Philly Update

Story from Philly.com. Interesting thing here is how the airport is a topic of discussion and more interesting how about a 10 year tax abatement for new construction. Now that is the type of things I would like to hear more in the city 1) discussion on the airport and 2) 10 year tax abatement on new construction.

Rivals trade jabs over airport

Fattah favors leasing PHL; Knox scoffs & declines a wager

By BOB WARNER

warnerb@phillynews.com 215-854-5885

Stung by criticism of his plan to lease Philadelphia International Airport to private investors, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah challenged mayoral rival Tom Knox yesterday to put his money where his mouth was - a $1 million bet on whether Fattah could pull off the deal.

Knox blinked.

The wealthy businessman, who has estimated his net worth at $100 million, turned down the wager but took a shot at Fattah's finances.

"You know, Chaka, I have a million," Knox said.

The exchange took place at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel, at a forum sponsored by the Central Philadelphia Development Corp. The audience of 100 included some of the city's top businesspeople.

Moderator Paul R. Levy, executive director of the Center City District, asked the three candidates participating - Fattah, Knox and Michael Nutter - whether they would continue the city's 10-year tax abatement on new construction.