In my opinion, there is a line that the city has crossed decades ago. I'll call that line "Optimal Taxation". Optimal taxation is the point the city taxes its people and businesses in order to bring in maximum revenues to the city's treasury. An over-taxed environment, like we have here in Philly results in less than maximum revenues flowing into city coffers. Paradoxically, any tax hike from this point will result in a long-term loss of revenues, although a short-term (short-sighted) spike might be realized.
My question to you is this: Do you have the political courage and basic economic insight to start this city on a path back to maximum revenue collection via Optimal Taxation? Can you champion the idea of across the board tax cuts that would bring us back to a point where the city can fund its basic needs again in a sane and fiscally responsible way?
Thank You sir and good luck

Barely Getting By
West Philly
Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is supply more jobs. I have relocated back to Philadelphia from California because I love the city. The number of job opportunities, however, I don't love. There are little to no large corporations located in the city, which leads me to my two questions. What are your plans to attract more companies to Philadelphia? and How do you plan on bringing more "good" jobs to the city? I understand that the neighboring cities are competition but damn. This is a great city with endless potential but without good paying jobs things are only going to get worse. Everyone knows with jobs comes less crime which leads to a safer more educated city.

Albert Kepler
Cherry Hill
One thing I really need you to do is to focus on urban development. Philadelphia is a blank canvas when it comes to city beautification and development possibilities. If Philadelphia is to become the next great city, it has to be developed as one, with new and improved public space, a fluid transportation infrastructure, easily accessible business districts, inspirational public projects. Investing in the city to make it a more attractive place to live, work, and play will lay the foundation for our Renaissance, improving the quality of life for current residents and attracting future residents to Philadelphia.

Dave
Please lower the taxes. The wage tax is keeping people who work outside the city from living in the city. The business tax is a deterrent for new businesses to start in the city. It's a vicious cycle. When you lower the taxes, more people will move into the city and more businesses will locate in the city, therefore, tax revenue will increase. Thanks in advance.

William O. Miller
Mike, i would like to see the Real Estate Tax realligned. They are disproportionately high in West Mt Airy as opposed to other sections of this city. My taxes were arbitrarily raised by an unscientific re-appraisal. This is an area of great concern for the residents of our city.

Debella
Please lower property taxes in Philadelphia. That would be a great thing.

Randall Couch
While good planning and efficient service administration are crucial, restoring the balance of tax incentives for new, small, and growing businesses is paramount. Philadelphia loses far too many of its young graduates and potential entrepreneurs--the city and region are higher-ed leaders--once they discover the tax structure here. Small businesses struggle with an onerous BPT while established behemoths like Comcast or REITs hold the city for ransom with the threat of relocating their jobs. If the tax structure were correct to start with and applied fairly, these "economic development" scams by corporations would be unneccessary and Philadelphia would be incubating tomorrow's revenue-generating powerhouses, creating jobs, and building the audience for culture by keeping its dynamic "creative class" in the city. These things would also fuel revenue and demand for better public education, which is essential for long-term civic health and competitiveness.

Donato Angelotti
should you became the next mayor please revisit the Business Prviledge tax and create a friendly environment for business.
I am ready to transfer my small business outside of the city limits.
Additionally, please find incentives for the brown fields to be redeveloped.
We need to restore this city to it's greatness and become the tourist destination for domestic and international traveler.

Lawrence J Brick
I've been in agreement with 100 percent of your voting record, action, and advocacy efforts to improve the quality of life for the Philadelphia residents. You've been personally 100 percent responsive to every request for help or suggestions I've sent you. Because I'm so confident that you will continue to be responsive to every person who contacts you, I have only one concern and before sharing this concern, I want to reinforce that you and your staff continue to be responsive to every person who contacts you for support, help, or guidance, and makes a suggestion.
My big concern is the increasing property taxes that senior citizens have been facing. I am not satisfied with Gov Rendall basing the senior citizen's income as a pre-condition for capping the property taxes. I've lived in Philadelphia for 22 years and contributed to the Philadelphia wage tax. Now that I'm retired and no longer pay a wage tax, reducing the wage tax is of no benefit to me while my property taxes continue to rise. I feel that not having some kind of cap or cut on the property taxes of senior citizens who paid the wage tax for a certain number of years is a form of double taxation as well as discriminatory, especially against middle class retirees. The income cut off for seniors is much too low although much needed for those on limited income, but the middle class has taken quite a beating the last decade while the upper class has become richer. This imbalance needs to be corrected. We're not talking about very many years that the cap will last as many retirees will eventually pass away or move on to different living situations within the next 1 day to some 30 years.
Thank you for listening.

Rich Lombardo
. . . is put the word “City” back into “City Planning”. After two consecutive administrations that have either neglected the need for the City’s leadership in planning for the City’s future or paid only “lip service” to the idea, it’s time to become an advocate for City Planning. The reform movement of the early nineteen fifties and its new City Charter relied heavily on the idea of the City moving forward in the post World War II world behind a strong professional planning staff. The framers of the Charter saw the importance for City oversight and control of both the physical and fiscal sides of planning. The privatization of planning that has recently and is now taking place leaves out an essential ingredient, public oversight of the actual costs and opportunity costs attributable to the planning choices. In order to grow the city in terms of jobs and residents it is essential the get the word out that the City is in-charge and Planning is again a priority to the City.

Cosmo
This property tax abatement thing's gotta be revisited.
I say anyone already in the pipeline to buy a new home with the existing 10 year abatement- let them be. Consider this....going forward, a new home buyer gets year 1 tax free. Year two? You pay 20% of your property tax bill. Year three? Pay 30% and so on until after ten years they're kicking in 100%.
Just imagine the revenue, Mike! We need it for our schools. We need it for our city services!!
How about it, Mike? Whadda ya say?

Michelle S.
The one think I really need you to do is to abolish the ridiculous taxes placed on the hard working citizens and business owners in Philadelphia. It’s not a coincidence that the Metro-Philadelphian area is growing and Philadelphia is shrinking not only in population but also in the number of profitable businesses. A drive down City Ave. is a good example of how much money Philadelphia has lost because of the business privilege tax: the Philadelphia side is virtually a barren wasteland compared to the bustling retail development across the street in Montgomery County. In addition, my friends are moving away because taking a job in Philadelphia is like taking a 4.26% pay-cut. They are no longer contributing to the revitalization of the great city because they’re no longer here to enjoy the splendor, arts, and entertainment in Philadelphia (and spend their money). These taxes may have been a good idea in the 60’s but they’re now obsolescent. Help bring back our citizens and businesses by getting rid of these taxes.
With kind regards,

Samuel Botts
President
VIGORworks Fitness Center
Small business is where I'd like to see you dedicate some attention to. I understand that the thinking is that addressing the needs of big corporations trickles down to benefit small businesses but that isn't true. While reducing the BPT certainly would be nice, it's not what I'm thinking about when I think of the challenges that I'm confronted with in running a business in Philadelphia.
I think that there could be some excemptions for small business, based on some objective measure, that would allow small business owners from having to spend an entire afternoon to get a minor permit that is necessary to continue business operation. Or remove the necessity of having to incur the cost of an attorney when presenting to the ZBA. The arduous procedure for getting a sign on a building leaves plenty of room for improvement.
In short, some sort of small business classification that would allow small business to expedite the steps in getting through the bureaucracy over at the L&I would be a nice start. The big corporations, have people to deal with these type of details, but for small business owners, these are things that we are often required to do ourselves.
I think you should ask the question, "What business incentives exist that would make an entrepreneur want to start a business in Philadelphia?" I cannot think of any, which is disappointing. I think your background and experience can help change that and I hope that you take some steps to correct that issue. Based on a meeting that we had very early in your campaign, it appeared that you understand the vital role that small businesses play in the City. I hope that you keep that understanding in mind as you lead the city into its next great transformation.

Brian B. Toll
Yo, Mike... May I call you Mike?
The one thing I really need you to do is fix urban blight by putting abandoned property to good use.
All throughout my home town, there are both commercial and residential buildings that are not only eyesores to the community. God knows what happens beyond the boarded up windows and doors.
Go to local neighborhood leaders and groups to learn their visions for those properties. Annex the properties through eminent domain. Also, emphasize the enforcement of a land-value tax. When the tax burden gets too high for these property owners, the city should annex these properties as well, or buy them at bottom dollar price. Turn over control of these properties to a board of urban planners. Those that the city can’t put to good public use (rec centers, etc.) should go through a competitive bidding process.
Invest and grow. Everybody wins.

Allan Feuer
As a resident of the city of philadelphia for over 50 years the city needs a reduction in the business privilege tax. Some years ago I was forced to close a successful consulting firm because the taxes were so onerous I could have made more money working at McDonalds. My company was selling computers and software and created 3 jobs. Philadelphia needs a pro business atmosphere with help from the city and voulenteers to help new small businesses grow. Good luck Mike, You will probably be the new mayor. I wish you well.

Scott
Mike, all of the city's problems come back to 1 thing, not enough money!! Whatever you, and we
as Philadelphians, can do to generate more revenue has to be a focus. This includes attracting more businesses to the city, more people to LIVE in the city, and getting construction started on the gambling parlors. In many ways we are moving in the right direction, but anything that can jumpstart these processes will help.

Larry Rosenberg
As a member of the Jewelers Row Association, I want your business development team to maximize jobs and employment within the city by helping the Jewelers Row District and the Center City District create an area that will make retail consumers feel safe in the jewelry district, and attract both local clientele and tourists. Philadelphia has a jewelry district that is second to none - the only larger one being in New York. That being said - we need curbside improvements, lighting improvements, traffic flow improvements and valet parking for all customers. The Jewelers Row Association has begun a dialogue with the Center City District to accomplish the and will be applying for city and state department of community and economic development funding to make this project a reality. These investments will create more tax revenue by the millions, create and further tourism, and create and maintain employment within our city. Most significantly, this will help our region compete nationally.

Anonymous
Uniform the real estate taxes in Philadelphia, to ensure that everyone pays their fair share, since everyone receives the same benefits. For example, why do people in North Philadelphia pay real estate taxes $100-300 and other people in other neighborhood pay $1500-2500. Also double parking when there is parking spots available. Loud music in cars, blasting while you are driving.

Earl Marsh 
What this city needs more than anything else is a reasonable and fair plan for encouraging businesses to locate and grow in Philadelphia. Without a solid business base, the city cannot thrive or fund the necessary improvements to our school system and infrastructure. This plan needs to address both the current onerous taxation burden and the down-right hostile view many city workers seem to have towards those who actually expect them to work for their paychecks.
Good luck. We're all rooting for you!

Brendan Lake
"Voting With My Feet"
I recently moved my business to the suburbs. I started my business in July 2005 in Queen Village. In 2005 I personally invested in the business and raised investor capital from family and friends. In 2005, my business had zero revenue, but I ended up with a tax bill from City Hall. The business paid taxes because Philadelphia's onerous tax structure.
In the suburbs, if I’m not profitable, then my tax bill is zero. In the suburbs, there is zero gross receipts tax, zero wage tax, zero business privilege tax, and zero fees attached to everything else I tried to accomplish when setting up my business’s infrastructure.
In addition, I purchased a condominium in December of 2000 in Queen Village. Since the date of this purchase my real estate taxes have tripled. I clearly enjoy my neighborhood and love my city, but the tax structure is really annoying, especially as I make a decision whether to start my family in the city and commute to my business in the suburbs, or just move the suburbs (my fiancée is winning this argument).
It seems that the people who work hard every day and take the risks in life to become financially dependent, are penalized by a city filled with entitlement programs and a political structure that makes the entrepreneur “Vote with His Feet.”

Stanford Gable
Yo Mike, Can't wait till you replace Street. I live in East Kensington and have done a little BRT research on my block (2000 East Susquehanna). Out of 18 homes on the block, 10 are significantly behind in real estate taxes. Many of the owners (mostly absentee landlords) have not paid in more than 20 years The total owed taxes of the 10 in question is $102,744.98 in back taxes and penalties. Can you explain how something like this can happen? I doubt that my block is unique. What will you do to fix the problem?
It's time for real reform. I hope you are up to the task. The city could use the revenue and the citizens who do pay could use a break.

Jim
In a word JOBS. Good paying jobs bring wealth to other city businesses, the city and ultimately everyone. We always talk about the expense side, spend more on school, spend more on city services, etc.., but with the highest taxes in the country how can we not have enough to fund all these things? Because even with higher tax rates there are few entities to tax. We need to grow our local economy. It is not the governments responsibility to employ people, it is the government's responsibility to make sure its citizens have access to employment.

Aaron Olk 
Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is promote growth in the city by reducing, or eliminating, the taxes that penalize me for living in Philadelphia. This is a great city, and I believe it is now a great city with a great man as mayor, and we need to promote moving in to the city, not away from it. I wish I could offer a way as to replace the revenues that would be lost. No one said being the mayor was easy, but I have faith that the right man in the office.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR VICTORY!!!

P Kelly
In order for the city to become a place for people to want work and live we need to stop urban blight. We need to abolish city wage taxes so that people have an incentive to stay and want to work in the city. Continue all tax reform so that we can attract businessess to come to Philadelphia hence increasing our tax revenues and bringing jobs to all areas of the city.
I am not a democrat but I was pulling for you in the primary and will vote for you in the general election. I believe in you Mr. Nutter now make a difference.

Dan O'Donnell
Fox Chase, Philadelphia
Yo, Mike! The one thing I need you to do is KEEP THE PROPERTY TAX FORMULA AT THE CURRENT LEVEL. I LOVE PHILADELPHIA AND HAVE BEEN A LIFE LONG RESIDENT, I WORK IN NJ AND IF THE PROPERTY TAX FORMULA IS RAISED I WILL ABSOLUTELY MOVE OUT OF THE CITY TO KEEP FROM PAYING WAGE TAX TO PHILADELPHIA AND THEN HAVE TO PAY 100% TAX VALUATION.

Greg Bayard
Yo Mike, what Philadelphia needs most is job growth. The city needs a mayor that can make Philadelphia the place for entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into tomorrow's companies. This will require a major tax restructuring that will demand sacrifices from everyone in order to invest in our future. The current system discourages entrepreneurship in city limits and eliminates all possibility of capturing the firms that have begun defecting from New York City for cost reasons. You mentioned before the divide depicted at City Line Avenue. I don't need to mention names, but many of the companies headquartered there were once based in city limits as were a number of other regional Fortune 500 firms now operating out of the suburbs. The real tragedy are the jobs that  weren't just lost from the city, but the region as a whole. Strong job growth will encourage more people in our communities to take a stake in their education and the labor demands of city companies will encourage the firms to dedicate resources to developing a capable workforce. We will also attract more immigration and a larger tax base. Job growth needs to happen outside of just healthcare, education, and government. A strong city economy is the best way to improve the living standards of Philadelphians of every race, income level, and background.

Lopa Bhaduri
Clearly now I am not living in Philly. However, "I LOVE MY PHILLY."
I am heart broken about the Gun violence. I strongly believe that Philadelphians need jobs. We are not NJ or LA. Philadelphia is a neighborhood community. Jobs will stop the violence and killing.
Philadelphia is not a stopping place in-between New York City and Washington DC. We have everything, from First Medical school, Constitution Center, Rocky's South Philly and Art Museum. And off course South street, the Old City and our greasy cheesesteak and Beer. Our city represents two different idea about Philadelphia people. You have to see "Philadelphia story" and "Philadelphia."
Donald Trump is a good man. He graduated from the same college as you did. Let his money, clout, talent work for our city. He can use his power to make the Northern Liberty, River front ---------------like the Taj Mahal area in AC.
Bill Clinton and Both George Bush love and respect our city. Use their powers for the improvement of the city' Historical area.
Basically we need money and permanent jobs to improve the city's everyday life and the safety. As our Mayor this two main problems you will face next year. You are an educated man and you belong to the "human race" you will change our city.

Dina Richman
Kensington (Frankford & Somerset)
Clean up the blight in Kensington, please! Help push through legislation that holds owners of vacant properties responsible for what goes on inside.
For instance, there is a vacant house a few doors down from mine that is being used as a drug den. The house used to be boarded up but junkies have ripped the wood down. All kinds of bad is coming to and from that house. Heroin and crack are being sold and used there. When the junkies on the EL stop at #1 drug corner Kensington & Somerset (thank you, PW), they walk right over to this house (three blocks away from the EL) to do their junk. I've had to clean up vomit, caught people urinating, seen blatant prostitution- all going on next to my house!
This house and others like it are focal points for crime and blight.
The owners should be held accountable. The City should board up the houses and then charge the owners a hefty fine. The City should be seizing these properties.
And (I never thought I'd say this)- get more cops on foot or bikes into Kensington, please!

Dave
Repeal the wage tax. Make it worth while to work in the city for a less than executive level job again.

Ken
Thanks for listening! Please consider putting up for sale all vacant, deteriorated and unused City owned properties and lots including those owned by the Redevopment Authority and Philadelphia Housing Authority. By doing so, you will immediately add additional revenues to the general fund, increase the City tax base and encourage economic development efforts.
These properties/lots are an eyesore in our neighborhoods. Many of the properties can be put to good use and have real value. It is great that NTI cleaned many of these properties but that is only a temporary solution. The long term solution is to put these eyesores into the hands of experienced people who can invest in our communities.
I don't care as much how you make this happen. You can either list all of them with local realtors or you can put the addresses on a City web site and solicit closed bids. Think about it!

Christine
To enhance Philly's revenue we need you to stay focused on what Philly does best! We do history, we do tourism, we do museums, we do restaurants- - and we do it THE BEST!!
Let Atlantic City be A.C. Let Vegas be Vegas. And for goodness sake, Michael, let Chester be Chester!!!

Jaynee Levy-Polis
Congratulations Mr. Nutter. We live in Newark, Delaware now but we were hoping you'd win and we told our Philly friends that. We needed a house no more than $250,000 with little or no steps, lots of land in a safe neighborhood. We lived in a rowhouse for thirty years and weren't able to handle the steps. Delaware has lower real estate taxes and no sales tax. We loved Philly, but couldn't find a house like we wanted that we could afford. I do have to admit we love living here.

Jack Panitch
Mr. Nutter: I have a unique perspective on Philadelphia taxes. The one, most effective and most needed thing you could do for Philadelphia as a taxing authority is to set up a Finance-level permanent office of Tax Policy with a knowledgeable and visionary individual to head it. This office has to exist separate and apart from either the Law Department or the Department of Revenue to function effectively. Moreover, the people working in this office need direct access to information and to be free to focus on Tax Policy to the exclusion of all other distractions. These people will enable you to accomplish the structural changes needed to ensure future economic growth in an environment in which business leaders and citizens have confidence in the City as a taxing authority. Sincere best wishes.

John Blickensderfer
Center City
YO, Mike, one thing I need you to do is to provide additional jobs here in Philadelphia that the people living here and graduating from our schools can do. It’s not an easy task because it has a chicken and egg component that gets in the way of quick results and
public recognition that it has happened. For that reason, I believe Philadelphia needs to do the following things at the level of the Office of the Mayor:
• Proactively, solicit firms with New York City back-office support functions (e.g. banks, financial service companies, freight forwarders, etc.) to move all or part of those jobs to Philadelphia to take advantage of our proximity to New York.
• Provide business tax abatements to firms that relocate to Philadelphia as an incentive.
• Proactively, promote Philadelphia as an international seaport because of its inland location and additional security that can be provided.
• Expand the vocational educational facilities that are in place to show that the quality of the available labor force is being upgraded.
• Integrate private technology education providers into the Philadelphia charter school network.
I believe that if we can create a job pool in which our youth can realistically expect to participate, it will provide an attractive alternative to the drug activity that underlies much of the violent crime in our city. Crime flourishes in a climate of hopelessness and in ungoverned geographies. Enterprise flourishes in a climate of positive possibilities supported by a strong general economy and the intentional support of a strong political structure. I believe with your ability, track record, and leadership you can bring a significant member of new jobs to Philadelphia through the strengthening of our general economy and political structure.

Gary T
To use the power of mass media, you should create an zone where the city could make money off of ads sort of like a mini Times Square. When people hear of ads they think of those billboards on 95. If you ever been to times square, most of the ads are building wraps that are tasteful. Maybe set a law that only allow 5 of building wraps not taller than a ten story building clustered in one area of Center City. You could sell some of one time permit for a fee then charge a "visual" tax on the ads. Also you could set limits on the type of ads that could be placed on these buildings and require that each replacement ad would need to be presented to the city in a smaller scale before it can be placed on a building. I know SCRUB hates billboards but SCRUB is not paying money into the city to help correct the "real blight" we have. Why not look at every option to make money for the city and use it.
I'm all for getting rid of billboards in residential areas even on major streets in exchange for something organized like Times Square.

Glenn Romano
Philadelphia needs to become business friendly. This is the only way the city can use its resources to create wealth. Wealth means bringing money into the city. With wealth we can improve our schools, combate the root causes of crime, improve our infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of life in Philadelphia.
To become business friendly we have to reduce and simplify business taxes. We also have to have qualified, apolitical, professionals on the zoning board of adjustments. We need a zoning code that makes sense in a contemporary world. We need a trained workforce. The city's L&I department needs to become more cooperative with business owners in the permitting process. There should never be a lack of direct assistance in helping people. Instead we have an L&I department that is actively opposed to helping anyone get proper licensing and permitting. People literally have to guess what to do rather than get active assistance. The current atmosphere increases the cost in starting up and maintaining a business.
Finally, we need to deal with the culture of negativity that permeates this City. This culture is fostered by an indifferent city government and civil service, ineffective and corrupt politicians, and a media that is excellent at tearing down anything that gives hope. We have to come up with ways to create a new culture of cooperation and positivism.

Lisa Bowe
I was born and raised in Philadelphia and the state of things here are more than upsetting. Being a single woman, owning my home, my main issue is the property & wage taxes. I understand that taxes are needed for the working of the government & city services but I don't see where the services are improving. Libraries have had to cut back on their hours, parks' grass aren't being cut on a regular schedule, street and sanitation needs a lot to be desired. The school system is horrible & I don't have any children but wouldn't put them in our schools if I did. It is one thing to pay taxes and we can see good services but it is another thing to pay and the services continue to get worst. My next issue is the crime. Our police need all the assistance/man power they can get. Once arrest and convictions are made we need to make sure that there are proper facilities & programs to get the criminal in line with society & to support the victims.

Chris Mesure
One thing? Ok, drop the city wage tax entirely. It is keeping many potential city residents from moving in here. Think about it, they move here, they spend here. This will boost the local economy. Jobs will then be created here, rather than leaving here. It can start a good cycle.

Anonymous
...I would like to see QUALITY minority Business programs. For example, The African American Chamber of Commerce advertises that they will give you several benefits, yet as a member I have not seen any productivity from them. Was my $100 membership used to line the pockets of those in charge?
It seems to me that many of Philadelphia's programs for minority businesses are just a smokescreen to get government and private funding without much intention to provide a service to the public. This is something that needs to be addressed.
Who watches where the money goes for these programs, both private sector and public, and why do we not see the fruit of the benefits from them?

David Mink
The one most important goal, I feel, is to stop the exodus of businesses out of Phila. How you accomplish that, I don't know. Reduce business taxes, improve the schools, stop the killing, improve city services all play a part. But you're the guy that can make it happen. We are with you.

Jim Curry
This one needs about 1500 words or more!
My number one suggestion would be to level the inequitable power of the labor unions in Philadelphia. The reason we elect officials like yourself is because you have first hand and hands on experience when it comes to the unions in Philadelphia. Business has the money and power to make a difference in our city and the unions are "big business". From my observations, perspective, and study, harnessing and galvanizing the qualities and resources that the unions have would benefit many of the initiatives you are undertaking. Jobs, development, charity, crime, healthcare, hey, I'm preaching to the choir.
I'm thrilled that you won the primary!
I'm staying in Philly.
"Hope springs eternal".

Jon Herrmann
Campus Philly <http://www.campusphilly.org>
At the current Mayor's hospitality summit this past year, one of the top ideas was to invest in Philadelphia as a City of Festivals.
As a long-time festival organizer and patron, I strongly encourage you to consider this as a smart strategy to build our tourism economy, local pride, and quality of life.
Successful and serious economic development strategies, such as those in Montreal, Austin, Nashville, and New Orleans, can generate tens of thousands of tourists with specific demographics. It is not unlike conventions.
We need to look no further than Live 8 to understand the national and international impact of festivals. For example, Philadelphia should be known for its college student festival in the way Cancun is known for spring break. Philadelphia should own 4th of July in America, but truthfully we only own 4th of July in Philadelphia.
I would be happy to help out with this effort.

Concerned
Philadelphia must do a better job of retaining the bright, talented, young men and women who too often come here only for a few years to go to school and then move elsewhere after graduating. For example, most students at the Wharton School of Business--many of whom as you know from personal experience go on to become leaders in the business (or political) community--literally laugh at the idea of staying in Philadelphia. There are probably many reasons for this, some of which are related to the city's problems, and some of which are simply a personal or lifestyle choice. However, the number one reason why the best and brightest go elsewhere is the fact that the companies with which they most often take jobs--consulting firms, investment banks, hedge funds, etc.--have no significant presence here. What can the city do to encourage these employers to open offices here? What about encouraging graduates who wish to become entrepreneurs to stay here and start their business? Could the city offer a student loan forgiveness program to people who start a business here and keep it here for, say, five years?

Vellicia Dent
The one thing i need you to do for is to help with jobs. I have worked as an temp for the city for the last few years and i have tried to get and permanent position, but when i am on the list for a position when it gets near my name the list expires. I did get hired as a Dispatch Trainee but i did not make it. It was not the kind of job that i was qualified for. So tell me how can u help me and others who might be in my position. Oh and by the way thanks for the cookies u gave out in the concourse.

John
This city has so many problems that you have a huge job ahead of you. Crime, corruption, laws, poor city image, neighborhoods in shambles, this city has never looked and is in such bad shape.
For myself I would like to see some help for the people in my industry, the bar business. We are regularly put through the ringer with more laws and regulations than any other single industry. We represent the fun of this city but it is so hard to allow people to have fun in our business due to overwhelming regulation and taxation. Like the 10% per drink tax that was started to help make the school district better and I think it is pretty obvious that has not happened but we still have to pay 10% of our gross sales on top of an already over taxed city. And because our businesses are in the city we pay almost double for insurance than bars do outside the city due to a greedy system that allows very rewarding settlements in bull#$#%$ lawsuit’s.
I support you 100% and I am sure you will do your best for this city.

John W.Macklin
V.P. Northeast Region for National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and President of the Philadelphia Chapter of NAMC
Yo Mike, The Minority Business Enterprise Council needs over hauling. It has lost trust, respect and accountability. Minority and women businesses and disable businesses has retrogress instead of progress.
Thank You

Barbara
One great step for senior citizens, one small step for humanizing Philadelphia. I contributed to your campaign, I meet you at a neighborhood home meeting and decided: He's the one and I voted for you. I want you, when you are mayor to pay attention to how senior citizens are being punished for being both responsible and growing old. Property taxes on my home of forty years that was bought for 20,000 dollars have ballooned because of assessments. It's the same house. I earn nothing from it. I live on SS and a small salary. I recommend and expect primary homes to be reassessed when sold.
Utilities need to be controlled. At present, a set figure for RCP is set and is set very low. If a home owner makes even a few dollars over, he is denied completely. Look into sliding scales unless you want all senior citizens on the street.
Mike, Philadelphia is a wonderful city. Make it a great place for everyone who lives here; not just the rich and powerful, not just the poor and needy, but for the quiet middle class that is being pulverized by taxes and expenses, especially in what are called the golden years. You can do this Mike!

Frank Hollick
Mt. Airy
I would like to see you convene a meeting of the CEOs and other top managers of significant Philadelphia businesses and try to get them to understand that they have not only a business stake in this city and region, but that they have a moral responsibility to contribute positively to the lifestyle of its citizens. My bet is that most of them live in the affluent suburbs and give only lip service to issues such as public education, violence and crime, poverty, etc. They get involved with cultural organizations and events but don't want to mix it up personally with the poor, undereducated and marginalized. Also, at these meetings make it a point to give attaboys to those senior executives who are giving of their own time and money to help others.

Anonymous
Yo Mike! The one thing I need you to do is change the zoning for the American Street industrial corridor. Most of the land on either side of the street sits vacant because they are reserved for industrial use only and zoning variances are not granted. This does not benefit the city, the community, or industry.
If the zoning on this land was changed, the community would benefit from small businesses, residential units and parks that could be created there. In addition, the city would benefit from the revenue that is generated.

Anonymous
Congrats on your nomination!
RE: CSR
You need to put together a strategic committee mixed with city employees comprising of your management team and some independent individuals. This think tank would work on things such as Corporate Social Responsibility which can be used to combat and ease many of the city issues. There is just too much to say for this blog but the strategies and ideas are plentiful.

Show Me the Money
From how I see it, at the heart of all the 'suggestions' I've been reading for our fine city's improvement is MONEY. Just where do people think the money to pay for better schools, to pay for reducing crime, to pay for programs is gonna come from? Is the Philadelphia Green program planting money trees on the B.F. Parkway?
I say do something to gradually change the property tax abatement program. Get these new construction residential property owners slowly into the system. If they can afford a new home upwards of $150,000, they can surely contribute via property taxes - - - like the rest of us.
All the best!

Debra Gruenstein
I think it is important that we have a fair method for assessing real estate taxes that does not unduly burden one section of the city. There is no faster way to have market values plummet than by implementing a formula where those who have seen appreciation in the value of their properties (but have not realized that value as they continue to live in the property and to be contributing taxpaying citizens of Philadelphia) bear a disproportionate burden of taxation. The thriving center city district requires a delicate balance. Clearly, taxing valuable properties makes sense, but not if it will lead to stagnation in the marketplace, decrease in property values (and hence, ultimately taxes) and an exodus from the city. We have experienced this before when transfer taxes were increased to some of the heftiest in the country. Let's make sure we don't overburden those who want to live, work and play in the city so they continue to spend those dollars close to home.

Patricia Berrian-Marrujo
East Oak Lane
I'm writing this request for my mom who is a senior citizen and does not have access to the internet. She actually voted for Brady, (I think--she won't tell me), but she is now certain she should have voted for my candidate...YOU!
Mom lives around 27th & Allegheny Ave., in North Philly. The area is plighted with drugs, killings, poverty, and hopelessness. The neighborhood residents just got sucker punched twice. First, they did not get the casino because it was not awarded to the Old Budd's site on Hunting Park Ave. The casino could have brought a little bit of hope, neighborhood revitalization, and many jobs into the area. Lord knows the residents need employment. And secondly, Tasty Kake is moving to South Philadelphia.
There's lots of vacant land in that area. Vacant factories, churches, etc. If you could try to get good companies to invest in North Philadelphia the Hunting Park area between 23rd St. & 30th St. ending on Allegheny Ave., it would uplift the area, turn no hope into a glory road, and pull an entire neighbood of long standing families from below the proverty level into working class, tax paying citizens of the City of Philadelphia. They have Rita's, the Fire Department, & Mimmo's Pizza, but many more jobs are needed.
I know your cup runnith over with one problem after another, but, that's why we voted for you. I see you as a fixer of past problems, a person not afraid to roll up your sleeves and dig in.
Thank you Mike! And please let us know how we can make it happen & we will be more than glad to get on committees and work for the success of all of the Citizens of the City of Philadelphia.

Janice Serrano
NE Phila
"Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is ..." stop the status quo. The residents of this City is always paying for everything that is needed and/or improved upon. When will we get a break! Our wallets have more going out than what goes in. This is one of the reasons why people are leaving. Making this City attractive for people to move in is not helping the residents already here. The ball is in your court now Mike!

Judy Hartl
Society Hill
Philadelphia PA
Yo Mike.....the most important thing I need you to do is to focus on JOBS and job training.......job training support through state and federal money will aim at poor folks who are at the moment closed out of the workforce......and JOBS will require your aiming at the business community to garner their support through wage tax reduction.

Primer
Everything our small creative agency lives for is within the philadelphia city limit. Our clients, our inspirations, our future. BUT, we cannot afford to move our small boutique agency within the city limits. I know it has been said before, but the crushing city taxes stop the power of small business from building a vibrant city.

We wish you luck...

Ani Raj
I live on 6400 block of Dorcas Street. I have lived here for over 10 years and I love my home. But the condition of this block is degrading and even if I try to move out I won't be able to sell my house for these reasons. #1. The house across from mine sits empty and it is owned by HUD. The windows are boarded up for OVER AN YEAR. I have made several phone calls to Hooks Van Holm, Inc. (HUD's outsourced asset management company)and nothing has been done. I do not understand WHY its kept boarded and HOW long do they need to install new windows. Many of the houses on this block are for sale but they can not sell them because of this blight. #2. From the time Penndot moved in to Lawndale Plaza we have nothing but problems. They have blocked the driveway at the corner of Hellerman and Dorcas Street therefore public uses our narrow driveways to drive to and from Lawndale Plaza. This means the traffic has increased in our driveway and it has become dangerous for us to be in our backyards. Especially in the summer and now that the schools are off our children can not play in our backyards because of the heavy traffic. #3. The corner of Hellerman and Dorcas street has become a dumping site for trash. Penndot needs to remove the block to allow thru traffic. Please care to make the difference.

Evan Geller
East Falls
As a resident of the East Falls community, I remain very concerned about the development (or lack of...) of the old Budd site and now the former Tastycake plant. I know of your past commitment to our neighborhood and would like to see you spearhead a revitalization plan which it so desperately needs... new businesses (NOT a casino) and a combination of subsidized and market rate housing projects. It would be a boon to the city as a whole to be able to offer a nearby residential & commercial alternative to all those recent graduates choosing to remain or contemplating a return to the city of Philadelphia. Fondest Regards and best of luck!

Donna
How will you protect rewsidential renters and small business owners from ever-increasing rents which threaten to drive the working class out of desirable city neighborhoods and make it impossible for small neighborhood businesses to compete with the national and international chains? If we can't keep working class families and small locally-owned businesses in the city we will lose the special flavor of Philadelphia. Please find a way to level the playing field between the working class and the super-rich business and property developers. Thanks and best of luck.

Diane Inverso
"Yo Mike the one thing I need for you to do" is to think and act on how to educate and engage the many adults in the city who are unemployed. When looking at the report "Tale of Two Cities" you can see that "Over 60 percent of our city's residents are considered low literate, making it hard for them to succeed in higher education, compete for jobs, and advance in employment."

I know that there are many issues around the K-12 educational system in the city but it seems that the many adults in the city who do not have an education are being handled as a throw away concern. These adults are a resource that is not being looked at and engaged by the city of Philadelphia. "At the high school level, we see that 25 percent of our city's residents did not graduate..." Please note that I am talking about education not just "training programs" for adults. Many of these Philadelphians cannot perform in these training programs because their literacy levels are too low or their language skills are too low. Adults not only need education as an investment into their future but also foundation skills to help learn how to survive in a work environment.

We also need to have business invest in their workers and help build a stronger workforce. Your leadership is vital in that area. Our skilled labor (the ones who make the most money) in the city comes from the suburbs to work in high skilled occupations in the city in areas such as health care and education. We lose that economic base every night when they return to their home. How can we attract and maintain business that can't see the employable population in the city? Even the businesses that need labor that may not need a college degree (i.e., manufacturing) look for employees who have foundation skills who they can train. Also, we have few too many career ladders in place for our citizens and in some case they can not even get to the bottom rung due to their lack of literacy skills.

As a final note, "The most accurate predictors of educational success at all levels are the education level of mothers and family income." The children in our community need financially stable households to help them succeed in schools. We have so many young adults "...one in five students ages 16–24 are not working or in school." These young folks need to be engaged and directed away from the violence in this city.

Jim Vesterman
If it isn't broken, don't fix the tax abatement...

Congratulations Mike! Many of us are eagerly anticipating your leadership in Philadelphia. However, I would urge you to keep in mind the law of unintended consequences when addressing changes to the present tax abatement design. I believe that adding the 15 year abatement for less attractive areas of town is a good idea, but I believe it would be very dangerous to tamper with the 10 year tax abatement that has done such wonders for Center City. Dropping the abatement from 10 years to 5 years could have significant negative unintended consequences and derail one of the most positive influences on the city. Go ahead and see if 15 years stimulates growth in other parts of the city. If it does, it should pay for itself. But if the 10 year abatement isn't broken, please don't fix it.