Most recently, I wrote...

A Whole New Tax Game

Do Philadelphia non-profits pay their fair share for City services? For those who say non-profits should pay more, a recent court ruling could be (as the kids say) a game changer. The only question for the future might be, "what will be the name of the game?"

As in cities across the country, non-profit organizations in Philadelphia are exempt from many taxes including the Real Estate Tax. That public largesse is in recognition of the public service that non-profits perform in tending to the needs of the citizenry. However, as they operate, those non-profits also generate costs for the City. Every hospital that tends to the needs of the sick also creates traffic on City streets. Every university that educates students also requires policing. 

In 2009...

I ran for City Controller -- the city's independently elected auditor and financial watchdog -- because I believed I could bring positive change to Philadelphia. I am thankful for the many people who volunteered their time, energy, and ideas to my campaign. We took our values and ideals to every corner of this great city and I am endlessly grateful for all the support that made my campaign possible. I continue to look at our city government and see too many things that are wrong when we deserve a city that works. We will not get the change we need if we keep quiet so I will continue to speak out.

Sometimes, Philadelphia is a tough city to love, but we can only make it the city we know it should be if we work together to make change.