Tom - I like reading your column. You believe that casinos will improve City finances. It is important to understand that that position is supported by no independent statistical studies; those studies do not exist. Additionally, the record is clear that the advent of casinos has not delivered meaningful tax relief to cities where that has been the sales pitch.

Temple mathematics professor Frederick Murphy testified before the City Council's Rules Committee that one casino alone would develop a minimum annual budget deficit of $30 million to the City from a net loss of jobs and other considerations. Other studies indicate significantly larger deficits. I know Fred Murphy and I can assure you that his only agenda is the math. In the interest of fairness, I ask that you call Mr. Murphy and ask him for a brief meeting to discuss his study methodology and results. Alternatively, I'm sure that he would gladly provide you a written summary of his presentation before Council. His telephone number is 215.204.8189.

Bill Faust
Philadelphia

Mr. Ferrick-

First, I respect your right to the opinion that casinos will be good for the city. I read your article "Why casinos won't ruin Philadelphia or riverfront" - and I respectfully disagree with you. However, I do have two proposals for you that would be great journalism:

1) Be the first journalist to thoroughly research and weigh the economic costs of casinos v. the economic gains. Put it all on a balance sheet. See my email below.

2) Rent my house in Fishtown after I get married in March. Get the Inquirer to pay for it. Call it: "Reality Journalism". Then, you'll be able to accurately assess the effects of two Delaware Avenue casinos on Fishtown - by living there before and after they arrive. Move beyond merely 'doubting' casinos will be bad.

Commit to living in Fishtown for two years (6 blocks from from the SugarHouse Casino): 12 months before SugarHouse is fully operational and 12 months after it arrives. Then, you'll be able to accurately measure the validity of anti-casino river front residents' fears...and:
--you can document your drive times to/from the Inquirer building every day. I'll ask that you take 676 and 95 or Delaware Avenue home from Broad Street.
--you can compare Phila crime stats before and after (property crime, domestic calls, assault, drunk driving, etc).
--you can form relationships with pro- and anti-casino Fishtowners, and measure their feelings about casinos before and after they arrive.
--you can count the addition or loss of local businesses along Girard Avenue
--you can get to know local business owners and see how their 'bottom line' is affected by casinos (specifically: pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and pizza shops)
--you can talk with pastors in the neighborhood and see what happens to their collection basket totals & if they report increased social and family problems
--you can document, by living in Fishtown, the +'s and -'s of living near a casino

Oh, and Mr. Ferrick, my second proposal is a "joke" - just like your "floating casino" laugh-riot. Because you know and I know it - you'd never want to live 6 blocks from a casino. You'd be "crazy" and "nuts" if you did.

Best,
Bob Sola

p.s. - Your analogy of the bustling port of yesteryear fails on multiple counts:
1) 50 years ago, most people in Fishtown and Pennsport walked to their jobs. They didn't have to worry about traffic gridlock.
2) If you know ANYTHING about Philadelphia's history - you'd know that neighborhoods grew around industries - not the other way around. In many cases, it was the employers themselves who constructed the homes for their workers. Today, it's the casino industry invading two established neighborhoods that are hundreds of years old.
3) Industry in Philadelphia didn't die with the Stetson hat. Recently, major industry is growing in Philadelphia: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/business_breaking/11883582.html . These are family-sustaining jobs - and they don't require 140 new police officers, they won't create traffic gridlock, they won't create social problems, and they don't cost the city a dime. They add and don't subtract.