Also this issue:

GOP, Independents At-Large
-Daryl Gale

Green: Machine?
Green Party of Philadelphia fields its first Council at-large candidate.
-Juliet Fletcher

Target: Philly
City ports are on an al-Qaeda hit list. Plus, the scene at Al Mansour.
-Brendan McGarvey

Bending Over For Bush
-Daniel Brook

Riding the Railroad
-Mary F. Patel

April 3- 9, 2003

the bell curve

City Paper's weekly gauge of Philly's Quality of Life

With mayor reopening Chestnut Street, National Park Service announces closure of Independence Hall. Resistance catches mayor off guard -- he was sure the guards would lay down their arms and welcome their liberation. Minus 5

Live Stop program has resulted in more than 23,000 car impoundments since last summer, Parking Authority announces. Some were even legit. Plus 7

Former Fairmount Park maintenance worker sentenced to year in prison for taking kickbacks from a contractor. Contractor's punishment is knowing he's so stupid that he paid kickbacks to the lowest guy in the organization. Plus 1

Would-be challenger to Councilman Mariano thrown off ballot because judge rules he doesn't live in district. Voters denied chance to elect someone even dumber than Ricky. Plus 1

Activists shave their heads at the Liberty Bell to protest the war. Stunt later revealed to be prank staged by Army recruiters. Minus 1

SEPTA board president warns of fare increases and/or service cuts under Gov. Rendell's proposed budget. Less service? What are they gonna do, show up late and take you in the wrong direction? Minus 6

State police cite nine minors for alleged underage drinking in bar owned by politically powerful union boss John Dougherty. "They better have clocked out first," Doc says. Minus 1

City studying feasibility of digging up and moving 2.8-acre Southwest Philly landfill that's been burning for 13 years. Why, is there space in Fishtown? Plus 1

Total pluses: 10

Total minuses: 13

Score for the week: -3

Last week’s score: 9