Boston City Council Television
Comcast Channel 51
10 AM to 5 PM
and www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/live.asp

Monday February 26
10:00 – Environment Hearing on City’s green roofing efforts 11/8 (2:40)
1:00 – Government Ops Hearing on ensuring access to waterfront and harbor 11/16
3:30 – Public Utilities & Cable Hearing on satellite ...   more »

As many city residents are aware every time a bill arrives, the city of Boston is heavily reliant on the property tax as a source of revenue. A recent study by the Boston Foundation found almost 60% of city funds are garnered through the property tax, a much higher number than other major American cities. Part of the reason for this disparity is Boston is limited in its revenue options by the state government. The city must file what are called home rule petitions to the state almost any time it wants to institute a new tax like an increase in the meals tax or a tourism tax. These petitions rarely make it back from Beacon Hill. The Boston Globe today covers this problem in a story by the co-authors of the Boston Foundation's study, Boston Bound.

If Boston were allowed to collect revenue from a wider array of sources -- whether through general sales or income taxes, or more targeted ones -- the city would not have to consider every policy decision through the narrow lens of its impact on real estate. It would be free, in other words, to use its powers to promote something other than skyrocketing property values.

"I get it," critics say. "You want to raise taxes." But the issue is not how much the city should tax but how the city should tax. Boston could raise the same amount of revenue from a variety of sources as it now does from a single source. Doing so, in fact, would enable the city to decrease the property tax by ensuring that others (such as tourists) would have to contribute to paying for the city services that benefit them.

Tell us what you think. Is it worthwhile to allow the city more flexibility in revenue and tax options or should the power remain with the state government?   more »

Boston City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr. and representatives of Go Direct, a national public service campaign urging social security recipients to use direct deposit, will address the Boston City Council at its weekly meeting on Wednesday, February 28 at noon in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Earlier this ...   more »

If you are interested in receiving our monthly newsletter, Tobin Times, please forward your name and email to john@votejohntobin.com or Sign Up For Our Email Newsletter over on the right hand side of the page.   more »

What do you think of Governor Patrick's tax changes? Let us know.   more »

Boston City Council Television
Comcast Channel 51
10 AM to 5 PM
and www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/live.asp

Monday February 19 President’s Day Holiday
No City Council Programming Scheduled.

Tuesday February 20
10:00 – Boston City Council Meeting 2/14 (2:30)
12:30 - Public Safety Hearing on security of shipments to Level 4 BioSafety Lab ...   more »

Boston City Council Television
Comcast Channel 51
10 AM to 5 PM
and www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/live.asp

Monday February 12
10:00 – City & Neighborhood Services Hearing on rubber sidewalks 10/24 (1:32)
12:00 – Boston City Council Meeting 2/7
3:00 – Public Safety Hearing on security of shipments to Level 4 BioSafety Lab ...   more »

City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr. holds district office hours in different locations each month.

Councillor Tobin’s February district office hours will be held on:

•Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Sweet Finnish, 761 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.

•Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Starbucks, 1810 Centre ...   more »

Join Councillor Tobin as he kicks off the New Year with a fundraiser at the Vault located at 105 Water Street, Downtown Boston. The event will be held on Wednesday, March7th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Suggested Donations $100 ~ $250 ~ $500. You can donate right online at this website, simply ...   more »

Boston City Council Television
Comcast Channel 51
10 AM to 5 PM and www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/live.asp

Monday February 5
10:00 – City & Neighborhood Services Hearing on rubber sidewalks 10/24 (1:32)
12:00 – Boston City Council Meeting 1/31
3:00 – Public Safety Hearing on security of shipments to Level 4 BioSafety Lab ...   more »

Boston City Councillor John M. Tobin, Jr. yesterday was officially appointed as the City Council’s Vice President and was tapped to head the committee on Intergovernmental Relations. He was also renamed Chair of the Committee on Arts, Film, Humanities & Tourism, a post he has held since 2002.

Councillor Tobin’s ...   more »