Candidate Katz visits Penn class

The GOP hopeful in November's mayoral elections talked business and politics with a Wharton class. Appearing in front of a Wharton Public Policy and Management class yesterday, Republican mayoral nominee Sam Katz talked about city policy, financial management and government reform --Ebut also managed to show off his sense of humor. "I always wanted to get into Wharton," he joked, "and this is as close as I will probably get." Katz shed his jacket and loosened his tie as he walked into the Vance Hall classroom filled with about 50 students. The casual atmosphere prevailed throughout the talk as he fielded audience questions and continued to crack jokes. Katz had every reason to be in a good mood. After spending the summer wooing voters with his moderate conservative platform, he has managed to become a viable GOP mayoral candidate in a city that has not elected a Republican since 1947. And on Monday his campaign received a huge boost with an endorsement from former Democratic mayoral candidate John White, which shocked political insiders because of White's long friendship with and similar political philosophies to Katz's opponent, John Street. Katz focused on a range of campaign issues during the talk -- including education reform, tax reduction and crime prevention -- but he also spent a lot of time on fiscal subject matter for the business students. A former financial consultant, Katz talked about how to effectively manage city services. "There are some services of city government that need to be looked at to see if we need them at all," he explained. Additionally, Katz discussed his views on city taxes. He said the Philadelphia city wage tax is driving people out of the city into the suburbs and noted that Philadelphia has the "most uncompetitive tax structure of any city in America." Lowering the wage tax is a centerpiece of Katz's campaign. Bringing people into the area with his economic reforms is a major goal for Katz. He asked the room of students how many planned to stay in Philadelphia after graduation -- and only a few slowly raised their hands. One goal Katz mentioned: "To get us to a place at the end of my second administration in 2007 where taxes are not a reason to leave." The students responded enthusiastically to Katz with their questions and comments. Wharton graduate student Anoop Misra had a personal gripe to throw into the arena. "One way you can get us to vote is if you get the No. 21 bus running more frequently," he called out. "How about a limousine service?" Katz quipped. Before he left, Katz did encourage the students to go out and vote. Penn students do not generally account for a large number of votes because so many come from outside the area. "You are eligible to vote if you register and very few Penn students register," Katz said. Applause quickly filled the room as Katz finished speaking. "He showed that he has the best ideas about how to get Philadelphia back on its feet," said College junior Cam Winton, who is a volunteer for the Katz campaign. And Public Policy and Management Professor Robert Inman said he was pleased with Katz's talk, saying he "gave students exposure [to the election]."