As many of you are aware, I’ve spent the greater part of 2 years working to protect Philadelphia’s communities from the alleged negative affects of slot parlors. First, as a lawyer working with Casino Free Philadelphia. Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled against our plaintiffs, but I am happy to say I got to, briefly, work with Irv and John Grogan. It has also allowed me to work with Jethro and others who I credit with making this the issue that it is.

Second, as a Bella Vista Delegate to the group known as the Philadelphia Neighborhood Alliance. Recently, my term ended due to my moving from the Bella Vista Community, among other reasons. But, having spent over a year in that group, I’ve met a number of individuals deeply committed their the cause. I’ve also met a number of individuals deeply committed to themselves.

The differences between CFP and PNA are stark. My impression is that CFP is a group committed to action—removing slot parlors from Philadelphia County. While I disagree with that goal logistically and fundamentally, CFP, Jethro and Dan Hunter have earned significant merit in my opinion for advancing this issue and mobilizing the citizenry.

PNA on the other hand is a group that purports to represent 26 civics in Philadelphia. Each civic has 2 delegates and an alternate or two. The founding purpose was that the civics along the river would voluntarily agree to a moratorium on negotiating with casinos until certain concerns were met or the casinos were re-sited. PNA is a coalition. And, as such there were certain problems with its governance.

For some reason or another, that purpose changed to re-siting alone leaving community benefit behind. That is something I have always disagreed with. I’ve always been a proponent of a plan “B”. There is no plan “B”. Thus, now, the express purpose of PNA is to re-site casinos from the present locations somewhere else.