Today, we're launching something new:
We're going to begin directly comparing the candidates on the issues that matter, one issue at a time. We're calling it, "If he were mayor." And it's designed to help you make up your mind as May 15 nears.
First of all, and with no cynicism, I have to note that it is a credit to the five guys running for the Democratic nomination that we can do this. They have run -- so far -- on the issues, which makes it possible to set their proposals side by side, and let you pick the guy you like.
Second of all, I have to note that, as you read these proposals, you must keep in mind the budget constraints that the next mayor will have to deal with. (Read one of our repeated warnings about that here.)
For our first entry, we are not taking on crime -- though we will -- or schools. We are taking on something that several candidates just released new position papers on: How the candidates would support Philadelphia's arts community.
As an industry, arts and culture is significant -- but surprisingly vulnerable -- in Philadelphia. Our city's arts and cultural organizations get by not on city money, nor on corporate money, as do competitors in many cities. No, they do it the hard way: scraping up funds through fund-raisers and grants and wooing people in the door. Not that there's anything wrong with audience support. But let's face it: Do we really want the Charlotte Symphony to be better funded, and get more civic attention, than our own? Do we really want to relinquish the gains that our city has made in the last 10 years to become a mecca of emerging arts?
We certainly don't.
So, we climbed through the arts plans of four candidates who have them -- sorry, Tom Knox, we'll update if you release one -- and offer brief synposes on each.
And we'd sure like to know what you think about them.
One thing that's clear: If any of the other four candidates become mayor, the city's Office of Arts and Culture is coming back...
Comments (1)
Voters need more than just a summary/ analysis of candidates’ current positions on all these issues. As you point out, we need to know how they intend to pay for it all, their priorities, and also what RECORD of accomplishment they have in each area.
Most of these candidates have been in public life for some time. What have they actually done in these areas?
Posted by karen | April 2, 2007 9:06 AM