Candidate:

Sam Katz

Republican Sam Katz is a business leader in Philadelphia, with three decades of experience in municipal finance. Katz has been CEO of the business advocacy group, Greater Philadelphia First. From 1976 to 1994 Katz served as co-CEO of Public Financial Management, Inc, an investment advisory firm serving state and local governments. Katz also serves on the boards of numerous non-profits organizations, including City Year, the Salvation Army, and the National Museum of American Jewish History. Katz was on the Philadelphia School District's Board of Education from 1981 to 1985. Katz is running on the promise of revitalizing the city's economy with wage tax cuts and job creation.

A Philadelphia Native, Katz Graduated from Central High School of Philadelphia in 1967 and went on to study political science at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Katz received his masters in urban affairs and policy analysis from the New School in New York, New York. This fall's election will be the fourth attempt by Katz to run for public office. He previously ran for mayor in 1991 and for governor in 1994. In 1999 he ran for mayor again, losing a close race to current Mayor John Street. Katz is 52 years old. He and his wife Connie have four children and reside in West Mount Airy.

Business Development

• Will cut the wage tax by 22% by next summer -- making it 3.5% for both residents and non-residents.
• Katz projects his tax cuts will create 63,500 jobs by 2010.

• Step up gun control by calling for longer sentences for gun crimes and the establishment of a court that specializes in gun crime
• Increasing police patrols at statistically proven areas and times will also help reduce levels of crime.

• Create partnerships between schools and the business community to provide opportunities such as summer jobs and internships for students.
• To attract and retain teachers in the region, assist teachers with housing and the further development of their teaching skills.

• Cut taxes and create jobs, to put Philadelphians back to work.
• Trim unnecessary levels of bureaucracy in city government.