Politics & Governance

A recurring theme from this election -- and, frankly, most city elections -- is that the collective lack of participation from the general citizenry continues to allow a tiny minority of interconnected, insipid, and often inglorious individuals to get elected and re-elected. They do not prevail because of their strength. No, we let them win because we choose not to exercise our strength. The dirty little secrets of elections in Philadelphia are these:

They Hate Each Other

The members of the political class that circle their wagons to thwart outsiders mostly can't stand each other, but they continue to back each other for fear that they would lose their elections if they had to connect with voters on their own. The relationships that protect and promote political alliances in Philadelphia are almost all shotgun marriages of conveniences. The truth is that most of the pols support each other while holding their noses, because they feel they have to do so to retain support of other pols who supply the money and manpower that can make the difference in tight races and low-turnout elections. Then, they espouse the virtues of "loyalty" until they have the opportunity stab each other in the back.

They Can’t Raise Money

For the insiders, political fundraising in Philadelphia is about shaking the money tree of a small number connected donors who are anxious to purchase influence among the political class. Now, due to campaign-finance contribution limits, the pols are only raising a fraction of what used to fuel their campaigns. Where outsider challengers report hundreds and hundreds of donations from real people -- friends, family, and citizens -- the insiders count on money from PACs and pols that then get passed along from hand to hand before ending up on the street. Looking at donations flowing in the waning days of this election, one can see the same money spent and re-spent: a $10,000 contribution from a PAC to a mayoral candidate, who made a $10,000 contribution to an at-large council candidate, who made a $3,000 contribution to a district council candidate, who spent thousands on Election Day expenses.

They Don’t Want Your Vote

They know that there are far more of us than there are of them so they work to maximize the turnout among voters connected to the machines and keep the rest of us away from the polls. When we stay home, that is just fine for the pols because they want know that if too many of the rest of us show up, we might just elect some quality leaders. Low turnout means that campaigns in Philadelphia are not about reaching voters, connecting, and convincing. It means that campaigns are about cutting deals, peddling influence, and doing little to encourage the rest of us to come out to vote.

They Know Their Days Are Numbered

Those who operate the mechanics of the party machines know that if the rest of us were actually engaged and energized to participate, we will outnumber them, out-fundraise them -- and oust them. There are more of US. If we give more money, our candidates will out-spend entrenched incumbents and if we vote, our candidate will win. If we don't get involved, if we don't contribute to worthy candidates, and if we don't vote, the pols will continue to win and Philadelphia will continue to suffer under leadership that is too concerned about petty politics and personal gain to make Philadelphia the city we know it should be.

We deserve better.

Brett Mandell

In the Know: Drop — What’s Next?

From the Committee of Seventy

Now we know. Philadelphia voters really cared about DROP. DROP caused five City Council members to retire this year and ruined Councilman At-Large Frank Rizzo’s bid for a fifth term. When the official votes are counted, DROP could also end Marge Tartaglione’s 25 years as a City Commissioner.

Another Council DROP enrollee, Majority Leader Marian Tasco, was reelected by her Ninth Council district constituents. But her chief opponent won a surprising 29% of the vote. (Register of Wills Ron Donatucci, also enrolled in DROP, had no primary opponent.)

So can we finally drop DROP?

Not quite yet, and here’s why: Some elected officials are still eligible for DROP DROP could decide the next Council President DROP could stick around for non-elected city workers.

Read this IN THE KNOW to see what this means. (For those who know enough about the details of DROP, sorry for a little repetition up front.)

I just arrived from Mars. What’s DROP?

DROP – formally known as the “Deferred Retirement Option Plan” – is a program that was designed to keep experienced employees on the job a few extra years to train their replacements. City Council created it in 1999, worried that police and firefighters from the Baby Boom generation would retire all of a sudden with nobody to take their places.

How does it work?

An employee promises to retire but stays on the job for up to four years. The employee’s pension benefits (that they have earned towards future monthly pension payments) are then frozen and he/she no longer contributes to the city’s pension fund. The locked-in retirement payments are put in an account earning a guaranteed 4.5 percent interest. When the employee retires, he/she gets the accumulated funds (plus the interest earned) in one lump sum payment, as well as monthly pension payments.

Can any city employee take DROP?

Yes, until recently. In March 2010, City Council passed a bill that eliminated DROP for officials elected for the first time after September 18, 2009.

So no one elected for the first time this year can enroll in DROP?

Right.

What about someone who is re-elected this year?

They are still eligible to participate in DROP. So is anyone who was elected to a city office before September 18, 2009 – even if they are re-elected after that date (assuming they meet the program’s eligibility requirements, which has to do with years of service and age).

If Mayor Nutter is re-elected in November, can he enroll in DROP?

The mayor vowed never to participate in DROP back when he was in City Council. But in case he ever considered changing his mind, yesterday’s results proved that DROP is toxic when it comes to elected officials.

Why is it so toxic?

It goes back to January 2008. City Commissioner Marge Tartaglione and Councilwoman Joan Krajewski – who were enrolled in DROP – ran for re-election in November 2007, retired for 24 hours in January 2008 in order to collect their lump sum DROP payments, and then came right back to work. The six figure lump sum payments to politicians who “retire” for one day – which is legal, according to the city’s Law Department – didn’t sit well after the economy soured and unemployment soared.

Can anyone now on City Council enroll in DROP?

Yes, if and when they meet the eligibility requirements, Council members Jannie Blackwell, Blondell Reynolds Brown, Darrell Clarke, W. Wilson Goode, Jr., Bill Green, Bill Greenlee, Curtis Jones, Jr., Jim Kenney and Maria Quiñones Sánchez can enroll in DROP.

Marian Tasco is already in DROP. Since she has no opponent in the general election, she will retire for 24 hours in January 2012, get her $478,057 DROP payment and return to office.

Why would anyone on Council even think about enrolling in DROP?

If they really plan to retire for good and never face voters again, they could decide that the lump sum payment is worth it.

Anyhow, Reynolds Brown, Goode, Green, Jones, Kenney and Quiñones Sánchez have publicly pledged never to participate in DROP.

Blackwell, Clarke and Greenlee said they had no current plans to enroll – but won’t rule it out.

And O’Neill?

As far as we know, he hasn’t said whether or not DROP is in his future.

The program began in 1999. A study of the BC study paid for by City Council said DROP’s real cost from 1999-2009 was $100 million.

I hear the city has a really bad pension problem.

Would eliminating DROP help?

The pension fund says it’s around $5 billion short of what it should have on hand. At $258 million or $100 million, the mayor says there is no point in continuing with a program that just makes a bad situation worse.

Will Council just try to let the issue die?

Council had no intention of holding a public hearing on DROP before the primary. But outgoing Council President Anna Verna announced that a hearing will be held during the week of June 6.

What will happen at the hearing?

Expect a number of bills proposing amendments to DROP. Councilman O’Neill, for example, has already introduced a resolution to allow firefighters and police officers to remain in DROP for a fifth year to make the city safer.

Any predictions?

We know better than to predict what City Council will do. We’ll keep you posted.

What does the public think?

It’s hard to know if the fury over DROP was just restricted to the elected officials (and the large payments some have received or will receive). The average DROP payment for non-elected employees is around $100,000, according to the city. The payouts for elected officials tend to be big because they usually have worked for decades in higher-paying jobs, so they earn larger annual pensions.

How can I tell Council what I think about DROP?

You can always write or call your Council members and the mayor. They do listen to calls from the public.

To find out how to contact your elected representatives, click here. http://www.seventy.org/Resources_City_Council.aspx

One more question: Does DROP have anything to do with John Street?

It could if the former Mayor decides to run for a city office again. Street collected a DROP payment of $450,000 when he left City Hall in 2008.

This is part of The Committee of Seventy’s “IN THE KNOW” feature, explaining important issues facing Philadelphia and the region. Let us know what you think of this edition, or suggest other issues for us to examine, at info@seventy.org.

Pulaski Plan is Crisis, Opportunity

By MALIK BOYD

Dear Germantown:

I’ve lived in this community for years. As a young man, I have experienced the good, bad, and the ugly. I graduated from Germantown High. I shop on our beloved Chelten Avenue. I jog on Lincoln Drive. I eat at the local restaurants. I have seen the amazing potential of our community, enriched with history, value, and the belief that diverse people, views, and talent can come together and through process, create a wonderful place to live.

Through the process of creating that utopia, there is sometimes a need for hard truths, truths that we may not like, or may not want revealed to the rest of the world. But with the revelation, acknowledgement, and proper addressing of such truths, our community grows; we become enlightened, and ultimately become better because of it.

Within the process of purifying gold, one takes the time to melt the gold under intense heat, allowing the impurities come to the surface, ultimately becoming separated and finally discarded. And when those impurities come to the surface, it does not mean that gold has lost its value, but simply that there is an opportunity to make the gold much more valuable through its purification.

In the past months, we have been under intense heat. As a result, impurities have risen to the surface. We have seen the dismantling of long-standing organizations that have not had our community at heart. We have felt the sting of local political jousts between elected officials, resulting in missing key opportunities to develop, engage, and unify the community. We have experienced string, upon string of emotional email battles between individuals and organizations, some with heartfelt, pure intentions, and some ...

The Chelten Plaza project is a purification opportunity for Germantown. While many may only see this one way, which is understandable considering the way things were done, and the slants that have been taken in certain media outlets, I humbly present another viewpoint … which may include some hard truths.

The truth is…

· The Pulaski Partners did not engage the community during the initial redevelopment.

· Local elected officials did not engage the community even though they knew of the project (some knew for up to a year in advance).

· The Fresh Grocer was not built to the specifications of some other developments we have seen around the city.

· Yes, the gas station has been plagued for years by people who chose to see it as a dumping ground.

· Yes, we are angry at how things went, what was said in meetings, and what we didn’t know, of which only the very surface is now coming to light.

Those are things we all clearly see and can agree upon.

Now I offer you a view of the hard truths…

While the developers of the site did not initially engage the community, the reality is many other developers haven’t either. Why? Because some elected officials made it clear that their desk was the only one that a developer needed to visit. I am sure that if more non-slanted investigative reporting would be done, you would find that some elected officials, even the ones that have seemed to have taken a hard stance, knew of the project all along. Please do not be fooled by the dramatic presentations, public forum declarations, and the “smoking gun folders” that contain no bullets. I implore you to ask yourself the following:

Why haven’t some of my elected officials not involved themselves in this project?

Why are some of my elected officials who have been silent for lengthy periods of time now choosing to become so vocal?

Why haven’t they been as vocal on the other issues surrounding this development before Fresh Grocer left?

If it was so easy now to file a request for the EPA to investigate, and to request RCAP reports of dollar allocation, why wasn’t it requested when the Fresh Grocer was first placed there and constituents first inquired?

The Fresh Grocer was not built to specifications of other similar stores in the chain, but let’s ask ourselves the reason before we place anyone in front of the firing squad. Those who develop in the community know very plainly that $200 per sq ft is an amazing financial commitment for any retail chain without the promise of continued support by way of shopping. Also, City demographical data and general market studies show clearly that Progress Plaza, UPenn, and other Fresh Grocer sites had a population density of well over 160,000. Our beloved Germantown community … roughly 66,000. Not to mention that the other areas had no other full service market in proximity which almost made them the only game in town, while Germantown, because of our diversity in community and business, had the benefit of Pathmark, Sav-A-Lot, Greene Street Produce, and if you drive, Weavers Way, Acme, and Target minutes away. To a retailer, many consumer destination options often limit a stream of continued customers to your location. And with Pathmark experiencing financial woes as well, closing many of its stores, it’s obvious that Fresh Grocer isn’t the only one presenting this reality to our community. In this economy, even if you own a lemonade stand, you can’t build out to supply what the demand has not asked for. However, because the developer came to the table, and heard our voices requesting a role in filling the tenant space, there is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring a community favored store like Weavers Way into this retail mix. And the developer has agreed to at least begin the discussion. And if we can agree to move ahead with that (contingent upon other brand promises by the developers being fulfilled), will we support the Co-op by purchasing memberships to stimulate and maintain its growth?

The gas station has been an issue for years with dumping. I know personally. But I have to stand in judgment of myself with this next statement, and hope that you feel the same way…

As much as it is easy for us to blame the developers for the site getting that way, (they do play a role in its upkeep), we, as a community, missed an opportunity to rally together in the same way we did against the Plaza development, in support of having the gas station cleaned up, fenced, and people prosecuted for dumping. Our children spray painted those walls. Some people in our community chose dump at that site. There is a reality that says we must hold ourselves accountable for at least some things, myself included. And regarding the safety of individuals within the Fresh Grocer parking lot, as men in this community, we missed an opportunity every time we allowed our women and children to get into their cars by themselves, not helping them with bags, allowing them to be distracted and subject to being targeted by criminals. Growing up, taking care of our women and children was a given for our men and young boys, whether they were your family or not. As a man now 33 years of age, I wonder if we can return to those days.

In fact, when it’s all said and done, here lies an opportunity for us to not only change the culture of the community, but the way we love, do business, and interact with our community. I agree things did not go as we would have liked them to. I was one of the first to walk to the store to be met with a sign telling me of its closure. That was a definite sting to the comfortable shopping routine that I set for myself and my two beautiful daughters. In all, there is one thing that I know for certain though all of this process, Germantown is tired of being rubbed the wrong way.

But in all conflict … lies opportunity.

Let us not miss the opportunity to work with a developer, who did not use a Germantown Settlement market study, but is willing at the very least to work with us and come to the table.

Let us not miss the opportunity to work in harmony with the thousands of shoppers who do enjoy Sav-A-Lot, and Fresh Grocer, and work with them, and the developers to create a development that addresses or takes into consideration all of our needs. Most of them are not at our meetings and it would be great to hear their voices as well, keeping in the spirit of inclusiveness that our community is so widely known for.

Let us not miss the opportunity to recognize that every brand can raise its brand profile and change its offerings. You see what Ford was able to do. No one wanted a Chrysler until they changed the model and the 300M was released. Hyundai and Toyota were the same. Just maybe, we have the opportunity to work with a brand in its efforts to become a national model for its restructuring and redevelopment of its offerings. Doesn’t that fit with what and who we say we are … a leading, diverse, ever-changing, innovative, community?

Let us not miss the opportunity to show the city and the world once again that we are leaders not only in business but in social and cultural development. Let’s speak to each other in passing in the street. Let’s commit to picking up trash on our commercial corridors. Men, let’s make sure our women and children have safe passage on our streets wherever we may encounter them. Let’s not wait for an organization to mentor our kids. Let’s engage them now … when the press isn’t watching, and no accolades are given, to stop them from deviant behavior like vandalism. Every time they mark up a property, it hurts our chances to bring quality development.

After all, our collective responsibility does not end at our own doorstep. We are responsible for every doorstep, street, property, and person in our community. That is the promise of this wonderful community. And as we return to our heritage and promise, I am certain that those who seek to do business with us will follow.

I believe in this community. I grew up here in the Northwest. And no matter where my life has taken me, there is truly no place like home.

And I am committed, as I am sure you are, that we can work … together … to open our minds, explore possibilities, and achieve the impossible.

Voucher Bill Won’t Help Those Who Need It Most

By MARC STIER

Seven years ago, as I campaigned for state representative in Nicetown and Germantown, I saw that many people, and especially African Americans, felt betrayed by the public schools. They were frustrated with inadequate funding, inexperienced teachers, limited school services, and unresponsive administrators.

So I’m not surprised that state senators who rightfully care about these communities, such as LeAnna Washington (Democrat, 4th District), would consider supporting SB1, the voucher proposal that will be voted on soon in Harrisburg.

Good public policy, however, cannot be made on the basis of frustration. There are voucher proposals that progressives like myself could support—proposals that equalize funding statewide for all students and that guarantee everyone a place in a good school where professional teachers are honored, respected and well paid.

But SB1 is not that proposal.

SB1 is, in fact, a fraud.

SB1 has been sold as a response to the difficulties faced by low-income children who attend one of the 144 lowest performing schools in the Commonwealth, many of which are in African American neighborhoods of Philadelphia and other cities. However, SB1 it will not help the vast majority of low-income children who go to these troubled schools. By the third year of the program, only 8 percent of the students who benefit from vouchers will be these kids. Over 64 percent of the children benefiting from the voucher program will be children who attend non-public schools today.

The program fails to attain its goal for two reasons. First, the eligibility requirements for receiving a voucher are lifted over the first few years of the program. Vouchers are restricted, in the first year, to low-income students in these schools. But, in the second year, low-income students who reside in these school districts are eligible for vouchers even if they already attend a non-public school. And in the third year, low income students everywhere in the state will be eligible for the vouchers whether they attend public or private schools.

Second, the bill offers no guarantee that children who want to use a voucher will find a school to attend. There is no requirement that private schools open their doors to more students.

And that is why the legislation is basically fraudulent. It purports to help low income kids trapped in low performing schools. But only 6,500 of the 86,000 children who receive a voucher fall into this category. Most of the benefit will go to 56,000 children who already attend a non-public school.

SB1 is fraudulent in a second respect. It leaves most of the kids who attend low performing schools stuck in them while taking funding from those schools to pay for vouchers. This will be devastating to many schools because a large proportion of the costs for a public school are fixed. So when a student leaves a school and basically takes state funding with him, the school’s costs are not reduced by an equivalent amount.

This is not a proposal that addresses the frustrations of the people on whose doors I knocked seven years ago. The net effect of the voucher proposal is to provide major benefits for a large number of children who already attend private school; some benefit for a small number of children who will now be able to attend a private school; and a huge harm to the vast majority of children who will be stuck in public schools that are not only troubled but increasingly underfunded.

There are other problems with vouchers as well.

So far, I’ve assumed that vouchers will provide students with a better education than that found in troubled public schools. But there is little research that demonstrates that voucher programs improve education.

In addition, we will never know whether vouchers are improving education in Pennsylvania because SB1 provides little or no accountability for private schools. Students who attend them with vouchers will be exempt from state tests as well as rules and regulations that protect students. Haven’t we learned not to let our kids be under the care of people who are not accountable to anyone?

And, finally, the voucher program is most likely unconstitutional because it provides public funds for religious instruction.

We shouldn’t be surprised by all these difficulties. SB1 is a bill crafted mostly by Republicans not because it will improve education but because they, like Wisconsin Governor Walker, are determined to shrink the public sector as a way to drive down private sector wages and increase profits for their corporate donors. It has being pushed by Governor Corbett, whose willingness to cut $1 billion from our public schools shows that he is no friend of our children.

The only surprise is that some Philadelphia legislators, like Senator LeAnna Washington, have agreed to support this problematic legislation. The only explanation I can see is that Senator Washington is responding to the frustration with the public schools expressed by many of her constituents.

That’s not a good enough reason to support a dangerous bill. The infusion of funding supported by Governor Rendell has begun to improve Philadelphia’s public schools and new programs in the district are in place to transform troubled schools, in some cases with outside management or by making them charter schools.

Now is the time to support these programs and make them work for all our students, not take a chance on a risky experiment that, even if it works as planned, will only benefit a small number of our kids while harming the rest.

Marc Stier is the Executive Director of Penn ACTION, a statewide multi-issue grassroots organization. You can express your views on SB1 to State Senator LeAnna Washington by calling her office at 215 242-0472.

DA Williams Endorses Bass

On April 25, Cindy Bass, Democratic candidate for Philadelphia City Council in the 8th District, was joined by District Attorney Seth Williams, Fraternal Order of Police: Lodge #5 President, John McNesby, and dozens of supporters for the announcement of important law enforcement endorsements of her campaign. “I am very glad to be here today to endorse Cindy Bass for City Council” said District Attorney Williams. “Cindy has committed to do all she can to improve the quality of education; all she can to reduce truancy; and all she can to find more jobs and improve economic development.

“Cindy is committed to support police and law enforcement every step of the way and to making sure that our criminal justice system is efficient.”

DA Williams added, “I ask anyone who lives in the 8th District or who cares about the 8th District to vote for Cindy Bass on May 17th.”

“I am honored to have the endorsement of Philadelphia’s top crime fighters in DA Seth Williams and President John McNesby and the Fraternal Order of Police,” Bass said. “Our elected officials and our police force must work together to decrease crime and keep guns off the street.”

Durham Speaks on Economic Development

By WILLIAM DURHAM

Note: William Durham, Democratic candidate for the 8th District City Council nomination, served on the African American Chamber of Commerce’s panel held at Community College April 14. The following are remarks he delivered at that time.

Economic development is a challenge that demands of us a broad perspective. It’s a never- ending quest for community improvement that is connected to almost every government function and every corner of our district, our city and our region. Every improvement we make can ultimately contribute to our economy in some way, by making our city friendlier and more attractive to workers and businesses. I’d like to highlight the aspects of economic development that I think will be most important in the next few years, and share just a few ideas on how we can make Philadelphia a better place to live and work for everyone.

New businesses are the greatest job creation engine in the world. So many of today’s biggest employers and best jobs didn’t even exist when I was a kid, and the same will be true for our children. To ensure that Philadelphians have good jobs now and for years to come, I want to make Philadelphia one of the best cities in the country to start a small business. That may sound ambitious, but I’m convinced we have what it takes.

We have some of the greatest universities in the world in this area. We have infrastructure in place. We have trains, planes, boats and buses. We have thriving communities of students and professionals. The cost of living is significantly lower here than in other major cities, and we’re right between the financial and political capitals of the country. All the pieces for making Philadelphia a central hub for innovation are right here. All that’s left is putting them together.

I think our government can help put those pieces together by offering a helping hand to people with great ideas who want to create a small business. We can provide assistance navigating paperwork and regulations, tax incentives for hiring and breaks for companies still getting started, partnerships with government and universities, help finding a location, and many more things to make sure that tomorrow’s great American businesses grow up right here in Philadelphia.

I always say that great jobs are made by great companies, and great companies are created from great ideas. As a Council member, I want to help entrepreneurs all over the city turn their ideas into reality.

Philadelphia has a population of 1.5 million people, and it’s once again growing. That’s a million and a half potential customers, workers, and partners. Just as we have the pieces in place to make Philadelphia a center for innovation and new companies, we also have what it takes to start bringing in businesses from all over the country that are looking to expand, especially into the 8th District. The steps we need to take are mostly a matter of common sense: cleaning up the trash, simplifying and reducing corporate taxes, retaining college graduates, leveraging our physical resources, and improving Philadelphia’s reputation by highlighting successful urban renewal.

PHS President to Address Weavers Way

By MARGARET LENZI

Guest Writer

Drew Becher, the new President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and a resident of Northwest Philadelphia, will be the featured speaker at the Weavers Way Spring General Membership meeting. PHS, a nonprofit organization founded in 1827, is dedicated to improving the quality of life through horticulture and is considered the nation’s leading authority on transforming communities through greening. Becher will talk about his vision for making Philadelphia the greenest city in the country.

The meeting will be held on Sunday, May 15, on the campus of New Covenant Church, 7500 Germantown Ave, Founder’s Hall, Room B-10, and starts at 5:30 p.m. with an “Eat and Greet,” followed by a business meeting. Becher’s talk will begin about 6:15 p.m. and is open to the public.

Bringing considerable experience from successful urban outdoor programs in New York City, Washington DC and Chicago, Becher is well-suited to help move Philadelphia to greener horizons. PHS already has 30 years experience of running Philadelphia Green –a Green City Strategy that works with partners to develop and preserve community green space, plant trees, reclaim abandoned land and revitalize parks and public areas.

PHS recently announced its “Plant One Million” program, the nation’s largest, multi-state tree-planting campaign. This new initiative to plant one million trees will focus on the 13 counties in the Greater Philadelphia region. The goal is to restore the region’s “tree canopy cover” to 30 percent.

“Trees are vital to the environmental and economic well-being of the region, and this program will have a major impact on the health of our communities,” said Becher, who in his prior position as director of the New York Restoration Project led Million Trees NYC, a program that has planted 400,000 trees to date in New York City.

Attracting national attention and awards is PHS’s LandCare Program which has transformed thousands of trash-strewn, idle parcels of land into neighborhood assets, by adding trees, wood fences, and well-maintained lawns as a strategic pre-step to development. This year, PHS programs will provide thousands of underserved city residents with more than 20,000 pounds of fresh produce through the City Harvest program.

There will be updates on how Weavers Way, is doing and you will learn how Philadelphia is becoming the greenest city in the country and what you can do to help.

City Council District 8 Democratic Primary Candidates

‘Candidates Ask for Hold on Finance Law

On Friday, April 14, the Mayor signed legislation passed by the members of the existing City Council amending section 20-1002(2) of the City’s campaign finance law. The change which was effective immediately added the italicized phrase listed as follows to existing law.

“Except as provided in subsection (6), no person other than individuals who are covered under 20-1002(1), and no political committee shall make total contributions per calendar year, including contributions made to or through one or more political committees, of more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to a candidate for City elective office.”

The candidates listed below applaud Council and the Mayor in their effort to close a loophole within the aforementioned law. However they take issue with the fact that the law was passed in a middle of a campaign, where several members of Council and the Mayor are vying for reelection. We feel that based solely on the timing of the amendment, that their decision at worst is an example of abuse of power and conflict of interest or at the very least, an another example that our current elected officials don’t understand the perceived problems with voting on issues which they are in position to receive a direct benefit from (i.e., DROP). It is also our position that decisions like these further demonstrate the need for new Council leadership.

We graciously ask council and the mayor to consider rescinding their decision until after the November election, based on the appearance of impropriety and fairness. Furthermore, we would like to challenge all candidates, especially those running for City Council, to pledge their support of a request to Council and the Mayor to pass legislation which would mandate fifty percent of unused campaign monies raised from the upcoming May and November elections be donated to a city fund benefiting youth programs, recreation centers, libraries or after school programs.

Andrew Lofton, candidate for 8th District City Council

Tracey Gordon, candidate for 2nd District City Council

Mike Jones, candidate for City Council-At-Large

Warren Bloom, candidate for City Commissioner

Lewis Harris, candidate for Traffic Court

‘Women for Durham’ Fundraiser

The public is invuted to join “Women for Durham” for upcoming morning “Zumba Workout” campaign fundraisers promoting healthy living on April 30 and May 7.

Join in the spirit of exercising our minds and bodies with a morning Zumba workout. Classes will be led by instructor Josephine Heard, who is well known throughout the region. Get a great workout and the opportunity to speak with the candidate one-on-one. Durham will be in attendance at 11:45 a.m. to personally share his vision for the 8th City Council District.

On April 30 the event takes place 10 - 11 a.m.. with class (on-site registration) from 10-10:45 a.m., at Champagne’s, 21 East Chelten Avenue. Admission is $15.00, which includes bottled water.

On May 7 the event runs from 11 a.m. to noon, with class from 11-11:45 a.m. with onsite registration, at Hero’s, 3439 North 17th Street .

Admission is $10, which includes bottled water.

For information visit www.durham4council.com or contact L. Trena Woodson at 215-474-1057. Register on site or by email to: scoopsltw1@verizon. net, Payment will be accepted at the door (cash/checks).

22nd Ward Democratic Fundraiser

On Friday, May 6, from 6 - 8 p.m., at The Gathering Place (6755 Germantown Avenue), the 22nd Ward Democratic Committee will host a Spring Fundraiser.

In addition to committee people and guests, several 8th District City Council, At – Large City Council, and judicial candidates will be attending to meet committee people and guests. The cost for candidates is $100 (Host) or $50 (Contributor).

According to 22nd Ward Leader Ron Couser, “The Spring Fundraiser will provide a great opportunity for candidates to meet the committee people of the 22nd Ward that represent the people of East and West Mt. Airy. Historically, the 22nd Ward is one of the top vote producing wards in the City and it will play a critical role in the May 17 primary.”

Volunteer with Committee of 70

Philadelphia’s Primary Election is on May 17 – just four weeks away. The most heated races are for City Council, with five open seats and several incumbents facing tough challenges.

You can be part of the action! Help answer questions and resolve problems at the polls by volunteering with the Committee of Seventy’s non-partisan Election Day program.

There are several shifts so you don’t have to work all day. We’ll provide all the training, materials and support you need.

It’s fun and rewarding. Sign up today at www.seventy.org/volunteer. (Ask a friend to sign up too and we’ll pair you up)

For more information about the Election Day Volunteer program, the Battle for City Council, or Seventy’s series of City Council Candidate Forums, visit www.seventy.org.

See you at the polls!

Fay Dawson Supports Paulmier

Fay Dawson and her 8th District campaign organization, We the People For a Better Future for our Community, has joined with Friends of Greg Paulmier for the 8th District City Council, Dawson said, “to support Greg in his effort to bring genuine leadership to the District. I enthusiastically recommend Greg for this position and I urge all who supported my candidacy to work for his election.” Dawson was a former candidate for the nomination.

Butkovitz Launches Anti-Fraud App

As an innovative approach to meeting today’s rapidly-changing technological landscape, on April 19 City Controller Alan Butkovitz launched the City of Philadelphia’s first fraud reporting app called, “Philly WatchDog,” that allows citizens to take an active role in reporting fraud through smartphone technology.

According to Butkovitz, “This is a free app that lets citizens instantly report incidents of fraud, waste or abuse directly to my Fraud Unit. The Philly WatchDog app is available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.”

“When it comes to reporting fraud and waste in Philadelphia, I’m proud to say that ‘we now have an app for that,’” said Butkovitz, at today’s press conference. “Like any investigative unit of government, we oftentimes rely on the public to help us identify waste and fraud in city government. It is critically important for government to be on the same technological page as our citizens.”

Along with being the first app of its kind for the City of Philadelphia, it’s also the first app in the nation that focuses on reporting fraudulent incidents directly to a government entity. One of the key features is the ability for users to record and upload video of fraudulent activities on the app, which goes directly to Controller’s Fraud Unit.

Other features include the option to report incidents anonymously, GPS feature to pinpoint location of incident, capture a photo or upload a stored media file, type the description of the app and a one-touch button to call the Controller’s hotline directly. The free app can be downloaded through the App store on an iPhone or iPad by searching “Philly WatchDog” or by downloading it through iTunes on your computer.

“I encourage all Philadelphians to join our fight to expose waste and fraud in city government,” said Butkovitz.

For more information visit philadelphiacontroller.org.

Democrat Turned Republican Enters Mayoral Race

Many thought that the run up to the mayor’s race this year would be a ho-hum experience. Unlike four years ago, no serious challenges came forth in the Democratic primary, and then there was Milton Street, the always-controversial brother of former Mayor John Street, and now the one with the first ballot position.

Odd as that late entry was, it may be topped by an unexpected turn of events after a long term Democratic activist and city staffer with strong ties to key officials and unions walked out of a City Council race at the 11th hour. It’s where she walked to that no one saw coming.

Karen Brown, previously announced candidate for the seat being vacated by Frank DiCiccio in the 1st District, and simultaneously an at-large seat, stated she became outraged at the lack of support from Democratic officials who she believed would support her reform approach to city government, and bolted the party. Immediately welcomed by Michael Meehan and Vito Canuso, power brokers of the minority Republicans, she is now the endorsed candidate of that party, and the first woman in Philadelphia to run for this office from a major political organization.

Bitter Tea for Two Parties

With all the posturing and stagecraft of the last couple of days we wind up with another media circus. Again, generally it was designed as much by the journalists as the legislators to avoid speaking frankly about why this budget from almost a year ago has not been dealt with, and just how short-lived this resolution - - or should I say deflection from reality - - will be.

Of course the question now being asked is which political party came out of this choreographed skirmish the victor, and whose values and priorities will rule the day, at least for the near future. The answer this time, and maybe for the first time in recent history is - - neither!

Try as they might, the Democratic megaphone and most mainstream journalists have not been successful in convincing the average citizen that the Tea Party and the Republican Party are one in the same; for they are far from it.

Area Schools Among the Worst in Collapsing Philadelphia System

It’s difficult to know where to start when discussing the failed and fragmented Philadelphia public school system. Each day new information piles on top of long-standing and unresolved issues within a system rife with major financial deficits in a budget shortfall that could further cripple any chance that money could be a remedy. But money has been tried before, and results have not been forthcoming.

Taken over by the state a few years ago in a desperate attempt at corrective action, the School Reform Commission has made little progress, and restating statistics and burying some of the worst problems and school incidents does nothing to renew any confidence in current leadership. As if recent racial issues in South Philadelphia High were not enough, last week the Philadelphia Inquirer began a multi-part well-researched series into just how serious in-school violence has become in the system, and even worse, how much effort has been expended to keep mouths shut and records purged within the individual schools and the system itself in order to avoid even lower ratings. This series is a must read for any parent with students in the system, or about to make a decision that includes that option.

Problems at the leadership level have not been confined to the classrooms, as only short while ago School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman was cited for using her authority to do an end run around administrative regulations to direct a multi-million dollar contract to a little-known Mt. Airy entity that did not meet basic criterion to even be in the bidding process. The politics that ensued as that issue went from bureaucrat to official to staffer were far from reassuring to the parent or taxpayer.

Truman Spoke, Labor Blinked

The most significant incident in the relationship between organized labor and the U.S. Government took place on May 24, 1946, but it has almost been lost to history. Certainly overshadowed by the often-recalled Air Controllers Strike when Ronald Reagan used presidential authority to end the strike that impacted the traveling public and commerce, the steps taken by President Harry Truman in 1946 were even farther-reaching and evinced a marked reversal for a Democratic president generally sympathetic to labor.

The national railroad strike of 1946 was the outcome of months of negotiations that involved federal negotiators. Defiant positions from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and other sympathetic railroad worker unions set a line in the sand. All trains were to be brought to a halt wherever they were on that day at a specific time. Passengers and freight (much of it perishable) were to be left in their trains and the crews were to walk away. No amount of 11th hour discussion could deter this call to action and the union members did just that.

President Truman called a joint session of the U.S. Congress and asked for authority to use the U.S. military to force operations of the trains and furthermore to use the authority of the U.S. Government to draft the strikers into the Army and force the railroads back into operation immediately. Our Congress granted these requests. When one considers our long tradition of rarely using our military for internal purposes on our own citizenry, this was unprecedented - and scary. Labor backed down and while Truman was giving his speech to the country explaining his reasoning, the union sent a note to him confirming that decision.

Committee of Seventy Holds Candidates’ Nights for 8th, At-Large

The 2011 elections offer the greatest opportunity for change in Philadelphia’s City Council in many years. A good result depends on the voters being well-informed. To that end, the dates and venues of the most comprehensive set of public forums ever to be held in Philadelphia were announced March 30.

The forums feature the 12 seriously-contested Council seats up for election in the May 17 Primary. (There are 17 Council seats in total.) Virtually all of the 42 candidates in these races have confirmed their participation in the forums.

The forum for the Eighth District will be held Wednesday, April 27, at First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, 35 West Chelten Avenue.

The forum for At-Large candidates will be held Thursday, May 12, at WHYY, Lincoln Studio, 150 North Sixth Street.

All forums begin at 7 p.m.; dates and venues are subject to change. are listed below.

Media partners include WHYY/NewsWorks.org, the Philadelphia Daily News, the Philadelphia Inquirer and philly.com.

The public is encouraged to attend; seating will be done on a first come, first serve basis. The series covers both the Democratic and Republican fields for the at-large seats, as well as Democratic races in select districts.

As the forum dates approach, please check www.seventy.org for any venue changes.

For profiles of the district and at-large candidates as well as the Council districts, see www.seventy.org. Candidates and voters should contact Frankie Lancos, Committee of Seventy’s Director of Voter Services, at flancos@seventy.org or 215-557-3600, ext. 110.

Tyner Addresses Public School Series

On Tuesday, March 29, Eighth District City Council candidate Verna Tyner issued the following statement in response to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s ongoing “Assault on Learning” series detailing the alarming level of violence plaguing Philadelphia’s public schools:

“The Inquirer’s investigation into the violence, misbehavior and downright destructiveness plaguing Philadelphia’s public school system is the latest, and perhaps most shocking, sign that the City’s school system is in unacceptably dire straits.”

“As a Tioga resident for the past 40 years, a product of this City’s public schools, and a former junior block captain, I understand that establishing a safe learning environment for our students is absolutely essential to improving our public school system’s abysmal graduation rate and disheartening dropout rate. Ensuring that our students feel safe and supported enough to concentrate on learning is a crucial part of their effort toward intellectual achievement, emotional growth, and personal progress.”

“This is why I have made improving our City’s public education system a centerpiece of my campaign for City Council. Yes, it is true that the City does not control the schools. But as the Inquirer’s investigative work makes glaringly clear, our students - as well as teachers, staff and administrators - need as many advocates as possible at this critical time in their lives and our City’s history. I intend to be among their loudest and most passionate advocates in City Council.”

“One way to address the problem might be a return to the pre-School Reform Commission form of governance, in which the mayor has more influence over the school board. I realize that the City agreed to the SRC model in part because it would result in additional state funding, but with that funding drastically cut and in-school violence continuing to mount, we must at least give consideration to letting the mayor and his appointees have the opportunity to improve the situation.”

“We must also work to identify at-risk and struggling students at a young age and involve our business groups, local non-profits and community groups in a comprehensive effort to improve our schools. I continue to believe that increased community participation is essential to working to empowering our teachers, administrators and students to reinvigorate our neighborhood schools. Last January, for example, I celebrated Martin Luther King Day by participating in a service project geared towards overhauling the school library at Roosevelt Middle School. I was struck by what 100 or so people accomplished in a single day. It was an inspiring testimony to the positive impact that a broad community volunteer effort could have in our schools, and one I would immediately seek to replicate throughout the Eighth District.”

For more information on Verna Tyner’s campaign to represent the Eighth District in City Council, as well as her plans for improving Philadelphia’s public schools, please visit TynerForCouncil.com.

Paulmier Receives Two Endorsements

The Greg Paulmier campaign for the Eighth District City Council seat received two major endorsements this week. The Chestnut Hill Residents Association chose Greg as their candidate in the Eighth District and the Americans for Democratic Action Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter have decided that Greg is the candidate they endorse. These endorsements represent the leadings of people organized to make the city of Philadelphia and the Northwest a healthy and empowered community, true grassroots support for a truly grassroots candidate. The Greg Paulmier for Eighth District City Councilperson campaign is humbled by their support.

To get involved and make real changes happen join our campaign call 215- 843-7903.

‘Women for Durham’ Workout Fundraiser

Join “Women for Durham” for a morning “Zumba Workout” campaign fundraiser promoting healthy living on April 9!

Join us in the spirit of exercising our minds and bodies with a morning Zumba workout! Classes will be led by instructor Josephine Heard, who is well known throughout the region. Get a great workout and the opportunity to speak with the candidate one-on-one. Bill Durham will be in attendance at 9:45 a.m. to personally share his vision for the 8th City Council District.

The event takes place Saturday, April 9, 9 – 11 a.m., with two classes offered, 9 - 9:45 a.m. and 10:15–11 a.m., (onsite registration), at Allen’s Lane Art Center, 601 West Allen Lane. Admission is $15; price includes bottled water. Donations are tax deductible.

Vendors’ information tables are available for $20 each. Please bring your own table.

For information visit the campaign website at www..durham4council.com or contact L. Trena Woodson at 215-474-1057. Register on site or by email to scoopsltw1@verizon. net, Payment will be accepted at the door (cash/checks).

Bill Banning Criminal Record Questions Passes

By JAMES FOSTER

Publisher

A controversial bill forcing the removal of a question regarding a criminal record on job applications in Philadelphia passed 13-4 last week, and Mayor Nutter plans to sign the Bill into law.

The bill was introduced by 8th District Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller in order to help former offenders have greater access to employment opportunity in a city where one in five males has a criminal record.

Certainly not restricted to entry-level applicants, one of the witnesses testifying at the March hearing supporting the bill was former Councilman Rick Mariano, himself a convicted felon who recently served four years for fraud.

According to reports the bill also prevents employers from doing an advance criminal background check before an interview.

Supporters of the bill feel it gives a “second chance” to individuals who are able to perform as well in a job environment as anyone else. Those in opposition see a legal slippery slope where employment in certain jobs actually required the employer to have notice of a criminal background in order to protect potential victims where the jobs have frequent interaction with the public.

In a related matter Council President Verna passed a resolution that would curb the public comment recently ordered by State Court for City Council. Verna described this as “housekeeping move.”

Miller Hails ‘Ban on Box’ Passage

Today [March 31, 2011], in Council Chambers, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller’s Ban the Box legislation passed with an impressive 13-4 final vote.

Forget about the handful of naysayers and the mean-spirited editorial from one Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood paper that claimed [Ban the Box] is “political correctness gone wild”. It’s obvious none of their readers have a criminal record, not even a minor infraction. Nevertheless, democracy has spoken, and more than 300,000 men and women in our City of Brotherly Love will have an opportunity to make a first impression on their merits and not on things from their past. We anticipate that some may find gainful employment and this will help keep them from going back to a life of crime.

Despite the opposition from a small, mostly conservative faction of the City’s residents, Miller, a life-long proponent of Philadelphia’s under-represented and disenfranchised, stood firm in her conviction to stop discrimination against people with criminal records during the initial application process and the first interview.

Miller said, “While the opponents definitely had their right to oppose this bill, it was my duty to speak for the majority who are sincere about getting their lives back on track. It does not matter if they (the opposition) refer to me as a ‘bleeding-heart liberal,’ my duty is to do the right thing. Not only am I helping to give people a second chance; I firmly believe that this bill is another tool in fighting crime by reducing the chance of recidivism.”

Treatman Files Financial Report

On Tuesday, April 5, 8th District City Council candidate Howard Treatman filed his first campaign finance report in City Hall. Although most municipal candidates were not required to file today, it was the first opportunity for Treatman to disclose his campaign finances since forming his campaign committee in February 2011. Treatman has called for fairer and more open elections in Philadelphia, and the filing is part of his commitment to greater disclosure in city campaigns.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in just a short amount of time,” Treatman said. “We didn’t need to file, but I believe in openness and greater disclosure, not only in city government, but also for campaigns. I’ve put in some seed money, and we’re raising more. We’ve received some very favorable press and deployed an aggressive field program.”

The Treatman campaign has ramped up its canvassing and phone banking operations, and has already recorded hundreds of voter contacts. Treatman has been personally knocking on doors on a regular basis, as have a growing list of volunteers. He has participated in several candidate forums, most recently the Chew and Belfield Neighbors Club’s Candidate Night at Coleman Library. On Saturday, Treatman and his volunteers spent the morning cleaning up Gilbert Stuart Park on the 5100 block of Germantown Avenue as part of Philly Spring Cleanup.

The campaign finance report shows $90,576.27 cash on hand, including $100,000 in loans from Treatman to the campaign and about $12,000 in expenditures. Treatman announced his candidacy on March 8, 2011 and the reporting period ended on March 28, 2011.

“The people I talk to at the door are very receptive,” Treatman continued, “they want a change, and they recognize that I’ll bring an independent voice and new ideas to City Council. Election season is in full swing, and this campaign is hitting on all cylinders.”

Tasco Begins Lecture Series

Robin Tasco, who describes herself as a “no nonsense” advocate for the residents of the 8th District, announced on March 29 that, if elected, she will meet with her constituents every other month, produce a weekly e-letter keeping people abreast of City Council happenings, and send out a quarterly newsletter. “It’s time for radical reform in the 8th District. Community people should know what their elected representative is doing and planning to do at all times. The people of the 8th District need to have greater input into 8th District plans and know that their ideas and concerns are heard and acted upon. I pledge to be open, honest and transparent because our community needs to know that government works for them and not the other way around. That’s my first step in bringing real reform to the 8th District”

When asked why she is running for the hotly contested 8th Council seat, Tasco replied, “I’m running because the 8th District deserves better than having some machine puppet candidate who will only continue the dynasty of their particular puppet master. I am independent and not connected to the machine that only offers more of the same old nonsense to our community.”

A longtime resident of the 8th District, Tasco graduated from Germantown High School, and is the only African-American female union representative in the Philadelphia building trades. An active member of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.), she has been a certified electrician for 24 years. In her role as union representative, she has made sure that her members were properly represented and given full employment opportunities throughout 8th District job sites.

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