Daily Reocrd

Vol. II No. 48 (208)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

April 21, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

9 Minus Riz zo

IN A HISTORIC CONFRONTATION, eight Republican candidates for City Council at Large met for lively panel debate last night, with audience Q&A, at German Society of Penna. on Spring Garden Street. A ninth, incumbent Frank Rizzo, appeared for a one-minute presentation, then swiftly left. This is first time in memory multiple candidates have contested for five berths on GOP’s fall ballot. From left are Malcolm Lazin, Joe McColgan, Elmer Money, State Rep. Denny O’Brien, Steve Odabashian, David Oh, Mike Untermeyer and Al Taubenberger.

Lines Of Attack, Defense Emerge For Murphy’s AG Campaign

came this morning from a group of veterans – a sign Murphy will appeal to his fellow Iraq war vets as he introduces himself statewide.

Hours after former Congressman Patrick Murphy announced he would seek the Democratic nomination for State Attorney General in 2012, Republicans unveiled their first line of assault on his campaign. Meanwhile, a key Murphy ally made clear one of the whistles Murphy will be blowing during the race.

The largest group of progressive veterans in America, VoteVets.org PAC, came out strongly for Murphy. Ashwin Madia, an Iraq War Veteran and Interim Chairman of VoteVets.org said, “Patrick was a true leader when he was in Congress – insightful, decisive, an unafraid of tackling the tough issues. Those are the same qualities Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleaany state needs in an attorney general, and I know he son slammed Murphy for being under investigation will serve Pennsylvania as honorably as he served over alleged campaign fraud during his unsuccessful America in Iraq.” attempt to hang onto his Bucks Co. congressional seat last year. This charge casts doubt on Murphy’s fitness The group’s endorsement will come with a an appeal to serve as Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor. to its over 100,000 members to make a direct donation to the Murphy campaign. Additionally, as the group has “How can we trust Patrick Murphy to be the chief law- done in the past for other candidates, it will weigh in on enforcement officer of the Commonwealth when he any “swiftboating” attacks on Patrick Murphy’s service turned a blind eye to fraudulent activities occurring which is deems unfair. within his own Congressional campaign?” Gleason apCasey Offers Help After Bradford pealed. “Patrick Murphy’s campaign ran a deceptive Co. Well Blowback absentee-ballot scheme last year in a desperate attempt US Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released the following to save the Congressman’s job.” statement on the hydraulic fracturing well blowback inDuring that race, Murphy’s campaign manager con- cident yesterday in Bradford Co. The Senator has introlled a post-office box where voters were being in- troduced legislation to improve safety for workers and structed to send their absentee-ballot applications. The emergency-response procedures at drilling sites as well ballot applications were then remailed to the County as legislation to protect drinking water and require pubBoard of Elections. Gleason quoted a National Review lic disclosure of chemicals used in the fracking process. report: “A letter from a fictitious agency, the ‘Pennsylvania Voter Assistance Office,’ was sent to an unknown “My office has been in contact with State and local ofnumber of residents across the 8th Dist. warning them ficials to see if any federal assistance is needed after their ability to vote could be jeopardized” unless they the blowback,” said Casey. “I will continue to monitor the situation as the investigation continues and more sent these applications to this PO box. details are known. Natural-gas drilling offers PennsylBucks Co. Republicans cried foul and called for an in- vania a great economic opportunity. However, incidents vestigation into potential campaign-law violations. It is like this blowback are a reminder that there are dangers and that precautions must be taken to protect the health unclear if an investigation is active. and well-being of Pennsylvanians.”

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Casey’s Faster Action Safety Team Emergency Response Act provides the Occupational Safety & Health Administration with the ability to draft regulations that will enhance emergency-response procedures at oil and gas wells. FASTER provides OSHA the power to draft regulations that will require operators to have a knowledgeable employee, with communications technology, present at the well at all times during the exploration or drilling phase; make available a certified response

team, within three hours of ground travel time, if an emergency situation arises; contact local first responders within 30 minutes of the commencement of an emergency, and contact OSHA and the National Response Center within 1 hour.

Well drillers would also have to provide annual training to local first responders on the hazards of a well site and proper emergency-response techniques.

BP Funeral for Polluted Politics Marks Gulf Spill

ENVIRONMENTALISTS in Philadelphia showed no mercy to either Bob Casey or his Republican colleague Sen. Pat Toomey yesterday. Marking first anniversary of Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, environmentalists and community residents performed street theater outside a BP station to challenge corporate influence over politics. Casey and Toomey both receive large contributions from oil and gas companies, and support limiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate the industry, they charged. “Corporate polluters have effectively bought our politicians. They hire them across party lines to pass their dirty agenda,” said Robin Markle of Rising Tide. A Philadelphia-based grassroots group called Protecting Our Waters says even Marcellus Shale gas lobby “now believes the natural-gas exploration industry is partly responsible for rising levels of contaminants found in area drinking water.”

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The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar

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Apr. 21- State Sen. LeAnna Washington and State Rep. John Myers present Energy Conservation Summit Forum at Lonnie Young Rec Ctr., 1100 E. Chelten Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Apr. 21- Phila. Independent Towers & Salvors Ass’n invites all candidates and interested parties to their 1st annual Candidates Night at Simeone Antique Car Museum, 6825 Norwich Dr. (behind Airport Auto Mall), 6-10 p.m. Tickets $50.

Includes buffet, open bar and multi-million-dollar antique-car collection. Tickets at door or call José (267) 228-7231.

Apr. 21- 2nd Council Dist. Candidate Forum at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Ch., 1224 Pt. Breeze Ave., 6-7:30 p.m. No questions will be taken from floor. For info Maryum Lee (267) 334-0251.

Apr. 21- 63rd Ward Democrats with Bernice Hill, leader, meet at Pine Village Clubhouse, 8540 Veree Rd., 7 p.m.

Apr. 21- Fundraiser for Judicial Candidate Daine Grey, Jr. at 320 N. 18th St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Hosted by Levant, Martin, & Tauber, P.C. For info Marianne (215) 564-5959.

Apr. 22- State Rep. Rosita Youngblood and Germantown Earn Ctr. host housing and welfare-resource conference at Ctr., 2nd fl., 5538-B Wayne Ave., 2-5 p.m. For info (215) 849-6426.

Apr. 22- 1st annual Spring Bash sponsored by 65th Ward Republican Committee at McCullough Hall, 6309 Torrsedale Ave., 7-11 p.m. For info (215) 298-2251.

Apr. 23- Fundraiser for Traffic Court candidate Fred Mari at Bonk’s Bar, Richmond & Tioga Sts., 4-7 p.m. $50. Open bar, hors d’oeuvres.

For info Mark (215) 990-9352.

Apr. 25- Cocktail reception with open bar for judicial candidate EdTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

ward Wright at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Donation $100. For info (215) 569-4770 or ewlaw@att.net.

Apr. 27- Cocktail reception fundraiser for Bill Rubin, 10th Dist.

Council, 5-8 p.m. at DC 33 Banquet Hall, 6th fl. $250 per person.

Sponsorships sought. Mail checks to Friends of Bill Rubin, PO Box 52146, Phila., PA 19115 or via Pay Pal at billrubinforcouncilman.com.

Apr. 27- Fundraiser for 1st Dist.

Council Democrat candidate Mark Squilla at Cuba Libre, 10 S. 2nd St., 6-8 p.m. Tickets $100. For info (267) 290-8836.

Apr. 27- Fundraiser for Marie Delany for City Commissioner at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 6-8 p.m. Food & drink. Tickets $35. Send checks or MOs to.Marie Delany’s Campaign Office, P.O. Box 4817, Phila., PA 19124. For info 215-MARIE-11 (215-627-4311).

Apr. 27- Chew & Belfield Neighbors and Clivenden Hills Group host judicial candidates at Coleman Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave., 6:30 p.m. Candidates can contact Rev. C. H.Williams at Jesus46200032004@yahoo.com.

Apr. 28- Congressman Bob Brady and Sam Staten, Sr., host cocktail fundraiser for State Rep. Jewell Williams for Sheriff at Vesper Club, 233 Sydenham St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Suggested donation $250.

Apr. 28- Robert Archie hosts Fundraiser for Councilman Darrell Clarke at Duane Morris, LLP, 30 S. 17th St., 5:30-7 p.m. Contributions $100/$$250/$500. Checks payable to Friends of Darrell Clarke. RSVP swilliams98@hotmail.com or (215) 631-4939.

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Toomey Opens Permanent Phila. Senate Office

Sen. Pat Toomey has announced the opening of his permanent Senate office in Phila. Led by Eastern Pennsylvania Director Josh Novotney, the Philadelphia office will serve Pennsylvanians in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Cos. Toomey previously had a temporary office in the William Green Federal Building. New office is located at 8 Penn Ctr., 1628 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 1702, Philadelphia, PA 19103; phone: (215) 241-1090. Toomey said, “My staff and I are committed to working hard to help Pennsylvanians and address their concerns and needs in a timely manner.”

Washington Launches Legislation To Boost Small Business As a part of the Senate Democrats’ legislative plan to invigorate Pennsylvania’s economy and create jobs, called PA Works, State Sen. LeAnna Washington (DNorthwest) will introduce two key pieces of legislation to boost small businesses and put money in the pockets of Pennsylvania taxpayers.

a statewide bonding program, a mentor-protégé program, and other targeted initiatives to help them compete for government contracts.

Washington said that a similar plan passed the House overwhelmingly at the end of last session.

The second piece of legislation would provide taxpayers with a return on a successful investment in private business. Successful businesses that received State grants, funded by taxpayers, would be required to repay Washington said because Pennsylvania’s economic rethe subsidy in future years, providing a return to taxcovery remains fragile and unsteady, it is critical the payers.

State pursue policies that stimulate the economy, move business forward and create jobs even in the most dif- The Senate Democrats’ PA Works plan is designed to ficult times. create 28,000 new jobs, leverage over $2 billion in new The first piece of legislation would promote small- and disadvantaged-business participation in government contracting. It would establish small-business reserves,

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private investment and save $150 million.

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Thomas’s Alternative Budget Would Spare Education From Guv’s Cuts

STATE REP CURTIS THOMAS, joined by a host of civic leaders, stood in front of School District HQ this morning to release his comprehensive reworking of Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget. Aimed at softening the blows Corbett’s budget deals to education and other priorities, Thomas’s proposal reallocates $1.02 billion of the Governor’s budget – without raising taxes.

“Community College of Philadelphia is an affordable, convenient and popular option for students of all ages, backgrounds and incomes to obtain credits and knowledge that will boost their resume and their job skills,” State Sen. Mike Stack (D-Northeast) joined Commu- Stack said. “This expansion project is proof CCP is nity College of Philadelphia to celebrate the grand meeting a growing demand for a quality education.” opening of the newly expanded Northeast Regional Stack said the expansion project shows community colCenter yesterday. lege classes are in greater demand because of the econStack secured $1 million in State funds toward the omy, and he blasted Gov. Tom Corbett for his budget completion of the project, which will nearly double the proposal to cut community college funding by 10%.

Stack Celebrates Grand Opening of Expanded CCP Northeast Regional Center

size of the center and expand the library, enrollment “Our unemployment rate is improving, but people are services, open computer lab, and learning support still out of work or enduring pay cuts. They are turning spaces. Now, students will be able to complete more to CCP to help them obtain the skills they need in a degree programs at the campus, located at 12901 more-competitive job market,” Stack said.

Townsend Road.

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Urban League Presents ‘Provocation on Education’ A panel discussion on urban education will hold forth this evening at PECO Energy Hall, 2301 Market Street, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. All education stakeholders including, parents, educators, community leaders, and youth are welcome to attend.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has proposed legislation, including support for the funding of vouchers, which could drastically change education. The Urban League of Philadelphia and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs are presenting a roundtable discussion on issues in education affecting African Americans. Titled Education: Choice, Civil Rights, Reform – Putting Our Children First, the program will feature a panel of experts to discuss prevailing issues on education access and quality and how it shapes the education reform debate.

The featured panelists include: Lawrence Jones, president, Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools; Sandra Dungee Glenn, member, White House Commission on Equity & Excellence in Education; Deborah Vereen, president, Parents With Us; Darlene Callands, president, Black Alliance for Education Options; and Lee Nunnery, Deputy Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia This provocation series is being sponsored by PECO Energy and a grant from the William Penn Foundation.

great Philadelphian to be its next President. I applaud the board of the William Penn Foundation for selecting Jeremy Nowak for this important role. There are few people who can match Jeremy’s vision, energy and passion for Philadelphia, and I am excited to continue to partner with him and the Foundation on efforts to make Philadelphia a world-class city that works for all of its residents.”

Econsult, Fairmount Capital Advisors Merge Forces, Offices Econsult Corp. and Fairmount Capital Advisors, Inc., which announced last year their combination into a new venture called The Econsult/Fairmount Group, have advanced their joint venture, with Econsult moving into Fairmount’s Center City offices.

The transaction brings together two elite economic consulting and financial advisory firms that have worked on some of the most complex public projects and private ventures in the Greater Philadelphia region: Econsult, whose ranks are filled with economists who teach at Penn, Drexel, Rutgers and other local universities; and Fairmount, a firm with a long and distinguished reputation in complex public and institutional financing transactions. Both firms are significantly engaged in the civic arena; the principals have a long history of serving on corporate and nonprofit boards, in senior management positions at major institutions, elected and appointed positions in government and public-sector boards and Commissions.

Econsult’s move occurs after 30 years in University City, but President David Crawford, PhD, noted that the firm retains ties there, with many staff members still Mayor Michael A. Nutter has released the following teaching at Penn and Drexel. statement regarding the appointment of Jeremy Nowak as the new president of the William Penn Foundation, We’re not forsaking our connections to University City which is dedicated to improving the quality of life in by moving the short distance to Center City. We work on projects of importance citywide, not to mention rethe Greater Philadelphia region: gionally and nationally,” Crawford said. “But by co“A great Philadelphia institution has found an equally habitating with our brethren at Fairmount Capital, we

Mayor Hails Nowak’s Rise To Lead William Penn Fdn.

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can take advantage of a wider talent base and our grow- Fairmount Capital Advisors is an independent advisory ing synergies.” firm founded in 1987 that assists governmental, public and private organizations with financial planning and Econsult helps clients evaluate the feasibility and ecotransaction management services for taxable and taxnomic impacts of projects in a broad range of areas, inexempt debt. Since the early 1990s, Fairmount has adcluding real estate development, transportation and vised a variety of clients on financings of virtually public policy. In some cases, once those projects are every type of credit and transaction structure, as well as underway, Fairmount provides financial advice on fiprovided advice on derivative products and the investnancing them. ment of bond proceeds and trustee-held funds.

“The integration has gone off without a hitch thus far, in large part because we’re already so familiar with each other,” said Fairmount President Rodney Johnson, PhD, who will remain as chair of the Fairmount Board of Directors. “Both firms have strong reputations for thoughtful insight and analysis, which was been on display in our joint mutual projects thus far.”

Econsult and Fairmount already have worked with common clients – including the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Town of Coatesville and Philadelphia City Council – and anticipate more as the joint venture advances.

‘Seventy’ Hosts 1st Dist. Debate IN OLDE CITY last night, a debate at Arch Street Meeting House drew all four candidates for 1st Council Dist. seat in Democratic primary to participate: from left, Mark Squilla, Joe Grace, Vern Anastasio and Jeff Hornstein.

COMMITTEE OF 70 interns Luke McKinstry and Taryn Stroh, left, who organized debate, welcomed Grace as he arrived.

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Johnson’s Backers Turn Out At Beach

INFLUENTIAL SUPPORTERS showed up at Beach Advertising in Rittenhouse Square last evening to give a shot in the arm to State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson’s campaign for 2nd Dist. Council seat. From left are Traci Ray, Johnson, Stacy Shields and Adrian Moody.

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