Commissioner Ramsey Townhall Meeting, Jan.14, South Philly High School

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Commissioner Ramsey Townhall Meeting, Jan.14, South Philly High School

POSTED: Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 7:43 PM

Filed Under: Critical Mass | Last Night What else

Stephen Falk l Philadelphia Daily News

Only a week in office, and Mayor Nutter is demanding that the new police commissioner, Charles Ramsey come up with a plan to tackle the city's crime by January 30, 2008. This has Ramsey scrambling around town holding six public townhall meetings to allow citizens to express their ideas and pose questions. The first was held last night at South Philadelphia High School, and for some reason I felt had to be there. Not so much that I had anything to say that would be different or earth-shattering, but I had to go see what this guy was about. I had doubts that many people would show up. Afterall, I attended a mayoral conversation a few months ago and there were about 40 or so people. About last night, I was wrong. There was no place to park in the school's lot. Just about every radio station and news channel were there. As buses stopped at the corner of Broad and Snyder, people by the dozens got off and joined the traffic that crept up the subway stairs to file into the school. By 7:05pm, the auditorium was about 60% full. But 7:15pm, about 70%, and by 7:30pm, there was standing room only. The room was mixed as far as age and race. After the principal of South Philadelphia High introduced Ramsey and gave him a 'Southern' t-shirt, the new commissioner took the mic only speaking for about 10 minutes. He stated that this was the night for the public to talk to him, so he didn't want to take up much time. Immediately upon instructing people to form a line in front of the microphone, people began to get up. Within 5 minutes, the line extended to the back of the auditorium. While I won't go over every issue that was discussed, I'll point out some points of interest. Well, interest to me. Ramsey frantically wrote as people talked. Sometimes, he'd give feedback, sometimes he'd say thank you, many times he corrected wrongful stats or cases (a woman referred to the shootings by cops this past weekend as murders, while Ramsey said they were 'fatal shootings'), and rarely, he cracked a smile or laughed. Mayor Nutter came in around 7:30pm to a crowd that stood on their feet and clapped. He spoke for about 5 minutes saying that the public needs to work with police to make the streets better, and also told the crowd that the police deserve respect and recognition for protecting the citizens. The applause that followed that statement was kinda forced and dry. After handing the mic back to Ramsey, Nutter shook hands with the police in attendance and chilled on the side and one by one, people stepped up to the malfunctioning mic. Here is a sample of some of things spoke about. - Forming a relationship with the Philadelphia police department. Ramsey stated that he wanted the specified police districts to have regular meetings with block captains and individual neighborhood groups. He also mentioned that the police department will be accesible for public concerns. - Ramsey vowed to work with the 10,000 men campaign and I quote "I'll definitely be there". - Making townwatches relevant and important. - A few people stood up to thank and praise Captain Bethel, who they claim is the example of how police officers should be and the relationship they should have with their community. Captain Bethel is in a South Philadelphia district (I believe). - Principal of South Philadelphia High School spoke about neighborhood wars and how they spill into the schools and suggested Ramsey work on that to ensure that schools are safe and a house of learning. Someone also brought up the safety of students to and from school. - Someone from the office of truancy spoke on how the police have been wonderful in working with them and hopes the commissioner will continue the good relationship and improve the system even more - Someone spoke on making businesses more responsible and getting them involved in the community on a level to reduce crime - Activities for young people came up over and over again. Ramsey says that he is looking into more programs for youth to keep them out of trouble and present alternatives to crime. A citizen also brought up having more family building activities in communities, and establishing the idea of family again. There's more... - The age limit of police officers was brought up. A man over the age limit spoke of how he'd like to help and be a cop, but the age limit stops him. - The issue of lighting on streets, back alleys and around abandon houses came up a few times. - A man stood up and asked a few questions about drug testing students, having cameras in schools that are monitored by police or appointed persons, and homeowners notifying police or having a required check on people renting rooms in their homes. Ramsey struck back by saying some of those suggestions were a bit extreme. He said that we can't go around treating everyone like a criminal and also reminded people to be careful of the civil liberties that they give up because they may never get them back. - Someone brought up the war on drugs and how it is dividing communities, families and the city. - A former correctional officer stood up and spoke of the Anti-Gun Protest that happened in Harrisburg last year. He stated that there were busloads there outside, but the NRA had people inside. He wanted to know how citizens can get their voices heard to those politicians. Ramsey again reinforced his open door policy and said he'd continue the 'buy back' type gun programs - "anything to get the guns off the street". I had to leave at 7:50pm. As I walked out, I noticed the faces of the packed venue. They were so different. As people spoke, they welcomed Ramsey and congratulating him on the new job. Then they introduced themselves - some block captains, singles mothers, teachers, counselors, bus drivers, former government employees, ex-cops, concerned fathers, members of organizations, etc. All desperate and ready for change and ready to help the city make that change. Ramsey talked big and appeared to not only hear, but listen to what everyone had to say. When I sat down and the meeting started, I was full of optimism. Seeing everyone come together and support each other and the betterment of our city made me feel good. Then walking out and seeing the faces, I got an eerie feeling that I'd been here before, seen the promises go unkept, and heard the talk more than felt the action. I walked in the rain to where I settled on an uneven feeling of anticipation, fear, hope and doubt. What else is there? Townhall Meeting Schedule

Jay

Posted 2008-01-16 21:48:34

Ramsey has his hands full in Philly. This city is not like DC. It's bigger, more spread out and more sections within sections, to police. He'll be dealing with the outdated laws on PA books that went out with the horse and buggy. A state capitol that has turned their backs on the people of Phila. and a sense of hopelessness in the eyes of many of the people here.  Although I must admit that I'm feeling a sense of hope as it pertains to Mayor Nutter and his vigor for the city. Many of us are beginning to believe again, if only for a few months. Only time will tell what will happen, but I know this...We must do it together. We can't depend on the police to save us from ourselves. We must all work for the betterment of Philly. Only then can we become the next great American city. I beleive........

Down in the Basement

Posted 2008-07-29 01:46:11

At least Commissioner Ramsey doesn't have to worry about patrolling the Philly schools...the School Reform Commission Chairwoman believes discipline is not a top issue...so the district must have discipline issues under control...test scores are up...at least 50 percent of the students are graduating...we never hear about violence in the schools...and the sky is green...



Other than that, the Philly public schools are hell-holes on earth and the people who run these schools should be held accountable...



Thanks.

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