Vol. II No. 41 (201)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
April 11, 2011
Philadelphia Daily Record
Friends of Israel
CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY, left, greets New Jersey colleague Jon Runyan at AIPAC event in Merion last weekend. More pictures page 5. Photo by Bonnie Squires
After The Shutdown Scare, What? Pa. Senators Look Forward Representing different parties, the Keystone State’s two Senators, Pat Toomey (R) and Bob Casey (D) issued middle-of-the-road statements regarding Senate passage of legislation averting a government shutdown – albeit in ways that may allow them to tack in different directions as thwe spring political season advances. “I supported this short-term spending bill because Congress has finally acknowledged it can no longer keep kicking the can down the road and a compromise has been reached for fiscal year 2011 funding. I am pleased a government shutdown has been averted and look forward to carefully reviewing the fiscal year 2011 spending bill when it arrives in the Senate,” commented Toomey. “Hopefully, we can soon get
back to addressing the nation’s pressing issues such as private-sector job creation, gas prices, the debt limit, and a fiscally responsible budget for the upcoming fiscal year.” Casey stated, “Brinksmanship and short-term appropriations bills are no way to run a government. A government shutdown would hurt the economy and hurt Pennsylvanians. I am pleased a government shutdown has been avoided for now. “However,” he added, “the difficulties in performing the basic function of keeping the government operating does not bode well for the work ahead to create jobs and cut spending. In the future, I hope commonsense and bipartisan compromise can replace politics and posturing.”
State Supreme Court To Rule On DROP Candidates’ Right To Run The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania confirmed Friday it will weigh in on the controversial decision by Common Pleas Judge Jimmy Lynn to allow three incumbent elected officials to seek reelection despite having “retired” briefly to accept their DROP payments. Long-time Commission Chair Marge Tartaglione (D) is going for a 10th term in office after collecting an approximately $300,000 pension payout, only to return to work the following day. Tartaglione’s one-day retirement came in January 2008, just weeks after she won her ninth term in office. Tartaglione has continued to take her salary, which was $126,419 in 2010. 2|
Philadelphia attorney Joseph Doherty filed this lawsuit, along with a separate suit against Council Majority Leader Marian Tasco (D) in the 8th Dist., another DROP recipient. A separate suit had been filed by Republican 27th Ward Leader Matthew Wolfe against Councilman at Large Frank Rizzo (R). Democratic Commission candidate Stephanie Singer hailed the move that will allow the Supreme Court to hear the case and reiterated her call for Tartaglione to drop out of the race or return the DROP money to taxpayers. “I’m glad the Supreme Court is taking up this issue, and I renew my call for Marge to return the money to taxpayers or take her name off the ballot. If she won’t do the right THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
thing, I’m confident the courts will.” Joseph Doherty, the attorney for Objectors to Tasco and Tartaglione, says this case has been transferred by Commonwealth Court to join the Rizzo DROP case, so the three officials’ fates can be decided in one decision. The plaintiffs have also requested that Supreme Court Justice Seamus P. McCaffery recuse himself in the case since his brother, Dan McCaffery, is the attorney representing Tartaglione. “I have the utmost faith in Justice McCaffery’s integrity and judgment, so I am confident he will re11 APRIL, 2011
cuse himself from this case to ensure this clear conflict of interest does not taint a case that is critical to
the future of our city,” Doherty said.
School-Voucher Program Will Be Put To The Test by Tom Joseph
progress over time.”
Keystone State News Service
EITC gives thousands of businesses state tax credits for donations they make to nonprofits known as scholarship organizations. Those groups then award scholarships to low- and middle-income pupils to attend the schools of their choice.”
School vouchers are a hot-button issue in the Pennsylvania State Capitol just now, and a new report turns attention to a program it says already diverts plenty of taxpayer dollars to private schools. Stephen Herzenberg, executive director of the Keystone Research Center, says the Educational Improvement Tax Credit has been around for a decade, and last year funded scholarships for 38,000 pupils to attend private and religious schools. He says the research found schools that educate EITC scholarship children aren’t required to report on their progress or to document school quality. “And so, from our perspective, before you consider a large new voucher program, we need to have a plan for educational accountability and financial accountability. Otherwise children and the taxpayer will be at risk.” Herzenberg says his group’s study also raises geographic concerns, since 22 Pennsylvania school districts have no organizations awarding EITC scholarships. “The existing voucher program does only serve part of the state, and that’s probably a pretty good predictor of what would be the reality with a new program.” Herzenberg says public schools, by comparison, have to meet accountability and performance standards. He says that, according to the Center on Education Policy, Pennsylvania public schools improved in all categories and at all grade levels between 2002 and 2008.
The REACH Alliance, which supports the voucher program, charges the Keystone study is biased against school choice. However, the League of Women Voters has also inveighed against major school-choice legislation now before the General Assembly. LWV spokeswoman Bonita Hoke stated the League “strongly supports fair, equitable, and excellent education for all students in Pennsylvania. SB 1, though well-intentioned, is misguided. It would drain money from public schools to send a few children to private and parochial schools.” According to LWVPA president, Olivia Thorne, “At a time when the Governor is proposing a budget that would take $1 billion from public schools in the coming year, we cannot afford to add this costly program to cuts that schools are already facing.” Hoke estimated by the third year of this program, the cost to taxpayers may reach as much as $1 billion. A recent Madonna poll shows two-thirds of Pennsylvanians are opposed to using taxpayers’ money to fund tuition for private and parochial schools. According to the same poll, Pennsylvanians want private and parochial schools held to the same accountability standards as public schools.
“There’s a rich debate about whether there’s too much testing or the right kind of accountability, but the good part of that is that you can, in fact, measure 11 APRIL, 2011
THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
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Apr. 8State 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. Apr. 8Fundraiser for Jewell Williams for Sheriff at Dockside Condos Community Rm., 717 S. Columbus Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Catered by Kozy Kitchen. Contributions $50$1,000. For info and to RSVP (267) 351-0709. Apr. 8Join 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) 825-1121. Send contributions to Committee to Elect Fran Shields, Constitution Place, Suite #515, 325 Chestnut St., Phila., PA 19106-2614. Apr. 8Mark 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. Apr. 9State Rep. Cherelle Parker hosts College Fair at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Ch., Family Life Ctr., 2800 W. Cheltenham Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration not required. For info (215) 242-7300. Apr. 98th Council Dist. candidate Suzanne Carn holds office grand opening at 2015 N. 29th St., 2-5 p.m. For info (267) 334-3916. THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Apr. 9Democrat 42nd Ward Candidates Night at Local 6 Bakery Hall, 5416 Rising Sun Ave. (enter on Lima St. through parking lot), 711 p.m. Music, food, dancing. Tickets $20, $25 at door. For info Elaine Tomlin (215) 457-4024. Apr. 97th Ward Democrats host Candidates Night at Palladium Night Club, 229 W. Allegheny Ave., 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets $25. Includes buffet, beer, soda. For info Carol (215) 360-1524. Apr.11Fundraiser 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. Apr. 11 Fundraiser for City Commissioner Joseph Duda at Phila. Quartet C. C., 1075 Southampton Rd., 6-8 p.m. Ticket $250. For info Republican City Committee (215) 561-0650. Apr. 12S. Phila. Business Ass’n hosts candidates at Waterfall Rm., 2015 Water St., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Open bar, buffet. Ticket $35. For reservations Reggie Lozzi (215) 3361108. Apr. 13Grand opening of new 180th Dist. Office of State Rep. Angel Cruz, 3501 B St. in Mall. Apr. 13St. 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. 11 APRIL, 2011
Casey Works The Phila. ’Burbs
CONGRESSWOMAN ALLYSON SCHWARTZ (D-Phila.) was one of a number of Members of SENS. BOB CASEY, left, and Pat Toomey each Congress in attendance. Here she greets Casey, who took their turn to address America Israel Public was one of three featured speakers on America’s Affairs Committee regional meeting at Temple Adath Israel, Lower Merion, Pa. on Sunday night. bond with Israel. Keynoter was Judah Pearl, father of late journalist Daniel Pearl. Photos by Bonnie Squires
STATE SEN DAYLIN LEACH (DMontgomery) caught up with Renee & Joe Zuritsky at AIPAC event, which drew more than 800 11 APRIL, 2011
LATER LAST NIGHT, Casey attended fundraiser at Wynnewood home of Wendy Beetlestone and husband Dr. John Detre on Sunday, where he gave briefing on budget impasse and what can be expected in next round of negotiations. He expressed concern about future of Medicare and Medicaid, explaining onethird of Pennsylvania’s children are covered under Medicaid, so attempts to strike that budget would have disastrous consequences. From left are Beetlestone, a trustee of Philadelphia University; Stephen Spinelli, Jr., Ph, president of Philadelphia University; Louis Denton, university trustee; Louis Denton, Esq., university trustee; and Casey. THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
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Pew Report Highlights Philly’s Positive Trends, Persistent Problems A new “State of the City” report from The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative portrays a city that is better off in some ways than it used to be but not as strong as it wants to be – or as strong as some comparable cities already are. “While the good news is Philadelphia’s population has grown for the first time since the 1940s, other indicators paint a more complex picture of the city’s overall well-being,” said Larry Eichel, PRI’s project director and the primary author of the report. In a number of key areas, such as education, the trends are positive but the absolute numbers remain problematic. Test scores are up, as are the high-school graduation rate and the percentage of adult Philadelphians with college degrees, now at 23%. But both lag far behind other cities and, in the case of the test scores, the state average. In other areas, progress is nowhere to be found. “The persistence of poverty remains one of the great obstacles to Philadelphia’s aspirations for a better future,” said Eichel this morning. The poverty rate stands at 25%, sixth-highest among the nation’s 50 largest cities and about where it has been for nearly a decade.
On a more-positive note, the city has a smaller percentage of residents without health insurance than some comparable cities, and is slightly better off in this regard than the nation as a whole. In terms of median household income, Philadelphia ranks 45th out of the nation’s 50 largest cities. The income gap between the city and the suburban counties of Pennsylvania and New Jersey has grown substantially in the past decade. In 2009, the median income in Philadelphia was less than half the median in those areas. Compared to the rest of the country, Philadelphia lost relatively few jobs during the recession. Even so, the average unemployment rate for city residents in 2010, 11.5%, was nearly two full points above the national average. And the city has a higher percentage of adults who are neither working nor looking for work than any major city in the US except Detroit and Cleveland. While major crime in Philadelphia has declined dramatically in recent years, the number of major crimes increased last year, albeit slightly, for the first time since 2006. The city’s violent-crime rate is eighthhighest among the 50 largest cities. The number of people employed by Philadelphia City government has continued to drop; at the end of 2010, the total stood at 21,995 in the City’s general fund, which supports the operations of most city services. This was the lowest employment level in well over a decade. A higher percentage of Philadelphians, 24.9%, use mass transit to get to work than do residents of all but five other major cities ___ New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago. The arts and culture sector remains one of Philadelphia’s great strengths, deemed good or excellent by 87% of city residents and 94% of suburbanites. Residents of the region attend cultural events at a higher rate than the national average.
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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
11 APRIL, 2011
Morello Wins Suit Against Anastasio LOCAL HISTORIAN Celeste Morello fendant, Morello, stating attorney However, his brother Vernon chose A local historian has won a battle Anastasio, wrongfully used the to continue the lawsuit without his in court against a local attorney courts to carry on a legal battle on client’s full consent. vying for City Council. behalf of his brother Anthony Vernon Anastasio was found to Celeste Morello defeated 1st Dist. Anastasio of Anthony’s Coffee candidate Vernon Anastasio in a have wrongfully used civil action House in a libel suit against long-running battle between against Morello by Judge BernMorello. Morello and the Anastasio family. stein at a hearing last Thursday, Anthony Anastasio had originally Apr. 7, 2011. No damages were Common Pleas Court Judge Mark filed a libel suit against Morello, awarded. Bernstein found in favor of the de- but later decided to drop the case.
Katz’s Documentary On City History To Be Screened Tomorrow There will be a screening of the pilot episode of Sam Katz’s documentary on the city’s 19th-century history as an emerging industrial powerhouse Tuesday. Philadelphia: The Great Experiment will be presented at the Historical Society of Frankford at 1507 Orthodox Street (one block west of Frankford Avenue between Margaret & Church El stops) at 7:30 p.m. Come out, meet the producer, and learn of the background and research done to develop this exciting Philadelphia History Film Series. Katz will introduce and facilitate a discussion of this documentary pilot. Philadelphia residents will have the opportunity to
give feedback, make suggestions, and learn more about their city in this face-to-face presentation, hosted by State Rep. Tony Payton, Jr. (D-Kensington). Northeast Philadelphia has played a major role in the history of Philadelphia. The Historical Society of Frankford has been collecting, preserving, and presenting the history of Northeast Philadelphia, with Frankford as its historic gateway, for over 100 years. Those in attendance will get an insider’s look at artifacts from the Society’s Library and Museum collections, which are integral to Philadelphia’s history and development.
Educating Rita Brings A Touch Of (Social) Class And Culture To College By Adam Taxin The two-performer comedy Educating Rita opens by introducing its audience to Frank (played by Michael Hagan), a self-pitying Liverpudlian middle-aged university lecturer who essentially retreats from the outside world within his office’s stacks of bookshelves, drinking himself into oblivion. Teaching at The Open Univer11 APRIL, 2011
sity (a distance-learning and research university named for its open-entry policy in which students’ previous academic records are not taken into account for most courses), his relative oasis is intruded upon by his new student Rita (Alexis Newbauer), a hairdresser by day and a bored MICHAEL HAGAN and Alexis Newwife by night. Rita had been bauer cheerfully explore the true meanmotivated to enroll at the ing of a zest for culture. Open University in part beTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
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cause of her exasperation with her failure sufficiently to comprehend ballets and operas she encountered on television. On stage at the Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 5 through Saturday, Apr. 23, Educating Rita elicits ongoing considerable audience laughter from its well-executed dry humor. My Fair Lady and its non-musical predecessor Pygmalion certainly come to mind, as does, to a lesser extent, Dead Poets Society. Hagan’s Frank comes off as a less-arrogant and pathetic, more-imbibing and selfaware version of Henry Higgins. Newbauer’s cheeky Rita even probes beyond Eliza Doolittle to suggest what Sarah Palin – a politician whom, let’s not forget, many non-cultural elite Americans admire rather than caricature – might have been like two decades ago.
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The inevitable tension between Rita’s hunger for the ability to appreciate great literature and Frank’s contempt for the formalized nonsense of much university education fuels the production’s drama and comedy. The play provokes a lot of questions about the waste in the expensive American educational system, acutely, perhaps, in the aftermath of the Wisconsin budget protests where public-school teachers were quite visible. One cannot help but contrast Rita’s alacrity, even if it involves references to Harold Robbins in a paper, with the jaded Frank’s role in a Big Education behemoth. Although this production should resonate with most audiences, it might be a particularly worthwhile excursion for a semi-spoiled graduating high-school student whose
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parents are about to spend tens of thousands of dollars per year so she can go to college and figure out, after quite a bit of alcohol and peripatetic sexual encounters, if there’s some subject which she could tolerate going to class to absorb. While the Walnut Street Theatre, as the oldest continuously operating theater in the United States, is well known, its Independence Studio is something of a hidden gem. This intimate venue can be a considerable asset for the right kind of production, as it is in this delightful comedy which leaves audience members at least a bit more appreciative of what love of literature can add to their lives.
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SHERRI XANTHOPOULOS RUSSO will be representing Collegeville, Pa. in pageant.