Maybe/maybe-not mayoral candidate Sam Katz issues L&I policy paper [video]

Sam Katz has thrice run for mayor of Philadelphia unsuccessfully. Whether this fall will bring a fourth campaign remains to be seen. As Primary Day approaches, however, the could-be independent candidate continues to use his website “Citizen Sam” to share his thoughts on the issues of the day.

In mid-March, Katz shared his “A Plan to Close the Educational Funding Gap” via the site.

Earlier this week, he released “a proposal that outlines several ideas to address the crisis that has come to characterize the operations and challenges facing the Department of Licenses and Inspections.”

Here’s a brief excerpt:

“For far too long, Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses and Inspections has been an embarrassment, mired in crisis management, and the subject of endless studies, transition reports, special commissions and grand juries,” he wrote. “The results? In many ways, L&I is as weak and ineffective today as it was in the early 1950’s when a new Home Rule Charter was implemented to professionalize and codify the functions of this department, following a long history of political corruption and dysfunctionality.”

Oh snap.

Anyway, Katz also urged Philadelphians “to ask the candidates for Mayor and City Council what they are thinking about with respect to a permanent fix for L&I.”

The full policy paper, which “outlines a strategic approach that can help bring about … changes” is available via this link.

If a dramatically scored video — and interview with former L&I Commissioner Bennett Levin — is more your speed, click the YouTube video atop this post.