Philadelphia Daily Record by The Public Record

Vol. II No. 37 (197)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

April 5, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

Mayor’s In Their Prayers

PHILADELPHIA COUNCIL OF CLERGY, Inc. met last night in Northwest Phila. to voice support of Mayor Michael Nutter’s reelection bid. At a community meeting at the “Shop” H & H Community Development Center, 2036 E. Haines Street, cohosts Bishop Mary Floyd Palmer, left, and founder Rev. Anthony Floyd, right, joined Mayor to announce Clergy and its divisions’ support.

Spring Cleanup Sets A Record! Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Philadelphia Streets Dept. announced results of last Saturday’s 4th annual Philly Spring Cleanup. A total of 12,574 volunteers participated in cleaning and greening projects across Philadelphia. This year’s Cleanup included 252 projects – the most ever registered for a Philly Spring Cleanup. Volunteers removed a total of 1,240,360 pounds of trash. The theme of this year’s Cleanup was “Keep Up the Sweep Up”. The Mayor was joined by elected officials, community leaders, 2011 Miss America Teresa Scanlan and hundreds of volunteers at a Saturdaymorning kickoff announcement at the Laura Sims Skate House in Cobbs Creek Park. He then traveled to Cleanup sites across Philadelphia to meet with volunteers and assist them with their projects. Volunteer projects included trash and debris removal, tree plantings, mulching and weeding, tire removal and water cleanups. “I want to express my appreciation to the thousands of volunteers who joined us on Saturday to show their love for our great city,” said the Mayor. “The Philly Spring Cleanup is reflective of the great things that happen when neighbors, families and friends come together in support of a common goal to keep Philadelphia healthy and sustainable for many generations to come.”

Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson said, “The Streets Department worked long and hard with volunteers to keep up with the scale of items placed out for pick up. As we ‘Keep Up the Sweep Up’, I urge residents to stay engaged in a year-round effort to keep our city beautiful.” The scope of the project was huge. This, year, 252 project sites (the most projects ever registered for a Philly Spring Cleanup) enlisted 12,574 volunteers. Cleaned were 1,104 blocks, 28 parks and 17 recreation centers. Hauled away were 7,280 tires, among other debris. The City passed out 1,011 gallons of paint, 44,204 trash and recycling bags, 3,884 brooms, 1,226 shovels and 140 graffiti removal kits. Streets Dept. deployed 103 rubbish and recycling crews to aid the volunteers. Dow, Target and Waste Management were the lead sponsors of the 4th annual Philly Spring Cleanup. In addition, RecycleBank, Covanta, Republic Services, Inc. and Big Belly Solar provided sponsor support. City partners include Keep Philadelphia Beautiful, Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee, Greater Philadelphia Cares, the Department of Parks & Recreation, City Year, The Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Services, UnLitter Us, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Philadelphia Recycling Rewards.

South Philly Team Sets A Clean Example A well-organized example of a local cleanup project was set in South Philadelphia. State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson (D-S. Phila.) joined local churches and community members for the 3rd Annual South Philly Goes Clean & Green cleanup on Saturday. Over 35 members of the 186th House Dist. cleaned areas around local churches, communities and playgrounds. 2|

The 3 annual South Philly Goes Clean & Green event stressed the importance of preserving our natural resources and making genuine efforts to create clean and green communities. To effectively execute this event, Johnson joined local churches and community members who helped foster healthy environments. “This annual community cleanup THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

brings people together for a common cause that helps communities look and feel better,” stated Johnson. In addition, South Philadelphia resident and volunteer, Jackie Holman, enjoyed the experience: “You get to enjoy and meet new people and you are doing something good for the community you live in.” Churches that joined this year’s cleanup included Yesha Ministries, 5 APRIL, 2011

Zion A.M.E Church, Tasker Street Baptist Church, St. Barnabas Baptist Church and Solid Rock Baptist Church.

After the cleanup, volunteers retired to Johnson’s office for refreshments, giveaways and

information about conserving energy, recycling and other ways to keep communities green.

30% Of Prison Staff Abused Sick Leave, Controller Finds City Controller Alan Butkovitz yesterday released the FY2008-09 Philadelphia Prison System audit that led to a wider analysis finding 593 employees out of a 2,116 workforce excessively abused sick leave by having eight or more undocumented sick days. The audit also found management failed to warn 189 of these employees of their excessive sick leave as required. City regulations require management to warn any employee who uses five or more uncertified sick days. An uncertified sick day occurs when the employee fails to provide a doctor’s note for his or her absence. An employee with eight undocumented sick days is placed on the “Excessive Sick Leave Abuse List.”

Auditors also found almost half (658) of 1,400 prison employees with five undocumented sick days were not warned by management of their excessive sick leave as required. Not only does this practice waste taxpayer dollars, both on the employees in question and in overtime pay to others who cover for them, it poses a real hazard to the prisons. “Having other correctional officers work double shifts on a consistent basis to make up for absent employees results in added fatigue to the workforce, which can lead to potentially dangerous situations inside the prison,” Butkovitz observed.

Toomey Glad Gov’t Will Try KSM in Guantánamo Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement yesterday following news that the Justice Dept. has decided to try 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay.

“I was pleased to hear that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed will finally be brought to justice and that President Obama has decided to try him in a military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay,” Toomey said. “The military tribunal is the proper place for a fair

trial that will safeguard American national-security interests. Unlike a civilian trial, a military tribunal will avoid the dangerous disclosure of sensitive national secrets that would empower our enemies.”

Hughes Unveils Legislation To Help Students In Failing Schools At West Philadelphia HS yesterday, State Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-W. Phila.) introduced a plan that would establish a pilot program to help the lowestperforming schools in Pennsylvania. The plan includes smaller class sizes, longer days, summer school and Saturday classes. The targeted schools would be referred to as Victory Academies. “We must not endeavor to save only a few students from academic failure. Our goal must be to save each student and revitalize our poorly performing 5 APRIL, 2011

schools,” Hughes said. “My legislation would save each student. This proposal offers a real solution for our students. We have a system that is failing them, and we need evidence-based reforms that are proven to increase student achievement.” The pilot program, which will run for three years, would include a student/teacher ratio of 15:1 for elementary schools and 20:1 for high schools. It calls for a minimum of 1,100 hours of instruction for elementary schools and 1,190 hours for high schools per year

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by lengthening the school day, extending the school year and tacking on summer school and Saturday classes. Students would have access to intensive social services and tutoring. “We must not drive a wedge between wealthy and poor students.

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We need consistent academic achievement for students if we are to improve public schools,” Hughes said. “All the pieces of what I propose take these targeted schools and give them proven tools they need to succeed without further widening education gaps.”

Bill Green Ticks Off Labor Endorsements Bill Green, City Councilman at Large (D), has received endorsements in the primary election from several major labor unions representing tens of thousands of hardworking Philadelphians. “I am proud to receive the support of these local labor unions,” said the Councilman. “Their endorsements reflect my tireless advocacy on behalf of working families and my efforts to help create well-paying jobs in Philadelphia.” “Councilman Green earned the endorsement of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO because he’s a strong voice for workers and their families on City Council,” said Pat Eiding, president of the Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO.

On Green’s team are Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, Philadelphia Mechanical Trades Council, Boilermakers Local 13, Metropolitan Regional Council of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 98, 269, 380, and 654, Elevator Constructors Local 5, Insulators & Asbestos Workers Local 14, Iron Workers Local 401, International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1291, Plumbers Local 690, Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, Sprinkler Fitters Local 692, Steamfitters Local 420 and Teamsters Local 830

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The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar Apr. 7-

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Oak Lane Team introduces primary Democrat Candidates to residents of York House, 5325 Old York Road, 6 to 8 p.m. State Rep. Rosita Youngblood sponsors Career Fair at 1st Presbyterian Ch., 35 W. Chelten Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For info Dayne Cofer (215) 849-6426. Join Jerry Blavat “Geater with the Heater” at Beef & Beer for Common Pleas judicial candidate Fran Shields at Emerald Rm. of Sprinkler Fitters Union Ha., 14002 McNulty Rd., 7 p.m.-12.a.m. $45 per person, $80 per couple. For info Wayne Miller (215) 671-1692 or Tony Yanni (610) 8251121. Send contributions to Committee to Elect Fran Shields, Constitution Place, Suite #515, 325 Chestnut St., Phila., PA 19106-2614. Mark Squilla for 1st Dist. Council Fundraiser at Shooting Stars Club, 1931 S. 3rd St., 7 p.m. Tickets $30. For info Josh Cohen (267) 290-8836. Citizens for Jewell Williams for Sheriff host fundraiser, 6 to 9 p.m. at Dockside Condominiums/Community Room, 717 South Columbus Blvd. Contributions range from $50 to $1000. For More information call 267-351-0709. Democrat 42nd Ward Candidates Night at Local 6 Bakery Hall, 5416 Rising Sun Ave. (enter on Lima St. through parking lot), 7-11 p.m. Music, food, dancing. Tickets $20, $25 at door. For info Elaine Tomlin (215) 457-4024. Fundraiser for 2nd Council Dist. candidate Barbara Capozzi at La Stanza, 2001 Oregon Ave., 5-7 p.m. Portion goes to Pa. Breast Cancer Coalition. Sponsor $200, Guest $75. For info Stacey Goldman (267) 888-6045. Women for Barbara Capozzi host fundraiser at LaStanza Restaurant, 2001 Oregon Av. Portion of proceeds go to PA Breast Cancer Coalition. Sponsor $200, Guest-$75. Foar info

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call Stacey at 267-888-6045. St. Patrick’s Day Parade Awards Ceremony at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $25. For info Mike Callahan (215) 983-7224. World Trade Ass’n of Phila. fundraiser for Autism Speaks, honoring 2011 Company of Year, at Cescaphé Ballroom, 923 N. 2nd St., Reception 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. Ticket $100. Call Deborah Ingravallo for information at 1 (856) 642-3957. Fundraier for Jeff Hornstein, candidate for 1st Council District, at AFSCME/Distreicdtr 1199C Hall, 1319 Locvust. Hosted by Marty Tuzman, DC 47’s Cathy Scott and Rita Urwitz, and Wayne MacManiman, JR., SEIU Local 32BJ. RSV Dave O’Hara bvy calling 257-603-1480 or emailing Dave@jeffhornstein.org. Fundraiser for 2nd Council Dist. candidate Barbara Capozzi at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 15th & Packer. For info (267) 888-6045. Beef and Beer Night with Marty Bednarek, 6th District Democrat Council candidate, 8 p.m. to midnight at St. Dominic’s Marion Hall 8504 Frankford Avenue. Tickets $25. Live Music by “Formerly known As”. Temple Law Class of ’95 Fundraiser for Joe Grace at Dark Horse Pub, 421 S. 2nd St., 6-8 p.m. For info info@electjoegrace.com. Ducky Birts Foundation’s Medallion Scholarship Banquet, 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market St., 6 p.m., sponsored by Brown’s ShopRite. For info (215) 2421220. Women Organized Against Rape hosts Community Walk & Speak Out rally at 16th & JFK Blvd., registration 11 a.m. Ends at Visitors Center, 6th & Market Sts. For info Carrie (215) 985-3315, ext. 169. |

Schmidt Opens Campaign Office

UNPRECEDENTED in Phila. was opening of an official campaign office for a Republican candidate for City Commissioner. This took place Saturday at Al Schmidt’s new HQ at Frankford & Cottman Avenues. Clealry he had backing of his wife Erin, a Mayfair native, and daughters Maggie and Gracie.

REPUBLICAN Council atLarge aspirant Ward Leader David Oh showed up at Schmidt’s office opening to wish him luck.

Comcast Plans 10 6|

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5 APRIL, 2011

New Minority Networks Comcast Corp. announced yesterday it is taking the first steps to launch 10 new independent channels over the next eight years, including eight that are Hispanicand African American-owned or operated. “Comcast is committed to providing opportunities for diverse businesses to expand and grow,” said David Jensen, VP of content acquisition for Comcast. Comcast is now accepting proposals for the first three. One of the channels, which Comcast intends

to launch by Jul. 28, 2012, will be American Latino-operated and programmed in English. The other two will be majority African American-owned and will launch by Jan. 28, 2013. Ultimately, each of the 10 networks will be added on select Comcast systems as part of the D1 digital tier. This commitment is one of a series of public-interest commitments made by Comcast in connection with the NBC Universal transaction completed earlier this year. Of the 10 channels, four will be majority African American-owned,

two will be majority Hispanicowned and two will be operated by American Latino programmers. These criteria were established based on several agreements Comcast entered into with leading diversity organizations. In addition, Comcast recently announced it was expanding carriage of Mnet, the only 24/7 Englishlanguage nationwide television network in the US targeting Asian Americans and fans of Asian pop culture, satisfying a commitment in its agreement with leaders of the Asian American community.

Holt Sinks $1M In New Port Tools In its continuing effort to grow the containerized cargo business at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, Holt Logistics Corp. announced yesterday Greenwich Terminals, LLC will invest an additional $1 million in new storage equipment designed to increase container capacity at the Terminal.

to import and process up to 150,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles through PAMT annually. That growth created more than 200 additional jobs at Packer in 2010, with the potential for more in 2011, thanks to the start of Maersk Line’s Spondylus Service and CMA CGM’s Black Pearl Service.

Greenwich Terminals has purchased two new “reach stackers” – agile and mobile cranes with claw grips that can handle, move and stack shipping containers – at a cost of $1 million that will allow the Terminal operator to continue to “densify” PAMT by permitting the safe storage of additional containers onsite.

“We’re constantly upgrading the equipment at the Terminal to provide the best, fastest and most efficient service for our customers,” said Thomas J. Holt, Jr., president of Astro Holdings, Inc., which leases PAMT under a long-term concession with the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority. “We operate in a competitive field, and these investments are necessary to satisfy the needs of our current customers as well as those we hope to attract to Philadelphia in the future.”

The new equipment, which represents the latest in a series of investments at PAMT that total more than $50 million over the last 20 years, will improve operational efficiency and free up critically-needed dockside storage capacity to support the new cargo opportunities that continue to arrive at the Terminal. Cargo volumes increased by 10% at Packer in 2010 thanks in large part to a deal with Hyundai Motor Co. 5 APRIL, 2011

The two Hyster YardMaster II reach stackers have the capability of safely stacking standard containers five high, providing dramatically improved storage capacity.

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SHERRI XANTHOPOULOS RUSSO will be representing Collegeville, Pa. in pageant.