Vol. II No. 43 (203)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
April 13, 2011
Philadelphia Daily Record
On Guard
RISING IN THE RANKS: Deputy Warden Marcella Moore, with four newly promoted officers, new Deputy Warden Adrian Christmas, new Capt. Arlene DeSouza, new Lt. Darnise Harris, new Lt. Tabatha Baldwin-Adams, after graduation ceremony for new prison guards. Story page 5. Photo by Joyce Coleman, Phila. Prison System
Senate Dems Offer $1.1 Billion Budget Savings Plan, Saving Human Services Senate Democrats today unveiled a budget plan that underscores their budget priorities and includes $1.14 billion in total savings, new revenues and efficiencies. Speaking at a news conference at Temple University, Democrats offered these new budget solutions in response to Gov. Tom Corbett’s March budget proposal. The Corbett budget would make deep cuts in basic and higher education, social service funding, hospital funds, health care, job creation and county programs. “By looking seriously at ways to make programs more efficient and cost-effective, we stand to save the Commonwealth a significant amount of money,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). “Savings of this magnitude deserve serious consideration.” “As we move forward in budget discussions, Senate Democrats are serious about finding solutions to bridge our budget shortfalls without cutting critical programs or risking the gains we have made in education.” The Democratic plan uses the funding generated from the cost savings, revenues and innovations to restore critical funding for basic and higher education, safety net programs, mortgage assistance and other vital programs. State Sen. Vincent Hughes, Democratic Appropriations Chairman (D-W. Phila.) said the Democrats’ spending plan provides real alternatives to Corbett’s dramatic cuts. “When Gov. Corbett announced his budget in March, I said we could do better. The Senate Democratic plan proves we can do better and that we are not stuck with false choices,” Hughes said. “We don’t have to cut basic and higher education, job creation, human services funding or eliminate key programs like adultBasic.”
enues and efficiencies of $1.14 billion. There is $750 million in savings from fiscal-responsibility initiatives in Public Welfare, Corrections, procurement and maximizing revenues; $290 million in savings generated through a tax-fairness plan that includes a Marcellus Shale tax levy but eliminates other tax breaks suggested by the Governor; and $100 million from higher State Store revenues. Senate Democrats said the new revenue and savings can be used to restore key funding lines that were slashed in the Corbett budget plan. They would use the funds to restore basic and higher-education funding to fiscal 2010-11 levels; and restore critical County programs such as the Human Services Development Fund. The Democratic plan would save the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program and mortgage-foreclosure assistance programs. It would ensure Tobacco Settlement funds are used for health care, funding the adultBasic program with some of its dollars. Core job-creation and training programs would also be maintained. Senate Democrats also differs sharply with the Governor’s revenue estimates. The Governor’s budget indicates the revenue surplus would be $78 million, while the Democrats call it at $300 million. Philadelphia Delegation Chair, State Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-N. Phila.) said, “In an unsteady economy and in the face of massive budget cuts, I truly believe PA Works can be a bright spot that will help move Pennsylvania forward. It is short-sighted to simply cut and slash our way to a balanced budget. “We need to give people hope and start planning for a better tomorrow. We can do that by creating jobs and investing in our current infrastructure.”
The Senate Democratic plan includes savings, rev2|
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14 APRIL, 2011
Roebuck: GOP School Code Short-Changes Education State Rep. James Roebuck (D-W. Phila.), Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, said he is disappointed Republicans on the Committee voted to strip language from the Pennsylvania School Code that explicitly states the important goal of providing adequate funding to schools in order for students to meet academic standards. During yesterday’s Education Committee meeting, a party-line vote allowed the following language to be removed from the School Code: “In furtherance of the General Assembly’s long-standing commitment to providing adequate funding that will ensure equitable State and local investments in public education and in order to enable students to attain applicable Federal and State academic standards, it is the goal of the Commonwealth to review and meet State funding targets by fiscal year 2013-2014.” An amendment offered by Roebuck and defeated by Republicans would have retained that language.
“Deleting that important section is a major step backward in our State’s commitment to providing adequate funding for public education and our State commitment for education accountability, as the funding formula is tied to the goal of providing the funding needed for all of our children to achieve the academic standards that we require of them,” said Roebuck. Test results show a nearly 10% drop in math scores and 15% drop in reading scores if a school district receives $3,000 in State funding below the adequacy target. HB 1306 also would repeal a separate section of the School Code pertaining to accountability to the Commonwealth for increases in basic education funding to school districts for programs to increase instructional time, implement new curricula, training of professional employees and other academic programs to improve student performance targets.
Metcalfe Calls For New Red Tape So Candidates Can Prove They’re American In an apparent pander to the “Birther movement”, Pennsylvania House State Government Committee Majority Chairman Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) has reintroduced legislation to require all candidates for political office to officially submit documentation proving Constitutional eligibility for ballot access. Metcalfe’s measure would require every candidate for every office in Pennsylvania to submit an affidavit affirming their age and citizenship. “America’s founding fathers said it best, ‘a well-informed electorate taught to know and prize their 14 APRIL, 2011
God-given rights cannot be enslaved,’” said Metcalfe. “As a veteran and an elected official who takes an oath of office, just like every past and future President of the United States, to uphold and defend the Constitutional rights of the citizens I represent, it is beyond perplexing and greatly troubling that a political candidate can ascend to the highest levels of government without providing sufficient documentation verifying his or her place of birth or American citizenship.”
date affidavits with the following provisions:
Metcalfe’s legislation, HB 1350, would amend Section 910 of the Pennsylvania Election Code regarding the submission of candi-
Candidates for President or Vice President would have to submit more-extensive information.
THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
“Each candidate for any State, county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, ward, school district, poor district, election district, party office, party delegate or alternate, or for the office of President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, United States Senator or Representative in Congress shall file with his nomination petition his affidavit stating...”
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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. Apr. 13World 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. Apr. 14Fundraiser for Derrick Coker, candidate for MC Judge, at Café Santa Domingo, 3547 N. 5th St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. For info call Iliana Renoso, 215-740-5273. Apr. 14Fundraiser for Jeff Hornstein, candidate for 1st Council Dist., at AFSCME/Dist. 1199C Hall, 1319 Locust St. Hosted by Marty Tuzman, DC 47’s Cathy Scott and Rita Urwitz, and Wayne MacManiman, Jr., SEIU Local 32BJ. RSVP Dave O’Hara (257) 6031480 or Dave@jeffhornstein.org. Apr. 14Fundraiser for 2nd Council Dist. candidate Barbara Capozzi at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 15th & Packer. For info (267) 888-6045. Apr. 15Happy Hour for judicial candidate Harry Levant at Ladder 15, 5:308 p.m., 1528 Sansom St. Apr. 15Latino community honors Iris Violeta Colon Torres at Isla Verde THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Cafe, 2727 N. American St., 6 p.m. Free admission and buffet. Drinks half price. She is poet, news reporter among other accomplishments. Apr. 15Temple 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. Apr. 15Wine & Cheese reception for judicial candidate Nycole Watson, at Soft Illusions Fine Art Gallery, 4203 Main St., 7-10 p.m. Tickets $25 at door. For info Info@nycole4judge@gmail.com. Apr. 15Beef & Beer for Marty Bednarek, 6th Dist. Democrat Council candidate, 8 p.m. to midnight at St. Dominic’s Marion Hall, 8504 Frankford Ave., 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets $25. Live music by “Formerly Known As”. Apr. 16Ducky Birts Foundation’s Medallion Scholarship Banquet, 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market St., 6 p.m., sponsored by Brown’s ShopRite. For info (215) 242-1220. Apr. 16Women 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. Apr. 17Ducky Birts Foundation hosts 1st annual Health Fair & Gospelrama at Zion Baptist Ch., 3600 N. Broad St., health 3-6 p.m. and gospel 5-8 p.m., sponsored by Keystone Mercy Health Plan. For info (215) 242-1220. 14 APRIL, 2011
“This legislation is intended to send the message that even those candidates who are running for our nation’s highest office are not above the law,” said Metcalfe. “Final passage of this legislation will provide additional levels of both trust and verification that anyone seeking elected office in Pennsylvania is just as much an American citizen as the voters supporting their candidacy. Requiring all candidates, for the offices of
President and Vice President, to submit valid proof of natural-born citizenship documentation in exchange for statewide ballot access is a fundamental and long-overdue check and balance that must be implemented to further ensure that the Oval Office is never occupied by anyone other than a natural born American citizen.” Metcalfe’s red tape is designed to solve a nonexistent problem. There is no case in US history where a
constitutionally unqualified candidate appears to have held major office. However, following Barack Obama’s election to the presidency in 2008, a movement arose spreading rumors the new President had been born abroad and was thus ineligible to hold office. This claim has been thoroughly debunked, but many ignorant believers still lurk on the fringe. It is these voters Metcalfe’s measure is intended to appeal to.
“Tax Day Tea Party” Events Scheduled For City Let Freedom Ring’s President Colin Hanna and Executive Director Alex Cortes will be part of “Tax Day Tea Party” events in Philadelphia on Monday, Apr. 18. Hanna will be a featured speaker at the Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots’ “Tax Day Tea Party” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Apr. 18. The “March on City Hall” event will converge at 11:30 a.m. at Dilworth Plaza with the concerned citizen speakers. Then at noon, the concerned-citizens’ march around City Hall will begin.
when Pennsylvanians come together to express their concern for the direction of our great country,” Hanna says. “We’ve relied on big government long enough and people are tired of the moral, financial and political decline of this nation. We are long overdue to take matters into our own hands.”Those in attendance in Philadelphia will rally and march to bring public attention to Philadelphia City government in the areas of taxpayer dollar spending, the unsustainable pension program, high City taxes, the lack of area jobs and overbearing regulations for small city businesses.
“Monday is going to be a high-energy, exciting day
DA Speaks To 25 Graduating Prison Officers FROM LEFT, Deputy Warden Karen Bryant, Prison Commissioner Louis Giorla, Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison, Deputy Warden Juanita Goodman and DA Seth Williams at prison graduation. Photo by Joyce Coleman, Phila. Prison System 14 APRIL, 2011
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For the first time in over a year, the Philadelphia Prison System celebrated the graduation of a new class of Correctional Officers. The 25 cadets, having finished their 11-week course of training, will be assigned to the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, beginning today. “These men and women are entering a new phase of their lives. A lot will be demanded of them; but also there are rewarding experiences and potential to advance that make this a great career and a great opportunity to serve the people of Philadelphia in a meaningful way,” said Prisons Commissioner Louis Giorla. The ceremony took place at Abraham Lincoln HS auditorium in Northeast Philadelphia. District Attorney Seth Williams and Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison
gave the class warm words of encouragement for the huge task ahead. “You’re wearing a badge that has been worn by others before you,” said Gillison. “People have prayed and sacrificed for you to do something positive for the people of this city.” Williams spoke of the strength that comes to those who struggle: “All of us face adversity. You faced serious challenges just to get where you are today. This is a commencement. That means it’s the beginning of something. If you think things have been tough already, just wait till those prison doors close behind you.” Officials also recognized 2 new wardens, a new director of the OP-
TIONS Program and 6 new deputy wardens, and a large number of promotions to lesser rank. (Traditionally, promotions are officially recognized during graduation exercises; some of the promotees have been in their new positions for nearly a year.) The new class brings the number of Correctional Officers to 1744. The starting salary for Correctional Officers is $32,816. The new wardens are Karen M. Bryant, a 20-year veteran, formerly Deputy Warden at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center, and Juanita L. Goodman, formerly Deputy Warden at the Riverside Correctional Facility, who started with PPS 26 years ago.
Controller Gives OHCD A Clean Bill Of Health City Controller Alan Butkovitz yesterday released the FY2007-09 audit of the Office of Housing & Community Development. It was the Controller’s equivalent of an A. No new deficits were dis-
covered, and OHCD had promptly solved two minor problems noted in the previous audit. Housing Director Deborah McColloch thanked the Controller and his staff and vowed continued cooperation.
To view a copy of audit as well as other audits and reports released by the City Controller’s Office, please visit www.philadelphiacontroller.org.
City Honors Second Alarmers Ass’n The City Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management, the Philadelphia Fire Dept. and the Philadelphia Police Dept. honored the Second Alarmers Association of Philadelphia during National Volunteer Week 2011. The event took place this morning at the Fire Administration Building. 6|
Second Alarmers was formed in 1921 as a total volunteer organization and remains so today. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide rest and rehabilitation to Philadelphia’s fire and police emergency responders during major incidents.
tablished in 1974 to honor those who dedicate themselves to taking action and improving their community. It’s also about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their community.
National Volunteer Week was esTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
14 APRIL, 2011
8th Dist.’s Treatman Releases Economic Plan For Philadelphia Democratic candidate for City Council Howard Treatman announced his plan to promote economic development and create jobs in the 8th District and throughout Philadelphia yesterday. Treatman, a successful businessman who is running for office for the first time, highlighted his experience in the private sector and his independence from political factions. “To bring jobs to this city, we need someone with business experience and an independent voice, and that’s exactly what I bring,” Treatman said. “Attracting job-creating businesses is job number one, and to do that we need to create a more business friendly environment by getting back to the steady reductions in business and wage taxes that we had under Mayors Street and Rendell. I want to see opportunity zones in our neighborhood business districts and I want more
transparency where public money is spent.” Philadelphia’s growth will be the top priority of Treatman’s tenure in City Council. Treatman’s plan for economic development proposes to: 1. Rethink the tax structure to help small and large businesses start, expand and prosper 2. Ensure more effective and transparent public/private partnerships 3. Create opportunity zones in key neighborhood retail corridors 4. Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation 5. Capitalize on our district’s arts and culture 6. Protect property owners and taxpayers by fixing the broken assessment system With 25 years of experience in the real-estate business, Treatman has been creating jobs and helping to
transform neighborhoods in cities all over the country. Treatman is also a Board member and Real Estate Committee member of Mt. Airy USA, which has brought about a resurgence of the Mt. Airy business district. Among the organization’s current projects is a mixed use development at Chew Avenue & Washington Lane on a collection of long-vacant parcels. “It’s not enough to throw public money at a problem and walk away,” Treatman continued. “We have to shepherd these projects through, use public funds to attract private money, and provide vigilant oversight. I’m the only candidate who has real world development experience. I know what makes some cities thrive and others die, and I know what Philadelphia needs to do to be counted among those thriving.”
In 10th, Rubin Picks Up New Labor Support “Great news to report,” says Bill Rubin, who is running in the 10th Councilmanic Dist. as a Democrat. “I have recently received the endorsement of the Boiler-
makers Local 13, A.F.S.C.M.E. District Council 47, and today the Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia aka AFT 2026.”
Upcoming Job Fair Appeals To Workers With Or Without Degrees State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson (D-S. Phila.) and Pastor Terrence A. Griffith of 1st African Baptist Church will sponsor a Job Fair & Career Day tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will take place in the Community Development Cen14 APRIL, 2011
ter at 1600 Christian Street. “There are still individuals throughout the region in need of employment, and businesses in need of employees,” states Johnson. “It’s important I continue THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
bringing these resources together and support economic growth.” Pastor Griffith is a witness to the declining state of personal finances, stating, “It is imperative that we create opportunities, like |
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the job fair, which address the forts and, ultimately, the efforts of needs of individuals in the commu- the people we serve.” nity. Connecting with community leaders helps us maximize our efTo date, over 20 employers are
confirmed for this job fair, including Mastery Charter School who is currently hiring for multiple positions.
Manzano-Díaz To Receive ‘Woman One’ Award Years before Sara Manzano-Díaz became the director of the Women’s Bureau at the US Dept. of Labor, she was already making a significant impact on the lives of working-class families, women and girls. In honor of her more than 25 years of public service at the federal, State and judicial levels, Drexel University College of Medicine’s Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership® will present the Woman One award to Manzano-Díaz on Apr. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia.
Prior to her current appointment by President Barack Obama, Manzano-Díaz was named by former Gov. Edward G. Rendell as Deputy Secretary of State for Regulatory Programs at the Pennsylvania Dept. of State. For more information or to attend the event, contact the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership at iwhl@drexelmed.edu or (215) 991-8190.
State Baptists To Meet Here President Rev. Benjamin T. Hailey, Sr. announces the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention will convene in Philadelphia Apr. 27-29 at Triumph Baptist Church, 1648-52 W. Hunting Park Avenue. Rev. Marvin E. Wiley, pastor of the Rock of Ages Baptist Church,
Maywood, Ill., will be keynote speaker for the President’s Fellowship Dinner on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Triumph Church. The sessions will commence on Wednesday, Apr. 27 with a welcome program at 7:00 p.m., featuring musical talents from churches
from the tri-state area. Rev. May Ellen Hope, President of The Women’s Ministry will host a luncheon recognizing Pennsylvania clergywomen at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 9461 Roosevelt Boulevard, on Thursday at noon.
It’s Easter Parade Time On South Street South Street Headhouse District’s annual Easter Parade Sunday will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. with checkin at Passyunk Avenue and South Street at 12:30 p.m. Registrants will receive bunny ears and a chance to ride VIP in the headlining Big Bus! The parade will feature circus performers, Arts on South, local Mummers group, a car show by Fiat Lancia, music and giveaways courtesy of B101 and PAWS
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doggie parade. The parade will wrap up in Headhouse Square with a contest judged by Halloween’s Henri David to honor the day’s most festive and colorfully dressed families. Following the parade, meet at 2nd and South Street to be part of a historic group picture to commemorate the day!
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Bryson & Burkus: Archives – 2 Artists, 20 Years, 200 Works Twenty years of art will be on display in Bryson & Burkus: Archives on view at B Square Gallery at 614 S. 9th Street from now until Jun. 30. A gallery reception is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 30 from 6-9 p.m. Both Bryson and Burkus are graduates of Moore College of Art & Design. At Moore, Bryson earned a BFA in fine arts 3D and Burkus a BFA in graphic design. The pair will donate 20% of all proceeds to create a prize for Moore students. Heather Bryson primarily works in metal, creating one-of-a-kind art jewelry. She is also the owner and
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founder of B Square Gallery. The Bella Vista area gallery celebrated its 10th year of business in November 2010. A passion for art and creativity has been Bryson’s motivation from as long as she can remember. In 2005, Bryson was named one of “15 Woman of the Moment” by Tiffany & Co. In addition to the BFA from Moore, artist and printmaker Romy Burkus holds an MAT in Visual Arts from the University of the Arts. Burkus’ further studies include the areas of bookarts, oil painting, encaustic painting and di-
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verse forms of printmaking. Recently, she has been focusing on encaustic painting, creating a series of abstract, painterly landscapes with deeply dimensional color. In addition to a busy exhibition schedule, Burkus teaches 7th- and 8th-grade art at Germantown Academy, in Fort Washington, Pa., where she is the department chair. Both Bryson and Burkus have gathered 200 works of various medium for the exhibition and sale celebrating their 20 years of art making.
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SHERRI XANTHOPOULOS RUSSO will be representing Collegeville, Pa. in pageant.