Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. II No. 54 (214)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

April 29, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

In Clover

GATHERED FOR 131ST annual dinner of Clover Club of Phila. last night were scores of movers and shakers, all merry-making for a change. Union League was scene of convivial fun as they happily hobnobbed, like these gents – from left, Committee of 70 President/CEO and former Daily News editor Zack Stalberg; former Councilman, Controller and City Commissioner Joe Vignola; and former Managing Director Hillel Levinson.

Casey: 1st Quarter Numbers Show A Fragile Recovery U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chairman of the US Congress Joint Economic Committee, released the following statement after the announcement that GDP increased 1.8% in the first quarter of 2011.

“The economy is growing, but not as fast as it needs to. It’s clear from the new GDP data that Congress must stay focused on creating private sector jobs and promoting economic growth.

“Today’s GDP number shows the recovery which began in the third quarter of 2009 continues. However, the pace of economic growth slowed in the first quarter and is below what is needed to make sustained progress reducing the unem-

ployment rate. Slower growth in exports and personal consumption and a significant increase in imports contributed to the slower overall growth in the quarter. The moderate GDP growth is a reminder that the recovery remains fragile and we need to do more to boost job creation.

“I am concerned to see export growth was weaker than in recent quarters. As Chair of the JEC, I will examine policies which continue to promote American manufacturing and help American companies sell their products abroad. I’ll also work to ensure that our manufacturers are not harmed further by unfair trade practices, including Chinese currency manipulation.”

Highlights from the quarter include: • Personal consumption increased 2.7% in the first quarter, down from a 4.0% increase in the fourth quarter.

• Exports of goods and services grew 4.9% in the first quarter, compared with an 8.6% increase in the fourth quarter.

• Imports of goods and services increased by 4.4% in the first quarter, after declining by 12.6% in the fourth quarter.

• Final sales of domestic product (GDP less change in private inventories) increased 0.8% in the first quarter, compared with a 6.7% increase in the fourth quarter.

Brady Goes To Fresh Grocer Supermarket At Progress Plaza FROM LEFT, Congressman Bob Brady; Wendell Whitlock, Chairman of PIA Board; Ducky Birts; Fresh Grocer Executive VP Grant McLoughlin; and Fresh Grocer President & CEO Pat Burns.

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29 APRIL, 2011

Congressman Bob Brady (D-Pa.) visited the Fresh Grocer supermarket at historic Progress Plaza, the nation’s first Black-owned and -developed shopping center yesterday. While touring the 46,000-squarefoot supermarket that opened December 2009, the Congressman presented a flag to Fresh Grocer President & CEO Pat Burns.

sional Dist. was without a supermarket for more than a decade and I was glad to help gain funding for the project. The store not only has healthy and affordable fresh food for residents, it has also created more than 200 jobs. Progress Plaza has always been a beacon of hope and possibilities and this market is a testament to what is possible when we all work together,” Brady said.

“This North Central neighborhood in the 1st Congres-

Mayor Deplores Acme Job Loss Mayor Michael A. Nutter released the following statement regarding Acme Market’s announcement that it will lay off about 900 part-time employees in the Philadelphia region: “In these times when the national

economy has still not achieved a healthy level of growth, it’s sad but very real reminder of the economic crisis to hear that the management of Acme Markets was required to lay off so many parttime employees in the Philadelphia region. Times are tough and busi-

nesses as well as the public sector have had to respond by reducing costs and realigning their workforces. As an administration we will do all we can to help Philadelphia families who are coping with this painful change.”

Butkovitz Creates ‘Youth Education Portal In addition to the City Controller’s Bank on Philadelphia initiative that provides financial access and resources to Philadelphians, Controller Alan Butkovitz created an online Youth Education Portal for students, teachers and parents to have access to free financial resources.

The Youth Education Portal is a resource center that contains a listing of nonprofit organizations, financial institutions and other government entities that provide free services and resources throughout Philadelphia.

Many of these services are provided directly in the classroom and others are during after-school hours.

“While severe cuts are looming to our already financially-strapped education system, educators need to take advantage of the free resources that financial and community organizations are willing to provide our youth,” said Butkovitz. “These education partners provide resources for students of all ages.”

to teach children the importance of banking and to start learning about money management.”

With April being Financial Literacy Month, Controller Butkovitz used the month as an opportunity to distribute youth education materials encouraging educators at the Philadelphia School District, charter schools and parochial schools to access the Youth Education Portal.

“Every child, in every learning establishment, should receive financial education by the time they graduate high school,” said Butkovitz. “Receiving financial literacy can be one of greatest educational assets children can receive in helping them establish a healthy financial future.”

To access the Bank on Philadelphia Youth Education portal, please visit www.philadelphiacontroller.org/bop and click the Youth Education Portal link.

Butkovitz continued, “It’s never too early, or too late, 29 APRIL, 2011

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The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar Apr. 29State Rep. Rosita Youngblood hosts Senior Fair at NewCourtland Life, 5457 Wayne Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For info Rochelle (215) 8496426.

Apr. 29Friends of State Rep. Cherelle Parker hold Fish Fry at Champagne, 21 E. Chelten Ave., 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $10. For info (215) 437-3925, ext. 202.

Apr. 29S. Phila. Realty Board fundraiser for Barbara Capozzi, 2nd Dist.

Council Democrat candidate at Galdo’s Catering, 20th & Moyamensing, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets $100. Open bar, buffet, food stations open all evening. For info (267) 888-6045.

Apr. 29Fish Fry Fundraiser for City Commissioner candidate Michael Bell at Scotty’s Bar, 1420 Ellsworth St., 6-10 p.m. Tickets $10. For info Kajet Washington (267) 2536970 or Julius Bell (215) 3809709.

Apr. 2959th Ward Dem Committee holds Pre-Primary Beef, Turkey & Beer at Elks Lodge, 210 E. Haines St. Donation $15.

Apr. 29Fundraiser hosted by Dan Pellicciotti for Judge Sean Kennedy at Keenan’s in Roxborough. SOLD OUT! Apr. 29Ed Rendell Is special guest at Fundraiser for Joe Grace at Pyramid Club, 52nd fl., 1735 Market St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Guest $250, Sponsor $2,600, Host $1,000, Supporter $500.

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2011 Libertarian Party State Convention at Conference Ctr., 1411 Liberty St., Franklin, Pa. Apr. 30Fundraiser for City Commissioner candidate Ivy Staten at Integrity, 6633 Germantown Ave., 10 a.m.12 m. Donation $20.

Apr. 30Barbecue Fundraiser for 8th Council candidate RobinTasco at 25 E. Walnut La., 4-8 p.m. Donations $10. For info Ros (267) 593-1571.

May 1Mark Green’s 38th Ward Cool Jazz fundraiser at Kroc Ctr., 4200 Wissahickon Ave., 2-5 p.m. $50 to $150. For info Monica Djerassi (215) 260-4899.

May 1Networking Fundraiser for judicial candidate Carolyn Nichols at Au Naturale Hair Salon, 501 E. Chelten Ave., 5-7 p.m. Food, refreshments, music. Bring lots of buusiness cards. Donation $20.

May 2Former Governor and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge will be special guest at fundraiser for GOP Council at-Large candidate David Oh, Esq., at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Requested contribution $150 per person, or $250 per couple. RSVP or for additional info Eunice Lee (215) 561-2000.

May 2“Taste of South Philly”, hosted by Bob & Debbie Pantano, Millay Club, and Alumni fundraiser for SS. John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic HS. $40. Pier 1, Phila. Cruise Terminal, 5100 S. Broad St. Bldg. 3, 6-10 p.m. For info Dorothy Longo (215) 4658457, ext. 229.

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PHA, DC 47 Bring An End To Crumbling Benefit Plan

AT CONTRACT SIGNING are, from left, Agent Mike Bonetti and President Kahim Boles of Local 2187, President Mike Walsh of Local 2186, Steward Cheryl Henderson of Local 2187, President Cathy Scott of District 47, and Commissioner Estelle Richman and Administrative Receiver Michael Kelly from PHA. The Philadelphia Housing Authority continues to make labor history in Philadelphia by reaching an agreement with its labor unions to end defined-benefit plans and instead switch a defined contribution plan.

AFSCME District Council 47 has agreed to replace a traditional pension plan in which workers receive a guaranteed payment based on their earnings and years of service, with a plan similar to a 401(k) in which employees make contributions.

The change-part of a new five-year contract-is designed to establish fi29 APRIL, 2011

nancial stability for the agency and its union employees. PHA reached similar agreements with AFSCME District Council 33, Local 934 and the Building and Construction Trades Council earlier this year. “Like the agreements we reached with the other unions, this change represents a statement to our clients that we care about our mission and want to be sure we can continue to serve those who need us. The agreement is also a tribute to the members of DC 47 and their willingness to break with the traditional public sector style pension,� said PHA Administrative Receiver Michael Kelly.

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Members of DC 47 have been working under the terms of an expired contract since April 2009.

This agreement provides for retroactive pay raises of 2.5% for 2009 and 2001. It also includes a 2.5% pay increase in 2011 and 2012 and a 3% raise in 2013.

In addition, members of DC 47 will contribute 4% of the cost of their Keystone HMO coverage.

Until now, members have not contributed to their healthcare coverage.

PHA has agreed to continue making payments into the old pension |

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system for the next 20 years, so that it remains viable for current retirees and those workers currently in the system. After that, PHA will have no further obligation to retirees’ pensions.

The switch to a defined contribution plan begins Jun. 1.

date in their defined-benefit plan but now will begin accruing their retirement money in their new defined contribution account.

Current workers will maintain everything they have earned to

Councilman Green, DHS Pool Talents To Save Kids From Abuse Councilman Bill Green and Dept. of Human Services Commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose are proud to announce the new Freedom From Abuse Rights initiative – an innovative, child-centered approach to child-abuse awareness and prevention. Councilman Green is introducing related legislation requiring data-tracking and reporting on the initiative.

“It is befitting that our city of brotherly love and sisterly affection lead the effort to empower children with Freedom From Abuse Rights,” Green said.

“Through this innovative education effort, which we hope will be adopted by jurisdictions across the country, we will significantly reduce the occurrence of child abuse and minimize the broader social impact of such abuse.”

Prevention of child abuse is the ultimate goal of DHS. Empowering children with the education and tools to keep them safe gives our most important stakeholder a voice in child abuse prevention.” Commissioner Ambrose remarked. “I want to thank Councilman Green for bringing the FFAR proposal to DHS. We look forward to continuing to work with him to implement it.”

The FFAR disclosure empowers children by: (1) educating them about their basic human right to not be abused; (2) educating them, through age-appropriate information, about what constitutes abuse; and (3) providing them with contact information to child protection professionals who investigate allegations of 6|

abuse.

DHS has agreed to see that FFAR is extended to all children who are under a Child Protective Services order and work with Council to track results. Both the Councilman and DHS see this as the beginning of further collaborations, such as community outreach strategies to publicize FFAR. There are approximately 790 indicated cases of child abuse each year in Philadelphia. Abused children are at increased risk of: Mental illness Substance abuse Developmental disabilities and learning problems Social problems with other children and with adults Teen pregnancy Lack of success in school Alcohol and other drug use Domestic violence Chronic illnesses.

The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2007 was $104 billion. Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime. Over 60% of people in drug rehabilitation centers report being abused or neglected as a child. Approximately 80% of 21-year-olds who were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.

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29 APRIL, 2011

Savage Charms Rhawnhurst Elders DANNY SAVAGE Danny Savage campaigning in Rhawnhurst section of N.E. Phila. as he pursues 6th Council Dist. seat. These seniors loved what he had to say – not to mention that contagious smile of his.

Photo by Harry Leech

Montco Dems ‘Spring’ Into Action WENDELL YOUNG III, president emeritus of United Food Workers Union, was honored with inaugural Bob Cooper Democratic Labor Award. Seen here at Montgomery Co. Democratic Committee spring reception at Dolce Hotel in King of Prussia are, from left, Bunny Cooper, who named the award after her late husband, Bob Cooper, who was part of AFSCME; Young; and Montco Democratic Chairman Marcel Groen.

Photos by Bonnie Squires

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DAVID WECHT, statewide Democratic candidate for Superior Court judge, is welcomed by old friends, Dr. Walter I. Hofman, MD, Montgomery Co. Coroner, and his wife Ethel. Several hundred enthusiastic Democrats turned out for spring reception.

MONTCO DEMOCRATIC COMMISSIONER candidates Leslie Richards and State Rep. Josh Shapiro, from left, meet up with Linda Weaver, PSEA president of Bucks and Montgomery Co., Wednesday night.

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29 APRIL, 2011

Bipartisan Consensus On This Judge Hopeful

JUDICIAL CANDIDATE Maria McLaughlin appears to have forged a bipartisan peace, at least regards to her merits as a candidate for Common Pleas Court. She was joined at her fundraiser at Frisco’s last evening by heads of Democratic and Republican City Committees, Congressman Bob Brady and Vito Canuso.

Labor Likes Squilla In 1st COMING TOGETHER behind 1st Dist. Council candidate Mark Squilla at his fundraiser at McFadden’s last night was a solid band of union brothers: from left, Steamfitters’ Steve Jackson, Ward Leader Matt Myers, Carpenters’ Dave Hummel, Squilla and Carpenters’ Jerry Coughlin.

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Capozzi, Singer Team Up in 8th Ward

TWO CANDIDATES got together at 10 Stone in Fitler Square last night to boost their chances: 8th Ward Leader Stephanie Singer, who is running for City Commissioner, and realtor Barbara Capozzi, who is seeking 2nd Dist. Council seat.

Kensington Students Advocate Nonviolence At ‘Say Your Peace!’

Tomorrow, Apr. 30, the Peace Ambassador Club from Kensington Business HS will be hosting “Say Your Peace!” – an open-mic night to raise money for the program and increase violence awareness in the community.

The Peace Ambassador Club is a group of passionate and inspiring students who are dedicated to reducing the violence in their school and community. Among other things, students in the program have been encouraged to use po10 |

etry and other forms of artistic expression as an alternative to conflict and violence.

At “Say Your Peace!”, students will share some of their work as a way to engage not only students and teachers, but also the community as a whole. Community leaders will be on hand to hear from the students and offer their thoughts on how these types of programs can revitalize school districts. By engaging the community, the group is raising THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

awareness about street violence and encouraging more students to stand up against violence and join Peace Ambassadors.

One student, Kenny, summed up what the group is all about: “Peace Ambassadors has changed my life in a lot of ways during the past two years. It has showed me that there is a problem, which is violence, and that I can help stop violence. It has showed me that instead of being part of the problem, I can help solve it.”

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The event will start at 7:00 p.m. at Leotah’s Place Coffeehouse, 2033 E. York Street.

The Peace Ambassador club was started in Fall of 2009 by Jasmine Costello, a City Year Corps mem-

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ber at Kensington Business. The club has been an amazing way of convincing other students to reconsider their personal involvement in the cycle of violence, and has also served as a positive, community space for the members involved.

The president of the club, a senior

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named Karla Delgado, actually just learned that she was accepted into Arcadia University, awarded a very large scholarship, and will be the first in her family to graduate high school, let alone attend college.

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