Taubenberger gives Nutter advice on budget shortfall

By Christopher Wink

The unofficial mayor of the Northeast has something to say about Philadelphia’s financial crisis that Michael Nutter announced in November.

Al Taubenberger, the Burholme resident and former Republican mayoral challenger and Northeast Chamber of Commerce president, was asked by city hall reporters what he would do if he overcame the city’s wealth of registered Democrats and was leading Philadelphia through this dark night.

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“I’d reach out to the past administration for advice of where they think some savings could be made,” Taubenberger told the Inqy after leaving a speech Nutter delivered at a luncheon hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. “Sincere advice… advice that goes no further than the room.”

After making mention of speaking to former mayor John Street, Taubenberger said services, programs and the number of public employees may be forced to shrink, a move that polls show may make at least half the city mad.

“There’s always some fat on the bone, but it’s gotten to be less and less.” Taubenberger said. “But sometimes, you know, the fat makes government palatable.”

Screenshot from Will Do.

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