Philadelphia’s Finances Not Quite In Order

Turns out the City of Philadelphia has owes an average of $5,000 per resident, something Standard & Poor’s rating system rates as “very high.” Oh, and the city just borrowed $200 million, and future budgets are based on casino revenues, which are coming who knows when.

And the reason: Why, the local sports teams, which rake in millions but forced taxpayers to help build new stadiums. Of course, you don’t need a hackneyed journey down that road, but let’s ask: If we’re going to pay for your stadium, could you re-sign Aaron Rowand?

Or, actually, pitching. Pitching would be nice. Let’s not get started on the Eagles.

Phila-debt-ia [Philly, Inc.]
Jim Salisbury | Chances of Rowand staying with Phils remote [Inquirer]

‘You May Sleep On A Bench, But I’m At 8 Percent!’

Everyone likes to complain about their financial situation. Even Bill Gates probably chews Warren Buffet’s ear off about how he’s only been able to buy three jets this week instead of his usual four. But Bill Gates wouldn’t complain to me about his Microsoft stock, and I wouldn’t complain to, oh, I don’t know, a homeless person.

And so, I present, Al Taubenberger’s quote to a group of homeless people at yesterday’s homeless rally.

“Wanna hear the title of a sad book? My check book.”

Al Taubenberger’s check book is probably not as big as Michael Nutter’s. But, hey, he has a check book.

Tune in tomorrow, when Taubenberger addresses a group of wildfire victims in California who lost their house and complains about how he could really use a new bathroom.

Friday Morning Wake-Up [Metropolis]
Yesterday: Go Rally To Fight Rich Fat Cat Homeless People