We were a business, I couldn't raise taxes. I had to look at where the fat was.

For health care, I think we should have a program where the county might work with hospitals like Roseland, that do lots of charity care. Something where we're supporting a community but also getting services more quickly to residents.

The county could learn from the private sector. I don't think we need to make cuts in direct service ... but I think we need to look administratively.

Taxes matter to businesses. How a state taxes business is just as important as how much a state taxes businesses.

We've been working hard to get on the city's good side. We have our state business license, our taxes done, the vendor registration is done and the insurance is covered.

Big business never pays a nickel in taxes, according to Ralph Nader, who represents a big consumer organization that never pays a nickel in taxes.