Vol. II No. 146 (306)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
September 23, 2011
Philadelphia Daily Record
Looks Like Seth’s Kosher RABBI SOLOMON ISAACSON joined many other Phila. dignitaries at elite fundraiser for DA Seth Williams at Union Trust steakhouse in Washington Square last night. More pics page 8.
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Sep. 25Vendemmia Wine & Food Festival, Girard Park, 21st & Porter Sts., 2-7 p.m. supporting Students of Italian heritage in S. Phila. For info www.vendemmifoundation.org. Sep. 26Spirit of Life Award Reception hosted by Tri State Labor & Mgmt. Council honor AFL-CIO President Richard W. Bloomingdale and Edward J. Radetich, Jr., CPA and Kyler Award honoree Penna. AFT President Ted Kirsch at Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd. & Dock St., 6-9 p.m. Sep. 27Score Philadelphia, Counselors to Small Business, host free technology seminar to help small business grow at Penna. Convention Ctr., 13th & Arch. Seating limited, complimentary lunch. 8:00 a.m.-4:15 pm. For details and to register www.scorephila.org. Sep. 28Democratic Ward 39B Fundraiser at EOM Club, Front & Moore Sts., 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $50. For info Matt Myers (215) 467-4643. Sep. 30Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco hosts “Party for the People” at H&H Banquet Hall, 2036 E. Haines St., (Haines & Limekiln Pk.), 8 a.m.-12 p.m. $35 in advance. Seating limited. BYOB cabaret style. For tickets (215) 4373294, ext. 209. Oct. 1 Fishtown Neighbors Association hosts RiverCity Festival at Penn Treaty Pk., Delaware & Columbia Aves., 12-5 p.m. Family fun. Oct. 2St. Nicholas Ch. Italian Festival on 1700 block S. 9th St., 12-5 p.m., THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
with Procession of Saints from St. Nicholas Tolentine Ch. at 12:30 p.m. Family event. Admission free. Italian food, entertainment, games. Oct. 7Mayfair Civic Ass’n hosts Autistic Endeavors Beef & Beer at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets $30. For info Barbara (215) 360-1569. Oct. 9World Premier of modern opera “Adea” by Pennsylvania composer Cynthia Cozette at Lutheran Ch. of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St., 3 p.m., followed by reception. Free-will offering will be collected. For info (215) 567-3668. Oct. 11Prevent A Child From Abuse fundraiser art at Tavern On Broad at Bellevue, Broad & Walnut Sts., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Joseph Pultrone. Tickets $50. For info, tickets, and other details Joe (267) 977-3776. Oct. 15W. Poplar NASC hosts Fall Fashion Show & Luncheon at Zoar United Methodist Ch., 1204 Melon St., 2 p.m. Donation $20. For info (215) 765-0960. Oct. 16-22 Mt. Zion Baptist Ch. hosts 97th annual Church Anniversary kickoff Concert at 50th & Woodland Ave., 3 p.m. Revival will be held Oct. 19-21, 7 p.m. All events free and open to public. For info (215) 7240619. Oct. 22Philly Cares Day targets South Philadelphia HS at Broad & Snyder Ave., 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For info or to volunteer call Matthew Mumber (215) 564-4544. 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Gates, Receiving Liberty Medal, Slams Partisan Extremism In measured but forthright words, Gates spoke as he accepted the award of disturbing developments in American political life. ABC News Correspondent Bob Woodruff hosted the live event, which also featured presentations by Pennsylvania Gov. Thomas W. Corbett and actress and star of Army Wives Kim Delaney. Action News Anchorman Jim Gardner hosted the live broadcast of the ceremony on WPVI-TV/6abc.
Former US Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates received the National Constitution Center’s 2011 Liberty Medal last night in honor of his five decades of distinguished service. In what was a moving tribute to Dr. Gates’ role as the “Soldiers’ Secretary,” Iraq War veteran Anthony Odierno, representing Wounded Warrior Project, and SFC Dana Graham, of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, representing the USO of Pennsylvania and Southern NJ (Liberty USO), joined Center President and CEO David Eisner to present the prestigious medal to Dr. Gates. The public ceremony took place last evening.
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Appearing in video tributes throughout the ceremony were President George H.W. Bush, under whom Gates served as Director of the CIA; President Bill Clinton, Chair of the National Constitution Center Board of Trustees; President George W. Bush, who originally appointed Gates to the post of Secretary of Defense in 2006; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with whom Gates worked closely during his final term as Secretary of Defense under President Obama; former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who Gates recently succeeded as chancellor of the College of William and Mary; and Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. In his five-decade career in public service, Dr. Gates has served eight presidents – in uniform, as the director of the CIA and as the civilian head of America’s armed forces. From the era of the Cold War to the complex challenges of THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
the 21st century, he helped transform U.S. intelligence and military operations to meet emerging realities, and advocated for the safety and empowerment of American servicemen and women. Having served both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, Dr. Gates is the only Secretary of Defense in US history to serve presidents of different parties. He retired from the post on Jun. 30, 2011. National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner said that this year’s award recognizes an individual who truly embodies the values of our Constitution: “Dr. Robert Gates is a leader who would make our Founding Fathers proud. He exemplifies the spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation that gave life to our democracy – a spirit that is increasingly rare today.” Having served under seven Presidents from both parties, and given decades of his life to public service, Dr. Gates believes we are now in “uncharted territory when it comes to the dysfunction in our political system.” Dr. Gates outlined three developments in his acceptance speech that he believes have put us in this predicament. Dr. Gates believes we need to overhaul the process of setting electoral districts to ensure that candidates for Congress are forced to appeal to the moderates in their |
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party and even members of the other parties, like candidates for president in a general election. Under current rules, Gates believes the Party primaries force politicians to cater only to the “hardcore ideological elements of their base.” Similarly, when one party wins a “wave election,” the party in power tends to rule by force, making it more likely that the minority will seek retribution (or at least overturn policies and agendas) when the pendulum swings back. Gates called for more humility in victory, and a search for “broadly supported policies” to address the problems we face as a nation. Gates cited the Cold War in the mid-20th century as the best historical example of a consistent political strategy implemented across
multiple presidencies and congresses. “Those who think they alone have the right answers, who demonize those who think differently, and who refuse to listen and take other points of view into account — these leaders are a danger to the American people and to our future,” commented Dr. Gates.
larizing factors have crowded out the moderate center in politics, which he characterized as the foundation of our political system. “Just at the time this country needs more continuity, more bipartisanship, and more compromise,” he said, “all the trends are pointing in the opposite direction.”
While the reporting and distribution of news has become more democratic over time, according to Gates it has given rise to extreme and vitriolic points of view that are unfiltered and easily disseminated to a wide audience. He suggests that the democratization of news has actually “dumbed down” the national political dialogue over the past two decades.
Casey Blasts China Currency Manipulation
Dr. Gates said these and other po-
The report released by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and the Alliance for American Manufacturing highlights the need to take action against China’s unfair trade practices, especially manipulation of its currency.
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A new report shows the US trade deficit with China cost 106,970 Pennsylvania jobs between 2001 and 2010 and a total of nearly 2.8 million jobs in the United States.
As a result, US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee said, “As I have talked with business owners and workers throughout Pennsylvania, I have heard repeated stories of how China’s policies have created an uneven playing field. This report gives another example of just how unfair trade with China has had on Pennsylvania and the United States. One basic step that should be taken immediately is to pass legislation to force action against China’s currency manipulation.” Casey said the US Senate will soon take up currency manipula-
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tion legislation that should be quickly passed, signed into law and implemented. According to the EPI report: “Of the nearly 2.8 million jobs lost or displaced, 1.9 million of them were in manufacturing. These
jobs represent nearly half of all U.S. manufacturing jobs lost between 2001 and 2010.” The report also states that foreign competition has led to lower wages for workers in US manufacturing. Senator Casey has been a vocal
opponent of Chinese currency manipulation. He has repeatedly called on the Obama Administration to more aggressively confront China and he is pushing legislation that would make it harder for the Administration to avoid taking action against China.
Stack, Treasury Host Webinar On 529 College Savings Plan Families who are looking to save for their child’s higher education have a unique opportunity to learn more about a State-run tuition savings plan by logging in to an upcoming free webinar, hosted by state Sen. Mike Stack and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Treasury. The webinar, “Saving for College with the PA 529 College Savings Program” will take place on Monday, Sep. 26 at 7 p.m. Register online at www.senatorstack.com. Participants must have an Internet connection and a Windows 7, Vista, XP or 2003, or Mac OS X 10.5 or newer server. “The 529
College Savings Program is a smart, safe way for families to invest in their child’s higher education,” Stack said. “Get the facts at this upcoming informative webinar and start saving for your child’s education.” Administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Dept., the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program allows families to invest in their child’s college education through two plans and many investment options that have helped over 150,000 families of all income levels answer one of their biggest financial concerns — how to afford
college. Learn about 529 plan basics, including the tax benefits, financial aid impact, and setting savings goals and have your questions answered by a program specialists. In addition, free enrollment in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan is available through September. Visit www.senatorstack.com, click on the “College Saving Program” link and use the coupon code “STACK” to have the $50 enrollment fee waived upon enrolling in the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan.
Sen. Farnese Promotes Port Growth State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) joined port and labor leader as Gov. Tom Corbett released $15 million to continue the Delaware River dredging project. The new funds, in addition to Farnese’s leadership in creating the Southport Marine Terminal, could potentially bring thousands of new jobs to Philadelphia.
phia, but it will create jobs,” said the Senator. “And a deeper Delaware River is one of the last major hurdles to making the Southport Marine Terminal a reality. Together, these projects will strengthen our economy and put Philadelphia on the map as a regional and global competitor for marine cargo.”
“A deeper Delaware River will not only bring larger ships to Philadel-
The newly released money will be used to deepen an additional five
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miles of the Delaware River’s main shipping channel to accommodate larger ships, many of which will be destined for the new Southport Marine Terminal. Southport Marine Terminal Last year, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed HB 666 creating the Southport Marine Terminal. The legislation’s prime sponsor was State Rep. Bill Keller (D-S. Phila.) and Farnese worked with |
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Keller to successfully deliver the bill to the Governor’s desk. When completed, the Southport Marine Terminal will be a tremendous economic boost to the region in addi-
tion to creating thousands of jobs for Philadelphia’s longshoremen, truck drivers, crane operators and support professionals. Farnese’s legislation, which was officially
approved by the Governor this year, transferred 180 acres of Navy Yard land from the City to the State for the project.
Mayor Seeks Winter Curfew For Youth Mayor Michael A. Nutter has proposed legislation to extend and expand the City of Philadelphia’s curfew for minors as part of a coordinated response to “flash mobs” and teen violence, including more enforcement and sustainable, positive opportunities for young people. “Legislation has been introduced by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown to tackle this issue citywide because we know the strategy we have implemented in Center City and University City is effective,” said the Mayor Nutter. “I thank Councilwoman Reynolds Brown for her leadership on this issue and her willingness to sponsor this important bill on behalf of Philadelphia’s families.” With the introduction of the proposed curfew bill, the Administration seeks to provide the Philadelphia Police with an important tool to prevent youth violence. The bill lowers the current curfew time and simplifies the current curfew scheme by imposing standard times for the school year and extending the curfew by one hour during the summer months. In the proposed bill, the curfew will be the same time seven days a week from September to June. Likewise, for seven days a week in the summer the curfew will be the same 6|
just one hour later than the school year curfew. The current bill takes differences between age groups into consideration by allowing for older teens to stay out longer than younger teens. Those aged 13 and younger need to be home by 8:00 p.m. during the school year and 9:00 p.m. during the summer. Teens aged 14-15 need to be home by 9:00 p.m. during the school year and 10:00 p.m. during the summer. Older teens aged 16-17 need to be home at 10:00 p.m. during the school year and 11:00 p.m. in the summer. “We began the process this summer by addressing the problem of flash-mobs in targeted areas by placing emphasis on geographic locations where the violence was occurring, but we heard loud and clear from the public that this approach needed to be applied across the city, and that’s what we’re doing,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison. “The City will continue to offer expanded hours at selected recreation centers on Friday and Saturday nights, and we’re working with the Youth Commission to plan more activities and programming for next summer, but we wanted to do introduce this bill now because we know that the legislative process takes time. In the THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
interim, the Mayor’s orders will be extended and we will continue the targeted-area approach until this legislation becomes law with the help of City Council.” “Cutting crime amongst minors is going take the involvement of the government, parents and faithbased organizations. Can we legislate good parenting? Probably not, but when government can step in, we should step in and consider preventive measures to help parents realize that they have an enormous responsibility. There is no silver bullet to resolve this complicated matter impacting children and youth,” said Reynolds Brown. The bill also increases the penalties for parents whose children are in violation of the curfew and imposes parental liability for the criminal acts committed by children. Minors who are caught breaking curfew will be sent home, brought home or transported to a police station where their parents will be contacted and issued a fine of $75 within 10 days. The penalties for violation of the curfew will not exceed $500. If parents do not get their child within a reasonable time, the PPD will contact the Dept. of Human Services to initiate an investigation. If a child is found liable or guilty by a court for injury, theft or 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011
other criminal acts, the parents will is about a comprehensive commube liable to the person who sufnity approach and this bill is one fered the injury or loss of property. piece of that puzzle.” “To be clear: this is not a revenue bill; we don’t want to fine people. We want to ensure that parents are taking responsibility for their children, that’s the key,” added Mayor Nutter. “I have been encouraged by the public response over the last few weeks; Philadelphia’s parents have really stepped up and we want to build on that progress. This is not just about policing, this
The eight recreation centers with extended hours to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights are the following: Vare Recreation Center 2600 Morris Street Myers Recreation Center 5800 Kingsessing Avenue Kingsessing Recreation Center
5000 Chester Avenue Shepard Recreation Center 5700 Haverford Avenue Athletic Recreation Center 140127 North 27th Street McVeigh Recreation Center 40064 D Street Feltonville Recreation Center 23131 E. Wyoming Avenue Lonnie Young Recreation Center 1100 E. Chelten Avenue
Fattah Wins Health Advocacy Award, Announces $3.6 Grants For Penn, CHOP Congressman Chaka Fattah (DPhila.), honored this week for his “fierce advocacy for health issues,” announced the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have received grants totaling more than $3.6 million for research and community programs for children’s and women’s health. Fattah, a senior appropriator and advocate for health and scientific research on the House Appropriations Committee, was honored with the Vanguard Award of the National Caucus on Arthritis & Musculoskeletal Health Disparities at its “Movement is Life” reception on Capitol Hill in Washington. “I’m honored to receive this award and I am pleased to advocate for the federally-funded, cutting edge research that is being doing in Philadelphia and elsewhere on the arthritis, musculoskeletal health and many other 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011
critical health initiatives,” Fattah said. The six grants, announced by Fattah, totaling $3,660,250 for Philadelphia’s University City institutions, have been awarded by health and research agencies of the National Institutes of Health at the US Depa. of Health & Human Services. They are: $1,471,443 to the Penn Center for Innovation in Personalized Breast Screening from the National Cancer Institute. This newly funded center seeks to improve breast-cancer screening outcomes by using the characteristics of individual patients. $372,000 to Penn for diabetic fracture-healing research from National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases. The study will focus on the increased risk of diabetes patients for delayed healing of fractures. $348,000 to Penn for a high-priority, short-term project researching mechanisms of fibrosis in children’s liver diseases from the National Institute of DiaTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
betes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases. $258,130 to Penn for a “Stop Smoking” study titled “Constructing Recommender Systems for Effective Health Messages: Smoking Cessation”, a grant from the National Cancer Institute. $719,268 to Children’s Hospital for nursing research in Transitional Telehealth Home Care: REACH, from the National Institute of Nursing Research. The program will pioneer a new approach to home monitoring, partnering with parents to help them recognize early changes in infant health status before an infant is in crisis. The program is a collaboration with Penn, where Dr. Barbara Medoff-Cooper of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Nursing is heading a study. $491,419 to Children’s Hospital for a new research grant for improving the quality of pediatric emergency care using electronic medical records, from the US Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality. |
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‘Steaking’ Their Bets On Seth
UNION TRUST, a former bank building on Chestnut Street, provided a stunning backdrop for a high-ticket fundraiser for DA Seth Williams. Midway through his first term, Williams is riding a wave of popularity and speculation about his political future is commonplace.
JEFF & SANDY BROWN, owners of Brown’s Family ShopRites, were glad to join Seth at this exclusive fundraiser.
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CANNY OLD HANDS in city politics attorney Tom Leonard and executive Marty Weinberg came to pay court to Williams.
JOINING Williams were members of law firm Mitts Milavec, LLC: Geoffrey Huling, Stanley Milavec and Maurice Mitts.
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Newt Gingrich At Philly Film Premiere The Independence Hall Tea Party Association will host presidential candidate Newt Gingrich to Philadelphia for the premiere showing of his film A City Upon A Hill this Tuesday, Sep. 27.
A 6 p.m. press conference will take place at the Independence Visitor Center Ballroom, 6th & Market Streets. (The film will be shown at same location around 7:30 p.m.)
“While we are extremely honored to have Speaker Gingrich address our group, the sponsorship of this event should in no way be construed as a presidential endorsement,” said Association President Teri Adams.
Councilman Jones To Testify In DC On Transportation District Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., will attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) and the 41st Annual Legislative Conference as a panel presenter for an issue forum on transportation and sustainable communities. Councilman Curtis, Jones Jr. serves as the Chair of Philadelphia City Council’s Committee of Transportation & Public Utilities. Given his commitment and leader-
ship role he will discuss future initiatives to assist with Philadelphia’s overall goal of a prominent and superb public transportation system and transit oriented development. “Public transportation is the background of flourishing neighborhoods and commercial corridors, without successful, safe, and the most modern transit options a City cannot flourish to its full capacity and capabilities,” said Jones.
“Transportation impacts everyday life, including employment opportunities, housing and education options, as well as access to health care, goods and services. Philadelphia is a unique city that appreciates the concept of transit-orientation and is building upon this initiative and I am proud to be a part of the leadership discussion to make our City’s publictransportation system even more accessible and valuable for residents as well as visitors.”
Penna. Ballet Opens 48th Season Pennsylvania Ballet bursts into the 2011-2012 season with a program packed with choreographic heavyweights, Russian Suite: Ratmansky and Balanchine. Featuring the North American premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s Jeu de Cartes plus two George Balanchine classics, Russian Suite: Ratmansky & Balanchine takes the Academy of Music stage Oct. 20-23. “These are two major dance icons on one program –Balanchine is a ballet legend, and Ratmansky is a legend in the making,” Artistic Director Roy Kaiser says. “Premier10 |
ing a Ratmansky work in the States is huge coup for the Company, and for Philadelphia.” Alexei Ratmansky originally created his bold, abstract Jeu de Cartes for the famed Bolshoi Ballet. Until now, no other company has performed the work. The French title translates to “The Card Game,” which for Ratmansky simply addresses the “gamble” of choreographing to Igor Stravinsky’s musical complexities. Called “the most sought-after man in ballet” by The New Yorker, Ratmansky draws on both his classical THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD
Russian training and Western influences. Two diverse treasures from Pennsylvania Ballet’s patriarch, the unparalleled George Balanchine, complete the program. Raymonda Variations was inspired by Balanchine’s love of Alexander Glazunov’s Raymonda and the music’s “grand and generous manner, its joy and playfulness.” Opening with a waltz for the principal ballerina and a corps of 12, the ballet is a practical A to Z of classical technique. 22 SEPTEMBER, 2011
Broadway meets ballet in Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Balanchine’s hilarious story of a dancer who falls in love with the girlfriend of a big mob boss. This “Chicago”style one-act features sassy, show-
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stopping choreography set to Richard Rodgers’ score. Tickets to Russian Suite: Ratmansky & Balanchine are on sale now, with prices ranging from $20 to
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$140. Tickets are available online at paballet.org, by phone at (215) 893-1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office.
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