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Councilman Greenlee,
Please support choice and competition in cable. The stronghold
that Comcast has had on this city has got to end. Comcast Cable
is an inferior product and the city of Philadelphia deserves
better - or at least should have the choice for a better, faster
service. I urge you to support this competitive option and then
let the taxpayers make their decision.

Thanks,
Jill Fenton

Dear Mayor,
I am writing to beg you to reverse the ill-advised decision to
close the Fishtown branch of the Free Library. Closing libraries
is a short-term solution to a long-term problem that is unethical
and immoral. The decision to eliminate local branches will cause
irreparable harm to our city for years to come.
When my husband and I moved to Fishtown from South Philadelphia
in 1981, we were considered “urban pioneers.” We raised two
daughters in Fishtown, and watched as other young couples moved
in and then out to the suburbs as their children reached school
age. Frankly, the local schools did not meet our expectations,
but we were able to educate our children in public magnet schools
outside of the neighborhood, yet inside of the city. Our children
went to McCall Elementary in Society Hill, and later to Masterman
Middle and High School in Spring Garden. We first learned about
the school choice opportunities at a meeting held at the Fishtown
library. Our children went to public schools out of the
neighborhood, but belonged to the local community because of
their involvement in the wonderful Fishtown library. The library
has always been more than a mere reading room; it is the hub of
the cultural community, and a safe haven for our families. When
our girls were small, the library was a welcoming place for a
stroller. It instilled a life-long love of reading to my
toddlers, as it nourished my own reading and research pursuits.
Our girls used the library after school for homework, and
competed in exciting book challenges there in the summer months.
My eldest daughter, (now a Headstart teacher in West Philadelphia
who is pursuing her graduate degree in Social Work,) built a
model of the library in cardboard in second grade, wrote book
reviews for the Fishtown Star when she was in fifth grade,
volunteered at the library through her middle school years, and
took the children she babysat for to the library regularly when
she was in high school.
Fishtown wasn’t always an easy community in which to live, and
the current gentrification was not something we foresaw. The
local library has always served the members of the community as a
refuge from the violent streets. This library uniquely services
young and old, newcomers and old-timers, those with and without
financial resources. It is a place where people of all
backgrounds and speakers of all languages civilly gain access to
information, and that is the purest expression of democracy I know.
I can’t imagine the neighborhood without this tiny jewel. The
short-sighted budget cut will undoubtedly lead to disaster, and
it is imperative that other “shared sacrifice”, across the board
solutions to the financial crisis be found.

Dear Councilman Rizzo,
I am writing to beg you to add your support to the effort to
reverse ill-advised decision to close the Fishtown branch of the
Free Library. When my husband and I moved to Fishtown from South
Philadelphia in 1981, we were considered “urban pioneers.” We
raised two daughters in Fishtown, and watched as other young
couples moved in and then out to the suburbs as their children
reached school age. Frankly, the local schools did not meet our
expectations, but we were able to educate our children in public
magnet schools outside of the neighborhood, yet inside of the
city. Our children went to McCall Elementary in Society Hill, and
later to Masterman Middle and High School in Spring Garden. We
first learned about the school choice opportunities at a meeting
held at the Fishtown library. Our children went to public schools
out of the neighborhood, but belonged to the local community
because of their involvement in the wonderful Fishtown library.
The library has always been more than a mere reading room; it is
the hub of the cultural community, and a safe haven for our
families. When our girls were small, the library was a welcoming
place for a stroller. It instilled a life-long love of reading to
my toddlers, as it nourished my own reading and research
pursuits. Our girls used the library after school for homework,
and competed in exciting book challenges there in the summer months.
My eldest daughter, (now a Headstart teacher in West Philadelphia
who is pursuing her graduate degree in Social Work,) built a
model of the library in cardboard in second grade, wrote book
reviews for the Fishtown Star when she was in fifth grade,
volunteered at the library through her middle school years, and
took the children she babysat for to the library regularly when
she was in high school.
Fishtown wasn’t always an easy community in which to live, and
the current gentrification was not something we foresaw. The
local library has always served the members of the community as a
refuge from the violent streets. This library uniquely services
young and old, newcomers and old-timers, those with and without
financial resources. It is a place where people of all
backgrounds and speakers of all languages civilly gain access to
information, and that is the purest expression of democracy I
know. I can’t imagine the neighborhood without this tiny jewel.
The short-sighted budget cut will undoubtedly lead to long-term
disaster, and it is imperative that other “shared sacrifice”,
across the board solutions to the financial crisis be found.

Dear Councilwoman Reynolds Brown,
I am writing to beg you to add your support to the effort to
reverse ill-advised decision to close the Fishtown branch of the
Free Library. When my husband and I moved to Fishtown from South
Philadelphia in 1981, we were considered “urban pioneers.” We
raised two daughters in Fishtown, and watched as other young
couples moved in and then out to the suburbs as their children
reached school age. Frankly, the local schools did not meet our
expectations, but we were able to educate our children in public
magnet schools outside of the neighborhood, yet inside of the
city. Our children went to McCall Elementary in Society Hill, and
later to Masterman Middle and High School in Spring Garden. We
first learned about the school choice opportunities at a meeting
held at the Fishtown library. Our children went to public schools
out of the neighborhood, but belonged to the local community
because of their involvement in the wonderful Fishtown library.
The library has always been more than a mere reading room; it is
the hub of the cultural community, and a safe haven for our
families. When our girls were small, the library was a welcoming
place for a stroller. It instilled a life-long love of reading to
my toddlers, as it nourished my own reading and research
pursuits. Our girls used the library after school for homework,
and competed in exciting book challenges there in the summer months.
My eldest daughter, (now a Headstart teacher in West Philadelphia
who is pursuing her graduate degree in Social Work,) built a
model of the library in cardboard in second grade, wrote book
reviews for the Fishtown Star when she was in fifth grade,
volunteered at the library through her middle school years, and
took the children she babysat for to the library regularly when
she was in high school.
Fishtown wasn’t always an easy community in which to live, and
the current gentrification was not something we foresaw. The
local library has always served the members of the community as a
refuge from the violent streets. This library uniquely services
young and old, newcomers and old-timers, those with and without
financial resources. It is a place where people of all
backgrounds and speakers of all languages civilly gain access to
information, and that is the purest expression of democracy I
know. I can’t imagine the neighborhood without this tiny jewel.
The short-sighted budget cut will undoubtedly lead to long-term
disaster, and it is imperative that other “shared sacrifice”,
across the board solutions to the financial crisis be found.

Dear Councilman Green,
I am writing to thank you for your support of the effort to
reverse the ill-advised decision to close the Fishtown branch of
the Free Library. When my husband and I moved to Fishtown from
South Philadelphia in 1981, we were considered “urban pioneers.”
We raised two daughters in Fishtown, and watched as other young
couples moved in and then out to the suburbs as their children
reached school age. Frankly, the local schools did not meet our
expectations, but we were able to educate our children in public
magnet schools outside of the neighborhood, yet inside of the
city. Our children went to McCall Elementary in Society Hill, and
later to Masterman Middle and High School in Spring Garden. We
first learned about the school choice opportunities at a meeting
held at the Fishtown library. Our children went to public schools
out of the neighborhood, but belonged to the local community
because of their involvement in the wonderful Fishtown library.
The library has always been more than a mere reading room; it is
the hub of the cultural community, and a safe haven for our
families. When our girls were small, the library was a welcoming
place for a stroller. It instilled a life-long love of reading to
my toddlers, as it nourished my own reading and research
pursuits. Our girls used the library after school for homework,
and competed in exciting book challenges there in the summer months.
My eldest daughter, (now a Headstart teacher in West Philadelphia
who is pursuing her graduate degree in Social Work,) built a
model of the library in cardboard in second grade, wrote book
reviews for the Fishtown Star when she was in fifth grade,
volunteered at the library through her middle school years, and
took the children she babysat for to the library regularly when
she was in high school.
Fishtown wasn’t always an easy community in which to live, and
the current gentrification was not something we foresaw. The
local library has always served the members of the community as a
refuge from the violent streets. This library uniquely services
young and old, newcomers and old-timers, those with and without
financial resources. It is a place where people of all
backgrounds and speakers of all languages civilly gain access to
information, and that is the purest expression of democracy I
know. I can’t imagine the neighborhood without this tiny jewel.
The short-sighted budget cut will undoubtedly lead to long-term
disaster, and it is imperative that other “shared sacrifice”,
across the board solutions to the financial crisis be found.

Dear Councilman Clarke,
I am writing to beg you to reconsider the ill-advised decision to
close the Fishtown branch of the Free Library. When my husband
and I moved to Fishtown from South Philadelphia in 1981, we were
considered “urban pioneers.” We raised two daughters in Fishtown,
and watched as other young couples moved in and then out to the
suburbs as their children reached school age. Frankly, the local
schools did not meet our expectations, but we were able to
educate our children in public magnet schools outside of the
neighborhood, yet inside of the city. Our children went to McCall
Elementary in Society Hill, and later to Masterman Middle and
High School in Spring Garden. We first learned about the school
choice opportunities at a meeting held at the Fishtown library.
Our children went to public schools out of the neighborhood, but
belonged to the local community because of their involvement in
the wonderful Fishtown library. The library has always been more
than a mere reading room; it is the hub of the cultural
community, and a safe haven for our families. When our girls were
small, the library was a welcoming place for a stroller. It
instilled a life-long love of reading to my toddlers, as it
nourished my own reading and research pursuits. Our girls used
the library after school for homework, and competed in exciting
book challenges there in the summer months.
My eldest daughter, (now a Headstart teacher in West Philadelphia
who is pursuing her graduate degree in Social Work,) built a
model of the library in cardboard in second grade, wrote book
reviews for the Fishtown Star when she was in fifth grade,
volunteered at the library through her middle school years, and
took the children she babysat for to the library regularly when
she was in high school.
Fishtown wasn’t always an easy community in which to live, and
the current gentrification was not something we foresaw. The
local library has always served the members of the community as a
refuge from the violent streets. This library uniquely services
young and old, newcomers and old-timers, those with and without
financial resources. It is a place where people of all
backgrounds and speakers of all languages civilly gain access to
information, and that is the purest expression of democracy I
know. I can’t imagine the neighborhood without this tiny jewel.
The short-sighted budget cut will undoubtedly lead to long-term
disaster, and it is imperative that other “shared sacrifice”,
across the board solutions to the financial crisis be found.

Dear Mayor Nutter:

In contrast to some in my neighborhood association (Logan
Square), I am writing in support of the recent CED Legislation.
Those of us that choose to live in Center City, do so with the
understanding that we have access to all the big city has to
offer, including some things that may not be our cup of tea. We
need to get these casinos built and get the revenue flowing in
order to continue to reduce the heavy tax burden that all
Philadelphians suffer.

On another note, STAND TALL to the naysayers on the budget
cuts. We are a city of 1.4 million supporting an infrastructure
build for 2 million. We simply can't afford to do it anymore.
This economic downturn may be a once-in-a-generation opportunity
to "right size" our city government. Tell people you don't care
if you're a one-term mayor. Do the right thing for the long-
term future of our city. Just go for it. In the end, you will
be glad you did. While you're at it, ask our municipal workers
to give back a little, too. If everybody gives up a little,
maybe you won't have to announce so many layoffs. What you are
asking for is minor in the scheme of things. I do bankruptcy
and restructuring work. You should see what the private sector
is going through.

Good luck.

Edward A. Phillips

Why do you people keep meeting in secrecy? What are you hiding?
Be open with the people.

It is my wish that you vote to allow verizon fios cable
services into the city. This will help alleviate the currentl
monopoly and high prices that are in place in the cable tv
market.

I've gotten many of these and I have NEVER gotten a response.

THIS IS AN AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED MESSAGE



Thank you for contacting the office of Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

Customer service is a top priority at the City of Philadelphia, and you
will receive a follow-up response as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance for your patience as your request for assistance is
reviewed and the appropriate resources are identified to help resolve it.

If your request is time-sensitive and needs to be addressed immediately,
please contact the Mayor’s Action Center at (215) 686-3000.


PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL

Do Not allow Mayor Nutter to close a piece of our community.
That library is a haven for the entire community. Access to
knowledge should not be something subject to budget cuts, it is
vital to the health of our community. KEEP HADDINGTON LIBRARY
OPEN!!!!!!!!

You are cordially invited to the BDPA Philadelphia Chapter 2008
Annual Awards Banquet in recognition of our corporate sponsors,
members and volunteers.

BDPA, formerly Black Data Processing Associates, Inc., was
founded in 1975 by Earl A. Pace, Jr. and the late David
Wimberly after the two met in Philadelphia to discuss their
concerns about minorities in data processing fields. BDPA
Philadelphia continues to serve as catalysts primarily for
professional growth and technical development for those in or
entering information technology (IT) oriented fields of
interest and related industries.

We are extremely pleased to announce our keynote speaker is Mr.
Raj Gupta, CEO and Board Chairman of Rohm and Haas Corporation.
This year's banquet will be held at the Radison Hotel in Valley
Forge, PA. Additional details are online at
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/160670570. Please email me at
president@bdpaphilly to reserve yYour complementary tickets
which include a plated dinner and the afterparty at ICE
nightclub located at the Radison.

Sincerely,

Monique Berry
BDPA - Philadelphia Chapter

Mr. Green,

Your comments/efforts with respect to the bicycle coordinator
position and the sustainability office/position are very
misdirected. In times like these, yes we must find
alternatives to shutting down libraries, but eliminating two
positions that have the greatest possibility of saving the city
money and helping it grow long term? Helping direct our city
to make more sustainable choices and attract new residents and
business while increasing the current residents' quality of
life is perhaps of the utmost importance. This is the goal of
Mark Allen Hughes and his staff. Also, if you listen/ask the
bicycle coalition, bicycling in and around the city has grown
by 300% since 2000. 300%. Why? Because it’s a very
economical way to travel, it’s pleasant, it keeps people in
shape, and it’s very environmentally friendly. These are all
reasons it has grown by 300% over the last 8 years, and I think
it shows no signs of stopping. The “Bike Czar” position, which
you call such as a way to ridicule, will only make this mode of
transport, exercise, and joy, safer and increase the number of
people riding. That keeps the city healthier, safer, and
richer! I’ve also attached the reasons the Bicycle Coalition
gives for keeping this position:

• Scrapping the Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator and
the Office of Sustainability will not reopen libraries or fire
stations.
• 37 Pedestrians and bicyclists died in Philadelphia 2007
and thousands were injured in vehicular crashes and there is no
plan in place to reduce that number.
• Both positions offer the opportunity go after federal
and state dollars that bring construction jobs into the city.
• Trails, green streets and an attitude towards a more
sustainable future are important amenities to attract residents
and "green collar" jobs in a globally competitive market.



So, please stop calling for the closing of two positions that
will greatly help our city in the long run.

Sincerely,

Thomas P. Taggart
Environmental Engineer
Phila. Water Department

Avid Citizen and Cyclist

November 14, 2008

The Honorable Brian O'Neill
City Hall Room 526
Philadelphia, PA 19107


Dear Councilman O'Neill:

I am one of the 1270 civil service non-represented employees,
as well as a member of the Association of City Management and
Professional Employees (ACMPE), who did not receive the $1,100
bonus granted to civil service employees represented by
District Council 33 and 47. (Historically non-represented
civil service employees received the same benefits as District
Council 47 represented employees). This decision came as a
surprise in light of the Mayor’s discussion with ACMPE members
during our annual meeting last year. Specifically, the then
Mayoral candidate indicated that he would support the awarding
of a bonus in a timely manner. Unfortunately, his commitment
was not honored.

Under the previous administration non-represented employees
waited approximately nine months before a favorable response,
under this current administration we are being told no bonuses
are forth-coming.

Non-represented civil service employees provide an invaluable
link between the appointed/elected city officials and the
unions. We provide management support to the City of
Philadelphia Administration to ensure that the citizens of
Philadelphia receive quality services. In addition, during
union strikes, it is us, the non-represented civil service
employees who step into positions vacated by unions to provide
an exhaustive range of necessary services.

I am not represented by a bargaining union and my concern is
that this Administration has set a dangerous precedent that non-
represented civil service employees can be discriminated
against when it comes to the awarding of benefits, layoffs,
promotions, etc. As a non-represented civil service employee I
have worked hard to support this administration by supporting
upper management, particularly this new administration. I feel
devalued. It is demoralizing when one civil service employee
is valued above another civil service employee. My membership
in a union should not be the basis upon which this
Administration awards benefits, determines lay offs, etc.
This Administration should explore other options to ensure
parity such as:

•Reducing the number of consultants contracts (upwards of 397)
•Reassigning consultant duties to existing knowledgeable civil
servants
•Allowing employees with the required years of service to
retire without penalty.

As your constituent, I am requesting your full support.

Sincerely,
Kathleen Kenney

Closing the Libraries is the worst thing the City has ever
done!

Don't plow the streets, cut back on Police, only collect
trash every 2 weeks in Winter.

What ever happened to all the money that Ed Rendell had when
he was Mayor....do Mr. Street build too many Free houses...now
there is no money for Libraries?

Councilman Green,

Please cease your political games by ceasing your vile propaganda
against the Mayor's bicycle and sustainable policies. You must
realize that:

Scrapping the Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator and the Office
of Sustainability will not reopen libraries or fire stations.
37 Pedestrians and bicyclists died in Philadelphia 2007 and
thousands were injured in vehicular crashes and there is no plan
in place to reduce that number.

Both positions offer the opportunity go after federal and state
dollars that bring construction jobs into the city.
Trails, green streets and an attitude towards a more sustainable
future are important amenities to attract residents and "green
collar" jobs in a globally competitive market.

Go after your own council for budget reductions. Councilman Goode
and his aide should be canned, and you are talking about the
threat of bicycles? Shame on you.

I ride a bike everyday, obey traffic laws, and wear a helmet, but
cars are not aware enough of bicycles and it is very dangerous. I
do this because it is cheap and it rejects the mono-culture
notion that cars are the only way to get around. SEPTA is too
expensive and ineffective to use. Go after the real problems and
stop picking on people who are actually making a difference in
this city!

November 13, 2008



The Honorable Curtis Jones, Jr.
City Hall Room 440
Philadelphia, PA 19107




Dear Councilman Jones:

I am one of the 1270 civil service non-represented employees,
as well as a member of the Association of City Management and
Professional Employees (ACMPE), who did not receive the $1,100
bonus granted to civil service employees represented by
District Council 33 and 47. (Historically non-represented
civil service employees received the same benefits as District
Council 47 represented employees). This decision came as a
surprise in light of the Mayor’s discussion with ACMPE members
during our annual meeting last year. Specifically, the then
Mayoral candidate indicated that he would support the awarding
of a bonus in a timely manner. Unfortunately, his commitment
was not honored.

Under the previous administration non-represented employees
waited approximately nine months before a favorable response,
under this current administration we are being told no bonuses
are forth-coming.

Non-represented civil service employees provide an invaluable
link between the appointed/elected city officials and the
unions. We provide management support to the City of
Philadelphia Administration to ensure that the citizens of
Philadelphia receive quality services. In addition, during
union strikes, it is us, the non-represented civil service
employees who step into positions vacated by unions to provide
an exhaustive range of necessary services.

I am not represented by a bargaining union and my concern is
that this Administration has set a dangerous precedent that non-
represented civil service employees can be discriminated
against when it comes to the awarding of benefits, layoffs,
promotions, etc. As a non-represented civil service employee I
have worked hard to support this administration by supporting
upper management, particularly this new administration. I feel
devalued. It is demoralizing when one civil service employee
is valued above another civil service employee. My membership
in a union should not be the basis upon which this
Administration awards benefits, determines lay offs, etc.
This Administration should explore other options to ensure
parity such as:

• Reducing the number of consultants contracts (upwards
of 397)
• Reassigning consultant duties to existing knowledgeable
civil servants
• Allowing employees with the required years of service
to retire without penalty.

As your constituent, I am requesting your full support.

Sincerely,

Jill Milicia

November 13, 2008

The Honorable Councilman Brian O'Neill
Room 562
City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Dear Councilman O’Neil:

I am one of the 1270 civil service non-represented employees,
as well as a member of the Association of City Management and
Professional Employees (ACMPE), who did not receive the $1,100
bonus granted to civil service employees represented by
District Council 33 and 47. (Historically non-represented
civil service employees received the same benefits as District
Council 47 represented employees). This decision came as a
surprise in light of the Mayor’s discussion with ACMPE members
during our annual meeting last year. Specifically, the then
Mayoral candidate indicated that he would support the awarding
of a bonus in a timely manner. Unfortunately, his commitment
was not honored.
Under the previous administration non-represented employees
waited approximately nine months before a favorable response,
under this current administration we are being told no bonuses
are forth-coming.
Non-represented civil service employees provide an invaluable
link between the appointed/elected city officials and the
unions. We provide management support to the City of
Philadelphia Administration to ensure that the citizens of
Philadelphia receive quality services. In addition, during
union strikes, it is us, the non-represented civil service
employees who step into positions vacated by unions to provide
an exhaustive range of necessary services.
I am not represented by a bargaining union and my concern is
that this Administration has set a dangerous precedent that non-
represented civil service employees can be discriminated
against when it comes to the awarding of benefits, layoffs,
promotions, etc. As a non-represented civil service employee I
have worked hard to support this administration by supporting
upper management, particularly this new administration. I feel
devalued. It is demoralizing when one civil service employee
is valued above another civil service employee. My membership
in a union should not be the basis upon which this
Administration awards benefits, determines lay offs, etc.
This Administration should explore other options to ensure
parity such as:
• Reducing the number of consultants contracts (upwards
of 397)
• Reassigning consultant duties to existing knowledgeable
civil servants
• Allowing employees with the required years of service
to retire without penalty.

As your constituent, I am requesting your full support.

I am a 29 year old mother of two. I work 4 jobs to support my
child because their father does not. I have be back and forth
over the past several years fighting with the courts for what
is owed to my children. He continues to not pay and does not
care. He owes over $23,000. Now the courts are telling me that
because he has not paid in over a year that they are putting
him to a balance of zero due to lack of verified income or
assets. I don't understand how they can do this. So my kids and
myself continue to suffer because he does not want to pay. I
could be working less and spending more time with my children
if I was getting what I'm suppose to from him. He should be put
in jail not walking away freely. I need some help. I do not
want him to walk away from this that easy. He should have to
stand up to his responsibility and pay. Anyway you can help
would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time in
advanced Jillian New.

I am a 29 year old mother of two. I work 4 jobs to support my
child because their father does not. I have be back and forth
over the past several years fighting with the courts for what
is owed to my children. He continues to not pay and does not
care. He owes over $23,000. Now the courts are telling me that
because he has not paid in over a year that they are putting
him to a balance of zero due to lack of verified income or
assets. I don't understand how they can do this. So my kids and
myself continue to suffer because he does not want to pay. I
could be working less and spending more time with my children
if I was getting what I'm suppose to from him. He should be put
in jail not walking away freely. I need some help. I do not
want him to walk away from this that easy. He should have to
stand up to his responsibility and pay. Anyway you can help
would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time in
advanced Jillian New.

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