Philadelphia Daily Record by The Public Record

Vol. III No. 50 (418)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

March 16, 2012

Philadelphia Daily Record

Picnic Supper

IMMEDIATELY DEFYING Mayor Michael Nutter’s announcement he intends to move feeding of Center City homeless indoors, out of public spaces, this group was running what it called “Liberty Café” on MSB Plaza as night fell yesterday.

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Mar. 15Commissioner Al Schmidt hosts fundraiser at Tír na nÓg, 1600 Arch St. Donations $100. Mar. 15Councilman Jim Kenney’s St. Patrick’s Day Party at Galdo’s, 20th & Moyamensing Ave., 6-8 p.m. Tickets at door, $35 each. Mar. 16State Sen. Michael Stack hosts St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Brookside Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike, Somerton Springs, Feasterville, Pa., 8 p.m-12 a.m. Tickets $40. For info Rosemary Rubino (215) 964-3140. Mar. 16-17- Programs for Teaching Educational Conference sponsored by Phila. Federation of Teachers Health & Welfare Fund at Sheraton, 17th & Race. 50 topics. State Rep. James Roebuck, special guest speaker. For info (215) 5612722. Mar. 17State Sen. Shirley Kitchen cohosts Women with Disabilities Expo at Resources for Human Development, 4700 Wissahickon Ave., 10 a.m.1 p.m. For info Zarifa Roberson (215) 200-8387. Mar. 17Pentecostal Clergy holds 12th Anniver-

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sary Breakfast at View, 800 N. Broad St., 7th fl., 7:30 a.m. Tickets $25. Full tables $250. Call Dorothy Sturgis (215) 991-9830. Mar. 17Judge Jimmy Lynn hosts St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast at Plough & Stars Restaurant, 2nd St. south of Chestnut, 7:30-11 a.m. Kids eat free. Traditional Irish breakfast and entertainment. Tickets $25 made out to Plough & Stars. For info (215) 6868330. Mar. 17State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas hosts 52 women over 90 and 114year-old Genoveva Rodriguez for breakfast at William H. Gray III Youth Ctr., 1601 N. 12th St., 10 a.m.

Mar.17Wreath Laying Ceremony at Irish Memorial, Front & Chestnut Sts. 11:00 a.m. For info John Donovan (215) 605-8845 jdonovan@compasinc.com. Mar. 17State Rep. Mark Cohen, NAACP and AARP host Health Fair at Zion Baptist Ch., 3600 N. Broad St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Screenings, workshops, pharmacist’s advice and more. For info Lenise Miller (267) 582-9489.

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Obama Movie Premieres

D.A. SETH WILLIAMS, left, joins crowd of Democrats to watch showing of new 17-minute campaign film for President Barack Obama. The Road We’ve Traveled was shown at grand opening of new Obama campaign office at 322 W. Chelten Avenue in Germantown last night. Williams, State Rep. Rosita Youngblood and Councilwoman Cindy Bass addressed house packed with 175 supporters. Williams fired up crowd saying, “Philadelphia voters worked harder than ever before in 2008, and if this room full of supporters is any indication, people here are excited and ready to work hard to make sure we do that again!” This is 12th office to open in Penna. and third in Phila.

Scaringi Hailed For Term-Limit Pledge US Term Limits, the leader in the national movement to limit terms for elected officials, praised Pennsylvania US Senate candidate Marc Scaringi for promising to support and cosponsor an amendment to the US Constitution limiting congressional terms. Philip Blumel commented on Scaringi’s pledge, saying, “Marc Scaringi is leading the way for the other candidates for Congress by being an early signer of the term limits pledge.

Scaringi’s commitment to returning to citizen government in Washington, D.C. is a beacon that should be followed by candidates across the nation.” The US Term Limits Amendment Pledge has been provided to every announced candidate for federal office. It reads, “I pledge that as a member of Congress I will cosponsor and vote for the US Term Limits Amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit.”

The US Term Limits Constitutional Amendment has been introduced in both the US Senate by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and the House of Representatives by Congressman David Schweikert (R-Ariz.). This session of Congress marks the first time in nearly 20 years a serious term limits-bill has appeared in both Houses with co-sponsorship. Blumel noted, “The dysfunction in Washington, D.C. has never been greater, and people have had enough of politics as usual.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD Many members of Congress are getting on board as they become increasingly frustrated with the status quo. Fortunately, with candidates like Marc Scaringi jumping into the fray, the political pressure for the constitutional amendment will continue building toward successful passage.” According to the last nationwide poll on term limits conducted by Public Opinion Dynamics for Fox News in September 2010, the issue

enjoys wide bipartisan support. The poll showed 78% of Americans support congressional term limits, including 74% of independents and 74% of the nation’s Democrats. The term limits amendment bills would require a twothirds majority vote in the House and Senate, and ratification by 38 states in order to become part of the Constitution.

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Pennsylvanians: They Don’t Do Politics Keystone Staters are quite fond of talking and working with their neighbors – only not about politics. As Pennsylvania’s pivotal primary election nears, a new Census-based report reveals its citizens are less politically engaged than citizens in other parts of the country. Released yesterday by the National Constitution Center, the state’s second annual Civic Health Index ranks Pennsylvania last in the nation in the percentage of citizens who talk frequently about politics with friends and family. The Pennsylvania Civic Health Index was produced in partnership between the National Conference on Citizenship, the National Constitution Center and the Center for Democratic Deliberation at the Pennsylvania State University. The comprehensive report provides a measure of civic habits such as voting, volunteering, community connectedness and many other indicators, which can collectively capture different levels of participation in our democracy. The report combines these individual measures of civic health into three composite measures: political action, social connectedness and public work (i.e., at-

tending meetings and working with neighbors to fix community problems). The report was authored by Professor J. Michael Hogan and Mark Hlavacik of Pennsylvania State University. “The Pennsylvania Civic Health Index highlights the strong fabric of community and family life across the state, but also shines light on the need to provide more meaningful pathways to civic participation in the public square,” says David B. Smith, Executive Director of NCoC. Pennsylvania ranked in the lowest third of states in virtually all measures of political action in this year’s assessment. One indicator of civic health where Pennsylvania showed a deep decline: the frequency with which citizens discuss politics with their family and friends. Only 20.9% of Pennsylvanians talked frequently about politics in 2010, ranking 50th in the nation. This is down significantly from 34.7% in last year’s report. In addition, Pennsylvania lags behind the rest of the nation’s voter-turnout rate, a trend that has held true in most of the last 10 presidential elections. The

Commonwealth also falls behind in voter-registration rates. Other interesting findings show that: African Americans are the most politically engaged group throughout the Commonwealth, with 64% reporting at least one political action. 68% of Pennsylvanians over age 65 report at least one political action, as compared to less than one third of Pennsylvanians ages 18-24. Education is the best predictor of political action in Pennsylvania, with 79% of college graduates engaging in at least one political act, as compared to only 36% of adults without high-school diplomas. On measures of social connectedness and public work, Pennsylvania saw much better results. Though Pennsylvanians are reluctant to talk about politics with family and friends, 45.4% of residents (compared to 42.3% nationally) talk frequently with neighbors about other subjects, ranking 15th in the nation. Despite low rates of political participation, Pennsylvania ranked 17th in the nation on group participation, with 37.1% of residents (compared to 33.3% nationally) belonging to or participating in

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD some sort of community organization. “As the birthplace of America’s democracy, Pennsylvania has an unparalleled tradition of civic leadership,” said Gov. Tom Corbett. “The Civic Health Index reminds us of our roots and challenges us to heed the call of active citizenship today. Our democracy works best when Pennsylvanians stay informed and involved.”

The National Constitution Center is the only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the US Constitution. Located on Independence Mall, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship. The Center for Democratic Deliberation at Penn State Univer-

The 2011 Pennsylvania Civic Health Index is available for download here and www.ncoc.net/PACHI2011.

Senators Rebuild Jewish Center

“This year’s Civic Health Index calls for more attention to political engagement by all Pennsylvanians during a pivotal election year,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner. “As the National Constitution Center joins the nation in commemorating the 225th anniversary of the Constitution, this report challenges all Americans to build on our strengths and find new ways of inspiring active citizenship. Here at the Center, we will continue to educate and empower citizens to engage in our democracy.” The 2011 Pennsylvania Civic Health Index Report is linked to a national initiative of NCoC, an organization chartered by Congress that began publishing America’s Civic Health Index in 2006. This index is designed to assess ways that everyday citizens take part in civic life through political activity, service, charitable giving, social connectedness, and access to information and current events.

sity was founded in 2006 as a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary center for research, teaching and outreach on issues of civic engagement and democratic deliberation.

GRANT FOR $500,000 will enable Jewish Federation of Greater Phila. to make crucial repairs to its Logan Square HQ. Grant was arranged by State Sens. Mike Stack, left, and Larry Farnese, right. Receiving it are JFGP President Sherrie Savett and CEO Ira Schwartz.

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Schmidt Funder Draws Influential Players

REPUBLICAN City Commissioner Al Schmidt, the swing voter on City Commission, attracted key backers to a fundraiser at Tír na nÓg on Parkway last evening. Among guests at this affair were, from left, Joe DeFelice, Phila. director of Republican State Committee of Penna.; corporatecommunications expert Dennis Powell; Schmidt; Republican 5th Ward Leader Mike Cibik; IBEW Local 98 Business Agent Brian Stevenson; and Loyal Opposition leader Kevin Kelly. • PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM

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Mattioni Litigators Win Methadone Zoning Case Attorneys Dawn M. Tancredi and Phillip A. McFillin fought successfully to help Mayfair neighbors defeat a proposed outpatient methadone clinic. A decision was rendered by the Zoning Board of Adjustment sustaining the appeal of neighbors opposed to a proposed methadone clinic at 7900 Frankford Avenue where a permit was obtained for “medical offices.” The stated use of “medical offices” was different from the actual use as a methadone facility. Dawn M. Tancredi, Esq., shareholder at Mattioni, Ltd., and Phillip A. McFillin, of counsel to Mattioni, who represented members of the community, successfully argued a methadone facility is not a medical office defined or intended to be defined under the Philadelphia Zoning Code. According to Section 14-105, the Code is a permissive code, meaning that if a use is not specifically permitted, it is prohibited. Tancredi and McFillin argued it was clear City Council did not intend for the definition of a medical office to include the use as a methadone facility, particularly because methadone treatment facilities did not exist at the time the Code was written. Both Tancredi and McFillin rep8|

resent real-estate developers and other business owners in securing permits in the City of Philadelphia. Switching sides to represent the community was based on the compelling circumstances of this case. There was strong opposition (over 3,000 signatures on petitions) to the “as of right” permit. The permit was issued without any community involvement for a use that had an adverse impact on the neighborhood and was not recognized in the Code. McFillin indicated, “I felt compelled to represent the appellants and community since the facts and law justify denying this permit.” Tancredi stated, “the decision will now preclude the methadone facility from opening on Frankford Avenue across from a daycare center and other residential and commercial uses. The community is ecstatic since the intended use was adamantly opposed by neighbors and community leaders.” McFillin stated, “The 50-yearold Zoning Code relied upon is outdated, antiquated and simply unable to deal with these types of situations where a proposed use was not in existence when the Code was drafted. This is just one more instance that sup-

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ports the passage of the new Zoning Code for the City of Philadelphia.” Tancredi and McFillin believed the ZBA’s decision was based on the only logical legislative intent of the Code and that the correct remedy to this situation is for City Council to enact an amendment to include the proposed use in a suitable area of the City. It is unknown what the owner will do at this point, appeal or seek another location. Tancredi’s practice focuses on zoning and land use, real estate and business matters. She is CoChair of the Philadelphia Bar Association “Zoning, Land Use and Code Enforcement Committee” and was involved in reviewing drafts of the code and making recommendations on changes that were finally passed by City Council on Dec. 15, 2011. She is a LEED GA, which certifies her as having knowledge about Green Building practices, some of which have been incorporated in the new code. She is also a member of the Queen Village Neighbors Association Zoning Committee. Tancredi can be reached at dtancredi@mattioni.com (215) 629-1600. McFillin represents clients in

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD matters including real estate and land use, estate planning, business law and civil litigation. He has an extensive background in matters surrounding the purchase and sale of improved and unimproved property, construction,

leasing, partnerships, subdivision of property, zoning and land use. He regularly consults with realestate developers and a diverse group of business clients on complex matters involving commercial and residential real es-

tate, including corporate structure, finance and strategy. McFillin can be reached at pamcfillin@mattioni.com (215) 629-1600.

United Bank Consents To FDIC Agreement United Bank of Philadelphia, one of the nation’s 28 FDIC-insured, African American-controlled banks, has announced that it has voluntarily entered into a consent agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Banking, which is designed to strengthen the bank’s capital and improve its financial performance. The Bank has also announced it has formed a special committee of its board of directors that will meet at least monthly, over the coming year, to focus on the issues related to generation of additional capital, the adoption of a new strategic focus, and the enhancement of the bank’s operating performance. The members of the committee are Evelyn Smalls, CEO, United Bank; Armstead Edwards, CEO, Edwards Entertainment, and chair of United Bank’s board of directors; Dr. Bernard Anderson,

former faculty member, University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, and former economist, US Dept. of Labor; and Joseph Drennan, CFO, iDelphix Corp., and a former executive VP in the commercial banking industry. In January 2012, as a result of a regulatory examination as of Jun. 30, 2011, completed in September 2011, the Bank received a Consent Agreement from its primary regulators with regard to, among other things, achievement of agreed-upon capital levels and the development of a capital plan; the implementation of a viable earnings/strategic plan; the implementation of a classified asset reduction plan and enhancement of its Loan Policy; and, the completion of a management review. Management is in the process of addressing all matters outlined in the Agreement and believes that the bank will comply with the Agreement’s terms and conditions.

The agreement, according to Smalls, will not impact United Bank’s ability to support its customers, and the accounts at the bank continue, as has always been the case, to be insured up to $250,000 per depositor, by FDIC. “The board and management of United Bank,” added Smalls, “have acknowledged and appreciate the partnership with both FDIC and the Dept. of Banking in determining a new strategic direction for the Bank. Given the lingering impact of the recession on the entire financial services sector and our specific and critical focus on the African American community, the board and management will use the Agreement as a roadmap to improving the performance of the Bank. We look forward to working in partnership with our regulators in this effort to continue to provide much needed products and services to the Philadelphia region.”

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD According to a recent statement by the National Bankers Association, a trade organization that represents the interests of minority- and female-owned financial institutions, minority banks “serve as the reasonable lenders of final resort in underserved communities for not only houses of worship, they continue to serve thousands of small-business owners, families purchasing their first home, consumers look-

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ing to establish personal lines of credit or obtaining auto and student loans.” United Bank’s holding company, United Bancshares, Inc., is African American-controlled and -managed. A commercial bank charted in 1992 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Dept. of Banking, the Bank provides full-service community banking in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods that have traditionally been un-

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derserved by commercial banks. The Bank is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, and a certified Community Development Entity. It currently has assets totaling $77 million, 25 ATM locations, and three full-service branch offices located in densely populated growth communities in Philadelphia.