Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. I No. 103

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

November 19, 2010

Philadelphia

Daily Record

Warn Us

STATE REP. MIKE McGEEHAN, right, confers with House Judiciary Chairman Tom Caltagirone (D-Berks) at a special public hearing in City Hall yesterday to examine prison escapes that have plagued McGeehan’s Northeast Phila. District. Community has complained it’s received no warnings when criminals escape. See Page 2

Prison Escapes Trigger Stern Concern At Hearing CITY COUNCIL’S Public Safety Chairwoman Donna Reed Miller, conferring here with Public Safety Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison, said of a recent escapee, Kevin Turner, who shortly thereafter killed jeweler William Glatz in the Northeast in a robbery attempt, “the confusion surrounding this situation – the Corrections staff was still looking for him inside the prison the following day – exposed a gaping hole in the public notification process. Our first objective should not be to avoid bad publicity, but should instead be to provide the best level of public safety we can to the residents of the surrounding community.”

MAN ON HOT SEAT, Prison Commissioner Lou Giorla checks in with Gillison before he testified. Giorla gave detailed report on three correctional-facility escapes in 12 months and vowed to work with all agencies to develop better alert methods. Giorla has been scheduling meetings with N.E. community groups to hear their concerns. Of Glatz’s death, he said, “As a longtime resident of N.E. Phila. and as sworn officer of 28 years, my heart goes out to the Glatz family and to the many area residents who mourn his passing.”

2|

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

19 NOVEMBER, 2010

Controller’s Audit Of DA Looks Clean Controller Alan Butkovitz yesterday released an audit of the District Attorney’s Office. The good news perhaps, was what wasn’t there.

Despite its $25 million annual budget, the DA’s Office triggered only three modest criticisms by Butkovitz’s team, which is known for its dense and meticulous citations of bookkeeping defects in other City agencies.

Tina Ginnetti, the DA’s chief financial officer, replied they would adopt the Controller’s suggestions on payroll and bank-account reconciliations. She said ADA sick-leave

abuse would continue to be supervised informally and she said Williams’s interpretation of the law, like his predecessor Lynne Abraham’s, was the Treasurer’s signature is not required.

Corbett Meets Health Pros

The DA was not enforcing City sick-leave abuse policy against Assistant District Attorneys and did not have one of its own.

The same employee both prepared and authorized payroll – in effect approving her own work.

Some bank-account reconciliations were not completed, approved or submitted to the Office of the Director of Finance in the correct format.

The City Treasurer is not an alternate signer on all the DA’s Office’s bank accounts.

“We would like to express thanks to you and your staff for the courtesy and cooperation displayed during the conduct of our work,” Butkovitz wrote to DA Seth Williams in submitting the audit.

19 NOVEMBER, 2010

Pennsylvania Attorney General and Governor-Elect Tom Corbett visits the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies’ offices in Philadelphia. During the visit, the Mr. Corbett learned more about AmeriHealth Mercy and the challenges facing the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program. AmeriHealth Mercy includes Keystone Mercy Health Plan, the largest Medicaid managed care plan in the state. From left to right are Michael A. Rashid, President and CEO of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, Susan Manbeck Corbett, Mr. Corbett’s wife, Renee Amoore, President and CEO of the Amoore Group, Inc., and Pennsylvania Attorney General and Governor-Elect Tom Corbett.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

3

Josephs: New Session Brings Dem Caucus New Opportunities S tate Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) said the Democratic Caucus should be looking for its opportunities in the wake of recent changes within the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

The General Election changed the makeup of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, for an expected 91-112 configuration, and House Democrats elected a new leadership team for the next legislative session.

“Now is the time to regroup and look for our opportunities,” Josephs said. “The opportunities are there. They just will not be as overt as they were when we were in the majority. There is a profound difference between being in the majority and minority, but it’s not a 4|

death knell for our ideas and proposals. We were in the profound minority when we increased the minimum wage.

“However, there is a different way of operating when in the minority; one has to be more persistent and it’s critical to understand the legislative process. Knowing who is receptive to ideas and who is not, as well as having good working relationships with one’s colleagues, all are key,” she said.

“I am sure the Republican majority will cut the budget as much as they can, so it is absolutely crucial for the Democrats to be strategic in picking the battles we can win with allies that can help and that will do the most good for all Pennsylvanians. I am confident the pendulum will swing back.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

“It all comes down to looking for opportunities. With so many Republicans – and so many with wide-ranging viewpoints – it may be challenging for them to reach a consensus. Many may not be willing to vote for the extreme positions their party espouses.

“I will focus on finding those opportunities to move our agenda forward and to keep Pennsylvania from backsliding regarding our investment in public education, our commitment to a green economy, the peace and prosperity of our beloved city, and civil and women’s rights,” Josephs said.

19 NOVEMBER, 2010

Urban Affairs Coalition Celebrates New Name, 41 Years With Mammoth Breakfast

URBAN AFFAIRS COALITION chief Sharmain Matlock-Turner, left, welcomes Lisa Nutter, a former UAC honoree, to gala breakfast and award ceremony in Crystal Tea Room this morning. More than 600 people, including Lisa’s husband mayor Michael Nutter, attended affair to note UAC’s 41 years of history (and also learn it is no longer to be called “Greater Phila.

Urban Affairs Coalition”).

LEROY EDWARDS received Edward G. Rendell “Doer” Award. Nine years ago, Edwards received his first job through UAC’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Today, at 23, he runs his own business, Abstract Screen Printing – and employs high-school students through SYEP himself. Proud of him are his wife Laverne Towns-Edwards, son Cash and mother Kathy Edwards.

CITY COUNCIL Majority Leader Marian Tasco joined full-throated crowd to hail State Rep. Dwight Evans for his service to this city. Evans sponsors UAC’s Living Legacy Award, which today was given to family of late Charles W. Bowser, Sr.

CONSIDERED a premiere social event for Phila.’s elite, UAC anniversary breakfast drew throng of distinguished civic leaders, among them, from left, Breakfast Co-Chair Bernard Smalley, Esq. of Annapol Schwartz, British Honorary Consul Oliver Franklin, Smalley’s wife Jacqui and Lawrence Dibor of Adcon. Last year, more than $300,000 was raised to support UAC’s community work.

19 NOVEMBER, 2010

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

5

Speaker Sets Special Election Date For 185th House Dist.

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.

Dec. 8Fire Fighters Local 22 and Police FOP Lodge 5 host plaque dedication honoring 100th anniversary of largest loss of life which killed 13 firefighters, one police officer and two fire horses at Plaza Complex on 2nd St. south of Girard Ave., 11 a.m. For info Jerry Kots (267) 549-6326.

6|

ouse Speaker Keith McCall (D-Carbon) has announced a special election to fill the seat of the late Robert C. Donatucci will be held Feb. 1.

H

Donatucci, who represented the 185th Dist., which includes portions of South and Southwest Philadelphia, passed away suddenly on Nov. 9.

“The loss of this fine legislator was a shock to his family and colleagues, and has left a void for the people who live and conduct business in his District,” McCall said.

“By calling a special election in

JS Heating & Air Condition Specialist.

early February, we will ensure the citizens of the 185th are not without representation for an extended period of time. Also, it allows sufficient time for candidates to come forward and engage the electorate.”

Candidates for the office will be selected by a process designated by their respective political parties, and the winner of the special election will take office after the results are certified.

On the Democrat side, Donatucci’s widow Maria is seriously considering seeking his office. Among Republicans, eyes are on Republican City Committee Executive Director Jim Dintino, whose 26th Ward is one of the GOP’s strongest.

ATTENTION PUBLIC NOTICES ADVERTISERS Sale on Refrigerant charging, all systems. Sale Price for $255. Full service including filter change.

Installation of new system including duct work & heat pump systems. We offer 35% off on all products.

Call (267) 580-5318 THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

We publish various types of Legal Notices including: Estate Notices, Name Changes, Fictitious Name, Articles of Incorporation and more, Call John David for more

215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 19 NOVEMBER, 2010

Southern High Takes Up Rep. Johnson’s AntiViolence Bid State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson (D-S. Phila.) has officially announced his “Peace Not Guns - Project Succeed Challenge”, where he’s challenging

appropriate resources just as easy

Mayor. “I would like to thank

as they have access to inappropri-

Nolan and Kenya for their dedica-

ate resources.” This challenge is a

tion to these missions. I am certain

direct response from the feedback

Sister Mary and newly appointed

Johnson received from the Peace

members Sanjuanita and William

Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meet-

will continue to advance the

ing, which took place last Decem-

Board’s and my goal of an ethical

ber at South Philadelphia HS.

government that works for everyone.”

his District, to create a program to

Mayor Names 3 To Ethics Board

help their peers get the resources

Mayor Michael A. Nutter submit-

they need in a timely manner. In

ted resolutions to City Council that

addition, each group must include

would confirm the appointment of

at least one “at-risk” youth in the

William H. Brown III and San-

project. South Philadelphia HS has

juanita González and reconfirm the

accepted the challenge.

appointment of Sister Mary Scul-

high-school students, in and around

lion to the City’s Board of Ethics.

Philadelphia is facing a major dropout crisis across the region.

Brown will fill the vacancy created

Statistic shows that there’s a direct

by the resignation of Nolan A.

relationship between dropping out

Atkinson, Jr. whose five-year term

and crime. Often students drop out

will expire on Nov. 16, 2014.

because they aren’t aware of the re-

González will fill the vacancy cre-

sources available to them. This

ated by the resignation of Kenya

challenge seeks to address these is-

Mann Faulkner, whose five-year

sues by inundating students with

term will end on Nov. 16, 2013.

resources that promote positive de-

The other members of the five-per-

velopment, encourage student re-

son Board are Rev. Damone B.

tention and ultimately, reduce

Jones Sr. and Richard Glazer.

violence in our communities.

pendent board in charge of providing ethics training for all city employees, enforcing city campaign finance, financial disclosure, and conflict of interest laws, as well as rendering advice, investigating complaints and issuing fines.

The Board consists of five members, appointed by the mayor, who serve fixed and staggered terms of five years. A member may only be removed for cause and needs the support of a majority of City Council to be confirmed. There is no compensation for service on the Board of Ethics.

Brown is senior counsel at Schnader Harrison Seagal &

“Transparent government has been “It’s important for us to realize ig-

a key priority of my Administration

norance is not bliss,” Johnson

since day one. The work of the

states. “In order for us to fight

Ethics Board has always been to

against youth violence, we have to

promote and work for the best in-

make sure all youth have access to

terest of the public,” said the

19 NOVEMBER, 2010

The Board of Ethics is an inde-

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Lewis, LLP. He served as the chairman of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and, prior to joining Schnader, worked as the Chief of the Fraud Unite and Deputy District Attorney in |

7

Philadelphia. Brown also chaired

sons. To date, Project H.O.M.E.

the Philadelphia Special Investiga-

has leveraged over $50,000,000 in

tion Commission that examined the

equity towards housing and eco-

1985 MOVE tragedy.

nomic development.

GonzĂĄlez is currently managing

Earthquake Needs Turkey Help Tomorrow

partner at Cohen, Fluhr & Gonzalez and practices law in the areas of immigration and social security disability. She is the former vice president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania and cochair of the social security disability committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Scullion is currently the executive director and president of Project H.O.M.E. She has been involved in service work and advocacy for homeless and mentally ill persons since 1978. In 1985 she co-founded Woman of Hope, which provides permanent residences and support services for homeless mentally ill women. In 1988 she helped to

Community activist Paul Earthquake Moore needs donations of turkey and stuffing, and running enthusiasts to participate in his annual Run down S. Broad Street from City Hall at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Quake asks anyone and everyone to join him and support this effort.

Deputy Police Commissioner Stephen Johnson, a long-time Run supporter, will lead the Run with Nova Care’s Tia Gray. Call (215) 385-2696 to find out how you can help.

found the Outreach Coordination Center, an innovative program coordinating private and public agencies doing outreach to chronically homeless persons in Center City. In 1989, she co-founded Project H.O.M.E., which has grown from an emergency winter shelter to a multifaceted nonprofit organization with 447 units of housing and three businesses that provide employment to formerly homeless per8|

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

19 NOVEMBER, 2010