Not dead yet! Monday gleanings

Have been bookmarking the news, but apparently lacking the energy (between home obligations and an overheated cubicle) to blog. Hope that will settle out soon. Meantime, will wrap up the first half of this week by reducing each day to a handful of most interesting stories.

• City GOP benefits from Parking Authority: The agency's workers and consultants have given at least $241,000 to committees since Republicans took it over. (this one barely even needs snark!) More on what the PPA owes to the city and schools, and how it may be backing around that, here.
  
  
• Taxes used for political polls in Pa. -- this was really a story that broke Sunday, but one that deserves some discussion. Is it appalling for politicians to test the climate among voters, whether on issues, personalities, or potential political strategies? Where's the line between what's part of running a government and what's partisan business that should be paid out of party coffers or individual campaign chests? I don't know the answer, but I can see how reasonable people would disagree.
  
  
• Urban Warrior | 'I CAN'T TAKE IT MUCH LONGER': West Philly merchants say they are taking a financial beating from SEPTA's reconstruction of the Market-Frankford El. Where's the promised $$ help?
  
  
• Opinion: More counselors, not just cops (to deal with school discipline/violence)
  
  
• In the world of city development/planning:
  
  
  
  1. YPP: GRID IS GOOD: Councilwoman Tasco wants to give us another real commercial area in North Philadelphia (but the folks who want to build there are big-box suburban-style retailers)
     
     
  2. AH: New Philadelphia Construction: Cira Centre South -- I had no idea they were breaking ground so soon!