MAYOR PEREZ NAMES PROPERTY TAX REFORM TASK FORCE

---NEWS RELEASE---

(September 12, 2007)--- Mayor Eddie A. Perez and members of the Court of Common Council have taken a major step forward in order to reform property taxes here in the City of Hartford.  A Task Force, made up of an inclusive and varied group of professionals, has been named by Mayor Perez and approved by City Council.  The Task Force consists of community leaders, government officials, and residents--- including homeowners and renters---as well as business owners, members of the General Assembly, real estate professionals, community groups and economists. 

Their mission is to find:  1) best practices in other urban communities in protecting and growing the homeownership base; 2) diversification of city revenue in lieu of property tax; 3) find the impact of the property tax on business investment and reinvestment; and 4) the impact on low and moderate income renters.

Mayor Perez says, “I am pleased and proud of these dedicated individuals who are working with the City to make positive recommendations and move Hartford forward so that more people will be able to own homes and businesses in our neighborhoods.  These recommendations will then be submitted to the General Assembly for immediate State tax reforms to be proposed in the 2008 Legislative Session that would relieve any unfair shifts in tax burdens resulting from the last City revaluation.  We need to protect and grow the business community as well as the residential community so that we can all prosper together.”

The following members have been appointed to the Property Tax Reform Task Force and were approved by Council:

Richard F. Wareing, Esq. (Chairman)--- Homeowner (Central)

Carolyn Brooks-Burton--- Homeowner (North)

Alejandro Rodriguez--- Homeowner (South)

Mayra Esquilin--- Renter

Yvon Alexander--- Business Owner (North)

Carlos Mouta--- Business Owner (Central)

John Tornotore--- Business Owner (South)

Joanne Garvin--- Travelers, representing the Six Largest Taxpayers

Hon. Marie Kirkley-Bey--- State Representative in the General Assembly

David Barrett--- Hartford 2000

Fred Carstensen--- University of Connecticut Economist

Sharon Alleman--- Chicago Title Insurance, Real Estate Professional