Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. III No. 27 (397)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

February 15, 2012

Philadelphia Daily Record

One’s Enough STATE SEN. DAYLIN LEACH (here shown leading workshop at Temple Teach-In earlier this month) is slamming notion of a double primary this year, one for state and another for federal offices. See article Page 3

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Calendar Feb. 17Retirement Reception for Judge Thomas Dempsey at City Hall, Conversation Ha., Rm. 200, 4:30 p.m. Contribution $10. RSVP Rosemary Donnelly rosemary.donnelly@courts.phila.gov.

Feb. 20Fundraiser for State Rep candidate Malik Boyd at Dockside, 717 S. Columbus Blvd., 6-9 p.m.

Music, desserts. Donation levels $50-$500. RSVP Jane Green (215) 3001996 or janeagreen@comcast.net. Checks payable to Friends of Malik Boyd.

Feb. 20Congressman Chaka Fattah hosts free workshop at Community College Center for Business & Industry, 1751 Callowhill St., Rm. CB1 C2-28. Learn how to receive up to $2,500 in tax credits. To register (215) 848-9386.

Feb. 21State Rep. John Sabatina holds Mardi Gras Cocktail Reception at Ladder 15, 1528 Sansom St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Event Chairs Bob Brady and John Dougherty. Contributions: $100 (ticket), $250 (friend), $500 (patron).

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For info John (215) 7428600).

Feb. 21Alliance Française de Philadelphie Mardi Gras celebration at Restaurant School, 4207 Walnut St., 6:30 p.m. Roaring ’20s theme, prize for best costume. Tickets $60. For info (215) 735-5283.

Feb. 22Penna. Commonwealth Club House Party with guest Penna. Republican State Chairman Rob Gleason at home of Mike Cibik, 334 S. Front St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. By invitation only. Contact (717) 234-4901 or RSVP @pagop.org.

Feb. 23State Rep. James Roebuck celebrates Birthday Party at Warmdaddy’s, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd., 5:30-8 p.m. Jazz, food.

Friend: $125. Sponsor $250. Benefactor: $500.

RSVP (215) 382-1268.

Feb. 25Mothers in Charge holds Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s, 9141 Roosevelt Blvd., 8-10 a.m.

Donation $10, $5 for kids under 11. For info (215) 228-1718.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Don’t Bifurcate Primary Election

by State Sen. Daylin Leach 17th Senatorial Dist.

Montgomery Co. Bifurcating the Pennsylvania primary is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

There is nothing more corrosive to our political system than the election-rigging practice known as gerrymandering. Every 10 years, politicians draw legislative districts to ensure their party wins a majority of seats and their candidates do not have to worry about competitive elections.

During this year’s redistricting process, the tie-breaking chair of the five-member redistricting commission made it clear throughout the process he was willing to side with the Republicans on all disputed matters. This gave the Republicans complete control. With no restraints, they crafted such an over-the-top gerrymandered map that the State Supreme Court, on a bipartisan basis, said it went too far and struck it down.

The court ordered the old, 2001 lines would remain in effect for the 2012 election while the Commission drew a new map. A federal court subsequently affirmed that decision. The Republicans, deprived of the ability to gerrymander and now facing actual competitive elections, are not

happy.

Gov. Tom Corbett has floated a plan that would keep the scheduled Apr. 24 date for the presidential primary, but then create an entirely separate, second primary election for state legislative seats, to be held sometime in August or September. This is to give them time to draft a brand-new gerrymandered plan to ensure they can pick who shall sit in the State House and Senate for the next 10 years.

Moving the primary is an outrageous idea. First, in reliance on the Supreme Court’s order of Jan. 25, 2012, and a subsequent federal order, candidates across the state, House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, have circulated and filed petitions in their current districts and successfully earned a spot on the ballot.

To tell these hundreds of candidates that despite the court orders, none of that counted and they would have to circulate new petitions in new districts they may or may not live in, is unfair and wrong. It ignores the express will of the voters who signed the petitions, and it is an invitation to massive chaos and litigation.

More importantly, it is undisputed that a second primary would cost Pennsylvania taxpayers approxi-

mately $25 million. At a time when we are cutting basic human services and a number of our school districts are literally on the verge of closing their doors, this is unconscionable. Gov. Corbett recently said in his budget address we are facing “tough times” and “difficult realities.” He said, “Every dollar spent by government is one dollar less in the sector that creates real prosperity.”

In recent hearings and meetings on school funding in which I participated, the administration was very clear there simply was no more money to give to poor schools, and that things were so bad we had to cut college funding by 30%. The Governor also said we have to eliminate the last pennies from cash assistance for the poorest Pennsylvanians.

The Republican legislative leaders have been saying the same things.

Yet if their own, personal, political fortunes are at stake, is taxpayer money suddenly no object? If it takes 25 million dollars to facilitate a Republican gerrymander for 2012, does that money suddenly appear? Where does that money come from?

Rather than kicking 500-600 candidates of both parties who followed the rules off the ballot, or spending tens of millions of dol-

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD lars to change our time-tested single primary process, it is far better to take our time, understand the Supreme Court’s new guidelines and create non-gerrymandered, honest districts that serve all of the people of Pennsylvania rather than the politicians of one party.

These new districts could take effect for the 2014 election. There is precedent for this in other states that had unresolved redistricting disputes in the past.

I would note that if we ran the 2012 elections using the 2001 lines, we would hardly be using a Democratic plan or being unfair to the Republicans. Keep in mind: Those 2001 lines were themselves the product of the previous GOP gerrymander, as the majority of the 2001 commission was also Republican.

There is no doubt that Republicans would like to update the map to their advantage. But is this really what we should be spending 25 million tax dollars on?

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Casey, Meehan Lead Refinery Workers’ Mtg. US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Congressman Patrick Meehan (RDelaware Co.) today led a bipartisan meeting with about 150 steelworkers from refineries in the Philadelphia region and members of the Pennsylvania and Delaware congressional delegations.

Phila.), Allyson Schwartz (DPhila.) and John Carney (D-Del.).

Sen. Casey has called for a Senate hearing on the potentially damaging effect the planned closure of refineries in Philadelphia, Trainer and Marcus Hook would have on fuel prices in the region.

As you transition into your new leadership role at Sunoco, I would like to underscore my request that the company redouble its efforts to find a buyer for its refineries in Marcus Hook and Philadelphia.

Today, the Senator released a letter to incoming Sunoco CEO Brian MacDonald pressing the company to redouble efforts to find a buyer for its facilities.

I am very concerned by Sunoco’s recent announcement that it has not received a single proposal for the purchase of Marcus Hook as an operating refinery, and is instead pursuing alternatives for the facility. Workers at the Marcus Hook refinery have already been put under tremendous stress by the uncertain future of this facility, and this announcement only serves to exacerbate this anxiety.

Delaware Co. continues to have an unemployment rate of close to 8%, with more than 21,000 county residents currently unable to find work. I have serious concerns about the impact shuttering this refinery will have on the community and on the economic recovery in the region.

“With so many jobs on the line and the risk of higher fuel prices for consumers across the northeast, Sunoco and ConocoPhillips must be held accountable for the impact refinery closures would have on the region,” said Casey.

“We need these companies to be more transparent with workers and the public as they contemplate decisions that could have very damaging impacts not only on the local communities but on the entire Northeast.”

Casey and Meehan were joined by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Congress Members Chaka Fattah (D-

The full text of Casey’s letter to incoming Sunoco CEO Brian MacDonald is below: Dear Mr. MacDonald:

I have similar concerns about the future of Sunoco’s Philadelphia re-

finery. Philadelphia’s unemployment rate currently stands at 10.6%, which translates to more than 68,000 city residents being unable to find work. The closing of this refinery would be a difficult setback in the recovery effort and add to an already unacceptable employment situation in Philadelphia. While I understand the company has received varying degrees of interest in its Philadelphia refinery, I strongly urge you to put forth a good faith effort to ensure that both this facility and the facility in Marcus Hook, and the jobs associated with both sites, are maintained.

The shuttering of these two refineries will undoubtedly hurt the local economy, but the loss of our refining capacity on the east coast could have a ripple effect across our nation’s economy. The US Energy Information Administration reports the reduction in refining caused by the potential closure of these facilities is likely to impact supplies of petroleum products and create price volatility. This will have a far-reaching, negative impact on the price and quality of transportation fuels and home heating oil. I am particularly concerned the loss of refining capacity associated with these facilities will hit the Northeast very hard because this part of the country is so heavily reliant upon home heat-

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD ing oil. It will also increase our dependence on foreign oil at a time our nation is striving for greater energy independence. This all comes at a time when some recent reports have shown improved margins on refined oil.

While I understand confidentiality agreements may restrict your ability to comment publicly on prospective buyers, I strongly recommend you share as much information on prospective buyers with your workforce and the public as possible. I have heard concerns that parameters and restrictions have been placed on the sale of these facilities. Such boundaries will only serve to limit the future use of these facilities and hurt the

region’s economy. I encourage you to do all that is within your power to ensure that there are no such impediments to their sale.

As the workers and their families continue to face an uncertain future, it is imperative Sunoco take concrete action to sell these refineries and maintain the jobs associated with them. As I have said repeatedly, I stand ready to assist you in encouraging a buyer to purchase these facilities. Thank you for your continued attentions to my concerns about this matter.

Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr. United States Senator

Republican Sigs Hit 25 Thousand Statewide Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement congratulating our endorsed statewide Republican candidates for filing thousands and thousands of signatures.

“In a tremendous show of grassroots and volunteer support, Steve Welch for US Senate, David Freed for Attorney General, John Maher for Auditor General and Diana Irey Vaughan for Treasurer successfully filed thousands and thousands of petition signatures this afternoon, the first step towards the long road to victory 6|

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in November. By shattering the signature requirements, it’s clear our endorsed team heads into the Primary and General election with a strong base of support throughout Pennsylvania.

“This accomplishment belongs to our volunteers – our State Party members, county chairmen, committee members and activists who make up the foundation of our rock-solid grassroots network upon which we build our successful campaigns. I think each and every one who helped in this process for their tremendous efforts.”

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Council Committee Boosts Job Creation City Councilman at Large W. Wilson Goode, Jr.’s “New Job Creation Tax Credit Bill” has been approved by City Council’s Committee on Commerce & Economic Development. The legislation enhances an employment-stimulus program under which a credit against the City’s business taxes is given to businesses that create new jobs within the City of Philadelphia. The businesses would receive a $5000 credit for each new

job created for tax years 2012 and 2013.

The Job Creation Tax Credit Program was established in May 2002 to encourage businesses to expand employment within the City of Philadelphia. It is based on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Job Creation Tax Credit program and offers a credit against the firm’s business tax liability for each new job created. The program

can be utilized by companies of any type or size located anywhere in the city.

Through 2010, 66 firms have participated in the program, promising the creation of 4,581 jobs. To date, 1,032 jobs have been certified as created, resulting in the issuance of $1,636,297 in tax certificates, of which $1,510,322 has been claimed.

Butkovitz, Nutter Spar Over School $$ City Controller Alan Butkovitz yesterday provided the School District of Philadelphia with his Office’s Independent Auditor’s Report of the School District’s basic financial statements for the fiscal year that ended Jun. 30, 2011.

While the audit concludes, “the School District’s 2011 basic financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,” it also includes

“an explanatory paragraph regarding the School District’s ability to continue as a going concern.”

The explanatory paragraph states, “The School District has experienced continued operating funds losses, is projecting significant budget shortfalls for fiscal years 2012 and 2013, and is uncertain about its ability to achieve cost savings and obtain additional funding to overcome these budget shortfalls. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.”

Shortly thereafter, Mayor Michael A. Nutter issued a statement regarding Butkovitz’s report which approached the School District’s financial woes with a gentler touch.

“It has been evident for some time to everyone that the School District has been experiencing financial challenges since at least last

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD year and through the current fiscal Chief Recovery Officer Tom year and into the next,” the Mayor Knudsen are keenly focused on commented. “We now have a those financial challenges and are working with me and my Adminismuch better picture of what the District’s challenges are. tration on a daily basis to address those challenges. We will ensure “The key here is that the SRC and financial stability, fiscal discipline

and continued operations of the School District of Philadelphia on behalf of our children, their parents, teachers and the City of Philadelphia.”

Natural Hazard Plan Is Ready For Rollout The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management invites the public to learn about the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan being developed for Philadelphia. The plan will be rolled out on tomorrow, Feb. 16, 2012, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps, 3150 N. Mascher Street in North Philadelphia during the final public meeting that will be held.

Residents will have the opportunity to view a series of poster displays featuring the natural hazards and provide their feedback and concerns about natural hazards in their community.

The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will address a comprehensive list of natural hazards – droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, wind storms and tornadoes, hurricanes and tropical storms, Nor’easters, and severe winter storms – that may impact Philadelphia. In addition, OEM will provide a risk assessment, which includes prioritizing the natural hazards that have the potential of impacting Philadelphia. The purpose of the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term 8|

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risks to human life or property from natural disasters through cost-effective and sustained mitigation actions.

Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Liam O’Keefe encourages the public to the attend meetings. “This is the final public meeting for this round of the plan so we strongly encourage Philadelphians to attend and provide us with their concerns about natural hazards that can impact Philadelphia.”

The public is encouraged to visit www.phila.gov/ready to: • Find more information about natural hazards that can affect Philadelphia; • Get a copy of the Natural Hazards Plan Questionnaire; • Obtain a listing of future public meetings about the plan; • Learn how to prepare for natural hazards; and • Sign up for emergency text alerts from ReadyNotifyPA.

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Taxi Drivers Are All Aboard On Wheelchairs In preparation for public hearings tomorrow on a draft proposed regulation that would mandate conversion of 300 of the City’s 1,600 medallion taxis to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles by the end of 2012, and full conversion of the entire fleet by 2016, the Greater Philadelphia Taxi Association announced today that it intends to work with the Philadelphia Parking Authority and other stakeholders to come up with a mutually acceptable proposal that serves the public interest.

In recent years, relations between taxi-industry stakeholders and PPA have often been strained, often resulting in litigation. Most recently, a group of industry stakeholders won a case in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that clarified the PPA’s status as a state agency subject to the rule-making regulatory guidelines established by the Commonwealth’s Independent Regulatory Review Committee.

GPhlTA was formed earlier this year by several leading members of the industry in order to change the nature of the relationship between the industry, its regulatory agency, and the public. As such, it intends to privilege negotiation and dialogue as a route to resolving differences, and will eschew litigation except in the most extreme of situations.

In comments in response to the PPA’s draft proposed WAV regulation, GPhlTA took issue with the mandatory lottery, called into question the market demand for 300 or more WAV taxis, and raised issues around program cost and implementation. Nevertheless, GPhlTA members such as Freedom Taxi have not only been the strongest advocates for WAV taxis, but have actually begun WAV taxi service.

for a ‘new day’ in Philadelphia’s taxi industry,” said executive director Jeff Hornstein. “We will reach out to the PPA, to elected officials, and to the disability rights community to design a robust Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) program.”

GPhlTA’s plan will put at least 100 WAV taxis on the street by the end of 2012, and calls for a robust program of training for owners and drivers, public education, a coordinated dispatch system, and consumer-driven quality control to ensure the program’s successful implementation.

GPhlTA will announce further details of its proposal in the very near future.

“GPhlTA believes that it is time

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