Philadelphia Public Record

Vol. I No. 101

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

November 16, 2010

Philadelphia

Daily Record

Let It Rain!

JOHN F. McCLOSKEY E.S. in Mount Airy features state-of-the-art rainwater garden designed and built by Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corp. It’ll be used as a model for green engineering at Urban Sustainability Forum at Academy of natural Sciences in December. See story page 5.

Manderino Child Custody Bill Sent To Governor

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The General Assembly has passed legislation sponsored by State Rep. Kathy Manderino (D-Northwest) that makes substantial improvements to Pennsylvania’s system for determining and monitoring child custody cases.

Manderino, who acknowledged the hard work over the past decade of State Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (RMontgomery) and a variety of groups to make changes to the law, said the legislation (HB 1639) will eliminate many of the inefficiencies and inequalities inherent in Pennsylvania’s current system for determining child custody in cases of separation or divorce.

“The ultimate goal of our childcustody system should be the best interest of the child,” Manderino said. “The system cannot guarantee that unless both parents are treated equally, and – when possible and appropriate – parents continue to share responsibility for raising a child, even after separation or divorce.”

To that end, the legislation prohibits courts from assuming custody should be awarded to a particular parent based solely on gender. Likewise, the bill requires gender-neutrality for courts in conTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

tempt issues for willful violation of custody orders by either parent.

Courts will have to consider a comprehensive list of factors, including which parent is more likely to encourage and permit frequent contact with the other parent; the parental duties of each parent; the need for stability and continuity in the child’s education, family life and community life; and access to siblings and other extended family.

All these factors will be considered, with particular attention paid to protecting victims of domestic violence. For the first time in Pennsylvania, Manderino said, courts will also be required to provide to families an explanation for custody decisions.

The bill also includes a framework for judges to use when making decisions in relocation cases. The new provisions require judges to consider how a move will enhance the quality of life for a child, not just how it benefits the parent seeking to move. Other provisions of the bill require each parent to submit a parenting plan in cases of contested custody, allow for the appointment of a guardian ad litem or counsel for a child when necessary, and expand the list of criminal convictions courts must consider in determining custody.

The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

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Casey, Other Dem Senators Urge Vote On Arms Treaty “Without ratification of New START, we have not been able to fully verify the Russian nuclear program for more than 300 days. Every day that passes reduces our understanding of the Russian nuclear arsenal. Without this treaty, we are less secure,” said US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.). “The national-security establishment has spoken. The experts, many from Republican administrations, have spoken. The American people have spoken. New START is in the core national-security interests of our country, and the time has come to vote. The Senate should vote on this treaty before the end of the year.”

“Delaying a vote on the New START Treaty into next year is a dangerous and unnecessary gamble with our nation’s security,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

“Failing to ratify New START tells the world we are not serious about the nuclear threat and undermines America’s ability to respond to the dangerous challenges before us. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer to address the threats posed by a nuclear Iran and by terrorists around the world seeking nuclear materials.”

“The Senate should immediately ratify the New START Treaty be17 NOVEMBER, 2010

cause it will enhance the security of the United States,” said Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Cal.). “Not only will it lead to a reduction in nuclear weapons, but it will allow US weapons inspectors to return to Russia to monitor their nuclear program and verify compliance with the Treaty.”

“The most dangerous threat to America and to the world is for a terrorist organization or network to obtain a nuclear weapon. Nuclear disarmament is among the most critical steps we must take to keep our nation and future generations safe,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). “Ratification of the New START treaty would reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the American and Russian arsenals, bolstering our national security by reducing the risk of loose nuclear weapons and materials falling into the hands of hostile nations or terrorist groups.”

In September 2010, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the New START Treaty by a strong and bipartisan 14-4 decision. The Committee thoroughly examined the treaty in conducting 12 open and classified hearings, featuring more than 20 expert witnesses.

The treaty has earned the unanimous backing of America’s military leadership, including the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the comTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

mander of our nation’s strategic forces, and the director of the Missile Defense Agency. America’s military was joined in their support by six former secretaries of state, five former secretaries of defense, the chair and vice chair of the 9/11 Commission, and seven former commanders of US Strategic Command. National security experts from both parties and from seven former presidential administrations urged the Senate to approve this treaty.

Since the previous START Treaty expired last December, the United States has been unable to inspect Russia’s nuclear arsenal and obtain vital intelligence for American military planners. The New START Treaty would allow these critical inspections to resume and would make sure the US can – in the words of former President Ronald Reagan’s “Trust, but verify” Russia’s nuclear commitments.

Brady Hails New Help For Travelers With Autistic Kids Congressman Brady has introduced a resolution that applauds the Einstein Healthcare Network, Southwest Airlines and Philadelphia International Airport for instituting best practices procedures for helping families with autistic children when they are traveling. |

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Nov. 17Memorial Service & portrait unveiling for late Judge Joseph A Dych at City Hall, Courtrm. 653, 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 18Friends of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown host reception at Sande Webster Gallery, 2006 Walnut St., 6 p.m. For info (215) 847-5264.

Nov. 19Mayor to raise 20 more nations’ flags on Parkway and swear in 20 new citizens between 20th and 21st streets, 11 a.m. If rain, Mayor’s Reception Rm., Rm. 215, City Hall.

Nov. 20UNICO, Italian American Charitable Association, will be stuffing 175 turkey baskets at parking lot on west side of Turf Club, 700 Packer Ave., 9 a.m.-12 m. President Guy Ciabattoni invites everyone interested to join and help. For info Guy (215) 774-9866, ext. 11.

Dec. 3- Phila. FIGHT marks 20th anniversary gala at Ritz Carlton.

For ticket and other info (215) 525-8628.

Dec. 573rd Annual Rev. George Feider Memorial Communication Breakfast hosted by Millay Club alumni of Gorretti-Neumann HS, at Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing, 201 S,. Columbus Blvd., 9 a.m. Honored will be Penna. State Secretary Basil Merenda and others. Tickets $30. For info (215) 389-0925.

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Understanding that children with autism represent a special population that may require additional training for airline employees, as well as preparation for travel, this group has collaborated with the Transportation Security Administration, the University of the Sciences and the Gray Center, in Michigan, to help families better navigate airports. “This teaming up on behalf of families with autistic children certainly deserves to be honored,” Brady said.

While a simple outing to a public place may become a highly charged and traumatic experience for an autistic child, travel may also trigger an emotional reaction.

So to ensure that there is sensitivity and support for these families, The Autism Accessibility Program at Einstein reached out to Southwest Airlines and enlisted the support of the Philadelphia International Airport to help the airline become

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more orientated to the needs of autistic children.

Training sessions for airport employees are ongoing and families now have the opportunity to take part in simulated flights to help them prepare their children for the flight experience. In addition, Einstein has placed preparatory materials for families on their website.

The Congressman said the training model may prove helpful to other community settings, like the Smithsonian, with whom Einstein is also collaborating.

City Gets Grant For Electric Vehicles Gov. Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection announced yesterday the City of Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Office of Sustainability will receive a $140,000 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant to purchase and install chargers for 20 electric

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vehicles in Philadelphia. The chargers will serve 18 EVs that PhillyCarShare and Zipcar will add to their fleets and provide two parking spaces with charging services available the public. By displacing 18 traditional car-share vehicles, the project is expected to cut CO2 emissions by 61,000 lb. per year.

“Greenworks Philadelphia sets a goal to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2015,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Adding electric vehicles to Philadelphia’s successful car share programs will give thousands of Philadelphia drivers an affordable opportunity to experience new EV technology and help the City reach our ambitious sustainability goals.

Electric-vehicle technology is well suited for car-share use because the average car-share trip is between 30 and 40 miles long, well within the range of one battery charge. Using EVs in high-mileage fleet settings such as car-share programs also increases the environmental benefit of the vehicles by replacing a large number of traditional-fuel vehicle miles driven.

The project is an important first step in strengthening Philadelphia’s EV infrastructure. It will help the City understand and improve EV charger installation permitting, give PECO valuable information about how chargers interact with 17 NOVEMBER, 2010

the existing grid, and provide data on how electric vehicles perform in Philadelphia’s weather and traffic conditions.

“This project starts solving the chicken-and-egg problem by creating an electric car public charging infrastructure that will then encourage people to purchase and use electric cars,” said DEP Secretary John Hanger. “The project also shows Philadelphia can be a leader in the electric car revolution that will create enormous health, environmental and economic benefits.”

OARC Will Present Model Garden At City’s Green Conference The Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corp. will feature one of its sustainability programs during the kick off next month of the city’s Green 2015 initiative to expand the acreage of green space across Philadelphia by 2015.

The Dec. 6 initiative is a special edition of the city’s Urban Sustainability Forum, at which Mayor Michael Nutter and Parks & Recreation Dept. Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis will outline efforts to unite government and citizens to create 500 new acres of open land.

The forum will be held at the Academy of Natural Sciences.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

OARC will give a presentation on its sustainability efforts at the John F. McCloskey ES and Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Center in Mount Airy, where along with the Vital Neighborhoods Initiative, Philadelphia School District and Recreation Dept., they converted a portion of the schoolyard into a “rain garden” to help combat stormwater runoff, a major contributor to pollution in local water systems.

“We are proud we are helping the City achieve its goal of creating 500 additional acres of green space by 2015. This garden is yet another step in our efforts to improve the quality of life for residents of Northwest Philadelphia,” said John Ungar, OARC’s senior director of sustainability and education. “The garden will help prevent water pollution, enhance the beauty of the playground, and most importantly, provide a hands on opportunity for students to learn about the environment.”

The rain garden measures 50’ by 100’ and uses native plants and other landscaping to soak up rain water and stormwater runoff from lawns, roofs and other impervious surfaces such as streets, driveways or parking lots. Such runoff often carries pesticides, fertilizers and oil into storm drains, which feeds the pollutants into streams, lakes and rivers. |

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Former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Linda D. Perkins has joined the law firm of Archer & Greiner PC as a partner in the firm’s Philadelphia office, where she concentrates her practice on complex civil litigation.

insurance fraud and related offenses, valued in excess of $23 million. Investigations and prosecutions included allegations of fraud, theft and corrupt business practices. Perkins was also a seasoned trial and appellate attorney in the District Attorney’s Office, handling homicides and death penalty litigation.

A native of Virginia, Perkins served as an assistant Philadelphia District Attorney for more than 20 years, including the past 12 years as chief of the Insurance Fraud Unit. As unit chief, she led a team of experienced attorneys and investigators on more than 2,000 investigations and 1,000 prosecutions for

A graduate of the University of Virginia and Columbia University Law School, Perkins’ litigation practice has an emphasis in labor and employment and civil rights matters. She has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Philadelphia School and the Grantee Advisory Committee for

ADA Perkins Joins Archer & Greiner

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority.

Archer & Greiner, PC, is a full-service law firm with more than 175 lawyers serving Fortune 100 clients, small- to medium-sized businesses and individuals for more than 80 years. The firm has offices in Philadelphia as well as in Haddonfield, Princeton and Flemington, N.J., New York City and Wilmington and Georgetown, Del.

17 NOVEMBER, 2010