It is time for a reality check and putting an end to worthless pontificating about reform govenment from those who only want reform lite. Reform lite is what Neighborhood Networks and other ideologues spout, but never have the courage to separate themselves from the political machine that runs Philadelphia much like Tammany Hall or Huey Long.

You are not a reformer if you keep the lines of communication open with the worst of the machine politicians "just in case your candidate does not make it" in the primary. You are not a reformer if you cannot or will not define just how pervasive the corruption and double dealing is in your district when you know full well just how is done and has been done for years.

Clea Benson of the Inquirer summed it up during the last mayoral eleciton when she said that most Philadelphians know full well that their govenment is corrupt from top to bottom, but leave it that way just in case they need it for themselves. That is the exact perspective of those hand-wringing pseudo-reformers who would still vote for the same old crooks at the end of the day if they are in the "party".

As a registered Independent for most of my political life I can see no reason to want the Democratic Party in this city to survive. They need to be hit and hit hard for they have not done the people's business since 1968. The Republicans are no better as they have abbrogated their responsibility to be the aggressive minority opposition and made deals with the entrenched powerful Democrats under the radar for years.

There is only one Independent Candidate running in the general election for the 8th District and that is yours truly. None of the other opposition candidates have spent the years I have researching and challenging the Miller Octopus of corruption, misfeasance and malfeasance, and had my conclusions published (www.foster4reform.org). No other candiate will tell is like it is in the entire district and can back up what I say with facts and personal experience.

The other claimed Independent is only running in this race as a second choice and, is supported and advised by a group who actually belive he can win against the machine with no serious campaigning and press coverage. 70% of 8th District voters do not want Donna Reed Miller re-elected, but she will be in very low voter turnout unless Jesse Brown and I telegraph to the voters that it is more important for one of us to win and have the other participate in reforming the Council Office over the next four years.

That is the exact formula I offered to Jesse Brown and I thought we had an agreement to work that out when his "advisors" told him not to touch it. I am convinced those advisors would rather see Donna Miller elected over Jim Foster, for complete reform of the District is not what they want; keeping the machine running with minor adjustments is very, very acceptable - - not to me.

Virtually every serious likely voter that both Jesse and I have spoken with has the same perspective - - narrow the field to one and we will support you with votes and money - -without that, we are not interested. It is primary deja vu - - and who could blame them.

I know more about what is wrong and how to fix it than Jesse or Brian of the Green Party. Check my record. If you seriously want reform in the 8th there is only one who can deliver it on day 1 without a training manual.

I make no apology for my tone. Miller and her folks play hardball all the time. If you want them out you have to play the same way - - without gloves.

Jim Foster
Independent Candidate
8th District City Council
Cadillac81@verizon.net
215-438-4330