Philadelphia Public Record

Vol. II No. 176 (336)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

November 4, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

Swinging Affair

PHILA. PARKS ALLIANCE threw its annual fall fundraiser at Please Touch Museum’s spectacular Carousel House. More pictures page 11.

The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar When You Want Your Roof To Be Done Right The First Time

215-464-6425

CANDIDATES • POLITICIANS News You Can Use! Boost Your Popularity, Win On Election Day! Tell Your Constituents To Read About All the Work You Do For Them On the

Philadelphiadailyrecord.com Email them a copy of this Publication!

Translation/Interpretation Arabic, Hebrew, English, French For more information, call William Hanna

267-808-0287

Meat & Deli Prego Pizzelle Baker $29.99 $39.99 Uno Panini Grill

2024 S. 10th St Philadelphia PA 19148

215-468-5363 2|

Nov. 4State Rep. Jewell Williams’ 16th Ward Fish Fry at Lou & Choo’s, 21st & Hunting Pk. Ave., 5-9 p.m.

Donation $10. For info Andrew Smith (215) 609-5876.

Nov. 5St. Edmond Parish holds Back in the Day Celebration in honor of its centennial at church hall, 21st St. & Snyder Ave., 7-11 p.m. Buffet dinner, beverages, and sweet table.

Dancing, a live DJ, door prizes, and lots more. Tickets $25. Open to all. For info (215) 334-3755.

Nov. 5Party with a Purpose Cabaret for Quibila Divine at Dowling’s Palace, 1310 N. Broad St., 9 p.m.2 a.m. BYO food & drinks. Tickets $15. For info (267) 2940-6968.

Nov. 6St. Malachy Parish Benefit Concert featuring Mick Moloney on mandolin and banjo and his friends in honor of Robert F. McGovern, at Church, 1429 N. 11th St., 2 p.m.

Free parking in schoolyard. Reception follows. Free-will offering.

For info Mary Courtney (215) 7631305.

Nov. 10Community Conversation with State Rep. Rosita Youngblood at Germantown YMCA, 5722 Greene St., 6-8 p.m.

Nov. 10- State Rep. Cherellew Parker hosts Veterans Workshop Nov. 10 at Finley Recreation Cenrter, 7701 Mansfield Ave.from 10 to noon. For info call 215-2427300.

Nov. 12Unions Fight For Life hosts Fight Night for Phila. Veterans Multi Service & Education Ctr. at ArTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

mory starting at 7 p.m. at Penna.

Armory, Southampton Rd. & Roosevelt Blvd. Tickets $20. For info Doug Baron (267) 718-2472, Rich Mancini (610) 505-0842, Eric Howarth (215) 290-1370, Tom Dooley (267) 246-5512 or Ed Shaw (267) 992-2600.

Nov. 14Mayor Michael Nutter, State Reps.

Louise Bishop & Vanessa Lowery Brown host Economic Recovery Services & Job Fair at Hilton Phila. City Ave., 4200 City Line Ave., 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Nov. 17FOP Auxiliary presents Ladies Night, holiday-shopping demos at 1336 Spring Garden St., 6-9 p.m.

Many vendors. Snacks, beer, wine & soda. Free. For info Donna Giulian (215) 820-0865.

Nov. 17Community Conversation with State Rep. Rosita Youngblood at Indochinese American Council, 4934 Old York Rd., 6-8 p.m.

Nov. 18Bobbie Carter Foundation celebrates 10 years of service with Jazzin’ 4 Diabetes at Park Avenue Banquet Hall, 4942 Parkside Ave., 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Festivities include butler hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, dinner, saxophonist John Williams & band and a special awards ceremony. Tickets $20. For info Yanina (856) 2285040, Crystal (215) 375-6267 or Norm (215) 588-7838.

Nov. 21Phila. Tea Party Patriots invite all to meeting at Prudential Bank, 1834 W. Oregon Ave., 7 p.m. Entrance and parking in rear.

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

Casey Wins EPA Study Of Fracking On Drinking Water US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, commented yesterday on the EPA’s announcement of a final plan to study fracking: “This study will go a long way to reassure residents and establish safe practices that will help the industry expand and produce jobs,” said the Senator. “There is no doubt that natural gas drilling offers Pennsylvania a critical opportunity to fuel its economy and create jobs. It is imperative that we get this right so we don’t jeop-

ardize our chances for an economic boom.”

EPA previously identified seven case studies to help inform the assessment of potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Two of the seven sites were selected as prospective case studies where EPA will monitor key aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process throughout the lifecycle of a well. One area is in the Marcellus Shale in Washington Co., Pa.

Five retrospective case studies were selected and will examine areas where hydraulic fracturing has occurred for any impact on drinking water resources. Two of these are in Bradford and Susquehanna Cos. Earlier this year, Casey sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson requesting that the agency assess hydraulic fracturing’s potential impact on drinking water by looking at the full lifecycle of a well.

Small-Farm Activists Lobby Casey For Support

FOOD & WATER WATCH picketed US Sen. Bob Casey’s Center City office yesterday seeking his backing for a proposed Fair Farm Bill, whose goal is to level playing field in marketplace between corporate agribusiness and Penna.’s small family farmers.

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

3

Occupiers Emerge As Smart Democrat Shock Troops Little by little, the Occupiers are beginning to show their Wolf’s ears and teeth, especially in Philadelphia, where their well-fed and well-tented members are ready to march at a moment’s notice from one site to another in the city, with signs at the ready to take on big business and Republican events.

Today they will march at 5 p.m. to the Rittenhouse Hotel to protest the appearance of Mitt Romney who will be there for a high-dollar event. They will be marching under the banners of Fight for Philly, MoveOn, Keystone Progress, Americans United for Change, and Concerned Philadelphians. The names keep coming, but the bearers will be the same.

Hughes Pulls Together Infrastructure Summit At Temple State Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vincent J. Hughes (D-W. Phila.) is hosting an infrastructure summit today at Temple University’s Mitten Hall.

Panels of experts are discussing transportation, utilities/information technology, public buildings and housing/economic development. The final panel features a talk about the national infrastructure landscape with US Dept. of Transportation Under Secretary Roy Kienitz and Dept. of Labor Under Secretary William Spriggs.

4|

Kienitz assists the Secretary of Transportation in formulating national policies affecting surface transportation and aviation. Dr. Spriggs is a recognized expert in labor policy and research.

Green, Sánchez See Their BPT Reform Passed By unanimous vote, City Council passed legislation yesterday introduced by Council Members Bill Green and María Quiñones Sánchez providing historic tax relief for Philadelphia-based and small businesses. The legislation is a significant step forward in the Council Members’ multi-year efforts to reform Philadelphia’s business privilege tax.

“For three years, we have been working to further the goals of tax fairness; leveling the playing field for local businesses, including manufacturers; small business tax relief; and generating economic growth by removing some tax-related disincentives to locating and expanding a business in the City,” the Councilwoman explained.

Green asserted, “City Council is sending a clear message the City of Philadelphia is open for business. This legislation levels the playing field for businesses that sell goods. It is a large first step in the right direction. This bill will save existing jobs and create new jobs.”

The legislation contains two main parts: (1) an exemption from the gross receipts and net income parts of the BPT for the first $100K of receipts of all busiTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

nesses; and (2) putting in place “single-sales factor apportionment,” meaning that Philadelphia businesses would pay the high rate (6.45%) net income tax only on income derived from sales in Philadelphia. Single sales factor apportionment will be fully phased in by 2015 and the $100K exemption will be fully phased-in by 2016.

The pair expects this legislation will provide over $50 million per year of tax relief targeted toward Philadelphia-based and small businesses. Over 30,000 of the 90,000+ current BPT filers will have no business tax liability whatsoever (i.e., $0 BPT and $0 net profits tax). An additional 25,000 filers will have $0 BPT liability.

The business tax burden on microenterprises (those with under $100K per year in sales) will be reduced by 50%. The business tax burden on Philadelphia-based businesses will be reduced, in the aggregate, by 20%.

While the legislation continues planned gradual reductions in the net income tax, Council Members Green and Sánchez remain committed to complete elimination of this tax, a tax that punishes profitability.

The Council Members concluded, “We thank our Council colleagues, the Nutter Administration, several Chambers of Commerce, the Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia, other stakeholder groups, and citizens throughout the city for their support this bill.”

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

Nutter Presses Congress To Pass Jobs Act

Mayor Michael A. Nutter visited the 40th Street Bridge project yesterday to meet with construction workers and neighbors and to advocate for sustained infrastructure investment by the Federal government.

“The Rebuild America Jobs Act will help cities and states to invest immediately in infrastructure improvements that create jobs and will renew America’s commitment to having the best roads, bridges and rail systems in the world,” said the Mayor Nutter. “President Obama understands by investing in America’s infrastructure, we are

improving the livability of our neighborhoods. The 40th Street Bridge project, which is largely financed with Federal dollars, will reconnect the city to the historic Fairmount Park Centennial District. This bridge is an example of a Federal investment that reduces blight, increases mobility, and creates jobs that cannot be outsourced.”

The Mayor’s efforts were in vain on this occasion, however, as a narrow Republican minority of 49-51

LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 5PM (Preview 3PM)

blocked passage of the jobs act by threat of filibuster.

PFT Head Advises SRC Of SchoolClosing Impact

LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY SATURDAY AT 11AM (Preview 9AM) LIVE INTERNET AUCTION EVERY SATURDAY AT 4PM AT:

www.capitalautoauctions.com To Register & To Bid 3 BIG SALES WEEKLY

PHILA. FEDERATION OF TEACHERS President Jerry Jordan, shown here left with Congressman Bob Brady, says closing schools must be handled with care. (See P. 6)

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

5

School Closings PFT President Jerry T. Jordan wants the School District of Philadelphia’s Facilities Master Plan to remember first the impact on students and communities served by the Schools slated for closing.

“This effort has to be about more than saving a few dollars and closing schools,” Jordan stated. “It has to provide families and neighborhoods with a mechanism to improve educational opportunities for their children and build stronger communities, anchored by well-resourced, high-achieving schools.

“If consolidating and closing under-used buildings means that the District can redeploy resources and offer Philadelphia’s kids the same, broad educational opportunities that are available in neighboring school districts, our students will benefit tremendously.

“With the current budget constraints, many students are shortchanged because resources are spread too thinly to offer children a full range of activities, programs and support. Many schools lack full-time nurses, enough psychologists and counselors and have cut art and music programs and school libraries staffed by librarians.

“Schools are community hubs, and closing schools and redrawing attendance boundaries can take a

tremendous toll on students, families and communities and must be done with great sensitivity to educational, cultural and neighborhood issues.

“The SRC will have to be particularly mindful of the important role schools play in defining communities and be open to revising the plan so that closings do not undermine communities that have built alliances, which support strong neighborhood public schools.

“Throughout this difficult process, parents, students, teachers and school staff have to be fully engaged. Their voices must be heard and their opinions valued.

“Finally, the SRC must reinvest financial savings into schools and make sure they are safe, have small classes, offer well-rounded academic and enrichment programs.”

COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL reports to her W. Phila. constituents on impending closure of Drew School at First Thursday meeting at Walnut Street W. Free Library – a process being repeated across city as communities face loss of core institutions.

Extended Unemployment Benefits Available The US Dept. of Labor recently notified the State that Pennsylvania’s total unemployment rate had 6|

reached 8.1%, triggering the availability of these extended benefits.

The Department will notify individuals who may be eligible for HUP EB. The amount of HUP EB THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

available for each individual will vary.

The first payable week of HUP EB is the week ending Nov. 12. Under 4 NOVEMBER, 2011

current law, the final week for which regular EB and HUP EB may be paid is the week ending Dec. 31, 2011. HUP EB may be payable to claimants who have exhausted all of their regular state unemployment compensation, federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation and regular Pennsylvania Extended Benefits.

Claimants who exhausted their regular state EB on or after Jun. 11, 2011 may qualify for as many as seven weeks of HUP EB. Claimants who received HUP EB during the prior High Unemployment Period but did not receive all of their benefits when that period ended on Jun. 11, 2011 may qualify to receive the remaining balance of their HUP EB.

Requirements are the same for the HUP EB program and the regular EB program.

A claimant must actively search for work during each week for which benefits are claimed. Individuals who believe they may be eligible but have not received a notice from the department by Nov. 26 should contact the department at 1-888-313-7284.

Governor Renews A Vets-Home Appointment Gov. Tom Corbett yesterday reappointed Allan Abramson of Philadelphia to the Advisory Council

for Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home. This appointment does not require Senate approval.

Sen. Williams Wraps Up Health Month

By Exercising Kids

STATE SEN. ANTHONY WILLIAMS helps a group of Mitchell ES students get their heart rates up during an exercise demonstration.

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

7

State Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-W. Phila.) closed his “Health Awareness Month” initiative by leading an exercise class for students at Mitchell ES in the Kingsessing community of Southwest Philadelphia and handing out healthy treats to every student.

Step Up: Walk to Stop Diabetes charitable walk on Oct. 1 in Center City. The Senator’s team “Tony’s Tapestry,” helped the American Diabetes Association raise $560,000 toward research for a cure to a disease that has personally impacted Williams.

“Children have so much energy, and what better way to motivate them to living a healthy lifestyle than an exercise class in their school gym?” Williams said.

“Health is important at every age, and children can really benefit from learning about fitness and making good food choices. I had a great time with the students.”

“As a diabetic, I am keenly aware that I have to take my health seriously,” he said. “I recently decided to take life-changing steps for my health. Through fundamental changes to my diet and exercise routine, I’ve lost 67 pounds so far and I have managed my disease to the point where I no longer need insulin.

Williams dubbed October “Health Awareness Month” in his district and encouraged the public to join him and his staff as they held a variety of free events and demonstrations last month.

“I knew if I could do it, anyone at any age could lead a healthier lifestyle, so I created Health Awareness Month to show everyone that they can take steps right now, in their own communities, to be fit,” Williams said. “Whether it’s a 5K walk or practicing yoga

The campaign kicked off at the

stretches, healthy habits are within our reach.”

Throughout the month, the senator teamed up with various organizations to sponsor two free activities a week, including a muscle strength workout at Kingsessing Recreation Center, a walk through historic Bartram’s Garden, a health fair at Pennsy Flea Market, a Zumba class at the West Philadelphia YMCA, a line dancing class at KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School and a yoga demonstration at Wake Up Yoga.

“Health Awareness Month may be over, but I encourage everyone to continue to find ways to improve your health and fitness,” Williams said. “A healthy lifestyle is important at every age and taking steps today will ensure that you will live a better quality of life over a lifetime.”

Councilwoman Reed Miller Upgrades Her Computer Skills With PHA Residents Philadelphia City Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller will attend a computer skills and internet training for Philadelphia Housing Authority residents organized through the Freedom Rings Partnership on Nov. 10, 2011 to promote learning about, and access to the internet at Community College of Philadelphia’s Northwest Regional Center, Broad & Godfrey Streets. The Councilwoman Reed Miller also will assist with the distribution of free netbooks to qualified PHA par8|

ticipants at the end of the training.

“I am excited to be participating in the Freedom Rings Partnership’s efforts to bridge the digital divide,” said the Councilwoman.

The Freedom Rings Partnership – a citywide collaboration of civic, community and non-profit organizations co-led by Drexel University, Urban Affairs Coalition and the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology – aims THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

to bring internet access, training and technology to all Philadelphians. More than 41% of Philadelphians are without internet or computer access, causing serious impediments to access to job opportunities, health and educational information, and government and social services.

The Freedom Rings Partnership will establish 77 public computer centers citywide, generate 5,000 new broadband household sub4 NOVEMBER, 2011

scribers and 50 small business subscribers, promote the benefits of digital literacy through a viral

campaign reaching 100,000 residents and create an exciting and sustainable, innovative portal, in-

corporating resources, information and a learning management system.

Earthquake Calls For Turkey Donations For Annual Run Southwest Philadelphia community activist Paul “Earthquake” Moore needs donations of turkey and stuffing and running enthusiasts as well, to participate in his annual turkey run and food drive both of which take place in Southwest Philadelphia this year and are held to reduce hunger among families during the holiday season.

What started as a one man jog-athon 11-years-ago down S. Broad Street, has become the Paul “Earthquake” Moore Annual Celebrity Turkey Run down Woodland Avenue. The run will start on Woodland Avenue at 49th Street and end at Island Avenue/Cobbs Creek Parkway at

11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Earthquake, winner of the WriceCampbell Award for Neighborhood Safety, has asked for all Philadelphians to join him and support this effort. Deputy Police Commissioner Stephen Johnson, a long-time run supporter, will lead this year’s trek with Tia Gray and her fellow employees at Nova Care.

In addition Moore will host his second annual, 24-hour food-athon drive the weekend before the run. Stop by, socialize and party while you donate. The event will have live entertainment, a DJ and more in the parking lot at the Is-

land Market, Island & Woodland Avenues at Cobbs Creek Parkway, beginning at noon on Saturday, Nov. 12 and ending at noon on Sunday, Nov. 13. He is asking for canned-food donations of all kinds to be brought to Island Market’s parking lot to add to his Thanksgiving baskets for needy residents of Philadelphia and Delaware Cos. “Remember, our goal is to get 300 turkey dinners, and in order to accomplish this we need you,” Moore emphasized. Any wellwisher can mail a donation to P.O. Box 5323 Phila., PA 19142 or EMAIL earth_quake1@hotmail.com.

Oh Picks Up Progressive Endorsement Philly For Change, a local spinoff of the successful Barack Obama campaign of 2008, has endorsed its

first Republican candidate: David Oh, who is running for City Council at Large.

Oh said he was “honored” by their endorsement.

LETTER: We Misquoted McColgan To the editor: My name is Andrew J. Dankanich. I am a very close friend to Ivan Cohen and have been assisting him with his campaign run for the 2nd Dist.

Council seat.

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

In your paper Thursday, there was a story written

by Maria Merlino on City Council hopeful Joe McColgan and she had quoted Joe as saying that if he wins he is looking forward to working with Jim Kenny, Mark Squilla,

and Kenyatta Johnson.

Kenyatta Johnson.

Joe contacted me, Ivan and many other people to say that he never said that. As a matter of fact, he stated he was looking forward to working with Ivan Cohen, and not

For the last six months, I have been doing so much volunteer work for Ivan’s campaign to try and get an honest guy into office for once in this corrupt city. The small misprint

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

9

you have done will cause major damage to both Joe and, even more, Ivan.

That one quote makes Ivan look like a nobody and you all know that should not be.

The right thing to do is to

do a retraction before Election Day, but considering this is a Democratic city, I guess that would be out of the question.

I guess we will never get a fair shake anywhere, not even from a neutral

newspaper like the Public Record.

Andrew J. Dankanich Ed. Note – Since we only come out weekly in our print edition, we can only run your letter today

(Friday) in our well-read daily online edition. Wish we could do more … but average of 2,000 hits daily isn’t bad readership for your letter!

Holds Senior Prom Tonight A Senior Citizens Prom – “This Is Our Moment” – is being held tonight from 7 to 11 p.m. at Temple Administration Building, 2450 W. Hunting Park Avenue.

10 |

Sponsored by the Seniors In Action (a committee under the auspices of United, a Blueprint Community), this event promises to be fun for everyone. Over 300 senior citizens and their escorts are

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

expected to attend. Fun, fun for everyone. Come share their good time as they truly deserve to be shown some love. All for just $.

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

Park Activists Honor Jeff Brown At Yearly Fête

PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM was site of Phila. Parks Alliance’s annual fundraiser last night.

P.P.A. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lauren Bornfriend, left, welcomes Friends of Clark Park President Erin Engelstad along with host of other city park supporters to PPA’s gala at Please Touch Museum.

4 NOVEMBER, 2011

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

11

JEFF BROWN, owner of Brown’s Superstores, was congratulated for receiving title of this year’s Celebration Honoree

by PPA. From left, congratulating Brown are Friends of Malcolm X Park President Greg Cojulun, judicial candidate Carolyn Nichols, Brown and Engelstad.

ENJOYING Brown’s honor were, from left, Vic Orm, Mark Ruth and Jim Hallinan. PPA commended Brown Family SuperFresh stores for their committed work to combat inner-city “food deserts” by creatively introducing healthy fresh produce in their communities, much of it locally sourced.

12 |

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

4 NOVEMBER, 2011