DIALOGUE

ISSUE | GETTING AROUND

Paying our way

One of the biggest hurdles in getting the political will to fund repairs to the transportation infrastructure is that it is called a tax ("Alternate routes," July 18). Instead, it should be called a user fee. Who would prefer to see toll gates on every road? Adding a few cents to every gallon of fuel is more convenient and automatically makes heavier vehicles pay more. And for those who think the private sector does everything better, remember that some major corporations, like Bethlehem Steel, went under because they did not keep equipment and infrastructure up to date.

|Ernest B. and Elaine H. Cohen, Upper Darby, ernest.cohen@ieee.org

Renaming an icon

I am sad to see the Pennsylvania congressional delegation supporting a bill to rename 30th Street Station after the late Congressman William H. Gray. The station has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978, and its name has been a significant part of that history. Under preservation law, sometimes changes are necessary to prevent or mitigate an adverse impact on a historic resource. I am at a loss in trying to understand how changing the name of 30th Street Station preserves it. Gray deserves to be memorialized, but not in a manner that violates the intent of federal laws.

|Arnold Lovitz, Narberth

ISSUE | MEDICINE

Help thyself

As a trained medical group management executive, I've found that in today's environment, physicians like Andrew Quint who lament the corporatization of medicine need to join together to become strong enough to develop structures that will best meet the needs of patients and physicians ("Getting sick of corporate medicine," July 13). Corporate entities see the direction of health-care delivery. It is more technical, more complicated with increasing demands. A physician-run organization, in partnership with trained administrative executives, can meet future needs. High costs, an aging population, and increased technological capabilities require a rational, thought-out approach. Physicians can be and should be in the forefront.

|Randy Marcus, Mount Laurel

ISSUE | AVENUE OF THE ARTS

Cultural gem's challenges take center stage

With the recent coverage of the Philadelphia Theatre Company's financial struggles at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, it's worth recalling the important contributions this outstanding and determined arts institution makes to Philadelphia's quality of life ("Is this PTC's final act?" July 17). The company's exceptional vision, programming, and commitment attract world-class artists who work with Philadelphia's finest talent in creating inspiring and memorable productions. The company also has an unwavering commitment to diversity in play selection, audience engagement, and support for writers and performers of color. Many new plays developed at the theater company have gone on to light up stages not only across the nation, but on Broadway, helping to make Philadelphia an important center for play development.

The company also should be commended for establishing one of the most beautiful, comfortable, and accessible theaters in the region, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts. In collaboration with Carl Dranoff's Symphony House, the company created a model of public-private partnership that pushed development south along the avenue. It was my pleasure to work with Carl and Jerry Riesenbach at the theater company in providing state support for that project. From that perspective, the Avenue of the Arts has succeeded beyond even my wildly optimistic dreams back in 1992, when I was mayor. It has created a performing-arts cultural district that is one of the nation's finest and has been the catalyst for an incredible transformation of downtown Philadelphia.

I realize that because of drastic reduction in government aid and the fallout from the recession, almost all arts and cultural groups are facing challenges. But the Philadelphia Theatre Company's challenges are immediate. Next year, I hope it will celebrate its 40th anniversary. This company, with its important mission and clear focus on serving our community, deserves to have a future as great as its past, and for Philadelphia to continue to be the beneficiary. None of us wants to imagine a Philadelphia that cannot protect and nurture such a critical artistic and civic resource. It is time for community leaders and business leaders to step up and do the right thing to ensure this important cultural asset is preserved.

|Edward G. Rendell, Philadelphia

ISSUE | HOW THE CITY WORKS

Perks of the job that hurt the city's prospects

With its editorial regarding City Council and development, The Inquirer took a very brave stand against the controlling city machine ("Disturbing development," July 16). It touches on a fundamental reason this city has been circling the drain with very selective economic development, vastly disproportionate quality of life, and total lack of opportunity for a significant portion of the population. Blaming the unwritten rule of councilmanic prerogative - that any development of any type in a Council district has to be endorsed by the councilman - could not be more accurate.

Developers have been buying those insider deals with campaign contributions, directly or indirectly, for years, and at the same time guaranteeing no competitive development will take place in what amounts to their part of town. Conversely, and just as important, it does not matter how constructive or forward-looking a project may be if the councilperson does not want it to happen. Daring to tell the cold hard facts is a good start, but it will take a near-revolution on the part of citizens to reverse the process. The Inquirer cracked the door open. Now it is time to take it off the hinges.

|Jim Foster, Philadelphia