Why Philadelphia needs Amazon

Dear Mr. Bezos:

Congratulations on narrowing Amazon’s search for a second headquarters to 20.

Among those finalists is Philadelphia. Given that competitors ratchet up fluff and ignore lessthan-noble truths, it is only fair that you fully understand the lay of the land before making your decision.

The list of Pennsylvania movers and shakers convicted of crimes is a long one. All were politicians, all were convicted of corruption, and near all served (or are still serving) prison time. Not much of a silver lining, but at least when it comes to abusing public office and committing crimes, Pennsylvania is bi-partisan.

How bad is it? Well, the American Society for Public Administration ranked the Keystone State in the top five for most corrupt states – and that was in 2014, well before a number of scandals were disclosed. So, Amazon, welcome to Pennsylvania, where if you’re not cheatin’, you’re not tryin’.

As a native Philadelphian, why would I offer such information when it surely casts a pall over the state, and, in particular, the City of Brotherly Love?

Because it’s the right thing to do.

Some media colleagues prefer the motto “fair and balanced,” but that’s a misguided philosophy. Instead, we should strive for truth and accuracy, for, quite simply, if one tells the whole truth – and does so accurately, without spin and manipulation – good things will result. It isn’t the easy path, since it requires difficult introspection, but just as sunshine is the best antiseptic, telling the truth is the only way we can begin to solve decadesold problems.

Let’s look at the real Philadelphia. In doing so, it is our collective hope that such truths don’t eliminate the city, but instead, illustrate its unlimited potential should one of the world’s most dynamic companies choose it as a second home.

You are undoubtedly aware of Philadelphia’s attributes: Myriad universities, educated population, significant cultural attractions, solid infrastructure, lower cost of living than many large cities, and easy access, given its international airport, ports, rail facilities and proximity to the I-95 corridor.

But problems arise when the layers are peeled away.

Philly has a long history of corruption, from union intimidation, to bribes and kickbacks, to so-called “legalized extortion” by city agencies squeezing every last dollar out of companies as a “cost of doing business.” The result has been a significant exodus of business and residents, with city government viewed as an impediment to, rather than a facilitator of, growth.

Worse, Philadelphia is the nation’s highest-taxed city (cumulatively). This has become a vicious cycle from which Philadelphia has been unable to escape: The higher the taxes, the fewer businesses. And the fewer businesses, the higher the taxes.

Philadelphia owns the highest or near-highest rates of poverty, homelessness, violence, and murder; its education system produces abysmal results; its city pension is catastrophically underfunded; and opening a business is fraught with bureaucracy.

Counterintuitive as it may seem, come, Mr. Bezos. We need you, but not just because Amazon brings with it billions in investment and 50,000 jobs. Philadelphia needs you because you are an innovator. A creator. A doer. A visionary who not just talks the talk, but walks the walk. Philadelphia’s systemic shortcomings result from decades of impotent leaders – the result of a one-party system – that has resigned many to complacency. But that in no way means we are not ready to meet the challenge.

Our flame may have dimmed, but it has never been extinguished. On the contrary, Philadelphians are desperately seeking a hero who will inspire, motivate, and most of all, lead, so that the culture of corruption can be forever broken. Mr. Bezos, you have shown that the free market is the best answer to solving problems. Private enterprise with a social conscience is the way forward.

Amazon’s opportunity in Philadelphia would be infinitely more than just improving the nation’s business climate; it has the chance to reject patronage and mediocrity and build a real, true shining city upon a hill.

Just as Philadelphians are flying high on the wings of their beloved Eagles, so too are they eager to win with a championship-caliber company.

It’s a jungle out there, Amazon, where the spoils go to those most hungry. And more than anyone in America, Philadelphians are ready to feast.