TRUTH!
ALL double talk, when you know the true In's and Outs of their pass the buck game played off the backs of the innocent taxpayers you would be sadder than you already are about our decayed City. Some BIG paychecks and Cadillac bennes coming out of the orange crate if you step in line!
Some businesses stay because they play with their assessments and make it lucrative for them to remain here. We are ALL supposed to be at 100% evaluation of our properties worth--ie., during the 2007 total City re-val we should all be at fair market value. If something currently sells for $100,000 it should be assessed at $100,000 so they pay their fair share of property taxes.
If they like you ---you get a "deal" or a break with them for a lower assessment ( maybe they will take you to $ 75,000 or so---$$$ really adds up and cheats the City out of Real Property Tax Money that is passed on to the average Joe or Jane), if they don't like you or care--you are at the 100% price. Makes a huge difference if a business stays, goes, or attempts to locate in Lackawanna.
The Businessmen and women tried to revolt in the early 90's but fizzled out due to--- "Let's make a deal" tactics. Pretty sad for honest people to have to deal with dishonest people.
I heard Polanski tell the Assessor in 2006, "remember who hires you Frank". And guess who's Father was a City Assessor in the 60's?
They feed off each other and hide the truths-- False Assessments, OVERTIME, and Judgements and Claims are three of the biggest money pits.
I am NOT against anyone getting their fair share of FAIR earnings, BUT lots and lots and LOTS of hidden favors paid out with YOUR hard-earned money to keep the " family and friends " tree watered. Or should I say greased.......