Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. I No. 115

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

December 9, 2010

Philadelphia

Daily Record

W. Philly Hotel Rises

GROUND WAS BROKEN this morning on new extended-stay hotel in University City. New Homewood Suites by Hilton will cater to rising travel connected with area hospitals and universities. It represents further confidence in major development in W. Phila. beyond 40th Street. See story P. 4.

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Ackerman and the Philadelphia School District to increase the percentage of contracting opportunities awarded to disadvantaged businesses, including minorityowned businesses, the right thing to do.

owned businesses grow and gain an increasing share of city contracting opportunities. In the last year, the total percentage of disadvantaged businesses that won City contracts increased by 10% to 22% of the total.

He said, “My administration has strongly advocated for increasing the number and size of minorityowned businesses in Philadelphia.

Only by developing a truly diverse economy in terms of employment and business ownership can the City achieve lasting prosperity.

“The City currently works closely with the School District in setting participation rates for contracts more than $100,000, and the City will continue to work with the School District to increase the participation rate of minority firms on all ranges of contracts.”

“Along with tax reform, growth in the Eds, Meds, Hospitality and the new clean-energy sector, developing minority business is a key element of our administration’s economic-development strategy. It will create jobs in communities where unemployment runs high and create entrepreneurial wealth where too little exists.

State Rep. Ronald Waters, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, also rallied with many of his delegation members at noon today to show their support for the work contract policy of School Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman. He cited the “lack of fairness in the recent criticism of the top school administrator, pointing to her promoting more diversity in the issuance of school contracts.”

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“The Inclusion Works strategy, which we announced last February, THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

9 DECEMBER, 2010

Perzel Challenges Corruption Charges Lawyers for former House Speaker John Perzel and his co-defendants Wednesday asked a Dauphin Co. judge to dismiss all criminal charges against them in an alleged scheme to use state employees and equipment to work on Republican campaigns. Judge Richard Lewis gave no indication when he will rule.

One argument offered by a lawyer

for Perzel’s former Chief of Staff Brian Preski was the State cannot be a victim. Deputy Attorney General Kenneth Brown said taxpayers are the ultimate victims. “The Commonwealth would be in a much bigger deficit if people (just) came in the Capitol and cleaned out what they wanted.”

attorney representing a GOP staffer, said there will “probably be hundreds of witnesses and thousands of exhibits.”

Lawyers for the defense stated the equipment purchases were used for legitimate government purposes, and if they were used for politics as well, that’s not a crime.

The trial, originally set for April, was moved to August by Lewis.

William Fetterhoff, a Harrisburg

SEPTA Gets Award For Green HQ

E.P.A. REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR Shawn Garvin gave SEPTA an Energy Star award for comprehensive retrofitting and replanning of its large HQ at 1234 Market Street. Award is received here by Phila. Sustainability Director Katherine Gajewski and SEPTA General Mgr. Joseph Casey.

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Work Starts On New W. Philly Hotel Campus Apartments broke ground this morning on an upscale, allsuite, extended-stay hotel at 4109 Walnut Street in University City.

Slated for completion in spring 2012, the hotel will be part of the Homewood Suites by Hilton® brand. It will cater to the needs of the many professionals, patients, families and other out-of-town visitors who require longer-term accommodations in close proximity to the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, Children’s Hospital and other academic and medical facilities in the area.

University City has blossomed into a destination for world-class health care, life sciences and higher education. “For over 50 years, we’ve been a partner of the University of Pennsylvania and a pioneer in the redevelopment of University City,” stated David Adelman, CEO of Campus Apartments. “Homewood Suites University City is another way outside of residential housing that we can help the University and the surrounding health systems and schools achieve their goals by leveraging private capital for their real-estate development needs.”

“There is high demand in University City for a facility in which patients and their family members 4|

can reside comfortably and in a convenient location while pursuing required treatments and therapies,” explained Craig Carnaroli, executive VP of the University of Pennsylvania.

The 110,000-square-foot hotel will include 136 suites, featuring full kitchens, dining tables and separate work areas with phone and complimentary internet access. Additional amenities such as a complimentary shuttle service, complimentary breakfast and guest receptions, activity and fitness facilities, indoor pool, snack shop and dining and meeting spaces are designed to provide guests with the necessary resources to ease the burden of extended-stay travel.

The approximately $50 million project is jointly financed through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp., The Reinvestment Fund, US Bank Community Development Corp. and Beneficial Bank.

The project will create approximately 300 new full-time and temporary jobs for hotel and construction workers and will attract ongoing traffic to local businesses.

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Designed to meet LEED certification standards, the hotel will also be an example for progressive sustainable architecture within the hospitality industry. Elements such as a green roof, high-efficiency MEP systems, on-site storm water management and low-flow fixtures are incorporated into the plans to reduce consumption, optimize performance and control costs.

The hotel is also the first commercial project for the City of Philadelphia’s new EnergyWorks program, which provides low-interest loans to help finance sustainable building and redevelopment. Mayor Michael A. Nutter said, “We’re especially thrilled to see Campus Apartments is investing for the long term, with a LEED-certified project that will be sustainable both environmentally and economically.”

The hotel is the first part of a redevelopment plan for the 4109 Walnut Street property, with an additional 150,000-square-feet office building to be erected at this site later. Campus Apartments’ Philadelphia-based team is rounded out by Alesker & Dundon Architects LLC, general contractor L.F. Driscoll Co. and interior designer Floss Barber, Inc. 9 DECEMBER, 2010

City Council Committee Extends Job Creation Opportunity City Council’s Committee on Commerce & Economic Development has approved the “Job Creation Opportunity Extension Bill”, introduced by City Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Jr., extending a two-year employment stimulus program under which a credit against the City’s business privilege taxes will be given to businesses that create new jobs within the City of Philadelphia. The businesses will receive a $3,000 credit for each new job created for tax years 2012 and 2013, in addition to 2010 and 2011.

The Job Creation Tax Credit Program was established in May 2002.

It offers a credit against the firm’s

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Business Privilege 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 2009, 60 firms have participated in the program, promising the creation of 4,463 jobs. The five year period allowed by the initial ordinance to create new jobs has expired for 22 of these 60 firms. As a result, the promised job creation may be reduced from 4,463 to 2,790. To date, 1,026 jobs have been certified as created, resulting in the issuance of $1,630,297 in tax certificates, of which $1,502,322 has been claimed.

Goode said, “This legislation will help to create more jobs within Philadelphia. As we work toward economic recovery, business and job growth will require the right kind of financial stimulus. The extension of this effort would expand upon the almost 2800 jobs to be created under my existing program.”

Dec. 8Fire Fighters Local 22 and Police FOP Lodge 5 host plaque dedication honoring 100th anniversary of largest loss of life which killed 13 firefighters, one police officer and two fire horses at Plaza Complex on 2nd St. south of Girard Ave., 11 a.m.

For info Jerry Kots (267) 5496326.

Dec. 14Portrait presentation of Hon. Sheldon C. Jelin at City Hall, Room 653, 4 p.m. Reception following in Conversation Hall.

Dec. 18Caribbean Night Happy Hour fundraiser for Lawrence Clark for City Council at Banana’s 876 Lounge, 5500 Rising Sun Ave., 6-9 p.m. Donation $10 includes food.; donate blanket for homeless and it’s $8. Make checks to Clark4Change, P.O. Box 27154, Phila., PA 19118.

Jan. 27Edward J. Lowry, founder of Phila. Veterans MultiService and Education Ctr., will be honored on retirement at Waterfall Rm. in Plumbers Local 690 Union Hall, 2791 Southampton Rd., Cocktails 6-8 p.m., followed by Tribute Program.

Tickets $65. Order by phone (215) 238-8050. Event Chair Ed Keenan, Board Chair Jim McNesby and Exec. Dir. Marsha Four.

Fax: 215-689-4099 9 DECEMBER, 2010

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customers.

Craig White To Head PGW The Philadelphia Facilities Management Corp., the nonprofit corporation that manages the Philadelphia Gas Works, has announced Craig E. White will be the next President and CEO of PGW. White’s three-year appointment will begin on Mar. 1, 2011, at the conclusion of President Thomas Knudsen’s term.

“For a decade, Tom Knudsen and Craig White were a leadership team at PGW, working to strengthen the company’s fiscal and operational functions, establishing a customer-oriented culture for the benefit of ratepayers and taxpayers and positioning the company on a sustainable course,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

Before his appointment to President and CEO, White was PGW’s executive VP and COO for 10 years.

White is a 1978 graduate of Kutztown University and earned an MBA in Financial Management in 1986 from Drexel University. He began his career at PGW in 1980 and has held numerous positions within the company during his more than 30 years of service.

“PGW has accomplished so much in the last 10 years, and I’m committed to continuing our current reforms and business improvements. It’s an exciting time, not only at PGW, but in the gas industry as a whole,” said White.

White served as EVP and Acting COO and was instrumental in working with employees, to improve PGW’s operational and financial health. White’s focus for the future will be to continue to ensure safety and reliability as well as continuous improvement in all facets of the business. Additionally, under his leadership, the company has had back to back-to-back union-contract ratifications and extensions that have led to improved operational efficiencies and service to PGW’s 500,000 6|

In July, White was appointed by US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu to serve on the National Petroleum Council. He is a member of the Leadership Council and on the Board of the American Public Gas Association, serves on the Executive Board of the Philadelphia Citizens Crime Commission and is a member of the Board of Directors for Widener University’s School of Business Administration.

Green Party Acts To Build Membership The monthly meeting of the Green Party of Philadelphia on Nov. 30 provided a look at a rejuvenated political organization. Sixteen registered Greens and their neighbors gathered to hear a summary of 2010 campaigns and to envision more dynamic campaigning in 2011.

The meeting was held in the comfortable Fellowship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Mount Airy. It was the first in a series of Green Party meetings to be held in various neighborhoods on a rotating basis.

Much discussion focused on Hugh Giordano, who recently ran for State Representative in the 194th Dist.

(Roxborough/Manayunk). Giordano received 23% of the vote in the Philadelphia portion of his District (18% overall), and he ran on issues including corruption in Harrisburg, the poor education received by working-class children, and workers’ rights on and off the job. Giordano was the first GPOP candidate to receive significant support from organized labor.

As part of the discussion of Giordano’s campaign, Chris Robinson, Green Party organizer in the 59th Ward (Germantown) pointed out a problem faced by Giordano. Despite a large investment in voter education and mobilization, some people did not vote for him because they were unsure of what the Green Party

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9 DECEMBER, 2010

stood for. Robinson recommended a new Green City Committee devote energy to increasing its name recognition among voters.

predicted that a new GPOP City Committee will do more neighborhood outreach and will run several vigorous electoral campaigns in 2011.

The Green Party had lost 20% of its membership between 2007 and 2009. Robinson explained that 2010 was a turning point for the Green Party because it showed a 6% growth in registered members. Robinson

Alex Gillett, a Green from West Philadelphia, said when GPOP nominates candidates for office in 2011, Greens should give them more financial support.

Julia Swain of Fox Rothschild Leads PBA Family Law family law cases in the five-county Philadelphia area, including appellate courts, and negotiates settlements and prenuptial agreements.

Julia Swain, partner in the Philadelphia office of Fox Rothschild LLP, ascends to chair of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association for 2011.

Swain concentrates her practice in the areas of family law, including divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution and abuse. She litigates 9 DECEMBER, 2010

Swain is a frequent writer and speaker on family-law topics, such as prenuptial agreements, custody laws and domestic violence, among others. Her articles have appeared in publications, including the Philadelphia Bar Reporter, The Legal Intelligencer and Philadelphia Magazine. She has presented family law topics for the Philadelphia Bar Association Bench Bar Conferences, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and Gratz College.

Recognized for her outstanding pro bono work, Swain received the “Pro Bono Roll of Honor� Award from the 1st Judicial Dist. in 2009, in addition to receiving the White Hat Award from the Legal Clinic for the Disabled the same year.

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City Hall Celebrates Art By City Workers The City of Philadelphia’s visual art exhibition program Art In City Hall, in collaboration with the National Arts Program Foundation, presents The 11th National Arts Program at Philadelphia, an exhibition featuring works of art by City government employees and their families, including children. The exhibition opens to the public today and runs through Feb. 18, 2011. It is located on the fifth floor of City Hall, NE corner.

This year’s exhibition includes five classifications: Professional, Intermediate, Amateur, Teen 13-18 and Youth 12 and Under. The artwork is to be juried by Noreen Shanfelter, executive director of the University City Arts League. The Best-in-Show award was chosen by Deputy Mayor and Managing Director Richard Negrin.

Participants of this year’s exhibit come from many different departments and agencies in City government, including DHS, Law, Commerce, Free Library, Prisons, Police, Fire, Water, Courts, City Council and more.

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Best In Show Peter Appelbaum, DHS

Hillary Jia Do, DOT, honorable mention

Professional Lara Cantu-Hertzler, Law Dept. family member, 1st place Carl Burwell III, Prisons Dept., 2nd place Juanita Beverly, Prisons Dept. 3rd place

Youth Under 12 (Family Members) Megan Horst, Revenue, 1st place Jhade Gales, Courts, 2nd place Halle Anderson, City Council, 3rd place Gabrile, Totesau, Police Dept., honorable mention

Intermediate John C. Anderson, PWD, 1st place Diane Wilson, MOCS, 2nd place Barbara Koch, Courts, 3rd place Joseph Sannutti, Behavorial Health, honorable mention Amateur Jeffrey Easter, OFM, 1st place Deborah Cantu-Hertzler, Law Dept. family member, 2nd place Donna Wyche, DHS, 3rd place Barbara Evans, PROC, honorable mention

Teens (family members) Hillary Jia Do, DOT, 1st place Angelica Clark, City Controllers’s Office, 2nd place Alexander Giacobetti, City Council, 3rd place THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Since 1985, The National Arts Program® has provided scholarships for continuing art education, certificates of participation, and cash awards to public employees and their family members who participate in this annual event. It is sponsored and funded by The National Arts Program Foundation of Malvern, Pa. Art In City Hall is a collaborative effort between the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy and the arts community.

Since the program began in 1984, over 2000 emerging artists have shown their talents in the hallways of City Hall through juried group exhibitions based on specific themes.

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Parenting 101: the Musical Returns With New Cast To Kimmel Center’s Innovation Studio “A Parent’s Fantasy - The Perfect Babysitter” (from left, Patrice Seibel and Nicole Nicastro)

by Adam Taxin Parenting 101: The Musical tonight opens a three-month run (through Mar. 6) at the Kimmel Center’s Innovation Studio. The show returns after a previous stay in the same theater during summer 2008.

This musical, effectively a journey from the first moments of parenthood to the first moments of grandparenthood, is the brainchild of two sisters: co-author/co-creator/producer Nancy Holson has won five New England Emmys for the longrunning series of PBS specials “The News In Revue” and also was writer of the less neutral OffBroadway show Bush Wars; her co-creator sister Susan (also Holson) publishes a family newspaper in Vermont. For a long time, the two, according to Nancy Holson, “had been looking for a project to do together.”

The songs in the show will very 9 DECEMBER, 2010

likely sound familiar to audiences.

Each is a fairly well-known pop or Broadway song with lyrics modified to fit into the experience of THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

parenting. Thus, the show’s fourperson ensemble (Nicole Nicastro, Stuart Williams, Craig Hanson and Patrice Seibel, none of whom was |

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in the 2008 version) transforms “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” via a childbirth scene, into “Oh God, When Will The Pain Go.” The storyline winds its way through a number of songs whose parody targets should be pretty obvious, e.g. “Your Son Will Come Out Tomorrow” and “It’s My Potty, and I’ll Try If I Want To.” Later, a 10-year-old girl serenades her mother with “I Will Always Hate You.” Some song titles needed no modification. Queen’s anthem “We Will Rock You” involves sleep-deprived parents desperately trying to coax their newborn back to sleep.

“Stayin’ Alive” no longer has anything to do with “the New York Times’ effect on man” (whatever that meant in the first place) but, rather, according to Holson, describes how it “feels when you get in a car with your kid and entrust

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your life to them before they’ve learned how to do it.”

Perhaps predictably, Christmas is not exempt from satire. At the City’s Dec. 2 Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, cast members, using the melody of Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” sang about the “Toy Store,” which Holson adds is (of course) “the scary place where are parents going to end up having to be.”

The production also contains “The Truth About Santa Claus” (based on “Here Comes Santa Claus”) which is, according to Holson, about “an older brother trying to tell his younger brother that there is no Santa Claus” with the mother “trying to shush him, bribe him, anything.” She adds: “This would have been an obvious one to do at the Christmas lighting, but we didn’t want to offend anybody.”

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Holson emphasizes the universal appeal of the show: “You get anybody in there, they’re going to have a good time. Our target audience is anyone who’s been a parent, but we say our secondary audience is anyone who’s had a parent. I should say that, even though there’s nothing in it that would offend people, it’s not designed for kids, it’s designed for adults.”

Finally, Holson encourages those who saw the previous production to see the show with a new cast: “It’s a different cast. It’s a fabulous new, young cast. They bring different things to it. So people who saw it a while ago, they can see it again, and it will feel fresh for them.”

9 DECEMBER, 2010