Here are some of the stories that I didn’t quite get to, represented by only the choicest cuts of beef:

1.”Anything bad that happens at PGW affects the city.” - Mayor Michael Nutter

And when that bad thing is a financial deal that goes horribly wrong in the economic downturn, the effect on the city is a big rate hike.

2. “I’d rather SEPTA had an exercise car or something because all the cars are supposed to be quiet.” - teacher and SEPTA rider Jeffrey Mordan

SEPTA’s quiet car had a good first day.  I’m still waiting for the first time a SEPTA patron gets to “police” another a cell phone-using violator.

3. “I don’t know what she’s talking about.  We don’t get money. All we get is the piss and the s— and the rats and the trash.” - L&I Inspector who cleans and seals vacant properties

Chief Integrity Officer Joan Markman and Inspector General Amy Kurland took their show on the road to explain to garbage men and inspectors that, no, they can’t take cash in an envelope to haul private trash with city trucks.  Oh well.  I guess I’ll have to go to Plan B with my old refrigerator.

4. “I think they hired him because he had some Philadelphia connections and would try and move this thing along.” - Chief Integrity Office Joan Markman

It was a good news day for Joan Markman.  In the course of reviewing a deal with waste processing firm Synagro, Markman found a clause that sent $400,000 per year to a “consultant” who was retained, it seemed, to do Milton Street’s job.  Markman can officially point to that $400,000 if anyone questions her yearly salary and that of her staff.

5. “He rides incognito so he can get a firsthand look at the problems Philadelphia straphangers confront – everything from ankle-deep puddles in the stations to subway cars that suddenly catch fire. He often captures transit trauma through the eyes of harried riders.” - 2005 American Journalism Review article about the Philly Phantom.

SEPTA Watch found that quote and asks, whither has the Phantom gone?

6.”Baltimore has made a difference on trash and pet waste with an aggressive public education campaign. Philadelphia needs to go further. I suggest trash cops with power to shoot on sight. Okay, maybe not shoot on sight, but ticketing would be a good start.” - YPP Contributor Brady Dale

Young Philly Politics contributor Brady Dale reviews 2008 to see how the city did on becoming more green.  While many gains were made, there’s still a long way to go.  And watch out for Natural Gas Drilling upstream from Philadelphia, he warns.