Vol. II No. 49 (209)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
April 22, 2011
Philadelphia Daily Record
Take A Break
WE WISH ALL our Christian readers a solemn Good Friday and blessed Easter, and our Jewish readers a joyous and meaningful Passover. May all Philadelphian families enjoy a peaceful weekend.
Casey: Honor Earth Day With Clean Energy US Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released the following statement on Earth Day: “Today marks the 41 st anniversary of Earth Day. As we take the time to underscore our commitment to protecting the environment, preserving our national treasures and safeguarding the health of our families – let us also recommit ourselves to investing in clean-energy jobs. “Clean-energy jobs are a win-win. Clean-energy jobs put people back to work, increase sustainability and preserve our communities. According to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor & Industry, public and private investment in green jobs and a clean-energy economy will help to generate 115,000 jobs between 2010 and 2012 in Pennsylvania. “These jobs help put America on the path to a cleaner, more energy-efficient future and are a down payment on tomorrow’s global competitiveness.”
Toomey Will Sit On Debt-Ceiling Panel As the federal government runs up against its debt limit of $14,294 trillion, many people are asking, “Should we raise the debt ceiling yet again?” US Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), the Kitchen Table Patriots, Heritage Action PA and other Southeastern Pennsylvania grassroots organizations are holding a panel discussion on the debt ceiling. Toomey, along with J.D. Foster of the Heritage Foundation, and former Congressional candidate Rick Hellberg, will explain why spending cuts and new legislation to put the federal budget on a sustainable path are a better solution than raising the ceiling. Radio talk-show host Dom Giordano of WPHT will moderate the discussion.
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Fort Washington, Pa. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.). The event is open to the public. For more information call Ana Puig at (267) 8846335 or Anastasia Przybylski at (215) 534-1851.
Pa. House Republicans Seek More No-Bid Contracts The State House returns to session on Tuesday to deal with various issues of importance. One of their first agenda items will be to let local governments issue more no-bid contracts. The House will debate bills, part of the 17-bill package to increase non-bid contract maximums, “saving municipalities from the costs of advertising and bidding low-costing contracts and services,” explained Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny). “As various State programs will experience budget cuts this year due to the economy, helping municipalities save money is one of the priorities House members are working together to accomplish,” Turzai said. In some cases, a no-bid contracting process can impose costs on a government. It is also true, however, that no-bid contracts make an excellent way to reward political contributors without public scrutiny. As most local governments in Pennsylvania are now controlled by Republicans, passage of such a measure could provide a useful tool to pay back favored companies.
EPA Chief Hails City’s Stormwater Program Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-Phila.) highlighted the Philadelphia Water Dept.’s Big Green Block initiative at Shissler Recreation Center and the Kensington HS for the Creative
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and Performing Arts. The Big Green Block initiative, part of the Administration’s Green City, Clean Waters plan, promotes greening and stormwater management of the city blocks within the community surrounding Shissler Rec through implementing several green stormwater-infrastructure systems on the property. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the PWD, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the New Kensington Community Development Corp., Sustainable 19125, the Mural Arts Program and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “When we talk about sustainability and about green cities in the future, water must be among the first issues addressed. We can’t be green without water. The Big Green Block initiative is an exciting example of how we can work together toward a common vision of William Penn’s green country town,” said the Mayor. “I would like to thank EPA Administrator Jackson for recognizing the importance of stormwater management in America’s cities, and especially Howard Neukrug and the Water Dept. for their forward thinking.” “Instead of investing in one project that treats one concern, green infrastructure allows us to protect the health of our waters, save money and make our communities more attractive places to buy homes and build businesses,” Jackson said. “We want to use the win-win strategies we see here with the Big Green Block Initiative and other projects throughout the city to make every community healthier, more prosperous and more sustainable.” The Green City, Green Waters plan details how the PWD will invest $2 billion over the next 25 years to update the city’s stormwater infrastructure and manage sewage and stormwater overflow. Stormwater infrastructure updates include a range of soil-water-plant systems to intercept stormwater, infiltrate a portion of it into the ground, evaporate a portion of it into the air, and 22 APRIL, 2011
in some cases, release it slowly into the sewer system. As a result, less stormwater ultimately enters the combined sewer system. The Big Green Block initiative includes the Shissler Recreation Center, Kensington CAPA High School and the surrounding streets. At the Shissler Recreation Center, PWD installed stormwater tree trenches in the sport/ball field along Blair Street and Hewson Street. Two additional stormwater tree trenches will be installed by PWD along Palmer Street and Montgomery Avenue. The drainage area managed by these PWD green stormwater-infrastructure systems is 54,290 square feet. PWD will also plant street trees on Berks Street and Blair Street to increase tree canopy cover and shade. PHS installed two rain gardens in the parking lot of Shissler Rec. Kensington CAPA, which is adjacent to the Shissler Recreation Center, features a master plan including implementation of several stormwater infrastructure systems including a porous pavement parking lot, rain gardens, underground detention and infiltration facilities, green roofs covering 50% of the roof area and rainwater cisterns for reuse. “Drew Becher, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, said, “PHS is proud to be part of this effort, which includes our new initiative, Plant One Million, to increase the tree canopy in every city neighborhood and the region.” Water Commissioner Howard Neukrug added, “We want to do everything we can to return us as close as possible to the way the nature intended the water cycle to be. Bur we need to do that in the context of a city that is fully grown, with impervious cover everywhere. We recognize if we manage stormwater where it lands, whether on the ground or on a roof, we can essentially not only prevent that gallon of stormwater from overflowing into our streams, but also provide additional benefits to our communities.”
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Apr. 22State Rep. Rosita Youngblood and Germantown Earn Ctr. host housing and welfare-resource conference at Ctr., 2nd fl., 5538-B Wayne Ave., 2-5 p.m. For info (215) 8496426. Apr. 22Dem. 16th Ward Leader Jewell Williams hosts Fish & Chick Fry at Lou & Choo’s Lounge, 2101 W. Hunting Park Ave., 5-9 p.m. Donation $10. For info Andrew (215) 609-5876 Apr. 221st annual Spring Bash sponsored by 65th Ward Republican Committee at McCullough Hall, 6309 Torrsedale Ave., 7-11 p.m. For info (215) 298-2251. Apr. 23Fundraiser for Traffic Court candidate Fred Mari at Bonk’s Bar, Richmond & Tioga Sts., 4-7 p.m. $50. Open bar, hors d’oeuvres. For info Mark (215) 990-9352. Apr. 25Cocktail reception with open bar for judicial candidate Edward Wright at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Donation $100. For info (215) 5694770 or ewlaw@att.net. Apr. 25Fundraiser for City Commissioner Anthony Clark at Vesper Club, 233 S. Sydenham St., 5:307:30 p.m. Donation $100, Table $250, Sponsor $500. Checks payable to Committee to Elect Anthony Clark, 1500 Walnut St., 21st fl., Phila., PA 19102. Apr. 25El Amor Mapenzi Brawne Ali’s Democrat 37th Ward Candidates THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Night at St. Mark’s Church, Germantown & Cambria Aves., 67:30 pm. All candidates invited. Apr. 27Cocktail reception fundraiser for Bill Rubin, 10th Dist. Council, 5-8 p.m. at DC 33 Banquet Hall, 6th fl. $250 per person. Sponsorships sought. Mail checks to Friends of Bill Rubin, PO Box 52146, Phila., PA 19115 or via Pay Pal at billrubinforcouncilman.com. Apr. 27Concerned Philadelphians on Violence & Crime host Candidates Night at the View, 800 N. Broad St., 5:308 p.m. Light refreshments. For info Pete Lyde (267) 303-3203 or Theresa Brunson (267) 251-0828. Apr. 27Fundraiser for State Rep. Cherelle Parker at Comcast Corp., 1710 JFK Blvd. 45th fl., 5:30-7 p.m. Sponsor $1,000, Supporter $500, Friend $250. Checks payable to Friends of Cherelle Parker. For info (215) 215) 437-3294 ext. 202 or parker4staterep@gmail.com. Apr. 27Fundraiser for 1st Dist. Council Democrat candidate Mark Squilla at Cuba Libre, 10 S. 2nd St., 6-8 p.m. Tickets $100. For info (267) 290-8836. Apr. 27Fundraiser for Marie Delany for City Commissioner at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 6-8 p.m. Food & drink. Tickets $35. Send checks or MOs to.Marie Delany’s Campaign Office, P.O. Box 4817, Phila., PA 19124. For info 215-MARIE-11 (215-627-4311).
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UFCW Backs Nutter For Reelection nomic climate, the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1776 endorsed Mayor Michael A. Nutter for reelection at the ShopRite of Parkside in West Philadelphia.
UFCW LEADER WENDELL YOUNG IV gave ringing endorsement to Mayor Michael Nutter at ShopRite in Parkside. Citing his inclusive approach to increasing local economic development and his success at stabilizing the city’s finances in a tough eco-
UFCW Local 1776 represents 24,000 members in parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York – including 8,000 in Philadelphia, working in supermarkets, drug stores, food processing plants, government services, manufacturing facilities, nursing homes, professional offices and Pennsylvania wine-and-spirits shops. “Mayor Nutter has been a true partner with Local 1776 at creating jobs and getting projects moving in Philadelphia,” said Wendell W. Young IV, president of Local 1776. “While the nation’s recession took huge tolls on so many other cities,
Mayor Nutter managed to steady Philadelphia’s finances, and put our city on a strong road to recovery. This project at 52nd and Jefferson is a testament to what can happen when Labor, Management and the Community can get together under the leadership of a man like Michael Nutter.” Sandy Brown, of Brown’s Super Stores, Inc., whose widely praised network of ShopRite stores includes the Parkside location, also backed the Mayor. “We admire the many qualities that Mayor Nutter brings to the position of Mayor here in Philadelphia, particularly his integrity,” she said. “My husband Jeff and I are proud to support him during his campaign and throughout another successful term as Mayor,” she said.
Foundations Inc. Drops MLK High-School Deal Foundations Inc. has announced it would withdraw its application to serve as the charter operator for Martin Luther King HS. The New Jersey based company said it would “continue to be actively engaged in efforts to improve educational opportunities for students and families in the Northwest Philadelphia community.” On Mar. 16, the School Reform Commission voted to affirm turnaround providers for six schools under the District’s Imagine 2014, 2011-2012 Renaissance Schools Initiative. In a 3-0 vote, Mosaica Turnaround Partners was selected as the turnaround provider for Martin Luther King HS. On Mar. 17, the next day, Mosaica respectfully withdrew from the process. Under the District’s match process, a school will au22 APRIL, 2011
tomatically receive its second choice if the first provider is unable to participate. King’s School Advisory Council’s second preference was Foundations. This proposed match was slated for a vote on Apr. 27. King will remain a District-operated school until the 2012-2013 Renaissance Initiative process begins. This comprehensive high school will receive additional support during that time. Both the SRC and the District continue to respect the integrity of the match process. Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman, an advocate of parent and community input, continues to express her deep disappointment in the SAC not receiving their first choice. Conchevia Washington, a parent of a 10th-grade King student, and chairwoman of King’s advisory council,
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stated yesterday, “In the weeks ahead, the SAC looks forward to working closely with Superintendent Ackerman to address the educational future for King HS next year and preparing for the 2012-2013 Renaissance match process. Our mission is and will continue to be providing a quality education for the students at Martin Luther King HS.�
CCP Northeast Is Open For Learning
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILA. held the official grand opening on Wednesday of its $31 million, ecofriendly Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road in Northeast Philadelphia. From left are Al Taubenberger, president of Greater Northeast Phila. Chamber of Commerce; Willie Taylor, regional director of US Economic Development Administration; Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick; Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz; Stephen M. Curtis, CCP president; Arlene M. Yocum CCP Foundation president; Varsovia Fernandez, chair, Community College of Philadelphia Board of Trustees; U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah; Mayor Michael A. Nutter; State Senator Michael J. Stack; State Senator Lawrence M. Farnese Jr.; Dan Lodise, chief of staff for State Rep. Brendan F. Boyle; Ray Kampf, a neighborhood representative.
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Early Childhood Teachers Are Honored
TERRI LYYNNE LOKOFF Child Care Foundation held its annual Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children’s Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Awards ceremony last week at Please Touch Museum. Turned out for event from left are State Rep. Jim Roebuck, Democratic Chairman of House Education Committee; Suzanne du Pont, president of Foundation; Kay Lokoff, TLLCCF founder; and DA Seth Williams.
50 EARLY-CHILDHOOD educators from around country, and even one from an Army center in Japan, were honored with receptions, a luncheon at Bloomingdale’s, formal portraits, and a $1,000 check for each. Waiting to speak are, from left, Rep. Jim Roebuck, Williams and Mayor Michael A. Nutter.
HALF EACH CHECK will be used to fund a project which each teacher had designed for his or her classroom or child-care center, and the other half can be used for a personal purchase. From left, Allan Miller, executive director TLLCCF; Roebuck; du Pont; and Williams. 300 people attended awards ceremony. 22 APRIL, 2011
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Alliance Française Gives Daily French Lessons At Kimmel
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE PHILADELPHIE is conducting free 10-minute French classes every weekday at Kimmel Center Plaza as part of Phila. International Festival of the Arts. Seen here at one of the classes are, from left, Martine Chauvet, executive director of Alliance; MarieLaure Epaminondas, board member and French teacher; and Monique Coval, who conducted that day’s French class. Everyone who was enjoying the French cafe in Kimmel Center Plaza joined in the class, learning the French names for head, shoulders, hands, feet, etc. There are frequent French tables at various restaurants in the region, as well as art openings and wine tastings. Alliance Française is also sponsoring French Trolley Tours during PIFA, originating at Kimmel Center.
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