Monday news roundup

• Mayoral bits
  
  
  
  • All the mayoral candidates say they want to lower taxes in Philadelphia, despite the low importance placed on that by most city residents. This piece attempts to distinguish among the proposed solutions (and speculates a bit on who all this tax talk is aimed at).

    "Unlike so many of the other tough issues facing the city, this is within the mayor's power to control," Mandel said. "The mayor can't do anything he's sure will cut the murder rate. But working with Council, he does set tax rates."

    Doesn't he also set budget priorities? Hmmm...
    
    
  • The Inquirer looks at Knox's message machine and the deluge of advertising it has generated.
    
    
  • Meanwhile Fattah finally enters the TV fray this week, focusing on his experience and regional initiatives.
    
    
  • In a related story, the GEAR UP program that Fattah often cites as one of his successes is getting mediocre marks in a review of the six years it's been in effect. In fact, the school district is phasing the program out for lack of continued funding...
    
    
  • John Baer is perplexed by the standings in the mayoral race, especially by the extent to which experienced and qualified candidates are failing to garner substantial support. Personally, I won't believe any numbers until there have been some TV debates...
    
    
  • A regular at YPP makes the case for Michael Nutter (lengthily!).
    
    
  • Another YPP poster mocks Knox's understanding of issues that matter to the gay community.
  
  
• Other news (mostly quicker takes)
  
  
  
  • Voter registration info -- next Monday is the last day to register to get a say in the mayoral and Council races (or commissioner races in the nearby counties).
    
    
  • Gifts to judges raise questions about Pa. rules -- currently they can accept gifts, but must disclose: should they stop taking them? Cappy to the rescue! heh.
    
    
  • Insurance companies' merger: What claims? What benefits? Casey and Specter had a hearing this morning to find some answers, but the DN shakes the bushes for more opinions.
    
    
  • Metro: SEPTA Board opens its series of public hearings this week
    
    
  • Short political bits, from ballot design to voter spaciness to an endorsement flurry for Council race latecomer Bill Green.
    
    
  • The flier that scares our Sheriff -- it points out the high fees he charges to folks already losing their homes. (Have I mentioned this guy?)
    
    
  • Albert points us to a heap of upcoming forums for mayoral and council candidates in the next 3 weeks. Check for those near you.
    
    
  • AAJane: A Profile of the Penn Democrats
    
    
  • Pennsyltucky Politics: Behind the scenes at the Q-Poll -- a look at the folks behind the independent Quinnipiac pollsters.
    
    
  • Harrisburg Mayor Spends Millions of Taxpayer Dollars on Old West Artifacts
    
    
  • Six PA Congresspeople Still Dipping From the Harrisburg Till -- the state still giving free health coverage to retired legislators or those with other high-paying jobs (!)
    
    
  • Freshmen legislators find House different than expected -- the state legislature moves slowly...