~~i---~blicanConvention to come to Philadelphia

This summ , Philadelphia will host the Republican National Convention. According to Dr. Jolyon Girard, history and political science de~:tA-ri~ chair, and Dr. James Hedtke, professor of history and political science, there are many advantages and disadvantages to having the convention in Philadelphia.

by Benjamin Lunn assistant news editor

The Republican National Cona.,"f~.ifi'entio~ is c~ming to Philadelphia somet.J.methis summer.

J According to some Cabrini experts, the arrival of the convention has advantages and disadvantages for the city and the surrounding area.

In the opinions of Dr. Jolyon Girard, history and political science department chair, and Dr. James Hedtke,professor of history and political science, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

The largest benefits for the city of Philadelphia will be in the areas of public relations.

According to Hedtke, the city will gain national prestige and the self-esteem of Philadelphians will boost froIIYthisshow of hospitality and desirability of the city. "[Philadelphians) don't realize what a great city they have," said Hedtke.

Girard feels that national television coverage of the convention on a nightly basis will help to bring much-needed attention to the city.

"We're not just a footnote between Washington and New York anymore,"/Sahl\.Girar<tf

The ben6fits wiirnci't only come to Philadelphia.

According to Girard and Hedtke, the surrounding areas will also benefit from the visiting delegates.

Some will travel into the surrounding scenic areas.

Even as far away as Atlantic City, their presence will be felt.

With every advantage there will be disadvantages.

Girard feels that the national attention the city will receive could backfire if any hampering event happens.

This new view on Philadelphia could also make it a target for terrorists, although Girard and Hedtke both feel that this would be an unlikely occurrence.

Although the city would be more nationally noticed, there were other reasons to have a terrorist attack on the city before.

According to Hedtke, Philadelphia is historically more significant than any other city in the country.

The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross house, among other historic sites, are all in Philadelphia.

Both Girard and Hedtke feel that if the city was going to be a target for terrorism, it most likely would have happened by now.

The largest drawback, in Hedtke's opinion, would be the minor disruptions to the pace of the city that would occur.

Traffic congestion, restaurant reservations, and other daily inconveniences that will spring up would be more of a problem to the general population than terrorism.

Girard, however, feels that the largest drawback would be the overall expense of hosting the convention.

In addition to the amount it costs to get the convention here, workers must be paid to clean the city and keep the city running at an optimum level.

All of this will run up a large bill for the city.

Although the convention is ex- chair. pensive, Hedtke feels that the convention will eventually pay for itself, and the boost the local economy would get would be equivalent to hosting three Super Bowls.

Either way, for the good or for the bad, the Republican National Convention is corning to Philadelphia.

Dates, time, and specific loca·tions within the city are yet to be determined.