Mar

14

Debate Highlights

March 14, 2007 |

Some highlights from last nights debate at UMKC…

Dee Williams
The 3rd District At-Large candidate repeatedly stressed the need to make Kansas Citians proud to be Kansas Citians and make the city work for them. As an example she cited recent mega-projects like the Sprint Center where the majority of construction jobs were held by people who reside in the suburbs and beyond. In this election cycle many candidates have talked about regionalism. While that is certainly a worthy goal, it shouldn’t overshadow the needs of city residents.  Our suburban neighborhors are looking out for themselves, so why shouldn’t we do the same?

TIF Lite
Tax breaks for big developers has been the hot topic of the campaign. Mayoral candidate Mark Funkhouser and 4th District At-Large candidate Doug Gamble both proposed a streamlined tax break process for small busineses. Right now you can’t even apply for TIF without a $50,000 application fee and a gang of high-priced lawyers. Both candidates proposed a “TIF-Lite” strategy that would open the process up to small businesses like restaurants, stores, etc.


Comments

3 Comments so far

  1. Jason on March 14, 2007 9:41 am

    I’m glad to see that Funkhouser is embracing the idea that Gamble originally proposed a couple of months ago. We need someone with this sort of small business perspective on the council.

  2. not-Jason on March 14, 2007 9:51 am

    Jason, your hyperbole is boring.

  3. Jason on March 14, 2007 12:33 pm

    Ha, fair enough, thanks for the laugh. I’ll tone down my enthusiasm next time. Thanks for reigning me in, not-Me.

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