Philadelphia Daily Record by The Public Record

Vol. II No. 56 (216)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

May 4, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

Ridge: ‘Oh Yes!’

FORMER GOVERNOR and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, center, endorsed attorney David Oh, right, Tuesday in his race for an at-large Council nomination in the Republican primary. For his announcement at Union League yesterday afternoon, Public Record cartoonist R. Penn Taylor gave Ridge a special gift.

OARC Breaks Ground On $2.4 Million Office Complex 9,000-square-foot office building that will house retail space on the first floor and office space on the second floor. The project is expected to generate 58 temporary and 22 permanent jobs and is expected to be completed in September 2011. Architecture firm JK Roller and Associates designed the renovations to an existing building in collaboration with civil engineers Bohler Engineering. H.C. Pody, Inc. shall serve as General Contractor.

BREAKING GROUND on Ogontz Avenue are, from left, Joe Casey, SEPTA general manager; Art Haywood, Cheltenham Township Commissioner; Ed Covington, executive director of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority; Jack Kitchen, president and CEO of OARC; Anthony Braxton, senior leader of United Bank of Philadelphia; State Rep. Dwight Evans; and Clay Armbrister, chief of staff to Mayor Michael Nutter. Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corp., Philadelphia’s leading community-development corporation, along with State, City and Cheltenham Township officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday at the future site of the Gateway Office Complex. OARC President and CEO Jack Kitchen was joined by Philadelphia City Councilwoman Marian Tasco (D), State Reps. Dwight Evans (D-N. Phila.) and Cherelle Parker (DNorthwest), Chief of Staff to Mayor Nutter Clay Armbrister, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Ed Covington, Cheltenham Township Commissioner Art Haywood, SEPTA General Mgr. Joseph Casey and 2|

dozens of community leaders in Northwest Philadelphia to celebrate the $2.4 million project. “For more than a quarter century, it has been OARC’s mission to develop and revitalize Northwest Philadelphia,” said Kitchen. “This new office complex will further enhance the West Oak Lane business district and allow for additional growth and economic opportunities in our local community.” Officials broke ground at the former site of Club Jaguar and a check-cashing store located at the intersection of Ogontz and Cheltenham Avenues. The site will be redeveloped into a two-story, THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

The renovation project is part of a larger $20 million revitalization initiative to transform upper Ogontz Avenue into Philadelphia’s “Gateway to the Northwest.” The project also includes the Ogontz Avenue Streetscape project, expansion of Brown’s Family Shop Rite and the new SEPTA-depot bus loop.

Raining On Their Parade Rain or no rain, eight Tibetans from the New York area, including a Buddhist monk, are on a Peace Walk to Washington, D.C. in order to raise awareness about the deteriorating human rights situation in Ngaba County, in Chinese-occupied Tibet. The Peace Walk was launched in New York City on Monday, May 2. The marchers plan to arrive in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, May 8. The local Tibetan community will host a welcome reception and talk for the marchers at the Liberty Bell Cen4 MAY, 2011

ter, starting at 5:30 p.m.

betans were beaten to death for trying to stop the arrests.

Since the self-immolation of a 20-year-old Buddhist monk in Ngaba County, eastern Tibet (Sichuan Province) on Mar. 16, Chinese security forces have laid siege on Kirti Monastery, one of the largest and most respected monasteries in the region. On Apr. 21, more than 300 monks were arbitrarily arrested and removed from the monastery and two elderly Ti-

Tibetans and their supporters worldwide have engaged in protests, vigils, fasts, and government lobbying activities to pressure the Chinese government to end its attack on Tibetans in Ngaba.

City Police’s Homeland Security Conducted Rapid Deployment Exercise The Philadelphia Police Dept.’s Homeland Security Unit conducted a rapid-deployment exercise into Center City this morning. This exercise is a proactive approach to emergency prepared-

ness throughout the city. Police vehicles assigned to the Rapid Response Teams deployed to a staging area at 22nd and JFK (no lights or sirens) for re-assignment into center city. Once reassigned,

the officers deployed into Center City at normal speed with all emergency equipment (lights and sirens) activated.

Tartaglione Urges Close Scrutiny of Drilling Taxes State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Kensington), along with Democratic colleagues, urged the State Dept. of Revenue yesterday to aggressively audit the tax filings of Marcellus Shale drilling companies in light of proliferation of Delaware subsidiaries. “The boom in natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania has been mirrored by a similar rise in the number Delaware subsidiaries registered by Marcellus Shale energy companies,” Tartaglione said. “All Pennsylvania taxpayers should question the reason for these numerous affiliates and seek assurance that energy companies are paying their share of State taxes.” Tartaglione is the prime sponsor of SB 679, which would require “combined reporting” for businesses in Pennsylvania and close the “Delaware Loophole.” “Nearly three-quarters of Pennsylvania companies pay no income tax and 80% pay less than the average family of four,” Tartaglione said. “At the same time, the number of business entities registered in Delaware over the past 20 years has jumped from 4 MAY, 2011

6,000 to more than 115,000. Pennsylvania’s revenue department should closely monitor this activity.” Tartaglione noted hundreds of Delaware business entities have been registered in the names of Marcellus Shale drilling companies in the past five years, even though Delaware doesn’t have a single gas well. Several years ago, the revenue department estimated that $400 million in corporate taxes could be recouped by adopting a combined reporting standard, as 23 states have already done. Facing drastic cuts in education outlined in Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget address, proponents of Tartaglione’s legislation said preserving tax loopholes is unconscionable. Tartaglione is asking the Revenue Dept. to issue a new, good-faith estimate based on the proliferation of Delaware business entities and the expansion of gas exploration in Pennsylvania.

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The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar May 4Labor Breakfast for judicial candidate Jim DiVergilis at DC 21, 2980 Southampton Rd., 8 a.m. May 4Historical Marker Dedication for Moyamensing Prison at 1400 S. 10th St., 12 m. For info Celeste Morello (215) 334-6008. May 4Phila. Jobs With Justice honors AFL-CIO Political Dir. Liz McElroy, SEIU organizer Cathy Brady, union activist Jim Moran and ILA Local 1291 at William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., 5:30 p.m. May 4Fundraiser for Derrick Coker, candidate for MC Judge, at New Palladium, 22 W. Allegheny Ave., 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 4Fundraiser for Traffic Ct. candidate Harmonia Club, 2404 Orthodox St., 5:30-8 p.m. Co-Host $1,000, Supporter $500, $50 Friend. For info (215) 728-1484. May 4Fundraiser for State Rep. Rosita Youngblood at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 7-9:30 p.m. Dinner and open bar $75. For info (215) 745-4306. May 4Programs Employing People marks 41st year serving people with intellectual disabilities is holding 5th annual plant sale at Broad & Federal Sts., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. This sale is a fund raiser for PEP’s vital services. May 5Fundraiser for Derrick Coker For Municipal Court at New Palladium, 229 W. Allegheny Ave., 5:30-8:30 p.m. For info Iliana THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Renoso (215) 740-5273. May 5State Sen. Mike Stack’s Democrat 58th Ward Reception at Bliss Restaurant, 224 S. Broad St., 5:30-7 p.m. Tickets available. Contact Rosemary (215) 9643140. May 5Phila. Young Democrats host BLUE: Pre-Primary Election Soirée at Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd., 5:30 p.m. Mayor, other candidates well attend. Music, hors d’oeuvres, raffle. Tickets $20. For info youngdems254@meetup.com. Tickets in advance http://blue 55.eventbrite.com/. May 5Democrat 43rd Ward Cinco de Mayo Beef & Beer at Copas Cubanas, 4637 N. 5th St., 6-9 p.m. Donations $35. May 5Fundraiser for judicial candidate Angelo Foglietta at DePasquale Law Offices, 2332-34 S. Broad St., 1st fl., 6 p.m. Patron $250, Friend $150, Supporter $100. For info Thomas T. Muldoon, Jr. (215) 545-1776. May 5Fundraiser Reception and Dinner for Council candidate Verna Tyner at Primo’s, 8460 Limekiln Pk., Wyncote, Pa., 7-11 p.m. May 622nd Ward Democrat Committee Spring Fundraiser at Gathering Place, 6755 Germantown Ave., 68 p.m. Candidates $100, community $50. Meet 8th Dist. City Council, at-Large City Council and judicial candidates. For info Ward Leader Ron Couser (215) 817-6159. 4 MAY, 2011

L&I Launches Building Safety Month The Dept. of Licenses & Inspections has kicked off Philadelphia’s Building Safety Month. This campaign is presented in coordination with the International Code Council Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies through consumer education, professional development and community service. Throughout May, L&I will collaborate with external organizations, such as the Liberty Chapter of the ICC, and other City public safety agencies to stage several fun and educational events. “This is the Department’s second year of Building Safety Month and I would like to thank everyone for arranging another exciting schedule of events,” said L&I Commissioner Fran Burns. “Last year’s events were a tremendous success and I encourage the public to take advantage of the many activities happening this month. Together, we can build a safer Philadelphia.” Countless accidents unfortunately still occur in buildings that are not constructed or maintained to code.

The May events will be held throughout the City, highlighting four important themes of building safety – Energy and Green Building, Disaster Safety and Mitigation, Fire Safety and Awareness, and Backyard Safety. The Department will be working to become more accessible to the public, holding weekly sessions at a city Home Depot to issue permits and licenses and answer questions regarding the codes. The East District will also be open in the evening twice during Backyard Safety Week to give residents greater opportunity to have building plans reviewed. For more information, contact Deputy Commissioner Michael Fink at Michael.fink@phila.gov. Today and tomorrow, the Home Depot outreach effort runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2200 W. Oregon Avenue. Tomorrow, a Career Day presentation at Edmunds ES will explain the duties and responsibilities involved in code enforcement. There will also be Green Advantage Training 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Concourse Training Room, MSB.

Lowery Brown Collecting Dresses For Teens To Attend Prom State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown will again be participating in a prom-dress giveaway and is asking for the public’s help in making a teen’’ dream of attending her junior or senior prom a reality.

Brown said donations of prom dresses can be made by dropping them off at her Philadelphia office at 1435 N. 52nd Street, no later than the close of business Thursday, May 12.

“Once more, I am joining the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers to collect prom gowns and dresses for teens,” said Brown. “Please reach out to your friends and family to help make their dreams a reality.”

Brown will give away the prom dresses from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 13 and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at her Philadelphia office. She said residents of the 190th Dist. will be given first preference, but everyone who attends will be accommo-

4 MAY, 2011

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

dated until the dresses are all given away. “In these tough economic times, a prom dress may be a luxury that is difficult to afford,” Lowery Brown said. “I want to make sure young ladies from the 190th Legislative Dist. and surrounding areas have wonderful dresses for the prom.” For more information, residents can call Brown’s office at (215) 879-6615.

Farnese Offers ALS Month Resolution State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) offered a resolution in Harrisburg Tuesday recognizing May 2011 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Month in Pennsylvania. “Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease. Each year in the United States, more than 5,500 people are diagnosed with ALS, with an estimated 30,000 Americans suffering from the disease at any point in time. Here in Pennsylvania, it is estimated 1,200 people are currently combating the disease,” Farnese

said.

tween two and five years after diagnosis.

“ALS symptoms make living a “normal” life extremely difficult. Muscle weakness causes limb usage to be impaired and makes swallowing and breathing burdensome. A symptom known as “’thick speech’ makes it difficult for sufferers to project their voices and communicate as you and I would. As the disease progresses, many lose their ability to walk, gesture, speak and breathe on their own and ultimately, complete paralysis sets in. The average life expectancy of an ALS patient is be-

“I’d like to formally thank the ALS Association, particularly the Western Pennsylvania Chapter and Greater Philadelphia Chapter, for their daily efforts in research, education, advocacy and support. They stand at the front lines of this incurable disease, making strides every day to enhance the vitality of ALS patients who use their services to sustain longer and fuller lives.”

Hospital Workers Back Nutter Local 1199C, an affiliate of National Union of Hospital & Health Care Employees, AFSCME, endorsed Mayor Michael A. Nutter in the May 17 primary election yesterdayat its headquarters at 1319 Locust Street. 1199C represents more than 17,000 members in Philadelphia, making it the second-largest union in the city. Aside from workers in all fields in the major

health-care institutions in Philadelphia, 1199C represents thousands of workers statewide in the areas of childcare and homecare. 1199C President Henry Nicholas called Mayor Nutter “the only (candidate) capable of moving the city forward.”

Bass Endorsed By Former Congresswoman Margolies Cindy Bass, candidate for City Council in the 8th Dist., announced the endorsement of former Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies of Montgomery Co. This adds to a long list of diverse endorsements the Bass campaign has gathered in recent weeks. “I am proud to endorse Cindy Bass for City Council,” said Margolies. “She shares my commitment to advancing women’s issues and understands the impor6|

tance of increasing the representation of women across all levels of government.” “Cindy’s work with NARAL, the National Organization of Women, and the National Coalition of Black Women exhibits the leadership and tenacity needed for a member of City Council,” Margolies added. Margolies is the founder and chair of Women’s Campaign International, which provides advocacy THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

training throughout the world. She is also a professor at the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. “I am honored to have the endorsement of Congresswoman Margolies,” said Bass. “Women and children are the most at-risk populations for poverty and hunger. With the confidence of outstanding leaders like her, I plan to go to City Hall to fight for equality and justice.” 4 MAY, 2011

Cindy Bass, a Democratic Candidate for the 8th Council District in Philadelphia City Council in the May 17th Primary, is a dedicated public servant and currently a senior policy advisor on urban and domestic policy to Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Phila.). Bass also served as special assistant to then-State Sen. Allyson Schwartz.

Teachers Give Their Nod To Henon The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and its 16,000 members overwhelmingly endorsed Democrat Bobby Henon for the 6th Dist. Council seat in Northeast Philadelphia, which is home to a large percentage of Philadelphia public-school teachers. The announcement was made last week by PFT President Jerry Jordan. “Our campaign is greatly appreciative of the support of Philadelphia’s public-school teachers, who are among the hardest-working professionals in our city and are

4 MAY, 2011

deserving of our respect,” said Henon. “I expressed my sincere gratitude to PFT President Jerry Jordan and assured him that, as Councilman, I will work hard to protect our public school system, our children, and our teachers. “Unfortunately, the reckless fiscal actions and questionable decisions made by the School Reform Commission during my opponent’s tenure on the board have left our school system in a precarious position at present. Once I am on Council, I will use my solid working relationships with Gov. Corbett and State legislators from both parties to ensure Philadelphia receives the level of education funding we need to give our children the best chance to succeed.”

Committee Of 70 Needs Election-Day Volunteers

count on 70’s volunteers to help resolve minor problems and major headaches at the polls. Field volunteers work in teams of two to three, visiting polling places to answer voters’ questions and settle minor disputes. Hotline volunteers answer our 1 (866) OUR-VOTE hotline, helping voters find their polling places and understand basic election rules, while providing real-time solutions to Election Day problems. The polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can volunteer before or after work, or during the day. Join them. It’s an important public service. Seventy will provide all the training, materials and support you need. Contact Frankie Lancos at flancos@seventy.org or (215) 5573600, ext. 110, or visit www.seventy.org/volunteer.

Here’s your chance to help make sure everyone who wants to vote is able to vote. Philadelphians trust the nonpartisan Committee of 70 to fight for fair elections and a smooth voting experience. Voters

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD