Drazen plans to 'aggressively pursue' voluntary nonprofit payments

The Press & Sun-Bulletin reported that mayoral candidate Douglas Walter Drazen plans to use to generate revenue from nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations.

"Additionally, unlike the current administration, and its predecessor, which made a half-hearted effort in 2004 known as the 'Fair Share Program,' my administration will aggressively pursue voluntary payments from 'nonprofit' property owners," said Drazen, who also proposes selling Ely Park golf course. "Metro-Interfaith, which operates elderly housing in Binghamton, makes such a payment every year, and would be a good model to follow."

Drazen said he will hold weekly press conferences praising groups such as Metro-Interfaith and shaming those who don't pay.

He also proposed stopping garbage pickup for nonprofits and asking city council to enact a local law, pursuant to New York State Real Property Tax Law 420-b, which allows local taxation of certain "nonprofits."

Republican candidate Rich David also embraces the idea of reinstituting the "Fair Share Program" started by former mayor Richard A. Bucci, for whom David worked.

David said the Bucci administration set the ground work, but current Mayor Matthew Ryan didn't continue pursuing the program.

Ryan, a Democrat, said he doesn't think "Fair Share Program" is a good idea.
"I find that hard to believe he really believes he is going to shame people into giving money," said Ryan. "These groups don't deserve shame. If it wasn't for these not-for-profits some of the most vulnerable would be even more vulnerable."

In 2008, Ryan's office identified $58.2 million in tax-exempt property. Of those properties: 44.2 percent are government and 17 percent are religious organizations. Altogether, the city determined 31.6 percent of its properties in 2008 were tax exempt.

"Even if you are going to tax some of these groups the money is minimal," said Ryan.

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