Exit133.com: Councilwoman Anderson Pulls Tax Credit Request

Councilwoman Anderson Pulls Tax Credit Request ( 8. December 2006, 08:05 by Derek) ~ Where's The Church of the Divine Man Now?

Councilwoman Julie Anderson and her husband purchased the historic Whitworth Literary Society building in 2005. They then started a rehabilitation of the building converting it into their home. Advice from the city at the time was that they would then be able to take advantage of tax credits in order to offset the restoration costs. Now, after spending the money and disclosing a tremendous amount of personal financial information, outside council hired by the city has decided it is a conflict of our city charter for Anderson to receive the credits.

To me, the whole episode is unfortunate. The outside council even noted that there are good reasons why this program should be exempt from city rules. We should be promoting the use of programs like this to assist personal preservation efforts and celebrating this building’s new life… But that’s just my opinion.

Link to The News Tribune

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“The city sought an outside legal opinion after Internet publisher John Hathaway filed an ethics complaint against Anderson.”

Internet publisher sounds so credible.

1 | Posted by R.P. | Dec 8, 10:26 AM

Being in the neighborhood of said project, I’m certainly a supporter of the tax credit for Councilmember Anderson, and pleased with the risks that she and her husband took in restoring the building.

It does show that the measures in place to prevent problems work. A citizen viewed the open process for applying for the tax credit, the citizen submitted a question regarding this particular process, and without an ethics complaint or inquiry the situation was solved.

2 | Posted by NEAL | Dec 8, 10:42 AM

Big kudos to Anderson and her husband for stepping up to save and restore the building. I guess rules are rules, and the chips fell as such, but it certainly seems like they’re getting a raw deal. Restoration is expensive.

3 | Posted by jamie from thriceallamerican | Dec 8, 10:53 AM

Where does this “ethical” criteria stop? Ms Anderson certainly wasn’t trying to disguise her request, and she isn’t trying to change the rules of the program she’s applying for.
Can city council then never use any city programs that might benefit them? :

tax abatement for downtown condo buyers?
senior citizen tax relief for property taxes?
free library cards for tacoma residents?

4 | Posted by rick | Dec 8, 10:54 AM

This is really unfortunate…..and could make people think twice before stepping up and putting forth the energy to restore such buildings hence helping Tacoma in it’s revitalization.

5 | Posted by Rich | Dec 8, 10:55 AM

This is a raw deal. Shame on Hathaway for making an issue out of this! Internet publisher? I would say hack is more accurate- and he would probably agree!

The situation has not been solved. The conditions for this instance to occur have not been changed. Clearly, the city’s language needs to be refined so as to give council members the same benefits the general public enjoys.

For as little pay council members receive compared to the expectations and high demands placed on them, we should be creating incentives for individuals to run for public office, not penalties.

6 | Posted by morgan | Dec 8, 12:21 PM

This whole episode is a tragic mockery of a sham. Anderson (no relation) is the victim of attack dogs operating by proxy of retaliatory agents viz Washington State History Museum wall debacle. Mr. Hathaway shame on you sir. Shame on you and your internets publishing clogging my series of tubes! (sic)

7 | Posted by RR Anderson | Dec 8, 01:57 PM

I too live in the neighborhood, and their efforts are greatly appreciated. If only WA DC were so attune to ethic considerations.

My solution: Have the process move forward as normal. If she receives approval, have the process audited by an independent review board. Cost for the review to be shared in some manner. Win Win for everyone!