Vol. I No. 156
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
February 7, 2011
Philadelphia
Daily Record
Spring Comes In On Little Cat Feet IN VIETNAM this weekend – and in South Phila. as well – were lively celebrations of the Lunar New Year. “Year Of The Cat” was welcomed by this sprightly traditional Lion Dancer before hundreds of partiers at Saigon Maxim restaurant organized by Việt-Mỹ Magazine. “Chúc mừng năm mới!” (that’s “Happy New Year!).
Williams Takes Himself Out Of Mayoral Race
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Translation/Interpretation
This morning, State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams announced he will not challenge Mayor Michael Nutter in the May 2011 Primary. “At the end of my 2010 bid for Governor, I publicly stated my aspirations did not include being a candidate for Mayor in 2011. But since this year began, I have been approached by people who have asked that I reconsider that decision. “I’ve heard from residents and shop owners, police officers and block captains, bankers and barbers, in Brewerytown and Rittenhouse Square, Tacony and even in my own backyard in Cobbs Creek, and more – all deeply concerned about our city’s future. They are concerned too many of our schools are failing our children. They are concerned about public safety. And they are also concerned about the economic vitality of the city. Not coincidentally, these same themes are the cornerstone of my legislative agenda in the State Senate and they lay at the heart of my campaign last year for the Democratic nomination for Governor.
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“I have listened to those who have approached me with respect and THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
appreciation for their candid and passionate concerns and hopes for Philadelphia. I have sought the counsel of those closest to me. The process has given me much to consider, particularly given my own feelings for this city of promise. Two things have been made clear. One, my desire to lead us toward a brighter future is both real and strong. And two, I recognize that not only are deeds important, but so is one’s word. I cannot in good conscience go back on mine. Accordingly, I will not be a candidate for Mayor in 2011. “While my committed funders and supporters have expressed some disappointment, they respect the fact I have remained true to my word while seeking a way to advance the issues facing the people of this city. Those who are as deeply concerned as I am about our city’s future should know that they will have both an advocate and an ambassador in me. As such, I will directly push an aligned agenda through policy and action on both the city and state level – supporting those who share our vision and challenging those who would block it. And I will continue to devote my energy toward the real work of ensuring opportunities for a world-class education for every child in Philadelphia; of spurring job growth and promoting a business friendly Philadelphia; and of 7 JANUARY, 2011
reducing gun violence and crime on our streets.
house.com/PolicyCommittee.
“Many of us can take a role in securing the future we want to see here, for service and leadership emanate from more than just one building in this city. For my part, I will make it my business to see the voice of its people echoes in any and every hall of power.”
Goode Seeks To Probe School
Sabatina Named A Policy Leader For House Dems State Rep. John Sabatina (D-Northeast) has been named a vice chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee for the 2011-12 legislative session by committee Chairman Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster). “It is an honor to serve on the policy committee and I look forward to upcoming hearings on issues affecting my constituency,” Sabatina said. As a vice chairman, Sabatina will be influential in developing the caucus’ policy agenda, in determining topics for public hearings and acting as a liaison to other caucus members on policy ideas. In addition, may be called on to chair committee hearings and meetings. “I welcome Rep. Sabatina as a vice chair of the Democratic Policy Committee,” Sturla said. “He has an intense interest in policy development and will lend his unique experience and offer constructive input on the direction of Democratic caucus policy initiatives.” Each session, the House Democratic Policy Committee is tasked with holding public hearings and meetings across the state. It also serves as the catalyst to enacting major policy initiatives put forth by members of the House Democratic Caucus. The committee holds hearings around the Commonwealth to investigate local impact of certain issues and collect valuable expert input. For more information, visit www.pa7 FEBRUARY, 2011
Dist. For Wage-Law Violations Councilman Wilson Goode, Jr. is planning to introduce the following resolution asking City Council to investigate the School District’s contractors to make sure they are complying with City wage and benefits standards. It is set for introduction on Thursday, Feb. 11. “RESOLUTION “Authorizing the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development to hold hearings on Resolution No. 090724 to investigate whether the School District of Philadelphia has failed to comply with the Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard, and to recommend an appropriate remedy for any such failure. “WHEREAS, The Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard, set forth in Chapter 17-1300 of The Philadelphia Code (“Code”), requires certain City contractors and recipients of financial assistance to provide employees with a minimum level of pay and benefits; and “WHEREAS, Employers who violate the provisions of Chapter 17-1300 may, after notice and hearing before the Finance Director or such other officer or agency designated by the Mayor, be suspended from receiving additional financial assistance from the City; and “WHEREAS, Subsection 17-1312(2) of the Code provides that “Council may, by resolution adopted after a public hearing, determine that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an employer subject to Chapter 17-1300 has failed to comply with its provisions, and that if such failure is established, an appropriate remedy for such failure”; and
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“WHEREAS, Resolution No. 090724 was introduced and unanimously approved on Oct. 8, 2009, calling on the School Reform Commission to adopt the principles of the Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard; now, therefore, be it “RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, “THAT the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development is hereby authorized to conduct hearings on Resolution No. 090724, to take testimony and receive documentary evidence to investigate whether the School District of Philadelphia has failed to comply with the Philadelphia 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard, and to recommend an appropriate remedy for any such failure.”
Promise Academies Host African American Literary Pros Five of the School District of Philadelphia’s Promise Academies hosted a selection of some of the nation’s most prominent African American authors and illustrators on Thursday, Feb. 3, and Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. Spanning a wide range of genres, the visiting literary professionals spoke to students 4|
about the importance of developing their talents, finding positive role models and offered tips for improving their writing skills. Ethel Allen ES, University City HS, Potter-Thomas ES, Paul L. Dunbar ES and Vaux HS were selected as host sites for cartoonist/author Jerry Craft, author L. Devine, author Derrick Barnes and author Dinah Johnson. Divine, who started writing her “Drama High” Series as a graduate student at UCLA while also working as a teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, spoke to students at University City High School and said the reason she began a career as a writer was to get her students reading. “There were no other books out there to relate to what young people were going through,” she said. She also told students each of them has a “voice.” “When your intention is positive, your product will be positive,” she said. Students participated in discussions and Q & A’s as well as a drawing and writing workshop with cartoonist/author Jerry Craft. Author Derrick Barnes spoke at Paul L. Dunbar ES and Vaux HS and told the students he began his career writing a column for his college newspaper. “I realized I could have a voice and use my talents,” THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Feb. 8-Denny O’Brien kicks off race for City Council at Rosewood Caterers, 8888 Frankford Ave., 7 p.m. Feb. 10Germantown Republican Club hosts Lincoln Day Dinner at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 6 p.m. Honoree and speaker Lt. Gov. James Cawley. Tickets $65. For info Jack Morley (215) 389-1768. Feb. 11Fundraiser Reception for Council candidate Lawrence Clark at Rose Tattoo Café, 19th & Callowhill Sts., 6-8 p.m. For info (215) 224-0727. Feb. 11Manayunk on Ice winter festival featuring Ice Carving Competition. Free 3-day festival runs through Sunday. Fire & Ice Kickoff featuring an ice bonfire, 5 p.m. Feb. 15Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell launches campaign at 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market St., 1 p.m. Feb. 185th Ward Democrat Leader Mike Boyle hosts dinner fundraiser for 5th Ward committeepersons at Bella Cena, 1506 Spruce St., 7 p.m. Candidates invited, $50 fee. Feb. 19Benefit for Mayfair Memorial Playground sponsored by AOH Division #4 on grounds of Lincoln HS, Wellington & Hegerman Sts., (2 doors down from Jack’s Place), 7-11 p.m., $30 per person. Draft beer, sodas, wine, $1 domestic beers. Food. For info Shawn Murphy (215) 338-0413. Political candidates invited. 7 FEBRUARY, 2011
he said. Barnes told students he writes his books with African American protagonists because of a lack of positive African American role models in today’s culture. “Nobody talks about being a man,” he said. He also stressed the need for Black men to become more responsible as fathers, husbands and mentors. The selected authors and illustrators appeared at the District’s Promise Academies in anticipation of the 19th annual African American Children’s Book Fair that took place last Saturday at the Community College of Philadelphia.
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