Creating Economic Opportunity

By John F. Innelli

What is significant is the number of businesses that have been lost to the county. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2001 to 2006, Delco lost a total of 126 manufacturing establishments -- a 22% drop in five years. The loss of these businesses resulted not only in the loss of over 6,000 jobs, but also a shrinking tax base for our communities and school districts. This has increased the property tax burden of our residents and led to the deterioration of several school districts and decaying infrastructure in many of our once highly regarded inner ring suburban communities.

During 2000-2006, municipalities applied to the County Council for more than $10 million in water and sewer improvements, by far the greatest recognized municipal need. Yet the $10 million sought is a mere fraction of the more than $100 million that municipal engineers estimate is necessary to replace sewers which are older than their expected lifetime. Thus far, the County has failed to develop a strategy for dealing with this urgent problem, other than provide minimal funding through federal Community Development Block Grants ("CDBG" funds"). As a result, the cost of the failing sewer systems falls upon individual homeowners in the form of ever higher sewer bills. This is a hidden tax imposed by the County Council's failure to utilize the ability of the Delaware County Redevelopment Authority to raise low cost funds in the bond market. By raising low cost funds in the bond market and implementing a complete revitalization plan that takes advantage of the collective purchasing power of an entire region of the county, the County Council would be saving taxpayer money in the long run.

Just as the all-Republican County Council fails to be proactive in reversing the county's decaying infrastructure, it fails to take advantage of currently existing funding programs such as the Opportunity Grant Program and the Small Business First Program. These programs are designed to help smaller businesses survive and grow. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development reports that Chester County receives almost three times the amount of Opportunity Grants than Delco; Montgomery County receives almost one and one-half times the amount of Delaware County.

The failure to use all of the various tools available to county government to build a strong, vibrant, local economy indicates a lack of leadership and of the will to do what is necessary to make our county all that it can be.

It's time for a change.

Of all those currently on County Council and those seeking a council seat, I have the background and experience to effect real economic and financial change. I have two degrees in economics from the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School), a law degree from Washington & Lee, and real life experience as Solicitor to the Darby Borough Redevelopment Authority, an organization seeking community revitalization. I also have served the community in other capacities, from being a member of the governing board of the Stratford Friends School, a facility in Haverford for children with learning disabilities, to representing pensioners and everyday working people in prosecuting financial fraud in the insurance, financial, and pharmaceutical industries.

As a member of County Council, I will bring both fresh ideas and real expertise to solving the complex problems of county governance: revitalizing our communities and infrastructure, attracting well-paying jobs, holding the line on taxes, creating a county health department, and preparing our children for the jobs of the future.