Letters | WHY NUTTER WON & THE CHALLENGES HE FACES

L

AST WEEK, we asked for your thoughts on the hard-fought mayoral primary. Here they are:

Everyone seemed to be concentrating totally on the Democratic candidates for mayor and writing off any Republican candidate. Now, looking toward the November election, the Democrats should not take Republican Al Taubenberger for granted.

Taubenberger won the Republican primary in a landslide percentage far greater than any of Ronald Reagan's. He fought off challenges from write-in candidates Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, who are more well-liked and better well-known.

Looking at all his previous candidacies, he has now put together a winning streak of one. Yo, Michael Nutter and all the Democrats, "Be afraid, be very afraid."

 
Mayer Krain, Philadelphia

I went to the polls early, and to my surprise there was no one there. Am I surprised? No, because this is how this city is - complain, complain and when they have a chance to change something, they don't show up.

With Michael Nutter, you will feel the brunt of stop-and-frisk, just like in the civil-rights days - don't complain because you lazy people couldn't even go to the polls.

This city is horrible, it is dirty, there is crime, there are people who live here who have no papers, SEPTA is a disgrace, there are no jobs. We'll see what type of turnaround will happen.

Harriet B. Brown

Philadelphia

Sadly, it's Tom Knox's turn to cry himself to sleep at night knowing that he spent a ton of money and came in second.

Jim Acton

Collegeville

I'm 66, white and a registered Republican. I did not vote in the primary as I would only be able to vote Republican.

Chaka Fattah lost because the residents of this city are sick of the same politics as usual - of the same network of corrupt politicians, and connected political hacks.

Michael Nutter won because he is the polar opposite of everything wrong with this city. We want a mayor who actually cares about the city and its residents, not a mayor who wants to use the position as a political steppingstone. This is the beginning of a new Philadelphia.

Michael DeVuono

Philadelphia

I'm so glad Michael Nutter won and look forward to his becoming mayor.

Every time I vote, I keep in mind what Martin Luther King Jr. said: Don't judge me by the color of my skin, but by my character.

I think Michael Nutter has a lot of character. Congratulations.

Elizabeth McDonald, Philadelphia

The fact that Michael Nutter was chosen tells it all about his dedication, character and credibility as a public servant. I believe the issues will be addressed by him diligently and honestly. His concern for ethics reform and eliminating the spiraling murder rate are a few of the major issues that can't be ignored. He stays focused - and that's what I like about him.

Michael Nutter: The Man with the Plan!

Thomas G. Lutek, Philadelphia

I'm ecstatic over the nomination of Michael Nutter. This is a huge blow to the blatant corruption in city government.

We've hit rock bottom, and with a new and honest administration, we can propel ourselves toward a bright new reality.

I can only hope the FBI doesn't abandon uncovering corruption, for they've barely scratched the surface.

John O'Mara Jr., Philadelphia

When I read your lengthy endorsement of Michael Nutter, I was struck by what was not included in your glowing review of his rather pedestrian career in City Council - the fact that he was the driving force behind the citywide smoking ban.

If the ban was such a good thing for the city, don't you think he'd have crowed about it? His advertising avoided any mention of his work on this issue.

Why were both the Daily News editorial staff and Nutter's highly paid political handlers so afraid of the issue? Because it is really about freedom of choice and personal responsibility - American ideals that are being further eroded every day.

Joe Bauchens, Philadelphia

It was nice to see that 25 percent of the white vote went to Michael Nutter. Now what do we do about the white flight from the city at the rate of 16,000 people each year for the last 15 years?

Ted Lahm, Philadelphia

Loved the very Signe cartoon that the Fatuous Fattah supporters protested.

As a nurse who goes to work to take care of people with gunshot wounds, I can tell you that the last thing these folks are worried about is stop and frisk! They are worried that the shooter they don't know thinks that he was seen by them and will be back. Signe, you're the BEST, and this year is another prize-winner.

Lisa Parsley

Philadelphia

In recent days, I've read numerous articles that refer to Michael Nutter as a nerd or a geek. Can we grow up? He's a smart guy, and he's qualified for the job of mayor.

The fact that Michael Nutter's campaign never slandered anyone, wasn't overbearing, or tried to buy the public's affections (like Tom Knox did) were the factors that led to my vote.

So let's take a page out of Michael Nutter's book: Stop concentrating on what doesn't matter and focus instead on improving life in this city for all of us.

Vita Nelson, Philadelphia

I voted for Michael Nutter because the man I see on camera is the same person off camera.

He's honest, dedicated, kind, intelligent and straightforward. I believe most of us who read the papers, heard him speak and saw the debates know that he is the best man for the job.

Yvette Rocco, Philadelphia

Our system of self-serving political bosses represents the very antithesis of good government.

It is why this city lags behind so many others. We seem to accomplish nothing. Our waterfront could be a beautiful attraction, not only to our own citizens, but also as a tourist attraction capable of delivering much needed revenue.

Yet we are paralyzed by machine politics and it sits year after year undeveloped because of acrimonious political wrangling over whose friends will get these lucrative contracts.

There seems to be a pervasive feeling among many Philadelphia politicians that our city tax dollars are there to support them and their friends above what is in the best interest of the city and its residents.

My hope for the primary was that large numbers would get out and vote, with an emphasis on the city and its potential to be a great place to live, and not more of the same selfish interests that diminish our future and that of our children.

Mary Camarotta

Philadelphia

For all practical purposes the election that will take place in November is already over.

This town, in many ways a throwback to the political machines of the past, will see few if any opposition candidates because we have no opposition political party for the most part, and lots of folks seem to like it that way.

Our new mayor may have been elected because he was perceived to have been just outside of the powerful Democratic machine, but not all of his history supported that contention. On the other hand, the individual who exerted substantial influence over him from party headquarters, and claimed she "made him," has lost ground herself, being thrown out by an incumbent in a very close race - something rarely seen in this city.

That would be Carol Campbell, former secretary of the Democratic City Committee and member of City Council.

Let me offer some suggestions for how concerned voters might focus their attention for the next several months. Michael Nutter is going to have his hands full.

The financial condition of this city is much more precarious than has been generally discussed and obligations that should have been front and center have been kicked down the road until after the election.

The PICA board has issued a report that puts mountains of new debt and mandates for new financing on the next mayor's desk only months after taking office Jan. 1.

The long-avoided real estate tax reassessment that was postponed again until after the election will raise the temperature of many Philadelphians as neighborhoods that have benefited from stable low taxes see theirs skyrocket, possibly doubling and tripling while new residents pay nothing under the shelter of tax abatements that in many cases serve the wealthy at the expense of fixed-income retirees.

Then we have the casino issue, another questionable series of decisions that promise to be the gift that keeps on giving, but may be the exact opposite as that industry and what it often gives rise to push the crime rate further into the stratosphere.

Speaking of crime rate, the mayor faces statistics that have put our city murder rate first in the nation, with no clear path to remedial action.

And let's not forget the school system with its shortcomings, both educational and financial.

Bottom line, the election turnout was still shallow for a city so much in need of reform and revitalization at all levels of government.

Jim Foster, Philadelphia