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Dear Elected Officials:

Thank you for passing recent bills that are helping Philadelphia
become a more attractive city for Businesses. Please continue to
push for the elimination of the BPT and especially the gross
receipts portion.

Let's make Philadelphia the most business friendly city in the
PA!

Kind regards,

James Price

Dear Elected Officials:

PLEASE don't make me move to the suburbs to get a job when i
graduate! i love the city life, but if all the high-paying jobs
are in valley forge (who doesn't even have rail service to get
there) i wouldn't want to (hypothetically) spend my morning
commute on the expressway dodging traffic. i don't even like to
drive, so please consider some serious tax reform. i'm 19 years
old and i care. thanks for your time

Dear Elected Officials:

My mother left me a wonderful house in Manyunk which we are
planning to move into this summer. I will commute to my job as
a Professor at CUNY. I am in shock at the wage tax rate. It
is unbelievable. I can see why so many people would rather not
live in Philadelphia. I hope you do some serious tax reform. I
am very much looking forward to moving back to Philadelphia.

Dear Elected Officials:

Stop stealing our money and distributing it so irresponsibly!
Stop the Philadelphia "priveledge" tax, cause we don't want to
be taxed for the sole priveldge of living here in the city.
Soon I'll be moving from the city and you'll be losing another
honest, hard working citizen. And all this is your fault! Do
you want a city of nothing but freeloading section 8-ers? I
hope not.

Sincerely,

Edwin

Dear Elected Officials:

The state of taxes is way behind the times in Philadelphia.
If taxes are lower, the people affected will spend more and
the economy will flourish.

Have you ever driven North on route 202 from Wilmington to
Pennsylvania? When you cross the state line , it is like
crossing from West Berlin to East Berlin after WWII.

Delaware, a tax free state and Pennsylvania a state burdened
with taxes. Its depressing to drive this bit of highway.

M. Gamache

Dear Elected Officials:
I am writing to strongly urge you to OVERRIDE Mayor Street's forthcoming veto of
the budget and tax reform package that Council worked so hard on. Not reforming
taxes will certainly make things a lot easier for the mayor in his last term, but he
was not elected to do easy things. He was elected to contribute to the city's success
by making tough decisions and finding ways to work with the resources given him.
That means accepting this forward-thinking budget and finding a way to make it
work. If he has his way, council-members, providing they are reelected, will be the
ones left to manage the continued decline long after he leaves office. What a legacy.
Sincerely,
Joe O'Brien

Dear Elected Officials:

It is imperative that you support and pass the recommendations of
the Tax Reform Commission NOW! To continue with the current
oppressive tax structure under the excuse that vital city
services must be gutted, is to continue the bleeding of residents
and businesses from Philadelphia to the detriment of all.

It seems that there is money for the debt service on stadiums
that only serve the few, but no money for arts institutions whose
visitors can bring a positive return on our tax dollars.

Dear Elected Officials:

I have have been following the work of the Philadelphia Tax
Reform Commission since its creation last year and I have been
impressed with their recommendations.

Philadelphia's tax code is a morass. It is unfair. It is
unproductive. I think passing the legislation to implement the
Tax Reform Commission recommendations is important to
Philadelphia's survival.

Please help implement the Commission's recommendation in full.
It is the issue I will use to determine who I support in the next
city and local elections.

Thank you,
Gaylord Holder
Society Hill
Philadelphia

Dear Members of City Council:

On November 15, 2003 the Tax Reform Commission issued its final
report and recommendations for fundamental tax reform for the
City of Philadelphia. Their recommendations included:
1) Total elimination of the business privilege tax over the next
ten years
2) Reduction of both the resident and nonresident wage tax to an
equal rate
of 3.25 percent by 2014
3) Phase in land-value taxation over the next decade so that 50
percent of all real estate tax revenues will come from the value
of land and 50 percent from the value of structures
4) Phase in land-value taxation so that, at the end of ten
years, 50 percent of all real estate tax revenues will be
generated from a tax on the value of land and 50 percent on the
value of structures
5) Adoption of a budget-based real estate tax system
6) Creation of the position of Taxpayer's Advocate to work with
citizens on assessment appeals, improve the public's
understanding of the process, and review actions of the Board of
Revision of Taxes.
In the past, Council’s piecemeal legislation has repeatedly
failed to ameliorate the economic environment either for the
majority of individual residents or for corporations. I urge
you to pass a comprehensive package of tax reforms for the sake
of all Philadelphia citizens and that our City may assume a
place as one of the greatest cities in the United States.
Respectfully,
Christine M. Schwarz

Dear Elected Officials:

I am writing in support of the Tax Reform Commission’s
recommendations to dramatically reduce and restructure
Philadelphia’s wage, business and real estate taxes over the
next 10 years. The Commission’s package, when enacted by
Philadelphia City Council and signed by the Mayor, will help the
city attract and retain firms and residents, creating prosperity
through new job opportunities and wealth creation. This will
play a major role in the continuing transformation of our city’s
neighborhoods and will help stem the continuing exodus of
businesses and residents from this city.

I agree with the Tax Reform Commission that Philadelphia taxes
what other places do not; that its taxes are high in comparison
to its competitor locations; and that the city’s taxes are
unfairly imposed. I am pleased that the TRC has called for
the total elimination of the business privilege tax, levied on
both sales and profits of firms doing business in the city.
This tax, along with a particularly high non-resident wage tax,
discourages companies from remaining in or moving to
Philadelphia, while the resident wage tax provides an ongoing
incentive for individuals living in the city to leave.

The Commission has also properly targeted the City’s real estate
tax system for reform. Philadelphia residents and businesses
have lived too long with property assessments that are
inaccurate and unfair. Fixing the assessments and gradually
decreasing the amount of real estate tax collected on
improvements to property will reduce taxes for many, while
removing a key impediment to economic development. Aligning the
property tax with the City’s budget will help ensure that the
City collects only the taxes it needs to do business. Combined
with serious property tax relief measures, this will ease the
tax burden on the city’s property owners.

The program the Tax Reform Commission has outlined makes sense
as a total package. It is balanced, incremental, responsible,
and its elements comprehensively address all three of its
initial charges: decreasing tax burdens, promoting fairness and
equity, and improving competitiveness. I strongly encourage City
Counsel and the Mayor to enact the proposal as soon as possible.

Dear Elected Officials:

I am writing in support of the Tax Reform Commission’s
recommendations to dramatically reduce and restructure
Philadelphia’s wage, business and real estate taxes over the
next 10 years. The Commission’s package, when enacted by
Philadelphia City Council and signed by the Mayor, will help the
city attract and retain firms and residents, creating prosperity
through new job opportunities and wealth creation. This will
play a major role in the continuing transformation of our city’s
neighborhoods and will help stem the continuing exodus of
businesses and residents from this city.

I agree with the Tax Reform Commission that Philadelphia taxes
what other places do not; that its taxes are high in comparison
to its competitor locations; and that the city’s taxes are
unfairly imposed. I am pleased that the TRC has called for
the total elimination of the business privilege tax, levied on
both sales and profits of firms doing business in the city.
This tax, along with a particularly high non-resident wage tax,
discourages companies from remaining in or moving to
Philadelphia, while the resident wage tax provides an ongoing
incentive for individuals living in the city to leave.

The Commission has also properly targeted the City’s real estate
tax system for reform. Philadelphia residents and businesses
have lived too long with property assessments that are
inaccurate and unfair. Fixing the assessments and gradually
decreasing the amount of real estate tax collected on
improvements to property will reduce taxes for many, while
removing a key impediment to economic development. Aligning the
property tax with the City’s budget will help ensure that the
City collects only the taxes it needs to do business. Combined
with serious property tax relief measures, this will ease the
tax burden on the city’s property owners.

The program the Tax Reform Commission has outlined makes sense
as a total package. It is balanced, incremental, responsible,
and its elements comprehensively address all three of its
initial charges: decreasing tax burdens, promoting fairness and
equity, and improving competitiveness. I strongly encourage City
Counsel and the Mayor to enact the proposal as soon as possible.

Dear Elected Officials:
As an illustration of why we need tax reform now, just see how
WalMart in Port Richmond is foisted on a community that doesn't
want it. The land is cheap and the deal is made by collusion
where our so-called council representatives play the game of tit
for tat. Only councilpersons-at-large should be able to vote on
this issue as representatives and reflections of the benefits to
the whole city (696 all over again) in support of the area.
Please vote against having WalMart in Port Richmond and while
you're at it, how about limiting campaign contributions from
corporations anad companies that have business in Philadelphia.
Let's have reform down the line so we can begin to believe and
give you credibility that you guys and gals represent the people
in our city, not the mega-corps who give to your campaigns. More
citizens may even decide it's worth going to the polls because
they will have a stake in the elections.
Thank you for listening.

Dear Elected Official:

I hope you will agree that passing Councilman Goode's long-
overdue campaign finance reform bill is the only logical and
ethical choice to make. Please vote to pass. Doing otherwise,
will only continue corruption, mismanagement, and the tendency
for tax-paying residents to leave the city.


Evan Forman
City Resident

Dear Elected Officials:

As this Council session comes down to the wire, I am urging you
give Philadelphia an early Christmas gift this season and
approve the campaign finance reform proposal awaiting action by
Mayor Street. Philadelphia's distinction as being alone among
the nation's 10 largest cities to have no meaningful campaign
finance restrictions must come to an end. Even more important
than taking this key first step toward curbing the influence of
big money and special interests in local politics, this bill
will go a long way toward restoring public confidence in a
fundraising system gone amuk. This is a change that the city
desperately wants and needs. Please do the right thing and pass
Councilman Goode's long-overdue bill.

Respectfully,
Joshua S. Sevin
Cedar Park resident
board member, Young Involved Philadelphia

Dear Elected Officials:


I am writing in support of the Tax Reform Commission’s
recommendations to dramatically reduce and restructure
Philadelphia’s wage, business and real estate taxes over the
next 10 years. The Commission’s package, when enacted by
Philadelphia City Council and signed by the Mayor, will help the
city attract and retain firms and residents, creating prosperity
through new job opportunities and wealth creation. This will
play a major role in the continuing transformation of our city’s
neighborhoods.

We agree with the Tax Reform Commission that Philadelphia taxes
what other places do not; that its taxes are high in comparison
to its competitor locations; and that the city’s taxes are
unfairly imposed. We are pleased that your group has called for
the total elimination the business privilege tax, levied on both
the sales and the profits of firms doing business in the city.
This tax, along with a particularly high non-resident wage tax,
discourages companies from remaining or locating in
Philadelphia, while the resident wage tax provides an ongoing
incentive for individuals living in the city to relocate.

The Commission has also properly targeted the City’s real estate
tax system for reform. Philadelphia residents and businesses
have lived too long with property assessments that are
inaccurate and unfair. Fixing the assessments and gradually
decreasing the amount of real estate tax collected on
improvements to property will reduce taxes for many, while
removing a key impediment to economic development. Aligning the
property tax with the City’s budget will help ensure that the
City collects only the taxes it needs to do business. Combined
with serious property tax relief measures, this will ease the
tax burden on the city’s property owners.

The program you have outlined makes sense as a total package. It
is balanced, incremental, responsible, and its elements
comprehensively address all three of your group’s initial
charges: decreasing tax burdens, promoting fairness and equity,
and improving competitiveness. I would strongly encourage our
elected officials to enact the proposal as soon as your final
report and companion legislation reaches their desks.

Sincerely,

Tracy Langford

Dear Elected Officials:

I am writing in support of the Tax Reform Commission’s
recommendations to dramatically reduce and restructure
Philadelphia’s wage, business and real estate taxes over the
next 10 years. The Commission’s package, when enacted by
Philadelphia City Council and signed by the Mayor, will help the
city attract and retain firms and residents, creating prosperity
through new job opportunities and wealth creation. This will
play a major role in the continuing transformation of our city’s
neighborhoods.

We agree with the Tax Reform Commission that Philadelphia taxes
what other places do not; that its taxes are high in comparison
to its competitor locations; and that the city’s taxes are
unfairly imposed. We are pleased that your group has called for
the total elimination the business privilege tax, levied on both
the sales and the profits of firms doing business in the city.
This tax, along with a particularly high non-resident wage tax,
discourages companies from remaining or locating in
Philadelphia, while the resident wage tax provides an ongoing
incentive for individuals living in the city to relocate.

The Commission has also properly targeted the City’s real estate
tax system for reform. Philadelphia residents and businesses
have lived too long with property assessments that are
inaccurate and unfair. Fixing the assessments and gradually
decreasing the amount of real estate tax collected on
improvements to property will reduce taxes for many, while
removing a key impediment to economic development. Aligning the
property tax with the City’s budget will help ensure that the
City collects only the taxes it needs to do business. Combined
with serious property tax relief measures, this will ease the
tax burden on the city’s property owners.

The program you have outlined makes sense as a total package. It
is balanced, incremental, responsible, and its elements
comprehensively address all three of your group’s initial
charges: decreasing tax burdens, promoting fairness and equity,
and improving competitiveness. I would strongly encourage our
elected officials to enact the proposal as soon as your final
report and companion legislation reaches their desks.

Sincerely,

Matthew Baker

Dear Elected Officials:

I am writing in support of the Tax Reform Commission’s
recommendations to dramatically reduce and restructure
Philadelphia’s wage, business and real estate taxes over the
next 10 years. The Commission’s package, when enacted by
Philadelphia City Council and signed by the Mayor, will help the
city attract and retain firms and residents, creating prosperity
through new job opportunities and wealth creation. This will
play a major role in the continuing transformation of our city’s
neighborhoods.

We agree with the Tax Reform Commission that Philadelphia taxes
what other places do not; that its taxes are high in comparison
to its competitor locations; and that the city’s taxes are
unfairly imposed. We are pleased that your group has called for
the total elimination the business privilege tax, levied on both
the sales and the profits of firms doing business in the city.
This tax, along with a particularly high non-resident wage tax,
discourages companies from remaining or locating in
Philadelphia, while the resident wage tax provides an ongoing
incentive for individuals living in the city to relocate.

The Commission has also properly targeted the City’s real estate
tax system for reform. Philadelphia residents and businesses
have lived too long with property assessments that are
inaccurate and unfair. Fixing the assessments and gradually
decreasing the amount of real estate tax collected on
improvements to property will reduce taxes for many, while
removing a key impediment to economic development. Aligning the
property tax with the City’s budget will help ensure that the
City collects only the taxes it needs to do business. Combined
with serious property tax relief measures, this will ease the
tax burden on the city’s property owners.

The program you have outlined makes sense as a total package. It
is balanced, incremental, responsible, and its elements
comprehensively address all three of your group’s initial
charges: decreasing tax burdens, promoting fairness and equity,
and improving competitiveness. I would strongly encourage our
elected officials to enact the proposal as soon as your final
report and companion legislation reaches their desks.

Sincerely,

Aaron Morris

Dear Elected Officials:

I am writing in support of the Tax Reform Commission’s
recommendations to dramatically reduce and restructure
Philadelphia’s wage, business and real estate taxes over the
next 10 years. The Commission’s package, when enacted by
Philadelphia City Council and signed by the Mayor, will help the
city attract and retain firms and residents, creating prosperity
through new job opportunities and wealth creation. This will
play a major role in the continuing transformation of our city’s
neighborhoods.

We agree with the Tax Reform Commission that Philadelphia taxes
what other places do not; that its taxes are high in comparison
to its competitor locations; and that the city’s taxes are
unfairly imposed. We are pleased that your group has called for
the total elimination the business privilege tax, levied on both
the sales and the profits of firms doing business in the city.
This tax, along with a particularly high non-resident wage tax,
discourages companies from remaining or locating in
Philadelphia, while the resident wage tax provides an ongoing
incentive for individuals living in the city to relocate.

The Commission has also properly targeted the City’s real estate
tax system for reform. Philadelphia residents and businesses
have lived too long with property assessments that are
inaccurate and unfair. Fixing the assessments and gradually
decreasing the amount of real estate tax collected on
improvements to property will reduce taxes for many, while
removing a key impediment to economic development. Aligning the
property tax with the City’s budget will help ensure that the
City collects only the taxes it needs to do business. Combined
with serious property tax relief measures, this will ease the
tax burden on the city’s property owners.

The program you have outlined makes sense as a total package. It
is balanced, incremental, responsible, and its elements
comprehensively address all three of your group’s initial
charges: decreasing tax burdens, promoting fairness and equity,
and improving competitiveness. I would strongly encourage our
elected officials to enact the proposal as soon as your final
report and companion legislation reaches their desks.

Sincerely,

Kenyetta Cade

Dear Elected Officials:

Please make the recommendations of the TAx REform Commission
part of the new Five Year Plan you are currently writing.

Dear Elected Officials:

Every day we see more stories in the newspaper about how
government money is wasted to pay off your politically connected
friends. I have contributed plenty in TAX DOLLARS, not campaign
dollars. How about reducing my taxes instead of giving me a
contract at the airport?

Not a relative of Ron White

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