Bring Back The Mounties, Urges Lawmaker by R. George Linton Could we soon see the return of South Philadelphia’s mounted police unit? State Sen. Larry Farnese is calling for the restoration of the Philadelphia Police Mounted Unit. “We have a public-safety emergency,” said the Senator. “The Mounted Unit would go a long way in restoring order and safety to Center City. We must regain public confidence so people know it is safe to be in Center City.” As the Democratic Chair of the Emergency Preparedness Committee, Farnese will seek a hearing on the issue to determine the cost of the proposal and the availability of State resources. He also will explore other avenues of funding with business leaders and private donors.
At a time when the City budget is stretched, Farnese believes a mounted unit is highly cost-effective when it comes to controlling crime and crowds because one mounted officer can take the place of several patrol officers. As a matter of public safety, a mounted officer can protect both the public and other officers. “During the 2000 Republican National Convention, it was a mounted officer who rescued the Police Commissioner when a protester attacked him with his bicycle,” said Farnese. About six years after Philadelphia’s mounted police unit was disbanded, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey is reported to be looking at bringing the mounted unit back and plans are already well under way. “I think it’s a valuable tool for us in law en(Cont. Page 3)
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SOUTH Philadelphia Mounted Police Officer Jose Colon patrols Peirce Elementary School in February 2004. Could we soon see mounted police at other schools, such as Southern HS?
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Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000
Vol. IV No. 14 (Issue 131)
The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South Philadelphia The Way It Deserves
Value 50¢
April 8, 2010
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Idlers, HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES Local Charter School Gets Makeover From Music Biz by R. George Linton A national music network chose a local charter school to give a little back to the community last week. Music Choice, a multi-platform video which delivers its music to millions of consumers nationwide, chose Universal Institute Charter School as its place to come hit a beat, and give the Fitzwater Street school a music makeover. South Philadelphia’s music mogul Kenny Gamble knows firsthand the right kind of music can be a balm to the soul, and bring out the best in everyone, especially young people. Gamble, founder of Universal In-
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stitute Charter School, was told his school was selected as Music Choice Cares’ school of choice, after his nephew Chuck Gamble; president of Philadelphia International Records, was contacted and asked if he knew of a school or organization the network could assist. Chuck immediately shared the vision of his Uncle Kenny and UICS, located at 16th & Fitzwater Streets. Gamble, president and founder of UICS, was joined by Music Choice staff and volunteers for a day of service last weekend. “Music Choice Cares is our company’s way of giving back to our local communities by donating our most valuable resource – our time,” said David Del Beccaro, president and CEO of Music Choice. “Our entire team works together to make a difference in the communities we work in and around. “With paintbrushes in hand, we have beautified local schools with inspirational murals; painted walls and organized kitchens at shelters; and packed holiday meals for the needy.
Beware
South Philadelphia truck drivers and parking shufflers beware: leave your truck, mini-van or work-bus parked idle in April, and the environmental police will get you. If residents stop and leave their truck, while parked, idle across the City, they better drive-in and out -inside of five minutes. That’s because the City has enacted a five-minute rule, as part of an effort to reduce the harmful emissions from idling trucks and buses. The City has proclaimed April 2010 to be IdleFreePhilly Month. (Cont. Page 8)
CHUCK GAMBLE, VP - Philadelphia International Records; Dave del Beccaro, president & CEO, Music Choice; Rahim Islam, president - Universal Companies; Chris Tancredi, Music Choice; Kenny Gamble, founder & CEO of Philadelphia International Records & Universal Companies; and Damon Williams, Music Choice.
This twice-yearly charitable effort allows each of us to give back directly to the community on a very personal level.” Music Choice volunteers painted murals throughout UICS, beautifying the walls with inspirational messages and colorful designs. Music Choice also redesigned the school library, providing new shelving and seating. In addition, ISG donated school (Cont. Page 3)
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