John McFadden, Philadelphia, jjmcf@aol.com
Stand up for murder victims
The disappointing editorial "Life isn't right for juveniles" (Monday) treats juvenile murderers as victims of the justice system while failing to so much as mention those they killed. Thankfully, members of the legislature - after many detailed discussions that began this summer - kept murder victims foremost in their minds when they passed balanced legislation to ensure significant and appropriate incarceration for juvenile murderers, including life without parole in certain circumstances. This bill complies with new U.S. Supreme Court case law and acknowledges what the editorial ignored: Public officials should stand up for those who cannot speak because they were brutally murdered.
Greg A. Rowe, chief, legislation and policy unit, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office
The process for casino licensing
In the editorial regarding the possibility of a second casino being placed in Philadelphia, you correctly noted that we, as regulators of Pennsylvania's casino industry, revoked the license for the Foxwoods project ("Voters not feeling lucky about second city casino," Tuesday). However, it was incorrect to assert that "regulators" should have then moved that license out of the city. Such a decision is up to not the Gaming Control Board, but the Pennsylvania General Assembly, since the Gaming Act specifically directs that this license must be awarded to an entity that would place the casino within Philadelphia. Therefore, the board is simply carrying out the law.
We are nearing the Nov. 15 date when applications must be received for this license, which will initiate a lengthy and thorough process of vetting the applicants. A key element in this process will be the collection by the board of both oral and written comments from both supporters and opponents of each proposed project. In order for this feedback to occur effectively, the board will be making information available to the public regarding each proposed casino project. This will enable those who may be affected by the project to present their competing views to the board for its consideration.
The board respects the opinions of all residents of Philadelphia regarding this issue and looks forward to the opportunity to hear the many viewpoints in public hearings that will be held in the city at the appropriate time in the licensing process.
William H. Ryan Jr., chairman, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Sad to see Faye Flam go
I'm so sad to learn that Faye Flam's wonderful work will no longer grace the pages of The Inquirer. Her outstanding columns will be missed by many who wish her all the best in her future endeavors. It is indeed a loss for the newspaper.
Dave Kalkstein, Philadelphia, davek50@yahoo.com
