Vol. II No. 77 (237)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
June 7, 2011
Philadelphia Daily Record
Tape Cutter
CONGRESSMAN Mike Fitzpatrick discusses long-term growth problems with Havis employees in Warminster. Federal regulations have kept company from expanding. See story page 3.
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The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar Jun. 7The Notebook Fundraiser marking its 17th year in media at University of Arts, Dorrance Hamilton Ha., 320 S. Broad St., 4:30 p.m. Tickets $65; 25 and under-$25. Jun. 10-12Annunciation BVM Sch. Old Fashioned Family Carnival at 1150 Wharton St., rain or shine. All welcome. Jun. 11State Rep. Louise Bishop hosts Spring Fling Kids Health Fair at Universal Bluford Charter Sch., 5720 Media St., 4 p.m. Jun. 13Student Mayoral Forum for 7thand 8th-Graders with Mayor Nutter at Laboratory Charter Sch., 800 N. Orianna, 2 p.m.
Jun. 15Oxford Circle Chapter of National Active Retired Federal Employees meets at Northeast Older Adult Ctr., 8101 Bustleton Ave., 12 m. City Controller Alan Butkovitz to speak. Jun. 16American Diabetes Ass’n honors Michael A. Rashid, president of AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Cos., as 2011 Father of the Year honoree at 1200 Awards Dinner at Loews Hotel, cocktail reception 5:30 p.m., dinner 6:30 p.m. Jun. 17Annual Health Tech graduation at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, 3601 A St., 10 a.m. Funded by Kal & Lucille Rudman Foundation. RSVP Barbara A. Liccio (215) 427-5398.
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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
6 JUNE, 2011
Fitzpatrick Cut Red Tape For Havis Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Phila.-Bucks) joined Michael Bernert, president of Havis, Inc. yesterday at the company headquarters to highlight efforts to foster small business growth and job creation. “We have long said small businesses are the engine of economic growth and job creation,” said Fitzpatrick. “If we expect small businesses to expand and hire, we must give them the support to do so. We must not let excess government regulation stand in their way. Likewise, the federal tax code should incentivize not penalize businesses for adding employees.” Havis, Inc., is a Warminster-based manufacturer of public-safety products, including mounting systems for emergency vehicles across the United States. Last year, Havis was unable to get approval from the Environmental Protection Agency to expand its manufacturing facility, despite its compliance with the required regulations.
“After a lengthy, expensive, and often frustrating process, Congressman Fitzpatrick was able to help us cut through the red tape so that we are now able to expand our facilities and hire new employees,” said Michael Bernert, president of Havis, Inc. “It is important that government support job creation, not impede it.” In addition to highlighting the need to reduce excessive regulation that prevents job creation, Fitzpatrick also announced legislation to incentivize job creation. This proposed legislation will provide a, one-time, $1,000 tax credit to any small business that hires a new employee. The tax credit will be available for one year after the Act is passed. “During these economic times, the tax code should allow businesses to flourish instead of drown. This Act will help foster small business growth and facilitate new hiring,” added Fitzpatrick.
Harrisburg Is Abuzz With Protests Protestors took turns today at the State Capitol today, hoping to sway the General Assembly toward their favored causes. State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) and other lawmakers joined the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance at noon, along with arts and cultural organizations from across Pennsylvania, to protest the budget currently before the Pennsylvania General Assembly. If enacted, HB 1485 will reduce or eliminate funding to major cultural institutions, arts and music education programs, community-development projects and to arts and cultural programs across the state.
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Our State spends relatively little on arts and culture, protestors argued; in return, though, this sector provides 62,000 jobs and generates almost $300 million in State and local tax revenues. The cuts would amount to a 70% reduction to the granting budget of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the major State arts granting agency. A half-hour later, new demonstrators stepped up to call for stricter controls on Marcellus Shale gasdrilling development. The rally and lobby day is sponsored by the following organizations: Pennsylvania Campaign for
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Clean Water, Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, PennEnvironment, Gas Truth of Central Pennsylvania, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, Physicians for Social Responsibility Philadelphia, Marcellus Protest, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Green Party of Philadelphia, Mountain Watershed Association and Responsible Drilling Alliance. Josh Fox, the documentary filmmaker who created Gasland, spoke at the rally, along with State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery).
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Chris Matthews, Mayor Nutter Duet Live On ‘Hardball’ Tomorrow Philadelphia native Chris Matthews and Mayor Michael A. Nutter will lead a discussion on education challenges and solutions in a Special Edition of MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews”. A public dialogue around education will air live in Philadelphia on a special telecast of “MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews.” Also participating in the discussion will be First Lady Lisa Nutter, president of the Philadelphia Academies, Inc.
The show will be recorded at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street. Public audience participation for the show’s taping is encouraged; it is suggested, however, that you arrive early for preferable seating. Showtime is at 5 p.m. “Education Nation On-The-Road” tour is sponsored by America’s Promise Alliance.
Mayor Nutter Launches Philadelphia Works Mayor Michael A. Nutter and new Board Chairman Joseph A. Frick announced a reorganization of the city’s workforce-development system with the creation of Philadelphia Works, Inc., replacing both the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corp. and the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board. The new organization, which will be created during the next year, will reform the workforce system, making it a source of “one-stop shopping” for both employers and employees. “Our existing workforce system provided many services to employers and potential employees, but it needs to be easier to navigate and better aligned with our economic development initiatives,” Mayor Nutter said. “By connecting policy more clearly to program and implementation efforts, we’ll be able to maximize our funding resources, improve services to adults and youth and create a more effective, user-friendly system.” The Philadelphia Works, Inc. board 4|
of directors will be led by new Chairman Joseph A. Frick. Frick previously served for six years as president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. He is currently vice chairman and managing partner at Diversified Search. Frick also has extensive board service, including a two-year term as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. “This reorganization is a major step toward making the workforce system more efficient and transparent,” said Frick. “This will provide a more-strategic approach to tying together the needs of both employers and job seekers, with a special focus on a stronger relationship with the business community.” Mayor Nutter announced in June 2010 his intentions to reform the workforce development system. The City of Philadelphia engaged Corporation for a Skilled Workforce in September 2010 to perform an independent assessment of the system. CSW, in partnership with HR Consultants, issued a report, the results THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
of which were announced today. Mark Edwards, who serves as the president and CEO of the PWDC, will assume a similar position at Philadelphia Works, Inc. He’ll be responsible for more than 170 employees and an annual budget in excess of $100 million for workforce development activities within Philadelphia. Eric Nelson, the interim CEO of the Philadelphia WIB, will serve as the new organization’s CEO. “We have a significant task ahead of us, not only with creating the new organization, but with a workforce system struggling with a less-thanideal economy,” Edwards said. “This merger will help us connect the research and policy arm of the organization with our public investments and will provide accountability for the organization.” In the words of Frick, “it will also increase transparency.” The merger and transition of the organizations are expected to be completed by May 2012. 6 JUNE, 2011
Mosquito Spraying Set For Airport To Control West Nile Virus Weather permitting, the Dept. of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with the Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health, will conduct aerial larval-mosquito treatments during the morning hours of Wednesday, Jun. 8. Due to above-average rainfall this season, the mosquito population has the potential to be particularly high this year. The helicopter, based out of the Philadelphia International Airport, will spray along both sides of I-95 at wastewater treatment plants near Penrose Ferry Road and the Betsy Ross Bridge, and in wetlands on the eastern side of the airport. High populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus prompted the need to spray. The treatments will dispense VectoLex, a biological granular pesticide product, at a rate of 10 to 20 pounds per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of larval mosquito populations that breed in these habitats. There will be no aerial spraying for adult mosquitoes. Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which may cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis. There have been no confirmed human cases in Pennsylvania this year. Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquitobreeding areas, including: Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water on your
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property. Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed. Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers. Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains. Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants. Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk: Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes. Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes. When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October. Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
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Kids Run For The George Fund At Keystone Hospice
GAIL INDERWIES, founder and executive director of Keystone Hospice, welcomes Chaku the clown (aka Charlene Kurland), to the second annual Kids Run for The George Fund at Keystone Hospice. Approximately 200 children participating in various races, based on age groups between one and twelve years of age. Photos by Bonnie Squires
ELLEN PAPPERT, who, with her husband Jerry Pappert, Esq., co-founded The George Fund at Keystone Hospice in Wyndmoor, is surrounded by kids who have earned their medals from one of the races held on Sunday. Event grossed $20,000 for pediatric services. Ellen & Jerry Pappert created The George Fund in 2008, in memory of their little boy George, in order to provide the kinds of pediatric-hospice services which Keystone Hospice provided for them and their family. 6|
THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
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