Still summer in Philly

Most of the news seems slumberous to me, but here's what caught my eye upon my return from computerless traipsing around the country...

• Fumo said to push bill for same-sex-partner rights. Sounds like he's looking for some minimally controversial approaches, like avoiding civil union/marriage chat in favor of economic and other protections that might have some sense of passing. Hoping to forestall a Dicker challenge by appealing to one of her major bases? Looking to polish his image with liberals? Only time will tell. Mere rumors of this development were enough to prompt discussion over at YPP about the Senator's motives and the strategic implications for gay rights activists.
  
  
• Last week saw a hearing on casino plans that included revised traffic estimates but allowed no room for discussion or public input into the practicality of the proposed solutions. Sounds brutal, and the author is frothing for reform of our regulatory system(s).
  
  
• Probably everybody knows this by now, but SEPTA's elimination of transfers is blocked by court order (subject, of course, to various appeals). I'm sure we'll hear more about how SEPTA handles its perceived cash needs and (disposable?) ridership...
  
  
• The Inquirer's Great Expectations project is sponsoring ongoing forums/dinners for citizens to talk with and question the mayoral candidates. Two bloggers have summarized the dinners they attended in the last week or two: mdcphilly at YPP (who went to Mount Airy) and Albert (who went to South PHilly, and includes stellar photos along the way). Both give a good feel for the participants and the issues discussed.
  
  
• AAJane has an interview with David Landau, a candidate for Delaware County Council, that will be of interest to those in that voting area (as well as general political geeks such as myself).
  
  
• Lots of action on my favorite blogs in the last two weeks, which I'll just touch on here:
  YPP:
  
  
  1. How DC may screw up the PA insurance program for children by changing its requirements.
     
  2. Seth Williams still doing a great job as Inspector General, this time nipping water bill fraudsters.
  
  Skyline Online:
  
  
  1. Family Court: Farewell Logan Square, Hello Love Park
     
  2. For Sale: Groovy Gov't Office Bldg.
     
  3. CCRA Attacks SS Bridge Design (perhaps their muscle will get a listen)
     
  4. Also For Sale: My Shining White Knight -- the Inquirer building!
  
  Philly/dragonball: great photos of the Comcast Center under construction!
  
  
• In the amusing department, an Inquirer writer dips a toe into the ineffable question of how sports fans determine their loyalties, especially after they relocate between regions . . .
  
  
• Also, for those interested in the history of the Philly area and its various structures and infrastructures, a new blog called The Necessity of Ruins offers an interesting perspective worth checking out.