Greetings:
In my nearly two years as mayor, we have accomplished
so much together. We have reformed our police department,
brought new jobs to our city, cleared the way for new
housing, improved city services and made our local schools
into the best large city district in Ohio!
Now,
our great city is at a crossroads. Will we continue
to improve? Or, will we take a step backwards? These
very questions will be answered in our upcoming general
election when Parma residents decide on Issue 116 and
Issue 117.
Vote
YES on Issue 116. Issue 116 would bring needed income
tax reform to Parma.
Issue
116 would raise Parma's income tax from 2 percent to
2.5 percent. As a result, the city would provide a 2
percent income tax credit - giving most Parma residents
a tax cut.
Issue
116 is fair to all Parma residents. This tax reform
would ensure that non-residents who work in our city
would pay their fair share of taxes.
- Most
Parma residents who work outside the city would see
an income tax cut after Issue 116 passes.
-
Parma retirees would see no increase in their taxes.
In fact, Issue 116 could help prevent future property
tax increases for our seniors.
-
In the long run, all Parma residents would pay less
in taxes, as the burden shifts to non-Parma residents.
Issue 116 helps prevent future city income and property
tax increases.
Vote
NO on Issue 117. Led by a controversial lawyer from
Avon, a handful of disgruntled residents who filed unsuccessful
lawsuits against our city have now vindictively placed
Issue 117 on the November ballot.
Make
no mistake, Issue 117 would devastate Parma. It would
eliminate up to 20% of our city's revenues. Here's what
would happen if Issue 117 passes:
- Reductions
in EMS staff and the closing of several fire stations.
Issue 117 would lead to slower response time, putting
your family at risk.
- Less
money to invest in attracting new jobs to Parma. Efforts
to retain current jobs would be hurt as well.
- Parma
recreation programs would be slashed. City pools and
the ice rink would close - no more hockey leagues
and swimming lessons. Baseball, soccer and softball
would be cut as well.
- Many
programs for senior citizens would be put in jeopardy.
Don't
let them ruin Parma. I urge you to vote No on Issue
117.
It's
a new day in Parma. We shouldn't go back to the failed
policies of the past. Instead, we should vote for progress
- we should vote for an even brighter tomorrow for Parma
residents. On November 8th, let's vote to make our city
even better. To continue Parma's progress, I urge you
to vote YES on Issue 116 and NO on Issue 117.
Together,
we can make Parma an even better place to live, work
and raise a family.
PS.
If you have any questions or comments about Issues 116
& 117, please feel free to send an e-mail to ParmaFairTaxation@hotmail.com.
Dean
DePiero
|