Democracy is on the line
As a lifelong Philadelphian, having grown up in South Philadelphia and now living in Oxford Circle, one of the most fundamental values that I learned, and have since taught my children (and am now teaching my grandchildren), is that the right to vote is sacred. When I was a little girl, living with my mother, my grandparents and my aunts, Election Day was always a special event. As my grandmother got older, and walking the couple blocks to our polling place became more challenging, I vividly remember the station wagon that would come to pick her up to take her to the polls. I know how important and hard fought her right to vote was as a black woman. In fact, it was not until the Voting Rights Act passed in 1965 that racial discrimination was officially prohibited in voting access. But even so, the fight to ensure voting access for all continues. When my grandmother told me to take my right to vote seriously, I did. I could hardly wait to register to vote when I turned 18, and I have been civically engaged my entire life.
I believe that our vote is one of the most important ways we can make our voices heard, and every election day, I bring my 3- and 5-year-old grandkids to the poll with me. With National Voter Registration Day having taken place on Sept. 17, I have been thinking a lot about how much our democracy is on the line this election. As a Senior Organizer with For Our Future PA, I talk to Pennsylvanians every day about the issues that matter most to them. What is so clear is that everything is on the line. We can, and must, all do our part to ensure that our loved ones know what’s at stake and, if they are of age, that they are registered to vote, and have a plan to make their voice heard on Nov. 5.
Veronica Bell
Oxford Circle
No representation
Rep. Jared Solomon’s proposed Castor Avenue project in Northeast Philadelphia, which is purported to improve safety and accessibility, has faced opposition from many residents and community leaders. Key concerns include:
• Traffic congestion: Opponents worry that narrowing the road and adding bike lanes will lead to increased traffic and longer commute times.
• Impact on businesses: Some business owners fear that the changes could negatively affect their businesses due to reduced parking or decreased accessibility.
• Cost: The project is estimated to cost around $10 million, which has raised concerns about the financial burden on the city.
As an alternative, many believe that installing surveillance cameras, speed cameras and vehicle noise-detection cameras would be a more cost-effective solution. These cameras could generate revenue through fines, offsetting the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs. Additionally, cameras could provide real-time data on traffic patterns and identify problem areas, allowing for targeted interventions without the need for extensive physical changes.
Despite the concerns about the Castor Avenue project, it appears that Rep. Solomon is insisting on going ahead with it, even though an overwhelming majority of people are opposed to it. That means that we are not getting representation. If we don’t get representation, we’ll have to vote for a candidate who will represent us.
John Palmer
Castor Gardens
The Kamala “interview”
Harris was in town to give a speech and an interview. After the speech she answered questions, I think. She should have been a showgirl. Boy she can dance. There were no specific details on how she is going to accomplish her platform (not that Trump is any better). The blather from both is getting tiring. I wish there was an option for “none of the above” and have a do-over.
Richard Donofry
East Torresdale
Speak no evil
Our city is in big trouble. Lawless behaviors and disorder are everywhere. The city can’t even fill many key government jobs.
If you read the new book, Philadelphia, Corrupt and Consenting, by former city executive Brett Mandel, our city needs guidance from beyond government.
Years ago we had a great deal of civic involvement in our plans. Does anyone remember Willard Rouse, Rosemarie Greco, Cardinal Bevilacqua or Sam Katz? All marched hand in hand with the likes of Ed Rendell.
Remember the glory days of the Inquirer, or the big Channel 3 “I-Team” investigations? They put the heat on incompetence and crooked government.
Now, no one steps forward to lead. Our media just read public relations handouts, and cover staged events.
We seem to have lost all civic pride.
Our new City Council has 14 progressives, two Marxists and one lonely Republican. A Council that would fit well in the old Soviet Union.
I hope I am wrong, but I can’t see Cherelle Parker inspiring much change. Pro-police, pro-parent, in this “woke” socialist environment? More like Jim Kenney, the sequel.
For example, we have a huge problem with youth social disorder and crime. They are the end result of no fathers in the home. We need big policy changes for youth, especially in our schools. Who will even say this now?
They’d surely be called racists, elitists or evil capitalists. Who needs that? Better to put your head down, do your private-sector job and make no waves.
Let the rappers and sports stars with palatial suburban homes speak for our city, and we’ll pretend everything is OK.
Philadelphia will continue to bumble along, growing ever more radical and incompetent, as good people move to the suburbs, and the wisest among us say nothing.
Richard Iaconelli
Rhawnhurst
