City rescue in trouble

[Dr Batsen D Belfry]

(Pittsburgh)

City rescue in trouble
New council majority set to vote down Act 47 plan

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/04336/419739.stm

Without the recovery plan fully in place, it is unclear how the city can balance its 2005 budget, which is at least $77.5 million underfunded, or exactly what taxes it would charge its residents and businesses next year.

The move could also put into limbo the state budget aid approved just 10 days ago to help the city hold off bankruptcy.

...

Shields has long been part of a slim 5-4 majority that has supported the recovery plan, but yesterday he switched sides. He said his opposition stemmed from the Pittsburgh tax reform package the Legislature approved Nov. 21, and that was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell yesterday, Shields said the package does not do enough to cure the city's fiscal ills.

</snip>

This is just unbelievable. Shields just committed political suicide by doing this. It would be one thing to have opposed it early, but by endorsing it early and opposing it once everyone is in agreement and ready to go, he just hosed every taxpayer in the city.

I can guarantee you if my taxes go up yet again because of this, he is toast. My property tazes went up 164% over the first three years we owned our home. Now they are increasing the occupation tax, city property tax, county property taxa, and the school board wants a 6 mill increase.

Peduto needs to run for mayor and pass up these inbreds that keep running the region.

DBDB

[miss_american_pie]

1. But hey, we have ballparks

Sorry about your taxes.