Unfortunately Tony, whether true or not, most people assume that people and organizations which wield political power (Penn, UCD, local politicians, etc) are regularly influencing these organizations. And, of course there won't be any evidence, nor is Andy necessarily lying (I would assume he is not). It would be doubtful that UCD, Penn, or any organization would openly pressure, but rather individuals at high levels would let their preferences be known in private conversations. Can Andy absolutely state that no member of the UCD board ever influenced L&I, in any way? I know for a fact that is not true as I've heard that directly from a board member.
Is it coincidence that any number of actions by L&I, the PPD, Streets Dept or any other entity focuses efforts at a particular time and place? Maybe, but there have been plenty of incidents in the past to assume otherwise (for example the Streets departments redesign of the 38th/Baltimore/University Avenue intersection was at the time promoted by the City as an effort to improve traffic. It shortly became clear that it was in fact to build the new Vet building). There is plenty of anecdotal evidence and hearsay to assume that any L&I efforts are being influenced by local power brokers - and therefore we can assume that it is the case as it is more likely than not. And that's not even with factual evidence such as Glenn points out with the Business Journal article or the use of UCD workers for political causes. Of course, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Certainly L&I has plenty of positives, as does the UCD. And I would argue that more often than not, the overall effect is positive. However, how many other neighborhoods in the city get tickets for high grass, trash outside when it isn't supposed to be, etc? It is illegal to selectively apply enforcement. And in this neighborhood it is clearly being done. Darco From: owner-univc...@list.purple.com [mailto:owner-univc...@list.purple.com] On Behalf Of Anthony West Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 10:06 PM To: UnivCity listserv Subject: Re: [UC] UCD is innocent Wilma, Andy Frishkoff, who speaks from a position of authority, has already explained why L&I is coming. He says it has nothing to do with UCD. I am taking him at his word. You are not. You are calling him a liar. What proof do you offer for your claim that Andy is lying, and that UCD is secretly behind increased L&I inspections all across Philadelphia? If you have no evidence, you should quit making such claims. They don't amount to anything. In the meantime, I want you to prove L&I did NOT come because of you! Face the challenge of proving a negative. If you can't cope with this challenge .. and it's completely unreasonable that anybody could ... then don't expect UCD or me to do better than you. -- Tony West On 5/17/2010 9:37 PM, Wilma de Soto wrote: This is not a debate. I want YOU to prove that L&I did NOT come, after all these many years, because of the UCD. No back and forth please. Since I did not make the assertion that it was business as usual, I have NO burden of proof whatsoever! I MEAN it!
