Hire the chihuahua

To the Editor: I'm intrigued by 34th Street's suggestion ("Poli Sci out, Taco Bell in," 9/28/00) for diversified use of Stiteler Hall. In support of our ongoing focus on faculty recruitment, we in the Political Science Department would like more convenient lunch facilities because they'd be conducive to collegial interaction. In all our efforts, however, we aim for the highest standards of quality. If he's interested, we are prepared to offer space in Stiteler to Georges Perrier. But Taco Bell? Never!

Jack Nagel Chairman Political Science Department

To the Editor: Binyamin Appelbaum's column ("A good plan gone awry," DP, 9/28/00) draws some conclusions about missed opportunities that are not factually based. One aspect of the Office of City and Community Relations' mission is to promote the involvement of Penn students in West Philadelphia communities and the City of Philadelphia. We work hard to dispel the rumors that often prevent the student population from enjoying the neighborhoods beyond 40th Street. In 1999, Penn sponsored the "Welcome to the Neighborhood" festival in order to draw students to Clark Park for entertainment, meeting neighbors, sampling food from local businesses and encouraging exploration of our eclectic and vibrant community as part of the college experience. The Clark Park Music and Arts Community was not among the many established local community groups involved. Only after last year's event did we learn that Penn's event made it difficult for the CPMAC to secure space in the park and the participation of local businesses in their smaller event. Therefore, when the CPMAC president approached us about combining the two events into one comprehensive community event, we were interested in pursuing the idea of Penn working with another community organization to create a fall "festival" in the park. As planning progressed, it became evident that the event envisioned by the CPMAC, although an important community event, was clearly not intended to focus on welcoming students to the neighborhood. The fact is, although sharing the same venue, the two events did not share the same goals. It was a disappointment, but the CPMAC rejected our final proposal to produce a single, unified event. The CPMAC moved forward independently with their fall festival, and the University's resources were returned to the VPUL to support other events aimed at more directly enhancing the student experience at Penn.

Glenn Bryan Director, Office of City and Community Relations

Dawn Maglicco Lee Associate Director, Office of City and Community Relations

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