Time to correct the record
At the Somerton Civic Association’s January meeting, members heard two things that weren’t true.
One had to do with the death of a man hit by a car in the pedestrian crosswalk at Byberry and Proctor roads in December. A sign that cautioned drivers to yield to pedestrians had been removed from the crosswalk months earlier. Cars hitting the sign had damaged it.
Contrary to what was said at the meeting, the missing sign was put there by the City of Philadelphia, not by private citizens. Only a court could determine whether the city had a legal duty to replace the sign, and whether its failure to do so helped cause the man’s death. But the city had, and has, a moral obligation to make the intersection safer. A traffic signal that would remain green except when a pedestrian pressed a button at the crosswalk would help.
Another piece of misinformation came from a state legislator, who said that, “The budget is passed,” with only minor issues outstanding. I didn’t want to embarrass the legislator at the meeting. But her statement was untrue.
The Pennsylvania Constitution requires a balanced budget. None has been enacted. The state is spending money without agreement on where some of it will come from. So credit-rating agencies have downgraded the state’s debt. Pennsylvania must now pay higher interest rates to borrow money, diverting more tax dollars to paying lenders.
Not telling the truth won’t change it. A balanced budget is constitutionally required, so a tax rise, spending cuts or both are coming.
Candidates for the legislature may prefer to avoid the issue, but it’s the most important one in this year’s elections. No candidate deserves your vote who can’t publicly discuss what compromises they’re willing to make to balance the budget.
Chris Bordelon
Somerton
Investing in early education
I stand with Mayor Kenney in his desire to promote early education for all children. Early learning through pre-K and kindergarten has proven to have positive effects. Numerous studies have shown that children who have attended pre-K score higher on national exams, have stronger cognitive development, and progress further socially than non pre-K educated children.
Nearly 70 percent of 3 and 4-year-olds in Pennsylvania do not have access to high-quality education. The current Republican budget proposal fails the needs of our families and our children. The success of our nation starts with our children.
Fran Nelms
Candidate for 170th Legislative District
Smith a spoiled brat
What’s up with black Hollywood, especially Jada Smith?
These pompous, overpaid actors’ and actresses’ only concern is who got nominated and who didn’t for the Academy Awards. Who cares?
Why don’t you put that energy into who can pay their bills or mortgage; who has health care or food on the table, or who’s getting an education and not ending up in jail being delinquents or criminals in the inner cities such as the crime-ridden cities of Chicago, Baltimore or any other impoverished American city.
Your whining and tears don’t provide support to the people who need it. Why don’t you open your hearts and your wallets full of millions and boycott the real issues concerning Americans’ woes, both black and white.
Average working-class Americans are worried if they can pay their bills, or they still have a job available in this volatile economy.
Working-class Americans worry if they can come home alive to their spouse and kids without being shot in the workplace or in the streets.
Average working-class Americans have higher values than you certainly do in Hollywood, Jada Smith, so stop being a spoiled brat.
Al Ulus
Somerton
Shovel snow, please
To the good people of Northeast Philadelphia: Shovel your sidewalks! You are required to clear a path at least 36 inches wide within six hours after the end of a snowstorm. You can be cited by the streets department if you don’t. Please do the right thing.
Howard J. Wilk
Bustleton
