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REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMJanuary 17, 2007 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/17/07
CONTACT: Susan Madrak, Press Secretary
215-636-0660 ext. 19
Cell: 267-879-9789
madrak@knoxforphilly.com
PHILADELPHIA – Yet another water main broke in Northern Liberties this week and mayoral candidate Tom Knox has pointed to inadequate investment in the city’s infrastructure as the problem.
“The flooding this week at 3rd & Girard was only the latest example,” Knox said today. “In the past two years, we’ve also seen broken water mains at North 3rd near Poplar, 4th & Girard, and 10th & Girard. Northern Liberties has a system of 100-year-old water mains that clearly can’t handle the demands of a growing neighborhood, and it’s time to fix them.”
Knox said recent total capital expenditures have fallen far short of the Planning Commission’s recommended $185 million annual investment from the general fund or general obligation bonds.
“In 2007, the City will contribute a mere $59 million in general obligation bonds,” he said. “Our hands are tied by the city’s history of irresponsible borrowing.”
As a result, he said, the FY2007 Capital Budget calls for $9.1 million less in new City tax-supported funds than the FY2006 budget.
“Mismanagement of the City’s debt has severely restricted our ability to borrow for the investments we need to make if we’re going to revitalize the city. As mayor, I will cut the waste and unsound business practices so we can get the City back on a sound financial footing and make these much-needed investments.”
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