Vol. III No. 90 (456)
Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia
May 24, 2012
Philadelphia Daily Record
Now: 2 GOPs
CITY REPUBLICANS allied with State Party officials last night held an election for Republican City Committee Chair at St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church in Northern Liberties. Rick Hellberg, right, was elected chairman by a roll-call vote of 20 ward leaders, who form a majority of 30 ward leaders whose positions are not contested. Hellberg will lead this group against a rival faction headed by Vito Canuso, whose chairmanship was not recognized by Republican State Committee last year after voting irregularities, and Canuso’s Chief Counsel Mike Meehan. Each group now claims to be official Republican City Committee.
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May 24S.W. CDC’s Executive Board will host reception at Bartram’s Garden, 54th & Lindbergh Blvd., 5-8 p.m. Marking its 25th year of service to Southwest community.
Jun. 3Italian National Day, La Festa Della Repubblica, in S. Phila. on E. Passyunk Ave. between Mifflin and Moore Sts., 12-6 p.m. Rain or shine. For info (215) 334-8882.
May 2463rd Ward GOP Fundraiser at 1619 Grant Ave., 6 p.m. Tickets $50.
Jun. 3Congregations of Shaare Shamayim marks 50th anniversary at 9768 Verree Rd. Event will honor David L. Cohen, Exec. VP, Comcast, with Highest Honor Award (Kol Hakavod) for his service, especially in the Jewish community. Honorary Cochairs are Gov. Ed Rendell and Hon. Jonathan Saidel. Entertainment by “Broadway Sings”. Event starts at 2:30 p.m. For ticket info and to place ad in Souvenir Commemorative Journal (215-6771600) or Dr. Ruth Horwitz, Tribute Committee (215) 9131991.
May 26State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Hug-A-Vet rally at George T. Cornish American Legion Post 292, 4812 Fairmount Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Honoring vets from N. and W. Phila. For info (215) 879-6615. May 28Memorial Day Services at Washington Sq., 7th and Locust, Korean and Vietnam Memorials, Spruce and Columbus Blvd, Bridesburg and Fishtown, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 29Samuel Staten, Sr. Charitable Trust holds its Charity Golf Classic at Spring Mill Country Club, Ivyland, Pa. Outing dedicated to memory of James N. Harper, Sr., business manager of Laborers’ Union Local 413. For info www.StatenCharitableTrust.org. Jun.2- State Rep. Cherelle Parker sponsors legal workshop on Your Right to Know at Finley Recreation Ctr., 7701 Mansfield Ave. For info (215) 242-7300.
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Jun. 10St. Edmond’s Parish Centennial Dinner at Penn’s Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd., 2-6 p.m. Ticket $65 with a cash bar. For info (215) 334-3755. Jun. 15-16-7- Annual St. Maron Church Lebanese Festival on Ellsworth St. between 10th and 11th. Friday from 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. Admission free. All welcome. Authentic Middle East cuisine and entertainment.
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Romney Visits Philly School As Obama Backers Rip Him As Mitt Romney campaigns in West Philadelphia this morning, touring Universal Bluford Charter School, Mayor Michael Nutter, District Attorney Seth Williams and Obama supporters held a press conference to rip into Mitt Romney’s education record. Supporters of President Obama charged Mitt Romney’s career in both the private and public sectors
has been guided by one principle: helping the wealthiest prosper by any means necessary, even if it means undermining workers and middle class families. These are the values that he would bring to the White House and that would prioritize budget-busting tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans over good schools and affordable higher education, they said.
Public Education Rally Draws Thousands Fourteen people were arrested yesterday at a mass protest to save Philadelphia’s public schools after the marchers sat in the middle of Broad Street a few blocks from the Philadelphia School District office. They were among thousands of parents, community members, teachers and workers who marched through downtown Philadelphia calling on the city’s School Reform Commission and Gov. Corbett to stop “dismantling” public education. Aiming to focus public attention on the proposed closure of dozens of schools and layoff of thousands of school employees, the protesters marched to the School District office at 440 N. Broad Street. Among those arrested were Gabe Morgan, Pennsylvania State Director for 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, and George Ricchezza, Leader of the 32BJ District 1201, which has more than 2,700 members working in the
city’s public schools. Also arrested was Wayne McManiman, 32BJ Mid-Atlantic District Director; two members of Fight for Philly; and two retired teachers, Lisa Haver and Ron Whitehorne. By 4 p.m., at least some had been released. They are to be arraigned at a hearing on Jun. 20. Ricchezza, who has himself received a layoff notice along with the more than 2,700 other school workers in his unit, said, “Our members – the men and women who keep Philadelphia schools running and who get children to school safely every day – are also parents and community members. The Governor and SRC are taking steps that would devastate their communities.” SRC is pushing the school district to outsource core operations by closing dozens of schools, eliminating thousands of good jobs, and greatly expanding privately run public charter schools. This (Cont. Page 5) • PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM
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Daily Waffles From Joe Sbaraglia (The Waffleman) CLAM VENDOR – “Jigs”, as he was nicknamed, opened and sold fresh clams on the half-shell from his push cart. He could open the clams al-
plates and eaten at his cart. He charged fifteen cents for six clams on the half-shell, twentyfive cents for a dozen. There was no charge for the hot pep-
CLEANING THE STREETS Almost all the neighbors got out their buckets and brooms when someone opened the plug. They swept and cleaned
most as fast as the hungry buyers could eat them. The clams were served on paper
per sauce or lemon wedges used to flavor the clams.
the pay-ments, streets and front steps. This was done often by almost all the neighbors because they really took a genuine pride in their neighborhoods.
3 BIG SALES WEEKLY
CLINKER SIFTING - was always done to sift out and remove partially-burnt coals from the ashes produced by coal fired home furnaces. Sifting was done before the ashes were put out in front of the house for pick up. The clinkers were then put back in the furnace to be burned again. It was a no-no to throw out usable coal with the ashes.
To buy a copy of this book E-Mail Dwaffleman@aol.com
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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD (Cont. From Page 3) comes in the wake of district budget problems caused by district mismanagement and chronic underfunding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which accounts for nearly half of the school district’s revenues. Recent news reports have also highlighted connections between Corbett and at least one wealthy
donor who would benefit from further expansion of private charter schools. That’s Vahan Gureghian, a businessman who is a major Montgomery Co. Republican Party player. Last year, he spent $28.9 million on CSMI, a charter that receives more than 41% of the Chester School District’s budget, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
New Obama Ad, ‘Reverse’, Targets Penna. Today, in a continued effort to share President Obama’s vision for our country, Obama for America released a new television ad in Pennsylvania titled “Reverse” that highlights the steady, consistent recovery President Obama is leading for the middle class. When the president took office, our country was losing 750,000 jobs a month and he took immediate action to stop the bleeding, not
only helping the private sector end the free-fall, but reversing the trend. Instead of losing jobs, we are now creating them — 4.2 million private-sector jobs over 26 consecutive months of job growth. This follows the release of another television ad titled “Go” — which details President Obama’s commitment to moving America forward.
Casey Unveils Legislation To Stop Vet Job Discrimination With Memorial Day approaching and veteran unemployment in Pennsylvania at 7.3%, US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) unveiled legislation to combat job discrimination that veterans often confront when they return home. During a conference call, the Senator highlighted county-by-county unemployment data for veterans across Pennsylvania and called on Congress to quickly take up and pass his bill, the Servicemembers’ Access to Justice Act. “The men and women of our armed forces have given their all for our country, and it’s essential that we protect them in the workplace when they
come home,” Casey said. “No veteran should face job discrimination when they return from war, and passing this bill will ensure our servicemembers are protected.” Casey’s bill would strengthen existing laws that prohibit discrimination against returning veterans at the workplace. Specifically, it would: Make it easier for servicemembers to obtain justice when their employment rights are violated by prohibiting employers from requiring servicemembers to give up their ability to have their old job back as condition of employment. For example, under the bill an employer could not force a servicemember to automatically give up his job when he or she is • PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM
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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD called into service. A servicemember could voluntarily leave their job upon deployment but could not be forced to as a condition for being hired. Enhance the remedies available to servicemembers who prove that their rights under existing veteran anti-discrimination laws were violated, by adding minimum liquidated damages for willful violations and punitive damages for violations committed with malice. Require that federal agencies provide notice to contractors of potential Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act obligation.
Include a provision for a Government Accountability Office report requiring study of current employer education programs and soliciting recommendations for ways in which government agencies such as the Small Business Administration and the Defense Dept. Employer Support for Guard and Reserve could cooperate to enhance employer education. There are 77,641 veterans in Philadelphia. Their unemployment rate is a shocking 16.1%.
Pa. Sec’y Eases Path To Obtain Photo ID Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele announced yesterday a new, simplified process for people born in Pennsylvania to get a non-driver photo ID card for voting purposes if they lack an acceptable alternative ID. This innovative system, now in place, can certify the birth records of Pennsylvania natives without the need for them to purchase a duplicate birth certificate with a raised seal. “At Gov. Corbett’s direction, we continue working on quicker and easier ways for eligible voters to obtain photo IDs,” said Aichele, whose department oversees elections in Pennsylvania “Working in collaboration with PennDOT and the Dept. of Health, we have developed an alternative, secure system for verifying the birth records of people born in Pennsylvania to help them obtain a photo ID for voting.” Individuals must visit a PennDOT drivers-license center and submit the necessary information. The information will then be forwarded to the Dept. of Health, which maintains birth records. Once it is verified that the individual’s birth record is on file, applicants will be notified by mail when 6|
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to pick up the non-driver photo ID card for voting purposes. The process, which is free, is expected to take about 10 days. Anyone who purchased a Pennsylvania birth certificate for voter ID purposes after Mar. 14, 2012, can apply for a refund by visiting one of DOH’s six regional offices. For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us, under the “Birth and Death Certificates” tab. To be eligible for a refund, you must show proof that a birth certificate was purchased after the date the Voter ID law went into effect, as well as the photo ID obtained from PennDOT. Anyone who holds a Pennsylvania driver’s license or non-driver photo ID that has expired since 1990 does not need any proof of ID or residence to get a photo ID for voting. People need only give their name to a PennDOT customer service representative and indicate they have an expired license. For identification issues, call PennDOT’s customer care center at 1 (800) 932-4600. Information on the voter ID law is available at www.votesPA.com, or by calling 1 (877) VOTESPA.
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House Committee Moves Bishop’s Adoption Law The House Children & Youth Committee approved legislation introduced by State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop (D-W. Phila.) which specifies a father’s rights in adoption proceedings. Bishop’s amendment to HB 451 would establish methods to locate the father if the mother relinquishes parental rights to their child for adoption proceedings. The measure will also immediately terminate parental rights in the instance of abuse against the child.
“My bill will protect children and give fathers rights in adoption proceedings,” Bishop said. “My legislation helps to streamline the adoption process and make it easier for fathers to connect with their children.” The legislation has now been referred to the State House for further consideration. The legislator is Democrat chairwoman of the House Children & Youth Committee.
Domestic Partners Shouldn’t Pay Inheritance Tax, Says Josephs At a Capitol news conference yesterday, State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) called on House Republicans to move her legislation that would add domestic partners to the list of people who are exempt from paying state inheritance taxes.
the State victimizes the surviving partner of that committed couple by subjecting that partner to a significant financial burden while he or she is also experiencing the emotional trauma of a loved one’s passing.”
“I believe the institution of marriage is sacred and quite special; however, there are many traditional couples who are in deeply committed relationships, but for personal reasons, choose not to enter into the institution of marriage. Other couples are prevented by law from marriage because of their gender,” Josephs said. “Nevertheless, both types of these domestic partnership arrangements do not preclude a committed, loving and monogamous relationship.
Josephs’ legislation (HB 1828) would define a domestic partnership as a relationship not defined by marriage or a civil union, but one where the two people agree to mutual interdependence and take responsibility for the maintenance and support of the other.
“Under the Commonwealth’s inheritance-tax laws,
In order to prove this relationship for an inheritance tax exemption, the surviving domestic partner would have to provide a signed partnership affidavit and any two documents proving significant household partnership. • PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM
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Mayor Kicks Off Kids’ Summer Youth Programing Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced the launch of the Fun Safe Philly Summer campaign, a summerlong effort to involve and engage Philadelphia youth in structured programming, drop-in activities and the Summer Meals Program. The kick-off coincides with the update to the youth programming website, which will serve as a one-stop information hub for available summer activities for all ages. “Summer is certainly a time to relax and enjoy a break from school. But it is also an invaluable opportunity for our young people to be active and engaged in fun and enriching programming,” said the Mayor. “Fun Safe Philly Summer is an all-encompassing campaign aimed at promoting available structured programs and encouraging involvement in drop-in activities, as a way to ensure young people are spending their time productively.” For summer 2012, the City of Philadelphia has identified more than 15,000 structured summer program spots for youth, including up to 8,000 slots at 140 Dept. of Parks & Recreation sites. Paired with structured programming, the City is also promoting participation in drop-in activities at recreation centers, public libraries, pools, KEYSPOT computer centers and more. “This summer, the City of Philadelphia is taking a proactive approach to helping kids and teens create their own summer program,” said Deputy Mayor for Environmental & Community Resources Michael DiBernardinis. “Drop-in activities, like visiting one of the 54 public library branches, swimming at one of 70 public pools or playing at a neighborhood recreation center, can be enriching and safe options for spending your summer.” 8|
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Susan Slawson, First Deputy Commissioner for Recreation & Programs, said, “The Dept. of Parks & Recreation offers affordable, fun and safe summer opportunities for youth of all ages in neighborhoods throughout the City. Our programs serve the diverse needs of our youth no matter their interest; such as the arts, athletics, outdoor education or computer classes.” As part of Fun Safe Philly Summer, the City is working with Philadelphia Youth Network on the Save Summer Jobs program. Save Summer Jobs identifies and reaches out to local businesses to create jobs or internships for young people. Nutter also introduced the Summer Service & Summer Reading Challenge, which offers incentives to young people who read and/or volunteer this summer. Challenge participants can pick up and drop off forms at any branch of the Free Public Library. The challenges are: The Summer Reading Challenge is open to youth ages 5 to 18. Participants will read three books and complete book reports. The Summer Service Challenge is open to older youth, ages 14-18. Participants will volunteer at least three service events, completing no less than 10 service hours. The Fun Safe Philly Summer campaign also encourages enrollment in the Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded program that serves breakfast, lunch and snacks to children 18 years of age and younger and mentally and physically challenged persons who are enrolled in specialized programs. The Summer Food Service Program begins on Jun. 18, 2012.
THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD curfew times are as follows: In 2011, the Summer Food Service Program served 2.8 million meals to about 90,000 Philadelphians. However, an additional 41,000 children were eligible to receive food services but were not registered. Meals are served at nearly 1,000 sites across the City, including recreation centers, playgrounds, Play Streets, summer camps, community organizations and schools and daycare centers. Mayor Nutter also reminded parents, caregivers and youth that the summer curfew will go into effect when the school year ends on Jun. 14. The
13 years old and younger, 9 p.m.; 14 and 15, 10 p.m.; and 16 and 17, 11 p.m. For more information on summer youth programming options and for a full list of program start dates and times, call 3-1-1 or log on to www.phila.gov/youthprograms. Follow Fun Safe Philly Summer on Twitter @PhillySummer or on Tumblr at www.funsafephillysummer.tumblr.com.
New Garden Opens Behind Art Museum Officials marked completion of a new garden at Reilly Memorial near Art Museum and the river at a reception hosted by City officials and the Philadelphia Museum of Art this morning. It marked the opening of a garden designed by the renowned artist Sol LeWitt (1928-2007). He conceived this installation 30 years ago, and the vision now becomes a reality. Called Lines in Four Directions in Flowers, the garden is 18,850 square feet (nearly one-third the size of a football field). Each of the four beds within the garden is 4,320 square feet (80’ x 54’) and in total, four colored quadrants-red, yellow, white, and blue-contain more than 7,000 plants. Landscape architecture and urban design firm OLIN worked in partnership with the Philadelphia Museum of Art to interpret LeWitt’s original drawing and written description of the design and oversee the installation of this work. Groundswell Design Group, LLC, planted the flowers and will maintain the garden throughout the next two years.
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