Vol. I No. 137
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
January 12, 2011
Philadelphia
Daily Record
Counting On Nutter
CONTROLLER Alan Butkovitz, left is latest in line of top City elected officials to endorse Mayor Michael Nutter for reelection in upcoming May Primary. See Page 2
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Butkovitz: It’s Nutter Again In 2011 Citing Mayor Michael Nutter’s “honesty,” “openness” and “willingness to work together,” City Controller Alan Butkovitz announced his support for Nutter’s reelection bid outside the Municipal Services Building yesterday. “From my vantage point as the city’s financial watchdog, there are a number of facts that jump out at me about Michael Nutter that make him a clear choice for a second term,” the Controller said. “He doesn’t cook the books. From Day One of the financial crisis that is swallowing up other cities and states, Mayor Nutter has swiftly and honestly reported the bottom line financial numbers and has dealt with them on a current basis.” “When government finances tank, there is a great temptation to use fiscal gimmicks – borrowing, deferrals or one-time cash infusions like asset sales to make the situation look rosier than it is. Many Mayors and Governors around the country have succumbed to this temptation,” Butkovitz said. “Not this Mayor!” He also praised Nutter’s work, along with other government entities, in crafting and enacting a recovery plan to improve the City pension fund’s health over time.
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Mayor Nutter thanked the Controller for his endorsement, calling Butkovitz, “an important ally during our discussions on the management of the City budget during the downturn caused by the recession.” “Alan’s experience with the City Pension Board has enabled us to work together to improve the management and performance of that Board,” said the Mayor. “I am pleased to have his support and look forward to continuing our professional relationship.” Serving his second term as the City’s chief fiscal watchdog, Butkovitz was first elected City Controller in 2005. He audits City offices, including the Mayor’s, and recommends ways for the City to operate more efficiently. The Controller’s endorsement follows earlier ones for Nutter by Congressmen Chaka Fattah and Congressman Robert Brady, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and District Attorney Seth Williams.
94 District Schools Receive Top Academic Honors from the State Close to 100 schools in the District are being honored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for outstanding academic achievement. The Keystone Achievement Award is given to schools that make Adequate Yearly 12 JANUARY, 2011
Progress (AYP) two years in a row. This time, 94 District schools reached the milestone. In honor of this prestigious achievement, an awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush School, 11081 Knights Road in Philadelphia, prior to a regularlyscheduled, citywide principals’ meeting. The principal of each of the recognized schools will receive a blue and gold keystone-shaped placard awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education that can be displayed at the school. “I want to congratulate all of our award-winning schools for this great honor and I hope that next year, we’ll have even more honorees,” stated schools Superintendent and CEO Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman. AYP is determined in part by a school’s performance on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, the standardized test given annually to students in grades 3-8 and 11. A total of 69 elementary, nine (9) middle and 16 high schools in the School District of Philadelphia reached this milestone by the end of the 2008-2009 academic school year.
State Spending Cuts Spell Trouble For City The City’s economic picture appears to be stabilizing and in some areas picking up – for the moment. 12 JANUARY, 2011
Next year’s outlook is gloomier, though, Controller Alan Butkovitz reports, as deep State budget cuts bite in. First, the good news. The Controller’s monthly economic report includes the monthly City and PICA revenues, which totaled $168.7 million, an 8% increase from the previous month, and $12.9 million more than collections in September 2009. Butkovitz also reported on the City’s foreclosure filings. Of the 330,000 homeowners across the United States who received a foreclosure filing in October, 1,512 of these filings came from Philadelphia – a figure much lower than the nation’s most populous cities. This relative fiscal stability won’t survive drastic slashes in State aid to City functions in Fiscal Year 2011-12. Under the current FY2011 budget, the State provides the City with $1.8 billion to fund services and programs provided by City departments. Of this total amount, $1.2 billion is provided in special revenues, mostly consisting of grant monies, with the majority of the funding for health and human services. According to City Controller Alan Butkovitz, a potential 5% State cut THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
in special revenues would amount to a $53 million reduction in funds for the Office of Behavioral Health & Mental Retardation Services. A 30% cut would reduce the funding by $319 million for these services. “The possibility of cuts in State funding for essential services would require the City to find alternative revenue sources or be forced to reduce current service levels or eliminate some programs altogether,” said Butkovitz. “The City has already reduced services and raised taxes under the last two budgets to maintain current levels of service and programs for its citizens.” The City currently receives $595 million from the State for generalfund revenues that includes money for City departments to cover basic operating costs. The Dept. of Human Services receives $390 million of these State funds and a 30% cut would reduce its budget by $117 million, almost equal to the cost of Juvenile Justice Programs that provide adjudication, placement and support for youth offenders. While most of the City’s revenues are for State-mandated programs such as health and human services, State legislators could amend the law to change eligibility requirements and funding formulas as a means to reduce overall costs. |
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“Discretionary funding will be the first to go, because there is less resistance when eliminating it as a budget line item,” noted Butkovitz.
Councilman Clarke Renews Push For Gun Controls In the wake of recent national events, Councilman Darrell Clarke is renewing the push for Philadelphia’s ability to enact gun violence prevention measures on the local level. In particular, legislation requiring that certain information be provided to local police, by applicants, for permits to carry concealed weapon, as well as reinstitution of the assault weapons ban. The Councilman is calling for a meeting with the Governor and General Assembly leaders, that would involve City leaders and Gun Violence Prevention advocates to, once again, urge the importance of State authorizing legislation allowing the City to pass its own gun laws. In 2005 the citizens of Philadelphia overwhelmingly approved a ballot referendum calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to pass legislation permitting Philadelphia to enact constitutionally lawful legislation to prevent and reduce gun violence. Subsequently, Council Members Donna Reed-Miller and Clarke successfully passed eight bills in Council, three of 4|
which survived judicial scrutiny, and have been enacted. They include: 080032 Failure to Report Lost or Stolen Firearm.* 080017 Temporary Removal of Firearms from People Posing Risk of Harm.* 080018 Prohibited Possession, Sale and Transfer of Firearms by Persons Subject to Protection from Abuse Orders.* 080016 Licensing of Persons to Acquire or Transfer Firearms. 080036 Reporting requirements to carry a concealed firearm. 080035 Straw and Multiple Gun Purchase Reduction. 080034 Registry of Ammunition Sale. 080033 Assault Weapons Ban Accessories and Ammunition. *enacted The Councilman strongly believes local leaders should have the power to reduce the likelihood of tragic events, such as what occurred in Arizona, from happening here. He further believes there is no common-sense rationale for allowing assault weapons, whose sole purpose is to kill or maim people, to proliferate in this City. “Philadelphia’s gun-violence issue must no longer be ignored by those with the ability to help alleviate it. THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Practically every day, more Police officers, children, seniors, and everyday citizens fall victim to the devastation of handguns and assault weapons. We must send a strong message both the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania are doing everything within their power to limit exposing citizens to the threat of physical harm or loss of life from acts of gun violence,” said Clarke.
Philly Wins Long Lineup Of NCAA Events Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined NCAA officials and regional sports partners yesterday to celebrate a series of NCAA events to be held in the Philadelphia area over the next four years. Philadelphia will play host to six NCAA championships, encompassing five sports, which are expected to result in an estimated economic impact of $75 million for the region. The event slate begins with two events in 2011 — the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, Mar. 17-19 at the Wells Fargo Center (hosted by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and Rider University), and the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional, Mar. 27 & 29 at Temple University’s Liacouras Center. Future NCAA events will include 12 JANUARY, 2011
the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals at PPL Park (hosted by Drexel University), the 2013 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships at Lincoln Financial Field (also hosted by Drexel University), the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball 2nd & 3rd Rounds at the Wells Fargo Center (Temple University) and the 2014 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four (Ice Hockey Championship) at the Wells Fargo Center (Eastern College Athletic Conference). “We are grateful for the NCAA’s tremendous partnership and their continued faith in Philadelphia,” said the Mayor Nutter. “We fully intend to reward that faith by delivering more world-class events hand-in-hand with our regional partners.” “Philadelphia offers a remarkable fan base, number of member institutions and quality facilities,” said Greg Shaheen, NCAA interim executive VP of championships and alliances. “We are proud and excited to be in Philadelphia with regularity in the past, in the present and in the future.” “Philadelphia’s track record of hosting major NCAA championships is really no coincidence,” said Tom Lynch, vice chairman, Philadelphia Sports Congress, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It speaks to the strength of our collegiate 12 JANUARY, 2011
athletic programs, our world-class venues and our expertise in hosting events of this magnitude.” Philadelphia and the NCAA already share a storied history. Among the numerous NCAA events Philadelphia has hosted are the 1976 and 1981 Men’s Basketball Final Fours; the 1992 Men’s Basketball Regional (which included the famous Christian Laettner game-winner for Duke vs. Kentucky); the 2000 Women’s Basketball Final Four; 2001, 2006 and 2009 Men’s Basketball Regionals; 2003 Men’s Gymnastics Championship; 2005 and 2006 Men’s Lacrosse Championship and 2007 Women’s Lacrosse Championship, among others. The city is also home to the legendary Philadelphia Big 5, the Army-Navy Game and one of the largest concentrations of colleges and universities anywhere in the country.
Winkler Appointed As City Treasurer Nancy E. Winkler, a distinguished municipal finance professional, was appointed City Treasurer effective Jan. 31, 2011. “I am delighted that Nancy has accepted the appointment as City Treasurer,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “Nancy’s financial management expertise and experience with other governments, particularly in debt management, will serve the 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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City well. I’m confident that she will build on the accomplishments of the past City Treasurer in the restructuring of all of the City’s $1.9 billion in variable rate debt, saving significant interest costs to the City and limiting the City’s risk exposure.” As the City Treasurer, Winkler will be responsible for oversight of all activities related to the issuance of debt by the City, including the sale of general obligation and various revenue bonds, such as Airport, Water/Wastewater, and Philadelphia Gas Works, as well as bonds issued by other City-related agencies. Her responsibilities will include ensuring adherence to City investment guidelines, overseeing the investment of approximately $2.0 billion of operating and bond funds, managing the City’s depository banking and serving as the disbursement agent for all payments from the City Treasury. As Treasurer, one of Winkler’s key responsibilities will be to advise rating agencies of developments related to the City’s financial status. “I’m honored the Mayor has selected me for this role,” said Winkler “Throughout my career as a municipal financial advisor with PFM Group, I have worked hard to blend my business training and background with the concept of public service from the consulting point of view. I’m looking forward 6|
to joining the Mayor’s senior finance team and to sharing my knowledge of the workings of municipal governments and agencies to help Philadelphia navigate the economic challenges we will face over the next several years.” Prior to her tenure with the City, Winkler worked for over 28 years with Public Financial Management, most recently as managing director, serving in its New York office, with responsibility to manage all interaction with municipal, state and authority issuers in New York and Maryland. Winkler’s experience includes advising a number of other state and municipal entities on municipal bond issuance, debt restructuring, and various strategies to manage their debt portfolio, particularly during the recent fiscal stress experienced in the credit markets. Winkler holds BA in American Studies and Economics from Georgetown University. She has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Citizen’s Budget Committee for many years. She currently resides with her family in Lower Merion, and is looking forward to relocating within the City of Philadelphia. She will receive a salary of $140,000.
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Kromer Announces Run For Sheriff – To Abolish The Office John Kromer is announcing he is running for Philadelphia Sheriff in the May 2011 Democratic Primary, intending to shut down the office for good. “The Sheriff’s Office remains the weakest link in the city’s flawed system for dealing with abandoned and tax delinquent properties,” says Kromer. “The office continues to be plagued by mismanagement and abuse. We can solve these problems by reassigning the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office to other agencies that can do the job more reliably. Then the position of Sheriff can be made an appointed position or abolished altogether. I want to make Philadelphia’s next Sheriff the last Sheriff.” Kromer served as Director of the Office of Housing & Community Development under then-Mayor Ed Rendell. While Director of OHCD, Kromer oversaw a major restructuring of Philadelphia’s housing agencies and financed the creation of a citywide network of housing counseling organizations — nonprofits that are now playing a key role in helping thousands of Philadelphia homeowners avoid foreclosure.
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Babysitter Organizes Formal Funder In Memory Of Child Connie Russin, a junior at Mt. Saint Joseph Academy, has organized a Teen Formal for Friday, Jan. 14, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at the Great American Pub, 123 Fayette Street in Conshohocken, to raise funds for a charity close to her heart, The George Fund at Keystone Hospice. Russin is the niece of Ellen & Jerry Pappert, who founded The George Fund in memory of their late son George, who died right before his fifth birthday. Russin was very close to her little cousin George and used to babysit for him once a week. Pappert served as the Attorney General of Pennsylvania from 2003-2005. She will be 17 on Sunday, Jan. 16. Little George was born on January 20. The Teen Formal is Russin’s first fundraising event, and she made invitations and mailed them to family and friends. She mailed out letters to prospective sponsors and raised enough in donations to cover the entire cost of the event. So each ticket she has sold at $30 each is a donation to The George Fund.
Cutting Edge Entertainment group in Huntingdon Valley to donate all the disc jockey services, including the lighting for the venue’s upstairs ballroom, a total of $2,000 in-kind. Teens from Lansdale, Chestnut Hill, Lafayette Hill, Flourtown and other areas are expected to attend. Appetizers, dessert, sodas and water are included in the ticket price.
DeBurgos School Helps Fire Evacuees For the second time in less than a week, School District Superintendent Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman is opening the doors of one of the city’s schools to victims of a devastating fire. Philadelphians affected by the fire that ripped through a West Kensington apartment building Tuesday afternoon are being directed to Julia De Burgos ES at 401 W. Lehigh Avenue, where a temporary reception center has been set up. Fire officials immediately called the District to request use of the facility. Monday, the District allowed victims of another devastating fire to be sheltered temporarily at Alain Locke School, where many of them are still located as they attempt to find shelter elsewhere.
So far, she has raised about $3,000, but she expects to sell another 100 tickets for the event. And her aunt Maura Duggan arranged for the 12 JANUARY, 2011
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