Vol. I No. 136
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
January 11, 2011
Philadelphia
Daily Record
5-Alarmer
FIRE TORE THROUGH a large apartment building in University City yesterday afternoon, leaving more than 100 people homeless and casting a pall of thick, acrid smoke a mile downwind. Traffic on Walnut and Chestnut Streets was closed for hours, clogging traffic in West Philadelphia during rush hour.
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Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Costa (D-Allegheny) announced yesterday the appointment of the Democratic chairs of the State Senate’s standing committees for the 2011-2012 legislative session. They will take effect today.
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· Communications & Technology: Larry Farnese · Community, Economic & Recreational Development: Wayne Fontana · Consumer Protection & Profes· Education: Andy Dinniman
ate Democrats are poised to move
· Environmental Resources &
forward on plans to create jobs, improve education and make government more effective and efficient even while dealing with budget difficulties,” Costa said. “We are
unique skills and abilities to help
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“As we begin a new session, Sen-
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· Banking & Insurance: Michael
sional Licensure: Lisa Boscola
fortunate to have Democratic sena-
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guide committees, provide insight and produce solutions.
Energy: John Yudichak · Finance: John Wozniak · Game & Fisheries: Richard Kasunic · Intergovernmental Operations: John Blake · Judiciary: Daylin Leach · Labor & Industry: Christine Tartaglione · Law & Justice: Jim Ferlo
“I am pleased to make these ap-
· Local Government: John Blake
pointments and I look forward to
· Public Health & Welfare:
working with my colleagues because they will do quality work,” Costa said.
Shirley Kitchen · Rules & Executive Nominations: Jay Costa · State Government: Anthony
Costa announced the following appointments:
Williams · Transportation: John Wozniak · Urban Affairs & Housing: Jim
· Aging & Youth: LeAnna Washington
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· Agriculture & Rural Affairs:
Brewster · Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness: Tim Solobay
Lisa Boscola · Appropriations: Vincent THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
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Philadelphians Respond To Ariz. Tragedy Around the Philadelphia region, political progressives reacted to the assassination attempt on Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords with reflections on the culture of political discourse in this country. Statement by Health Care American Now, Pa. On Arizona Shootings by Marc Stier The shootings yesterday in Arizona are a personal tragedy for Congresswoman Giffords and her staff, for Judge Roll, for the other six people killed and for the many people injured. We pray today for them. The shootings are also a tragedy for our political process. Democratic government is the means by which we resolve our disputes, and come to some agreement about the common good, without a resort to violence. Any time violence disrupts our democracy, we all lose. It seems that the man who fired the bullets suffers from a serious mental illness. He and any accomplices are responsible for their actions. But these shootings, like many acts of property violence against Congressional offices over the last two years, have taken place in the con10 JANUARY, 2011
text of a long rightwing campaign against health-care reform that has been characterized by ideological extremism, an intolerance for progressive views; a willing disregard for the facts and, far too often, an appalling degree of angry and violent language. Those of us who have worked for two years in support of health care reform saw this at the Constitution Center in August 2009 and at many events all over the Commonwealth since. Robin Stelly, the Penn ACTION organizer in Bucks Co., said: “When I did the series of Health Care Reform town halls in Bucks, I was concerned for my own safety. I had to force myself to keep doing them after the first one. I had to give pep talks to participants so they wouldn’t be afraid and would continue to participate on panels. I had to call the police at one event and encourage people to leave at another by threatening to call the police.” In light of this history, and in the wake of this terrible tragedy, it is time for all of us, on both sides, to step away from the increasingly bitter, ideologically divided politics of the last few years. We should instead focus on the problems we all see around us — unemployment, slow economic growth, and, in health care, the large number of people in our country who do not have health insurance they can THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
count on when they most need it or do not have it at all. We should lower our voices as we talk with each other seriously about these problems, without rancor or anger, and try to find some common ground between us. We may not always agree, but a real debate on the issues will allow all Americans to finally come to an honest understanding of the problems we face and the solutions we and others have proposed to resolve them. That kind of debate is the best way to take our country back from the violence that afflicted it yesterday, and from the rancor that has afflicted it for the last few years. And it is the best way to honor Rep. Giffords, who has been not only a stalwart defender of health-care reform but also a member of Congress who has always reached across the aisle and has earned the respect of both Democrats and Republicans. Young Democrat Leader Calls For Social Unity by Malik Boyd This past weekend, our nation suffered a tragedy of infinite proportion as we received reports of the shooting in Tuscon, Ariz., that has now been deemed an assassination attempt on the life of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. While the gunman was unsuccess|
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ful in his attempt, he was successful in wounding Congresswoman Giffords and a score of others, while claiming the lives of 9-yearold, Christina Taylor Green, and six others, including Judge Roll.
of criminal acts of violence, but unification based on the belief that bi-partisanship is possible and has its purpose. Unity, based on the belief that our Constitution serves as a document not to be amended simply to fit individual purpose, but as While there are facts still yet to be President Obama stated in his book uncovered, there are however, hor- The Audacity of Hope, “The framerible truths that are in plain sight to work of our Constitution can orus all. ganize the way by which we argue about our future.” Lastly, we Over the course of the last decade, should implore ourselves and the we have allowed political markethearts of others to be unified in this ing to become transformed into a mission of educating ourselves. mix of slander, misinformation, Not just in science, technology, and fear and hate. While some may say financial literacy, but also in the that this mix has been around since political process, ensuring that our the beginning of the process, what future generations come to the is unusually different is the levels table of government armed with of which this slime has polluted not education and morally sound only the national political landideals, not with guns and hate. The scape, but has shown itself toxic lack of proper education in any diswithin our local communities as cipline or subject matter can give well. Across this country, we have way to flawed thoughts, fueled witnessed this toxin pollute town with the fear of the unknown, and a halls and debates. Health-care reshort fuse for the temperance that form rallies became so emotionally the political process demands for charged that it almost became a effective and well thought out legmandate to have adequate health islation. care before you attended for fear of what may happen. These kinds of As President of the Philadelphia incidents served as alarms, indicaYoung Democrats, I represent our tors that the safety of our ability to Executive Board and our memberpeaceably disagree was at stake. ship, when I say that we condemn They went unheeded. This weekthe acts that occurred this past end the alarm sounded again. This weekend, and we take an aggrestime, it wasn’t a drill. sive stance against violence not only in general, but especially Now, more than ever, it becomes when politically charged. Our acclear that unity is the priority. Not tions however, are not just baseless just unity based on condemnation rhetoric. For the next six months, 4|
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the Philadelphia Young Democrats will set up educational sessions across this city with the goal in mind to empower citizens with the tools of financial literacy, legal literacy, and knowledge of the political process. It is our heartfelt belief that these tools will assist in empowering individuals to help create change through proper and productive means, for not only for our political sake, but for the betterment of themselves and the vibrancy of our communities. Join us in this mission. Sign our “TAKE A STAND” online petition to show your commitment to peace and harmony amongst our political parties and the communities they represent. Volunteer just an hour of your time to help us educate others in the power and efficiency of our political process. Together, we can reverse the destructive effects of an overly aggressive political climate in this country, and overcome the challenges we face ahead in peace. To sign the petition, visit http://www.change.org/petitions/vi ew/take_a_stand_for_peace_in_pol itics?share_id=oWzJAItUqr&pe=p ce
Arizona Rampage Should Cause Others To Examine Rhetoric, Gun Gafety State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) expressed her horror, shock and outrage at Saturday’s at10 JANUARY, 2011
tempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, which wounded her and 19 others at a community legislative event in Tucson, Ariz., leaving six dead and Giffords in critical condition. “My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families, including Rep. Giffords,” Josephs said. “This is a terrible tragedy for them, for Arizona and for this country. “But this incident reminds us there can be consequences to speech that makes it seem OK to physically attack people for having a different viewpoint. I fear many extremist talk radio and TV commentators do not make that distinction. People who are unstable are likely to take this rhetoric of violence as permission to act. And in states with weak gun-control laws, that permission can be deadly. This is not a 1st Amendment issue, but one of selfcensorship, self-restraint and the assumption of responsibility. “A great friend of mine, the late Larry Frankel, championed the 1st Amendment, but even he said the 1st Amendment does not give us the right to act like idiots,” she said. Josephs pointed to the oftnoted map distributed by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin with crosshair marks on certain legislative Districts, including Giffords’. “One cannot shout ‘fire’ in a 10 JANUARY, 2011
crowded room without cause because of what it may incite. Responsible individuals self-edit their comments in the same way.” Josephs also said she believes Saturday’s shooting puts more light on the issue of responsible firearm laws. “There are many instances in which women are the intended victims of troubled young men. Who will be next? Pennsylvania is similar to Arizona in having weak gun laws. Now is the time to reconsider enacting responsible gun-safety laws,” Josephs said. “It is up to the politicians to temper their extreme discourse and enact responsible gun-safety laws.”
Titan Lands Big Bus-Shelter Ad Deal Titan, the largest Transit advertising sales company in North America, has been awarded the City of Philadelphia Bus Shelter advertising contract in a competitive bid. The contract starts in January 2011. Titan has been established in the Philadelphia market since 2005, when it won the exclusive rights to sell SEPTA’s advertising. Since then it has added PATCO to its Philadelphia region roster and has substantially grown revenues THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Jan. 14Fundraiser Reception for Council candidate Lawrence Clark at Chart House, 555 S. Columbus Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $15. Jan. 17MLK celebration and Awards by American Legion Henry Hill Post 385 and McDonald’s at Grays Ferry, at Mtg. Zion Pentecostal Ch., 122628 Point Breeze Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Commander William Denny host. Jan. 17Phila.Tea Party Patriots NW meeting at Kendrick Rec Ctr., 5800 block Ridge Ave. by Roxborough Mem. Hosp. at 7 p.m. Speakers are Commissioner candidate Al Schmidt and Council candidate Sandy Stewart. For info Mike Lodise (2115) 4870118 or Pat Haraburda (215) 4827991, or teapartynw@comcast.net. Jan. 19Reception for GOP 1st Council Dist. candidate Lou Lanni at home of 5th Ward Leader Michael A. Cibik, Esq., 334 S. Front Street, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 27Edward J. Lowry, founder of Phila. Veterans MultiService & Education Ctr., will be honored on retirement at Waterfall Rm. in Plumbers Local 690 Union Hall, 2791 Southampton Rd., Cocktails 6-8 p.m., followed by Tribute Program. Tickets $65. Order by phone (215) 238-8050. Event Chair Ed Keenan, Board Chair Jim McNesby and Exec. Dir. Marsha Four. |
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across both. The company has also recently added to its street furniture business with the acquisition of Verizon’s New York City pay phone business earlier this year.
Bus shelters will add an extra element of reach in the Philadelphia market and allow us to offer our clients some truly unique creative executions.”
Vice President and General Mgr. Jeff Randazzo will manage selling the City of Philadelphia bus shelters from Titan’s Philadelphia offices.
“Titan won this contract in a competitive bidding environment. The City’s contract with Titan meets our goals of increasing non-tax revenue, improving the maintenance of bus shelters and providing opportunities to minorities and women-owned subcontractors. Titan’s success in the Philadelphia market and experience with street furniture in New York convinced us they would be the best partners to move forward with,” said Rina Cutler, deputy mayor for trans-
“Winning the bus-shelter contract in Philadelphia is a fantastic way to start the year,” said Don Allman, president and CEO of Titan. “We’ve always performed well in Philadelphia and we’re confident we have the right mix of people and media to continue that success.
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portation and utilities. The Philadelphia bus shelters are heavily concentrated in 244 locations throughout the city and have approximately 500 advertising faces. All of the locations have individual Eyes On measurements, a new, comprehensive measurement system designed to be used as a currency for the buying and selling of out-of-home media. Titan is a full-service media company specializing in out-of-home advertising. With more markets, more Top 10 DMA penetration and more riders, Titan is the leader in transit advertising in the United States.
10 JANUARY, 2011