Letters: Given the cast of political characters, Philadelphia is in big trouble

MICHAEL Nutter first came to our attention as a member of City Council. He fought an inspiring battle to save the libraries from drastic cuts. We rewarded him with the mayorship. One of the first things the new mayor did was to propose the closing of libraries. Taken again!

The School Reform Commission hired Arlene Ackerman to fix our schools. She had a history of antagonizing school employees across the nation. Now she's spent the system into bankruptcy. Her plan? Abrogate union contracts to cover the shortfall.

John Dougherty, head of the electricians union, critiques Nutter and Ackerman. He decries their plans for bailing the city out with new taxes, but never mentions the looming crushing of the school unions and their contracts.

Doesn't he realize that destroying union bargaining rights is a threat to all unions? Waiting in the wings to save us is John Street. Our city is dying. God help us.

Herb Zimmerman

Philadelphia

A one-year property-tax increase?

Are you kidding me?

Instead of a soda tax, they take a payoff from unions and put more burden on the backs of overtaxed homeowners. I've been a Teamster for 33 years and this is a disgrace. It's time for a revolution. Action is the only thing these out-of-touch Council members will understand.

And now our hardworking City Council will go on vacation for two months - what a great job!

Joe Miller, Philadelphia

Mayor Nutter, you're nuts if you think we the people will agree to a tax hike for the school district.

Remove the current boss of the schools, then maybe the people will come around. I for one will. Shame on you for using your kids again. It was great in your election bid.

Bobby LaVelle, Philadelphia

City Council is reluctant to eliminate the entire Deferred Retirement Option Plan. There have been at least two expensive actuarial reports on whether it is saving or costing the city money.

My solution for all parties and issues would be that City Council pass a new tax of 200 percent on all DROP payments. Problems solved.

Mayer Krain, Philadelphia

nolead begins

For all Sarah Palin's many faults, at least she's not delusional enough to think people want her weekly opinions on sports in "View from the Stands."

Jim O'Neill, Philadelphia

nolead begins

Mike Franklin, you are one depraved person. They're Michael Vick's dogs, and he can do what he wanted, you said? I just bet you're the same kind of sicko who'd think it's right for someone to beat his wife just because she's his wife.

Debbie Gosner

Philadelphia