Chris Stigall: Soda Tax Won't Save Philly Schools

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Chris Stigall criticized proponents of incorporating a soda tax into the city of Philadelphia's next budget and an add campaign designed to sway public opinion in favor of the proposal.

Stigall, on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, said taxes like this only prey on residents and drive them out of the city.

"If you don't live in the city of Philadelphia proper, you're just scum. You are nothing but a host. The city is the leech and you're the host. They talk about you openly, if you live in the suburbs, like you're a pariah. We need this soda tax for our children to get better educations to compete for good jobs in the city, compete with people from the suburbs for good jobs here. Why the hell do you think there are jobs in the suburbs? Why do you think major industry is in the suburbs of Philadelphia and not in it? Because of stupid taxes like this. This isn't hard."

He stated that taxes proposals like this are why people choose to raise their families in the suburbs.

"The vast majority of this school system is a wreck. Public safety is a wreck. Taxes are punitive. I find it so hilarious that a pro-soda tax ad says we have to raise money for our kids to compete for those jobs that the suburbs are taking. Why the hell do you think that's happening? Do you think I want to drive 45 minutes everyday each way just to get to work? Not really. Would I love to live down the street? Sure. Could I afford it and raise my kids safely and well in a public school system? No. So, what choice have I as a responsible adult and parent? Move. Now you tell me, raise the soda tax. Voila, you'll compete for jobs. No you won't. You're just going to make more people move to the suburbs."