Fogarty and Fung Talk About Taxing the Howard Center

by Josh Wood Friday October 3, 2008

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7 Questions for Cranston’s Mayoral Candidates

Recently I contacted Allan Fung and Cindy Fogarty, Cranston’s mayoral candidates, and asked if they would answer a short list of Cranston Style questions. There are already plenty of political blogs in Rhode Island’s blogosphere – covering the races and doing it well. But I felt it’d be irresponsible not to address Cranston’s politics – on some level. Thanks to both candidates for taking the time to answer the questions. The first question I asked was kind of a yawner. It was my attempt at substance over style.

Question 1

What’s your stance on a tax treaty with the State of Rhode Island for their use of the Pastore Center?

Cindy Fogarty: I assume you are aware that the City of Cranston does indeed already receive some tax dollars for state owned property and usage. We received funds or payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) money FYE 2008. What I need to ensure that Cranston is getting its fair share, is data that is either unavailable to the general public or is not being gathered in a helpful manner. For example, how many police and/or fire calls does Cranston make to the complex, what services did those runs provide, how long was the city’s time and manpower. With that detail of information, we can then evaluate that data with our known per call cost and compare those numbers to what we have been receiving and advocate for additional funds if necessary.

Allan Fung: Cranston currently receives PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) monies from the State for the state properties. Unfortunately, it is not equal to what we would receive if it were tax revenue. While it will be difficult in these tough financial times, I will continue to push for additonal monies from the state as our city does provide significant services to the state institutions.

[where: 02910]

Comment

1. Josh,
   Are you going to post all 7 answers?

   — Rachel McNally · Oct 4, 06:52 PM · #

2. I plan to post one every four days or so. Posting them all in one story seemed a little overwhelming.

   — Josh · Oct 5, 06:34 PM · #

3. It would be best to space the answers as you plan. Too many too quickly would dimish its impact. Nicely done Josh !

   Jim Carr
   City Council
   Ward 6
   Candidate

   — Jim Carr · Oct 13, 04:47 PM · #

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