Joe got me thinking about the general public's understanding of the library closure issue and its relationship to the budget cuts. Then, I found this excellent synopsis for those on the outer edges of the issue. Some of the most important information is near the end:
http://www.defenestrator.org/philly_thrown_out After reading: It's important to consider that these libraries are indeed part of local schools. Like with the non-existant learning center plans, the plans to solve these real challenges of ending longstanding relationships with schools did not exist for the branches targeted for closure. These were smoke screens, which quickly collapse when examined. The real contradictions with the Nutter gambit have not been exposed in the media. This synopsis provides a good starting point for those citizens interested. Mayor Nutter has no chance of winning his legal appeal against public hearings. It is so important that people recognize that the mayor is attempting to use 5 year projections to claim the need for an immediate emergency response. Protestants are not ignoring the budget issues, as is being asserted. A fictional crisis response does not justify the emergency powers demanded. The 40 million dollar surplus projected for the end of the fiscal year is not a great deal for the total city budget. But the mayors arguments have not been honest. People are being frightened with the misperception that the city will go bust tomorrow, so that a reconsideration of "welfare for the wealthiest" is totally out of the question! The mayor can not duck public hearings and a need for transparency. He can not break the city law. The "people's court" citation for contempt of court was not just a stunt. While the plaintiffs in the court action have not chosen to push the issue, the mayors retaliation against the library system is most certainly close to an actionable filing. I'm not a lawyer, but he engaged in retaliation with total disregard for the court order to allow public hearings! Glenn PS. It's refreshing to read the work of an honest journalist. I found no mistakes! ---- You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.