Letters: Fairmount Park needs independent commission
Voters were told many things that were not true two years ago so that City Council and the mayor could take control of the Fairmount Park Commission, and look where we are going.
Voters were told many things that were not true two years ago so that City Council and the mayor could take control of the Fairmount Park Commission, and look where we are going.
One, lack of transparency: The secrecy of Ride the Ducks on the Schuylkill over Fairmount Park land would not have occurred under the independent Park Commission because its meetings were all public and recorded, by state law ("Secret duck deliberations," Jan. 13).
Two, the new advisory commissioners are selected by a shockingly amateurish process, mostly by only two Council members and a secret meeting of the mayor.
Three, the increase in the park's budget from the mayor's office did not happen, contrary to many airy promises.
Four, the park's thoughtful land management standards are being undercut by councilmanic whims. The Manatawana Farm incident is one example.
Five, the new land-use guidelines are a legal affirmation that City Council has been given full control over the park.
Philadelphians could work to regain a Fairmount Park Commission, independent from City Hall and Council, now that citizens are understanding the importance of nonpolitical management to care for the exceptional treasures of our own Fairmount Park.
Gardner A. Cadwalader
Philadelphia