No need to privatize PGW

In response to “Let's stop political games over PGW,” I am sorry that Samantha and others on Benezet and Ardleigh had to suffer the effects of a gas explosion. I imagine it was scary. However, I do not think that privatizing PGW is the answer. Yes, the city needs to improve the infrastructure, but there is no guarantee that a private corporation would improve it.

Remember that the mission of a corporation is to make a profit, so it is not likely to invest in building a new, expensive infrastructure. We do know that our prices would increase, for how else will it make a profit? As citizens we also lose our say, our control, when problems arise. We would also lose transparency and accountability, as private companies do not have to disclose information.

Because the goal of the company is profit, not public safety, it is more apt to take short cuts in providing service. If you look at League of Women Voters' analysis of privatization, it says that unemployment is likely to rise along with lower wages and abusive labor practices. Please think again about privatizing public utilities. We have much to lose.

Sandra Folzer

Chestnut Hill

Fond memories of OMC school

Thank you, Pete, for your article “OMC named a great Philly school.” It brought back many great memories. All four of our kids went there when we lived in Chestnut Hill.

OMC gave them a great foundation for the better high schools. Our oldest girl went to Girls High, our oldest boy went to Chestnut Hill Academy, the youngest boy went to La Salle College High School and the youngest girl went to Mt. St. Joseph Academy.

While at OMC both boys played baseball and basketball in the Catholic Grade School League. No finer grade school existed anywhere other than OMC and that still applies today. Oh, yes, I am going on 82 years old. So, thanks again. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.

Tom Woodruff

Oreland

Root out pay to play from politics

Now that the Philadelphia city-wide election campaign is upon us, images of pay-to-play and big money influence come to mind. As we know from recent and painful experience, the U.S. Supreme Court made it easy for such abuses through its “Citizens United” ruling.

Before we give up all hope for some relief from such obstacles to real democracy, there is one bright spot looming: President Obama is considering an executive order that would require companies and corporations seeking federal contracts to disclose their campaign contributions. We would at least know who is doing what and how much.

I suspect the President needs to hear from more of us before he does the right thing. Please write or call the White House if you want to see some sensible limits and some transparency governing the corrupting role of excessive money in politics.

The address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20500.

Jack Malinowski

Mt. Airy