When Jarrett Coleman challenged entrenched state senator Pat Browne two years ago, he never imagined that after defeating Browne two years later he would still be sparring with him. When Jarrett ran he pledged to look into exactly what the NIZ has done for the taxpayers. Although it has been beneficial beyond their dreams for a couple local developers, the benefit to the taxpayers isn't apparent.
The NIZ was the brainchild of Browne, and on the way out of the senate he added an amendment which shields the financial details from scrutiny. Supposedly, revealing that information would infringe on the tax confidentiality of the few fat cats benefiting. As if that roadblock wasn't enough in Coleman's way, after Browne left the state senate, Governor Shapiro appointed him Director of Revenue. So now Jarret must request the info from the very man who schemed to keep it private.
Coleman has appealed directly to Josh Shapiro to order release of the information. Recently Shapiro has been touted as potential presidential material. This would certainly be an opportunity for the governor, who previously was the attorney general, to show that he can rise above usual politics for the taxpayer's benefit.
Jarrett, putting our interests first, is also preparing a lawsuit seeking the information.
Shown above is the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which covered this important development.
