Vol. III No. 20 (390)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
February 2, 2012
Philadelphia Daily Record
Be Prepared
AFTER A YEAR of epochal disasters, there is a focus at both national and municipal levels on emergency-readiness planning. See stories beginning Page 3.
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Calendar State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Borwn kicks off campaign at Parkside Ave. Banquet Ha., 4942 Parkside Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info Kim Gilmore (610) 766-2566. Feb. 4Green Night Out features Prof. Eileen Appelbaum to discuss “Paid Sick Leave & Paid Sick Days” at Singapore Restaurant, 1006 Race St., 7 p.m. Space is limited, so RSVP Green Party at (215) 243-7103. Feb. 4Chris Vogler holds “Dash For Delegate” fundraiser at SmokeEater’s Pub, 7681 Frankford Ave., 7-10 p.m. Donation $40. Make checks payable to Friends of Chris Vogler PAC. For info Bob Cummings (267) 471-9607. Feb. 8Judge Angelo Foglietta is sworn in at City Hall Rm. 653, 4:00 p.m. Reception follows at Law Library. Feb. 9Steve Aldrich of IBEW Local 269 invites all to reception in honor of State Rep. Tina Davis at Bailey’s Bar & Grille, 6922 Bristol Emilie Rd., Levittown, Pa. Host $1,000, Patron $500, Friend. $250, Supporter, $50. RSVP Seth Skversky (215) 550-1186. Feb. 10State Rep. Curtis Thomas holds Job Fair at Feb. 4-
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People for People, 800 N. Broad St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 10Fundraiser for cancer survivor Vicki Cummings at SmokeEaters Pub, 7681 Frankford Ave., 7-10 p.m. Donation $35. If you cannot make event, donation to “Friends of Vicki Cummings” c/o The Lucas Family, 3128 Cottman Ave., Phila., PA 19149. For info Friendsofvickicummings@yahoo.com. Feb. 10Arthur Green presents 14th Ward Pre-Valentine’s Day Cabaret at Barber’s Ha., Broad & Oxford Sts., 9 p.m.-??? Donation $10. For info Arthur Green (267) 986-7948. Feb. 10-12- Penna. Progressive Summit at Convention Ctr., Broad & Arch Sts. Variety of registration fees, $50$150. For info paprogressivesummit.org. Feb. 13Fundraiser for State Rep candidate Al Simpson at Breen’s Pub, Huntingdon Pk., 6-9 p.m. Ticket, $35, sold at door. Feb. 21Alliance Française de Philadelphie Mardi Gras celebration at Restaurant School, 4207 Walnut St., 6:30 p.m. Roaring ’20s theme, prize for best costume. Tickets $60. For info (215) 735-5283.
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Casey Pushes Obama Administration To Prepare For Disasters US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) is urging the Obama administration to robustly fund grant programs that help Pennsylvania communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. “In the wake of a string of unprecedented disasters in Pennsylvania, now is not the time to cut programs that help our communities prepare for and respond to a range of threats,” said the Senator. “We cannot afford to cut disaster
preparedness and response programs while many regions are still recovering from last year’s flooding.” In letters to the Office of Management and Budget and the Dept. of Homeland Security, Casey pushed the agencies to request robust funding for Preparedness Grant Programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These programs fund grants for homeland security,
emergency management and first responders. Many of these programs experienced cuts in fiscal years 2011 and 2012, forcing communities to sacrifice measures to improve disaster preparedness. As the federal agencies finalize their 2013 budget requests, Casey is urging them to request robust funding and pledged to advocate for appropriate resources throughout the fiscal year 2013 budget cycle.
City Rolls Out Its Hazard Plan Next Week The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management invites the public to learn about the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan being developed for Philadelphia. The plan will be rolled out on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Free Library of Philadelphia, main lobby, 1901 Vine Street. Residents will have an opportunity to view a series of poster displays featuring the natural hazards, as well as provide their feedback and concerns about natural hazards in their community. The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will address a comprehensive list of natural hazards – droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, wind storms and tornadoes, hurricanes and tropical
storms, Nor’easters, and severe winter storms – that may impact Philadelphia. In addition, OEM will provide a risk assessment, which includes prioritizing the natural hazards that have the potential of impacting Philadelphia. The purpose of the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to human life or property from natural disasters through cost-effective and sustained mitigation actions. OEM will continue to hold a series of meetings through mid-February around Philadelphia to rollout the various components of the plan. Future components of the plan will focus on identifying short- and long-term mitigation strategies for reducing risks associated with the natural hazards.
Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Liam O’Keefe encourages the public to the attend meetings. “It’s important for us to hear about Philadelphians’ concerns about natural hazards that could impact their neighborhoods, so we welcome them to attend any of the upcoming meetings,” he stressed. One additional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan public meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Salvation Army Tabernacle Corps, 3150 N. Mascher Street. The public is encouraged to visit www.phila.gov/ready to: • Find more information about natural hazards that can affect Philadelphia;
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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD • Sending an email to • Get a copy of the Natural Hazoem@phila.gov ards Plan Questionnaire; • Obtain a listing of future public meetings about the plan; • Learn how to prepare for natural hazards; and • Sign up for emergency text alerts from ReadyNotifyPA. The public can submit comments about the plan through several options:
• Calling 3-1-1 to request a copy of the Natural Hazards Plan Questionnaire • Mailing the questionnaire to Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, • Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123, ATTN: Hazards Mitigation Plan.
• Attending a public meeting and completing a Natural Hazards Plan Questionnaire
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Toomey Writes Bill To Exempt Religious From Health-Care Order US Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) yesterday co-sponsored the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 (S 2043) which would provide a religious exemption from a Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act regulation forcing members of religious entities to violate their deeply held religious beliefs or potentially pay a heavy financial penalty.
lations that they serve.
The rule requires all group and individual health plans to provide coverage for prescription contraceptives and female sterilization, exempting only those religious employers who primarily serve and employ individuals who share their religious tenets. Catholic and other denominational hospitals, universities, colleges, nursing homes and charities would find it virtually impossible to comply with this narrow exemption, given the diverse workforces and popu-
The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and is also cosponsored by Sens. John Bozeman (R-Ark.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Ida.), Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Mike Lee (R-Ut.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Rand Paul (R-
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act ensures that employers have the opportunity to provide health coverage for their employees that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions, without fear of being penalized or discriminated against under PPACA.
Ky.), James Risch (R-Ida.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), John Thune (RS.D.), David Vitter (R-La.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). The text of the legislation is available here. “I am extremely concerned that this regulation would force religious employers to violate their religious beliefs in order to keep their doors open,” Toomey said. “Many Pennsylvania hospitals, charities and schools have expressed concerns about the effect this new regulation would have on their ability to operate and provide important community services. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act alleviates this problem exempting institutions with religious and moral objections. I hope President Obama will work with Congress and grant a meaningful exemption to protect the rights of religious entities.”
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SEPTA Creates Wheelchair Access At Subway Stops
IN SUBURBAN STATION this morning, SEPTA demonstrates new access systems for handicapped passengers. At special platform locations, wheelchair-bound riders will find plates available to bridge gap to train, as demonstrated here. Blind riders will also have special access assistance.
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Judiciary Should Be Allowed to Make Budget Presentation, Hughes Says Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-W. Phila.) strongly suggested Senate Republicans reconsider their decision to cancel the budget hearing for State courts and allow justices to discuss their financial needs before the full Appropriations Committee. The judiciary’s hearing was scheduled for Feb. 23. Hughes was notified earlier this week of the abrupt cancellation. The cancellation was announced less than a week after the Supreme Court rejected the State legislative-redistricting plan. Hughes’ objection to the cancellation was contained in a Jan. 31 letter sent to the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, State Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre). “The court should be given the opportunity to come before the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss its budgetary needs for the next fiscal year,” Hughes said. “In these lean times, it is important for the members of the Appropriations Committee to hear directly from courts since they are one of the three co-equal branches of government. “The failure to learn about the funding needs of the courts through the budget hearing process reduces transparency and accountability.”
In his letter to Corman, Hughes said his concern was there should never be even the slightest appearance that future actions by this committee and the General Assembly could be influenced by the Supreme Court’s redistricting rulings. “As committee chairmen, we must be particularly sensitive to this concern for both of our caucuses. Unless your decision resulted from a court-initiated request seeking more time to prepare for their hearing, your action appears inappropriate.” Hughes said in the letter it was important that separation of powers among the branches of government be maintained and that the legislature “must never take any action to call our respect for their independence into question.” The West Philadelphia lawmaker asked for an immediate action on his reconsideration request.
Muslims Grateful Council Opposes Anti-Shari’a Law The Council on American-Islamic Relations Philadelphia office and the Philadelphia Arab-American Community Development Corporation welcome the introduction of Philadelphia City Council Resolution 120031 which urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly to
reject HB 2029. The resolution is expected to pass unanimously today during the Philadelphia City Council session. Currently in the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, the legislative intent of HB 2029 is evidenced by a memo from its sponsor, State Rep. Rosemarie Swanger (R-Lebanon), who asserted it is designed to protect against the “infiltration” of foreign law into the American legal system, “especially Shari’a law,” the practices and beliefs that comprise Islam, “which is inherently hostile to our constitutional liberties.” The legislation is part of anti-shari’a hysteria sweeping the nation in which shari’a, the religion of Islam and by extension all Muslim citizens are depicted as threats to the constitution. CAIR-Philadelphia and local interfaith leaders held a news conference in December expressing opposition to the bill. Since then, people of all faiths and various organizations have condemned the bill as unnecessary fear mongering. Jewish groups have expressed concern regarding the bill’s impact on halakha, or Jewish religious law. The language from the City Council resolution affirms the “City of Philadelphia welcomes all religious beliefs, traditions and heritages, and has full confidence in
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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the state of Pennsylvania and does not entertain any concern that any foreign or religious law offers a threat to the law of the land.” CAIR-Philadelphia and the PAACDC commend City Council Members Curtis Jones Jr. and Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez for introducing the resolution. CAIR-Philadelphia Civil Rights Director and staff attorney Amara S. Chaudhry, has prepared a memorandum in opposition to HB 2029. A hard copy of this memorandum will be shipped to each member of the House Judiciary Committee early next week. The memorandum notes every court that has considered the constitutionality of such legislation has ruled in favor of CAIR against the proposed legislation. “Since the Pennsylvania city with the largest Muslim population has
not been overrun by shari’a law, we can be sure the rest of the state is perfectly safe from halal food carts and long clothing,” said CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Moein Khawaja. “HB 2029 is a farce. It is by design impossible for any foreign system to supersede the constitution. By introducing this bill, the sponsors imply that the thousands of Muslims in Pennsylvania are a threat. I am relieved to know the city of Philadelphia is one place in Pennsylvania where Muslims, and the diverse religious practices of all people, are welcome.” The language for HB 2029 was drafted by anti-Islam activist David Yerushalmi. Yerushalmi is head of the anti-Islam hate group Society of Americans for National Existence, which on its now password-protected website offered a policy proposal that would make “adherence to Islam” punishable by 20 years in prison, called for
the immediate deportation of all non-citizen Muslims and urged Congress to declare war on the “Muslim Nation,” which SANE defined as “all Muslims.” CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. The Philadelphia Arab-American Community Development Corporation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1997. The organization’s mission is to empower the Arab American community in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, promote its economic development, and combat racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination
City Tax Revenues $32 Million Below Initial Projections, Controller Reports City Controller Alan Butkovitz released his December 2011 monthly economic report that identifies a shortfall of $31.6 million in City general fund tax revenues through the first half of FY12. The lower-than-expected tax revenue collections were determined by comparing the City’s FY12 initial budget projections to the actual tax collections recorded for 8|
the first six months of the fiscal year. In almost every major tax category, the City’s collections are below initial projections. These tax shortfalls include the following: Wage/Earn/NPT million Business Privilege lion Real Estate lion
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-$10.3
Realty Transfer -$4.9 million Combined Other Taxes -$3.3 million The City’s shortfall compared to budget projections mirror a similar finding recently reported for the Pennsylvania State budget.
-$7.7 mil-$7 mil-
Sales tax collections totaling $122.9 million through the first six months are the only tax revenue
THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD that has exceeded its initial budget projection of $121.3, posting a gain for the City of $1.6 million. Along with reviewing City tax revenues, the City Controller’s economic report shows that the City’s unemployment rate of 10.1% marks the fourth consecutive month of decline. Wholesale and retail employment in the City increased by 700 jobs, from the previous reporting month. The Controller’s economic report is compiled on a monthly basis and includes an Economic Snapshot and Forecast, as well as real estate information and other local statistics. These reports are circulated every month to assist key decision makers in understanding and anticipating local and national economic trends. The Controller’s economic report is a useful tool for policy makers and analysts in understanding our regional and local economy. To view the Economic Forecast and Monthly Snapshot, please visit the City Controller’s website at www.philadelphiacontroller.org.
Greens Bash Nutter On Crime Prevention On Jan. 26, Mayor Michael Nutter presented his new crime-fighting measures, which were widely reported. “As if to publicize the monophonic nature of the new plan,” said Green Party spokesman Chris Robinson, “Nutter was accompanied by Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and DA Seth Williams, both of whom represent law enforcement.
“The Green Party of Philadelphia points to the fact Nutter’s new measures sound much like previous plans, with an emphasis on militarization of the anti-crime effort. The Mayor specifically called them ‘fighting measures,’ relying on an increase in new police, additional overtime for police, stricter enforcement of gun laws and new surveillance technology. Nutter also wants better coordination of federal, state and local police agencies.” The Green Party City Committee says, “Nutter’s tired and one-sided approach to crime fails to consider important complementary strategies, such as building community, protecting human rights, revitalizing the economy, and providing citizens with education, jobs and health care. These types of strategies, which the Green Party supports, offer alternatives to mass incarceration and an endless revolving door back to prison for offenders.” Vivek Ananthan, chair of the GPOP City Committee, said, “Greens believe community is the basic unit of politics because that is where each member of society can have an impact. Community involvement should be the foundation of any public policy, including crime prevention. I did not hear that in Nutter’s presentation.” “Oh, this is not right,” said Carol McLean, the Greens’ membership secretary, added, “Law enforcement never deals with the socioeconomic causes of the problem.”
of the Green City Committee, said, “Nutter missed his chance to end the War on Drugs and replace it with a War on Unemployment. Drug addiction can be cured through universal single-payer health care. What we need now is full employment with a living wage for everyone. This will require the revitalization of Philadelphia’s economy through a Green New Deal.” “Nutter’s crime-reduction measures rely on a racially discriminatory increase in the prison population. Greens believe racially selective mass incarceration is wrong,” emphasized Robinson. “Greens would rather see Nutter end the school-to-prison pipeline.”
Cade Claims 2k Sigs In Underdog Statewide Race West Philadelphian Devon Cade is mounting a Democratic primary campaign for the office of State Auditor General. He has announced the groundwork for a statewide campaign to get on the ballot. “My campaign for Pennsylvania Auditor General has 2,000 signatures, and counting. With our campaign office in North Philadelphia, and we are about to open another office in Pittsburgh,” said Cade. “My team and I will be in Montgomery Co., Delaware Co., Luzerne Co., Northampton Co. and Northumberland Co. Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” he continued.
Hugh Giordano, at-large member • PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM
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