Testimony on Behalf of Land Value Taxation

by Phil Finkelstein

Edward J. Dodson

[A letter to Philip finkelstein, Director, The Center for Local Tax Research,
5 East 44th Street, New York, NY 10017; 2 July, 1982]

Dear Phil:

In accordance with our previous discussion, the transcription of your testimony before City Council's Finance Committee (ie., Mr. Cohen) has been completed and is enclosed. You will, I am sure, note that a small percentage of the language differs from your exact testimony. Unfortunately, background noise and several instances of simultaneous "discussion" made certain passages inaudible. Where this occurred I filled in the gaps based on what I construed were your intended points. Please let me know if you see any material errors in that regard.

The next question, then, is how to best utilize the testimony. I am inclined toward (i) an Incentive Tax League mailing to the media, community organizations, etc. and (ii) a special issue of "Incentive Taxation" on the Philadelphia hearing, highlighted by a reprint of your testimony (as well as appropriate portions of other testimony given) A copy of your testimony is being delivered to Steve Cord with this letter for comment.

The summer may be a difficult period in which to build community awareness and support for the bill, particularly with so many conflicting responsibilities to meet. Walt Rybeck called Thursday to ask if I could make the conference in Rindge. Although I would like to attend and be of some help, the timing is such that I cannot break away from the bank. However, I do want to wish you great success; and, if there is to be a report issued I would appreciate being placed on its distribution list.

By the way, I know I speak for all of us here in Philadelphia by saying both your testimony and that of Larry were of immeasurable help. We may not have won the war but I think we proved ourselves formidable proponents.