Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. I No. 139

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

January 14, 2011

Philadelphia

Daily Record

Dont ‘Miz’ It

Michael Kostroff plays “Master of the House” Thérnadier in Les Misérables at Academy of Music this weekend. See page 6. Photo by Deen van Meer

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Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller Bows Out Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller today announced she will not seek reelection to Philadelphia City Council. Councilwoman Miller has represented the 8th Council Dist. since 1996.

Miller, a lifelong resident of Germantown, said, “It is time to give another person the opportunity to represent this wonderful district. I never believed this position to be a lifetime job; and though I know I have political and physical ability to serve, it is the right time for me to move into another type of public service.”

Miller will maintain her position as 59th Ward Democratic Committee Leader. “I intend to stay fully engaged in the issues that concern our community and City.” Miller said she is making this announcement now to give potential candidates time to organize campaign efforts. Though she will not endorse a successor at this time, Miller said she intends to support a candidate in the Democratic Primary.

The 8th Council Dist. includes the areas of Nicetown, Germantown, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Tioga and Logan. “Our District comprises one of the most diverse areas in Philadelphia and that is what has made it special to represent.

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Though constituents in different parts of the District have various priorities, the thing they have in common is their love of Philadelphia and speaking their minds on issues of importance. Those qualities make the 8th Dist. a challenge, but, more importantly, an honor to represent.”

Mayor Michael A. Nutter said, “I have known Councilwoman Miller for a long time and worked very closely with her while a member of City Council. As Mayor, it has always been clear Councilwoman Miller worked hard and cared passionately about her constituents. I look forward to our working together this year, and I am sure she will continue to be a strong advocate for the people in her community and throughout Philadelphia.”

Besides her steadfast dedication to the needs of her District, Miller’s accomplishments include recent hearings on police misconduct, legislation to fight gun violence, and ensuring the inclusion of women and minorities in the Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion. She was instrumental in bringing millions of dollars in development projects to the 8th Dist., including the resurrection of the distressed property now known as Cricket Court Commons; the replacement of the Lonnie Young and Pleasant Playground recreation centers; and the streetscape improvements along several miles of Germantown Avenue. She successfully 1 JANUARY, 2011

fought to bring commercial development to each of the District’s wards, and worked with several community development corporations to obtain funding for numerous redevelopment projects. She serves on the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Construction Industry Diversity.

“When I became active in community issues in my early twenties and later began working alongside leaders like the late State Rep. David P. Richardson Jr., I never envisioned being in public office. All I wanted to do was to serve and help the community. That is all any of us wanted when we started in this many years ago. I tried to live up to the expectations that Dave and other trailblazers had for us.

Though we have made great progress, Dave and others still would not be satisfied. I can only hope my successor will learn the lessons of the past as they chart our course in the future.”

Sheriff Moves To Clean House With Top Accountant Philadelphia Sheriff Barbara Deeley yesterday selected nationally renowned forensic-accounting and consulting firm Nihill & Riedley, PC to begin an immediate review of all financial accounts.

Jim Smart, CEO of Nihill & Riedley, said, “We look forward to helping the Sheriff’s Office run as 14 JANUARY, 2011

efficiently as possible.”

Deeley said, “In the wake of City Controller Butkovitz’ 2010, report, confidence in the Sheriff’s Office has been shaken. I intend to restore this confidence by providing our citizens with a Sheriff’s Office capable of accounting for every dollar it oversees. Today we begin to make that goal a reality by bringing in some of the best people in the field with one clear mission: account for every dollar sitting in every account.”

Deeley concluded, “As we move to get to the bottom of these accounts, we must also move to build internal controls and systems that ensure financial accountability. I have tasked Nihill & Riedley to provide recommendations for building these controls and systems and work with Joe Vignola, chief deputy sheriff of finance & accountability, to see they are implemented.”

Ricardo Zayas, CPA, principal and former federal special investigator, said, “Nihill & Riedley is a Philadelphia firm with a national reputation for handling the most intricate and sensitive accounting work for both governmental and private corporations alike. We look forward to working with Sheriff Deeley and her staff to work through the issues raised by City Controller Butkovitz’ 2010 audit.

As we move through these concerns, we will assist the Sheriff’s THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Office to build internal controls and financial systems that will be a model for Sheriffs’ offices around the country.”

Get That Scholarship! City Launches Mass FAFSA Drive Mayor Michael A. Nutter, together with a broad coalition of public and private partners, launched the College Financial Aid/FAFSA Completion Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate Philadelphians about the availability of college financial aid and to promote the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

During the next three months, the Philadelphia School District and other Campaign partners will host more than 50 workshops across the City to assist residents with filling out their FAFSA forms. Federal Student Aid records for 2010 show 61% of Philadelphia’s graduating seniors began filling out the FAFSA, but only 38% completed the form. The goals of the campaign are to increase Philadelphia’s FAFSA completion rate to 60% and to increase the amount of available free aid to Philadelphians by 15%, or $38 million.

Mayor Nutter was joined by Congressman Chaka Fattah, State Sen. Vincent Hughes, Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. |

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Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Mary Rochford, US Dept. of Education Program Analyst Fred Stennis, business leaders and community leaders in announcing a comprehensive citywide effort to promote awareness about the college financial aid process and provide support to applicants in filling out the FAFSA forms.

“We’re seen an increase in the number of Philadelphians who have a college degree, from 18% to 23%, and we want to continue with that upward momentum,” said the Mayor. “The City will continue to work closely with our local and national partners to connect residents with valuable resources that will help them fill out the FAFSA forms reach their college attainment goals.”

“Filling out your FAFSA form sooner rather than later makes a big difference in the ability to tap into the governmental and college funds you’re eligible for,” said Chief Education Officer Lori Shorr. “The sooner you fill it out the better, since some local college funding is on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Every year, more than $150 billion in federal financial aid is available to help students fund postsecondary-education opportunities.

Applicants must file the FAFSA form no later than May 1 to be eli4|

gible for the Pennsylvania State Grant. To learn more about the campaign, the citywide workshop locations and other aspects of the college-going process, please call the PhillyGoes2College office at (215) 686-0315 or log onto www.phillygoes2college.com.

Casey Announces $1 Million For Health And Safety In LowIncome Households US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) announced the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development has awarded $1 million to the Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health to prevent and correct health and safety hazards in Philadelphia’s low-income households.

“These funds will greatly benefit those most in need of resources to provide a healthy home for themselves and their families,” said the Senator.

DPH will partner with the William Penn and Wachovia Regional Foundations, the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, Philadelphia Gas Works, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia Electric Co. and Natural Pest Control to target 150 households to correct and prevent safety hazards.

Lowery Brown Announces Scholarship To Valley Forge Military Academy State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown (D-W. Phila.) is seeking a student from the 190th Legislative Dist. to participate in the Valley Forge Military College Legislative Appointment Initiative and receive a $12,000 annual scholarship to attend the military college.

Valley Forge is Pennsylvania’s official military college and created the legislative appointment program at the school. Founded in 1928, Valley Forge is a coeducational, two-year transfer college located in Wayne, about 15 miles west of Philadelphia. The college offers an Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program, as well as a transfer program to top-tier fouryear colleges and universities throughout the country.

A student seeking admission into the program must have a minimum SAT score of 1000 or a 21 on the ACT and an overall high school 2.5 grade-point average. Candidates should also exhibit involvement in sports or other extracurricular activities, demonstrate leadership potential and be service-oriented.

“Any student is eligible for this ap-

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pointment, not just those pursuing a career in the Armed Forces,” Lowery Brown said.

Lowery Brown has assembled a selection committee comprised of local educators to review the applications and select the most qualified candidate. The deadline for students to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The scholarships will be funded by Valley Forge Military College; State funds will not be used for the program. The school will also assist in facilitating other financial aid options.

Additional information about the initiative, as well as application materials, are available through a link by visiting Lowery Brown’s Philadelphia office at 1435 N. 52nd St. Materials can also be obtained from high school guidance counselors or local Army or National Guard recruiting offices.

Reading Mkt. Partners To Fund Corp. For Aging Reading Terminal Market has announced a partnership with Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging. During the month of January, all donations collected by Philbert, the “piggy-bank” sculpture by Eric Berg which sits in Center Court and serves as the Market’s mascot, will be donated 14 JANUARY, 2011

to PCA’s Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians. As of today, Philbert had already collected nearly $300.

“Seniors form an important part of the Reading Terminal Market’s customer base,’ said Paul Steinke, its general manager. “Through this partnership Reading Terminal Market, visitors can help give back to an organization that has a long history of helping Philadelphia seniors when all other resources have been exhausted.”

Last year, PCA’s Emergency Fund disbursed more than $281,000 to help more than 2,000 seniors in crisis. Approximately 51% of the emergency aid was disbursed for home heating and utilities; 20% was provided in the form of food assistance; and 29% was directed toward clothing, medical supplies and other general needs.

“We are very grateful to Reading Terminal Market for their support,” said Holly Lange, senior vice president of PCA. “The need has never been greater; requests this year are already up by 9%, and funds are going out as quickly as they come in.”

Note to Anthony: in first paragraph, should it be “compared TO” or “compared WITH”?

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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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You Won’t Be ‘Miserable’ At Academy of Music This Weekend

by Adam Taxin The weekend weather in Philadelphia will be too cold to be comfortable yet insufficiently snowy – especially compared to last winter – to be memorable or travel-paralyzing. A would-be storybook Eagles season was prematurely put to rest last Sunday. Therefore, could there really be a better time to attend a canonical show that just so happens to be in Philadelphia for a few more days?

Three performances (tonight, tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night) remain for the eleven-day Philadelphia leg of the 25th-anniversary national tour of Les Misérables at the Academy of Music.

As with most musicals, the most important factor here in terms of audience enjoyment is the actual music. In this top-of-the-line production, the classic songs (which include, among others, “I Dreamed A Dream”, “The People’s Song” and “Castle on a Cloud”) are deliv6|

ered and staged outstandingly … not much of a surprise.

For the record, I do have some somewhat general cynical thoughts – not that they took away much from a very-enjoyable theater experience – about Les Miz (which I’m happy to elaborate further on to whoever messages me; see below for contact information). For starters: the principal character Jean Valjean isn’t exactly nuanced … he basically might as well have a halo around him till the end of the show (at which point audience members could understandably expect a crucifix); the historical context is too esoteric to assume audience familiarity without explanation (the events occur from 1815 through 1832, well after the French Revolution); and the inadequately introduced revolt leader Enjorlas comes off less like Samuel Adams and more like a passive-aggressive hipster who at long last is fulfilling his psychological sense of self-empowerment as a result of group meetups organized via my.barackobama.com.

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One of this production’s many outstanding performances comes from Michael Kostroff, known for longrunning roles on HBO’s The Wire and Disney’s Sonny with a Chance, as well as for writing the book Letters from Backstage, which offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a traveling production. In Les Miz, he plays Thérnadier, the devious, often comically so, “Master of the House” innkeeper.

Asked about the challenge to an artist to bring new life to a show that’s already very well-known, Kostroff responds, “This is the work of an actor in general, particularly stage actors: for every night to seem as immediate, as current and as important as the night before. And every time we go out there and tell the story, it has to feel like the thing is happening right now, whether it’s a period piece, whether it’s futuristic. It has to feel immediate. Otherwise, it has no impact on the audience.”

He continues, “One of the things 14 JANUARY, 2011

that makes Les Miz work so well is that, even though it takes place at another time, in another culture, in another country, there is something about this particular piece that really gets to the guts of what it means to be a human being.”

Kostroff appreciates the opportunities his Les Miz role presents. “I have the good fortune of playing the role that is many people’s favorite role, Thérnadier. He is corruption itself. He will do just about anything to be on the top of the pile. People refer to Thérnadier as the comic relief when, in fact, he is a true villain, and there are times in which he is not charming or funny at all … It’s a really fun role to

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play. As somebody who is sort of a rules freak, very honorable and rules-oriented myself, it’s fun to play somebody who doesn’t care about the rules. He’s similar in a way to Max Bialystock in The Producers, which is another role that I play a lot. We love him for his shamelessness. He is completely unencumbered by ethics, and, for some reason, we like that as an audience.”

Kostroff also highlights an aspect of the show that could well be seen as particularly relevant as Americans face an increasingly despondent economy and digest a week in which the major media and some politicians have been hijacking

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tragedy for purposes of politics, in a sadly timeless manner. “What I think Les Miz is about is what kind of people we choose to be. The basic story involves somebody who lives in a time that is corrupt and in which people are taking all kinds of illegal measures to take care of themselves because they’re being neglected, and by the government.

Basically, this man [Jean Valjean, the show’s main character] decides to live right and to be moral and honorable, regardless of what the surrounding circumstances are.”

Adam Taxin, a Center City attorney, can best be contacted via Facebook or at adamtaxin@gmail.com.

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