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Public commenter calls pilots 'systemic oppression,' urges 50% abatement cap
Summary
At the meeting's public comment segment, Joe Kenson criticized pilots as systemic oppression of taxpayers and recommended a 50% tax-abatement cap, a 10-year limit, and no abatements on predevelopment or personal property.
During the public-comment period, Joe Kenson sharply criticized the county's use of pilot programs and urged the committee to adopt strong guardrails.
"Pilots are the best example of sustained long term systemic oppression of the taxpayer in the city of Memphis," Kenson said, calling for a 50% maximum on new capital investment, a 10-year limit, and no abatements for predevelopment. He argued those measures would reduce long-term liability and make public-private partnerships more equitable.
Kenson also criticized what he called the influence of elite interests and urged the committee to consider partnership terms that do not place an unequal burden on taxpayers. Committee members listened but did not immediately adopt his specific numerical proposals; they agreed to study the suggestions and to prepare draft language for review at the November drafting session.
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