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Video: 'There's Something Happening Here'
by
Aaron Couch | 11.01.2006
Across the City progressive groups are mounting a genuine resistance to the broken Philly machine. At the heart of that movement is Neighborhood Networks.  Neighborhood Networks Annual Conference Margaret Mead said that a small group of thoughtful people could change the world. In Philadelphia it might take a little more than that. Enter Neighborhood Networks. The group has a vision to transform the collection of feudal fiefdoms that is Philadelphia politics into a progressive legislative machine. The concept is simple. Bring together like-minded progressives throughout the City. Organize along the ward system. Mobilize around progressive issues and candidates. "People are starting to think things can change," Neighborhood Networks co-founder Marc Stier said recently at the organization's annual conference. "There is a group of young people that instead of being turned off by politics are getting involved. We have a bunch of old people who can remember the popular front." The conference featured over 100 members gathered to refocus and retool before the November elections. "The thing I really like about Neighborhood Networks is their plan to mobilize large numbers of people," said member Ralph Flood. "And to create a city-wide network, an ongoing network of people who are working for reform in Philadelphia politics." Since its inception in June of 2005 Neighborhood Networks has helped pass legislation on issues including ethics reform and minimum wage. They have helped elect over 50 people as Committee persons (the smallest unit in the City's political system). Neighborhood Networks is part of a groundswell of progressive activity along with reform-minded groups like Philly for Change, African American Coalition, Philadelphians Against Santorum, Philadelphia NOW, and others. "It is important for progressives, including progressives in the African American community, to unite," said Vivienne Crawford of Neighborhood Networks and the African American Coalition. "We have more in common than that separates us" "I think people are longing for a new vision. They are tired the lies. They are tired of the corruption. They're tired of the greed. They are tired of the politics of fear," said Pastor Randy Barge. "Many of us in that room can begin to offer up that new vision. But it will mean that we have to be on fire for it. It will mean that we have to believe it. " |
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Comments
Progressive? Like Casey & Rendell?
Submitted by Philly IMC (not verified) on Wed, 11/01/2006 - 10:09pmIf NN is so progressive, why do they endorse Democrats likey Casey? Rendell?
Who would you recommend?
Submitted by Disgruntled Voter (not verified) on Sat, 11/04/2006 - 8:25amOf the candidates currently on the ballot, can you recommend another candidate, and if so, who and why?
Balloted candidate
Submitted by Mike Rosenberg (not verified) on Mon, 11/06/2006 - 7:39amIf you live in West Philly, you could vote for the Green Party candidate, Mike Rosenberg. I am a PA Clean Sweep candidate and am running on a platform of dedicated funding for SEPTA, voter-verified paper ballots, moving money from the prison budget to create equal funding for schools, and restoring funding for community and afterschool programs for kids. The only other person in my 188th District race is the incumbent, so the worst thing that can happen is he gets re-elected & West Philly gets 2 more years of the same thing.
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