Tyler Day for Scranton City Council

I BELIEVE CITY GOVERNMENT NEEDS FRESH FACES, NEW IDEAS, AND A BETTER DIRECTION. I HAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND VISION TO PUT OUR CITY ON THE RIGHT COURSE.

Issues

Wage Tax
Scranton tax payers have the highest tax burden in Lackawanna county. The wage tax for city residents currently stands at 3.4%. This is compared to all neighboring municipalities with a wage tax of only 1%. This discrepancy is causing working families to look elsewhere when deciding where to raise their families. It will take time, but city government must be fiscally responsible so we can provide relief for working residents.
Property Taxes
Nobody should fear losing their home because they cannot afford to pay a tax. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many, especially our senior citizens. The countywide reassessment will likely have a negative impact on longtime homeowners. The city and school district must be prepared to assist our seniors on a fixed income following reassessment. This could be through something like an expanded property tax rebate or a homestead exemption type program. We owe it to our seniors to let them age with dignity in the homes they have lived in for decades, without the stress of having to decide whether to pay for food, medicine, or their taxes.
Crime
There is a perception among residents that crime is increasing and that Scranton is becoming less safe. I am a law and order candidate and believe every resident in every neighborhood should feel safe. our police do a fantastic job protecting the city.
Economic Development
Good jobs and a strong economy are critical for Scranton’s future success. I have worked in the economic development field for many years and am connected to the economic development organizations in our region. With the right leadership, Scranton is primed to grow in the education, medical, manufacturing, tourism, logistics, and distribution industries. Small businesses will continue to be the backbone of our city. City government must create an environment that makes entrepreneurs want to start a business here and grow their existing business here.
Blight and Neighborhood Development
Our neighborhoods are the backbone of our city, and city government needs to ensure they remain safe and strong. We are seeing so many homes being bought by out-of-state landlords who do not take care of their property. We need to encourage home ownership. Out-of-state landlords and absentee property owners who do not take care of their properties need to be held accountable.
Payment in lieu of taxes
A significant portion of Scranton is owned by organizations that are not required to pay taxes. these include properties owned by nonprofits, educational institutions, government, etc. city government should ask these organizations for a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT). Organizations like Geisinger, the university of Scranton, and other nonprofits need to pay their fair share. This is necessary to reduce the tax burden on everyone else.