Business license
Dear Editor:
We do not normally object to being taxed if we perceive it as being fair and necessary, but we strongly oppose the business licensure enacted by Warren City Council. We live in Pine Grove Township, and operate our businesses, Action Radon Testing, LLC and Homeworks Professional Handyman Service, LLC out of our home, serving all of Warren County.
Having a local radon tester gives Warren area residents access to an important health concern. Radon causes 22,000 deaths annually from lung cancer. Action Radon Testing was established 2 1/2 years ago, after the investment of considerable time and money. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires testers to be recertified semi-annually. The cost for this privilege is $450, in addition to the cost of the continuing education courses necessary to qualify for recertification.
Homeworks Professional Handyman Service, LLC is in a similar situation. Beginning in July 2009, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania required that home improvement contractors register with the State. The cost to register is $50 every other year.
Why does the City of Warren need to license our businesses, when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania already requires certification/registration to operate legally within the state? If an individual in the City of Warren is considering using either of our services, and wants to know whether we are operating legally, all it takes is a call to the state or a visit to their website. Would businesses from neighboring counties be subject to this licensure when they operate in Warren; or would they simply ignore the requirement (or not even be aware of it) since they do not live in the area?
We believe this new additional licensure is an unfair burden and duplication of taxation/licensure on local small businesses who have already complied with state regulations as required for the type of businesses we operate. We ask that Warren City Council reconsider this ill-conceived ordinance and rescind it as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Ellen D. Butkus
Certified Radon Tester #2594
Action Radon Testing, LLC
Richard P. Butkus
Homeworks Professional Handyman Service, LLC
PA028440
Akeley
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primrose
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11-16-09 9:57 PM
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There may be some in this town that supported this business ordinance but they didn't seem to show up at the city council meeting tonight. Many Business owners and community members attended the meeting to show their disapproval of this new Business license ordinance and the result was that the City Council voted unanimously to recind it. As councilman Ferguson stated... the system worked as it should, and the community was listened to and the ordinance ended up being repealed.
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Clark
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11-15-09 3:58 PM
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totheright, did it ever occur to you that just maybe there are people in this community that support the efforts of Council on this issue? I think its unfortunate that as soon as a decision is made that people don't agree with, they immediately jump on here start ranting and raving about it. My purpose of my response to this business woman letter was that even though I personally disagree with her opinion, I thought she presented her case in a professional manner and it would be nice if others gave this much thought and consideration when commenting on these blogs.
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Clark
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11-12-09 3:37 PM
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While I disgree, you obviously feel strongly about this issue and you presented your arguments professionally which you should be commended. It's much easier to debate an issue such as this when facts are debated rather than emotion. Most of the negative comments on some of the other articles lately are emotion or personality driven. If a valid argument can be raised on either side, that can result in a good debate. When people just start spouting off about an issue without thinking it through, that doesn't accomplish anything. If I know someone looking for the type of services you offer, I would recommend you based on your professionalism shown here.
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garypayton
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11-12-09 1:54 PM
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What will the Mayor say on Monday night, I wonder?
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SamHarvey
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11-11-09 2:52 PM
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Don't forget the meeting this Monday night.
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noelle
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11-11-09 10:37 AM
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AMEN!!!!!
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