Dear Mayor Street,
Philadelphia Weekly recently ran two stories concerning ash from a Philadelphia incinerator that was dumped on a beach in Gonaives, Haiti. The ash has finally been removed, but many Haitians have suffered from medical problems that are likely a result of exposure to this ash. While I realize that the ash was dumped by a subcontractor who was not following proper procedures, it is unconscionable that Philadelphia has made no financial contribution to assist these people. This city has a moral responsibility to take accountability for its actions; we can not simply say that it is no longer our problem.This is not merely a matter of conscience or responsibility, however. The City of Philadelphia is in a position where it is reliant on the state government to recognize its responsibility to the people of the city. We have been calling on the state to do its fair share to help educate and serve the citizens of Philadelphia, whose health and well-being are essential to the state. We have railed against those who would say the problems of Philadelphia are not their problem. In Gonaives' hour of need, we must show this to be more then empty rhetoric.
I am proud to be a citizen of Philadelphia, and proud to call myself a supporter of your administration. Please, do not give me reason to regret that pride.
Sincerely,
Dave Thomer
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