PhiladelphiaDaily Record

Vol. I No. 103 Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia November 19, 2010

STATE REP. MIKE McGEEHAN, right, confers with House Judiciary Chairman

Tom Caltagirone (D-Berks) at a special public hearing in City Hall yesterday to ex-

amine prison escapes that have plagued McGeehan’s Northeast Phila. District. Com-

munity has complained it’s received no warnings when criminals escape. See Page 2

Warn Us

2 | THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD 19 NOVEMBER, 2010

Prison Escapes Trigger Stern Concern At Hearing

CITY COUNCIL’S Public Safety

Chairwoman Donna Reed Miller,

conferring here with Public Safety

Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison,

said of a recent escapee, Kevin

Turner, who shortly thereafter

killed jeweler William Glatz in the

Northeast in a robbery attempt,

“the confusion surrounding this sit-

uation – the Corrections staff was

still looking for him inside the

prison the following day – exposed

a gaping hole in the public notifica-

tion process. Our first objective

should not be to avoid bad public-

ity, but should instead be to pro-

vide the best level of public safety

we can to the residents of the sur-

rounding community.”

MAN ON HOT SEAT,

Prison Commissioner

Lou Giorla checks in

with Gillison before he

testified. Giorla gave de-

tailed report on three

correctional-facility es-

capes in 12 months and

vowed to work with all

agencies to develop better

alert methods. Giorla has

been scheduling meetings

with N.E. community

groups to hear their con-

cerns. Of Glatz’s death,

he said, “As a longtime

resident of N.E. Phila.

and as sworn officer of 28

years, my heart goes out

to the Glatz family and to

the many area residents

who mourn his passing.”

Controller Alan Butkovitz yesterday

released an audit of the District At-

torney’s Office. The good news

perhaps, was what wasn’t there.

Despite its $25 million annual

budget, the DA’s Office triggered

only three modest criticisms by

Butkovitz’s team, which is known

for its dense and meticulous cita-

tions of bookkeeping defects in

other City agencies.

The DA was not enforcing City

sick-leave abuse policy against As-

sistant District Attorneys and did

not have one of its own.

The same employee both prepared

and authorized payroll – in effect

approving her own work.

Some bank-account reconciliations

were not completed, approved or

submitted to the Office of the Direc-

tor of Finance in the correct format.

The City Treasurer is not an alter-

nate signer on all the DA’s Office’s

bank accounts.

“We would like to express thanks to

you and your staff for the courtesy

and cooperation displayed during

the conduct of our work,” Butkovitz

wrote to DA Seth Williams in sub-

mitting the audit.

Tina Ginnetti, the DA’s chief finan-

cial officer, replied they would

adopt the Controller’s suggestions

on payroll and bank-account recon-

ciliations. She said ADA sick-leave

abuse would continue to be super-

vised informally and she said

Williams’s interpretation of the law,

like his predecessor Lynne Abra-

ham’s, was the Treasurer’s signature

is not required.

19 NOVEMBER, 2010 THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD | 3

Controller’s Audit Of DA Looks Clean

Pennsylvania Attorney General and Governor-Elect Tom Corbett

visits the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies’ offices in

Philadelphia. During the visit, the Mr. Corbett learned more about

AmeriHealth Mercy and the challenges facing the Pennsylvania

Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program. AmeriHealth Mercy in-

cludes Keystone Mercy Health Plan, the largest Medicaid man-

aged care plan in the state. From left to right are Michael A.

Rashid, President and CEO of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of

Companies, Susan Manbeck Corbett, Mr. Corbett’s wife, Renee

Amoore, President and CEO of the Amoore Group, Inc., and

Pennsylvania Attorney General and Governor-Elect Tom Corbett.

Corbett Meets Health Pros

4 | THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD 19 NOVEMBER, 2010

State Rep. Babette Josephs

(D-S. Phila.) said the Demo-

cratic Caucus should be

looking for its opportunities in the

wake of recent changes within the

Pennsylvania House of Representa-

tives.

The General Election changed the

makeup of the Pennsylvania House

of Representatives, for an expected

91-112 configuration, and House

Democrats elected a new leader-

ship team for the next legislative

session.

“Now is the time to regroup and

look for our opportunities,”

Josephs said. “The opportunities

are there. They just will not be as

overt as they were when we were

in the majority. There is a profound

difference between being in the

majority and minority, but it’s not a

death knell for our ideas and pro-

posals. We were in the profound

minority when we increased the

minimum wage.

“However, there is a different way

of operating when in the minority;

one has to be more persistent and

it’s critical to understand the leg-

islative process. Knowing who is

receptive to ideas and who is not,

as well as having good working re-

lationships with one’s colleagues,

all are key,” she said.

“I am sure the Republican majority

will cut the budget as much as they

can, so it is absolutely crucial for

the Democrats to be strategic in

picking the battles we can win with

allies that can help and that will do

the most good for all Pennsylvani-

ans. I am confident the pendulum

will swing back.

“It all comes down to looking for

opportunities. With so many Re-

publicans – and so many with

wide-ranging viewpoints – it may

be challenging for them to reach a

consensus. Many may not be will-

ing to vote for the extreme posi-

tions their party espouses.

“I will focus on finding those op-

portunities to move our agenda for-

ward and to keep Pennsylvania

from backsliding regarding our in-

vestment in public education, our

commitment to a green economy,

the peace and prosperity of our

beloved city, and civil and

women’s rights,” Josephs said.

Josephs: New Session Brings Dem CaucusNew Opportunities

19 NOVEMBER, 2010 THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD | 5

Urban Affairs Coalition Celebrates New Name,

41 Years With Mammoth Breakfast

CITY COUNCIL Majority Leader Marian Tasco

joined full-throated crowd to hail State Rep. Dwight

Evans for his service to this city. Evans sponsors UAC’s

Living Legacy Award, which today was given to family

of late Charles W. Bowser, Sr.

URBAN AFFAIRS COALITION chief Sharmain Mat-

lock-Turner, left, welcomes Lisa Nutter, a former UAC

honoree, to gala breakfast and award ceremony in

Crystal Tea Room this morning. More than 600 people,

including Lisa’s husband mayor Michael Nutter, at-

tended affair to note UAC’s 41 years of history (and

also learn it is no longer to be called “Greater Phila.

Urban Affairs Coalition”).

LEROY EDWARDS received Edward G. Rendell

“Doer” Award. Nine years ago, Edwards received his

first job through UAC’s Summer Youth Employment

Program. Today, at 23, he runs his own business, Ab-

stract Screen Printing – and employs high-school stu-

dents through SYEP himself. Proud of him are his wife

Laverne Towns-Edwards, son Cash and mother Kathy

Edwards.

CONSIDERED a premiere social event for Phila.’s

elite, UAC anniversary breakfast drew throng of distin-

guished civic leaders, among them, from left, Breakfast

Co-Chair Bernard Smalley, Esq. of Annapol Schwartz,

British Honorary Consul Oliver Franklin, Smalley’s

wife Jacqui and Lawrence Dibor of Adcon. Last year,

more than $300,000 was raised to support UAC’s com-

munity work.

House Speaker Keith Mc-

Call (D-Carbon) has an-

nounced a special election

to fill the seat of the late Robert C.

Donatucci will be held Feb. 1.

Donatucci, who represented the

185th Dist., which includes portions

of South and Southwest Philadel-

phia, passed away suddenly on

Nov. 9.

“The loss of this fine legislator was

a shock to his family and col-

leagues, and has left a void for the

people who live and conduct busi-

ness in his District,” McCall said.

“By calling a special election in

early February, we will ensure the

citizens of the 185th are not without

representation for an extended pe-

riod of time. Also, it allows suffi-

cient time for candidates to come

forward and engage the electorate.”

Candidates for the office will be

selected by a process designated by

their respective political parties,

and the winner of the special elec-

tion will take office after the re-

sults are certified.

On the Democrat side, Donatucci’s

widow Maria is seriously consider-

ing seeking his office. Among Re-

publicans, eyes are on Republican

City Committee Executive Director

Jim Dintino, whose 26th Ward is

one of the GOP’s strongest.

6 | THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD 19 NOVEMBER, 2010

ATTENTION

PUBLIC NOTICES

ADVERTISERSWe publish various types of Legal

Notices including: Estate Notices,

Name Changes, Fictitious Name,

Articles of Incorporation and

more, Call

John David for more

215-755-2000Fax: 215-689-4099

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Call (267) 580-5318

Nov. 19-

Mayor to raise 20 more nations’

flags on Parkway and swear in 20

new citizens between 20th and

21st streets, 11 a.m. If rain,

Mayor’s Reception Rm., Rm. 215,

City Hall.

Nov. 20-

UNICO, Italian American Charita-

ble Association, will be stuffing

175 turkey baskets at parking lot

on west side of Turf Club, 700

Packer Ave., 9 a.m.-12 m. Presi-

dent Guy Ciabattoni invites every-

one interested to join and help. For

info Guy (215) 774-9866, ext. 11.

Dec. 3- Phila. FIGHT marks 20th

anniversary gala at Ritz Carlton.

For ticket and other info (215)

525-8628.

Dec. 5-

73rd Annual Rev. George Feider

Memorial Communication Break-

fast hosted by Millay Club alumni

of Gorretti-Neumann HS, at Hyatt

Regency at Penn’s Landing, 201

S,. Columbus Blvd., 9 a.m. Hon-

ored will be Penna. State Secretary

Basil Merenda and others. Tickets

$30. For info (215) 389-0925.

Dec. 8-

Fire Fighters Local 22 and Police

FOP Lodge 5 host plaque dedica-

tion honoring 100th anniversary of

largest loss of life which killed 13

firefighters, one police officer and

two fire horses at Plaza Complex

on 2nd St. south of Girard Ave., 11

a.m. For info Jerry Kots (267)

549-6326.

Speaker Sets Special ElectionDate For 185th House Dist.

19 NOVEMBER, 2010 THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD | 7

Southern High

Takes Up Rep.

Johnson’s Anti-

Violence BidState Rep. Kenyatta Johnson (D-S.

Phila.) has officially announced his

“Peace Not Guns - Project Succeed

Challenge”, where he’s challenging

high-school students, in and around

his District, to create a program to

help their peers get the resources

they need in a timely manner. In

addition, each group must include

at least one “at-risk” youth in the

project. South Philadelphia HS has

accepted the challenge.

Philadelphia is facing a major

dropout crisis across the region.

Statistic shows that there’s a direct

relationship between dropping out

and crime. Often students drop out

because they aren’t aware of the re-

sources available to them. This

challenge seeks to address these is-

sues by inundating students with

resources that promote positive de-

velopment, encourage student re-

tention and ultimately, reduce

violence in our communities.

“It’s important for us to realize ig-

norance is not bliss,” Johnson

states. “In order for us to fight

against youth violence, we have to

make sure all youth have access to

appropriate resources just as easy

as they have access to inappropri-

ate resources.” This challenge is a

direct response from the feedback

Johnson received from the Peace

Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meet-

ing, which took place last Decem-

ber at South Philadelphia HS.

Mayor Names 3

To Ethics BoardMayor Michael A. Nutter submit-

ted resolutions to City Council that

would confirm the appointment of

William H. Brown III and San-

juanita González and reconfirm the

appointment of Sister Mary Scul-

lion to the City’s Board of Ethics.

Brown will fill the vacancy created

by the resignation of Nolan A.

Atkinson, Jr. whose five-year term

will expire on Nov. 16, 2014.

González will fill the vacancy cre-

ated by the resignation of Kenya

Mann Faulkner, whose five-year

term will end on Nov. 16, 2013.

The other members of the five-per-

son Board are Rev. Damone B.

Jones Sr. and Richard Glazer.

“Transparent government has been

a key priority of my Administration

since day one. The work of the

Ethics Board has always been to

promote and work for the best in-

terest of the public,” said the

Mayor. “I would like to thank

Nolan and Kenya for their dedica-

tion to these missions. I am certain

Sister Mary and newly appointed

members Sanjuanita and William

will continue to advance the

Board’s and my goal of an ethical

government that works for every-

one.”

The Board of Ethics is an inde-

pendent board in charge of provid-

ing ethics training for all city

employees, enforcing city cam-

paign finance, financial disclosure,

and conflict of interest laws, as

well as rendering advice, investi-

gating complaints and issuing

fines.

The Board consists of five mem-

bers, appointed by the mayor, who

serve fixed and staggered terms of

five years. A member may only be

removed for cause and needs the

support of a majority of City Coun-

cil to be confirmed. There is no

compensation for service on the

Board of Ethics.

Brown is senior counsel at

Schnader Harrison Seagal &

Lewis, LLP. He served as the chair-

man of the US Equal Employment

Opportunity Commission and,

prior to joining Schnader, worked

as the Chief of the Fraud Unite and

Deputy District Attorney in

8 | THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD 19 NOVEMBER, 2010

Philadelphia. Brown also chaired

the Philadelphia Special Investiga-

tion Commission that examined the

1985 MOVE tragedy.

González is currently managing

partner at Cohen, Fluhr & Gonza-

lez and practices law in the areas of

immigration and social security

disability. She is the former vice

president of the Hispanic Bar Asso-

ciation of Pennsylvania and co-

chair of the social security

disability committee of the

Philadelphia Bar Association.

Scullion is currently the executive

director and president of Project

H.O.M.E. She has been involved in

service work and advocacy for

homeless and mentally ill persons

since 1978. In 1985 she co-founded

Woman of Hope, which provides

permanent residences and support

services for homeless mentally ill

women. In 1988 she helped to

found the Outreach Coordination

Center, an innovative program co-

ordinating private and public agen-

cies doing outreach to chronically

homeless persons in Center City. In

1989, she co-founded Project

H.O.M.E., which has grown from

an emergency winter shelter to a

multifaceted nonprofit organization

with 447 units of housing and three

businesses that provide employ-

ment to formerly homeless per-

sons. To date, Project H.O.M.E.

has leveraged over $50,000,000 in

equity towards housing and eco-

nomic development.

EarthquakeNeeds TurkeyHelp TomorrowCommunity activist Paul Earth-

quake Moore needs donations of

turkey and stuffing, and running

enthusiasts to participate in his an-

nual Run down S. Broad Street

from City Hall at 11 a.m. tomor-

row. Quake asks anyone and every-

one to join him and support this

effort.

Deputy Police Commissioner

Stephen Johnson, a long-time Run

supporter, will lead the Run with

Nova Care’s Tia Gray. Call (215)

385-2696 to find out how you can

help.