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Circus, get out of
town — and stay out!
The Cruelest Show on Earth has packed up and moved on, and with any luck, maybe it will be the last time “the circus comes to town.”
People need to boycott the circus to put an end to the mistreatment of the elephants. Their misery includes beating them with bullhooks and keeping them chained and confined virtually the whole time they are not “performing.”
Elephants in circuses are not volunteers — they are forced by inflicting pain to do ridiculous and dangerous tricks. The conditions under which these highly social and intelligent creatures “perform” is in direct contrast to what nature intended. When was the last time you saw an elephant in the wild wearing a tutu and riding a bicycle?
Several U.S. cities have joined other countries to restrict or ban the use of animals in circuses. Philadelphia should do the same.
There will come a day when we view animals in entertainment with horror and disbelief. Let’s hope that day is soon, for their sake.
Jayne Peyton
Mayfair
Thumbs up for CLIP
In response to the letters about CLIP, in the one letter the lady is “disgusted” with CLIP but never used it.
How absurd! Instead of picking up your pen to write a letter, pick up your phone and call CLIP if you are concerned about trash.
It is a shame that we need a program like CLIP, but I for one am glad we have it to deal with irresponsible people in the community. I have had the experience of dealing with CLIP and I have always been happy with the results. Keep up the good work!
Pat Miller
Modena Park
Mrs. Polec deserves respect
This morning I was witness to the defacing of humanity that is so prevalent in society today.
At the corner of Ridgeway and Stanwood streets in Fox Chase, while walking my daughter to school, I observed a man shouting at our crossing guard, Kathy Polec. Apparently, Mrs. Polec made a comment about his driving, reminding him he was in a school zone, which is the reason she is there. I myself have been told on occasion, gratefully accepting the reminder, thus preventing any harm to our children.
Obviously, not agreeing with what she had said, the man got out of his car, banged on the rectory door (to complain, I suppose) all the while making unnecessary comments — “you’re nothing but a crossing guard, not a traffic cop” — as well as referring to (and I quote), “what happened in your life.”
I wondered what that had to do with this situation, later realizing that maybe it did have something to do with Mrs. Polec returning to work as our crossing guard following the tragedy her family endured (her son Eddie was beaten to death in 1994), making her that much more emphatic, more cautious, more aware that something or someone needs to hold their head high, stand tall, and make a difference.
I say to this man, how would you feel if Mrs. Polec were a relative of yours and someone spoke to her like you did while trying to protect the children and do good for our community? If she were crossing a child in your family, wouldn’t you want her to make reckless drivers more aware?
Ironically, my husband, who is a Philadelphia police officer, and I were recently discussing the lack of respect that public servants so often are subject to and what can be done. Thus, I am writing this letter because we as individuals need to do what we can by showing our support.
There is no one I’d rather have at that corner watching over our children than Kathy Polec. She has earned and deserves the respect of the community.
Kathy Butler
Fox Chase
Hank, get your
facts straight
I normally do not respond to letters to the editor, but this is the second time that Hank Salvatore has reprimanded me in your newspaper. I think it is time that I set the record straight.
I guess that Mr. Salvatore’s memory is shrinking, because the plan that he has discussed ending Woodhaven Road at Bustleton Avenue, I was in favor of. The rest of the civic association voted against that plan, along with the Friends of Poquessing and the business community.
I was not president at the time so I did have a vote (which I do not have now). Mr. Salvatore has the right to his opinion, but when he specifically blames me for thwarting that plan, he better make sure that what he says is true. He is on very thin ice of a lawsuit, and that is not my forte, but he should stop with Mary Jane Hazell and Woodhaven Road.
Mr. Salvatore was our state senator for many years. He had the power to push through Woodhaven Road, whether it be to Bustleton or Philmont avenues, but he did not do so.
As for my using politics, he is right. I use all of the elected officials to keep Somerton the best section to live in Philadelphia. I have never endorsed any politician, because it goes against our bylaws and constitution.
On the SCA board we have three registered Republicans and two registered Democrats. Your political party is not a requirement to be on the board. And our board never discusses politics, so again, Mr. Salvatore should get his facts straight before shooting off his mouth. He has never been part of the civic group and never supported it. To my knowledge, I only remember two meetings that he attended. So enough already.
Mary Jane Hazell
Somerton Civic Association president
Thanks for the coverage
As a representative of Nativity B.V.M. Alumni Association, I am sincerely grateful to your newspaper for advertising our annual flea market held on April 3.
As always, you did an excellent job of announcing this event in your paper, as we requested, as often as possible in the weeks prior to the sale. On behalf of all the board members of the alumni, we say “thank you.” We also thank all the vendors, benefactors and patrons who made Nativity’s flea market another successful event.
Edward Trainor
Class of 1948
More fireworks over
the PGW surcharge
Rep. Kenney is fuming . . .
In response to Michael Hartey’s letter to the editor (April 15 edition) that expressed his outrage over the Philadelphia Gas Works’ proposed surcharge, I would like to emphasize that I completely agree with Mr. Hartey’s position.
I, too, am outraged and strongly oppose PGW’s request to add a surcharge onto the gas bills of paying customers in an effort to defray the cost incurred from non-payment by delinquent customers.
In fact, I recently sent a letter to Terrance Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), expressing my opposition to PGW’s outrageous request.
Hard-working families who pay their bills should not be required to pick up the tab for those who do not. I feel that there are other options PGW should pursue before it levies any additional charge.
Throwing money at a problem does not make the problem go away.
In this case, granting PGW the opportunity to levy an additional charge onto the bills of paying customers will do nothing to change its current inability to collect billings from deadbeat customers.
In fact, the additional charge could force those who make every effort to pay their gas bills in a timely manner into a position of not being able to pay because of the additional charge.
PGW’s request understandably has generated considerable controversy. Recognizing that, the PUC has scheduled a public hearing in Northeast Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 5, at 7 p.m., in the Pennsylvania Room of the DoubleTree Hotel, 9461 Roosevelt Blvd.
I encourage Mr. Hartey and all PGW customers to attend this hearing and voice opposition to PGW’s request.
We must send a clear message that responsible customers should not be penalized for PGW’s inability to collect from irresponsible customers.
George Kenney
State representative, 170th Legislative District
. . . and so is Sen. Stack . . .
Recently, the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) submitted a request to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to impose a surcharge on paying customers to subsidize those who do not pay their bills. PGW hopes to raise $47 million through the increase, which will in turn raise the gas bill by $80 for a typical residential customer. The proposed rate is in addition to the 60 percent average hike in gas bills residential customers have paid since 2002.
Enough is enough, already! I contacted the PUC, which will eventually rule on PGW’s proposal, to voice my opposition to the $47 million Automatic Adjustment Clause. I also asserted the need for public hearings on the rate increase that has been called “unjust and unreasonable” by the Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate.
The rate increase is truly unprecedented and not necessary. It will create a situation where normal, everyday, hard-working families and retirees who pay their bills on time would pay for services to delinquent customers.
Adding the increase to already high rates only serves to diminish the number of customers who can afford to pay their bills. This is especially true for senior citizens and others who are struggling to get by.
PGW’s request and the circumstances that prompted it are simply unacceptable. People who pay their bills on time should not have to bear an additional $47 million in rates for those who choose not to pay their bills. Instead of a rate increase, I believe PGW can recover revenue by improving their collection system for those with delinquent accounts.
Many others have stepped in to offer their objections and alternatives to the PGW request. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate worries that allowing an automatic adjustment clause will make it less attractive for PGW to limit its bad debt and improve collection activities.
The consumer advocate also denounces the request for an increase as “speculative and subject to manipulation,” and instead recommends better collection of delinquent bills, increased use of budget billing plans, and planning improvements for gas price increases. The city’s director of consumer affairs has also offered several ideas for improving the operation of PGW.
My feelings on this issue are clear — and so are yours. From the many calls I have received at my office, I know that you also strongly oppose this rate hike request.
Fortunately, there is a public forum that will enable all of us to voice our opinions to the very agency that will ultimately rule on the rate request, the Public Utility Commission.
In addition to the May 5 hearing at the DoubleTree Hotel, public-input hearings will also be held on May 6 at 1 and 6 p.m. at Philadelphia Community College’s Winnet Student Life Building, 17th Street between Spring Garden and Callowhill streets.
These hearings provide you and your neighbors with the opportunity to go on record against the rate increase. The commission will consider all testimony offered when it deliberates and votes on the rate request. I have been informed by the PUC that this vote will occur sometime in August.
Appointments are not required to participate in the hearings. If you would like more information about the hearings, please call my office or contact the Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate, toll-free, at 1-800-684-6560.
You should not be burdened with the debt of delinquent customers. Collections systems must be improved and other avenues to increase efficiencies should be pursued.
Many of you already have large burdens with wage and property taxes and costly auto insurance. I will work to ensure that utilities do not add another unfair burden to your checkbook.
Mike Stack
State senator, 5th Senatorial District
. . . as are the common folk . . .
I am very disturbed about the surcharge PGW is trying to impose on hard-working people. I don’t understand why most people just sit back and accept the increases without having a voice in anything. People complain to each other about the imposed increase, but they just sit back and say that’s just the way it is instead of speaking out.
PGW is in horrible condition. Management is a disgrace. Their computer systems are fouled up. We need to fight PGW and take a stand. The PUC should fire all PGW management and get people in management who actually know how to do their jobs.
I know there are people out there who are having hardships and I feel for them. My heart goes out to the senior citizens who live on a fixed income. I also know about the freeloaders who get their paychecks and think it’s more important for them to spend their money on entertainment than to pay their bills.
I have worked hard and done overtime on many occasions to pay my bills. My bills are always paid first before anything else.
Maybe the people who pay their bills should boycott PGW and then nobody would pay their monthly bill. What would happen to PGW then? Think about it.
Denise Procopio
Parkwood
• • •
UGI operated PGW for 99 years efficiently and made a profit for the city. Frank Rizzo, when mayor back in the 1970s, discharged UGI so he could feather his nest when his term as mayor was over. He formed the Philadelphia Facilities Corp. with men who knew nothing about the gas business and put PGW under the thumb of City Hall.
Politics ruined PGW. No one in their right mind would buy it. The only cure for PGW is to shut off all delinquents, regardless of the weather.
Charles Carter
Tacony
• • •
While a member of the PGW board, John Street somehow never paid his gas bill. Now he is due for a big payout from the city on top of his pension when his term as mayor is over. How can this be fair?
I am 64 years old and out of work for five months. Along with my $1,600 a month police pension, I pay $800 a month health insurance, $500 mortgage, auto insurance and other utilities, which leaves me about $150 short each month. I’ve never owned a cell phone. Now PGW is raising my gas bill to pay for deadbeats like John Street. Where do I go for help? I guess I should have been a politician.
Rus Slawter
Bustleton
• • •
I recently received a notice that PGW is requesting an increase of 4.1 percent to recover the costs associated with increases in uncollected revenues.
When gas prices go down, why don’t consumers get a credit on their gas bill? Where does all that profit go? I can understand that gas prices are so high that people cannot afford to pay their bills. People on fixed incomes cannot afford these outrageous prices. So now we have to pay for uncollected bills. The cost of living is not 4.1 percent. Why this big increase?
Why are we paying PGW employees $25 and $30 per hour with overtime on weekends and holidays? After all, they get all the bank holidays and some receive four to six weeks vacation a year. They also get full medical benefits. It’s time to look at the big picture. Let’s get competition in here. That is the only way to control a giant.
Rita Wenderwicz
Torresdale
Talkin’ trash in Fox Chase
About six weeks ago I decided to follow in the footsteps of some neighbors who previously took it upon themselves to clean up Oxford Avenue between Hartel and Rockwell avenues.
I invested about $100 in equipment and devices to facilitate this cleanup. I estimate that I have removed about 900 pounds of trash from along this stretch of highway. I have had “thank yous” and comments on the improvement.
I soon expect to finish a complete first pass along this road. Then I plan to continue to maintain it.
I am now asking for help from both the city and other residents of Fox Chase. We must have an ongoing process to keep this highway from being the mess it has been. Whether or not I get help, I will continue my effort.
The people living on Rockwell Avenue could be particularly helpful if they would simply go through their rear fences and clean up. Their side of Oxford Avenue has less walking room and poses a greater risk. Unfortunately, some of these people have chosen to use this land as their own private dumping grounds.
Sunday morning is an excellent time to pick up trash, as traffic is reasonably light. This is not a difficult task, nor is it disgusting. I have encountered little more than usual debris.
I can state confidently that the Wawas, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and other fast food establishments are most assuredly the original source of most of this debris.
My suggestion to City Council is that these businesses be charged for the cleanups whose necessity they create.
I e-mailed Councilman Brian O’Neill in an effort to establish some dialogue within the framework of the Streetscape Project but (again) I received not even an acknowledgment. Perhaps Mayor Street and Councilman O’Neill will read this and contribute constructively.
And finally, to all those ignorant people who litter this highway, I ask only one thing: If you must throw trash along this highway, please do not let go of it so that we might appropriately dispose of you also.
Joseph A. Breen
Fox Chase
Fed up in Wissinoming
We the residents of Wissinoming are also fed up. A new club is operating on the 2100 block of Brill St. It is mainly an after-hours club.
On Friday and Saturday nights they don’t even start getting customers, mostly underage, until after 4 a.m. They park on our sidewalks, urinate and deal drugs in the area. Numerous calls to police result in no cars ever showing up, or when they do, they just pass by, not bothering to ticket the offenders.
But let your grass grow a half-inch above what Councilwoman Joan Krajewski’s CLIP thugs think is too tall, and you get a ticket. Could it be that the police or L&I won’t do anything about this club because her name is up on the building where it is located? It proclaims in big bright lights, “Joan Krajewski for City Council.”
A call to police resulted in a Car 1518 coming out to the service station next door, where the car sat for 10 minutes. Calling 911 back they said Car 1512 was assigned the job. Car 1512 never even was in the area. Car 1518 then came up our street. It parked for about five minutes after passing all the cars on the sidewalk, then the car drove away. Week after week, it’s the same thing.
Thankfully, I will retire soon and take my money to Arizona. I don’t care if I get a penny for the house — perhaps I’ll donate it to a group of homeless people. This taxpayer has had enough.
Adolf Schmieder
Wissinoming
Killing deer is not normal
Can I have a little drum-roll here? The preliminary results of a five-year “study” on park vegetation are due out this fall. Gee, I wonder what it’s going to say? That it was justified to decimate the city’s entire deer herd because the park’s vegetation and bird populations are returning to “normal”?
What’s normal? Barry Bessler’s “30 deer” for a park system that once held 1,000? What’s normal? Ever-encroaching development into open/wooded lands, then “blaming” wildlife for scouring along your precious flower bed? What’s normal? Using bullets in an urban park system when non-lethal alternatives exist?
This city has become a death trap for children and animals — the two groups of living beings who have no voice.
Lou Peluso
Fox Chase
A few words about bus drivers
To James Wickizer (Bus driver slams our editorial, letter to the editor, April 1 edition), you ARE unskilled.
Sorry to bust your bubble, but you are a bus driver. You’re not researching stem cells in an attempt to find a cure for cancer, capturing neutrinos, or performing complex studies on how to produce a cheaper alternative power source. You’re not splitting the atom on your spare time, nor are you solving the deficit. You simply drive a bus. If you’re anything like the average SEPTA bus driver I encounter when behind the wheel, you also drive a bus badly.
In the simplest of terms, you are a glorified flunky who is extremely overpaid. A monkey can be trained to do what you do.
SEPTA is the worst organization for harboring deadbeats and society scofflaws. Actually, when your mayor is a bum, who could expect anything more?
Pat Hill
Pennypack
• • •
You talk about being appalled. Well I am appalled at you for your comment. Let me tell you something — my husband is also a professional driver who has a professional driver’s license and drives a 65-foot tractor-trailer.
I don’t think it is fair that you or your local don’t want to pay for any of your benefits; my husband has to pay every week out of his pay.
You don’t have to throw straps, or get off your bus to unload anything, so why is it fair that you don’t think you should pay? It’s because you work for SEPTA, that’s why. You try what my husband does and see if you don’t get mad.
I think the truck drivers have it worse than bus drivers, and they have to pay for half of their benefits. And you talk about the best transportation? That’s a joke. The kind we have here in Philly, I don’t think so.
I’m not bashing about how much you make, or being unskilled, I’m upset because you, as a bus driver, don’t want to put anything toward your benefits, that everyone else has to. If you don’t get what you want, right away, then your union wants to go on strike.
Remember, we as citizens are paying for the services that we are getting. If it wasn’t for the people using SEPTA, bus drivers would not be paid or have a good-paying job.
Jacqueline Stanley
Mayfair
Unions do good stuff, too
I am a proud member of District Council 21, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades.
I am sick and tired of hearing all the negative news about Philadelphia’s building trades unions! Just because a big business such as MTV comes to town and we stand up to them, we receive negative press.
How about all the positive things Philadelphia’s unions do? Remember when City Hall needed to be cleaned up? I know there were members of District Council 21 there on a Saturday, along with other union members, giving up their time.
Philadelphia union members do many gratis jobs in the Delaware Valley that the press does not print.
We do work for many veterans associations, homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, schools for handicapped children, etc.
Let’s start by having the media report the positive work that Philadelphia union members do for a change!
Jack Altieri
District Council 21-IUPAT; Painters Local 345, President
Don’t horse around with safety
Regarding City Council’s hearings on the Police Department budget:
Mayor Street wants to stop horseback police, and if it’s stopped and the horses are sold, it would cost a lot if they have to be replaced and reinstated. We have had mounted police patrols for as long as I remember.
We need them for parades for crowd control. They can see over the crowds that other officers can not see. Also, we need them for our many parks — the horses can go where cars cannot.
What’s next — our police K-9 units? My honest feeling is keep the horses, get rid of Mayor Street!
Pat Poehler
Holmesburg