Yo, Mike: City image, Leadership and Ethics

Captain Daniel Castro, MBA, MA
Commanding Officer
Forensic Science
Philadelphia Police Department

If Michael Nutter were in my kitchen, I would remind him of some things worth repeating: Experienced leadership, innovation, and determination will lead to the tipping point necessary in reforming our government.

I wouldn’t criticize past administrations but would focus on the future. Government should function more like a business and become more consumer oriented. You’re the chief salesman for making Philadelphia a desirable, world-class destination. But before we get there, the city and the region need your leadership on crime, education, and the economy.
With less than 22% of the population 25 years and over holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, you’ll get a lot of support from parents on your education platform. We should look to Baltimore’s CitiStat (an expanded version of COMPSTAT) as an example of reform-where all government agencies are held accountable for their performances and sound fiscal practices are in place. I congratulate you on your new business proposals it’s a step in the right direction. But one thing is certain. Without a sustainable public safety agenda, the mayor’s education and economic initiatives will suffer. Given Philadelphia’s current state of affairs, your bold moves are on target. Your controversial "stop, question, and frisk" will work, but first we must: Retrain our officers, rethink how we conduct business, and educate the community in this new initiative. Through these steps we will ease fears of civil-rights violation. Law enforcement is a tough profession so be proud of the Philadelphia Police Department. It employs exceptional people. We need your support and the necessary tools to complete the job like advanced technology and Boston’s regional intelligence sharing program. Equally important; resist the temptation to pass judgment until all the facts are disclosed. Be prepared to defend us in the time of need and discipline when it warrants it.
John F. Kennedy believed that every American has a citizen's responsibility to participate in their community, some more than others by virtue of their public or private position. It’s a fundamental right for every citizen in their community to be engaged in promoting safety. I encourage you to call upon the plethora of knowledge which waits to be tapped in your city and throughout the region. Good luck.

 

Yo, Mr. Mike! The one thing I really need you to do is… Be the Mayor of all & accessible to everyone. The day after you won the democratic nomination for Mayor you went out & started shaking hands with the people. I hope you carry this over into your term as Mayor. Maybe every Wednesday I'll see you at the northeast corner of City Hall shaking hands.

BE THE MAYOR FOR THE CITY--UNITE & LEAD WITH PRIDE--INSTILL IN EVERY PHILADELPHIAN THE SENSE OF PRIDE & LOVE FOR OUR CITY.

Anonymous

 “Yo, Mike! The one thing I really need you to do is... convince me you will be mayor of all the people, not just “the brothers and the sisters.” If you won’t be mayor of all the people, then Philadelphia will continue its death spiral. Can you – will you – end the black-versus-white destructiveness of past administrations?

 

The one thing I really need you to do as our next mayor is to provide the leadership to ensure that Philadelphia is a truly sustainable city.

As mayor of Philadelphia, I need you to develop policies and programs that cooperate with nature and the environment to sustain the health and well-being of the plants, animals and people of our City.

I need you to take action beyond the global issues of “climate change.” I need you to address our urgent local issues of storm water run-off, solid waste processing and how we use vacant land; plus, you must develop purchasing and contracting practices for our City that support sustainable products and services.

As mayor, you can provide the leadership to educate your staff, City employees and our citizens about the action we all most take to create a mutually sustainable future for Philadelphia.

Mike I need you to be a national leader of urban sustainability.
You can do it!

Duane Searles
North Wales, Pa

Your #1 goal is to make Philadelphia a more livable city, or "America's Most Livable City". Begin by tasking each cabinet member with making five recommendations how they can move their agency forward to achieve the goal. These recommendations should be submitted within 60 (maybe 90) days of your taking office. Request other groups such as parks, schools and other key players who are not represented in your cabinet to do the same. I recommend you include the many independent agencies and authorities which have stake holder positions. (In my view, there are far to many but they must be included). I also suggest you invite the suburban counties to offer their recommendations. Each recommendation should contain associated costs, a time line for completion and what we can expect upon completion.
Lastly you should appoint a small (not more than 7 members) blue ribbon committee to evaluate, prioritize, and make recommendations for your action. These should be on your desk within 120 days from your inauguration. Time is of the essence. Your task, implement the recommendations.
Good luck. My best wishes are with you.

Liz Dow
President
LEADERSHP Philadelphia
Philadelphia

Yo Mike… The one thing you need to do is to create a culture of listening in City Hall. Because you appeal to a broad range of Philadelphians, many of whom have informed opinions about making this the next great city, you can usher in a new era of collaboration among corporate, community and civic leaders. We are waiting in the wings to help you and our great city. Last fall, we identified 101 leaders who work across sectors for the common good. Use those trusted citizens, “the connectors”- among others- to help you to address the challenges. We’re not looking for contracts- we want to volunteer our expertise and to pour more sweat equity into this town. Be the man who inspires civic engagement and empowers others to serve our beloved Philadelphia.

alan mchale

I would like you to take some time while your still Michael Nutter (before you become Mr. Mayor) to have a series of lunches with people around the Region who could provide you with interesting perspectives of regional cooperation. Pat Murphy, Joe Sestack and Jim Gerlach are three. I would also pick some of those folks who will be county commissioners (Joe Hoffel?). I would talk Bob Borski about Delaware waterfront development up to Bucks County. I would talk to Nancy Henkin and Dick Goldberg at Coming of Age about creative use of Boomers in volunteer capacities. I would buy lunch for some of the area college presidents, the Brain Drain is a huge problem that not a lot of people are paying attention to. Could there be some research going on that might attract Venture capital? How about a working group of college Presidents once you are Mayor that would devote their time to finding better ways to involve the regions colleges & Universities? I would also suggest you take at least one day and have lunch with your wife to see how the programs at Philadelphia Academies can be expanded to more young people.

 

Yo, Mike! The one thing I really need you to do is... stay humble.
Even before I actually saw you on the debates, I'd just read about you, and something began to click. Then I realized the same thing must have happened to most of Philly as you gained momentum in the campaign and then beautifully pulled off your win of the primaries.
This is your moment. Few get such an opportunity to affect people in this way, the way you are now affecting them. I just want to run up to you and give you a hug and a kiss. I don't even know why but that is the reaction you elicit in me. Then, on the day after the primaries, I saw someone doing just that to you as you were greeting people outside City Hall. I thought to myself," Ahh, she's doing that for the both of us."
There is a beautiful kind of charismatic aura surrounding you now; some may call it charm, sincerity, magnetism, an unnameable energy, but I'm calling it grace. You are blessed, Mike, for whatever God-given reason, you have been given a blessing to 'go forth and be a blessing' for the people of this city who are in great, great need of a leader. You have what it takes and you have been chosen for the task at hand. Don't lose sight of where that blessing emanates from and the service you are called on to do. And with all that you must do, remember that in addition to it all, you must stay humble too. Don't ever stop listening or caring.

Truly, may God bless you and your family with wisdom and strength.

Ann Dixon

Thank you for the smoking ban.

The one thing I really need you to do is invite people in the suburbs to help solve Philadelphia problems. Sure, it would be nice if there were a region-wide dedicated sales tax for science and cultural institutions (Denver does that successfully). But what I'm really talking about is on the family level. My family does not live or work in Philly, but we enjoy sports events, museums, restaurants, and kid-related activities in Philly. I read about the violence, the school problems, and the DHS problems, and I wonder what my family can do about them, besides donating to charities.

 

...be a Great Leader. This city has its share of problems, as all large urban cities do. You and others have identified the right ones to work on: crime, the declining business base, a dysfunctional education system, deteriorating transportation infrastructure. And it has wonderful assets, too: fine universities and colleges, an arts and culture community, a regionally based growing bio-sciences sector. What it needs is LEADERSHIP: bold, visionary, innovative, energetic, but above all leadership that builds coalitions, unites fractious parties, mobilizes vast teams of resourceful citizenry, non-profits, corporate partners, and regional governments to implement the many great ideas this region has and can produce.

 

One idea has come to mind, and I was going to make sure I communicated it to you. Then I saw this blog, thankfully. To continue your goodwill tour? through Philly, you may want to consider just this thing, an open door policy for all people, not just before the election, but all during your term. Encourage the public to communicate w/ you, and try to respond back to them. I'm not talking about meet the press conferences or town hall meetings, but individual emails and letters. Take Phila's. government out of the shadows. You may be surprized by the results.

 

Angel LaBell
www.eltainc.org
www.mtairycomputer.org
We provide an array of wonderful, life-changing, human service programs in the City (Young Women's Leadership Academy, Computers for Ex-Offenders Program, Gaming Camp for Youth). We need more funding via grants, contracts and/or referrals. What can you do to help small non-profits that are out serving the community find funding?

Sincerely looking for change,

Congratulations on your big win. I was working for you on election day at the corner of South and 4th when a 30ish year old man approached me and had something to say. I asked if he was voting, and he said there was no use, because nothing would change. The city has gone to hell under John Street, he said, with too many guns and gun shops. When he was young, you survived a fight. He had a son when he was 15 and was not able to handle the responsibility, but never looked for a handout. This generation of teenagers are already ruined, so we need to focus on the young and give them a better education and more job opportunities.

This man made a big impression on me, and what I would say to you is that you need to give this city hope. There are so many private and public groups trying to make the city better, specifically in the area of education, but no one has channnelled that into a bigger effort. Residents like the man above think no one cares about them. If I were you I would convene a group of the leaders of these organizations - Project HOME, Philadelphia Futures, Steppingstone, Children's Scholarship Fund, SummerSearch, Summerbridge, White Williams, Outward Bound, charter schools, the Board of Ed, etc. etc. etc. and start a dialogue about how much Philadelphia is already doing and what more we could be doing (and attracting philanthropic dollars toward) to make this the city of most opportunity for young people.

 

Congratulations on a well-deserved win. Philadelphia is a great town that deserves great leadership. You will have your hands full with problems- education, healthcare, services, taxation. But, be of good cheer.

I can offer you one thought. Your support base cuts across not only social strata, but geography. You offer hope to us who do not live within the city limits, but see Philadelphia's health as the key to the region's success. I encourage you to reach out to the surrounding communities to build coalitions for mutual benefit. You have many supporters ready to help- all you need to do is ask. It is in our mutual best interest to work together.

And one other. Philadelphia is a city of universities. Tap in to the brain power of Penn, St. Joe's, Textile, USP and others. Again, all you need to do is ask.

You have a City relying on you.

 

Congratulations for securing the democratic nomination for Mayor and likely office of Mayor. Your campaign and election is clearly a mandate from the citizens of Philadelphia to proceed soberly with your agenda for local government. Notwithstanding, there are some additional mandates that have been echoed in our conscience throughout this time of transition.
1) Good leadership must bridge the gap between secular and sacred sensibilities to ensure that the region benefits from the best of both and repudiates the worse of each. You are in a position to promote consensus and covenants that can be the impetus for shared vision and commitments to our greatest potential as a city.

2)The city enjoys a great treasury of spiritual assets found within our centers and communities of faith, these spiritual assets add considerable value to Philadelphia's social capital. Use them prudently to grow the hopes and aspirations of our families and neighborhoods.

3) Faith leaders have extraordinary moral authority and standing in our communities. Likewise, they are of good will and work tirelessly to repair the lives and promise of the marginalized and voiceless. We rely on partnerships with government, business and civic stakeholders to complement our efforts. Please, let them know that your mind and door is open to dialogue and collaboration.

May God Bless you and this great city.

 

The most important thing you can do as Mayor is make the people of Philadelphia believe that you can make a difference in their lives. This includes every single person in Philadelphia. Not just the ones who voted for you, certainly not the ones who already believe in you, but everyone. The psyche of the city is more important that any single policy you could implement (clearly they're interconnected, but I think you see where I'm going with this). You need to make yourself visible to people of Philly, the way you did during your campaign, just keep it up for 8 years and everything else will fall into place. Make yourself visible in the northeast, make yourself visible in the southwest, make everyone know that you're there for them.

 

Study the best practices of other cities and implement them here. I'm sure that by applying your intellect to obvious problems you will find a way to do things better. Most importantly is quality of life. Many good things will follow if petty and not so petty annoyances are dealt with promptly.

Anonymous

Mike, I'm glad that you got the hot seat. Please don't shuffle everything at a time. Take time and observe and study the important peoples (officials)do and did. if somebody is capable keep him and support him.
I am fed up with the gas bill which I paid last winter. I am crying ( 200% more than the year before) please do something for the middle class citizens. eager to see your admn. Thanks

 

Congratulations. I am so happy that the smart guy will be in charge for a change.

It would be easy to use my 150 words urging you to fix the stuff that everyone else is going to talk about, and that you already have on your radar: murder rate, bad schools, inaccessible services, cops in cars and not on the beat. And it would really be impossible to pick just one.

So I will try to keep it simple and non-specific: PLEASE DON’T LET US DOWN. By us, I mean the thousands of Philadelphia who voted for the smart guy. I simply ask of you that with every choice, you think hard about how we can make government work for the best interests of the most people in this city, and turn away from the easy choice of letting things slide.

If I had to pick one thing: Find some way to get the litter picked up, and get Philadelphians to stop viewing the streets and parks and roadsides and overpasses of the city as their personal trashcans. Make littering a deviant act, not the standard.

 

Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is continue your conversation with the citizens of Philadelphia. What made this primary campaign extraordinary, if not unique, in Philadelphia history was its focus on the issues—and you were largely responsible for that. You took us and our concerns seriously. Your thoughtful, detailed position papers on a range of issues from Arts and Culture to Zoning and Planning showed that you’d listened to citizens in neighborhoods around the city. Please continue that. Don’t just hold regular press conferences to let us know what your administration is up to (although that’s very important), but hold town hall meetings on an equally regular basis, moving from neighborhood to neighborhood. Show us that you’re the people’s mayor.

 

Congratulations on your big win. I was proud to support you and volunteer for your campaign! My biggest hope for your administration is something of an intangible. That would be restoring the perception generally held by people inside and outside of the city that Philadelphia is moving in the right direction, has a bright future ahead of it and is a good place to live. This perception existed during the Rendell years but slipped away precipitously recent years. I suppose a lot goes into that...marked economic development, reducing crime, restoring blighted neighborhoods. All of that gives us a perception of hope and the ambition to truly make our city America's Next Great City.

 

The post of Cheerleader-in-Chief, so ably filled by Ed Rendell, has been vacant for the last eight years. It needs to be filled asap, and you look like the guy who can fill it, Mike.

Rendell understood the value of gestures that some dismiss as mere symbolism and the power of those symbolic gestures to motivate others to pitch in for change. That photo of him on his hands and knees scrubbing a City Hall bathroom did more than anything else to communicate to the general public that he was serious about cleaning up city government and improving the way City Hall not only smelled, but worked. That he did not completely root out the entrenched political culture is a black mark against him, but measured against real savings and improvements he achieved on other fronts, it's a small one at worst.

Having seen you in a motorcycle jacket and in person, I believe that, despite your popular image as policy wonk par excellence, you do have the personality that would allow you to do the high-visibility stuff that made Rendell such a symbol of change at City Hall -- and in the process got Philadelphians to believe in a way they hadn't in years that theirs was a city that still had potential and could again be truly great. He did such a good job at this that the feeling has not completely dissipated over the eight years John Street has held the office, and it will be far easier for you to do some of the tough things you will need to do to get the city back on track if you have people who believe in it -- and you -- behind you.

 

Blend economic, social and cultural in exciting new ways that establishes Philadelphia as a city admired by the nation and a world-wide model. Set extraordinarily high goals and take risks.

 

Crime must be the first area addressed, which could mean placing the right people in charge and giving them the proper resources they need maded available to them. Next would be working with SEPTA, to come up with a better plan, one without fare increases and less service.

Next comes the tax issues, and more afforable homes. Fixing the public schools maybe by getting rid of the ones with the behavior problems, placing them into special facilities, away from the students who want to learn.

The number onet thing you can do as Mayor is make the people of Philadelphia believe that you can make a difference in their lives. Stay out in front of the public, early and often, tell them what you are doing and how it is working. Become a great leader for the city, and bring them the good news: the citizens are taking their city back, and Philly is the next great American city. Say it, and we will start to believe it.

Thank you for this chnace to express what I feel. God bless you You have the support of the entire city behind you.

Chris C.

Mike: The one thing I would want the new Mayor of Philadelphia to keep in mind is a clear, aspirational VISION of what he or she would like to see Philadelphia look like in 8 years time for ALL Philadelphians...young, old, minority, non-minority, entrepreneurs, students, housewives, working people, families, etc. People who live in neighborhoods, in Center City, or in rural areas. Not just managing crime statistics. Not just implementing programs that lead to better schools or improved infrastructure. But a complete picture of a vibrant, diverse, fiscally sound, creatively charged city that people feel proud to call home, that businesses want to invest in, and that tourists want to visit. Hire the right talent to focus on the administrative pieces, let them do what they do best, and hold them accountable. If you keep true to that vision, the rest will follow. That's what makes a great leader vs. a great administrator.

 

May you lead Philadelphia into changing its self-image into the Can-Do, Will-Do Big City.

Let education as a value and as an expectation be inculcated among its residents. As a start, let improving the educational system and increasing access to high quality education, from pre-K to college and post-secondary programs, be the hallmark of the multi-term Nutter administration in Philadelphia.

Let Philadelphia not be a black hole that saps the energy of the region. Work with the rest of the Delaware Valley so that Philadelphia will be the locus of a unified and equitable regional renaissance.

 

Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is to take any and all actions necessary to make Philadelphia known as the best city in the USA to live and work.

 

You need to make planning a fundamental part of City government. You need to imagine the City we need and then you can figure out how to get there from the City we have. Both Street and Rendell had a vision for the City and sponsored policy initiatives that served that vision, but that's different than a plan. Eisenhower said "plans never work, but without a plan you don't get anywhere."

 

A message from Miquon--Roxborough's northern neighbor.

As a non-resident, I especially appreciate the invitation to offer my suggestions.

I was born and raised in the city, attended its public schools, and spent six more years years riding the Broad Street Subway to Temple University. As an adult, I settled down in Germantown and raised two children. The crack epidemic of the 1990s, combined with other issues, pushed my family into the nearby suburbs. At heart, I am still a Philly girl, but house and home should be a refuge, and that had ceased to be true.

Like many suburb dwellers, the city is where I work, where I enjoy cultural amenities, and where I seek expert medical care.

I want Philadelphia to prosper, and I know that among my neighbors, this sentiment is not anomalous.

I supported your campaign because I believe you are the only candidate who can effectively serve all of the city's neighborhoods as well as reach out to the city's neighboring communities.

The well being of this region is intimately linked to the vitality of Philadelphia.

You have a full agenda of critical issues that are particular to the city--the school system, taxes, and union contracts, among them. To that list I suggest you add building alliances with communities just beyond the avenues that demarcate urban from suburban.

If for no other reason (and there are an abundance of others) enlightened self-interest among the region's inhabitants can go a long way in laying the foundation for a common vision. Please find a way to tap into that resource.

 

I really need you to "do the vision thing" and proclaim it loudly. We need a common vision and an exciting one for our city. One that gets everyone feeling included in the process of reclaiming the city from violence, building a new sense of togetherness, reclaiming the Delaware waterfront, working together on neighborhoods parks, walkways, gardens, creating exciting new employment opportunities, etc.

 

It was nice to run into you as I walked my bike across 15th at Arch on the Thursday before the primary. Congratulations!
You need to make sure you project an image of being mayor of all the people. One way you can do that is to take a page from Ed Rendell and jump in Kelly Pool this and every summer. I can't prove it, but I suspect the quality of life for many of our citizens in our hot, humid (and bound to worsen) summers depends very much on being able to cool off in pools or or water parks. We need more of them! Not everyone can afford to go "downashore" (nor should anyone on a frequent basis what with the polluting and global warming effect of driving there). I believe that making sure that all pools open early, close late and are well run will make people happier. And happy people tend not to turn to crime.
Poolside or nearby rec center reading can be an opportunity to take a crack at our appalling illiteracy. At these sites, get volunteers to read to and with youngsters. Call it "Swim and Read Summer." Reward kids that participate (and their parents) with evening pool parties, allowing a picnic after swimming.

 

In my heart your already Mayor Nutter. The one thing I need you to do, is to follow through with all you said especially getting rid of the two you said you would fire. I am so looking forward to the new policies for this city. It's about time we had a mayor that's not afraid of speaking the truth and letting the chips fall where they may. I'll be praying for you daily.

Beverly Rawls

stay honest (to yourself also). Trite, I know, but there are not many in politics (local, state, or national) who live up to this basic requirement. If you succeed easily at that (and I believe you can) look to you staff and other government officials to ensure that they follow your good example. Be relentless in developing competency and assist incompetent and negligent city employees in transiting into other (hopefully non-government) vocations.

As far as doing something concrete is concerned, the only real tool you have is policy. You can't buy a new Delaware Waterfront or buy your way out of gun violence. (Quite frankly this is our job - the private citizens and organizations of Philly.) Your policies (the sum total of which will be your Vision for the city) will make it easier or harder for the residents to effect positive change. Finally, be patient, charitable, and maintain a good sense of humor. Judging from a couple of posts here, you are already being tested.

 

I voted for you and am so glad you broke through the old Philly 'politics as usual' wall. A breath of fresh air. Congratulations.

Impossible to pick one thing. I agree with most of the previous posts.

I would say the most important thing you can do is speak often of a bright vision for Philadelphia. You need to be the #1 ambassador for Philadelphia's greatness. You must be relentless up till your last day as mayor. It may take that long for it to sink in, but there is no greater need than to change the perception of the average Philadelphia about their own city and the part they can play in contributing to and benefiting from that greatness.

It's my theory that Philadelphians are so very proud of our status as the birthplace of America and all the pioneering accomplishments since then, but since the 60's there has been constant erosion of that pride. Their pride is hurt, and someone needs to restore it.

We need to reclaim a noble and challenging vision of our stature in the nation and world.

One vision I could get behind is “most sustainable major city in USA”. This is the time to get real about our relationship to the planet and responsibility for future generations. We have the university brain trust, the workforce talent, the pressing need to reinvent ourselves, and a Governor who is already leading the way. And exciting jobs would be created to retain all those graduating students. This is already happening with Gamesa Wind Turbines and Imperium Renewables Biodiesel locating here.

This is an initiative that would benefit all Philadelphians directly and indirectly. Everyone could see with their own eyes and breath with their own lungs and notice the improvement. William Penn is waiting to look out with pride again over his 'green country towne'.

I believe you are the man that can get all Philadelphians to believe in this vision. I am with you for the duration.

 

You have what may be a great opportunity to bring back the spirit of Philadelphia which has been lost over the past few years. I would recommend that you look at the way Ed Rendell lifted our spirits in his tenure as mayor by being with the people. I don't think you have to jump in swimming pools or down lots of food, just get out and schmooze; let yourself be seen and touched. If you have a vision for a better city you can get this across by word of mouth and lots of neighborhood events.

I believe that if you can get people to believe that you really care about this city's future they will back you up with their time, talent and treasure. Who knows, even the Phillies and Eagle might start winning again?

 

Congratulations!!!!!! I work for the Arc of Philadelphia and you came and spoke at our Resource Fair in March. You answered All of the questions pertaining to individuals with disabilities and special needs in a manner that suggested you were going to do whatever it takes to improve negatives, and build off of the positives. I walked away that knowing without a doubt that you should and would become the next mayor of Philadelphia. Being Genuine still goes along way in this world.

As a Bucks county resident who works in the city of Philadelphia, I am rooting for you!!! This city has some much potential, you are the right man to take us into the future by addressing crime, economic development, and making this city attractive for corporations to do business in. And of course- that will only happen if not only our public school system improves- but flourishes!!!!

You are right, you can't do this alone, but we are all right along side of you supporting you over the next 8 years. We will enjoy a city that once again will establish itself as one of the best in the country, and of course- we will have a peaceful parade down Broad Street in January 2008 to celebrate your inaguration as mayor, and an EAGLES Super Bowl Victory!!!!

"FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT"

 

I have supported you since before you quit Council to run and am delighted that you will be our next mayor. Besides the big issues (guns, education, jobs) I want you to work on the small quality of life issues that make such a difference in our lives. You could provide the leadership to help us decrease litter, clean up parks, repair sidewalks, cut down dead trees, etc. These small changes would increase our self-esteem as a city, and support the bigger changes. Many of them can best be done with partnerships between city authorities and private citizens.
In your campaign you demonstrated your ability to stick to the positives and encourage all of us Philadelphians to do what we can to move forward. Keep it up.

 

Sue Stauffer
Queen Village

Continue your down-to-earth, sincere, confident, respectful, and motivational communication and leadership style and bring the city of Philadelphia back to a city of hope!

I feel like Philadelphians have lost their confidence in what a great city this is and what good people live here. The news is depressing - hearing almost everynight that there is daily crime in the city - and brings down our morale. Sometimes it feels like there's no hope for us. But, in the grand picture, there is hope. We are good, hard-working people, diverse, and wonderful. We have so much to be proud of and so many positive contributions yet to make.

Mr. Nutter, I am going on my eleventh year of being a Philadelphia resident. Under former Mayor Rendell, Philadelphia residents felt confident in him to lead this city to greatness because of his communication and leadership style - we trusted him. I believe the same can happen with you as our Mayor. The morning of November 16, 2007 said it all when I walked to work with a smile on my face and a spring in my step knowing that you would be the next great leader of our great city.

Let me know how I can help!

 

James A. Rourke
I really need you to be the driving force in removing the anger from Philadelphia. Gangs, guns, apathy, fear and the "no snitch" mentality are killing our citizens and suffocating our city. I need to see a Mayor (finally!) who is a model for Philadelphia and the rest of our country. Philadelphia needs to become a "we" city, not a hotbed of blame and "political correctness", which to me is only a cover-up for political cowardice. What a shame that this beautiful "next great city" is being built on hypocrisy, racism, corruption and greed. I need you to be the Mayor who will have the courage and strength to guide us away from this abyss, and show us how to be proud again regardless of race, religion and the "me first" mentality.

Yo, Mike - It is difficult to say what I think is the most important thing that needs to be done in Philadelphia. I am a lifelong resident and truly love this city.

Something must be done to change the image that Philadelphia has when you say you are from Philadelphia. I immediately proudly say that it is a wonderful city but I get a skeptical look from people. I wish I could say I knew how to improve our city but I think first something must be done about the murders in Philadelphia. If you could change just that one thing bring that number down.

Good Luck.

 

Lynne Clark
Springfield, Pa.

I moved to the Philadelphia area from a close-in suburb of Chicago (Oak Park) last May. There are 2 main things that have struck me about this city in the last year:
The inability of the city to rule itself. I understand that rural Pennsylvania is much different from the city of Philadelphia, but the fact that Harrisburg gets to make major decisions regarding gun control, casinos and SEPTA - which I use to get to my job at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - seems ludicrous to me. In Illinois, municipalities can have laws which are stricter then the state law. Oak Park, for example, barred all guns, even though I'm sure there are some folks in downstate Illinois that object to this. The fact that the Philadelphia leaders don't appear to fight to try to make the state legislature understand that what's good for rural Pennsylvania is not good for the residents of Philadelphia is surprising. There can not be a "one size fits all" legislative approach to everything. The city can't have gun control laws; casinos will be placed where the state dictates, etc.
The second observation is that the city seems to embrace the underdog image. I saw an interview with Richard Daley, the mayor of Chicago, just this week, as he was discussing making the city "greener" on the NBC nightly news. His comment that cities have to keep changing made me think that the Philadelphia leaders do not embrace this philosophy. I hear too much of "it's always been done that way"; "it's too hard/expensive/difficult to change".
When my husband and I moved here, it was with the expectation that the city was much more cosmopolitan then it turned out to be. We are disappointed.
Thanks for listening,

Becki Brumbach
University City

Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is…dress Philly up and take her out!
We all know Philadelphia doesn’t have the greatest reputation. Not so sophisticated, not so educated, not so fashionable, not so clean, not so skinny. Sadly, we are best known for cheese products and sports fan stories that would put your average European soccer hooligan to shame.
Philly is pretty well misunderstood. Sure, we have our share of difficulties (SEPTA, I’m looking at you), but it seems that even basic facts about our city go unrecognized. In college, I almost fist-fought a kid from Boston who insisted that his city was larger; ditto for the guy from Queens who suggested Philadelphia was “in the Midwest” (no offense, Midwest).
What about the fact that Philadelphia has some of the greatest restaurants, large and small (wid’ and wid’out cheesesteaks on the menu) in the country; or our diverse neighborhoods; or our top-notch universities, beautiful parks, farmers markets, hip (and maybe even sophisticated) arts, culture and nightlife? We’ve got history, style, heart, and authenticity! We’re not New York, or D.C., Chicago or Boston – and we don’t want to be. Philadelphia is not just the NEXT Great City, it was the FIRST Great City, and I for one am tired of taking the jabs. Sure, there are things we can learn from those other places (except you, Boston!), but let’s step up and show the rest of the country, and the world, why Philadelphia is an American city like no other.
Yo, Mike, I think you’re the man for the job. There’s a lot to be done, and I think you’ve got the plans to do it. Let’s dust her off and show the world what a great city really is!

Patrick J. Kelly

While there are many problems in Philly that will take long term solutions, there is one thing that we can do rather quickly to improve the spirit of our city.
So what I'd like to say to Mike Nutter is "Yo, Mike! Let's change the slogan!"
I'm sure that the current slogan, "The place that loves you back" has played a part in increasing tourism, but can't we have a slogan that defines who we are while bringing in the tourists?
Besides, the current slogan makes us sound like we're puppies. Hey, I love puppies,
but this is Philly not Puppyland and we need a slogan that is truly us.
Philly is America's first hometown and a source of inspiration to the world, while being as homelike and comfortable as a pair of slippers.
Considering this, my idea for a slogan is Home is Philadelphia "Where Hopes and Dreams are Born."

Anonymous

Make me proud to be from Philadelphia. Having traveled alot the past year I have noticed that Philadelphia is dirty and unattractive. The city also has a terrible reputation of being unsafe and unclean.

Please find a way to make people take pride in thier property and neighborhoods.

 

Darryl W. Mitchell
Roxborough, Pa.

Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is ...”

Living is Philadelphia all my life and having been fortunate enough to travel to other large cities to see and feel how these cities operate for my small time there Philly has always been that special place to come home to, but I’m very saddened by the lack of pride here. I’m still proud to be a Philadelphian. I’m 46 years old and remember the pride we, my generation had just going downtown into Center City, it was a Big Deal and we got dressed up just to go shopping, the movies, eat or just to see what the latest fashions where. If you’re serious about turning the city into one of the best places to live I got your back. I’m not scared to say what I believe and have never wrote anything like this before publicly that is, but I feel compelled to get involved on some level instead of just complaining and letting bad things just happen. I think I’m ready now to help out a little, and really when you think about it all, each of us only has to do a little bit to make Philly better. One Love!

 

Lets focus less on social services (takes money) and more on making Philly a world-class city that would attract visitors (makes money).

Start with the Waterfront. Make it accessible (drop 95), make it attractive, make it safe.
Then, update Septa. The el is a joke compared to other cities' public trans. systems. It has to be easier to get to places like South Street, the Waterfront, South Philly.
Next, lower the business taxes. No one wants to open businesses in the city.
And do I even need to say more police? The city has to be safer for the citizens and visitors.

Were falling behind other cities, but this election was a glimmer of hope.

Also- stop punishing the taxpayers in the Northeast with red light cameras and the like.

 

Yo Mike, the thing I really want you to do is be the champion of change in Philadelphia, which requires continuing to sell and market the fact that your election should give people hope in politicians and in their city again. People need hope to get involved so that they feel their efforts are worthwhile and effective. Another thing you need to do to be the Champion of Change is to put your weight behind progressive candidates for city council next time around...you can't do it by yourself Mike and you need some like-minded fresh faces in City Council.

 

In the tradition of a great high school in the city, just be a man for others!

 

Since the City is essentially a single party town, and since the electorate has indicated a willingness, if not eagerness, to back you in progressive thinking and change, please consider establishing a "movement" for improvement. The idea is to enlist the "good government" entities and civic leadership in on-going development and promotion of high road governance principles. The entrenched political fiefdoms will want to establish, make more concrete, business as usual... this, notwithstanding, but rather because of, your election and independence from control by the party machinery.
The point is not to get into battles with these would-be "Barons," but to have a dedicated cadre available to shed real light on issues that are typically worked out sub Rosa by these Barons and their colleagues.

 

I'd like to hear the words "City of Brotherly Love" spoken without derision or a scintilla of sarcasm.
I'd like to know that I can trust our schools to protect and teach our children and our school system to protect and train teachers who protect and teach in turn.
I'd like to see more tree-shaded neighborhoods, a better airport, more support for public transportation and fewer career public servants who've forgotten who it is they're paid to serve.
I'd like to see you at every possible opportunity address the citizens of Philadelphia with the same honest attention with which I felt myself addressed on the one occasion when we met personally.
As a taxpayer, I'd like to feel appreciated; as a neighbor I'd like to feel needed; as a voter I'd like to feel I'm part of a team that wants to do the right thing.
And I'd like to say, with pride and without apology, that I'm a resident of Philadelphia.
I'd like to feel like a winner.

Craig Johson
Mount Airy

The one thing I really need you to do as our next mayor is to provide the leadership to ensure that Philadelphia is a truly sustainable city.

As mayor of Philadelphia, I need you to develop policies and programs that cooperate with nature and the environment to sustain the health and well-being of the plants, animals and people of our City.
I need you to take action beyond the global issues of “climate change.” I need you to address our urgent local issues of storm water run-off, solid waste processing and how we use vacant land; plus, you must develop purchasing and contracting practices for our City that support sustainable products and services.

As mayor, you can provide the leadership to educate your staff, City employees and our citizens about the action we all most take to create a mutually sustainable future for Philadelphia.

Mike I need you to be a national leader of urban sustainability.

You can do it!

 

TJ Lees
Philadelphia, Pa.
21st Ward

Mike, congratulations on your primary victory. We used to play against each other in the Belmont Hills Football League back in the ‘80s. My comment is simple: Bring integrity back to the office of mayor. You brought integrity and leadership in our 21^st Ward, which I thank you for and now it is your time to lead all of us. No matter what hood you are from, what racial background you are, or what religion you choose to be, maybe if you give our youth something to be proud of we might have 1,000 Michael Nutters in our city and that would be a good thing.

You've received a lot of suggestions both in this forum and, surely, directly from smarter people than I. But you asked for it so here goes ....

If I'm invited to your house and we sit down over the dinner table, here's what I'd say. Foremost, you are the (expected) mayor, not the king. You can't decree that crime will stop. You can't decree that all backroom politicing will stop. You can't turn to your scribe and say, "So let it be written. So let it be done." Admittedly, you will be a powerful influence on the city but your role will not be to pour blacktop for a bike path to downtown and your role will not be to track down why trash cans aren't being emptied ... and so on. That's not your role.

I'm not smart enough to know all your roles but I do believe you need to be a leader - a leader who sets the values, the strategies and surrounds yourself with the right people and then empower those people to get the job done. Then communicate with the people of the city and the region - without communication, people assume whatever fears them the most.

That being said ... pass the potatoes and I'll have another glass of wine.

 

Yo, Mike! Congratulations! In April, the Urban Affairs Public Conference at Penn (moderated by Chris Satullo) put together many ideas of which I will stress only one, because it is about process and thus covers them all [and I agree with much of what is on this blog]. We need you to show up in the neighborhoods and to have active, decentralized town-meetings where people can contribute their ideas and speak about their needs. Moreover, I am writing this from Paris, the city with the best urban transportation system in the world: we need you to do your best and your utmost to help improve SEPTA, secure funding, establish reasonably priced monthly passes and wean people from bringing cars into the city. We need to help immigrant newcomers. I want to help with Spanish-speakers. I look forward to your city government, with realistic, not exaggerated hopes.

 

What I would like for you to do is; Remember all the citizens of Phila. When I was the Pres of the 60th St BA, you were invited to numerous meetings concerning your then constituents on and around the 60th St corridor, especially concerning Septa El issues. You never attended one, but I distinctly remember you in the area when you were running for City Council. However we could find you on Main St in Manayunk being the driving force behind what we call "South St North" Don't be like some of your predescessors in forgetting who got you to the post you desired. Number 1 on your to do list should be crime, area jobs, neighborhood improvement, assistance for the elderly, not sham assistance.Be a mayor for everyone, don't let the rest of the city end up like you see at the 60th St area. Remember there is more to Phila then just certain pet neighborhoods. Closing, I must ask you to reconsider the gestapo tactic of police stopping and searching at random anyone they just feel like harassing. There will be SOME police who will abuse this the very first week, like they've been abusing their position already. Note I said SOME, because I've worked alongside some real good officers who have been nothing less than professional.

 

Philadelphia is a big American city, not a great one. The question and focus of any mayor in a large city needs to be large: go big picture.

I've traveled, lived all over the U.S. and a few places in Philly. Philadelphians (maybe it leaks across the border from Jersey) seem to believe that government is rotten everywhere, therefore they feel it's okay that their own is rotten. So, they accept an outrageous degree of corruption and graft. Folks, it just ain't so everywhere -- you're way behind the times and totally kidding yourselves.

Mike, I would suggest focusing on attitude by modeling it:

--Political reform
--Political reform
--Political reform

If all you do is lead by example -- fight hard, fight fair -- your model sends a powerful message.

Walk the walk. Underestimate the voter and you'll get what you wish for. Expect the best, and you'll at least get better.

I voted for you because you seem to be a very intelligent man intent on good public service, despite being a politician. Prove it.

Thanks for running and your work.

Becki Brumbach
University City

Yo, Mike, the one thing I really need you to do is…

…dress Philly up and take her out!

We all know Philadelphia doesn’t have the greatest reputation. Not so sophisticated, not so educated, not so fashionable, not so clean, not so skinny. Sadly, we are best known for cheese products and sports fan stories that would put your average European soccer hooligan to shame.

Philly is pretty well misunderstood. Sure, we have our share of difficulties (SEPTA, I’m looking at you), but it seems that even basic facts about our city go unrecognized. In college, I almost fist-fought a kid from Boston who insisted that his city was larger; ditto for the guy from Queens who suggested Philadelphia was “in the Midwest” (no offense, Midwest).

What about the fact that Philadelphia has some of the greatest restaurants, large and small (wid’ and wid’out cheesesteaks on the menu) in the country; or our diverse neighborhoods; or our top-notch universities, beautiful parks, farmers markets, hip (and maybe even sophisticated) arts, culture and nightlife? We’ve got history, style, heart, and authenticity! We’re not New York, or D.C., Chicago or Boston – and we don’t want to be. Philadelphia is not just the NEXT Great City, it was the FIRST Great City, and I for one am tired of taking the jabs. Sure, there are things we can learn from those other places (except you, Boston!), but let’s step up and show the rest of the country, and the world, why Philadelphia is an American city like no other.

Yo, Mike, I think you’re the man for the job. There’s a lot to be done, and I think you’ve got the plans to do it. Let’s dust her off and show the world what a great city really is!

 

 

The one thing I really need you to do is...to make each decision based on facts and not relationships. To do this means first a commitment to understanding the facts – listening, insisting on thorough information, and committing to its regular review. The city needs a mayor committed to weighing costs and benefits with an eye toward effects on residents and not political gain or a fear of upsetting the status quo. I need you to make decisions based on an honest assessment of the true costs, those on the lives and futures of residents. Many of us believe in you Mike and for the first time in a long time have hope that our great city will finally be able to realize its potential with you at the helm. Don’t let us down.

 

I would like an immediate plan implemented to clean up corruption in City Hall/government;fair distribution of contracts, end corruption with Unions,
An immediate plan of action to combat crime, youth violence, A campaign to restore neighborhood pride promoting clean/beautiful and safe streets, public trash receptacles in neighborhoods,
Jobs for unemployed. Lower auto insurance, fund and staff public Health Centers. Please don't sell us out, or send us down the river. ACT NOW!

 

Yo Mike! The one thing I really need you to do is upgrade the backwards racist culture of city government. People talk about the corruption of the Street Administration but not the underlying culture that is corrupt. I was a minority technology contractor with the City Treasurer’s Office for almost 10 years until some Caucasian woman I never met or saw and who is not an official cancelled my latest contract although it was less than 3 months old. It is a culture that has a Senior Attorney who submits handwritten pleadings. It is as dumb as it is racist and corrupt and they administer city business in this great city. It is a real problem. Real turnover is needed. Hire me as head of MOIS for sure.

 

Two simple things:
1) Obey the law. (And make sure City Council and all the other City employees do so, too).

2) Enforce the law. (Even if it means putting your friends and supporters behind bars.)

Do those two things and you'll clean up the city and City Hall.

Then you can cut business taxes and stop driving businesses and the middle class out of Phila.

 

Stopping corruption at every level of City Government should your number 1 priority. From developers who get sweetheart deals because they pay to play to people who get special treatment from various city agencies because they "know someone", corruption is eating our City alive. Each and every citizen of this City should be treated equally by the City, and those employed by the City who offer special treatment to friends or "friends of friends" should be terminated. A zero tolerance policy will right the ship pronto, and you are the only man with the power and the stones to do it. Clean this corrupt government up YOU will be America's Mayor.

 

The one thing I'd like you to do as mayor is clean up the corruption and incompetence in city government. Of course, that comprises countless individual departments and challenges, but that's what is holding this city back from being great. Once that's eased, there's no limit to how far Philly can go!

 

Tom Vernon
Philadelphia

Yo Mike….As you go forward with establishing the great expectations and high standards you have promised, it is absolutely critical that your record of ethical and principled leadership be carried forward into every corner of your administration and the City’s government. If we cannot believe in the honesty and high ethical standards of our leadership we are unlikely to believe, much less act on, our own abilities to transcend the often lamented “old Philadelphia.”

 

The city of Philadelphia has its strengths, and it has its problems. Citizens expect politicians to solve the problems. Mr. Nutter, I don’t expect you to eliminate poverty, I don’t expect you to stop the murders, and I don’t expect you to fix the schools. These complex and complicated problems run deeper and wider than the mayor’s office. Mr. Nutter, I believe that you can clean up City Hall. You’ve been there. You know what processes are broken, you know what people need to be replaced, and you know what you don’t know. I believe that you are a passionate, smart, and knowledgeable citizen-politician. Philadelphia could be the next great city, and I believe you could be its next great leader.

 

Dear Mr. Nutter ……or as in the jargon suggested “So, “Yo, Mike, the
one thing I really need you to do is ...tah tah is answer to this single most
important question.”Do you think Philadelphia will ever find the moral leadership and political will to “JUST SAY NO TO CORPORATE LITTER IN PHILADELPHIA.”

More so it is funny you should have asked me to email you on May 31,2007.
Why on May 31, 2007, while I was picking up some of the usual corporate litter
from my property my neighbor, a widow who lives alone, related to me how her son
placed a remote camera in her home and video taped and identified a home invader
in the act of stealing money. I tell you my good man, and soon to be mayor,
fascinating stuff is always popping in Philadelphia. Philadelphia citzens
taping crimes perptrated against themselves, while Philadelphia polticians
pontificate.

My dear and gentle neighbor was advised, (very informally, albeit
very correctly), by an off duty city employee that the legal system would only
put this young home invader on probation and he would soon be stoking back on
the streets with resentment. My neighbor who lives alone indicated she did not
want to cause problems for herself or for our ahem peaceful tree lined northeast
neighborhood.

I indicated that to my neighbor that she was damn lucky that she
was not at home, as she could have gotten her throat slit by a handy serrated
kitchen knife is she personally dsicovered and panicked young intruder.

Mr. Nutter, I am sure you know many home invasions just go unreported in
this city. But do you understand why my single question asked of you is so
important.

My neighbor who saw her Philadlephia home being burgled on viedo tape indicated
she would be leaving for Arizona this weekend. I said “Good for you... get the
hell out of the city for a while; you will have a great Philadelphia story for
all the Arizonians that you will meet”. Sooooo my neighbor asked me to pick up
her mail, but more importantly to pick up the newspaper litter and other
variants of corporate crap that will blitz her home while she is away. I said.
"Hey our city is not called Filthadelphia for nothing"... and promised to remove
the tell tale invitations for home invasions while she was away. Again do you,
my fellow Philadelphia understand why my single question asked of you is so
important.

Beware very astute in your response to my question. You have not won the
Mayoral election yet. Some of the corporate litter, I can safely predict, that
will be dumped on my neighbors' property will be by a powerful Northeast
Philadelphia littering operation that ardently endorsed you, Mr. Nutter, for
Mayor of Philadelphia. This corporate supporter of yours among others, provides
on a regular basis, the very ,very, best tI might even say par excellence
telltale suggestions, to crooks, that maybe, just maybe, no one is in a
prospective home in the quite of the night. (I would be happy of pictures
illustrating this problem at your request).

Here is a worst case scenario that my question suggests. Perhaps when some child
is murdered, as a direct result of the pernicious corporate littering activity
tolerated in our city, you, when you are elected mayor you will go to the
child’s funeral and with a big political flourish offer your fond adieu, and
rant hypocritically like the Philadelphia media, about the bad guns and
horrible crime rates in the City. You will not mention in your oration that the
number one reason for gun ownership is fear of home invasion, and you will not
in the deepest moment of your dirge mention that corporate litter, the
Filthadelphia Silver Fishes et. al. are the number one telltale sign that a home
may be ripe for home invasion. The answer to my question , which you invited
could indeed save a life or take a life. That’s why this Philadelphia thinks the
single question is so important.
PS. As a ho-hum aside two homes across the street from my home, (See picture of
my home on request, ) have been burglarized…a block over a mother and daughter
have been raped in their home...I have had to chase night intruders out of yard,
despite my bottom windows fortified with iron bars,…a uniform police officer
came to my home and indicated the police would not act on a perfected littering
complaint against a well known corporate litterbug. Hmmm I don’t think a cop
surge is the answer. to the city woes.... And so it goes…..yadas yadda yadda…
"I am trying hard to Imagine that Michael Nutter has shown up at my home, and is
sitting across the kitchen table from you. And he has my undivided attention.

Sue
Mike - I am thrilled that you won with the support of both black and white communities. It gives me hope that someday we can be one community all working together. This project is a great start. My suggestion would be to keep the communication going. We need an ongoing virtual "bulletin board" or "chat room" so we can get involved in life outside our own neighborhood. Perhaps the newspapers can dedicate a column "For the Good of the Community" with notices about meetings, volunteering, etc.

Pat Scanlon
Just a note of encouragement. I don't live in the city. I worked there for 30 years and I love Philadelphia with all my heart. Although I live in the suburbs, Philadelphia is my bedrock, my heart and soul. My son lives in the city and, he, too, loves it. We adore its cultural riches and all the things that make Philly Philly.

Keep the faith, Mr. Nutter. You can and will bring wonderful things to Philadelphia. I know you can do it. You have a lot of people rooting for you. I am one of them.

Chauntay Cannon
Hello, & congrats, the one thing i need for you to do is to show up here in north philly where i live, to show the people here that you do care that we are not the forgotten, the foresaken, the doomed, people here have given up hope, we need you here.Im a single parent on a fixed income my son 13 and daughter 8, we live in raymond rosen projects at 23rd & diamond, this is the area where most of the murders have happened, we are all living in constant fear. please come out im giving a fund rasier for the cecil b more center on the 14th of july. the proceeds will start an account for the children for water, tranportation ect..if not then another day, come out and speak to the men, here give them hope, i belive that comming from you it will make a difference. thank you for your time and heart felt consideration..may god bless and keep you. c.cannon dreemgrl006@yahoo.com

Anthony P. Johnson
I am the Founder and CEO of Dream Field Academy, a community base nonprofit organization.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your victory in the primaries. You took a stand on what Philadelphia needs to break the viscious cycle of corruption, violence, truancy, illiteracy and poverty.

There is a great need to make change in Philadelphia and there are individuals who share your ideas and you initiatives. I hope you are serious about eradicating corruption. There are social organizations who live and die by cronism. Because this has been allowed to go on so long, many of the youth are dying in the streets. I guess you can tell that I am in the social service field.

We need a change Mr. Nutter. If you truly are serious about changing Philadelphia...count on me for support.

Bill Marston
AIA & LEED AP
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK members "Green Village Philadelphia" Ecocity Developers and the "Alliance for a Sustainable Future" wmarston at verizon dot net.

Yo, Mike! The one thing I really need you to do is ... lead a change in the conversation - from this! or THAT! priority or impending disaster/opportunity to a new framing of the matter. Many of the excellent postings ask for your attention to specifics - but of course these would be the SAME ISSUES that existed before the upcoming 4-year term. So I ask you to look at the essential framing of those issues in light of today's circumstances, and in light of what we anticipate those conditions to be four years hence.

We already have some tips in that direction in this civic message board: Liz Dow posted that you should engage the 101 Connectors and Liz Robinson on energy consumption/efficiency and CO2 reductions as jobs generators among other benefits.

These both rely on you using your intellligence and experience in public life to step away from specifics which enwrap any sitting councilman. Imagine a new approach such as: electric rate caps come off in 2 years; global competitiveness is accelerating dramatically for all sides of American business and finance; the EU, and now the G8 plus World Bank et al are already imposing higher standards regarding carbon footprint, with loss of business as the most acute penalty; Gov. Rendell's jobs training money was shot down by the stubborn Republicans; jobless youth and depressed family structures derive from and drive hopelessness; UPenn's latest grad school is - believe it or not - a degree in Positive Psychology (the role of happiness in health, productivity, understanding, social well-being etc.) ...

Whew ... out of breath yet? Let's see what these, just these few, bring into being when we look at them as a holistic mesh, in three or four dimensions rather than as mesh simply connecting a wide variety of disparate points (issues).

1) many of these items are problems, rooted in what Dick Cheney might call "the Old Economy"; some are mired in it and some came into being to rise above it.

2) some are still stuck in the short-payback mentality which itself is rooted in old economics - the economics that says "economic growth" is the goal of human endeavor because it support less war, greater health, etc. etc. while some are redefining "payback" itself.

3) an eco-economy supports REGENERATIVE growth, rather than linear growth. It redefines "economic growth" such that the waste, death, disease, violence, lack of productivity due to widespread low grade depression and/or poor dietary health, are seen WITHIN the BALANCE SHEET and no longer are off the books costs. See McDonough’s Cradle to Cradle.

OK, enough. I ask you to let us help you to CHANGE THE FRAME OF REFERENCE. Not just adopting a Six Sigma management philosophy or its ilk, but rather reframing the question in the light of today's and tomorrow's circumstances and opportunities. From my perspective the ONLY thing to drive this is climate change: you have two obligations now - reduce our carbon emissions (followed by our methane emissions) AND prepare us for adaptation to what even the least impact studes say is inevitable - shifts in energy cost & modes, same for transportation, the sources-types-costs of foods, the high global economic stress due to parts of the world to be devastated by even the low end projections, and so on.

Sorry. This is just the way things are.

We are here to help!!!