Cicilline admires Chafee for broaching tax topic
January 7, 2010
WRNIBy, Ian Donnis
Recently announced gubernatorial candidates Lincoln Chafee's status as an independent cuts both ways; it allows him to draw support from across the political spectrum, including the state's biggest pool of voters -- unaffiliateds. Yet running outside the bounds of conventional parties will also deny Chafee a share of institutional support, possibly including from those elected officials who like his vision and approach.
One such official, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, told me yesterday that he plans to support the eventual Democratic nominee for governor. But that didn't stop Cicilline from offering some kind words for Chafee and his candor in raising the issue of Rhode Island's system of taxation:
It's very important that we look at our entire tax system, and that is looking at our income tax, our sales tax, our property tax system -- they are completely out of balance. Property taxes are some of the highes in the country. They're an impediment to economic development, they're crushing families and our cities and towns. And we have to look at ways to generate revenues in a more broad-based way, and look at how do we currently collect revenues -- does it make sense?
And I admire Senator Chafee for raising the issue of the current construct of our tax system -- about it being broken, and looking at what are the right approaches? I don't know that the one he suggested is the right one, but we need to have an honest conversation about how broken our current tax system is statewide, and how we protect Rhode Island families from the crushing burden of property taxes.
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And I admire Senator Chafee for raising the issue of the current construct of our tax system -- about it being broken, and looking at what are the right approaches? I don't know that the one he suggested is the right one, but we need to have an honest conversation about how broken our current tax system is statewide, and how we protect Rhode Island families from the crushing burden of property taxes.
Click here for original article.
Linc Chafee is a tested leader of unquestioned integrity and a strong independent voice. As Governor, he will work hard to create new jobs, rebuild our economy, solve our chronic budget problems, end corruption, and forge a new way forward for Rhode Island.
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 328
United Nurses & Allied Professionals (UNAP)
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) State Committee
