Neighbors, Brakeman’s article gives much greater detail about this “development" or "reform" panel than the initial Inq. coverage.
http://www.weeklypress.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=863&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2392&hn=weeklypress&he=.com It seems quite clear that the reform of city government that we have heard so much about means burying the pay to play system deeper. While there is no responsible process to provide transparency for proposed developments now, these planners, Altman/Levy, are giving voice to the “processaholic” nonsense which we saw on the list. Whether a citizen has gotten bogus trash tickets, encountered the police or injustice system, or been mistreated in some other way by the city, all Philadelphians know viscerally that city hall is broken. Increasingly, the damned civic associations are being cited as the reason that the pay to play system needs to be buried deeper. I’ve noticed that the general public is being lumped in with the contemptible gangs like UCHS and SHCA. Instead of rejecting the civic gangs’ contemptible agendas, these plutocrats are making a pitch to remove transparency and the public from the process. The “city experts” who currently falsify public records now seek to conduct secret business with developers in the comfort of locked backrooms. A fair and transparent public process is not a terrible burden for developers or citizens. In fact, all sides would benefit and be able to trust a fair process whether they prevail or not. But read the comments from Altman closely. There is no mention of fixing the Dept of streets, taxes, police, etc. by instituting time tested reforms and processes like accurate public records throughout city hall. It’s all about approving developments faster and more secretly than already occurs. Lumping citizens in with these damned civic gangs and creating the image of process as processaholism cannot be ignored. Altman and Levy want an all out plutocracy. Like the "fight for freedom and democracy," we better look at their intended “reforms” rather than the mountains of bull before it is too late. Citizen journalist and citizen of Philadelphia, Glenn PS: It's refreshing to read a report from a competent journalist like Brakeman. ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
