Tuesday lag-blogging

Blogger has some hiccups today, but here's the news round-up...

• After 18 months of study, a commission to study PA transportation needs has made its report. On the good news side of the ledger, it would put together stable revenue streams for public transit; on the bad news side, it recommends raises in all kinds of consumer costs, from gas tax to local real estate taxes to transit fares. The resulting monies would go to repair languishing roads and bridges, helping local transit systems, etc. Rendell sure to enjoy *this*!
  
  
• In fact, Rendell has sworn to make transit a priority in his second term, but he's still dealing with a Republican legislature, and wants to make progress with them on tax changes and other priorities. Only time will tell how it all plays out, and a lot may ride on what new faces are in Harrisburg and who ends up in the leadership.
  
  
• Stories on violence:
  
  
  
  • City considering techniques used in other cities, such as frisking passersby in crime-prone neighborhoods.
    
    
  • News flash: crime can happen in "safe" neighborhoods too. The weekend's homicides spark nervousness. Enlightenment soon to follow?
    
    
  • Antiviolence activists gathered in City Hall yesterday to call for more response. They also intend to carry their message into all of the city's neighborhoods.
  
  
• Slots hearing updates:
  Two groups who testified noted that they don't have casinos in Atlantic City, and thus will be focused on the success of their Philly enterprises. (NJ tax rates area fraction of those in PA, which could induce dual owners to redirect customers.) Some detail given here of these two (of the five total) competitors; more out-takes from questions and answers also here.
  
  
• In somewhat related news, AAJane has some rather pointed remarks about the hiring process at the new Philadelphia Park casino.
  
  
• Here's an update on the counting going on in the three close state House races. No final word on who will have the majority (by the skin of their teeth).
  
  
• Nobody wants to be in the hot seat on property tax revaluations: they're being delayed again, this time at least until after the mayoral/Council elections next year. However, City Council will need to come up with its best suggestions for how to handle the necessary exemptions and grandfather clauses, and do so in time to put them past the state General Assembly before the new assessments can roll out (probably not until 2008-2009). Oh good, years more of teeth-gnashing and avoidance plays...
  
  
• Alex U-A offers the first in a series of reflections on his experiences working this past election with PAS, and on outreach to young people, in particular.
  
  
• Two upcoming events:
  
  
  
  • Young America PAC is sponsoring a pundit panel tonight to read the tea leaves on the recent election results.
    
    
  • A coalition of groups is sponsoring a forum on homelessness a week from tonight.