Importance of CCP

Thank you Daily News for the cynical spin on the strike settlement. An editorial yesterday claims that Congressman Brady has effectively purchased the votes of all CCP Union members for $600 a pop. It must seem too naive to those at the Daily News to suggest that as a Mayoral candidate Brady recognizes how crucial the Mission of CCP is to the financial success of this city. Education is fuel for the engine of the economy. In a city where only 13% of adults hold Bachelors degrees, CCP plays a vital role in educating not only the working men and women of Philadelphia but is an important source of professional training for workers in the medical industry and the business world.

Furthermore, if you are going to sell a cynical story of quid pro quo at least get it right! If Congressman Brady was after votes it was those of the students and their families. While the Faculty and Staff are surely glad to get the strike settled, they were ready to stay out for the long haul to defend their living wage. It was the students who were most distressed by the strike who would be most likely to see Brady as the hero of this story.

It would be helpful to the entire city to read more editorials about the lack of funding for the College from the city. The city is mandated to supply 33% of the funding, but under Mayor Street has only provided 19%. This is the true source of higher tuition and painful salary cuts. Perhaps it is time for the papers of this city to acknowledge the importance of funding the largest degree granting institution in the city.