Yes. I'll try. I may need to get back to some later.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kirk Wattles" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "UC List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2007 8:42 AM
Subject: Re: [UC] Infrequently asked questions
So how would *you* answer each of them? Not rhetorically, but
practically?
On Jun 11, 2007, at 8:14 AM, Glenn wrote:
Very important questions!
From: "Kirk Wattles" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Why do certain districts need "special" services?
They do not. Any of the worthwhile services like Mr. Fenton's trash
cleaning, should be provided to the entire city. This UCD is simply the
first step in developing a separate structure for the "good areas" or
wealthy areas first. I believe that once the good areas have separate
service districts, the budgets for less powerful, less wealthy neighborhoods
will be slashed.
I gave a good example of this with our local sprayground. While Clark Park
is about to have enormous resources including city resources lavished on it,
the swimming pool so important to the kids that can't afford all of the
private privleges was paved over at 47th south of Woodland. That Rec.
center is on the wrong side of the tracks.
I am completely opposed to this direction for society and our city. There
is simply no need for these districts. I am a citizen that believes in a
government for all Philadelphians
What services does UCD provide (would a BID/CID/NID provide?) in
University City that simply aren't available to residents in other parts
of the city?
Cronyism. It is at the heart of the UCD policy that has never been fair to
Mr. Fenton. These special services, like special leaf pick up for special
friends, were always a policy to increase the power of UCD and the gratitude
of UCD anointed "community leaders." If you are not a special friend, the
special services become increased Land I inspections as was revealed on
Baltimore Ave or the trash tickets.
UCD is accountable to Penn and its corporate partners. Penn has not been
truthful about its agenda. These services are simply a carrot dangling in
front of the neighborhood. The real message behind the spin is that this
community is now designed for the wealthy only. That is the true marketing
message if that appeals to rich people.
Is the City of Philadelphia ultimately responsible for providing the
services offered by UCD?
The only service of value is the street cleaning that transfers street trash
to the city in bulk. People are probably not aware that UCD simply takes
the trash to the city. So the answer is yes.
All other UCD services are about increasing power through cronyism and they
should not be viewed as vital services.
Kirk, as I look at the complexity of your last 3 questions, I don't have
time right now, but would be happy to share my opinions later.
Sincerely,
Glenn
If the city was well governed, could we be satisfied with what our
municipal government could provide?
What would be our part -- as individuals, households, communities,
institutions -- in supporting municipal services? (E.g., not littering,
putting trash out for collection properly, and on up from there...)
Does such an approach actually work in thousands of towns and cities
across the country and around the world, and/or is the model assumed for
our area really the more viable approach?
--
Kirk Wattles
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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