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Vol. II No. 32 (192)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

March 30, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

‘Citizens’ No More WHAT ONCE WAS KNOWN as Citizens Alliance, State Sen. Vincent Fumo’s powerful South Phila. community-action agency, has been reborn as Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corp. New PARC launched greening initiative thisw morning with planting of 17 trees, several of them at E. Passyunk Avenue Fountain at Tasker Street. Regular street cleaning is promised to resume. From left are Councilman Frank DiCicco, Paul Levy, Renee Gillinger and Sam Sherman, who is new executive director of PARC.

Balanced-Budget Amendment Moves Onto Senate GOP’s Short List by Paul M. Krawzak, CQ Staff Senate Republicans will introduce a constitutional balanced-budget amendment this week that is expected to draw the support of the entire caucus and could help secure some GOP votes to raise the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling.

a deficit during a military conflict that is not a declared war with a three-fifths vote of the House and Senate.

Any constitutional balanced-budget amendment faces long odds in getting ratified by the required 38 states and even in securing the two-thirds support needed to The proposal, based on legislation written by Pennsyl- clear Congress. vania Republican freshman Patrick J. Toomey, would cap federal spending at 18% of gross domestic product But at a time when there is widespread agreement and require a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate among Republicans and Democrats that the federal debt to raise taxes. is on an unsustainable trajectory, the measure’s chances may be better than ever. During a declared war, the amendment would allow the government to run a deficit with a majority vote in each Toomey’s measure is a hybrid of other Republicans’ chamber. But in most cases, a two-thirds vote in the legislation. It combines a proposal offered in January House and Senate would be required to waive the bal- by Cornyn and Orrin G. Hatch of Utah (S J Res 3) with a plan offered in February by Jon Kyl of Arizona and anced-budget requirement. Mike Lee of Utah (S J Res 5). Hatch has sponsored a The measure is expected to be formally unveiled Thurs- balanced-budget amendment in several other conday afternoon. One Senate Republican aide said GOP gresses. leaders had succeeded in getting a commitment from all 47 Republicans, although the leadership would not Toomey reasoned that a single measure had a greater chance of success than competing bills. But the five confirm that statement. senators held off from introducing their package after The legislation would make it more difficult to raise the they were approached by Senate leaders and asked to debt limit, requiring a three-fifths vote in both cham- wait until Republicans could claim unanimous support bers. In addition to allowing exceptions for a declared in their caucus for the measure. war, the measure would permit the government to run

Black Panther Investigation Ends With A Zero by Carrie Johnson, Urban Media Today Ethics investigators in the Justice Dept.’s Office of Professional Responsibility have concluded their probe into the controversial New Black Panther Party voter intimidation case without finding any misconduct, they said in a letter to lawmakers obtained by NPR. 2|

The letter by counsel Robin C. Ashton to members of the House Judiciary Committee reports that “department attorneys did not commit professional misconduct or exercise poor judgment, but rather acted appropriately.”

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Toward the end of his presidency, George W. Bush sued members of the New Black Panther Party for allegedly threatening voters in a polling station. When Obama came into office, his civil-rights division decided to back away, enraging some conservatives and making the case a staple on television. 30 MARCH, 2011

But investigators found no evidence political considerations came into play in the decision to dismiss three defendants from the case early in the Obama administration or to bring the case in the first place by the Bush administration, the letter

said. Rather, the legal teams and their supervisors appear to have differed in their “good faith, reasonable assessments of the facts,” Ashton wrote.

tion in November 2008 became a cause célèbre on Fox News and conservative magazines. But the Obama Justice Dept. consistently denied political influence or race played a role in the decision to withThe episode of alleged voter intim- draw the case against three of the idation at a Philadelphia polling sta- defendants.

Feb. City Tax Take Was Best Since 2007 City Controller Alan Butkovitz yesterday released his monthly economic report and found February’s City and PICA tax collections totaled $428 million, marking an almost four-year high for a single month’s revenue collections. The last time monthly revenue collections reached this amount was May 2007 with a total of $452 million. In the current reporting month, February’s total collection of $428 million was a 7% increase over the same month last year.

from the same month last year. Along with a review of the City’s revenue collections, this month’s economic report features a breakdown of average tax refund payments for Philadelphia and its surrounding Pennsylvania counties. Using the latest tax-refund data available by zip code, a breakdown of average refund payments for the 2007 tax year included the following: Chester $2,763 Montgomery

$2,680

February’s $22.8 million in sales- Delaware tax collections contributed to the overall increased revenues as it was Bucks the second largest collection for fisPhiladelphia cal year 2011, and a 2% increase

$2,658 $2,576 $2,503

A total of $1.3 billion in refunds was returned to Philadelphia by the Internal Revenue Services in 2007. This amounted to 13% of the $10.5 billion in refunds returned to Pennsylvania that same tax year. The Controller’s economic report is compiled on a monthly basis and includes an Economic Snapshot and Forecast, as well as real estate information and other local statistics. These reports are circulated every month to assist key decision makers in understanding and anticipating local and national economic trends. Both of these documents are a useful tool for policy makers and analysts in understanding our regional and local economy.

Philly Serves As Model For Nation’s Philanthropists Hundreds of philanthropists, grantmakers, and foundation representatives will experience firsthand the cutting-edge, innovative reforms taking place in Greater Philadelphia as a result of strategic grantmaking. Philadelphia serves as both the backdrop for the 2011 Council on Foundations Annual Conference and a model city for philanthropy in action. The conference features 10 off-site learning sessions that highlight local 30 MARCH, 2011

philanthropic projects impacting education, community revitalization, economic development, and workforce collaboration. The conference will be held Apr. 10-11 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1201 Market Street. The following off-site sessions will tour various programs around town.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar Mar. 31-

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Apr. 1-

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State Sen. Shirley Kitchen hosts Energy Conservation Workshop at St. William’s Ch. Parish Ha., 6238 Rising Sun Ave. Military Women Day on lawn at Independence Mall, 6th & Market Sts, 2 p.m. Honoring historical women veterans Harriet Tubman, Cathy Williams and Deborah Garnett Sampson, among others. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell will speak. For info Cathy Santos (215) 834-4228. Democrat 39B Ward hosts Spring Fundraiser at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 1526 Packer Ave., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets $50. For info Matt Myers (215) 467-4643. 12th Ward Democrats Fundraiser at Champagne, 21.Chelten Ave., 6-8 p.m. Contributors $60, Sponsors $250. For info John Connelly (215) 760-8912. Progressive Fundraiser for Joe Grace at Yards Brewing Co., 901 N. Delaware Ave., 6-8 p.m. For info info@electjoegrace.com. Birthday fundraiser for Vern Anastasio at Villa DiRoma, 936 S. 9th St., 6:30 p.m. Suggested birthday gift $100 for 1st Council District campaign. For info (215) 586-3236. 9th Ward Wine & Cheese Candidates Night at Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave., 6-8 p.m. $50 at the door. RSVP John O’Connell (267) 312-1925. Featuring music of Violino, one man Italian Band. Germantown/Lehigh Business & Merchants Ass’n leads Corridor Cleanup at Germantown & Lehigh Aves., 9 a.m. To volunteer and for info Cornell Brown (267) 385-1939. Al Schmidt for City Commissioner Campaign Office Grand Opening at 3545 Ryan Ave. (Cottman & Frankford), 2-4 p.m. For info (215) 624-1930. Fundraiser for judicial candidate Jonathan Irvine at Avenida Restaurant, 7402 Germantown Ave., 1-4 p.m. S.W. Concerned Citizens holds Voter Education Summit at McCreesh rec Ctr. 67th & Regent St., 4 p.m. For info Tracey

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Apr. 9-

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Gordon (267) 235-0091. Congregation Beth Solomon CC and European Immigrant Benevolent Ass’n’s 25th annual gala honoring Rabbi & Rebettzin Solomon Isaacson at Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Line Ave., 5 p.m. Single $250. Featuring famous Ed Goldbertt & Odessa Klezmer Band and mentalist and illusionist David Blatt. Gov. Ed Rendell and David Cohen, Event Chairs. Randy Robinson and Malik Boyd host Candidates Forum at Ashes Cigar Lounge, 4453 Main St., 6:30-9:30 p.m. 1st Dist. City Council debate hosted by Philadelphians for Ethical Leadership at Veteran Boxers Association Hall, 2733 E. Clearfield Ave., 6:30 p.m. Space limited. RSVP Fred Druding, Jr. (215-) 2212374. Dr. Norman Finkelstein discusses Palestinian situation at Walk Auditorium, Ritter Ha., Temple Univ., 13th & Montgomery Ave., 6-9 p.m. For info Razi Fareed (215) 692-3396. Reception for judicial candidate Leon King at Fiso Lounge, 1439 South St., 6 p.m. Tickets $35, couples $50. Open bar and hors d’oeuvres. State Rep. Rosita Youngblood sponsors Career Fair at 1st Presbyterian Ch., 35 W. Chelten Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For info Dayne Cofer at 215-849-6426. Join Jerry Blavat “Geater with the Heater” at Beef & Beer for Common Pleas judicial candidate Fran Shields at Emerald Rm. of Sprinkler Fitters Union Ha., 14002 McNulty Rd., 7 p.m.-12.a.m. $45 per person, $80 per couple. For info Wayne Miller (215) 671-1692 or Tony Yanni (610) 825-1121. Send contributions to Committee to Elect Fran Shields, Constitution Place, Suite #515, 325 Chestnut St., Phila., PA 19106-2614. Democrat 42nd Ward Candidates Night at Local 6 Bakery Hall, 5416 Rising Sun Ave. (enter on Lima St. through parking lot), 7-11 p.m. Music, food, dancing. Tickets $20, $25 at door. For info Elaine Tomlin (215) 457-4024. 30 MARCH, 2011

Philadelphia’s Education Reforms in Action (9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.): Philadelphia is a leader in constructive educational reforms, including Promise Academies that have longer school days and years, 74 charter schools, and a groundbreaking contract with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. Participants in this session will learn how these practices work, how educators effectively apply learning resources, and what barriers exist to sustainability and replication. The session will begin at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown with a discussion on bringing about a “system of great schools” with Dr. Arlene Ackerman, superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia. The group will then tour the Mastery Charter School – Lenfest Campus for a presentation on the Mastery Model and perspective on the reform agenda. This will be followed by a visit to the proposed PointGrays Promise Neighborhood led by Universal Companies President and CEO Abdur Rahim Islam. The final stop will be the Vaux Promise Academy and includes a presentation by Principal William Wade. Arts as an Economic Engine (Noon–5 p.m.): According to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, cultural organizations in the Philadelphia region and their audiences spend $1.3 billion each year, generating 40,000 jobs and $158 million in tax revenue for state and local governments. This session focuses on how Philadelphia nonprofits and foundations are using the arts to drive economic development. Case studies include the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, Crane Arts Building, and the Hispanic Association of Contractors and Enterprises (HACE). The tour will conclude at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, where participants will hear from Jeremy Nowak, president and CEO of The Reinvestment Fund, and have the chance to take in performances during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Take Community Health and Wellness to a New Level (Noon–5 p.m.): Learn how three different programs are promoting health and wellness in ways that can be replicated anywhere in the United States. Participants will head to Pottstown to visit North Coventry Elementary school and hear from students and facility about the Owen J. Roberts School District’s Fit for Life wellness campaign. The second stop on the tour will be Freedom Valley YMCA at Pottstown to discuss the Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness program with teachers and administrators. The program is providing coordinated preschool quality improvements to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to learn. The final visit will be to Creative Health Services and Community Health Dental Center. The medical facility housing both agencies provides a Federally 30 MARCH, 2011

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cycle of poverty. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the history of each site, speak with tenants about the impact each program has had on their lives, and understand why each local funder Gaining Ground: Strategies to In- chose each organization. crease Access to Better Food in Urban Areas (Noon–5 p.m.): Many Timely Collaboration to Help Lowwould say that the national conver- Skilled Adults Advance Their Casation on “food deserts”—geo- reers (2–5 p.m.): This session graphic areas in which people lack showcases the Roots to Re-entry access to healthy, fresh food— Partnership at Bartram’s Garden started in Philadelphia. This visit where ex-offenders receive job highlights several ways public-pri- training in landscaping and horticulvate partnerships are addressing the ture, as well as life skills support nutritional challenges of these areas. and job placement services. ParticiLearn how a citywide farm-to- pants will also see the Pennsylvania school program is improving nutri- Partnership for Direct Care Workers tion education with tours of at the Breslin Learning Center, Greensgrow Farm and Fresh Grocer where they will meet with trainees Progress Plaza. Panel discussions who are low-income job seekers will include representative from and home health care workers seekPhiladelphia School District, Fair ing family-sustaining wage jobs in Food, The Food Trust, and The the health care sector. These initiaReinvestment Fund. tives are part of the $4 million Job Opportunity Investment Network, a The Journey Home (1–4 p.m.): public-private collaboration sucLearn how local funders, including cessfully working to “skill up” the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, adults for the post-recession econare partnering with community- omy. based nonprofits to end homelessness and create a national model for The Delaware Riverfront Transphilanthropic leadership. Northern formed (2–5 p.m.): Be among the Home and Project H.O.M.E. are first to see results from successful two such programs that are helping partnerships between philanthropy some of the city’s most vulnerable and the public sector in achieving residents break the generational waterfront development. This two-

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part tour includes a visit to the Central Delaware Riverfront with a walking tour of Race Street Pier Park led by Tom Corcoran of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. The second stop will be at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and includes a presentation of the Navy Yard Master Plan by John Grady of the Philadelphia Industrial Development Cooperation, as well as a walking tour of the key redevelopment projects. Going Beyond Contributions: Leveraging the Power of People through Volunteerism (2–5 p.m.): Corporate foundations and giving programs are learning the power of harnessing their employee base to supplement philanthropy and achieve greater social impact. Participants will visit the region’s largest hunger relief organization, Philabundance, serving low-income residents most at risk of hunger or malnutrition. Attendees will also take part in a hands-on volunteer experience by sorting food donations and packing boxes for delivery to local food cupboards, shelters, and emergency kitchens. There will be a discussion on creative ways to energize employee volunteers, best practices working with nonprofits, and communicating success.

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SHERRI XANTHOPOULOS RUSSO will be representing Collegeville, Pa. in pageant.