“Local governments like the City of Lancaster have been waiting decades for state government to provide solutions at the local level to help with fiscal stability. While home rule is not a cure-all, it is an option that’s available, given the lack of action by the General Assembly. I hope you’ll consider these thoughts, review all the material on the home rule website and vote “yes” for home rule.”
“By now, you have heard about the antiquated tax laws in Pennsylvania that have created a structural deficit in cities such as Lancaster. Over many years, the city has worked to reduce spending by leaving positions unfilled, deferring maintenance and even leveraging grant funding. But just as in our household budgets, fixed costs are rising…It’s unfair to continue to raise property taxes when another solution exists…We have the opportunity today to ensure a thriving City of Lancaster for generations. We should vote yes on home rule and take that opportunity.”
“This year we will determine our future and our children’s future. Do we continue to be governed by outdated rules handed to us by the state? Or do we decide that our local people know best? Home rule would allow us as citizens to have greater input into how our city is run than we ever had before. We as citizens would have more time to review the city’s budget. Vote “yes” on the proposed home rule charter.”
“I believe that it’s very important for Lancaster city voters to pass the proposed home rule charter that’s on the Nov. 5 ballot. We all want Lancaster to continue to thrive. Naysayers seem to be against everything, yet never offer anything positive to make things better. Join me in voting “yes” for home rule. Together we can work to make positive changes in Lancaster city.”
“I don’t want to continue to raise property taxes. They hurt those on fixed incomes and contribute to high housing costs, to name just two reasons why. Home rule presents a solution — not a perfect one, but certainly a better path forward…A vote for home rule would protect our community from unnecessary property tax increases, modernize our local government and give us the tools we need to ensure Lancaster city continues to thrive for future generations. I urge Lancaster city voters to vote “yes” on home rule.”
“I believe home rule is the fair solution. It shifts the burden in a way that makes sense for everyone, ensuring Lancaster has the revenue it needs without pushing more people out of their homes. As someone planning for retirement, I want to know that Lancaster’s financial future is secure, and that I’ll be able to stay in the home I love.”
“I’ve called this city home for the past 20 years, and it has brought me more happiness and sense of community than I could have ever imagined in my seven decades of life. But as I look around at my fellow residents — whether they rent or own — I am deeply concerned about the looming threat of rising property taxes.”
“We don’t know what our future will bring; we live in uncertain times, and things change fast. Giving our city more tools allows us to better respond to whatever the future brings. The charter would also give residents more tools to deliberate, petition and provide input into the lawmaking process.”
“The proposed home rule charter would give the city flexibility in dealing with its issues, which include what services are provided to city residents and how those services are paid for. It would also provide adaptability for future issues and opportunities. The last time the city government changed was in the 1950s. It is now time for Lancaster to have the legal and financial means to deal with urban problems and opportunities in the 21st century.”
“Because of Pennsylvania’s antiquated tax laws, third-class cities such as Lancaster find their hands tied in generating streams of revenue other than property tax increases, which disproportionately affect older adults and low-income families on fixed incomes. That is why Lancaster residents voted to study a home rule charter and why our elected Home Rule Study Commission unanimously voted on a proposed charter that will go in front of voters Nov. 5.”
“The fiscal well-being of Lancaster city is important to the whole of Lancaster County; the city is the county’s beating heart. It is critical that it continues to be a place where businesses and residents can thrive and where tourists want to visit. That means its streets and neighborhoods must be kept clean and safe, and its housing inspectors, code enforcement officials, police officers, firefighters and other city workers must be paid, even after federal pandemic relief money dries up.”