My fellow citizens:
I hope you’ve had the opportunity to read my letter of last week. I announced my candidacy as a "write-in" candidate for the 4th Ward Councilperson in the 11/6/01 election. You won’t see my name on the ballot, so if you want to vote for me you’ll have to press the silver button, slide Lever 13 for "personal choice" for councilperson, and print my name on the piece of paper that slides out. If you need help, ask the attendant. If you look on the back of your sample ballot, you’ll also see the instructions for a Write in Candidate. If you need to contact me, my phone number is 386-9542.
When deciding who to vote for you should ask yourself, does this City really need another typical politician with empty promises? Or one who has had the chance, but did nothing, or one who folds under pressure like origami, or becomes a Claude Raines (the Invisible Man) after the election? Are you tired of being forced-fed the gobbledygook of some politicians who promise you the moon and can’t even deliver a pizza? It’s in your hands on November 6.
In regards to those 100 days in office all I see are appointments and promotions in lieu of patronage and a lot of yadda, yadda, yadda. They must take us for a bunch of nincompoops.
Last week I wrote that $1,700,000 must be cut from the budget to reduce the tax rate of one dollar. Interestingly enough, this tax rate has hardly moved in the past eight years despite a $100 million increase in ratables in the past few years. But the tax rate did increase $7.47 back in 1994. This amounted to about $1500 per year to the average $200,000 property. This had a direct impact on renters also, since a tax surcharge is probably incorporated in the rent. Guess who was in office back then!!!
I would be shocked if any resident of the 4th Ward isn’t appalled by the approval for the construction of two 17-story towers on Marshall St. Don’t you think it’s time to stop the insanity? Oh yes, don’t forget that fiasco with the Devils hockey arena they wanted to put on top of the Lackawanna Terminal.
I can only promise that when elected, with a full heart and a deep sense of duty, I will assume the obligation to devote every effort of mind and spirit to help lead our City to greatness. So, if you are ready for a "hands on, equal justice for all, non-partisan, full-timer," write me in as your 4th Ward Councilperson. It’s all in your hands…go for it! Print my name on Line 12 or your vote won’t count.
Sal DeMeo