Wow, that was HUGE. Concerned citizens deluged Democratic mayoral candidate Michael Nutter with questions for today's chat. An edited version of the session -- which puts the questions and answers together -- is below the jump.
It was hard to follow the answers to the questions as the chat progressed, so perhaps this will be easier to read.
Now, I am sorry to say that the questions came so thick and heavy that Nutter did not get a chance to answer them all. He did get to most of the major points, however...
ETA: Here's the unedited version of the chat. It's tough to read because it's not in order, but it's the complete transcript. I am still working through the rest of the transcript. I will be posting an update tomorrow. - Wendy
NOTE: This is an edited transcript. I put questions together with answers in subject headings, but did not otherwise change the text – Wendy.
On Quality of Life Issues:
Joyce: Mr. Nutter, Can we restore some of the city services back in the neighbor: Alleys (Cleaned and paved -some are sinking. Inforce laws reg. clean yards, fine people that don't obey laws already on the book. Fixing cars in the street - small things tear-down a neighborhood.
Adam: Mr Nutter - Do you have any plans to clean up the trash that so often plagues city streets? I live on the fringe of Center City and it seems that more street sweepers would be a great start.
ji: Why is it so difficult to find a trash can in the city? Focusing on quality of life aspects of city living can have a positive impact. The city actually makes you jump through hoops to get one on your street and you have to be the one that empties it. Do you plan on addressing this?
David: About the trash can! That is so true. Yesterday, I walk more than 5 block without finding a trash can and put the trash in my pocket. I could not believe it.
MichaelNutter: Joyce: Thanks for your question on quality of life issues. Those issues must be heavily stressed; people should be able to enjoy their neighborhoods without that nonsense. L and I and streets -- You need a coordinated approach to these issues.
South Philly guy: What can be done to close down businesses that are known to allow dealers to operate out of them?
Michael Nutter: To quality of life questions: I believe much like New York and Chicago we have to re-emphasize that quality of life laws will be enforced, but we also need to re-educate the public on the laws and then send the strongest possible message regarding enforcement.
city dump: I have a question about recycling? I have recieved a citation from the city of philadelphia recycling division for having glass bottles in my trash. They left me a ticket but no information on how I can obtain a recycling bin or even a schedule. I spoke with three of my neighbors whom which all have recieved schedules. I haven't recieved a scedule yet. Am I suppose to call and request one myself or should those who left me the citation given me a schedule as weel to avoid any future citations?
DAWN: City dump, I am right there with you! I have lived on the same street for 5 years and can't seem to get any info on how to get a bin or a schedule!
trash: On the topic of trah, what are your plans for the recycling program in Philadelphia. I can't believe we are such a large city with such a small recycling program. We must stop making it so hard for people to do the right thing.
MichaelNutter: City dump: About your recycling bin and schedule -- your district councilperson can help. If I am elected mayor, though, you will know it's once a week, on your trash day, with single-stream recycling on the curbside.
kim: Mr Nutter i hope you recive mt message about the aftrer hour spot on the 800 block of Locust in germantown with the under age drinking and fighting untill five in the morning please help us
Michael Nutter: Kim - I received your message and I will be reporting that situation today.
kim: thanks Mr Nutter i hope you mean this every one else i ask just pass the buck recive mt message about the aftrer hour spot on the 800 block of Locust in germantown with the under age drinking and fighting untill five in the morning please help us
DAWN: I live on a small street in the northeast and the snow is never plowed in the winter. Is this something that you would like to address?
Michael Nutter: Dawn - I will do everything I can to make sure that we expand our snow-removal services but I will not tell you that the city is going to cover every street for every storm that we have.
On Taxes:
Brian Hemphill: Hi, my name is Brian Hemphill and I live in Drexel Hill, PA. What are you going to do about the city wage tax. Myself and others in my peer group would rather do business in the suburbs (Havertown, Springfield) than do business in philly. I would also live in philly if it wasnt for the city wage tax. There are others like me. We avoid buying investment homes because of this...Thoughts?
Brian Hemphill: Mr. Nutter, What are you going to do about the city wage tax. Myself and others in my peer group would rather do business in the suburbs (Havertown, Springfield) than do business in philly. I would also live in philly if it wasnt for the city wage tax. There are others like me. We avoid buying investment homes because of this...Thoughts?
Sheila: On the Brett forward thing web site today I saw something on property tax that has me very upset. On one of the options using my address the increase would be over 13,000 dollars more then what I am paying now. This would be a 500% increase. As I am going to be retiring in the next year and a half this would make it impossible to be able to afford my home.
Cliff Miller: Mr. Nutter, congratulations on your victory. I would like to ask you what your views are regarding tax issues in the city? Most importantly, the high wage tax and the extremely high transfer tax compared to other major cities? Thank you.
Brian Hemphill: Isn't it common sense that more tax dollars would be generated if all residential and corporate taxes were repealed and then it would become more lucrative for NYC and other firms to relocate here stimulating the economy?
Cliff Miller: I agree with Brian
Brian Hemphill: Mr. Nutter, please type faster...just kidding, please address the elimination of the city wage taxes??
Cliff Miller: There's nothing wrong with sucking up to big business. Do you want lower taxes and more jobs? You can be a democrat and still pro business! WE need growth to compete.
MichaelNutter: Dan: Absolutely. Now, as to wage taxes: I do and have supported further reductions in the wage tax. It's too high -- it makes us uncompetitive with not only the suburbs but any other community.
On 311:
seand: Any chance of a 311 / Citi Stat system for con-emerency calls and tracking the performance of city agencies? Are you familiar with the CitiStat model?
MichaelNutter: Earlier, we had a question on 311 systems. Yes, I do support the development of a 311 system.
On Parking:
John: While the city has a contract with the Parking Authority, what can you do so my wife and I come into town for dinner and park at a reasonable price?
MichaelNutter: Jon: About the Parking Authority -- I do suggest a Parking Authority smart card, it's more convenient! Parking rates are a concern for many, including retailers. It's an issue I intend to work on with our parking companies.
On Good Government:
Theresa: In the primary election your message was change and good government. It will take a tremendous amount of will and risk to rid government of the purely poltical folks that operate only to serve those connected and get educated, good government leaders. How much are you willing to risk to remove people that need to be let go?
MichaelNutter: Theresa: Thanks for the question on hiring. I do think I proved I was a risk taker because I quit my job to run for mayor in the first place. I think voters were very clear in the primary election -- they voted for change, an I am going to do what I said I would do.
Cadiz: With the departure of Managing Director Pedro Ramos and the pending departure of Councilman Juan Ramos I was wondering if you had any plans to appoint any Hispanic cabinet members? I've heard the name of Benjamin Ramos who came in 7th overall in the At-Large races mentioned, but in general do you plan to address a diversified Cabinet?
Michael Nutter: Cadiz - I will not speak specifically about individual personnel decisions but I can assure you that I will have a fully diverse cabinet and high-level managers that are representative of the diversity of the city.
On criminal justice:
advocate: how do you believe that we can better train and equip police officers to deal with people with active mental illness such that these encounters are more likely to result in a productive outcome and less likely to result in a person being shot?
Michael Nutter:I believe everyone has a constitutional right not to be shot.
Lisa: What's your immediate plans for the city if you get in office? Will you declare this city in a state of emergency and if so, what will that entail.
Dan: Will you increase the police force to combat the growing gun violence that some speculate prevented Philadelphia from contending for the Olympics?
Bill Fleisher: Mr. Nutter, congratulations on your winning the primary. I know you understand that all quality of life issues ensue from a sense of safety and well-being of our citizens. The Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments have been woefully understaffed for many years. Are you committed to raising manpower to meet the true needs of our citizens?
Michael Nutter: To those who ask about police and fire staffing, I have already commmitted to hiring 500 more police officers over a three to four year period, and I do believe we need additional EMS services, and I am committed to seeking to upgrade those services as well.
gun ctrl: would you attempt to legally challenge the state's right to preempt local gun laws?
PIG BOY: MR. NUTTER HOW DO YOU PLAN TO GET THE GUN LAWS UNDER CONTROL IT IS TO EASY TO GET ONE AND TO GET A PERMIT TO CARRY IT.
Michael Nutter: Several people have asked about gun laws. I believe the PA supreme court has already addressed that issue. What I want to do is rally the support of Philadelphians, our nearby suburban neighbors and others across Pennsylvania to get the general assembly to pass reasonable gun laws for Philadelphia and Pennaylvania.
David: I have an idea regarding gun control. Add a tax for gun powder weight.
David: 25 cent per 1 mg of black powder.
Christopher Poulos: I am student at the UMass Boston and aspiring veterinarian. Someday, I would like to return home to Philadelphia and open my own low-cost practice. It will be hard to convince my wife to move back to Philadelphia, however, with the routine violence we see in the paper. I am concerned as well, since I would want to work primarily in the neighborhoods. Beyond immediate policing concerns, do you have a long range plan for fixing more systemic roots of crime (lack of oppurtunity, crumbling rowhomes, etc.)?
MichaelNutter: Christopher: You asked about the systemic roots of crime. First, we have to dramatically reduce the dropout rate, which is now 45%. We have to increase economic opportunity -- which we talked about earlier, with tax reduction. Third, I have talked about re-entry programs (for prisoners returning to the workforce). And fourth, we need to use the best tactics to redeploy the offiers we already have. Philadelphia must be a safe city if we want people to stay here or new people to come.
Christopher Poulos: Congradulations on your nomination and I hope you can deliver on those four points. Please be as proactive as possible if elected. Thank you.
Niema: Mr. Nutter, What is your stance pertaining to bringing justice back to our criminal justice system. More specifically 13th and Filbert. It has always been a premise of mine that our overall system has lost its since of justice it is no longer about innocence or guilt. It is about may the best player (defense or prosecution) win with the judge simply acting as an mediator or referee.
MichaelNutter: Niema: You asked about justice in the city -- I think many people feel the same way, which is why we have this "stop snitching" mentality. I think restoring the sense of justice in the city will end this stop snitching mentality.
Lorraine Green: Mayor-elect Nutter, What are your plans to stop the increase of murders and education and job for our youth?
rich9: I see more police standing around flirting with women then actually enforcing anything
On Stop and Frisk:
concerned: Can you give me more information about the specifics of your stop and frisk policy, and any links to the examples in other cities where this has been successful.
burrito: won't your stop and frisk policy just end up filling the holding cells with people who have relatively unimportant charges, such as small amounts of marijuanna, etc. ?
Thomas Allen: Why do you and every 'newpaper' in this city propagate the straw purchasing myth? Why do you think your fascist plan to systematically take away people's rights is the best way to fight crime? (Whick violates numerous ammedendments...and please don't tell me it's constitutional.) Why not attack the sources of crime, i.e. drugs, poverty etc.?
Thomas Allen: ARTICLE I Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise there of: or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press;or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of greivences ARTICLE IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses papers and effects, against unreasonable searches seizures, shall NOT be violated and no warrents shall issue but upon probable cause, supported be oath or affirmation, an particulary describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. I don't see any if's and's or but's in there to allow the type of tactics you're talking about. Please explain.
Patricia Reichner: I fully support stop & Frisk. But please hold the police accountable for their actions and how they treat people, there are a lot of police who abuse their authority as police officers. And we need to hold parents more accountable for their childrens actions. Get the disruptive and behavioral problem children out of the clasrooms to give the children who want to learn a chance to do so. I hope you are the key to turning the City around.
Michael Nutter: Steve - Stop, Question and Frisk was deemed legal by the US Supreme Court in 1968 in a case referred to as Terry v. Ohio. More importantly, I will implement the program in a legal and logical fashion to help insure that fewer Phialdelphians are getting killed on our streets every day.
Larissa: Hi Mike, looking forward to your leadership... I have great hopes that you can turn things around. I have been trying to get a neighborhood watch group together in my hood in West Philly but have been told that I can't if I don't have enough interested people (I need 7 for 'Eyes and ears'). Most of the folsk on my block are elderly and are looking to me for security but the police department won't take my written concerns and complaints without the aforementioned support. Isn't there some way that can be waived since we are in a time of crisis?
MichaelNutter: Larissa: First of all, there should be no minimum number. If one person wants to be a townwatch, we should help them. If we remove some of the obstacles to getting involved in the neighborhoods, we will get more people involved. I look forward to working with you on Town Watch issues.
On Casinos:
Bob Theil: CASINOS- What is you plan to deal with the casino situation? Street did nothing for anyone and is leaving you a big mess... how will you deal with what many say is imminent?
Michael Nutter: Bob - I will address the casino issue. I have talked about it in the course of the campaign. I would expect the PA supreme court will have made whatever ruling they're going to make prior to the time that I would possibly be sworn in as Mayor. Having said that, if the supreme court decides that we're going to have casinos in Philadelphia then I will use every power avaialable to restrict their development and help insure that there is as little negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods as possible. I was not a proponent of casino gaming in Philadelphia.
On development:
Concerned Planner: Hello Mr. Mayor, Can you briefly describe your plans, if any, to seriously engage the City's Planning Department, which CAN provide the oversight needed to ensure that the unprecented buidling in the City will be done in a wise, respectful, and sensitive manner. We are expecting great things from you sir.
seand: How soon will you reform the zoning code? Have you read the BIA study "If we fix it they will come"? Can we implement plans like this to make Philly more friendly to small business? How about if Blackwell won't build a new YSC we move it to another district so at least the kids and staff are safe and we save the $7-10 million a "temporary" facility will cost us while she plays ppoliticla fardball with the YSC?
Michael Nutter: Zoning code questions - I do support revising the zoning code. Absolutely. One of the most important actions that we must take to revitalize Philadelphia. And yes I read the report from the BIA some time ago.
R. Hastings: Mr. Nutter, every time I look up our skykine is changing. With all the 300-400 thousand dollar condos going up. These buildings are not for the average Philadelphian. Is our city being sold.
Michael Nutter: Youth Study Center - I do support the move of the Center and I would work with Councilwoman Blackwell to resolve any neighborhood issues or concerns.
On the airport:
William: Mr. Nutter, What is your vision for the airport, it is obvious that a long term plan is needed to stay competitive.
Michael Nutter: William - First, we need to improve relations with our nearby neighbors in Delaware County because part of the airport sits in delaware county. Second we need to remove many of the negative barriers to travel into or out of Philadelphia - such as our on-time departure and arrival record must improve.
On Schools:
GOP_Nutter_Fan: Unconcerned/uninvolved parents are what cause the downfall of any education system.
GOP_Nutter_Fan: A good public school district means a good neighborhood. Period.
Michael Nutter: GOPNutterFan - The mayor has to be the leading voice and advocate for public education in Philadelphia. Second, working with our parents, families, social service agencies and fath-based organizations, I believe we can re-engage parents in the lives of their children. But we also need more funding to insure that children are getting a high-quality public education.
V iOletZeRO: Would you have kept Paul Vallas? Do you believe that the school system was headed in the right direction -- programmatically if not fiscally -- under his leadership? Who would you appoint as schools CEO?
Just Wondering: What happens to the school district if the state doesn't fork over an extra $54 million?
Just Wondering: The SRC and Paul Vallas seem to have woefully mismanaged district funding. What can you do as mayor to ensure that the district doesn't wildly overspend like it has in the past? Will the district come back under the city's control anytime in the next 8 years?
Just Wondering: Also, how about dedicated funding for the school district?
Zippy: Just Wondering, there is dedicated funding for the School District, it is the portion of real estate tax millage that is the District's share.
Just Wondering: The SRC went to Harrisburg today to ask for more state money for the school district. The district's budget depends heavily on the assumption that this money is definitely forthcoming. What will happen if the state doesn't fork over an extra $54 million?
Just Wondering: Seriously, Mr. Nutter. School district. Financial crisis. Potential cuts looming. History of mismanagement. What's your plan?
MichaelNutter: Just Wondering, Diamond and others who asked about schools: Yes, Diamond, I think that's a great idea and I think it would help improve the relationship between the city, the school district and the commonwealth as well. As to school control: First, we have to dramatically improve the relationship between the city, school district and the commonwealth of PA. I think we should have a phased transition over the next several years from the SRC, which was created and controlled by the state, back to the board of education, with majority appointed by the mayor and the rest by the governor, I believe that the mayor of Philadelphia must be the leading voice and advocate for the children and public education and be held accountable for the results.
Holly Blanchard: Michael: what will you do to further current initiatives to retain students from Philadelphia colleges and universities after they graduate?
Michael Nutter: Holly - Part of the key to retaining students is making sure that there are jobs in Philadelphia. Second we should start our retention efforts while students are in school, improving our mentorship and internship programs. And third we should at least explore some creative college tuition debt relief programs similar to some other cities across the country, for those who stay in Philadelphia.
On SEPTA:
kdeans: I am extremely concerned about SEPTA, being a daily user. What do you propose to be done about raising fares and cutting service? Can SEPTA survive, or does it need "competition"?
Murtuza Ahmed: Mr. Nutter, congratulations! My main concern is regarding your transit plan, specifically, ways to get SEPTA on more fiscally sound footing. What can you as the (future) Mayor of our great city do to not only keep SEPTA afloat but to expand services? Also, do you have any plans on increasing Philly representation on the SEPTA board? Thank you, and best wishes.
Brian: SEPTA is a joke. That market street project killed businesses and is still stalled. The new cars they bought for the 2000 convention are trashed. SEPTA operates like the USPS, constantly inefficient, with new increases.
DAWN: Thanks Mr. Nutter. As I am sure that you were on some form of SEPTA I don't think that it was a city bus. They stink, are filthy, and most of the time overcrowded. I don't mind paying taxes at all if I could see something being done with that money. Parks are not maintained, schools are a shambles, streets are full of potholes, police not doing a good job, etc. PLEASE HELP THE AVERAGE WORKING PERSON WHO CAN'T AFFORD TO MOVE TO THE SUBURBS OR NEW JERSEY! PLEASE!
Murtuza Ahmed: I use SEPTA daily to get to and from University City from Roxborough. It works 99% of the time. I wish service were expanded and frequency of the EL and RR's increased. It is much better than D.C.'s metro (in terms of ability to get from point to point - not cleanliness!)
kdeans: Dawn, I feel your pain, but for some of us, that is not an option. Obviously, Mr. Nutter doesn't take Septa. And, frankly, Septa is filthy, expensive and unfortunately, Phila. riders are at its mercy. Help, Mr. Nutter, if you dare!
MichaelNutter: DAWN: I took SEPTA just last night! As to the spending question: What you can expect from me is improved city services because I believe you should have confidence that you are getting your money worth from your city services.
David: Dawn, not only your street but all the other street you use, the park, school for the continuation of our society, the emergerncy 911 services, all many other. It is the resposability of everyone to share the responsability of maintaining a city. That why we pay and we can hopefully make someone accountable for its results.
DAWN: David, Once again, thanks, but I didn't ask you.
Just Wondering: I use SEPTA every day. I love it. Don't understand why people would rather drive. If only they could be on time more...
phillyexplorer: Instead of driving downtown - take Septa. They need the riders.
DAWN: Just wondering, when was the last time you took SEPTA. I would rather be shut in my house than get on to one of those buses!
Murtuza Ahmed: Hi Mr. Nutter, congratulations again and thanks for hosting this chat. Wondering if you could answer my (and others) question regarding SEPTA and chances of increasing our representation on the SEPTA board? Thanks!!
Just Wondering: SEPTA seems to have a dedicated funding source. They charge money for each ticket and pass sold. Maybe a campaign to get more people to use public transportation and less people driving would be ideal?
phillyexplorer: SEPTA needs a complete overall in order to become a viable mass transit provider for the long run. Problem is - nobody ever wants to provide long term - anything more then a year - so Septa can plan and implement. Fare hikes reduce ridership. We need Septa. Septa needs at least a 5 year guaraneteed funding stream.
MichaelNutter: As to SETPA: Septa needs a dedicated funding source to stabilize its funding must better market its services and clean up its stations -- and yes we need more representation on the board. But we also need to have better working relationships with the other counties that make up SEPTA.
On Fairmount Park:
Jonathan: Do you think it is possible to provide additional (and sorely needed) funding to Fairmount Park? If so, how?
Michael Nutter: Jonathan - Yes, I propose that we increase the budget of Fairmount Park to double its present funding over a 5-year period, but I also believe that the park can generate additional funding through various fees and also concessions. And the park should be able to retain those funds as well.
On Homelessness:
rich9: Mr. Nutter, what are your plans for the rampant homeless problem in Center City?
beesknees: people living on the streets and engaging in inappropriate public behavior is a problem for the public, for businesses, for tourists, and for the people themselves. would you advocate for harsher criminal penalties for these activities?
Aaron Couch: Hi Mr. Nutter. I see 'rich9' asking about the 'rampant homeless problem', but I've heard you talk eloquently about the need for more services for people living in the street and the need to overhaul the City shelter system to provide safe place to get off the street and adequate services to move people quickly through the emergency shelter system
Homeless: Thank you for your commitment to creating a one-stop shop for people experiencing homelessness to help them get back on track. What other supports would you offer -- drug treatment courts (for non-felonies), serial inebriate programs, expanded housing with mental health/addiction supports?
rich9: Did we get any answer regarding the homeless problem? Which seems to be worst around the convention center, the place where most tourists and convetioneers from other cities get their first impression of our city.
WaitingList: What will you do to make sure that Section 8 vouchers in Philadelphia are appropriately utilized for the people who need them most -- poor families?! I have been on the waiting list for six years.
Michael Nutter: rich9 and others - I agree with the ideas youve put forward but the first thing I want to do is upgrade the quality of the shelters that we have today - they should be safe, clean and secure.
shelter not the answ: You are correct that shelters absolutely MUST be overhauled. However, even the best shelter will "work" only if there are permanent housing options available to people who need them so that people can get out of shelter. This winter, shelters operated at 115% capacity simply because there was no place for people to go. Even the cleanest, most decent, best-run shelters simply cannot run a decent program if they have 100 people sleeping in chairs every night. Affordable housing, as outlined in your plan, is definitely part of the answer, but longer-term housing with supports is also sorely needed -- what is your plan to address this component?
rich9: Affordable housing for the homeless? How about avvordable housing for the average 25-40 year old making between $40,000-$70,000 a year?
On the environment:
David: Dear Mr. Nutter: Are you planning to work with our local univeristies to create a structured Sustainable plan for energy and the environment activities such as green busses, solar cell and hydrogen infrastructure like the city of Washington ).
David: I still believe that the Environment is always a last cocern which is funny because we depend on it to survive, to wrok, to go to school, to do busness, etc.
David: Dear Mr. Nutter: What are you going to do to minimize the air poluttion in the city?
David: Still waiting for your enverionmental ideas!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Nutter: David - Sorry I missed that one. Please go to my web site and read our "sustainable environment plan." We believe it's good and we're very proud of it.
On The Phillies:
Dan: Will the Phillies win the divison this year?
Just Wondering: Is Cole Hamels a viable Cy Young candidate?
Just Wondering: And how nasty was Ryan Howard's homer last night?
MichaelNutter: Dan, absolutely…
MichaelNutter: As I said earlier, I am a fan -- I was there last night -- and I'm rooting for them every day.
Notes of congratulations:
kim m.: congrats on your victory and i am quite sure that you will do a good job. good luck!
Shar: Hi Congratulations I look forward to working with you and doing whatever is needed in my neighborhood to make it better.
rich9: God I can't wait to undo the damage that John Street has done for the past 8 years
Comments (74)
It appears that a number of questions were deleted from the edited text.
Posted by Anonymous | June 12, 2007 6:15 PM
You are right -- I am posting this in takes. I will be adding more questions -- including all the unanswered ones -- Wednesday.
I will say, the only reason he didn't answer them all is simply that they poured in too quickly.
Posted by Wendy | June 13, 2007 12:17 AM
i want to know what is going to be done about the dell we as citizens pay our money to go to this last black venue in the city and it is a mess the vending is horrible , the restroom that they have is a mess notice i said restroom , and also what about the dirty streets espcially around certain neighborhoods where people don't pick up a broom, and just put trash out anytime and the store-owners who allow the drug dealers to stand in front of the stores?what about the double parking in south philly?
Posted by harriet | June 13, 2007 9:15 AM
I was the one who asked about a 311 non-emergency line for handling and tracking city services. You posted my question and Nutter's answer which refers to an earlier answer. Do you have that answer?
Posted by seand | June 13, 2007 3:15 PM
Just as I thought, Nutter is completely clueless, though he can take comfort in knowing that his rival Al Taubenberger is a thousand times even more so. But the fact that Nutter cites making the streets of Philadelphia safe creates an incentive for quality people wanting to come to here is a true gem in the humor department. For that's not an incentive to come to Philadelphia anymore than if a manufacturer were to place an ad for a new computer in the Philadelphia Daily News or what have and list that among its many exciting features is how it actually turns on when you press the "power" button.
Like, so okay, after Micheal Nutter becomes Philadelphia's next mayor are we to expect that he'll then shop our city to the rest of the world by fully emphasizing how safe it is? For I can just see the full page ads around the world come next year this same time: "Come to Philadelphia -- Where It's Safe!" And the subtext of the ad would read: "Whether you're a tourist or thinking of moving here permanently, Philadelphia is the right city for you because it's SAFE!"
What I'm saying is, there's got to be a lot more incentives to lure quality people here than simply saying that! Safe should be a never have to mention given. So it's a really sad day when a mayoral candidate must focus on making that some sort of a selling point. And it just really illustrates how both Nutter and Taubenberger are totally cluesless when grasping this city's potential.
Which, in turn, is what is making this city right now such a powerful carpetbagger magnet. That is, at this moment it is a city with potential but without a vision, a blindman wondering the streets so to speak and likewise a mugger's dream. For if either Nutter or Taubenberger have a vision worth hearing I've yet to hear it. Wake me up when it happens.
Posted by Steve W. | June 14, 2007 12:24 AM
I agree with Steve W. Nutter has NO idea. Completely clueless with most of his responses.
Posted by Gerry Srotka | June 14, 2007 11:18 AM
But like all the other politicians he'll likely ride the distraction wave so that his cluelessness never becomes an issue. At least not until he's no longer in office. But, you know, this is really nothing new. Once in an extremely rare blue moon a politician gets in who actually does something good, but historically you can pretty much count those politicians on one hand, and I'm talking all the way back to when America first began. What is so missing now though is everyday Americans acting of their own initiative. For in terms of everyday Americans, everyone is either on a deterministic circuit now or simply invisible and "irrelevant"....such as everyday Americans like you and I posting messages here -- halfway into June heading into summer -- while all the powers that be have either already gone off to sunny places for shady people or are about to. That is, places where nothing serious gets discussed and nothing worthwhile is done, all to be done left until the fall. Those on deterministic circuits do so in like fashion. And contrast to 40 years ago when there actually was a thing called "The Summer of Love," a time when great social activism occurred. It was when the "irrelevent" rose up and grabbed the moment and lit up summer in a meaningful way like it had never been lit up before.
This summer ahead, for instance, there should be massive revolutionary riots everywhere. But there won't be, of course, because too many everyday people -- brainwashedly conditioned -- will say, "No, that would be disrespectful of the powers-that-be while they're on vacation." Besides, why riot when the powers-that-be aren't listening? As if, as if all reality must begin and end with the powers-that-be.
During the 1967 Summer of Love, perhaps the most exciting social event of the 20th century, it was also a time when the established political realm was one of the dullest. And yes, as it will be this summer, the politicians of then were off to sunny places for shady people, not paying any attention -- since "nothing important happens in the summer months," the same outlook as now. But that special '67 summmer the everyday people -- daring to think and act outside the box -- took full advantage of the situation that year, rather than going, "Ho hum, let's wait till the powers-that-be come back before trying to do anything worthwhile," the way they so conditionedly do now.
That year the powers-that-be were made irrelevant. The moment was seized, and the results were excellent. And when the powers-that-be returned the world was a changed place. Only one politician returning truly got it. Bobby Kennedy. All the rest -- as it is with Nutter now -- were totally clueless. Sad to say though, this one politician who did get it was gunned down and killed the following year.
Nutter, on the campaign road ahead, will wrap up his last few PR spots and then head off to some sunny place for shady people along with all the other do-nothing-good clueless politicians, with the full reassurance that nothing noteworthy will happen while he's away. He'll then return in the fall to pick up his campaign once more and then easily slip into place as Philadelphia's next do-nothing-good mayor. Following his inauguration it will then all be back to politics as usual. The only difference though is that we'll be saying Street this and that the next 4 or 8 years instead of Nutter this and that. But most assuredly nothing to say "Wow!" about will happen.
For as I say, politicians to get all excited about are extremely rare. And even in his campaigning Nutter hasn't presented that. Didn't even have to in this case.
Posted by Steve W. | June 15, 2007 2:34 AM
Oops! Talking about Nutter makes me sleepy! For in that second to last sentence I meant to say over the next 4 to 8 years following Nutter's inauguration we'll all be grumbling "Nutter this and that" instead of "Street this and that."
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