Easton's commuter tax, which was raised from 1.75% to 1.95% last week, has been challenged in the first of what is expected to be two challenges. Northampton County filed suit toady, and a separate taxpayer suit is imminent.
The County lawsuit, filed by Solicitor Victor Scomillio, challenges the law as a violation of the uniformity and equal protection clauses in both the Pennsylvania and United States Constitution. This is because the commuter tax "imposes a higher tax rate for nonresidents."
Scomillio is seeking injunctive relief, and at a December 11 hearing, will ask the Court to order Easton to stop withholding or implementing the tax, pending a full resolution.
The Express Times quotes Easton Mayor Sal Panto as sniping at Count Councilman Ken Kraft and Controller Steve Barron, who have urged the County to stop withholding the tax now. "[Y]ou don't have the right to just violate the law," Panto argues. But if his commuter tax is illegal, then he's the one who's actually violating the law. Moreover, Panto should blame all members of Council because they have unanimously adopted a resolution urging Executive John Brown to stop collecting this disputed tax.
In 2012, Panto attempted to interject race into the issue. "There needs to be some sort of revenue sharing in those lily-white suburbs,” he said at Easton Eccentric.
Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
Local Government TV
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Thursday, December 04, 2014
19 comments:
You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.
Build another parking deck with meters maybe that will fund the pension fund??
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed Easton and the improvements of the last few years. My wife and I dine there once per week and enjoy the Farmer's Market on occasion. The 3rd and Ferry Fish Market is outstanding and I entertained a large family group there in October. The mayor's statements are insulting and unwelcoming, however, and I won't be traveling again from my suburban home to spend money in Easton until he's gone from office. His unwelcoming statements indicate visitors to his city are a burden. No thanks. I'll spend my money where I feel welcomed. It's too bad for Easton's merchants. But many of them are the ones who put him in office. Throw him out and I and my wallet will come back.
ReplyDeletezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
ReplyDeleteNorco employees are the biggest spoiled brats
Moron.
Delete"Norco employees are the biggest spoiled brats"
ReplyDeleteI'll chalk this comment up to ignorance. There's no way a reasonable person could say this if he/she saw my paycheck and benefits package!
As far as the commuter tax, although I wish action would have been taken when it was first enacted, I'm grateful that the solicitor is doing something about it now.
It's ALL county employees affected by this tax, not just Norco employees...Dipshit!
ReplyDelete"County to Easton---DROP DEAD"
ReplyDeleteIm glad Jim Gregory received the mental health treatment and seems to be much better. He has a healthy outlook and bernie seems to be on his mind alot. Just like old times...should be fun...soon...lol8
ReplyDeleteBe careful what you wish for
ReplyDeleteSal Panto needs to resign. His regressive tax is taxation without representation. I say we through him in the Delaware Instead of the tea! Joking but seriously he needs to resign.
ReplyDeletePanto for County Exec!
ReplyDeletePanto couldn't get elected to scrub toilets outside of shoot 'em up Easton.
ReplyDeletekeep hitting the middle class Sal! Unlike the seniors, we are not on a fixed income.... ours just keeps going DOWN!
ReplyDeleteSo now I can make a case about no INCREASE in NORCO TAX RATE based on the solicitors suit against The City of Easton.My parents live in Northampton County, They own property , but commit no crimes, or have ever. They pay taxes on time or before the required period the do do cost this said county any assistance. They never asked for a dime and they do not take up your time even on the phone. . SO I say these 85 year old folks should have a tax abatement.
ReplyDeleteIs Mr. Gregory out of prison now?I know of some of his relatives. They need to know, as I 'feel' that he may have 'intimidated' his own GRANDMOTHER in --the past-- if that's possible that some would do that.
ReplyDeleteSal Panto,the Mayor, is looking out for Easton from it's Economic issues. . The Easton Area School District, ,Lafayette College and the NORCO issue are all TAX FREE and pay no freight to the venue that holds them and protects them.We are talking a lot of people on a work week. If you have a heart attack in some other venues of this county ---you wait! You will die. Yet the City of Easton holds all of you during your work week . If you have a shooter in your building,believe me when I say this, they will be in there ,no cowards, and not on the outside waiting for instructions.
ReplyDelete"If you have a shooter in your building,believe me when I say this, they will be in there ,no cowards, and not on the outside waiting for instructions. "
ReplyDeleteWe have deputies in the courthouse that are just as trained in active shooter situations. No worries there.
My comment were made . The Sheriff's have their crew,true .I mean no derogatory remarks against our Sheriff's deputies what so ever.They have many very fine personnel.Many quit capable of disaster issues. The SHERIFF is the leading law officer in his COUNTY. That means he over rides local police and sometimes has to butts heads with the Feds. Don't for get it!
ReplyDeleteIF FACT ;if I was a Sheriffs Deputy I would be so proud to on payroll that I would .....get to every training class they would pay for.Take it from me , I was a 'Governor's Twenty'over 7 years, I love to shoot. I like to help the new shooters beat me on occasions, THE ART ha!! of it all is really about target acquisition and neutralization of an advisory.
ReplyDelete