Editorials

OUR OPINION

June 17, 2008

Proposal to help cities is financially improbable

Show us the money, please.

That’s what we say to state Sen. John Wozniak, a Johnstown Democrat who is proposing a $500 million investment plan to help Pennsylvania’s 54 small cities rebuild crumbling infrastructure and fight blight.

Wozniak’s plan is noble. Every year for five years $100 million would fund a pressing need: public safety; blight removal; economic development and housing; city services and pension/debt.

Yet, Wozniak’s plan, dubbed “Renaissance Cities,” has a fatal shortcoming: Funding for his righteous intentions is dubious. He wants to tap into part of a $500 million discretionary fund used for special interest groups in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties.

Does he think politicians from our largest cities -- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh -- are going to let this money go? Doesn’t he remember where Gov. Ed Rendell led as mayor before moving to Harrisburg?

Wozniak’s funding is overly optimistic and politically unrealistic. Large cities also have growing needs and their leaders won’t be giving up a dime.

But to his credit, Wozniak keenly honed in on the problems facing Luzerne County’s four cities – Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Pittston and Nanticoke. Each certainly could use better roads, updated equipment and more incentives to attract business.

Before long-term plans can be solidified, a realistic and steady cash stream must flow.

During these challenging times government will be called upon to do more with less. Sound fiscal policy – a plan that addresses revenues as well as expenses – is needed to garner meaningful support among lawmakers and citizens.

With that in mind, we also would encourage Wozniak and others to revisit House Bill 2018, a similar bill that would also help large cities and some small towns. That proposal, now in the House Appropriations Committee, would provide an annual pool of $240 million by diverting revenue from an 18 percent tax we pay on every bottle of wine and liquor.

No one would argue cities and towns have appeal to nearly everyone.

For example, Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre is visited by thousands annually during July 4th festivities that include fireworks and a philharmonic concert. These events were designed to appeal to the greater community that extends beyond city limits.

Yet, it’s the city that’s left with the tab of staffing with police, cutting the grass and cleaning up afterward. That role is not glamorous but necessary.

Downtowns deal with these issues routinely. They host key institutions like courthouses, hospitals and universities that equally serve citizens from near and far.

To be fair to everyone, lawmakers should craft legislation that helps big and small cities and towns pay the inevitable bills. Otherwise, whether we live in rural Bear Creek Township or downtown Wilkes-Barre, we will continue to see cities and towns deteriorate as the suburbs flourish.

And that would be a needless loss for everyone.

Sound fiscal policy – a plan that addresses revenues as well as expenses – is needed to garner meaningful support among lawmakers and citizens.

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