Just out of curiousity, would you visit long enough to protest the use of those cameras or is that on your list of things to not do?
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I don't know. I doubt it. Why you ask? Because I really doubt if protests in the street will do much good, especially in this case. The supporters of the cameras basically control the media and the message.

Now if the national media can be engaged, that is a different matter, especially if they paint a negative picture of Lancaster City, that will discourage tourism.

I believe, if the cameras are defeated it will be a legal and/or political process. To that end I have contacted my elected representatives. I am also considering ways to use various tools, such as, the right to know law. I am just getting educated in this area.

To me one of the first things that must be done is establish who the public officials on the board of directors are representing - themselves or their agencies. If they are representing themselves they lack the shield of the sovereign. If they are representing their agencies they should be subject to the right to know. I do believe they want it both ways - sovereign immunity protection and not subject to the right to know.

So are you a protest in the streets type of person?
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On occasion, but I believe attacks need to happen on all fronts if anything is to change. For the record, I'm not against the use of cameras, I just think they need to be pointed at places elected officials frequent so we can keep track of who they're with and what they're up to. Politicians work for us, not us for them.
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No question urban life has its appeal for some people. Having lived in a urban environment, where my life was regulated to a large degree by traffic pattern, I am enjoying living in the burbs.

This of course involves more general choice of urban vs. suburban living.

However, whether I chose to live in the suburbs or the city I still want honest open government - at least as much as possible. I want people who I can relate to in sense they are generally law abiding, take some pride in their property, and conduct themselves in a civil fashion. And yes I want affordable taxes along with decent govt services.

Do you feel Lancaster City provides these things?
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Yes, at least as much as Manheim Township, East Hempfield, and many other townships and boroughs.

My street is swept twice a month. Snow is removed from my street. A full-time staffed fire department is less than three blocks from my front door. City police respond promptly when urgently needed (admittedly, sometimes not so fast for less serious incidents). The last pothole I reported was inspected THE NEXT DAY, and repaired within a week (it was caused by a cracked sewer main, which needed to be replaced).

Yes, Lancaster City has had unwelcome projects. So has Manheim Township, East Lampeter, and East Hempfield. Yes, Lancaster City has had political issues; so do most other municipalities. Yes, Lancaster City's taxes are high, but the services provided to its citizens are the best in Lancaster County - plus, my taxes go toward public services provided to YOUR court house, YOUR county office building, YOUR prison, YOUR youth intervention center, etc.

When it snows, I can walk to get supplies. When the power goes out, ours is always restored first. Our water is safe and clean, and I don't have a drainfield to worry about. And I can actually afford my mortgage on one income.

I will stay where I am, thank you very much.
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