The Democrat machine which has controlled Philadelphia for the last 60 years has finally run the city into fiscal insolvency. 12 year City Councilman and now Mayor, Michael Nutter, has proposed additional taxes on the citizens of Philly, the highest taxed populace in the country, to pay for the mess he helped create. Last week Nutter unveiled a budget proposal that includes a two cents-per ounce sugary drink tax and a whopping $300 per home garbage collection fee that will be assessed onto each household's property tax bill. The mayor justifies these choices by claiming that city residents currently receive trash pickup free and that a sugary drinks tax will help relieve Philly of its burgeoning obesity problem. These new taxes come on top of Nutter's 100% increase in the city's sales tax that took effect just several months ago. To summarize the sentiment of voters in a sentence, “We’ve had enough!!”

The Loyal Opposition will continue to provide a voice for the forgotten taxpayer by asking our elected representatives to speak up, and speak out regarding where they stand on these critically important local issues. As such, we asked our local Republican Councilmen to provide us with an “on the record comment” about these destructive tax hikes during a deep recession.

From Councilman Frank Rizzo:

Thank you for inquiring about my position on the Administration's proposed Trash Fees and Sugary Drinks Tax.

I was opposed to the Trash Fee last year; I'm opposed to Trash Fees this year.

I will be very carefully examining the proposed Sugary Drink Tax.

We already have too many taxes and fees; we don't need to make things more complicated by adding more taxes and fees. I'm also not in favor of taxes as "social engineering." There's still fat to be cut from the City budget, and furloughs that could be carried out.

Thank You.

Frank Rizzo
Councilman-at-Large
Minority Whip
City of Philadelphia
582 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3201
office 215.686.3457 / fax 215.686.1929
frank.rizzo@phila.gov

From Councilman Jack Kelly

As you respectfully requested, I want to inform you that I am against Mayor Nutter’s proposed “trash collection fee,” and “sugar tax” bills in their current form. I too, have heard from countless constituents who fundamentally oppose Mayor Nutter’s proposals, and I understand their opposition. As you know, our city currently faces vast challenges with respect to offering a balanced budget. I am currently in the process of reviewing various alternative proposals which could help save our city millions of dollars in the coming fiscal years without raising taxes or imposing fees. Throughout my public service career, I have been a supporter of limited government, and initiatives which promote fiscal responsibility. I have always supported, and will continue to support proposals which lower taxes and create jobs so that, people can keep more of their hard-earned money, and businesses can create gainful employment opportunities. I welcome your input regarding the above mentioned issues, and look forward to working toward creating a less oppressive tax structure for the residents, and business owners of Philadelphia.

Best personal regards,

Councilman Jack Kelly

Philadelphia City Council
Office of Jack Kelly
Councilman-At-Large
O: (215) 686-3452
F: (215) 686-1925

There you have it. Our GOP Leadership and where they stand on the issue.

Very respectfully,
The Loyal Opposition
March 9, 2010