Vol. II No. 29 (189)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
March 25, 2011
Philadelphia Daily Record
Our Mrs. Can’t Miss BETH LESKA of Center City is in Altoona today, representing Phila. as she vies for title of “Mrs. Penna.” See story page 10.
Toomey To Bernanke: Hold New Loan Regs To Spare Small Business Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) sent a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke yesterday, urging him to delay the implementation of the recently published final Truth-in-Lending regulation governing Loan Originator Compensation beyond Apr. 1, 2011. The Senator argued the rule could have unintended consequences, penalizing small lenders and mortgage brokers. To date, the Federal Reserve has failed to provide small businesses with adequate guidance on how to comply with the rule’s requirements. If the Federal Reserve fails to delay the final rule, it will have a detrimental effect on countless jobs across the country and restrict access to low-cost mortgage lending for many Americans.
that the final rule will have the unintended effect of increasing concentration in the residential-mortgage market. Before the housing crisis began in 2007, the home-mortgage market was dominated by three banks which together accounted for approximately 51% of all residential-mortgage operations. The two biggest of these banks, alone, accounted for approximately 43% of the market. The TILA rule governing Loan Originator Compensation will place significant burdens on small lenders and mortgage brokers. Yet the Federal Reserve has thus far failed to provide these small businesses with guidance on how to comply with the final rule’s requirements. In the absence of such guidance, these burdens will make it difficult for small lenders and mortgage brokers to design new compensation systems to comply with the rule.”
In his letter, Toomey maintained “there is a concern
Nutter Signs Greenlee’s Fair-Housing Law Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed legislation introduced by Councilman Bill Greenlee (D) to update and amend the City’s Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, use of public accommodations, and the delivery of City services. The legislation was passed by City Council unanimously. The comprehensive update of the law, the first since 1963, accomplishes three primary goals: creating greater capacity for enforcement by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, extending protections to new classes of Philadelphians, and updating the language of the ordinance to make it more accessible. “I am honored to sign this legisla2|
tion today, which extends protections and recognizes that all Philadelphians deserve to live and work without the threat of discrimination. I would like to thank Councilman Greenlee for his dedication to passing this legislation,” said the Mayor Nutter. “Today’s bill signing is historic as we overhaul how Philadelphia fights discrimination for the first time since 1963.” Councilman Bill Greenlee added, “I’m proud to sponsor the modernization of the Fair Practices Law. This legislation allows a Philadelphian that experiences discrimination to have it addressed by a City agency. It is particularly noteworthy the LGBT community’s civil rights are further protected under THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
this law.” The changes will streamline procedures for accepting, investigating and adjudicating complaints. They will increase penalties for discrimination from $300 to the maximum allowance of $2,000. New protections will cover discrimination based upon genetic information, domestic- or sexual-violence victim status, or familial status. And existing housing protections will now cover all property, including commercial uses. “This historic legislation will serve as a model for other human rights agencies around the country,” said Rue Landau, executive director of the PCHR.
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PCHR is the City agency that enforces civil-rights laws and deals with all matters of inter-group conflict within the city. It was established under the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and is mandated by Charter to enforce the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and the delivery of City services.
Communicating Support For Nutter
RESOUNDING endorsement for Mayor Michael Nutter’s quest for a second term this spring was given by Communications Workers of America’s District 13 VP Edward F. Mooney at Crown Plaza in Cwenter City yesterday afternoon.
GlaxoSmithKline Gifts City $5 M For Youth Work During a reception hosted by Mayor Michael A. Nutter to honor GlaxoSmithKline for its leadership in the community, its CEO Andrew Witty surprised the Mayor as well as attending business and civic leaders by pledging a $5 million grant for youth development. Witty made the announcement with GSK’s North American leadership including Deirdre Connelly, the President of GSK North American Pharmaceuticals, and Dan Phelan, Senior Advisor to the CEO. Witty described the $5 million pledge as an instrument to encourage and inspire young people 25 MARCH, 2011
to excel in the 21st century workforce. The City of Philadelphia will work with GSK to determine how the funding will be allocated. “I couldn’t have been more surprised and delighted with GSK’s pledge of $5 million for the youth of Philadelphia. The generosity and ongoing commitment of GSK to Philadelphia, is greatly appreciated,” said Nutter. “This funding will be used for the development of our young people, to help them reach their goals and drive the economy forward.” “GSK has prospered in the THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Philadelphia region for 181 years because of the talented employee base,” said Witty. “We are delighted to pledge $5 million to the City and nonprofits to inspire the next generation of leaders.” The gift will be in addition to the philanthropic programs that GSK already has in place to drive sustainable changes in healthcare in the community. Over the past 10 years, GSK has contributed more than $15 million to Philadelphia nonprofit organizations. In February 2011, Nutter announced “Jobs Week”, a series of |
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2011 Mar. 25State Rep. Michelle Brownlee hosts Open House for constituent feedback at office, 2839 W. Girard St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; free breakfast 9-10:30 a.m. For info (215) 684-3738. Mar. 25Spring Fundraiser for Victim/Witness Services of S. Phila. at Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catherine St., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $50. Light fare, wine, beer and music. Mar. 25Gov. Tom Corbett addresses 82nd Airborne Phila. Chapter All American Dinner & Awards Ceremony at Iron Workers Union Hall, 11600 Norcom Rd., 7-11 p.m. Tickets $35. For tickets Eunice Lee at elee@zarwin/com or (215) 569-2800, ext. 1179, or David Oh, chairman, ext. 1157. Mar. 25Springtime Cabaret fundraiser for State Rep. Rosita Youngblood and 13th Ward Democrats at 5551 Germantown Ave., 8 p.m.-1 a.m. BYOB. Tickets $20. For info Shiela (267) 581-0025 or Dayne (267) 593-9156. Mar. 2610th Ward Democrats hold Recognition Banquet and Silent Auction at Imhotep HS, 6201 N. 21st St., 4-7 p.m. Donation $25. For info Fannie Blakely, (215) 4241191. Mar. 26Fundraiser for Traffic Ct. candidate Donna Laws at Temptations, 218 W. Chelten Ave., 4-7 p.m. Tickets $20. Food, entertainment and parking. For (267) 535-9869. Mar. 27Amici Opera Co. stages Il Trovatore at St. Nicholas Hall, 910 Pierce St., 3 p.m. Ticket at door $25. For info (215) 2240257. Mar. 29Mayfair Civic Ass’n Meet the Candidates Night at Perzel Community Ctr., 2990 St. Vincent St., 6:30-9:30 p.m. For info Joe DeFelice mayfaircivicassociation@yaho.com or (215) 292-3926 4|
jobs-related economic opportunity events throughout the city to announce the development or expansion of businesses in Philadelphia. As one of the premier announcements that week, Nutter and GSK announced the pharmaceutical
company will move their Philadelphia operations to The Navy Yard Corporate Center, starting in the fourth quarter of 2012. The relocation will preserve 1,300 jobs in Philadelphia.
Catholic Kids: Mary Was Pro-Life
300 HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS came together outside City Hall this morning, on Feast of the Annunciation, to celebrate “Mary’s ‘yes’ to life” in witness against abortion.
Butkovitz Calls On Council To Adopt Rainy Day Fund City Controller Alan Butkovitz testified yesterday before City Council’s Committee on Law & Government in support of legislation that would create a Rainy Day Fund for the City to use in case of financial emergencies. Resolution #100314 would create a Budget Stabilization Reserve, a Rainy Day Fund, for the City of THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Philadelphia and ordinance #100303 would establish a ballot question allowing voters to approve the creation of a Rainy Day Fund. Councilman Jim Kenney, who has introduced similar legislation over the last 10 years, is the prime sponsor of both bills. “Councilman Kenney is to be commended for his determination 25 MARCH, 2011
in fighting for this much-needed change in our financial structure,” said Butkovitz. He continued, “The City should stimulate the economy during recessions and make cuts when the economy is stronger. Instead, the City ends up having to raise taxes and/or cut services just at the worse points of recessions making things harder when the need for services is greatest.” During the recent Great Recession, the City was forced to cut programs, eliminate jobs and increase taxes, which included lobbying Harrisburg for a one percent sales tax increase and implementing a
9.9 percent real-estate tax increase. “Instead of relying on a Rainy Day account to alleviate the financial pain, the City scrambled and proposed a series of revenue-generating ideas that had virtually no possibility of becoming reality,” said Butkovitz. “These ideas included taxing sugary soft-drink products, fess on plastic garbage bags, and increasing residential trash fees.” To view Controller Butkovitz’ testimony as well as audits and reports released by his Office, please visit www.philadelphiacontroller.org
PHA To Demolish High-Rise Development In N. Phila. AS YOU READ THIS NOTE, this building will be going down! PHA will begin demolition of Norris Apartments highrise, located at Diamond & Adler Streets in N. Phila. adjacent to temple ball field, to make way for agency’s first-ever LEEDcertified development that meets national standards for high-performance green buildings. This marks first time PHA has demolished a building with a wrecking ball. Demolition will start at 2 p.m. today. Watching will be Congressman Bob Brady, State Sen. Shirley Kitchen, State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, Council Members Darrell Clarke and Jannie Blackwell, PHA Board COO Estelle Richman and PHA Administrative Receiver Michael Kelly.
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McCaffery Boosts Aument Loughrey
ATTORNEY DAN McCAFFERY hosted fundraiser for Traffic Court candidate Marnie Aument Loughrey at his Center City office last evening. From left are Ward Leader Donna Aument, Tina Aument, Common Pleas judicial candidate Meredith Seigle-DiClaudio, Aument Loughrey, McCaffery and George Aument.
Cohen Bags Endorsements From Unions Sherrie Cohen, an attorney and social activist running for a Democratic at-Large City Council seat, announced yesterday she had received the endorsements of four union locals. Cohen’s campaign was endorsed by Philadelphia’s three local affiliates of the Service Employees International Union (Local 32BJ, Local 668 and Healthcare PA) and The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Unions No. 1. SEIU Local 32 BJ, the nation’s largest property service-workers union, represents security officers; doormen, porters, and maintenance workers; bus drivers and aides; window cleaners and food-service workers. 6|
Local 668 represents over 20,000 workers employed by State, County and municipal governments in Pennsylvania, as well as in private social-service agencies and mental-health and developmentally disabled centers. Healthcare PA unites 20,000 health-care workers, including nurses, caregivers, dietary workers, lab technicians and housekeepers who work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health-care agencies and state health facilities. The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union No. 1 is the oldest continuous union in North America and represents bricklayers, stone and marble masons, cement masons, plasterers, tilesetters, terrazzo and mosaic workers, and pointers, cleaners and caulkers.
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Joseph J. Battaglia, secretary-treasurer of the Bricklayers, declared: “[Your] commitment to our members’ interests ... is one that our Local can trust. Your father, David Cohen, was an unabashed supporter of labor throughout his life, and I am confident you will be as well. Your record as a lawyer proves you look out for the ‘little guy’, and will not be intimidated by powerful interests looking to weaken workers’ rights. All in all, I believe strongly in your qualifications to be an effective voice for workers and their families on
Philadelphia City Council.” “It is an honor to receive the endorsements of unions that have historically played such an important role in ensuring that working families across the city receive decent wages and can work in safe, healthy environments,” Cohen said. “As a City Council member, I will be a champion for workers’ rights to improve their wages, conditions and benefits.”
Stewart Leads Tacony Council
SANDY STEWART, center, co-founder of Tacony Quality of Life Council, updates her partner Barbara Dooley-Rupp on city planning for her community after Sgt. Frysinger of Service Area 2 reports. Stewart, who is running for 6th Dist. Council seat as a Republican, and her group met at Sons of Italy Lodge in Tacony last night.
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Krajewski Backs Bednarek
MARTY BEDNAREK was glad to receive endorsement from Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, right, to replace her in City Council for 6th Dist. (Bednarek already had endorsement of his wife Ward Leader Lorraine Bednarek.)
100 Years Later, Locals Remember Deadly Triangle Fire DR. JOSH PERELMAN, left, of National Museum of Jewish History commemorated tragic loss of life in Triangle fire. Labor leader Jeff Hornstein, right, who is running for open 1st Dist. Council seat, also spoke at program.
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by Adam Taxin Last night, at the newly opened National Museum of Jewish History, members of Philadelphia’s labor movement and Jewish community, as well as various other guests, came together for a program commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, which occurred in Manhattan on Saturday, Mar. 25, 1911. Most of the 146 garment workers who lost their lives were recentimmigrant Jewish and, to a lesser extent, Italian women aged 16 to 23. Because managers had locked the doors to the stairwells and exits, many of the workers were unable to escape from the factory, which was on the 8th, 9th and 10th floors of the newish 10-story building. Many of the victims jumped out of windows to their deaths.
The various speakers at the program included Philadelphia Jewish Labor Committee President and current Democrat City Council candidate Jeff Hornstein; Dr. Josh Perelman, deputy director of exhibitions, programs and collections at the National Museum of American Jewish History; Patrick Eiding, president of the Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO; Frank Snyder, secretary-treasurer of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; and Sister Judith Kreipe, IHM of the Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs, Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The program also included an excerpt from the HBO documentary Triangle: Remembering the Fire, which premiered this past Monday.
ScrappleFest Is Back At The Reading Mkt. Scrapple, will feature live musical entertainment from Bobby Mansure’s Stars and Stripes band while guests taste samplings of various local Scrapple products. Children can also enjoy the festivities at an arts and crafts table with Smiley, the Hatfield Quality Meats mascot.
The fire remains the greatest industrial disaster in the city of New York (9/11 is technically a moredeadly “workplace disaster”) and is fourth in terms of overall loss of life from an industrial accident in the entire US. The fire played a major role in providing public support for legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, which fought for better working conditions for sweatshop workers. 25 MARCH, 2011
Earlier today, Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch of Center City’s Congregration Mekor Hebracha (20th & Chestnut Streets) reflected on the relevance of the anniversary, even relating it to the portions Jews are reading in the Torah this week: “What we read this week deals with the mystery of death. In the beginning of the portion, two of Aaron’s sons, after creating a ‘strange fire’ in service of G-d, were killed by a fire that descended from Heaven. Basically, commentators struggle with the reason for their death and what they did wrong. Aaron himself remained silent, accepting their death. On the other hand, the portion teaches us about the importance of improving the world, even though we never can fully understand why death occurs.”
Reading Terminal Market will once again host the biennial ScrappleFest tomorrow, Mar. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrating all things scrapple, the iconic Pennsylvania breakfast treat, this event, which is sponsored by Habbersett, Hatfield Quality Meats, Leidy’s/Alderfer’’ and West Coast THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Merchants will also compete in a Scrapple recipe contest to be judged by a panel of local chefs and media personalities. Entries include scrapple pretzels, turkey scrapple meatloaf with peach Dijon glaze, Cajun breakfast scrapple ploughboy, and many others. |
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Celebrity judges include Brian Howard of GRID Magazine, Jack McDavid of the Down Home Diner, Kristina Jenkins of WHERE Magazine and Marissa
McClellan of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation and Uwishunu.
Local Married Beauties Seek “Mrs. Pa.” Title Two Philadelphia-area women are among the 10 total finalists competing tomorrow night for the title of “Mrs. Pennsylvania International.” Mrs. Philadelphia International, Beth Leska (a resident of Rittenhouse Square), and Mrs. Collegeville [in Montgomery Co.] International, Sherri Xanthopoulos Russo, arrived in Altoona yesterday for the pageant. The Mrs. Pennsylvania International Pageant, whose winner will advance to The Mrs. International pageant, to be held in Chicago in July, has the motto of “Showcasing the Accomplishments of Today’s Married Women.” The pageants promote the accomplishments and commitment to family and marriage of married women. Contestants, who must be between 21 and 56, as well as married for at least six months, are given the opportunity to share a platform through an interview competition, which comprises 50% of their overall score. Other areas of the competition include evening-gown and fitness-wear segments, each valued at 25% of the overall score. Husbands are included in the show, escorting their wives in the evening-gown competition. The husband of the winner is given the honor of placing the crown on her head. Leska, who works as a financial planner, has been competing in pageants since 2003. Her platform focuses on mentoring teenage girls. According to Leska, “I initially got into pageantry as a means to find myself and focus more on taking care of myself. It really was a goal to get myself back in shape.” The platform of Russo, who works as a paralegal and is the mother of 20- and 18-year-olds, promotes thyroid-cancer awareness. She was herself diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in November of 2008, during a routine gynecological examination. Her doctor had recently begun checking patients’ neck areas, and Russo was discovered to have a large tumor. She 10 |
SHERRI XANTHOPOULOS RUSSO will be representing Collegeville, Pa. in pageant. underwent treatment in December of 2008 to have her thyroid removed, followed by radiation therapy. Thankful for the thoroughness of her gynecologist, Sherri is promoting awareness of this cancer and encouraging all women to ask for this check if their doctor does not already perform it. The Mrs. Pennsylvania International pageant, along with the Miss Pennsylvania International and Miss Teen Pennsylvania International pageants, will be held tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona. -------------------Adam Taxin, a Center City attorney, can best be contacted via Facebook or at adamtaxin@gmail.com.
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