20 Ways to Make Philadelphia the Best Damn City in America
18. LAUNCH A BID FOR THE 2004 SUMMER OLYMPICS.
Our biggest obstacle to landing the Games is that selection is determined by an “elite” international crowd we’re just not part of. Basically, it’s all politics. And have we got the man for the job: the soon-to-be-unemployed Ed Rendell. Who better to schmooze the selection committee members? Who else to tout all this city has to offer? With Ed at the helm, we can’t lose.
19. KICK OFF “LIBERTY DAY.”
By Jeff Shell, president, Comcast Programming Group
Each year, Boston celebrates the Battle of Lexington and Concord with Patriot’s Day. One battle? Tea in the harbor? Please. We’re the birthplace of the world’s greatest democracy. Let’s declare “Liberty Day” the second Friday of each September (around when the U.S. Constitution was ratified). Schools and businesses would close. The Philadelphia Marathon could be moved up from November. The Phillies would play a day game at home. There would be reenactments of the signing of the Constitution at the Constitution Center, a debate over the Bill of Rights at Independence Hall, the unveiling of the first flag at Betsy Ross’s house. Restaurants could offer special $17.76 menus. And then we’d wrap up the day with a free concert and fireworks on the Parkway. Everyone celebrates the Fourth of July; Liberty Day would be our chance to celebrate our city’s heritage and put our pride on display for the world to see.
20. Ask YOU for ideas.
Two things we know: We don’t have a monopoly on good ideas.
And for Philadelphia to become the Best Damn City in America, everyone who
lives here needs to buy into building the future. Come on, do your part.
E-mail your 2020 Vision idea to myidea@phillymag.com, and look for the best reader input online at Phillymag.com, where this discussion will continue.
