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GOP Members of Allegheny County Council Drafted a New Taxpayer Protection Plan
An Ordinance Requiring 2/3^rd Majority to Raise New Taxes

 With Harrisburg on the verge of giving Allegheny County an unwanted new taxing authority, the Republican County Council Members introduced at their last meeting on July 10^th, historic legislation to protect taxpayers from higher taxes.  

The prime sponsor being Councilwoman Jan Rea and the initial sponsors being Councilman Vince Gastgeb, Councilwoman Sue Caldwell, and Councilman Matt Drozd This ordinance will require a 2/3^rd majority vote for any and all tax increases.  The GOP members look forward to bi-partisan support from their colleagues in this effort to show concern for the importance of any taxing powers in Allegheny County.  

The bill mirrors the County administrative code which now requires a 2/3^rd majority to pass any property tax increase.   

Councilman Vince Gastgeb stated at the County Council meeting,  “This 2/3 legislation is a high bar, and it adds the assurance that we continue to work as a team to bring tax payer relief. The Republicans reached out to our partners, the Democrats and the Chief Executive, and said lets do this together. Let’s work as a team, and as gentlemen and ladies.  This high bar shows our commitment to the taxpayers.

Councilman Gastgeb additionally stated that, “this commitment to the tax payers in a civil fashion is a departure from the mudslinging and weak legislation usually seen. The republicans on County Council have established an ordinance for the people mindful that we are overtaxed.”  

The video can be viewed at http://allegheny.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=31 with the ordinance discussion starting at 37:25.

All rights reserved 2007
Paid for by "Committee to Elect Gastgeb"