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(11/29/95 10:00am)
and Peter Morrison The International Affairs Association may have misused $3,492 of Student Activities Council funds, according to an independent investigation conducted by The Daily Pennsylvanian. The potential abuses include overspending for office expenses, printing and duplicating; travel; and using University funds for personal phone calls. A similar inquiry conducted by the Undergraduate Assembly's Budget Committee last month found that the group spent $1,500 inappropriately. But a subsequent SAC Finance Committee audit of the IAA's financial records, requested by the IAA itself, largely cleared the organization of any wrongdoing. Following both the UA and SAC Finance audits, the Office of Student Life -- which administers all SAC groups' monies -- transferred more than $1,100 from the IAA's own account back to SAC for what SAC Finance has termed "administrative accounting errors" in OSL. Although this seems to demonstrate that SAC had paid for expenses it should not have, IAA President Brendan Cahill, a College senior, believes SAC Finance's audit has completely "vindicated" his organization. The SAC audit states that "to attribute these [accounting] errors to 'fraud' or 'theft' on the part of IAA, is irresponsible and unprofessional." SAC's audit revealed discrepancies about what SAC paid for, but found that these inconsistencies did not prove any intent on the part of the IAA to defraud SAC. Allegations concerning misuse of funds may be moot, according to SAC Finance Chairperson David Shapiro, a College and Wharton junior. Shapiro said that any discrepancies between groups' SAC and non-SAC accounts would be reconciled during SAC Finance's carryover-deficit process. During this process, normally conducted in September, SAC liaisons examine all financial records of SAC groups to determine if SAC paid for expenditures it should not have. But the DP's investigation revealed serious concerns about the accounting procedures used by the IAA, SAC and OSL. The investigation is based largely on public records available from OSL. Cahill said it is not IAA policy to disclose its own financial records to the public. The IAA was originally budgeted $23,695 to cover organization expenses including seven model United Nations conferences. But the IAA did not attend three of the seven conferences, so $8,910.10 originally allocated for these three conferences was retained by SAC. The funds the IAA was entitled to spend after eliminating these three conferences was $15,584. According to OSL records, the IAA spent $15,681 of SAC money during 1994-95, which appears to put the IAA right on budget, but the DP's investigation found that the group possibly should have spent even less SAC funds. Shapiro said that discrepancies in OSL's books may appear because SAC Finance does not reconcile groups' books until the end of an entire academic year. SAC Steering Chairperson Graham Robinson added that inefficiency in the OSL may also lead to funding errors. In its budget request to SAC, the IAA asked for $300 in SAC funding to pay for 12 months of long-distance phone calls during 1994 and 1995. Refusing to pay for calls not made during the academic year, SAC allocated the group only $200, enough to cover eight months of calls at $25 a month. The IAA actually spent $505.61 on long-distance phone calls, including calls during late May, June, July and August, according to OSL records, which amounts to $42.13 a month for 12 months, much more than the $25 a month allocated for only eight months. Some of this money was spent on personal calls to IAA board members' parents and friends, according to detailed Penntrex phone records. SAC paid for all of these telephone calls under the broad budget category of "Office Expenses," according to OSL records. Cahill said when the IAA plans model United Nations conferences it is difficult to predict how much long-distance calling will be necessary to coordinate the meetings. He added that calls were made over the summer by the group's secretary general in preparation for a conference at the University in November. Cahill denied that any IAA board members placed personal phone calls from the group's office, but records indicate that he himself made at least two personal calls to his parents (See sidebar, page 3). And one IAA member who asked not to be identified suggested the IAA may not be so serious about preventing SAC funds from being spent inappropriately. "A joke which has been circulated among the International Affairs Association crowd is that it doesn't really matter how much money we waste at our away conferences, because we're SAC funded," she said. The IAA member explained that while attending a conference in the Northeast, club officers asked delegates to turn in receipts for everything, including "recreational taxi cab fares, personal souvenirs and meals -- so that the club could be reimbursed for these expenses." SAC's own rules prohibit reimbursing groups for personal expenses and meals. The DP's investigation revealed questionable travel expenditures that may substantiate this IAA member's claims. SAC allocated $1,000 for half of the travel expenses the IAA expected to incur to attend its conference in Washington, D.C. SAC also allotted an additional $2,000 to cover half of the hotel expenses for the IAA's delegation at the same conference. SAC policy states that it will fund half of groups' travel and hotel costs, and that the individual groups must raise the other half. But the travel expenses for a train and bus to that conference actually cost only $1,300. Therefore, SAC paid only $650 -- $350 less than expected. The IAA's hotel expenses cost $5,200 -- $1,200 more than expected. SAC, therefore, paid $600 more than the $2,000 originally budgeted for hotels. Ideally, the IAA should have paid the $600 difference from its own non-SAC revenues and should have returned the unspent $350 to SAC. Instead, OSL documents seem to show that the unspent $350 was used to make up part of the deficit incurred from overspending on hotels. Cahill said the original hotel where the IAA delegation planned to stay -- The Washington Marriott, where the room rate was $116 per night -- was overbooked. As a result, Cahill said 16 delegates were forced to rent four rooms at One Washington Circle Hotel where the rate was $145 per night. Not only did SAC pay for these additional hotel rooms, but copies of hotel receipts on file at OSL seem to indicate SAC paid $9.21 for a movie IAA members charged to one of their rooms. The DP's inquiry has uncovered other questions about IAA travel expenses as well. OSL records indicate SAC paid for half of taxi expenditures and 319 miles driven in an IAA board member's car at $.30 per mile during a conference in San Francisco. The SAC allocation for travel to this conference was $1,908 for plane travel, not taxi or car travel. Cahill insists that the taxis and private car mileage were paid for from the group's non-SAC account. For the same conference, SAC granted the IAA $1,900 for half of its airfare. Receipts on file at OSL show the actual cost to SAC was $1,450. Records indicate that the $450 that SAC should have saved was still spent in other categories. Also at the San Francisco conference, SAC overpaid $350 for hotel expenses. SAC had originally allocated $500 for half of the group's hotel cost, but paid the additional cost when the total hotel expense came to approximately $1,700 rather than the expected $1,000. In another example, SAC's allocation for 48 delegates to attend a conference at Harvard University was $2,010. But OSL records indicate the actual cost was only $1,270. Cahill explained that the IAA sometimes requests more money than necessary because some IAA members who sign up to go to a conference later change their minds. Again, OSL records show the excess funds may have been spent in other budget categories. Shapiro said SAC groups are allowed to transfer up to $50 from a surplus budget category to a deficit category. This may explain some of the discrepancies. But there are also concerns about the IAA's printing and duplicating expenditures, the DP's audit reveals. The IAA overspent by $241.12 for printing and duplicating. The IAA accounted for all of these expenditures with receipts turned in to OSL. Many were similar to IAA receipt no. 3499, which was labeled simply "Copy expenses at Kinko's." The receipt provides no indication as to what material was being copied or for what purpose it was duplicated. Cahill explained that printing expenses often cannot be accurately predicted because of the vast amount of paperwork that must be done for the conference held at the University and for any conferences the IAA attends elsewhere. Editor's Note: Peter Morrison is editorial page editor of the DP and will not participate in any potential editorials on this topic.
(11/29/95 10:00am)
and Peter Morrison The International Affairs Association overspent $305.61 in Student Activities Council money on long-distance telephone calls, including at least $33.79 in calls to the family and friends of IAA board members, a Daily Pennsylvanian investigation of IAA expenditures revealed. Last spring, the IAA requested $25 in SAC funding per month for 12 months of long-distance phone calls during 1994 and 1995. SAC refused to pay for calls made during the summer and allocated the group only eight months of calls at $25 per month, for a total of $200. The IAA actually spent $505.61 on long-distance phone calls, including calls during late May, June, July and August, according to public records and Penntrex phone bills obtained from the Office of Student Life. That amounts to $42.13 a month for 12 months, well above the $25 a month allocated for only eight months. The group spent $117.05 in September, $183.38 in October, and $88.59 in November 1994. SAC paid for all of these telephone calls under the broad budget category of "Office Expenses," according to OSL records. IAA President and College senior Brendan Cahill said when the IAA plans conferences for its model United Nations program it is difficult to predict how much long-distance calling will be necessary to coordinate the meetings. He added that calls were made during the summer by the group's secretary general in preparation for a conference at the University in November. Cahill denied that any IAA board members placed personal phone calls from the group's office. "The IAA office phone is only used for conference business," Cahill said. "Only IAA board members have keys to the office and those people are responsible. We regulate [the office] because we take it very seriously." But the phone statements show IAA board member Tony Huang, a Wharton junior, made at least 10 phone calls to his parents and girlfriend in San Jose, Calif. last year. Huang made five calls to his girlfriend in September and October 1994 which totaled 263 minutes and cost more than $28. This includes two calls that lasted 100 minutes and 80 minutes each. Huang also made at least $5 worth of phone calls to his parents on the IAA's bill. Cahill said Huang's girlfriend worked on a committee to organize Penn's model U.N. conference and that may be why Huang called her. Cahill himself also made at least two calls to his parents' house in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and IAA board member Josh Wolson, a College senior, called his parents' home in Allentown, Pa. on at least one occasion. Other questionable charges on the phone bills include a series of calls to Quebec, Canada, and at least one call to Paris, France. The call to Paris was placed on May 23 at 12:22 a.m. EST -- 6:22 a.m. Paris time -- and lasted 13 minutes. It cost SAC $6.43. Cahill said the IAA was calling to invite a university in Paris to a conference, but that the university's delegation was never able to attend. "My opinion is that I and my fellow board members take these operations, student money and our jobs very seriously," Cahill said. "I would give them the benefit of the doubt." SAC Steering Chairperson Graham Robinson, a College senior, said he was "surprised an organization of [the IAA's] size would do something like that because they could easily afford to be careful." "Everything about that is wrong," Robinson said. "I'm very skeptical they would be able to respond that in any way that would explain it." Editor's Note: Peter Morrison is editorial page editor of the DP and will not participate in any potential editorials on this topic.
(11/17/95 10:00am)
Two residential advisors who allegedly witnessed College sophomore Scott Schuman strike a former University Police officer claimed yesterday that it was improper for Assistant Vice Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel to testify as a character witness in Schuman's trial. Municipal Court Judge Martin Bashoff acquitted Schuman Wednesday of all charges stemming from his April 21 arrest. The two RAs, College seniors Christopher Robbins and Gregory Montanaro, were both scheduled to testify for the prosecution. They claim Cassel's presence as a character witness for the defense was "intimidating and inappropriate." The RAs work for Residential Living, which is supervised by the Vice Provost for University Life's Office for which Cassel works. Cassel said Wednesday night that the decision to testify as a character witness for Schuman was a personal one and that she was not acting in an official capacity. She said she cleared her decision to testify with the University's General Counsel Office and she told both her boss, McCoullum, and University Police Chief George Clisby about her decision. McCoullum confirmed that Cassel's decision to testify was personal. But Robbins said having "his boss several times removed" testifying for the other side placed him under "a very strong element of duress." Former University Police officer Mary Terry, whom Schuman was accused of punching, said Clisby never told her of Cassel's decision to testify. She said she was surprised and "offended" that Cassel was a character witness for her alleged assailant. Clisby is on vacation and could not be reached for comment. Cassel said she was not at the trial to testify against the University Police or the RAs, but only to tell the court about Schuman's character as she knew it. But in a confidential memorandum Cassel sent to Clisby yesterday and obtained by the DP, Cassel wrote that she "personally believe[s] that this case could have been handled internally." Cassel refused to comment last night on the memo. In the memo, Cassel also wrote that Robbins had approached her in "extremely threatening manner" before the trial and was warned by another witness in the case that his comments could be construed as "threatening a witness." Robbins denied on the stand that he ever threatened Cassel and last night called Cassel's claim "absurd." Bashoff said the testimony of Cassel and four other character witnesses -- who testified that Schuman is an upstanding member of the community who had never been in trouble before or since his arrest -- were a major factor in his decision to find Schuman not guilty. But Montanaro, formerly a DP city editor, claimed that Cassel should never have taken the stand in the first place. He voiced his complaint in an e-mail addressed to Vice Provost for University Life Valerie Swain-Cade McCoullum. "I would like to know on what grounds the University can justify sending an official to testify on behalf of a student who was implicated in the assault of an RA and a University Police officer," Montanaro wrote. "I am yet confused about what message Cassel's actions send to the RAs who attempt to do their jobs." A source close to the case said yesterday that Schuman's actions had been investigated by the University judicial system and that Schuman had signed a statement admitting he violated the Code of Student Conduct. The source said Schuman was put on probation for his behavior. Schuman, who is underage, said last night that he signed a statement because he had in fact violated the University's alcohol policy by bringing a six-pack of beer into the Quadrangle. He said the statement did not refer to any other violations besides drinking. And Schuman again proclaimed his innocence of all other allegations against him. University spokesperson Barbara Beck said yesterday that there are no policies governing the testimony of University employees and that Cassel was not testifying on University time.
(11/15/95 10:00am)
and Brett Levinson A College sophomore was robbed of $150 at gunpoint yesterday morning in his apartment on the 4000 block of Pine Street while his three roommates slept unaware in adjoining rooms, according to University Police Capt. John Richardson. The student, who did not wish to be identified, said he was walking home alone from Van Pelt Library at about 3 a.m. Moments before reaching his apartment, the student said a man stepped out of the vestibule of a neighboring apartment and approached him. After the student refused to give the man cigarettes, the man pulled what appeared to be a snub-nose revolver from his jacket and asked the student for his money. When the student told the assailant he was not carrying any money, the man insisted the sophomore take him to his apartment. Ironically, the student said he noticed a Philadelphia Police patrol car parked outside of his apartment building. "There's a cop but you are not going to say anything or I'll blow your head off," the sophomore recalled the robber saying. Acting on the robber's instructions, the student opened the door to his apartment and led the robber to his first-floor bedroom. The student said the robber stayed close behind him, allowing the student no opportunity to escape or signal the nearby police officer for help. The robber seemed "jumpy," the student said, adding that upon entering the room the man took the phone off the hook to ensure no one would call the police. The student said he reached in a drawer and gave the robber about $100 in cash. The man then attempted to force the student to leave the apartment with him. The student said he held the door open for the man and as he stepped outside, the student locked the robber out. The student then ran to phone and called 911. Philadelphia and University Police arrived within five minutes, but were unable to apprehend the robber. The student described the suspect as a 30-year-old black male, 5 foot 7 inches tall with a medium build and dark complexion. The man was wearing a royal-blue windbreaker, dark jeans and tennis shoes. Police suspect the assailant may have been lurking in the nearby vestibule of 4023 Pine, which is often unlocked. Wharton junior Nancy Silva, a resident of 4023 Pine, seemed shocked by the robbery. She said she has never seen anyone waiting in the vestibule and that she other residents rarely lock the outer door. "Living on this street gives you a false sense of security," Silva said, adding that she will try to lock the door from now on. Despite the danger of the situation, the College sophomore said he remained calm throughout the robbery. "I wasn't even that scared when it happened," he said, noting that he often walks home alone late at night and has been mugged previously in New York City. "I was threatened, but I was not really afraid for my life like I thought I would have been."
(10/25/95 9:00am)
They look for things that go bump in the night.They look for things that go bump in the night.Exciting, yes. Scary? You bet. The crack of a tree branch pierces the silence of a clear October night. Wharton junior John Brightbill freezes, the hairs on the back of his neck bristling, and peers out into the shadowy darkness of St. Mark's Square. Clutching a radio in his right hand, Brightbill trains his flashlight at the open gate of a nearby house. He and his partner, College freshman Marc Cohen, wait. And listen. This time, Brightbill can't locate the source of the noise and the two are forced to continue their patrol. After all, investigating things that go bump in the night is just a part of a day's work for Penn Watch, the University's student-run campus safety program. Penn Watch, which is modeled after "town watch" programs throughout the nation, is designed to provide police with an extra set of eyes and ears by conducting foot patrols through the off-campus areas where many students live. Armed with two-way radios, cellular phones, police scanners, powerful flashlights and clipboards and dressed in matching blue and gold jackets and hats, Penn Watch members acts as "walking blue light phones," according to Brightbill, Penn Watch's president. The group, which has about 30 members, also conducts seminars designed to increase students' awareness of safety issues, Brightbill said. But what would compel students to walk through West Philadelphia between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. looking for crime? As they assembled in the Police Mini Station on Walnut Street before the first Penn Watch patrols of the semester Monday night, members gave widely varying reasons for their involvement. For Engineering and Wharton junior Shane Lipson, Penn Watch's vice chairperson for special services, it was being the victim of a crime himself. For Joe Riggio, a Wharton senior, it was a desire to support the police. But for many, it's the adrenaline rush Penn Watch members get while on patrol. All of the group's members said it was an exciting experience. Exciting, yes. Scary? You bet. "It's a little spooky out here," Cohen said as he and Brightbill walked down 42nd Street Monday, using their flashlights to disperse the jagged shadows cast by the trees lining both sides of the street. Like all Penn Watch members, Cohen went through a two-hour training session with University Police before being allowed to go on patrol. But Cohen is a rookie. Monday night was his first patrol and the College freshman seemed a bit edgy. "I'm not nervous, just wise," Cohen said of his cautious behavior while on patrol. And once back in the secure environs of the Police Mini Station, Cohen said he was glad to have helped make West Philadelphia a safer place -- at least for one night. University Police is glad, too. "We totally are thrilled that young men and ladies are willing to go out and help make this community safer with the full support of the police," said Maureen Rush, director of Victim Support and Special Services. Rush said that Penn Watch needs more members and that she and other police officials are hoping that fraternities and sororities -- which have been concerned about safety off-campus -- will get involved in the group. Penn Watch has already assisted police. Monday night, Rush called Brightbill on his cellular phone to tell him Penn Watch should be on the lookout for smashed car windows in the wake of a rash of recent thefts from automobiles in the campus area. Less than an hour later, Brightbill and Cohen discovered three cars, all apparently broken into, parked in the lot near the former Acme supermarket at 43rd and Locust streets. University Police officers were soon on the scene. And the sight of the blue and gold jackets of Penn Watch members walking through the neighborhood was a welcome one to most members of the West Philadelphia community. "Glad you guys are here," said one man as he walked home late Monday night. "We need you." Like traditional beat cops, Penn Watch members try to get to know the people they see on their patrols. Brightbill and Cohen paused to talk to several people lounging on their front porches Monday. Everyone seemed pleased to see them. Of course, there were some funny looks. "What are you guys, police?" one student asked as a Penn Watch patrol breezed past her on the corner of 41st and Locust streets. "No, we're Penn Watch," replied College senior Gregory Montanaro, Penn Watch vice chair of patrols, as he proudly tipped his hat to her.
(05/19/95 9:00am)
Officials downplay potential loss Lured by promises of doubling its money in just six months, the University invested more than $2 million over the last two years with the mysterious and controversial Foundation for New Era Philanthropy, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday. It is not clear how much of the University's money is currently invested with New Era -- which listed $551 million in liabilities and only $80 million in assets in federal bankruptcy court filings this week -- but sources indicate that it may be in excess of $1 million. New Era, which is based in Radnor, Pa., and has offices in London and Hong Kong, promoted itself as an innovative new charity capable of doubling nonprofit institutions' money by soliciting matching funds from a pool of anonymous wealthy donors who supposedly relied on the charity to find worthy causes. Along with the University, thousands of nonprofit organizations deposited their money with New Era, which said it would hold the funds for six months in brokerage accounts -- rather than in escrow -- and claimed to be investing it in certificates of deposit or treasury bills while finding matching donors. But according to New Era's attorneys, the charity's president, John Bennett Jr., admitted to his staff last weekend that the anonymous wealthy donors, which were supposed to act as the ostensible source of funds for the charity, do not really exist. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Philadelphia and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are now investigating whether New Era is anything more than an elaborate pyramid scheme orchestrated by Bennett. Pyramid or "Ponzi" schemes promise victims huge returns on their investments and produce the illusion of financial success by paying off early investors with the money donated by later victims. The scheme eventually collapses when no more investors can be found. -- or the operator disappears with the pooled funds. The state froze New Era's assets on Tuesday and moved to freeze Bennett's bank accounts on Wednesday. A six-count complaint filed by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office Tuesday in Commonwealth Court claims New Era "misled contributing donors with regard to the extent of donor participation and the nonprofit matches" and charges the charity with violating the state's Charity Act, Consumer Protection Law and Nonprofit Law. University spokesperson Barbara Beck said Tuesday that the University General Counsel's Office is providing authorities any information they need to investigate. Beck said the University invested in New Era on the advice of several individuals close to the institution and after hearing of the tremendous returns other nonprofits were reaping from the charity. "We were invited to participate by people close to the University who have a great deal of credibility and attested to the success they had had with New Era and had others attest to the soundness of this investment," Beck said. She added that the University was aware that New Era was "slightly unorthodox," but trusted advisors close to the University. "I think it's one of our jobs to be suspicious of everything," Beck said. According to an article in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, Vivian Piasecki, a member of New Era's Board of Directors as well as the chairperson of the Nursing School's Board of Overseers and a University Trustee, confirmed that she helped convince the University to double some of its money with the charity. A source for The Daily Pennsylvanian said Piasecki first approached Nursing Dean Norma Lang about investing in New Era. Lang and Piasecki then convinced former University President Sheldon Hackney that the University should deposit money with the charity. Hackney approved an initial investment of $600,000, the source said. In April 1993, the University wrote a $600,000 check to New Era. Two months later, the University invested an additional $300,000. In both cases, the money was doubled within six months. New Era's 1993 federal tax return, the most recent available since the charity filed for an extension on its 1994 return, states that it paid the University more than $2.1 million during that year. The charity also gave a $50,000 grant to Lang's School of Nursing, $1,000 to the Wistar Institute and $90 to the University Museum. Neither Piasecki or Lang could be reached for comment. With a $1.4 billion endowment, the University's level of involvement in New Era is far less than many smaller nonprofits that invested large portions of their total assets in the charity, Beck said. "I don't want to minimize the seriousness of this at all," she said. "I don't know the situation at other institutions that have placed a great deal at risk, but the University's level of activity is pretty small." While University's investment relative to its total assets is not substantial, the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia had deposited $2.7 million with New Era -- one-tenth of its endowment. The Esperanza Health Center, a clinic in an impoverished Hispanic neighborhood in Philadelphia, had invested $100,000, and Spring Arbor College in Spring Arbor, Mich., had turned over $1 million of its $6 million endowment to New Era to be doubled within nine months. The small college also has several hundred thousand more dollars with New Era that the charity was supposed to double in six months. A lawsuit against New Era filed by Prudential Securities Inc. in federal court on May 11 and a front page article in Monday's Wall Street Journal detailing New Era's suspicious financial dealings were the first indications that the the money many nonprofits had invested in the charity might be at serious risk. "I don't think we knew about the level of seriousness until the Journal article was published," Beck said. Prudential's suit claims New Era had borrowed $44.9 million on margin and failed to repay it on demand. The collateral for the loan was the brokerage account into which the University and other nonprofits had placed the money. The status of this account is now in dispute, as the money was used to buy treasury bills that Prudential liquidated on May 12 when New Era refused to repay the loan. Neal Colton, one of New Era's attorneys, has asked the bankruptcy court to appoint the accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand to audit the charity's records "on an expedited basis." Auditing the records may prove a difficult task, as many accounts describe New Era's bookkeeping as lax and potentially misleading. "By their own admission, [New Era staffers] acknowledge that their books and records are disorganized and may be inaccurate," the state Attorney General's complaint states. Colton has asked that the list of New Era creditors -- numbering about 300, including up to 150 wealthy philanthropists according to bankruptcy documents -- be kept under seal to avoid unnecessary embarrassment to any of the organizations or individuals. Many who had money with New Era were shocked to learn that they may have been involved with a Ponzi scheme. Some said they were still hoping that the pool of secret donors Bennett claimed supported the foundation would come forward to bail out the charity. Beck said that if the University was taken in by New Era's claims of lavish profits, it was in good company. According to New Era's 1993 tax return and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's complaint, among the more than 2,000 nonprofits that have invested in the matching funds program since its inception in 1989 are the Boy Scouts of America, the Environmental Defense Fund, Haverford College, One to One Partnership Inc., Planned Parenthood, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Stanford University Medical School, the United Way and Yale Law School. New Era also attracted money from scores of Christian churches and evangelical groups -- particularly during the early years of the program. Bennett, a former substance abuse counselor, was a well-known figure in religious and charitable circles, serving on the boards of several Christian organizations. And many are finding it hard to believe that he may have defrauded them. "I think he will have good answers," said wealthy mutual-fund trader John Templeton in an interview with The Wall Street Journal Monday. Templeton, who like Bennett is connected to conservative Christian groups, served as a trustee of New Era's London affiliate. His son, John Templeton Jr., a surgeon at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, also donated large sums of money to New Era. University officials believed John Templeton Jr. was one of the donors matching its investment when the University first deposited money with New Era, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday. But Templeton denied he was one of the anonymous philanthropists and said he only invested in New Era in order to double his own contributions to charities. Since last weekend, Bennett has severed all ties with New Era and is not being represented by the foundation's lawyers, according to New Era attorneys.
(03/29/95 10:00am)
High rises will be closed for repairs during summer, fall University officials are expected to announce today that certain floors of the high rises will be closed this summer and next fall to allow for the removal of large quantities of asbestos from the dormitories, a source in Residential Living said yesterday. Residential Living Director Gigi Simeone confirmed that students will be relocated to the Graduate Towers, Stouffer College House, Van Pelt College House, Low Rise North and Hamilton Court in order to "accommodate the correction of on-going and serious maintenance concerns." Simeone refused to comment on reports that asbestos had recently been discovered in the high rises. But according to documents obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, including correspondence between Residential Maintenance officials and city inspectors, "several metric tons" of the carcinogenic fire retardant were found in the walls of High Rise East and High Rise South earlier this month by city inspectors checking the University's fire-stopping procedures. Bennet Levin, head of the city's licenses and inspections department, confirmed yesterday that his crews had found asbestos in the buildings during a routine inspection procedure. Levin said the material must be removed in order to bring the buildings up to code, but he added that he does not believe the asbestos -- which has been shown to cause lung cancer -- poses a threat to students living in the high rises. "In the walls it's not really dangerous," Levin said of the asbestos. "It's just extremely bad if it's in a dust form, like where there might have been drilling between floors." According to one of the documents, such drilling recently occurred when Residential Maintenance wired all high rise rooms for Resnet. "We found the asbestos in a fine, powdery form all over those storage lockers up there," said one city inspector who checked the building but wished to remain nameless because he feared for his job. The worker, who said he developed a hacking cough shortly after making the inspection tour of the high rises, has missed several days of work recently and said he is considering suing the University. "You really shouldn't be on those floors without proper protective suits and masks," he said. Residential Living forced students to clean out several lockers in High Rise East and High Rise South earlier this week. Levin said yesterday that all students who came into contact with the lockers should be tested immediately for asbestos exposure and that any luggage removed from the storage lockers should be burned. At the time the students were originally asked to clean out the lockers, Mike Palladino, the director of network installations, planning and video for Data Communications and Computing Services, said the action was taken because city inspectors had found problems with "the University fire-stopping techniques." "Well, I didn't exactly lie," Palladino said. "I just didn't want anyone to panic." Palladino admitted that he had been aware of the asbestos problem for several years, but was instructed by officials in the University's Office of Risk Management not to tell anyone. "He paid me a lot of money not to talk," Palladino said referring to $300,000 cash settlement Assistant Director of Risk Management Ronald Jasner paid him. Jasner, who said he would match or better the amount he gave to Palladino if I didn't quote him, said students should have known the asbestos was there. "This is being blown way out of proportion," he said as he hastily packed a bag in his office yesterday, a ticket to Acapulco in his hand.
(12/15/94 10:00am)
and Gregory Montanaro A man was shot in the chest and killed in front of the University City Thriftway Supermarket at 43rd and Walnut streets at about 6:47 p.m. Tuesday, according to Philadelphia Police Homicide Detective Paul Musi. The man was pronounced dead upon arrival at 6:55 p.m. at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He was taken there by University Police. Although the man has been identified, Musi said his name could not be released until his next of kin have been notified. So far, police have not found any weapons or suspects in the murder. And although no motive has been determined, he said that robbery has been ruled out. Musi added that the slain man was a "hack" -- an unlicensed taxi driver who often waits at supermarkets and drives customers home for a fee. The victim was seen arguing with two men before he was shot, Musi said. Musi said the first assailant is described as a young man, 5-foot-7, 140 pounds, with a medium build, wearing a black jacket, jeans and a goatee. The second assailant is described as a young male, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, with a light complexion and facial hair. He was reported to be wearing sunglasses, a black jacket and a ski-cap. University students entering Thriftway after the homicide said they were disturbed by the level of crime in the areas surrounding campus. "You notice we're in a group of three," said Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts student Mike Kowbuz. A friend of his, Biology graduate student John Sullivan, said "normally we don't go here unless we're with two or three people." Kowbuz said that the supermarket is the "only place" near the University's campus to buy groceries, and that students are forced to shop there, even though it is in a high crime area. Other area residents were also upset about the murder. "We live right around the block and it's scary," said Amber Potter, who was shopping at Thriftway at the time of the shooting. "We shop at this market all the time. It's sad that you can't even walk around the block to go to the store by yourself at night."
(11/21/94 10:00am)
One person was killed and two others injured in a three-alarm fire at an abandoned apartment building near 45th and Chestnut streets Saturday night. Neighbors said the apartment was frequented by drug users. Fire officials said there is evidence that six to 20 squatters had been occupying the third floor of the building. The fire which was ruled an arson was set at several places on the third floor and caused extensive damage to the apartment's upper two stories, Fire Lt. Harry Young told reporters. Killed in the fire was a woman, believed to be about 34 years old. Her body was found on the third floor. The Medical Examiner's office had identified the woman but refused to release her name, pending notification of her relatives. Two other adults injured in the fire were listed in fair condition at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They are being treated for smoke inhalation. The fire also forced the evacuation of 50 residents in an adjoining apartment block, many of whom were recent immigrants from Cambodia and Laos. The fire marshal's office and homicide detectives are investigating the fire, the latest of several that had occurred at the building over the course of the last year. Neighbors speculated the fire may have been set by drug users who smoke crack cocaine in the vacant building. This fire is similar to a two-alarm blaze at 4423 Spruce Street two weeks ago which was started by a 52-year-old squatter living in the building, according to the Secretary to the Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Josie Webster. That fire, started by "open flame candles," injured the squatter and damaged the building to such an extent that it had to be demolished. The Associated Press contributed to this article.
(11/18/94 10:00am)
A federal grand jury issued an eight-count indictment against a man who attempted to gain admission to the University Law School using false identification, U.S. Attorney Michael Stiles announced yesterday in Philadelphia. The man, 32-year-old Jorge Chambergo of Jackson Heights, N.Y., is charged with seven counts of mail fraud and one count of using a false Social Security number in a scheme to obtain scholarship and loan money from the University. The indictment alleges that Chambergo combined his own name with that of another person, Dae Kyung Seu, and applied to the Law School on Dec. 11, 1989 using the name Dae Jorge Seu Chambergo. Chambergo also used Seu's social security number, the indictment states. The indictment charges that in January 1990, Chambergo used Seu's identity to get the Law School Data Assembly Service to send Seu's LSAT scores to the Law School. Chambergo then submitted three forged letters of recommendation, supposedly from members of the Concerned Citizens of Queens, to the Law School "knowing that these letters had not been written, authorized or signed by any of the three individuals," the indictment states. The government further alleges that in March 1990, Chambergo had a letter of recommendation, written by the dean of Morse College at Yale University for Seu, sent to the Law School, knowing it would be used for his own application. Chambergo also lied about his birthdate on a form requesting financial aid and submitted a 1990 tax return to the Law School on which he had written the name "Seu Dae" next to his actual name in an apparent attempt to confuse admissions officers, the indictment states. It is not clear when the Law School discovered Chambergo's scheme or when the U.S. Attorney's office began investigating. If found guilty of these charges, Chambergo faces up to 40 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release and as much as $2 million in fines, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The police have not yet arrested Chambergo, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office. Law School Dean Colin Diver said he did not recall the specifics of the incident, but recalled that the Law School referred the matter to the University General Counsel's Office for processing. "There are a lot of people who want to get into places like Penn Law School," he said. "I suppose if they are ambitious and ruthless enough, they'll do this." While Diver could not remember a case like this at the University, he said similar cases have occurred at other institutions. Chambergo could not be reached for comment for this article.
(11/16/94 10:00am)
The inauguration was almost a month ago, but for University President Judith Rodin the parties just keep coming. More than 900 University alumni from the Philadelphia area crammed the second floor of City Hall yesterday evening for a lavishly catered reception honoring Rodin. The event was sponsored by the General Alumni Society, which sent out more than 55,000 invitations. "It is an honor to do this," said Philadelphia Mayor and University alumnus Ed Rendell, who introduced Rodin. Rendell's wife, Midge Rendell, a federal judge and also a University graduate, also spoke. Mayor Rendell noted that the University and the city share a "beautiful relationship," and have much in common, including a great debt to the public service of Benjamin Franklin. He also said that the city is economically dependent on the University, which is the second largest employer in Philadelphia, next to the city government. Rendell joked that hopefully the University will soon be the bigger institution. The mayor also lauded the cooperation between the city and the University over the issue of Mayor's scholarships. "The Mayor Scholarship program is better than it has ever been historically," Rendell said. "We are helping the kids of Philadelphia more than ever before." Rendell also complimented Rodin on her intellect, noting that during the course of her 20-minute "inspiring inaugural speech" she looked down only one time per page. Rodin said she was thrilled by the large crowd. "This city is red and blue," she said. For two hours yesterday evening, it seemed Rodin was right. City Hall was decked out in red and blue lighting and television screens displaying University promotional videos lined the normally drab hallways on the second floor. Tables draped in red and blue tablecloths were set up in courtrooms as well as in the historic and elegant Mayor's Reception Room and Conversation Hall. Rodin highlighted the relationship between the city and the University during her short speech. "We talk in so many ways about the relationship between Philadelphia and Penn," she said. "Penn's economic impact on the city today is really enormous, but that impact is leveraged by all of your presence in the city." And like Rendell, Rodin emphasized Franklin's influence on both Philadelphia and the University. She said the University has lived up to Franklin's ambition to create a school that teaches both the theoretical and the practical. Rodin said she wanted all of the alumni to realize the impact University students have in Philadelphia through the volunteer work they do in local communities. "People ask me if students are afraid to go here because of Philadelphia," she said. "But students come here because of Philadelphia." Rodin, playing to the crowd and picking up a theme from Rendell's previous remarks, talked about the University's athletics. "As a kid, I always thought the greatest thing in the world would be to own a sports team," she said jokingly. "Now I own several." Rodin, referring to herself as "the first alum," concluded her speech by asking all those present to work "together for Penn and for Philadelphia." Following her remarks, Jack Reardon, president of the General Alumni Society, presented "Penn's number one cheerleader" with a framed photograph of the PECO building sign displaying the message "Welcome President Rodin." As jazz musicians played in the background, the alumni reminisced about old times and feasted on a menu that included grilled vegetables, clams and oysters on the half shell, scallops and chocolate truffles. Several University administrators and faculty circulated among the well-dressed crowd, along with several city officials, including Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who represents University City.
(11/14/94 10:00am)
If U.S. Senator Arlen Specter has his wish, 1997 will see a University graduate in the White House for the first time since 1841. Specter, a 1951 graduate and Pi Lambda Phi brother, will announce his plans to explore a bid for the 1996 Republican presidential nomination at press conferences in Philadelphia, Concord, N.H., and Des Moines, Iowa today. If Specter declares his candidacy today, he will be the first Republican to officially announce his campaign for the Oval Office. The 14-year Senate veteran is forming a presidential "exploratory committee" and spent the weekend on "exploratory travels" through New Hampshire and Iowa, the site of the first presidential primaries and caucuses. Specter has made several trips to New Hampshire and Iowa in the past, but refused to comment on the possibility of a presidential run until after the stunning Republican successes in last week's mid-term elections. Specter's chances of capturing the GOP nomination are considered slim at best, but should he succeed in garnering the nomination and then unseating President Clinton, Specter would become the second University alumnus to hold the nation's highest post. The first was William Henry Harrison who was elected in 1840. Harrison, a 1791 University graduate, died of pneumonia after only a few months in office. Specter, 64, is a moderate who has often said that the Republican party cannot survive by appealing only to its right-wing core. He advocates the GOP drop the anti-abortion plank from its platform and that the Republicans try to reach out to alienated moderates. His centrist stance distances Specter from other potential Republican contenders, most of whom are politically to Specter's right. Thus far, only former Education Secretary Lamar Alexander has announced the formation of an exploratory committee similar to the one Specter has created. But it is expected that Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole of Kansas, Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Jack Kemp, former Secretary of State James Baker and former Vice President Dan Quayle may declare within the next year. While Specter believes that appealing to the center with his "big-tent philosophy" is the key to political success -- he blames Bush's 1992 defeat on a GOP convention dominated by the religious right -- he may be out of sync with current political realities, as conservative Republicans did extremely well in last Tuesday's election. Specter may also be burdened with some harmful political baggage. A member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Specter was criticized for his questioning of University of Oklahoma Law Professor Anita Hill on sexual harassment allegations during the 1991 confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. But Specter won in 1992, beating political neophyte Lynn Yeakel, despite a campaign that centered on Specter's role in the Thomas-Hill hearings. Specter has also been attacked for developing the "single bullet theory" while serving as assistant counsel to the Warren Commission, which investigated the assassination of President John Kennedy in 1964. Many assassination experts have portrayed the theory, which speculates that the same bullet hit both Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally, as implausible. Specter, who now lives in Philadelphia, is originally from Kansas. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University he served in the Air Force's Office of Special Investigations. He then attended Yale Law School, receiving his law degree in 1956. Specter entered the political arena in 1965, when he was elected Philadelphia district attorney.
(11/12/94 10:00am)
A new program allowing students to use PENNcards for Book Store purchases has been a tremendous success, paving the way for future expansions in PENNcard purchasing power, University officials said yesterday. Under the new program, which began on a trial basis during the summer and has been in full operation since September, students can use their PENNcards to buy items at The Book Store and the charge is added to their bursar bill. So far, about 7,000 students have signed up for the service, which was created as a convenience to students, but also to help improve campus safety by reducing the need for students to carry large sums of cash, Book Store Director Michael Knezic said yesterday. The initial success of the program has far reaching implications. Backers hope students will eventually be able to use PENNcards to pay for a variety of services, including purchases at local shops and restaurants. Such systems already exist at campuses across the country and several University committees are currently exploring the ways in which the PENNcard's buying power can be expanded. "Eventually we want to create a cashless campus," Knezic said. "There is pressure across the University to move in that direction." While planners said they had hoped more students would apply for the service, PENNcards nonetheless account for 24 percent of all Book Store purchases, Knezic said. To date over 40,000 transactions have been made using PENNcards, he added. And while convenience and safety were the prime reasons for creating the new service, The Book Store has realized financial benefits as well, Knezic said. There has been a 13-percent decline in cash and check purchases, a nine-percent decrease in Visa usage and a three-percent decline in purchases by American Express since the PENNcard program began, Knezic said. All of this means The Book Store has to pay less in transaction fees to credit card companies and banks. Knezic also said the system has led to shorter lines and faster transaction time since the technology is all located on campus. Credit card purchases can take over 30 seconds because they have to be verified through a wire connection to an outside company. Developed from what Knezic described as "unprecedented" cooperation between four University departments -- The Book Store, Student Financial Services, Data Processing, and the PENNcard Center -- the system turns the PENNcard into a credit card. There is a minimum purchase requirement of $25 and a credit limit of $750 per term. There are no fees or interest assessed if the student pays his balance on time and, if a student falls behind in payment, they are only assessed the normal late payment fee that is charged for student tuition bills. A student must pay off the outstanding balance by the end of a term in order to be eligible for the next term. And as with any credit card, the University cannot, by law, automatically add the service to every student's account; rather students apply for the service, Senior Director of Student Financial Services Operations John De Long said. Applications were mailed to all students in July, De Long said. De Long said he would like to see close to 100 percent participation in the program and he is not sure why more students have not yet applied. In order to apply, you must be a registered student with a valid PENNcard, no past bursar balance due, no unpaid returned checks and no financial hold status.
(11/12/94 10:00am)
A police brutality lawsuit filed against both University and Philadelphia police this summer was moved from Common Pleas Court to Federal Court last week. In the case, Philadelphia resident Shelly Hargrove, of the 3800 block of Folsom Street, alleges he was stopped by University Police officers Jaret Fernandez and Tracy Thomas on August 4, 1991 while driving by 38th and Melon streets. He alleges Fernandez and Thomas took him from his car without cause and placed him under arrest. They then punched and kicked him and beat him with flashlights and nightsticks, according to Hargrove's suit. Hargrove was then taken to the 16th District Police Station, where he was held for three hours before being released without being charged with any crime, the suit claims. The suit states that "at no time did the plaintiff commit any offense against the laws of [Pennsylvania]" and that Hargrove was never given a reason for his arrest. Hargrove's suit is divided into two state counts for unlawful restraint and invasion of privacy and trespass, assault and battery, and one count under a federal police brutality statute. He is claiming over $16,000 in medical expenses and damages. In July, he filed suit in Common Pleas Court against the City of Philadelphia, the University, Fernandez, Thomas, the University Police Department, and four University and Philadelphia police officers who were identified in the suit only as John Doe, Joann Doe, James Doe and Jane Doe. Last week, the city motioned to have the case moved to federal court. "The city removed the case to federal [court] because there are federal and constitutional claims and the federal court has special expertise," Divisional Deputy City Solicitor Carlton Johnson said earlier this week. Johnson said such motions are "common practice" and federal judges generally accepts them unless one of the parties has strong objections. Hargrove could not be reached for comment and his lawyer, Craig Washington, did not return several phone calls placed to his office. Fernandez is no longer a University Police officer, police officials said earlier this week and Thomas could not be reached for comment. Associate General Counsel Neil Hamburg and city attorney Shelley Smith did not return several phone calls placed to their offices.
(11/11/94 10:00am)
and Lisa Levenson The Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus train sat parked on the tracks in Pittsburgh, but even the "The Greatest Show on Earth" could not compete with the spectacle taking place across the street at the Vista Hotel. For one thing, the hotel had more elephants -- Republicans, that is. They had come to cheer for GOP senatorial candidate Rick Santorum. And amid the balloons, the posters, the band and the television lights, the ballroom was a circus unto itself. Halfway across the state at the Hershey Convention Center, where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Singel was headquartered, a similar atmosphere prevailed. In fact, it seemed more like a scene filmed for the big screen than a genuine election night experience. Reporters scurried frantically around the ballroom, rehearsing stories they would read on the air and jostling each other to get the best camera angle. "You should have brought your sunglasses," joked a reporter as he shielded his eyes from the glare of a dozen klieg lights. At the start, Singel's press corps was hopeful, anticipating a close race. But as returns from across the country came in, and Democrats were either unseated or defeated outright, the staffers' optimism gave way to cynical resignation. "We've done all we could with the hand we were dealt," said one. "It's frustrating to see Democrats losing all over." "This is an old-fashioned ass-kicking," agreed another reporter, using a perhaps unintentional pun. In Pittsburgh, the crowd gathered around large screen television sets, sipping Budweiser and rooting for their Republican favorites. "It's just like Sunday afternoon," one Santorum supporter said. "Everyone is sitting in front of the TV, drinking beer and watching the game." Occasionally the crowd let out a loud jeer, when the likes of Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy or, worse yet, Pennsylvania Senator and Santorum opponent Harris Wofford, appeared on the screen. As the night wore on, the crowd became increasingly nervous and hostile. Some took this hostility out on the media. "Look, the media still isn't smiling," shouted one well-dressed man, turning back to look at the risers that held an erector set of cables, cameras and telephones. "You guys like to accuse us of hiding behind the Second Amendment, well, you cowards hide behind the First Amendment." Such hostility had pervaded the entire campaign, Singel supporters said, attributing their candidate's loss to the enmity evident on radio call-in shows and in political advertisements. "Negativism is the problem," said an official from the state Democratic party. "You don't get a full appreciation for the issues and how complicated they are [because of it]." In a campaign memorable for its excessive expenditures, whirlwind public appearance tours and incredibly close outcome, not its attention to crime, education or job creation, her comments seemed especially ironic. The Santorum crowd was so turned off by the campaign that when Santorum tried to commend Wofford on his long career of public service and describe the gracious concession call he had received from the Democratic senator, hecklers drowned him out. "He's a liar," several in the crowd yelled in reference to Wofford. But negative campaigns are here to stay, one Santorum media analyst said. As if to prove his point, and perhaps in protest of sweeping Republican gains nationwide, the disc jockey began to spin Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising." The meaning, hidden or otherwise, was lost on the jubilant crowd that danced in a new GOP era on the ballroom floor. One can only wonder what the circus elephants in the box cars across the street were thinking.
(11/09/94 10:00am)
Santorum gains seat in Senate Pittsburgh -- Riding a wave of rural support, Republican Rick Santorum cruised past incumbent Harris Wofford early this morning to become Pennsylvania's junior U.S. senator. The race, which featured a contest between ideological opposites, was extremely close right up to the finish. Santorum and Wofford traded places throughout the evening and were never more than four percentage points apart. A beaming Santorum told the close to 1,000 supporters gathered in the ballroom of the Pittsburgh Vista Hotel that his victory was "a tribute to the people of Pennsylvania." "I will try to build consensus from the right of center, not the left," he said. "That's what people see in Rick Santorum." Santorum, a two-term congressman from Pennsylvania's 18th District composed of the Pittsburgh suburbs, ascended to the ballroom stage to chants of "We want Rick" from the crowd below. Grinning from ear to ear and surrounded by his family, Santorum thanked his supporters, his family and the efforts of Pennsylvania's senior senator, Arlen Specter. And, although some in the audience booed, Santorum thanked Wofford for a good fight. "I had a very gracious phone call from [Wofford]," he said. "He is one tough opponent and he ran one tough campaign. I can tell you that Senator Wofford has served his people well through a long and distinguished career. I think the people of Pennsylvania owe him thanks for that." Throughout a very negative campaign, Santorum had attempted to label Wofford as a big spender in the pocket of the Clinton administration and special interest groups. Wofford attacked Santorum for advocating changes in the social security system. Behind the rhetoric, the race featured a clear choice between Wofford, an old-style New Deal Democrat, and Santorum, a Reaganesque Republican who favors decreased spending and smaller government. In a year of voter discontent, Santorum's ideology appealed to the electorate, Santorum press secretary Michael Milhalke said. John Brabender, Santorum's chief media consultant, said Wofford's connection to President Bill Clinton and Santorum's reputation as a reformer in Congress were key issues. "Voters wanted someone who is going to go down and fight for Pennsylvania," Brabender said. "Not Republicans, not Democrats, but fight for Pennsylvanians." Campaign officials claimed throughout the night that as soon as the state's central regions -- which are predominantly rural and conservative -- reported, Santorum would surge ahead. Keith Schmidt, Santorum's deputy campaign manager, said the Congressman's strong grassroots campaigning would insure his victory. The Santorum campaign official' predictions proved correct. Although it was down to the wire, as rural districts began reporting at 10:30 p.m., Santorum leapt from 9,000 votes behind Wofford to 11,000 votes ahead. Santorum may have been helped by a strong anti-incumbency and anti-Clinton mood that helped propel Republicans into office all over the country in record numbers. As the night wore on, the hundreds of Santorum supporters congregated in the ballroom of the Pittsburgh Vista Hotel continued to cheer the Republican victories around the nation, but they were increasingly anxious: the one race that mattered most was still too close to call. "It's hard to be excited about the others when we still don't know about [Santorum]," said Pennsylvania State University freshman Alicia Uram, a Santorum volunteer. "After we hear about [Santorum], then we will have a real victory party." The predominantly white, middle-class crowd erupted at midnight, as more stations began carrying news of Santorum's imminent victory. Santorum said his first task will be to try to lower the airline gasoline tax, a favor to USAir, which employs thousands of people in Pennsylvania.
(11/08/94 10:00am)
Commentators are predicting the political equivalent of an earthquake in today's mid-term congressional elections, but do not expect Generation X to awaken from its apathetic slumber. Despite increased participation in the 1992 presidential election, 18- to 25-year-olds are still the segment of the electorate least likely to vote, especially in mid-term elections that receive less media attention than presidential races. Marty Cohen, a College Democrats employee working on Lt. Governor Mark Singel's gubernatorial bid, said he has been frustrated by student apathy in this election season. "College students don't seem to be that interested," he said. "I've been having a problem getting firm commitments to help out although people are willing in general to do something." In 1992, Rock the Vote, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing the political involvement young voters, was promoted heavily through MTV. It ran television specials and advertisements aimed at the Generation X crowd, held rallies and was largely credited for turning around youth voting patterns that had been declining since 1968. But this year is different. Rock the Vote is still around, but they have been almost silent -- except for this year's "Rock the System" campaign aimed at getting young voters involved in health care reform. "We had tried to work with them," Cohen said. "We almost had an event with them for homecoming weekend at Penn State and they just weren't interested at all." Cohen said he was disheartened by the attitude of the people at Rock the Vote because it reinforces the idea that midterm elections are not important. Youth Vote '94 and Lead or Leave, two groups also working to increase the influence of young voters, have been more active than Rock the Vote. But without the power of MTV behind them, it remains to be seen what influence they will have. Youth Vote has registered more than 250,000 students nationwide for today's election, according to Hedy Aronson, a campus coordinator for Campus Green Vote, an environmentally focused subdivision of Youth Vote '94. And several campus organizations -- including College Democrats, College Republicans and PennPAC, a pro-Israel group -- held a joint voter registration drive last week. Cohen, who helped out with the drive, said he personally gave more than 200 registration forms to the Board of Elections. "I think it was a good thing showing the elections are important regardless of who you are going to vote for," said College senior Randi Guest, who helped organize the event for PennPAC. College Republican President Dan Debicella said the turn out for the registration drive was moderate, adding that most students are either not interested in the election or are voting in their home districts through absentee ballots. Even among those registered, it is unclear how many young people will actually vote. In 1993, there were 2.5 million Republicans, 2.9 million Democrats and 370,000 independents registered in Pennsylvania between the ages of 18 and 24. Only 42% of these people voted during the primary season. Campaigns across the state are hoping that increased turnout today will help put their candidates over the top. The youth vote is a key component in the 27th ward, which incorporates all University dormitories, according to both the Republican and Democratic ward leaders. "It's very important to me," Democratic ward leader Kevin Fassett said of the University's student voters. "Normally in the presidential election we get 80 percent turnout in this ward." Fassett said midterm elections usually do not attract as many students, but that this year Irvine Auditorium has put on an extra voting machine due to an increase in the voter rolls. Republican ward leader Matthew Wolfe also said University students are important in this election. "We are finding that the college students are more interested in the senate race than the governor's race," Wolfe said. "A lot of them are not originally from Pennsylvania, but they do see the national context of the Santorum-Wofford race."
(11/08/94 10:00am)
While many University students are apathetic about today's election, 18 to 25 year olds are the work force behind many local and state-wide campaigns. Republican senatorial candidate Rick Santorum has about 135 student volunteers from Philadelphia area colleges and universities working for his campaign, including 15 from the University. The Santorum campaign divides these students into two groups, those that work at campaign offices and those that work on campuses and in communities, Santorum campaign spokesperson Will Sears said. The office volunteers work the phones and stuff envelopes while those working out in the community distribute campaign literature and coordinate Santorum's campus stump speeches, Sears said. He added that some law students do basic research for the campaign. Sears points to a successful Santorum campaign stop at St. Joseph's University in September as an example of a very successful student-coordinated event. It was organized by 50 student volunteers. Marty Cohen, a College Democrat employee working for Lt. Governor Mark Singel's gubernatorial campaign, also said he is dependent on student volunteers to work in both the campaign's Philadelphia office and to help canvass neighborhoods. Dan Debicella, president of the University's College Republican club, said his group has been active in campaigning for Republican candidates. He said some members have volunteered large amounts of time for Santorum and gubernatorial candidate Tom Ridge. The College Republicans have also been doing literature drops and voter registration drives. Some students are doing more than just volunteer for campaigns -- they are actually running for office. In Cincinnati, Ohio, a 19-year-old Xavier University political science major is campaigning for the Ohio State Senate against a veteran GOP lawmaker. Xavier sophomore Tara Burke is challenging Senator Richard Finan, who in his fourth term and is the second highest ranking-member of the Senate. "I've always been interested in politics," Burke said. "It's something I've grown up around, and it's something I've always thought was important." Burke entered the race after learning that no Democrats were challenging the 60-year-old Finan for the seat. "She has every right to run," Finan said. "Obviously, I would feel my experience would surpass hers." Burke, who is not being considered seriously by most in her district, said she is campaigning part time, hitting the campaign trail a few times a week. "I've learned a lot," she said. "I think I've done a decent job of meeting voters and letting them know who I am. I was surprised by how supportive everyone is."
(11/04/94 10:00am)
With hotly contested Congressional and gubernatorial elections grabbing all the headlines in this election season, local elections have been virtually ignored. But a dedicated corps of state assembly and state senate candidates continue to labor, often in obscurity, to get to Harrisburg. It is these candidates that may ultimately have the greatest impact on West Philadelphia and on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the Seventh State Senate district, which includes all University dormitories, Democratic State Representative Vincent Hughes faces Republican Michael Duncan. Incumbent Seventh District State Senator Chaka Fattah is running for the U.S. House of Representatives. Hughes, a former employee and union organizer at the University, is in his fourth term as a state representative and is heavily favored in this Democratic-dominated district. "I think we got to deal with rebuilding the neighborhoods and rebuilding communities," Hughes said. "We have to start getting state government to make it easier to get the job done in terms of neighborhood revitalization." Hughes also said he plans to work on educational reform. Confident that his victory is assured, he said he is looking forward to the increased influence he will have as a state senator. "I think the magnitude and the impact are significantly different [in the Senate] and I can't minimize that," he said. "The odds are a lot better being one out of 50 than one of 200." In the 186th Assembly district, which includes Hill House and the southeast corner of the University, third-term Democratic incumbent Representative Harold James takes on Republican Anthony Meglio, an area attorney. James, a retired Philadelphia Police officer, said he has made crime prevention one of his key initiatives in the state assembly, serving as a subcommittee chairman on crime and the judiciary. He added that he will continue to work to improve urban safety. James also said that if re-elected he will work to improve economic empowerment in the area and try to improve decaying local housing. Meglio also said he wants to improve the local economy. "Things are going from bad to worse in this area over the last 10 years," he said. "We need more businesses in the area. We need to get a tax break to get more industry into Pennsylvania." The 188th Assembly district is defined by a choppy line that runs through the middle of campus. The Quadrangle, Stouffer College House, High Rise North, DuBois College House, the Graduate Towers and Kings Court/English House are all within the district. Democratic incumbent State Rep. James Roebuck, a former Drexel University professor, is battling Republican Herman Carden, a retiree and former GOP ward leader, to keep control of his seat in the 188th. Roebuck said he wants to address a whole range of issues, all involving the quality of life in West Philadelphia and University City. These goals include improving education, working for stricter liquor enforcement laws and reforming health care and housing policy. In the 195th Assembly district, which borders the University, Democratic incumbent Frank Oliver takes on Republican challenger David Thomsen. Thomsen said he has been instrumental in eliminating voter registration fraud in the area and accused his opponent of not accomplishing anything in Harrisburg. He also said he would work to make Pennsylvania's tax structure more business-friendly if elected. Oliver could not be reached for comment.
(11/03/94 10:00am)
In a dimly lit room in the basement of Cavanaugh's Restaurant, Matt Wolfe leans against the bar and surveys his troops, a rag-tag band of about 40 GOP faithful. They come here every year to raise money for the party, plan a final push to get out the vote and to commiserate. Wolfe, Republican leader of the 27th ward, which includes University City, knows that it is often frustrating to be a Republican in West Philadelphia. Democrats outnumber Republicans four to one here and a GOP win in local elections is almost impossible. But as the committee members sip their drinks and move about the room reminiscing with old friends, hope lingers in the air, replete with the scent of cigarette smoke and old beer. With less than a week before the election, both Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Ridge and Senatorial candidate Rick Santorum are ahead in the polls, and there is a good chance the Republicans will take over the state assembly as well as one or both houses of Congress. "We have a lot to be proud of in this election," Wolfe told his fellow Republicans at Cavanaugh's last night. "We have a good organization here in West Philadelphia and University City. We need to make sure our voters are energized and get to the polls on election day." To help reinforce his message and rally his committee members, Wolfe brought in State Representative John Perzel from Northeast Philadelphia's 172nd District. Perzel, currently minority whip in the State Assembly, will become majority leader if the Republicans take over the house. Perzel also stands a good chance of emerging as leader of the Philadelphia Republican Party, filling a void left by the recent death of long-time party boss Bill Meehan. "This election is about turnout," Perzel said as he began his inspirational speech. "Your goal has to be to bring out every one of your Republicans." Perzel waived a list of every registered Republican in the 27th ward and said it was up to the committee members to make phone calls and go door to door to make sure every person on the list goes to the polls and votes Republican. He said it was particularly important to discourage people from voting for Constitutional Party candidate Peg Luksik, who could cut into Ridge's constituency and give Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Singel the edge. "Maybe Ridge is up high enough, but I wouldn't count on it," Perzel said. "Luskik is a loser. If you vote for her, you are throwing your vote away." Perzel also talked about the need to change Pennsylvania's tax structure to promote economic growth, reform the welfare system and reduce the crime rate. Many of those at yesterday's meeting echoed Perzel's concerns. Anthony Meglio, an area lawyer and Republican state assembly candidate from the 186th District, also said tax reform was high on his agenda. And David Thomsen, a retired computer analyst and Republican running for 195th District state representative, has been leading the fight against registration fraud, another issue with particular salience in the 27th ward which has twice sued to remove names from the voter rolls. Thomsen also lashed out at his opponent, State Rep. Frank Oliver. "The only thing he has ever done is to propose a state song," Thomsen said. While many among the diverse crowd at yesterday's fundraiser said it was sometimes frustrating to be a Republican in University City, they also said they were proud to still have a viable party machine. Edward Howell, a consultant and lifelong GOP member, said it is especially hard to be a black Republican in an area where the vast majority of blacks vote democratic. "I get kidded a lot by my friends," Howell said. "We have a lot of similar concepts and while we do differ on a few issues, it is not as big a difference as most think."
