Email to Chief Administrator John Barrett - Income Tax
By Robert H. Gordon
July 13, 2008

John: I have been watching and participating with the citizens against the zoning overlay. I have been concerned about the Murrysville Government since we first met almost 3 years ago and I had high hopes that you might be the answer to some of the problems. Boy, did that light go out fast. You made on statement to me that still sticks "Banner Parklet would not be given to MECDC for a dollar", I also believe that you added over your dead body.

I believe that the Municipality should be more concerned about people moving to Murrysville not large business that take away the services that a provided by the majority of taxpayers. A good example would be the Municipal Staff, you have a total of 59 employees, 10 live in Murrysville or about 16% to include the Chief Administration who has not complied with the charter and keeps getting waivers. I believe that the earned income tax is 1%. So you do the math how much money is the Murrysville Government losing by not requiring employees to live in Murrysville like other communities, Monroeville is a good example.

I believe that Respronics. Cleveland Brother, Wal-Mart and Mine Safety Appliance could not reach the 16% of their employees living in Murrysville. You still want more large businesses who in turn supports other communities with their earned income and requires more services from Murrysville costing the tax payers too much money and what they might save on School Tax, which is questionable at best, they will probably lose in other taxes for services. Wal-Mart is a good example of that. If the emphasis was placed on the above earned income would increase yearly.

You and I have talked about the use of Government vehicles by employees. I see no change and things have gotten worse. I can't understand why some many employees take cars home under the guise of "in case of an emergency". The Chief of Police had a car at his disposal the whole time that he was recovering from a hip replacement. Where was the emergency? I have observed one of your employees filling up the government vehicle in Monroeville and not taking advantage of the reduce gas price at Sheetz, with whom you have a contract, a penny saved.

Although the Business Privilege Tax was terminated after 30 November 1988 along with the Mercantile Tax there was one community Upper Darby Township that was authorized to reenact it business gross receipts tax to include all business in 1997. Maybe it is time for local governments to band together and contact Harrisburg for assistance in this matter.

I have contacted the State Ethics Committee regarding certain members of council. They have a copy of your contact with MECDC for Banner Parklet, I have informed them of Mr. Nicolette working for Kacin Companies along with the secret mediation with Manor Development, which results have never been made public or even allowed the public to attend any of the meetings.

There is one good thing that has come out of the Overlay Map. You have awakened the citizens of Murrysville and now you will have a fight on your hands and every day more and more people join the cause for to "Take Back Murrysville". It is a shame that it had to come to this because you, the government, will not listen to the citizens but bow to the pressure of the developers.

Robert H. Gordon
Master Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps (Ret)