Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. III No. 23 (393)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

February 7, 2012

Philadelphia Daily Record

Comrades

POLICE COMMISSIONER Charles Ramsey pats one of 12 horses outside of Macy’s in Center City this morning at a news conference announcing fundraiser for a new $3 million stable for Mounted Police Unit. Story page 3.

Photo: McGlasson Photography

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Calendar Feb. 8Judge Angelo Foglietta is sworn in at City Hall Rm. 653, 4:00 p.m. Reception follows at Law Library.

Rep candidate Al Simpson at Breen’s Pub, Huntingdon Pk., 69 p.m. Ticket, $35, sold at door.

Feb. 21Alliance Française de Philadelphie Mardi Gras celFeb. 9Steve Aldrich of ebration at Restaurant School, IBEW Local 269 invites all to 4207 Walnut St., 6:30 p.m. reception in honor of State Rep. Roaring ’20s theme, prize for Tina Davis at Bailey’s Bar & best costume. Tickets $60. For Grille, 6922 Bristol Emilie Rd., info (215) 735-5283.

Levittown, Pa. Host $1,000, Patron $500, Friend. $250, SupState Rep. James porter, $50. RSVP Seth Feb. 23Roebuck celebrates Birthday Skversky (215) 550-1186.

Party at Warmdaddy’s, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd., 5:30-8 p.m.

Feb. 10State Rep. Curtis Jazz, food. Friend: $125. SponThomas holds Job Fair at People sor $250. Benefactor: $500. for People, 800 N. Broad St., 10 RSVP (215) 382-1268. a.m.-2 p.m.

Mothers in Charge Feb. 10Fundraiser for can- Feb. 25holds Flapjack Fundraiser at cer survivor Vicki Cummings at Applebee’s, 9141 Roosevelt SmokeEaters Pub, 7681 FrankBlvd., 8-10 a.m. Donation $10, ford Ave., 7-10 p.m. Donation $5 for kids under 11. For info $35. If you cannot make event, (215) 228-1718. donation to “Friends of Vicki Cummings” c/o The Lucas St. Patrick’s Day Family, 3128 Cottman Ave., Feb. 26Parade in Phila. Fundraiser at Phila., PA 19149. For info Insulators’ Ha., 2014 Horning Friendsofvickicummings@yaho Rd., 3-7 p.m. Beer, wine, soda o.com. and buffet. Music and Celtic Flame Irish Dancers. $35. ConFeb. 10Arthur Green prestact Mary Frances Fogg ents 14th Ward Pre-Valentine’s (267.228.0418), Kathy Fanning Day Cabaret at Barber’s Ha., or Joe Fox at Saint Patrick’s Broad & Oxford Sts., 9 p.m.-???

Day Observance Ass’n, Donation $10. For info Arthur www.philadelphiastpatsparade.c Green (267) 986-7948. om Feb. 10-12- Penna. Progressive Congressman Bob Summit at Convention Ctr., Feb. 26Brady Bunch Winter Party at Broad & Arch Sts. Variety of Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring registration fees, $50-$150. For Garden Sts., 3-7 p.m. Tickets info paprogressivesummit.org. $35. For info, reservations Tom Feb. 13Fundraiser for State Johnson (215-423-9027).

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Time To Pony Up For Mounted Police

MACY’S Center City Store Mgr. Jim Kenny, right, presents a $5,000 check to Phila. Police Foundation Board Member Peter Madden and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey at a news conference outside Macy’s. Photo: McGlasson Photography

by Rory McGlasson Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey wants to raise $3million, and he is not horsing around.

The Police Dept. has saddled up with the Philadelphia Police Foundation and retailer, Macy’s, in a bid to raise $3 million for a new state-of-the-art home for the Police Dept.’s Mounted Patrol Unit on Chamounix Drive.

As 12 Mounted Horses and their riders looked on, Commissioner Ramsey announced the fundraising

effort this morning at new conference outside of Macy’s in Center City.

Macy’s Center City Store Mgr. Jim Kenny presented Ramsey and Police Foundation Board Member Peter Madden with a $5,000 to get the fundraiser started.

The Philadelphia Police Foundation is raising funds for construction through a program called “Pony Up for the Mounted Unit.”

It is appealing to businesses, corporations, foundations and the general public to support this important community endeavor.

The retail giant will have a Macy’s display window, containing memorabilia and equipment used by the recently reestablished Mounted Unit, in support of the “Pony Up for the Mounted Unit.”

Madden said construction of the stables will be provided pro bono through a joint partnership with the Philadelphia Trade Unions, who will contribute the labor. Participating unions are: Ironworkers,

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD Cement Masons & Plasterers, Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters, Glaziers Local 252, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, Roofers & Waterproofers Local 30, Steamfitters Local 420, Operating Engineers Local 542, International Brotherhood of Painter & Allied Trades, Plumbers Local 690, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98.

The Mounted Patrol Unit was reinstated after a hiatus of six years.

Ramsey said the return of the

Mounted Unit is important for the Police Dept.’s ability to fight crime, provide security at large gatherings and make Fairmount Park safer.

Delaware

Deepening: Casey Hails Fed’l $$

US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released the following statement on the news the Obama Administration will allocate $16.864 million to the Army Corps of Engineers this year for the Delaware Deepen-

ing Project: “This project is about creating and retaining thousands of jobs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Army Corps’ plan to allocate nearly $17 million to the Delaware Deepening project is a major victory for the region that will help ensure the Port of Philadelphia has the ability to compete with other cities along the East Coast. This is a significant step in the right direction and I appreciate that the President and his Administration

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD recognize the importance of this effort to the region’s economy.

“Deepening the Delaware will be an economic catalyst for all of Southeastern Pennsylvania, creating jobs and putting the region on the map as an export hub. I will continue to fight to ensure this job gets done and the Delaware Deepening project receives the funding it needs in the FY 2013 budget.”

The Senator worked to ensure navigation projects were significantly funded in the FY 12 budget approved by Congress and pushed the Administration, including the President and Vice President, to make sure funds were allocated to the Delaware Deepening project.

in order to accommodate larger vessels. This will reduce shipping cost, make maritime transportation more efficient and make the channel safer and more reliable. Once the channel is deepened, there will be an estimated increase of 2.5 million tons of cargo to the Port of Philadelphia, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

This project deepens the Delaware River Channel from 40 to 45 feet

Corbett Also Says ‘Full Steam Ahead’ In his address to the General Assembly this morning on his proposed Pennsylvania State budget, Gov. Tom Corbett included a strong pledge to pursue Delaware River channel-deepening.

“Reform also means knowing the difference between a ‘make-work’ project and a ‘save-jobs’ project,” said the Governor. “It’s the difference between merely propping something up, and building on its real value. The Port of Philadelphia is a perfect example. The state has advanced $15 million to continue deepening the Delaware River channel. This is a project that links our economy to the world.

“You see, the Panama Canal is being widened and deepened to accommodate the new generation of tankers. Those ships can dock any-

where on the East Coast, from Virginia to Boston. Anywhere except Philadelphia, where the river is too shallow.

“We want those ships tying up to the docks of Philadelphia the world’s best inland port, once we complete the work. Estimates suggest that, over the next five years, as many as 75,000 jobs will be created or saved, both directly and indirectly. This is not just a compact with today’s economy. It’s a vindication of our history.

“Philadelphia was founded as a port city. It received countless people into the New World. Through war and peace it has been our gateway to the Atlantic and beyond, and we intend to keep that gate open and welcoming the world and its commerce. This is not only good for Pennsylvania. It is good

for the region and the nation.

“So I worked with our congressional delegation, both Democrat and Republican alike, to send a message to the Obama administration: release the additional money to complete this crucial economic development project. Judging from today’s news reports, it looks like we succeeded.

“And thanks to an innovative partnership, the giant shipbuilder Aker is currently constructing two tankers. Because of that, ExxonMobil has ordered two of a new generation of ‘supertankers.’ That shipyard will be booming for years to come. More than 1,000 jobs have been saved. Thousands more will be spun off as those tankers take shape and set sail.”

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Hughes To Host Budget Briefings Following Gov. Corbett’s budget address today, Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes (DW. Phila.) will host several budget briefings with community officials to discuss the Governor’s budget proposal and Senate Democrat budget priorities. The briefings schedule is as follows: Thursday, February 9 8 to 9:30 a.m. Clergy @ Hilton City Avenue, 4200 City Avenue Noon to 1:30 p.m.

HIV/AIDS Organizations @ Health Partners, 901 Market Street, Suite 500 2 to 3:30 p.m. Health & Human Services @ Penn Tower Bridge Conference Room, 399 S. 34th Street 6 to 7:30 p.m. Community Based Organizations, CC, etc. @ Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 5732 Race Street Friday, February 10 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Economic Policy Advisory Committee @ Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Labor Leaders @ Philadelphia Council AFL/CIO Conference Room, 22 S. 22nd Street 3 to 4:30 p.m. Education Leaders @ West Philly HS, 4901 Chestnut Street

Williams Bill Would Stop ‘Passing Trash’ Current state law allows educators who are accused of sexual misconduct with students an opportunity to escape prosecution and even relocate to another district, an injustice State Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-W. Phila.) said he would stop through his recently introduced legislation.

Williams is the author of SB 1381, which would address the growing number of educators who are punished for alleged sexual miscon6|

duct, but allowed to relocate to a new school district because of the failure by school administrators to report the abuse.

“If anything, the allegations in the Penn State scandal have reaffirmed ducking issues of sexual abuse by educators harms children, sometimes for life,” Williams said. “It’s unacceptable and inexcusable that such reprehensible behavior has been able to fester in our public schools due to a gaping loophole.

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We must end that. Now.” The loophole, known as “passing the trash,” sometimes means districts give the educator accused of sexual misconduct personal incentives for resigning, including glowing letters of recommendation, health benefits, confidentiality agreements between the school and the abuser, and the option to surrender one’s teaching certificate in lieu of legal action.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD In the past year, 50 out of 100 notifications regarding educator disciplinary actions were related to sexual misconduct, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Just 10 of the actions resulted in suspensions, and 16 individuals had their certification revoked, in comparison to 24 who were given the option to surrender their certificate in lieu of facing discipline.

It is estimated that 15% of students will be sexually abused by a member of the school staff during their school career, according to the Stop Educator Abuse Misconduct and Exploitation Organization.

The practice of shuffling offenders and poor teachers off to new districts is not unique to Pennsylvania. Some states also refer to this phenomenon as “the lemon dance,” as highlighted in the film, Waiting for Superman.

“Because of this culture of secrecy, many cases are not entered into criminal justice information systems, but instead are handled through informal personnel actions within the relative privacy of school employee records,” Williams said. “This is an outrageous practice that places the protection of the accused predator above the safety of our children. It is an injustice to the integrity of our public school systems.

“Instead of making lemonade from the ‘lemon dance,’ we need to do what we always do with rotten

fruit: throw it away,” he said. “We don’t need to pass this trash any longer. Not when our children’s safety is at stake.”

A database created by the nonprofit National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) is the existing tool for education officials to prevent problem teachers from jumping state to state. “ Some less-populous states have more cases in the database than larger states. For example, Oregon, the 27th-most-populous state, has 953 cases, whereas New York, the third-most-populous state, has 897 cases. Pennsylvania, the sixthmost-populous state, has 704 cases in the database. But Williams contends this system is flawed.

The database is both over- and under-inclusive, said Williams, who noted teachers who fail to repay college loans may be reported while serious cases of abuse are reported in many instances only if it resulted in a criminal conviction.

ing schools to obtain information from all of a prospective employee’s current and past employers, such as whether the educator or any other prospective school employee was ever subject to an investigation for sexual abuse or misconduct by Child Protective Services; subject to a misconduct or abuse investigation not related to sexual abuse; disciplined, discharged, non-renewed, or asked to resign from a job; and resigned (or surrendered their teaching certificate in lieu of discipline) while an investigation or allegations were pending.

In addition, the school would be required to check the certification status of the prospective teacher to determine if they have a valid, active certificate from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education or another state.

“My legislation will ensure families that their children are learning and growing in a safe environment,” Williams said. “No family should have to worry their children are in danger during the school day.”

“The current system is not only unfair to the majority of educators who are working hard in the classroom, but it’s an injustice to victims of sexual abuse,” Williams said. “This trend must stop, for the sake of all of Pennsylvania’s public-school students.”

To further examine this issue, the Senate Education Committee will have a public hearing on SB 1381 on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building, located in the State Capitol complex in Harrisburg.

SB 1381 tightens employment review for school entities by requir-

The hearing will be broadcast live on PCN.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Fattah Is Recognized As Kids’ Champion The First Focus Campaign for Children, a national, bipartisan child advocacy group, recognized Congressman Chaka Fattah (DPhila.) as a “Champion for Children” for his leadership on issues important to children during 2011.

“Lots of politicians talk about kids’ issues, but few back it up,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the Campaign for Children.” Congressman Fattah delivered for kids in 2011.”

Fattah was one of only 50 Members of Congress whose extraordinary efforts to protect and improve

the future of America’s next generation earned recognition as a Champion. Sen. Bob Casey (DPa.) also earned selection as Champions. An additional 50 Members were recognized as “Defenders of Children” for their support of policies that advance the well-being of children.

In selecting Champions and Defenders, the First Focus Campaign for Children noted leaders who introduced, co-sponsored, and voted for legislation to meet children’s needs. In addition, the organization considered Members who demon-

strated extraordinary initiative by spearheading activities such as sponsoring hearings or garnering the support of their colleagues to improve the health and well-being of children.

The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s-advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are a priority in federal policy and budget decisions.

Boyle Bros. Fight School Closure Plans State Reps. Brendan and Kevin Boyle (both D-Northeast) are speaking out against a plan by the School District of Philadelphia to save money by reducing the times when school buildings are open for extracurricular activities.

Starting next week, the Philadelphia School District plans to cancel all weekend programs and shut school buildings by 8 p.m. during 8|

the week.

than a political ploy.”

“Extracurricular activities are an important and vital aspect of the overall educational experience,” said Brendan Boyle. “Participation in these activities not only makes for a well-rounded student, but it keeps kids out of trouble and off the streets. I am urging the school district to rethink this rash decision, which I see as nothing more

“The district’s plan will affect all weekday activities and programs, including Recreation Dept. activities, school programs and athletic events,” said Kevin Boyle. “It will have a ripple effect across the community, putting a huge number of programs at risk of being eliminated and literally leaving thousands of children out in the cold.”

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD Calling the plan reckless, Brendan and Kevin Boyle are urging the School District to find a better way to handle its funding shortfall.

School officials have said cuts to school psychologists were also on the table, as were elimination of spring athletics, instrumental

music, gifted programs, and bilingual counselors. Those decisions have yet to be made.

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