(ROCKVILLE, MD) - In a classic example of municipal insult meeting injury, Baltimore City bears the dual dubious distinctions of being the state's poorest city and having the highest property taxes. While there is bipartisan agreement that Baltimore's stratospheric tax rates have contributed mightily to the city's economic decline, consensus on methods of reform has proven elusive.

To that end, the Maryland Public Policy Institute today announces an upcoming forum featuring Baltimore's mayoral candidates, discussing the City's punishing property tax rates, and their role in stunting economic growth. The discussion will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 1:30pm at The Center Club in Baltimore, and will be led by Maryland Public Policy Institute president Christopher Summers. It will provide an opportunity for the candidates to showcase their respective plans for lowering Baltimore's property taxes, which most agree is a critical first step toward revitalizing the City.

"Baltimore has been brought to the brink by a half century of misguided public policy," said Maryland Public Policy Institute's Summers. "In November, Baltimoreans will go to the polls to choose who should take the reins of their city for the next four years. It's our hope that this forum will help voters make a more informed choice."

Panelists include:

Ryan O'Doherty
Director, Policy and Communications
Office of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City

Jody Landers
Baltimore City Mayoral Candidate

Hon. Catherine Pugh
Maryland State Senator
Baltimore City Mayoral Candidate

Otis Rolley
Baltimore City Mayoral Candidate

Stephen J.K. Walters, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
Loyola University Maryland
Author of the Maryland Journal article, "How to Make Baltimore A Superstar City."

The forum will be open press. For more information, please contact Susan Firey at sfirey@mdpolicy.org.