Letters to the Editor | Sept. 22, 2023

I read the recent story from the Washington Post regarding House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s problem with his funding plan. Why don’t the rest of the House members isolate the extremists in the Freedom Caucus, make a deal with moderate Democrats and Republicans, and produce a funding package that a majority of the 435 members can agree on? Some of my best friends are proud federal employees, as I once was, working every day to provide essential services to our community. While political gridlock threatens federal workers’ pay, their expenses remain. They still must pay the mortgage, the full cost of their families’ health insurance, and put food on the table. The situation is even worse for the third of federal employees deemed “essential,” who must come to work — regardless of a government shutdown or not — without getting paid. I am very proud of the services my friends and neighbors provide to the American people, and I know they remain dedicated to serving the public despite these frustrations. However, enough is enough.

Richard Gennetti, Langhorne

“Call me JoAnne.” Those were the first words JoAnne Epps said to me when we met nearly 20 years ago. She was dean of the Temple Beasley School of Law at the time, and her invitation to use her first name struck me as both rare and wonderful. Having spent 30 years in higher education communications and marketing, I learned how important titles are in the academic world. Folks work hard to attain these ranks and rightly believe that using titles such as “professor,” “dean,” and “provost” is a way to show respect for those achievements. And yet there she was, insisting that I call her by her first name.

It wasn’t just me. She did that with so many from both inside and outside the university. This was not some political trick. Her invitation was genuine. It was her way of saying, “I value what you’re here to do. Let’s talk.” Over the years, I saw JoAnne in many different settings, and her invitation to talk as equals was compelling. People trusted her because she opened herself up to them. She made it all seem so easy. She deeply believed in Temple, in its mission, its transformational power, and — most of all — its people.

JoAnne’s tenure as president will be the shortest in Temple’s history. And yet, if members of the Temple community can emulate her openness, her curiosity, and her willingness to exchange ideas, then her brief time as president will also have a profound impact on the university as it faces the road ahead. You will honor her memory every time you open yourself up to someone and invite them in to talk as colleagues, as equals, as family. Starting isn’t hard. It’s as simple as asking someone to call you by your first name.

Ray Betzner, former associate vice president for marketing and communications, Temple University

The recent Inquirer article about the Palestine Writes literature festival mischaracterizes the concerns many in the Jewish community have about the festival and the extent of the speakers’ antisemitism. We are not asking for the festival to be canceled. Rather, we are asking for the proper protocols to be put in place to address the impact of an event that gives a platform to presenters with a troubling history of spreading inflammatory rhetoric and antisemitism. Just last week, festival organizer Susan Abulhawa condemned a letter signed by Palestinian academics who rejected Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ distortion of the Holocaust. While we commend the festival’s goal of celebrating Palestinian literature, art, and culture, we remain firm in our belief that freedom to espouse antisemitism cannot be tolerated.

Jason Holtzman, director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

The recently announced debate between mayoral candidates Cherelle Parker and David Oh must take place. Last week, Oh addressed the owners of my Center City building. Being primarily Democrats, the turnout was unfortunately light. As a lifelong Democrat, I wanted to hear what the opposition had to say. Oh’s views on present issues and future planning were the most sensible and credible. For every troubling challenge, he had a plan that made sense. This is the breath of fresh air that Philadelphia needs. He impressed an audience that did not expect that to happen.

Parker needs to be open and present her views for voters to be able to make a choice. She needs to voice her views, her plans to fix what needs fixing, and her vision for the future. Being mute and absent is in itself a “red flag.” It appears that her prime interest is in presenting herself; that being done, it’s rest time. Oh knows he’s in an uphill fight, but cares enough to take it on. He is not giving in or giving up; he is reaching out to spread his message. Those are the traits one hopes to see in the next mayor. This may be the first time Democrats and independents vote Republican. lt would give this city an astute, energetic, thinking mayor. He deserves to be listened to and voted for.

Barbara Chernak, Philadelphia

Thanks to The Inquirer for the great article on Hope Punnett, the 96-year-old “SuperAger” who mentioned her active social life in a group for older adults called Northwest Village Network (NVN), one of three “virtual villages” currently operating in Philadelphia. When Punnett was asked to elaborate on how the network has helped her to age in place in her home in Northwest Philadelphia, she said, “NVN has kept me active socially and intellectually, brought me new friends, and involved me in a community of neighbors.” There are approximately 300 such villages throughout the United States. And when you’ve seen one village, you’ve seen one village — each is unique.

Each village is designed to meet the needs of the members they serve so that they can age well in their communities. Philadelphia’s three villages are perfect examples of this phenomenon. Although we each help our members to build social connections, have purpose, and be intellectually stimulated, we attain these goals through different kinds of programs and services. NVN (northwestvillagenetwork.org) serves Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Germantown. East Falls Village (eastfallsvillage.org) serves East Falls, and Penn’s Village (pennsvillage.org) serves Central Philadelphia.

Barbara Adolphe, president, Northwest Village Network, and Mary Flournoy, cochair, Operating Group, East Falls Village

Across government, music, academia, and more, Latinos have made such rich contributions to the fabric of our nation. It’s so important that we recognize their achievements, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, but every month.

Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach, Fla.

The Roosevelt Boulevard subway project presents an exceptional opportunity for Philadelphia to enhance mobility and reduce pollution in some of the most underserved communities in the city. With recently announced federal funding, Philadelphia cannot afford to delay any longer. A 2003 study submitted to both SEPTA and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission estimated that the subway line would serve 124,500 commuters and redirect 83,000 daily car trips to public transit. The subway would not only improve transportation for Northeast Philadelphia residents, but it would also lead to reduced environmental pollutants, aligning with Philadelphia’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.

The subway project also offers a unique opportunity to reconsider how we use space in the city. With 12 lanes of traffic on Roosevelt Boulevard, residents lack access to green space and opportunities for community interaction. Constructing the subway would reduce the need for cars, freeing up space for a linear public park like the Greenway in Boston. By creating more green space and promoting neighborhood connectivity, the city could improve the quality of life for residents while also supporting local wildlife and plant habitats. It is time for Philadelphia to show its vision and leadership in creating sustainable transit solutions.

Jonah Covitz, Philadelphia

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