Letters to the Editor | Aug. 27, 2023

We all know that a good chunk of our Philly schools are in need of repair. From minor adjustments to many more serious problems. As the seasons sizzle, many schools could clearly benefit from adding some kind of air-conditioning so students aren’t forced to take “heat health days.” To accomplish improvements, the School District needs to find the money. But to make it happen, it also clearly needs to find a time when the schools are not being used and when learning is not being disrupted. Let’s get creative. With some inspired thinking, we can temporarily use some of those unused office buildings (safe places with fire tower stairwells, air-conditioning, and restrooms) while the work of the physical repair happens. We can invest in safe, temporary “schools” where our students can be learning, while we improve their important primary learning spaces. This could be a sweet spot — an opportunity to invest in all Philly schools and in all our students.

JW Keiser, Haverford

The recent column by Kyle Sammin contains and perpetuates some misconceptions about historic preservation. It is not about unfunded mandates or an elitist view of the built environment. As he says, building codes are a clear case for promoting public safety and welfare. Yet he doesn’t point to zoning codes, which are far more arbitrary in imposing limits on a property owner. The 1966 National Preservation Act was tested in the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled there is a shared benefit to preserving buildings that contribute to a community’s appreciation of heritage. This is also repeated in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Preservation has evolved from a “key monuments” approach to one that is interested in preserving our stories through authentic evidence in the built environment. Selecting these stories will promote discussions — a healthy activity. Preservation is about everyone’s stories, not just the elites. Finally, architectural review boards are typically advisory. The resolution of disputes remains with elected officials.

James B. Garrison, president, Chester County Historic Preservation Network, Phoenixville

Columnist Jennifer Stefano’s claim that Mike Pence showed courage when certifying the 2020 election was risible. I’d favor that claim had he disagreed with Donald Trump on policy the first two weeks of the administration. Performing a nondiscretionary ministerial act in the last two weeks of the administration entailed duty, not courage — despite the events Trump spawned. Pence had no more courage than Electoral College voters. Twenty-one-year-old Nathan Hale puts Pence’s courage into perspective. The only volunteer for George Washington’s plan to reconnoiter the British in New York, the former teacher was exposed within days and executed one day later, his body left hanging for three days and then buried in an unmarked grave. His last words included a portent: “I greatly fear that some of America’s greatest and most dangerous enemies are such as think themselves her best friends.” Millions of Americans share his fear 247 years after his death. No Hale, Trump likely regrets that he has but one country to misuse for his aggrandizement.

Stewart Speck, Ardmore, speckstewart@gmail.com

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