It does amaze me that there are people who make millions, if not billions, and do not believe they need to pay any taxes on it. I would understand if they argue that their taxes are not going to the public good, and work to make changes. But these are people who just dont get it. America is still the country of innovation - and a desired spot for the wealthy of the world to come to.
Congrats to Mousa for his new role - he is a great advocate for the region! The Valley is an excellent region for exporting - our percentage for our economy tied to exports is higher than metros much larger than ours. We need to stay ahead of the curve, and will continue to do so.
FairandEqual - FYI the Ytown incubator has 300 people working there, the largest employer being Turning Technologies. 300, not 0. The Warren Incubator is just getting started, and so there are no companies housed there yet.
Actually, $160 for perfect attendence, doesnt sound all that bad. Lost productivity is a lot more expensive, and if somebody takes care of themselves, comes in if they have a cold, makes arrangements to have a babysitter for a sick kid, etc, could deserve $160. If somebody calls in sick, a replacement worker on overtime would cost $160 in a matter of hours.
All these points are great. However, one has to also look at the professional services firms that are leaving downtown at the same time. Firms blame poor relations with landlords who do not live and work in the area, the 2.75% income tax that city charges, lack of adequate parking, and now the commotion outside the VXI call center (which is an excellent boost to the population downtown, but needs to have better rules regarding double parking, and the hundreds of smokers outside on breaks). Downtown is making a great comeback, but its sustainability is also based on bringing more businesses in.
When I saw the headline for this blog, I thought you were going to say that Pavlik lifted the spirits of the Valley at a time when Delphi was packing up and leaving, Severstal was laying off, Lordstown was down on shifts, and the global economic decline was hurting us bad. I thought you were going to remind everybody that Pavlik came in late 2007 and kept the pride meter high in the Valley while there wasnt much to be thankful for. He was a bridge that connected us to good events, like V&M, TMK, Lordstown, all the press from the YBI, and now Utica Shale. That would have been the right thing to do.
Instead you had to bring up Traficant. Congrats, I think you're the last person in the media to mention him by name.
Kelly, I'm disappointed you canceled this fight. But I do recall the pride I had when you got back up and knocked down Taylor in '07. I remember.
I wish you all the best in your new position. Crime has to be your number 1 priority. I hope you can bring in top talent as police chief. If somebody local is the person, great. I am a true believer in bringing somebody in that has a track record and no b.s. approach from cities like Baltimore, NYC, etc...
Also may I suggest a major priority is to work to keep professional services firms downtown. I know 3 that have announced they are leaving to the burbs or are considering it. First, a nearly impossible task (but needed) is to construct a parking deck downtown - on Commerce Street. Second, you may have to consider a tax holiday program for companies a) willing to recommit to staying downtown for 5 years (payable if they reneg), b) some sort of 'move here and we'll give you the same holiday.' With all the new residential and cultural stuff popping, why firms would leave now is beyond me. Lastly, traffic enforcement around shift change at VXI is also needed. Federal Street has the traffic flow of Federal Plaza around 4-6 pm.
U.S. billionaire chooses to build new life in Singapore
It does amaze me that there are people who make millions, if not billions, and do not believe they need to pay any taxes on it. I would understand if they argue that their taxes are not going to the public good, and work to make changes. But these are people who just dont get it. America is still the country of innovation - and a desired spot for the wealthy of the world to come to.
May 18, 2012 at 8:20 a.m. permalink suggest removal
18 Youngstown charter changes go to council
I think these are great steps to modernize government in the city of Youngstown. Well done to the Commission!
May 16, 2012 at 1:11 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Partnership at YSU helps businesses get into exporting
Congrats to Mousa for his new role - he is a great advocate for the region! The Valley is an excellent region for exporting - our percentage for our economy tied to exports is higher than metros much larger than ours. We need to stay ahead of the curve, and will continue to do so.
May 9, 2012 at 12:54 p.m. permalink suggest removal
State budget surplus justifies revisiting funding for schools
I believe you guys meant $800 MILLION surplus by the end of next year?
May 6, 2012 at 9:25 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Mahoning Valley’s growth in jobs outpaces state’s
FairandEqual - FYI the Ytown incubator has 300 people working there, the largest employer being Turning Technologies. 300, not 0. The Warren Incubator is just getting started, and so there are no companies housed there yet.
February 3, 2012 at 1:27 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Austintown Township workers get $160 bonus for perfect attendance?
Actually, $160 for perfect attendence, doesnt sound all that bad. Lost productivity is a lot more expensive, and if somebody takes care of themselves, comes in if they have a cold, makes arrangements to have a babysitter for a sick kid, etc, could deserve $160. If somebody calls in sick, a replacement worker on overtime would cost $160 in a matter of hours.
October 20, 2011 at 10:43 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Know of any 9/11 artifacts in the area? Let us know!
I would be very careful about how you treat a story on 'artifacts from the World Trade Center'. This was a place in which 3000 people died.
August 31, 2011 at 11:23 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Toasting an undeniable downtown surge
All these points are great. However, one has to also look at the professional services firms that are leaving downtown at the same time. Firms blame poor relations with landlords who do not live and work in the area, the 2.75% income tax that city charges, lack of adequate parking, and now the commotion outside the VXI call center (which is an excellent boost to the population downtown, but needs to have better rules regarding double parking, and the hundreds of smokers outside on breaks). Downtown is making a great comeback, but its sustainability is also based on bringing more businesses in.
August 8, 2011 at 9:43 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Valley owes Pavlik its thanks
When I saw the headline for this blog, I thought you were going to say that Pavlik lifted the spirits of the Valley at a time when Delphi was packing up and leaving, Severstal was laying off, Lordstown was down on shifts, and the global economic decline was hurting us bad. I thought you were going to remind everybody that Pavlik came in late 2007 and kept the pride meter high in the Valley while there wasnt much to be thankful for. He was a bridge that connected us to good events, like V&M, TMK, Lordstown, all the press from the YBI, and now Utica Shale. That would have been the right thing to do.
Instead you had to bring up Traficant. Congrats, I think you're the last person in the media to mention him by name.
Kelly, I'm disappointed you canceled this fight. But I do recall the pride I had when you got back up and knocked down Taylor in '07. I remember.
August 3, 2011 at 9:11 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Mayor-elect Sammarone: 'Don't give me an excuse'
Mr. Mayor -
I wish you all the best in your new position. Crime has to be your number 1 priority. I hope you can bring in top talent as police chief. If somebody local is the person, great. I am a true believer in bringing somebody in that has a track record and no b.s. approach from cities like Baltimore, NYC, etc...
Also may I suggest a major priority is to work to keep professional services firms downtown. I know 3 that have announced they are leaving to the burbs or are considering it. First, a nearly impossible task (but needed) is to construct a parking deck downtown - on Commerce Street. Second, you may have to consider a tax holiday program for companies a) willing to recommit to staying downtown for 5 years (payable if they reneg), b) some sort of 'move here and we'll give you the same holiday.' With all the new residential and cultural stuff popping, why firms would leave now is beyond me. Lastly, traffic enforcement around shift change at VXI is also needed. Federal Street has the traffic flow of Federal Plaza around 4-6 pm.
Good luck to you - I think you'll be great!!
July 31, 2011 at 11:24 a.m. permalink suggest removal