Street Credibility

by Daryl Gale

Mayor John Street nearly popped a rotator cuff patting himself on the back in a shamelessly self-congratulatory press conference to kick off his bid for re-election last Thursday, while four floors above, City Council grilled an administration official amid the public outcry over the recent property tax increases. Last week, Council failed to override a mayoral veto of a bill that would cap increases at 10 percent, at least for 2003.

"We feel very good about where we are," Street bellowed, listing his accomplishments for the two dozen or so reporters assembled. "The schools are finally funded, the quality of life in the neighborhoods is up, and we have a plan to reduce taxes."

Asked if the voters are upset with him about shooting down bills to reduce real estate and wage taxes, Street says savvy voters will judge his administration on its totality.

"Sure, voters are concerned about taxes," he conceded, "but voters keep a scorecard. They'll ask, ŒDid the mayor keep his promises?' and ŒDid the mayor move the city forward?' I think the answer is yes. You look around the country. Most cities are raising taxes, not lowering taxes. We are committed to the most aggressive tax reduction program in Philadelphia history."

Crime is down, the mayor says, the city is cleaner than it's been in years, we're building a couple of shiny new stadiums, and people feel safe in their neighborhoods. And we have him to thank for it all. But what about the budget crunch, and the possible layoffs of thousands of city workers?

"We won't have every facility we have now after our tax reduction program takes effect," Street said. "We have to shrink our financial infrastructure. But we are committed to change, and I'll talk more about the details next month."

Street was cagey about what city programs would be hit, but hinted we might have to lose a few recreation centers and swimming pools while making better use of the 11 vacant school buildings scattered throughout the city.

The accompanying handout, distributed by the mayor's new and improved press corps, gave the Street administration credit for everything from the Comcast-AT&T merger to the opening of a Gap store on Walnut Street.

Meanwhile, in City Council's temporary chambers on the sixth floor, Council members were interrogating Revenue Commissioner Nancy Kammerdeiner on the latest tax assessments.

Not satisfied with Kammerdeiner's passing reference to the Board of Revision of Taxes "Safe Harbor" program, Council President Anna Verna demanded details. The Safe Harbor program, Kammerdeiner explained, is a discount promised to homeowners who pay their tax bill, or any portion of their tax bill, by the end of February. Even if you dispute the sky-high increase -- or think your home was assessed unfairly -- if you manage to pay up, the BRT will generously discount your tax bill by a whopping 1 percent.