The loudest voice of all came from parent Helen Gym, who might be just 5 foot tall, but packed a lot of energy into her jackhammer talk. She decried the lack of openness to public input, saying the commission violated the Sunshine Act. She sympathized with parents and others sacrificing their time to testify, "ripping their hearts out." She spoke passionately about "failed EMOs" and deals and politics, and threatened legal challenges if the budget is adopted today.
"You may hold the title, but we hold the power," she said, finishing with a call of no confidence, and urging others to stand show their opposition, too. About 50 people rose, holding their signs.
Inquirer reporter Mike Jensen is the college basketball columnist for the Inquirer. Each year, he gives a special insight into the tournament.
Inquirer reporter Jeff McLane is the beat writer for Temple. He will pick the tournament.
Inquirer reporter Tom Fitzgerald will blog about Hillary Clinton's Pa. visits March 10 &11.
Inquirer reporter Larry Eichel will post updates on Bill Clinton's March 7 visit to Media.
Inquirer reporter Tim Panaccio will write about National Hockey League trade talk. 
Inquirer reporter David Aldridge will live-blog the week before the NBA's trade deadline. 
Peter Mucha began this blog, before moving on to other writing duties.
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