Don’t defer maintenance
The building collapse in Florida was probably mainly due to deferred maintenance.
That is the same issue that the Hite administration perpetrated on the students and teachers with asbestos, mold and their other deferred maintenance.
At least one teacher contracted cancer from her classroom.
But the Hite administration and school board aren’t interested in spending dollars properly.
They are interested in SUVs and security staff to chauffeur them around like they are important.
They also give themselves ever-elevated titles to increase their pay scales and hire a board member’s family with at least 2 “good-paying” jobs.
I wonder what is more important these days.
Mayer Krain
Modena Park
Thank You, Councilman O’Neill
I speak for the West Torresdale/Morrell Park Civic Association and all of our Far Northeast neighbors when I say thank you to our city councilman, Brian O’Neill.
The West Torresdale/Morrell ParkCivic Association was recently made aware of a zoning permit for a 300-person nightclub/entertainment venue in the Morrell Plaza Shopping Center.
The permit was issued to the applicants over the counter, with no variance or community input required.
Because of legislation recently introduced by Councilman O’Neill, the permit was revoked. Should the applicant re-apply, they will need to meet with the community and require a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
We thank Councilman O’Neill for protecting the neighborhood from what certainly would have been a nuisance property.
Heather Stanton
President
West Torresdale/Morrell Park Civic Association
PA needs Marsy’s Law
It’s been two years since the Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment, also known as Marsy’s Law, passed in the House and Senate with overwhelming, bipartisan support.
After legislative passage, Marsy’s Law appeared on the November 2019 general election ballot. Pennsylvania voters enthusiastically approved Marsy’s Law with 74 percent of the vote. Yet, years later, we are still waiting for Marsy’s Law and its added protections for victims in Pennsylvania.
I sponsored Marsy’s Law in the Pennsylvania Senate because I believe that victims should be treated with fairness, dignity and respect. My background as an assistant district attorney put me in a position where I saw the troubles faced by victims during the judicial process and I recognize the importance of protecting their rights. Crime victims deserve constitutionally protected rights. Without these protections, victims’ rights can be challenged or ignored.
But, sadly, we are still waiting for Marsy’s Law here in Pennsylvania.
As another year passes without Marsy’s Law, and as we wait for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision, I continue to stand for Marsy’s Law to ensure that victims in Pennsylvania have a voice.
State Sen. John P. Sabatina Jr.
Drivers out of control
I do not support red light cameras or speed cameras for the roadways of Philadelphia, but I also do not support the statement that Mr. Sikorski made June 16 saying that most automobile accidents were caused by pedestrians and bicyclists. Other than the time that I worked in Center City, I have never had a problem with a bicyclist, with the exception of an occasional juvenile. I certainly have not seen as many bicyclists on the road today as I did 10 years ago.
As for the pedestrians, I usually approach a four-way stop intersection at a slow speed. If I observe a pedestrian approaching the corner getting ready to cross in front of me, I will stop behind the third white line. I make sure I come to a complete stop. Most of the time the person will not cross the street until I give them a signal. People are afraid to cross the street because they might get killed. Ever since our “brilliant” chief of police made the statement about a year ago that the police were not going to be arresting people, it has been worse. Drivers are running through stop signs and red lights.
I found it interesting that when a town hall was called to discuss safety on Roosevelt Boulevard, citizens were allowed to attend but the panel did not want to hear any suggestions from the public. I believe the town hall was just a formality. Red light cameras and speed cameras were probably ordered before the town hall was called.
As for Roosevelt Boulevard, I do not use that racetrack to travel throughout Philadelphia anymore. If I knew my suggestion would have been heard at that town hall, I would have asked for the traffic lights to be timed so that a car traveling the speed limit could pass through five or six intersections without having to stop for a red light. I believe this has never been tried in the history of the Boulevard.
The problem with motorists today is that when someone gets behind the wheel of a car, they assume that their time is more important than everyone else’s. If that person is running late for work, or simply wants to get home, then it is justifiable that they can run through a stop sign or a red light. This, of course, is absolutely ridiculous.
I recently heard that the city wants to construct an underground express lane on the Boulevard. That is the worst idea I have ever heard for the city of Philadelphia, next to the soda tax.
Pat Johnson
Burholme
Taxadelphia
What happened to the soda tax? How about the 10% drink tax? Is the soda tax going to the preschools (weren’t open last year)? The 10% to the school district (virtual school)? Has osmosis absorbed these taxes into the general fund? Have these taxes that had a good purpose been accustomed into our life? Making us ready for another targeted tax for another good purpose? We are due. It’s been a couple of years since Kenney lied about the soda tax. Gee, I almost forgot one. How about the tobacco tax that Bensalem businesses are making a fortune off. What an outstanding business move that one was.
Richard Donofry
East Torresdale
