Also this issue: $afe Streets Security is an investment. -Daryl Gale Hall Monitor -Daryl Gale First Strike -Mary F. Patel

March 6-12, 2003

the bell curve

City Paper's weekly gauge of Philly's Quality of Life

Mayoral candidate Sam Katz criticizes city's response to snow. Promises to reduce snowfall by 50 percent by the end of his first term. Minus 1

Homeless man found dead with internal organs missing. Gives new meaning to Hack. Minus 5

Former housing authority official pleads guilty to accepting bribes from poor people on waiting lists for Section 8. Lawyers advised that his defense -- anyone who can afford a bribe shouldn't qualify for public housing -- would not convince a jury. Minus 2

School District considers requiring third- and eighth-graders to pass standardized test before moving up. Problem is, where will they get the money for bigger desks for all those 12-year-old third-graders? Plus 7

Officials apologize for continued failure to meet goals for awarding city contracts to minority-owned firms. Promise to correct situation by election season. Minus 3

National Park Service suggests it will contest Mayor Street's decision to re-open Chestnut Street in front of Independence Hall. Also considers requiring visitors to strip naked and keep hands on heads at all times during tours. Minus 4

Eagles lose free-agent kick returner Brian Mitchell to division rival Giants. Coach Andy Reid wonders why fans are bitching, since "we'll still get to see him make big returns twice a year." Minus 4

Driver stops on Walt Whitman Bridge and jumps off. Man, and we thought we hated Jersey. Minus 1

Total pluses: 7

Total minuses: 20

Score for the week: -13

Last week’s score: -3