Vol. II No. 51 (211)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
April 26, 2011
Philadelphia Daily Record
PAY UP, DRIVERS STATE SEN. MIKE STACK discusses how his new bill will help reduce State deficit without raising taxes. Next to him are, from left, Judge Pamela Dembe and Justice Seamus McCaffery. Story Page 3.
Pa. Senators Reach Bipartisan Agreement On Judicial Vacancies Today, US Sens. Bob Casey (DPa.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced a bipartisan agreement on filling federal District ourt vacancies in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has a long history of cooperation between its two Senators on filling District Court vacancies. Casey and Toomey intend to continue this tradition. Both Senators share the goal of appointing federal judges who demonstrate intelligence, extensive prior experience as lawyers or judges, and unquestioned honesty and integrity. “Recommending and confirming strong judicial candidates is among the most significant responsibilities of a US Senator,” said Casey. “This bipartisan agreement reached with Sen. Toomey will go a long way to make sure excellent candidates are nominated and confirmed.” “In recent years, judicial selections at the national level have too often become overly politicized. That’s why I am so pleased Sen. Casey and I have reached this bipartisan agreement to ensure the most capable, knowledgeable and ethical candidates become federal judges serving Pennsylvania,” Toomey said. There are currently eight judicial vacancies in the US District Courts of Pennsylvania: three in the Eastern District, three in the Middle 2|
District and two in the Western District. In 2010, President Barack Obama made nominations to fill the two Western District vacancies and one of the Middle District vacancies. None of those nominees was confirmed in 2010 and the President renominated the same individuals in early 2011. Those three nominees will follow the ordinary course for judicial nominations in the US Senate, including review and due diligence by the two Pennsylvania Senators, the “blue slip” process, hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee and, ultimately, confirmation votes by the full Senate.
Robert Ross – senior partner at Ross Feller Casey, LLP; John J. Soroko — chairman and CEO, Duane Morris LLP.
For the other five current vacancies and all future US District Court vacancies, Casey and Toomey will employ the following process:
Co-chairs will advertise in bar journals and other relevant publications, giving notice to applicants. Casey and Toomey will each post advertisements on their respective websites.
Separate judicial-nomination advisory panels will be established in the Eastern District and the Middle District, and in the Western District Court when necessary. These panels will screen applicants for judicial vacancies and make recommendations to the two Senators. Each panel will consist of approximately 20 members, half of whom are appointed by Casey with the other half appointed by Toomey. Each panel also will have two cochairs, one appointed by Casey and one appointed by Toomey.
Middle District Panel Co-Chairs: Harry P. McGrath – McGrath Law Offices; Hon. Robert A. Graci — chair of the Appellate Group, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC. Western District Panel Co-Chairs: Michael Adams – founder and managing partner, Mike Adams & Associates, LLC; Laura E. Ellsworth — partner-in-charge (Pittsburgh Office), Jones Day.
To be considered for a judicial appointment, applicants must participate in the process described herein. All applicants will be required to complete and submit the questionnaire promulgated by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Each applicant who completes and submits the questionnaire will be interviewed by the relevant panel. The names of and information regarding applicants will be kept confidential.
Eastern District Panel Co-Chairs: THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
25 APRIL, 2011
Want Your Car Registered? Stack’s Bill Would Make You Pay Your Ct. Fees First By withholding car-registration renewal until all court fees are paid, State Sen. Mike Stack (D-Northeast) said he has found a way to bring significant money back into the State and cut the budget deficit. He has introduced SB 836, which would require individuals to pay all outstanding fees and fines owed to the Court of Common Pleas before they can have their car registration renewed. Once an individual pays their fines, surcharges, fees, or penalties, the court would provide PennDOT with authorization to renew the person’s vehicle registration. “We’re in a crisis in Pennsylvania,” Stack said. “We are facing a $4 billion deficit and a Governor
who believes the only answer is to cut and slash our way to a balanced budget. Pennsylvanians can’t afford more cuts right now, so we must find creative ways to bring in revenue. SB 836 is a real solution.” Stack joined State Rep. John Sabatina (D-Northeast), Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery and Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Pamela Dembe at the Criminal Justice Center to discuss his legislation. “There must be real consequences for ignoring court costs and, considering our State’s budget deficit, we need to bring that money back to the State now,” said Sabatina,
who authored similar legislation, HB 1125. “This legislation is a solid way to both entice people to repay their outstanding dues and greatly reduce the deficit.” There are currently $1.6 billion dollars in unpaid fines, costs, fees and restitution owed to common please courts throughout Pennsylvania. Philadelphia Municipal Court alone is owed $205.7 million. “This money can go a long way to restore funding to the courts and help cut the budget deficit,” McCaffery said. McCaffery said the legislation is another tool judges can use to let people know that they have to pay
CHART SHOWS unpaid court costs owed to each county in Penna. 25 APRIL, 2011
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Apr. 25Cocktail reception with open bar for judicial candidate Edward Wright at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Donation $100. For info (215) 5694770 or ewlaw@att.net. Apr. 25Fundraiser for City Commissioner Anthony Clark at Vesper Club, 233 S. Sydenham St., 5:307:30 p.m. Donation $100, Table $250, Sponsor $500. Checks payable to Committee to Elect Anthony Clark, 1500 Walnut St., 21st fl., Phila., PA 19102. Apr. 25El Amor Mapenzi Brawne Ali’s Democrat 37th Ward Candidates Night at St. Mark’s Church, Germantown & Cambria Aves., 67:30 pm. All candidates invited. Apr. 27Cocktail reception fundraiser for Bill Rubin, 10th Dist. Council, 5-8 p.m. at DC 33 Banquet Hall, 3001 Walnut St., 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. 27Concerned Philadelphians on Violence & Crime host Candidates Night at the View, 800 N. Broad St., 5:30-8 p.m. Light refreshments. For info Pete Lyde (267) 303-3203 or Theresa Brunson (267) 251-0828. Apr. 27Fundraiser for State Rep. Cherelle Parker at Comcast Corp., 1710 JFK Blvd. 45th fl., 5:30-7 p.m. Sponsor $1,000, Supporter $500, Friend $250. Checks payable to Friends of Cherelle Parker. For info (215) 215) 437-3294 ext. 202 THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
or parker4staterep@gmail.com. Apr. 27Fundraiser 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. 27Fundraiser 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. 27Chew & 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. 28Congressman Bob Brady and Sam Staten, Sr., host cocktail fundraiser for State Rep. Jewell Williams for Sheriff at Vesper Club, 233 Sydenham St., 5:308:30 p.m. Suggested donation $250. Apr. 28Robert 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 Apr. 28State Rep. John Taylor hosts Historical Site Cigar & Wine Tasting at Colonial Dames of Phila., 1630 Latimer St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. For info (215) 545-2244. 25 APRIL, 2011
their fines and fees, thus better ensuring future court fees are paid. “We need something besides the threat of jail to help people understand that they can’t leave court and ignore their fees and restitution,” McCaffery said. “This legislation would give us a middle ground.” Dembe called the legislation a cost effective way to keep prison costs in check. “If we put people in jail we have to pay to keep them there.
That means fewer jail cells that should be reserved for people who are truly dangerous,” she said. “Plus, if they’re in jail they’re out of the workforce, which means they can’t pay their court fees anyway.” In light of the state’s $4 billion deficit and a budget plan from the governor that calls for $1 billion in cuts to basic education alone, Stack said his legislation would ease the budget pain without rais-
ing taxes or seeking new ways to generate revenue. “We don’t have to make basic education a sacrificial lamb to help fill the deficit,” Stack said. “These uncollected delinquent fees and fines belong to the state. By collecting these payments, we could cut the deficit nearly in half. It’s just common sense. SB 836 is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee.
City’s First Solar PV Installation Opens Mayor Michael A. Nutter, local and federal officials celebrated the completion of a new solar PV installation, the first owned by the City of Philadelphia, at the Philadelphia Water Dept.’s Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant. The PWD installed a 250kW solar photovoltaic system, which was completed as a result of Philadelphia’s partnership with the US Dept. of Energy’s Solar America Cities program. The solar array, which produces enough energy to power 28 homes each year, also contributes to a goal of the Greenworks Philadelphia sustainability plan, to purchase or generate 20% of electricity used in the city from alternative energy sources by 2015. “Producing solar energy at this City-owned watertreatment plant reduces our greenhouse-gas emissions, creates new jobs, and lowers our electricity bill. This is a smart investment that will help the city reach the goals set in Greenworks Philadelphia,” said the Mayor. “Philadelphia’s leadership in deploying solar energy highlights the important role local communities can play in expanding the US solar industry and bringing more renewable energy online,” said US Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “This new solar-energy installation will serve as a model for how cities across the country can partner with the federal government and the private sector to develop new sources of clean
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energy.” The system at the PWD’s Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant is ground-mounted and covers more than an acre of previously unused land. The treatment plant will use all of the solar power generated on-site, and PWD owns the Solar Renewable Energy Credits. The project was made possible by $850,000 from the City’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the DOE and $850,000 from the PWD and technical assistance from DOE’s Solar America Cities program. The PWD, the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability were instrumental in identifying the site and acquiring funding for the project. “By installing one of the first large-scale solar projects in Philadelphia, the City is demonstrating that alternative generation is both feasible and beneficial,” said Deputy Mayor for Transportation & Utilities Rina Cutler. PWD Commissioner Howard Neukrug added, “Water treatment uses large amounts of electricity. PWD is proud to use clean, sustainable power generated on site. Because this project was so successful, we’re planning to replicate it at other treatment plants.”
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Mayor Breaks Ground On 40th St. Bridge Work In another major infrastructure project, Mayor Michael A .Nutter broke ground on the Jannie Blackwell (D), City, State and federal officials to begin work on an $11.76 million reconstruction project to replace an 86-year-old span that has been closed to vehicle traffic since 2007. “In neighborhoods across Philadelphia, the Streets Dept. is delivering high value investments,” said Nutter. “The 40th Street Bridge will reconnect West Philadelphia’s street grid, joining communities and supporting economic development.” Blackwell said, “The reconstructed bridge will be a functional and beautiful addition to the community. Architectural finishes, colorcoordinated poles and structural
elements will provide a distinct and elegant appearance for this important community connector.” The cost of the $11.76 million project is funded with 80% federal, 15% State and 5% City funds. The construction contract was awarded to the Philadelphia-based construction firm Buckley & Co. The bridge, which spans Amtrak’s Keystone Corridor in West Philadelphia, will reconnect the Mantua neighborhood with Girard Avenue and the Fairmount Park Centennial District. A posted detour will remain in place for the duration of the project, directing motorists and pedestrians around the closure via Girard Avenue, 42nd Street, and Parrish or Ogden Streets.
Transportation and Utilities, said, “The new bridge design takes into account the needs of all travelers with wider sidewalks, enhanced street lighting, wider shoulder areas and SEPTA trolley facilities.” Streets Dept. Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson noted, “The 40th Street Bridge project is just the beginning of our infrastructure work in Mantua. Following the opening of this bridge, we will break ground on the 41st Street Bridge.” Demolition of the old 40th Street Bridge began in January 2011 and will last until the end of June 2011. The new bridge is expected to open to the public in December 2012.
Rina Cutler, Deputy Mayor for
Asbestos Pollution Studied At Franklin ES Annex An asbestos-abatement project was conducted during Spring Break to address a water-damaged portion of ceiling at the Benjamin Franklin ES Annex, housed within Pilgrim Baptist Church. Post-abatement samples were collected on Thursday, Apr. 21 by the Office of Environmental Management & Services and the Philadelphia Teacher’s Union’s Health & Welfare Fund, and found the levels were below the Philadelphia Asbestos Control Regulations re-occupancy criteria. But a precautionary round of testing was conducted on Friday, Apr. 22 found that airborne levels of asbestos were over the regulation limits. Therefore, a decision was made relocate students and teachers who normally attend the annex in order to immediately conduct a full and thorough assessment of the facility, per the reoccupancy criteria and the Asbestos Hazard Response Act regulations.
sionals were at the site conducting additional, moreextensive air-sampling and visual observations. The results will be released today. The building will remain closed to students and teachers for the remainder of this week until those results are released and further actions can be determined. The Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health, Asbestos Control Unit, has been notified. The School District has leased the space at Pilgrim Baptist Church since 2003 and routine asbestos inspections have been conducted every six months according to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s AHERA regulations. Until this most recent round of testing, there have been no known instances of elevated levels of airborne asbestos at the facility. The District is committed to ensuring that students are learning in clean, environmentally safe facilities.
Yesterday, a team of environmental-health profes-
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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
25 APRIL, 2011
Teachers’ Union Chooses Nutter PFT HEAD JERRY JORDAN delivers ringing endorsement of Mayor Michael Nutter for reelection as Mayor looks on. In a setting that underscored the importance of partnership and priority focus on education, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers yesterday endorsed Mayor Michael A. Nutter for reelection.
rates and has fought consistently for full and equitable funding of our public schools. He is bringing stakeholders to the table to improve educational outcomes throughout the city.”
The announcement took place outside Penn Alexander School, a K-8 school at 4209 Spruce Street, founded as a partnership between the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), University of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia, and where students score between the 80th and 90th percentile in reading and math on standardized tests.
The PFT – the largest single union local in the city – represents teachers, school staff and professional and technical employees in the School District of Philadelphia.
Said PFT President Jerry T. Jordan, “Providing educational opportunities to all Philadelphians is the foundation of building a safe, economically vibrant city, and Mayor Nutter has worked tirelessly toward this goal as a parent, a City Councilman and as Mayor. He is committed to making our schools safe. He has championed programs to improve graduation
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Nutter thanked the union for its support, saying, “When I took office as Mayor three years ago, I vowed to make education a top priority. I vowed to increase the high-school graduation rate and improve the college attainment rate. I am proud to say that together we have achieved in both of these areas (the six-year high-school graduation is at 63%; college attainment is up more than 20%).”
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