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(04/23/99 9:00am)
As Ed Rendell prepares to turn over City Hall's keys, more opportunities await. Anyone close to the City of Philadelphia over the past eight years would understand why Ed Rendell often turns to the serenity prayer as a source of inspiration: May God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference. "It's staggering, the unrelenting nature of the job," Rendell said in a recent interview. "And by that, I mean the problems are so diverse and so numerous that they just keep coming. There's no let up.? But I'm probably best suited to deal with that as anybody will ever be." In many ways, the short prayer parallels the amazing adventure of a mayor and his city. At the city's helm for the past 7 1/2 years, Rendell has followed the prayer's advice to the letter and even his critics -- and they are few -- will agree that Philadelphia is a better place because of it. Rendell's second and final term as mayor will officially come to a close on December 31, and many have already hailed him as the greatest mayor in Philadelphia history -- an elite title that may be more than just hyperbole. When elected to office in 1991, Rendell inherited a city with a seemingly bleak and uncertain future. On the verge of bankruptcy, Philadelphia was faced with annual deficits of well over $200 million, an imminent battle with the city's unions, poor city services, a falling population and a bloated bureaucracy -- to name just a few foreboding issues. Since then, Rendell has submitted six years of balanced budgets, seen the construction of a huge downtown convention center and growth in city-based jobs, helped transform the historic Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and in his crowning achievement, landed the 2000 Republican National Convention. But more than anything else, people in Philadelphia and around the country have regained faith in America's fifth-largest city. None of the tangible accomplishments would have been possible "without that restoration of hope and optimism and belief in the city," Rendell said. "Changing the way other people think about us, that I think is something that I'm extremely proud of," he added. "But I would say the thing that maybe I'm most proud of is that I changed our own people's view of the city, the business community, the people who live here.? People believe in Philadelphia again. People are proud." This has been his "single most important" accomplishment, Rendell said, because of its ability to influence future growth and success. David L. Cohen, Rendell's former chief of staff, said the mayor's unique personality is what enabled him to pump energy into a lifeless city. "I think the greatest achievement of Ed Rendell as mayor is the leadership he has provided in making the city believe in itself again," Cohen said. "In the end, the differences between a good mayor and an outstanding mayor are the intangible leadership skills and I think that is Ed Rendell's most lasting legacy to this city." But though he will most certainly leave his mark on the City of Brotherly Love, Rendell seems to be the last person who wants talk about it. "By and large, I'm willing to let other people evaluate," Rendell said. "I'm not a big person for legacies. I think that whole legacy thing is overdone. I think we achieved so many different things that it's hard to single out one." Rendell -- a 1965 College graduate -- highlighted solving the city's financial woes, improving the level of city services, cutting the wage and business taxes and halting an alarming wave of job loss as his finest accolades. "To be able to do all that is a great testament, not only to me but to the people who worked with us over the last seven-plus years," Rendell noted. "I think those, if you look at the four achievements in the context of what was going on the day I took my oath of office, it is truly remarkable." Cohen -- who left City Hall in April 1997 to manage a large Center City law firm -- explained that his long-time friend and confidant was able to provide such dramatic results because of his extraordinary ability to take control and make decisions. He described Rendell as "indefatigable, emotional, savvy and smart" -- four adjectives that Cohen says "cover the spectrum" and best exemplify the mayor's character. And Rendell's amazing feats have cast him in the national spotlight again and again, earning the respect and high praise of, among others, President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. While Gore has dubbed Rendell as "America's Mayor," Clinton spoke very highly of Rendell during his April 9 visit to Philadelphia. "I want to say a special word of congratulations to the mayor," Clinton said at his Memorial Hall speech. "There's not a better mayor in America than Ed Rendell." Penn History Professor Michael Katz, the co-director of the Urban Studies department's graduate certification program, helped place Rendell's work in a national perspective. Explaining that while many of America's mayors looked to the federal government for economic assistance during the recessions of the early 1990s, Rendell was one of the first to realize that "they couldn't do that." "I see Rendell as a real leader nationally in that effort and applying that approach and being very successful," Katz said, adding that recognition of that fact helped him "turn around the financial hemorrhaging of the city." On paper, transforming $200 million budget deficits into six consecutive years of surpluses seems like a daunting task, even for the most gifted financial wizard. But Rendell singles out the ease of Philadelphia's startling financial turnaround as one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises of his time in office. "The fiscal problems were easier to fix than I thought and were fixed more quickly," Rendell said, explaining that the city cut its costs by $750 million in just three years. "I mean, I knew it would take some tough decisions.? But I didn't think that, without cutting services and without raising taxes, that we would be able to eliminate so much of the cost of doing business in the government so quickly." So in 253 days, Rendell will pass the baton to Philadelphia's next mayor and begin looking for his next challenge. In the short term, Rendell will return to his alma mater next spring to teach a courses in urban studies and urban politics -- a move he says is "the only thing I know for sure." "I hope to give some people real insights into the problems of cities and real insights into how politics operates today," Rendell said. "And part of my goal would be to motivate young people to go into public service." While Rendell jokes he "won't be able to live on his teaching salary at Penn," he admits the Pennsylvania governor's seat is a position that is of particular interest. "Of all the offices, governor is the one that most appeals to me because it's an executive position," Rendell said. "I'd be in a position to continue to help not only Philadelphia but other cities around the state.? If I stay in public life, and I think the odds are that I will, I'll probably run for governor." Though a Philadelphian has not been elected governor in almost 90 years, Cliff Wilson -- the chairperson of the Democratic party in Delaware County -- said that Rendell's chances would be excellent should he decide to run in 2002. "I think there's no question he would be a formidable candidate," Wilson said. "I suppose there's a feeling that Philadelphia is negative for a [gubernatorial] candidate, but Rendell, it seems to me, has transcended that." And while many political experts see a run to Harrisburg in Rendell's immediate future, Wilson said he believes Rendell could soon find himself working in the White House as the nation's second-most powerful man. "If I were Al Gore, I would look at Ed Rendell as a vice presidential candidate," Wilson said. "I think Rendell would be a terrific way to galvanize the Democratic support of cities." Regardless of what Rendell decides to do in the years that follow his time in City Hall, Wilson said the sky's the limit for the outgoing mayor. "He's got a strong electoral future, whatever he runs for," Wilson said.
(04/16/99 9:00am)
The former City Council president emphasizes sound fiscal policy in his campaign. John Street has a simple message for improving the city: Lay off the cheeseburgers. It's advice the frontrunner in this year's Philadelphia mayoral election said he once needed to follow himself. "I was just a big man," the former City Council president recalled in an interview last month. "I needed to make some lifestyle changes in order to lose that weight and keep it off to become the lean, mean, physical specimen that you see sitting in front of you today." And why is the man who could succeed outgoing Mayor Ed Rendell talking about cheeseburgers? "In this city, we were basically fat and out of shape and we weren't doing a lot of the things we knew we needed to do in order to be able to control our financial health," Street said. "And Ed Rendell and John Street basically shaped us up financially as best they could and put this city in a position where we now can reasonably talk about doing some other things." Using the philosophy of fiscal conservativism as his guiding light, Street has led the five-way race for the Democratic nomination since its onset. But this week, The Philadelphia Daily News and Fox-TV released a poll placing Street in a first-place tie with attorney and lifelong politico Marty Weinberg, whose television advertising blitz has vaulted him from last place to the top of the pack in just a few short months. Street's campaign maintains that the Daily News poll -- which surveyed 349 Philadelphians likely to vote in the Democratic primary -- did not take a broad enough sample and that the latest results are not of great concern. Despite being the longtime frontrunner, Street has struggled with high negative approval ratings. He also mentioned last month that turbulent polling is sometimes the nature of the politics business. "Elections are contests and they're made out to be contests," Street said. "That's the way it is. There are some people who may disagree with me on an issue here and an issue there who think it's in their best interest to try and get somebody in office who agrees with their particular issues. They are the vast minority of the voters." In 1992, Street assumed the role of Council president just as Rendell was handed the reins of an ailing Philadelphia, where annual budget deficits of over $200 million were the norm. And so began a mutually beneficial partnership that has spanned close to eight years, with the city on the right track for improvement in almost every area. Street, who had spent 12 years on Council prior to Rendell's arrival in City Hall, is not shy in taking much of the credit for the accomplishments of the 1990s. "I think I brought a measure of experience and know-how that was indispensible to the progress that this city made," Street said. "I respectfully think I knew a whole lot more about how to do my job than [Rendell] knew about how to do his job and I went on a mission to make sure the two of us -- and therefore this city -- were as successful as we possibly could be under the circumstances." At Street's official campaign announcement in February, Rendell spoke enthusiastically on behalf of his former colleague, proclaiming that there has never been a more qualified candidate. According to Rendell, much of his support stems from the belief that Street "has been a fiscal conservative and will be a fiscal conservative" as mayor. Street noted that the next mayor will face some "new challenges" but solidifying a steady economy is necessary before even attempting to tackle other problems. "We talk about progress and moving forward and dealing with jobs and neighborhood development and all of that, but the foundation to be able to do all of that is making sure we're fiscally responsible and the city is on sound financial footing," Street said. Improving public education, reducing crime and furthering business development by slowly cutting the wage tax sit at the top of Street's list of immediate goals because, he said, each of these issues "works hand-in-hand." "We believe that public education is probably about as important an issue that exists and it would be difficult to say one is more important than the other since they are so closely related," Street said. "People want to talk about violence in the schools, but the violence in the schools really is only part and parcel of the violence that's in the neighborhoods. So if you deal with violence in the neighborhoods, you're also dealing with violence in the schools." "And when we talk about having a bright future for this city, you have to improve the quality of public education if you're going to have the workforce that you need in order to fill the jobs and attract the businesses that you'd like to attract to this city.? We have to work on all of these things simultaneously." While Philadelphia's economy has come a long way in just a few years, Street warned that the city can easily return to the dark days of old, which is why fiscal restraint will be the cornerstone of his administration. "Eight years ago, we had a $250 million deficit," Street said. "And today, although we're not out of the woods, I like to say any municipality, including this municipality, is always one double beef Whopper away from being fat and out of shape. So we have to always watch and be vigilant."
(04/14/99 9:00am)
Things are looking up for Marty Weinberg. According to a new poll released this week, Weinberg has gone from last place to tied for first in support and is now running neck-and-neck with longtime frontrunner John Street in the race for the Democratic nomination for Philadelphia's mayorship. The results are all the more surprising given that Weinberg began the year in last place among the five Democratic candidates and had by far the lowest name recognition. The deep-pocketed Weinberg's success in the Philadelphia Daily News/Fox-TV Keystone poll is largely the result of his unprecedented television advertising blitz that has torn up Philadelphia's airwaves for the past several weeks. He has raised an estimated $2.4 million, far eclipsing the totals of his four Democratic competitors. Of 349 Democrats likely to vote in the May 18 primary, 23 percent said they would vote for Weinberg -- an attorney and lifelong politico who was a top aide to former Mayor Frank Rizzo -- while another 23 percent threw their support to Street, the former City Council president who has led this year's race from the onset. In a similar poll taken in January, only 2 percent of respondents said they would vote for Weinberg, while 27 percent were for Street. Former Philadelphia Housing Authority head John White and former City Council member Happy Fernandez each received 12 percent of the vote, with State Rep. Dwight Evans finishing last at just 4 percent. Weinberg is not surprised by his sudden surge to the top, according to campaign manager Bill Miller. "Our reaction to it is pretty consistent of where we thought we would be," Miller said. "We're moving right along schedule." And while voters, political analysts and some of this year's candidates have claimed that Weinberg essentially "bought his way into the race," Miller quickly dismisses such a charge. "I don't counter the criticism," Miller said. "I think those things are put out there by people who have not put out solid campaign plans and do not have the resources to put out a credible campaign." The recent polling numbers present an interesting turn of events for Street, who up until this point held sole possession of first place. Explaining that the latest Daily News data is inconsistent with other recent polls he has come across, Street campaign spokesperson Ken Snyder said he was "not sweating" the situation. "[The Daily News] poll numbers don't reflect any other poll numbers, internal or external, that we've seen," Snyder said. "The sample is very small and it just doesn't seem to track what's out there." Snyder noted that the poll carried a 5.2 percent margin of error -- a figure he said makes the poll "statistically invalid." He added that the Street campaign always regarded Weinberg as a "formidable" opponent, but one that can be defeated. "We never anticipated that we would not have a legitimate challenge," Snyder said. "Once Marty Weinberg committed to breaking all spending records, we knew we'd have a challenge. But we're prepared." Snyder went on to say that the publicity surrounding the latest poll may actually help Street in the long run. "I'm glad, in a way, that the media will finally start focusing on who Marty Weinberg is, where he's been and hasn't been," said Snyder, who pointed out that Weinberg has generally been "AWOL" from public service and that his only notable city position was as an aide for Rizzo -- recently ranked the fifth-worst American mayor since 1820 by a book that just hit store shelves. The poll's results also pose an unenviable scenario for the three other Democrats in this year's race. With Evans only capturing four percentage points, local NAACP leader Jerome Mondesire has urged the state legislator to drop out of the race so that the city's African-American vote will not split between the three black candidates -- Street, White and Evans -- and allow a white candidate to emerge victorious. But Evans spokesperson Kim Turner said that Evans will absolutely stay in the race, adding that his campaign is "not discouraged" by the poll numbers. "I've yet to see a poll that votes," Turner said. "The most important poll is on May 18. Dwight is continuing to run an aggressive city-wide campaign and he's still in the race." White and Fernandez -- both 11 points behind Weinberg and Street -- believe they can catch the co-leaders in the 35 days remaining until the party primary. "I think there's an intuitive willingness to give [candidates] a chance," said Fernandez campaign manager David Dougherty, who said he was very optimistic about the large number of undecided voters. "[Voters] may only give you one or two chances but if you're out there every night? and saying things that make sense, this is still a race that is wide open." And White spokesperson Dean Levitan said he felt "good" about the results. "Weinberg is showing that one cannot live on TV alone and Street is showing that just sitting there and talking about your success with Ed Rendell just doesn't buy it," Levitan said. "We have always said that the reason we're going to win this race is because we have the strongest candidate."
(04/13/99 9:00am)
Standing in sharp contrast to last week's live television debate at Drexel University, the Palladium hosted a mayoral forum on Friday night that attracted just two of the six candidates running for the city's top executive office. The event was sponsored by the Fels Center of Government's Class of 2000, the Penn Law Democrats and the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly. About 150 graduate students, faculty and staff showed up for the event, which was not open to undergraduates. Only Dwight Evans and Happy Fernandez, both Democratic candidates, actually attended. Event organizers said that John White and John Street had canceled earlier in the day. Evans and Fernandez -- who lag far behind their opponents in most recent polls -- presented their visions for the city in brief speeches, followed by casual mingling afterwards. Evans -- a Pennsylvania state representative -- began by discussing his finance and community development background, eventually explaining that preventing crime and using universities like Penn for economic growth are two of the goals he would like to accomplish as Philadelphia's next mayor. "You've got to talk about the issue of public safety because there is a direct connection between where people want to live and how safe they feel," Evans said, noting that crime in Philadelphia is one of the main reasons that the city has lost over 150,000 residents in the 1990s. Appealing to the University-dominated crowd, Evans described institutions like Penn as the "21st century factories of the city." Citing his efforts as a state legislator that helped make the successful Pennsylvania Convention Center a reality, Evans closed by saying his track record proves he ready to be Philadelphia's next mayor. Fernandez, a former City Council member, opened by telling the crowd about her familiarity with the University as both a one-time graduate student and long-time West Philadelphia resident. While inviting the audience to visit her World Wide Web site to gain more specific information about her candidacy, Fernandez said she wanted to "zero in" on Penn's role in the city during her speech. "My goal is that we market [Philadelphia] as the education center of the country and the world," Fernandez said, echoing a theme that she has championed throughout her campaign. "I want to attract all of you to stay here [in Philadelphia after graduating]," she added. Steve Nesmith, who is running for an at-large seat on City Council, also spoke at the event, challenging the crowd to get involved in the community. Explaining that he wants his campaign "to be about the future," Nesmith added that he hopes to bring a young, bright and energetic perspective to City Hall. Anuj Gupta, a first-year student in Fels and one of the event's co-organizers, said he was "very disappointed" with the low turnout among candidates but that he was generally pleased with the evening. And Tiffany Hodge, a second-year student in Fels and another co-organizer, said she was happy with the forum, even though a full cast of characters was not present. "I believe that this event did a wonderful job creating unity among the graduate students," Hodge said.
(04/12/99 9:00am)
As part of a national Democratic effort to champion healthcare legislation through Congress, President Clinton came to Philadelphia on Friday to speak in favor of the Patients' Bill of Rights -- a proposal designed to better regulate the nation's health maintenance organizations. Several hundred invited guests filed into the historic Memorial Hall at Fairmount Park to see Clinton, who was joined on stage by 15 members of Congress and Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell, the first to address the energetic crowd. "It's a great honor to have President Clinton back in Philadelphia," said Rendell, who then turned to Clinton and added, "You've seen time after time how much Philadelphia loves you." After speeches by such congressional luminaries as Rep. John Dingell of Michigan -- the longest serving member of Congress -- and House Minority Whip David Bonior, Virginia resident Joan Bleakley shared her story of how bureaucratic complications from an HMO led to the loss of vision in her left eye. Bleakley said that when she started having symptoms of a possible brain aneurysm, her doctor told her it was probably a small stroke and sent her home. It took weeks before she was able to see a specialist, who recommended emergency surgery. "They told me I was lucky to be alive and I believe them," Bleakley said. "I was very scared and I thought I was going to die." Bleakley then introduced Clinton, who was greeted with a standing ovation when he stepped to the podium. Clinton gave his best impersonation of Italian actor-director Roberto Benigni's speech on Oscar night to explain that the other speakers had discussed almost every aspect of the bill. Just as Benigni -- who, upon accepting his second Academy Award, explained that he had "used up" all his English during his first victory speech -- Clinton noted that the other speakers had "said everything there is to be said." But Clinton, positioned in front of a banner that read "A Real Patients' Bill of Rights," did deliver a 15-minute speech in support of the legislation that has been a source of conflict for Democrats and Republicans in the nation's capital. "This does not need to be a partisan issue," Clinton said. "It's not a partisan issue anywhere but in Washington." The President explained that over 70 percent of the American people were in favor of the bill, as well as many healthcare providers. Clinton highlighted several of the bill's key points, including the right to see a medical specialist, the right to emergency room care and the right to remain with the same doctor throughout treatment -- privileges the president described as "basic human decency." The bill would also allow patients to sue their HMOs for malpractice. "The primary purpose [of the HMOs] is to deliver quality healthcare as inexpensively as possible," Clinton said to a round of applause. After having given a speech earlier in the day on the war in Yugoslavia, Clinton only briefly alluded to it here in Philadelphia. He said that Republicans are using the escalating hostilities as "an excuse to put the bill off." "This is the kind of thing you can do when you're not running for office," Clinton said of his blunt explanation. "You can be more frank with people." Republicans counter that Clinton's ideas would add unnecessary bureaucracy and drive up the cost of healthcare. Last year, the House adopted a GOP version of the bill but the Senate never took a vote on it. Earlier in the afternoon, several members of Congress who have played significant roles in bringing the legislation to the forefront addressed the crowd of supporters. "If you go to a doctor, what kind of decision do you want?" Dingell asked. "You want a medical decision. You don't want an insurance decision." Other speakers included AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Reps. Robert Brady, Chaka Fattah and Robert Borski of Pennsylvania and Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut. Thanks to College senior Jana Kay, who worked for Clinton's campaign in 1996, several Penn students were able to attend the event as ushers. "I want to hear what the president has to say on this issue," Kay said. "It's an important issue that could affect everyone." And Jill Kleczko, a College junior, explained her enthusiasm regarding Clinton's visit to Philadelphia. "I think it's really exciting," she said. "It's very interesting. I'm hoping to learn more about the bill."
(04/09/99 9:00am)
The city's wage tax and Frank Rizzo's legacy were key points of discussion. With little more than a month remaining before the May 18 primary, the five candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in this year's mayoral race squared off in a televised debate last night at Drexel University. Panelists from four local media organizations sparked conversation about issues ranging from crime prevention to reduction of the city's wage tax to the controversial legacy of the late Mayor Frank Rizzo. As in most political debates, nearly all of the candidates claimed afterwards that they were the victor. "I feel excellent, while others are fighting amongst themselves," said State Rep. Dwight Evans, who lags behind most of his opponents in recent polls. "I wanted people to hear a clear difference. I think I got that message across." John White, also an underdog in the race, said he was also satisfied with the conduct of the participants. "I think we all conducted ourselves well," the former top city housing official said. Frontrunner John Street -- who probably had the most to lose last night -- put in a somewhat lackluster performance, at one point stumbling over a question about former City Council aide Michael Youngblood, who was convicted last week of embezzlement. Afterwards, he explained the difficulties of cramming a lifetime of experience into one-minute soundbites. "How can you say it all?" Street said. "You end up giving snippets.? I knew this was going to happen. You can only say what you can say." During the hour-long debate, attorney and former Rizzo associate Marty Weinberg received criticism for racially charged comments made by Fraternal Order of Police President Richard Costello when he announced his union's support for Weinberg. The heated wage tax issue also came up. With Republican Sam Katz, who is running unopposed for his party's nomination, already declaring his intentions to significantly lower the city's wage tax -- which critics say is driving jobs out of the city by forcing employers to pay their workers more in Philadelphia just so they can earn the same as they would in the suburbs -- the five Democratic challengers last night took a variety of stances on Katz' proposal. "We have to be careful not to fool the voters," said Street, who described such a strong reduction as "not realistic." Since announcing his candidacy -- which is endorsed by outgoing Mayor Ed Rendell -- Street has stressed the importance of maintaining the Rendell administration's fiscal responsibility. "If Ed Rendell and John Street couldn't [lower the tax so greatly], I don't think any of these people can do it," Street said in regards to some of his fellow candidates. While White called such a reduction "one of the most ridiculous proposals I have ever heard," Weinberg disagreed, explaining that Rendell -- who inherited annual deficits of over $200 million and turned them into six consecutive budget surpluses -- helped prove that seemingly insurmountable tasks can often be accomplished. And former City Council member Happy Fernandez refused to take a definitive position on tax reduction before being elected. "I will not be making any budget promises based on a lot of ifs," Fernandez said, adding that factors like the economy and the state of welfare must be considered before making any large-scale tax breaks. One thing Fernandez did commit to was the implementation of after-school programs and summer school -- two methods of improving public education she has continually targeted during the campaign. Panelist William Bunch of the Philadelphia Daily News brought up a source of heated debate when he asked Weinberg why he has generally avoided discussing his connection to the mayor that many associate with Philadelphia's racial discord and economic woes in the 1970s. "Frank Rizzo did a lot of good things for the city of Philadelphia," Weinberg said. "He wasn't perfect but not many of us are." Evans, Fernandez, Street and White are all scheduled to be on campus tonight at the Palladium for a 6 p.m. candidate's forum sponsored by several Penn graduate student groups.
(04/08/99 9:00am)
Amidst an escalating armed conflict in Yugoslavia, President Clinton will pay a visit to the City of Brotherly Love on Friday to speak about the Patients Bill of Rights -- a federal proposal designed to provide greater protection for America's healthcare recipients. According to the White House, Clinton will take part in a "Patients Bill of Rights event" at historic Memorial Hall -- a one-time site of the World's Fair -- located at 4231 North Concourse Drive in Fairmount Park. Beginning at 1:05 p.m., Clinton is scheduled to deliver an hour-long speech about the legislation. Despite disagreement over several of the bill's specifics, Democrats and Republicans in Washington have generally expressed bipartisan support for the plan. According to White House officials, Clinton will tape a radio address following his announcement. Clinton could also use the event to talk about NATO's continued bombing of Yugoslavia. With Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milosevic showing no sign of backing down and Kosovar refugees being forced out of their homes as part of a campaign of ethnic cleansing, support for sending U.S. ground troops into Kosovo is growing. Clinton last traveled to Philadelphia in October, when he joined Mayor Ed Rendell at City Hall for a Democratic National Committee fundraiser. And in October 1996, a month before he was re-elected to a second term in office, Clinton paid a visit to the Penn campus, where he spoke before a crowd of over 15,000 on Hill Field.
(04/07/99 9:00am)
On the playground where he spent most of his childhood days, entertainer Will Smith officially announced his candidacy for mayor yesterday afternoon. Smith -- who in West Philadelphia was born and raised -- revealed that he had contemplated running for the Philadelphia mayor's post for several months but remained silent until yesterday's official press conference. Several hundred people flocked to the Overbrook High School playground, as Smith explained the fundamentals behind his campaign, appropriately titled "Jiggy 1999." "Philadelphia is, and always has been a great city," Smith began. "But to be perfectly honest, Philly is just not as jiggy as it possibly can be. We may have crime prevention but we need jiggier crime prevention. We may have a public school system but we simply must have a jiggier public school system." As a Republican candidate, Smith will compete for his party's nomination on May 18 against businessperson Sam Katz, who until yesterday, was running unopposed. "Looks like it's just the two of us," Smith quipped. About halfway through the 45-minute presentation, Smith paused to introduce his supporting cast, which includes his longtime partner-in-crime, DJ Jazzy Jeff, who will serve as campaign manager. Jazz, as he is commonly known in the music industry, has no prior political experience, but then again, neither does Smith. "I'm the campaign manager, he's the candidate," Jazz noted. The actor who played Carlton on the longrunning NBC hit The Fresh Prince of Bel Air will be Smith's spokesperson. No one at the press conference knew the actor's real name. Like Democratic candidate Marty Weinberg, Smith will not have to worry about money. This will come in handy, particularly given Smith's late entrance into the race. Following the announcement, several of Smith's opponents voiced displeasure towards the entrance of a new candidate with worldwide appeal. "All I keep hearing is jiggy this and jiggy that," Democrat Happy Fernandez said. "Well, I'm here to say that my campaign will be won on substance, not false promises. I'm bringing enthusiasm to City Hall!" The 59-year-old Fernandez admitted she did not know the definition of "jiggy." Penn student leaders said they were disappointed that Smith made the decision without consulting them. A rally on College Green to protest the announcement is scheduled for later this week. Smith, 30, emerged as a rap music phenomenon in the 1980s, winning the first-ever Grammy Award for a rap performance. After starring in his own television series, Smith starred in some of the highest-grossing films of the 1990s, including Independence Day and Men in Black.
(04/02/99 10:00am)
The former City Council member brings enthusiasm to this year's mayoral race. Like many of her opponents in this year's mayoral election, Happy Fernandez is anxious to tackle issues like crime and education which continue to plague the city of Philadelphia. But with her boundless energy and enthusiasm, the former City Council member hopes to distinguish herself from the rest of the field and claim the Democratic nomination on May 18. While outgoing Mayor Ed Rendell has revived a once-ailing Philadelphia with keen fiscal sense and shrewd policy-making, an additional source of his success over the last seven years has been his role as the city's number one cheerleader and spokesperson, helping to restore a "can-do" mentality for many citizens. The 59-year-old Fernandez says she is ready to grab the baton from the outgoing mayor and keep running in stride. "[Rendell's administration] has been great for the city," Fernandez said in an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian several weeks ago. "And so I think yes, it's difficult to follow a good mayor. But in many ways it's great to have this sense of momentum and hope back alive in the city and I feel I'm the one who's best qualified to carry that positive, upbeat, energetic and forward-looking kind of leadership." Still, Fernandez has an uphill battle ahead of her. Polls have shown her consistently lagging far behind frontrunner John Street, her former colleague on City Council, and political insider Marty Weinberg, who has recently unleashed a torrent of television advertising that pushed him into second place. Describing herself as a "practical visionary," Fernandez explained that her broad view and ability to see the big picture would serve her well as Philadelphia's next mayor. "I think I follow my gut," Fernandez said. "I can look and see what needs to get done. So I know how to take big ideas and turn them into very practical results that make a difference in people's lives." In order to improve public safety -- frequently regarded as Philadelphia's most critical issue by both the electorate and the candidates -- Fernandez plans to aggressively pursue drug dealers and implement bike and foot patrols in every city neighborhood. She highlighted youth crime as an especially troubling area of public safety, but one which is preventable. "One of the best antidotes to juvenile crime is to have after-school programs in every neighborhood for children of working families? because if kids aren't kept busy, they're bound to get in trouble," Fernandez noted. "So after-school programs are a way to keep kids out of trouble to prevent crime, but also to give children in the city a chance to develop some of their talents." Quick to cite the public education background of her three sons, Fernandez calls the troubled Philadelphia public school system an "avenue and ladder for opportunity." Fernandez says she unquestionably wants to become the city's educational leader and her ideas to improve schools range from additional state funding to summer school programs. "The bottom line is, as mayor, I will take responsibility," she said. "I want to be held accountable for public schools." Fernandez said that if elected, she would propose an amendment to the city charter that would enable Philadelphia's chief executive to appoint all nine members of the school board. But primary and secondary schools are not the only components of Fernandez's educational vision. The lifelong West Philadelphia resident -- who has a Penn master's degree -- said that the University and other area colleges must play even bigger roles as the city enters the new millennium. "I've deeply invested in University City and I'm also well aware that Penn is the single largest private employer in our city," said Fernandez, who wants to use city resources to market Philadelphia as "the education center of the country." Of the six major candidates in this year's election, Fernandez is the only woman -- a fact that Fernandez said she thinks may prove to be an advantage. "I think it's a good time to be a woman in politics," Fernandez said. "Many people want a fresh approach. They're tired of the old stuff, the way it's been played." Last month, the "old stuff" reared its ugly head, as Fernandez and Weinberg clashed in a Philadelphia courtroom. Fernandez charged that Weinberg had not lived in the city for the three years required of all candidates by the city charter. The suit was dismissed a week later, and while Fernandez expressed her frustration with the decision, her campaign manager David Dougherty explained that the incident helped show a "broader distinction between the two candidates and their commitments to the city." On Tuesday, Fernandez launched a television advertising campaign that will continue until Election Day. Dougherty was optimistic that the commercials will help sustain Fernandez's current group of supporters and will ultimately attract additional undecided voters. "I think [the ads] show how well things are going and how our plan is coming together," Dougherty added.
(03/31/99 10:00am)
Though they normally display little active concern for major social issues, students came out in record numbers yesterday. For almost an hour yesterday afternoon, the Penn student body actually shed its apathetic skin. In what appeared to be the largest student rally of the 1990s, approximately 1,000 Penn students gathered on College Green to protest the alcohol policies recently imposed by the University administration. While organizers billed the event as an opportunity to stand up for student rights in the decision-making process, many of those in attendance used yesterday's rally to voice their dissatisfaction with the temporary ban of alcohol at all registered undergraduate parties -- showing that a war in Kosovo may not be what it takes to rile students up. Some held signs carrying the messages "Judy is a Fascist," "Even Commies can drink" and "Cite me, I'm sober." Others, hoping to poke fun at the recent alcohol crack-down, drank from a keg of root beer. And one group of students even sold T-shirts combining the image of University President Judith Rodin and a popular vodka advertisement. The event served as a contrast to the apathy that students have grown accustomed to at Penn. While many colleges and universities across the nation have staged campus-wide protests regarding issues like affirmative action and sweatshop labor, Penn has remained relatively quiet in response to major national and international concerns. But yesterday's event helped cast light on why Penn students seem more willing to fight for their right to party rather than fighting for human rights. College senior Samara Barend, chairperson of the Tangible Change Committee, said that yesterday's rally helps to prove that the Penn student body can be very proactive -- if the circumstances are right. "Penn students just needed to be catalyzed," said Barend, who was one of the speakers at the rally. "They needed an impetus and this is an issue that really hits home. I hope this whole outpouring serves to show Penn students that the strength we really have is in numbers." College junior Miriam Joffe-Block, a member of the Progressive Activist Network, said unlike other divisive issues, almost all students agree on this one. "A lot of times, there is support for a myriad of causes but it's easiest to be active when there's a specific source of what the injustice is," said Joffe-Block, another rally speaker. "So in this case, it was easy to target the administration and this is an issue that affects students personally." At the rally, students agreed that changes in campus policy are more likely to attract the masses than national or world politics. "Those issues don't affect us directly," said Wharton and College sophomore Eddie Bosek. "[The alcohol policy] is a direct violation of our rights. Maybe we should have shown more interest in other issues but this one really got us out." Wharton senior Vivek Bantwal said the protest was successful in serving its purpose -- to help students question the administration's authority. "I think the rally has been very effective and the big reason is because it shifted the focus from alcohol to Rodin's completely ineffective handling of the situation," Bantwal said. "It's the question of a school unilaterally imposing [its] will on a free-thinking student body." College senior Barry Trachtenberg said students have a responsibility to speak up for an issue that directly impacts their lives and the lives of future Penn undergraduates. "It's not the alcohol that's bringing us together," Trachtenberg said. "It's the martial law that's been enacted on campus. Even though [students like myself] are seniors, we don't think it's fair to leave this legacy." But not all people in attendance yesterday were satisfied with the rally's end result. College sophomore Erin Moss said that while she enjoyed seeing her fellow classmates unite, it was unfortunate that only an alcohol-related topic prompted students to take action. "It's nice to see us come together but it's sad that it has to come down to this [issue]," she said. Whether or not Penn students will continue to rally in the future remains to be seen, but yesterday -- if nothing else -- showed the potential that lies within Penn's student body. "I'm really happy to see that there is such determination and motivation," Joffe-Block said. "I hope that? people will come out for broader issues as well."
(03/31/99 10:00am)
Though they normally display little active concern for major social issues, students came out in record numbers yesterday. For almost an hour yesterday afternoon, the Penn student body actually shed its apathetic skin. In what appeared to be the largest student rally of the 1990s, approximately 1,000 Penn students gathered on College Green to protest the alcohol policies recently imposed by the University administration. While organizers billed the event as an opportunity to stand up for student rights in the decision-making process, many of those in attendance used yesterday's rally to voice their dissatisfaction with the temporary ban of alcohol at all registered undergraduate parties -- showing that a war in Kosovo may not be what it takes to rile students up. Some held signs carrying the messages "Judy is a Fascist," "Even Commies can drink" and "Cite me, I'm sober." Others, hoping to poke fun at the recent alcohol crack-down, drank from a keg of root beer. And one group of students even sold T-shirts combining the image of University President Judith Rodin and a popular vodka advertisement. The event served as a contrast to the apathy that students have grown accustomed to at Penn. While many colleges and universities across the nation have staged campus-wide protests regarding issues like affirmative action and sweatshop labor, Penn has remained relatively quiet in response to major national and international concerns. But yesterday's event helped cast light on why Penn students seem more willing to fight for their right to party rather than fighting for human rights. College senior Samara Barend, chairperson of the Tangible Change Committee, said that yesterday's rally helps to prove that the Penn student body can be very proactive -- if the circumstances are right. "Penn students just needed to be catalyzed," said Barend, who was one of the speakers at the rally. "They needed an impetus and this is an issue that really hits home. I hope this whole outpouring serves to show Penn students that the strength we really have is in numbers." College junior Miriam Joffe-Block, a member of the Progressive Activist Network, said unlike other divisive issues, almost all students agree on this one. "A lot of times, there is support for a myriad of causes but it's easiest to be active when there's a specific source of what the injustice is," said Joffe-Block, another rally speaker. "So in this case, it was easy to target the administration and this is an issue that affects students personally." At the rally, students agreed that changes in campus policy are more likely to attract the masses than national or world politics. "Those issues don't affect us directly," said Wharton and College sophomore Eddie Bosek. "[The alcohol policy] is a direct violation of our rights. Maybe we should have shown more interest in other issues but this one really got us out." Wharton senior Vivek Bantwal said the protest was successful in serving its purpose -- to help students question the administration's authority. "I think the rally has been very effective and the big reason is because it shifted the focus from alcohol to Rodin's completely ineffective handling of the situation," Bantwal said. "It's the question of a school unilaterally imposing [its] will on a free-thinking student body." College senior Barry Trachtenberg said students have a responsibility to speak up for an issue that directly impacts their lives and the lives of future Penn undergraduates. "It's not the alcohol that's bringing us together," Trachtenberg said. "It's the martial law that's been enacted on campus. Even though [students like myself] are seniors, we don't think it's fair to leave this legacy." But not all people in attendance yesterday were satisfied with the rally's end result. College sophomore Erin Moss said that while she enjoyed seeing her fellow classmates unite, it was unfortunate that only an alcohol-related topic prompted students to take action. "It's nice to see us come together but it's sad that it has to come down to this [issue]," she said. Whether or not Penn students will continue to rally in the future remains to be seen, but yesterday -- if nothing else -- showed the potential that lies within Penn's student body. "I'm really happy to see that there is such determination and motivation," Joffe-Block said. "I hope that? people will come out for broader issues as well."
(03/29/99 10:00am)
Provost appoints task force Provost Robert Barchi will begin meeting with a "working group" of both student and faculty leaders tomorrow to discuss the future of the University's alcohol policies. Barchi invited "as broad a cross-section of student life as possible" to participate in the group, including five administrators and professors and 14 student leaders representing organizations such as the Undergraduate Assembly, the InterFraternity and Panhellenic councils and the Drug and Alcohol Resource Team. The group will begin by discussing the temporary ban on alcohol at undergraduate events and eventually formulate more long-term proposals to recommend to University President Judith Rodin. The committee will make its recommendations to Rodin as soon as they come up with them -- "be it one day or one week," Barchi said, emphasizing that it will not necessarily take until the end of the semester, as some media organizations reported over the weekend. Representatives invited to participate in the working group said they were happy that the University is at least willing to talk to students. "I'm pleased that the president and provost are seeking input from a wide variety of students and I hope to have a serious and honest discussion about the issues," said panel member Jeffrey Snyder, a Wharton senior and the IFC's former vice president for rush. IFC President and College junior Mark Metzl complained that students were not consulted before Thursday's move and said that he hopes the new committee will "include the undergraduate perspective in decisions that affect our lives." And UA Chairperson Bill Conway, a Wharton junior, said the committee has both positive and negative features. He explained that while he is looking forward to discussing the situation tomorrow, he is still concerned about the validity of the administration's efforts to reach out to students. "We're upset that a decision was made without consulting [the UA] first," Conway said, adding that Rodin said at a University Council meeting the day before the new policy was announced that officials would consult with the University community before they took any action. Despite bitterness about the process leading up to the decision, both administrators and students are above all looking to the meetings as a chance to find a positive solution. Director of College Houses and Academic Services David Brownlee said that he is "anxious" to begin discussion of alcohol abuse and the tactics necessary to combat the present situation. And 1998-99 men's basketball team tri-captain Jed Ryan, a member of the DART-sponsored "Penn Drinking Project" said he would not enter the meeting with any preconceived notions but simply base his actions on what unfolds tomorrow. "My unique perspective to this committee is that I've had a life-threatening situation with alcohol," said Ryan, who was hospitalized in 1996 with an alcohol-related illness. "As someone who is a visible presence on this campus?Emaybe I can lend some thoughts on what alcohol can do to your life."
(03/26/99 10:00am)
At the Newman Center, Rev. Charles Pfeffer asked mourners to search for meaning in the Penn alumnus' life. A somber group of over 100 friends and other mourners gathered last night at the Newman Center to honor the memory of Michael Tobin, the 26-year-old Penn alumnus and Phi Gamma Delta brother who died Sunday morning while attending an alumni event his fraternity house. Tobin, a 1994 College of Arts and Sciences graduate and third-team All-Ivy lacrosse player, suffered a fractured skull and internal injuries after consuming several alcoholic beverages and falling down a flight of stairs outside the FIJI house at 3619 Locust Walk. Rev. Charles Pfeffer, director of the Newman Center, conducted the 40-minute service that allowed those in attendance to reflect on Tobin's sudden death, as well as the meaning behind his short life. "Sometimes we just do dumb things, bad decisions, quick decisions," Pfeffer said. "But today, I'd rather not think about why [Michael] died, but why he lived." Pfeffer, who said he spent time with Tobin's family on Sunday, explained the importance of praying for the family of the former Penn lacrosse co-captain. "As we come together this evening to pray for Michael and his family, we pause and think how tragic this event has been," Pfeffer said. "We must unite our pain and suffering with theirs." Toward the end of the religious ceremony, Pfeffer asked each audience member to stop and reflect on his or her happiest moment with Tobin, adding that memories of Tobin will ultimately affect each person differently. "Our faith tells us that Michael is even happier now," Pfeffer said. "Michael's untimely death will mean something to everyone." Afterwards, Pfeffer said he was "very impressed" with the evening's event, focusing particularly on the way Tobin's fraternity brothers rallied together so quickly. "It was kind of an uplifting experience to see young adults gather together and support one another," Pfeffer explained. "Everyone really needs to bring closure to this horrible tragedy and hopefully tonight was a chance to do that." Tobin's family was not in attendance, Pfeffer said. The funeral is scheduled for tomorrow morning on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. University Chaplain William Gipson -- who worked with the InterFraternity Council to plan tomorrow evening's candlelight vigil on College Green in Tobin's memory -- said he was equally pleased with the compassionate response surrounding Tobin's death. "I want to affirm the student leadership we have at Penn," Gipson said. "It's a sign of how the students and the InterFraternity Council will really help to make a difference in how we take care of each other as members in a community." Gipson also spoke with the Tobin family on Sunday and he singled out an especially poignant thought from Tobin's father, John. "One of his deepest hurts as a father is that he lost his best friend," Gipson said, adding that John Tobin is sure his son's legacy will live on. Andrew Gold, who was one of Tobin's lacrosse teammates and fellow classmates in 1994, called his fallen friend a true "All-American," pointing out Tobin's dedication and leadership on and off the field, as well as his ability to form friendships. "He's one of those people that everyone liked because he liked everyone," Gold said yesterday from California. "He was such a good friend to everyone." "Every girl at Penn was crazy about him," Gold said. "[He was] the guy that you would say has everything in the world going with him." And Gold, a former Daily Pennsylvanian photographer, was clear in saying that those who did not know Tobin should give him more than a fleeting thought. "Just respect what this person was," Gold said. "Now that he's a statistic and he's known as the guy who died at FIJI, people should at least take the time to think a little bit about Michael Tobin. Every single person who you'll talk to who knew him will say 'Yeah, he was a great guy.'"
(03/25/99 10:00am)
University President Judith Rodin confirmed the mayor's plans but was unsure when he will start. Philadelphia Mayor and University alumnus Ed Rendell will "absolutely" be teaching at Penn within the next year, Penn President Judith Rodin said this week. Although it is still unclear when Rendell will arrive, Rodin confirmed that he will join Penn's Urban Studies Department either during the fall or spring semester of the next academic year. Rendell's second and final mayoral term will end on December 31. Rendell spokesperson David Yarkin would not definitively say when Rendell would join the Penn faculty but he didn't rule out the possibility that the popular mayor could begin teaching in the fall, even though he would still be the city's chief executive. Rodin, though, said Rendell probably would not start until the spring. "He and I have spoken about [teaching]," Rodin said. "We didn't talk about timing but I imagine it will be as soon as he leaves office." Rendell is interested in teaching both a "theoretical class on urbanism and a more practical class on urban politics," Rodin said. Rodin also pointed out the obvious benefits of having one of the nation's most well-respected civic leaders as a member of the teaching faculty. "He will be wonderfully popular," Rodin added. "He has a wealth of experience and the kind of engaging personality that I think will be really wonderful in a classroom." Rendell -- whose son is a College freshman -- inherited an ailing Philadelphia in 1992 and after nearly eight successful years at the helm, the man nicknamed "America's Mayor" by Vice President Al Gore is credited with the city's remarkable turnaround. During Rendell's tenure, Philadelphia has bounced back from the brink of financial disaster. After years of posting annual deficits of over $200 million, the city has recorded six consecutive budget surpluses. And the Pennsylvania Convention Center, completed several years ago, will house the Republican National Convention in 2000, signaling the renewed confidence that many have in the nation's fifth-largest city. Elaine Simon, co-director of the undergraduate Urban Studies program, said she believed any course taught by Rendell would be extremely popular, adding that an initial Daily Pennsylvanian report regarding Rendell's status already prompted one student to beg for admittance to the class. Michael Katz, a Penn History professor and co-director of the Urban Studies Department's graduate certificate program, said that Rendell's potential effect on the Penn student body would be enormous. "I think [Rendell teaching at Penn] would be very exciting," Katz said. "He has been a very dynamic and successful mayor. He is very thoughtful about urban issues and I think he could communicate to students well about what's been happening in American cities and the kind of frameworks for interpreting the issues facing cities currently." Katz added that a future mayor of Philadelphia could be currently roaming the Penn campus -- just as Rendell was in the early 1960s -- and Rendell's return to the University as a professor could help unlock the potential of many students. "I think that [Rendell] could actually provoke students to think about careers in public service in ways they hadn't thought about them before," Katz said.
(03/25/99 10:00am)
Despite Tuesday's dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the legality of politico Marty Weinberg's mayoral run, he and opponent Happy Fernandez -- who filed the suit -- continued to throw punches at one another yesterday. Last week, Fernandez, a former City Council member, charged that Weinberg --Ewho in recent weeks has shot ahead of Fernandez and several other candidates in the polls -- has not lived in Philadelphia for the required three years prior to the election. But after hearing testimony from Weinberg, a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge ruled on Tuesday that Fernandez failed to disprove Weinberg's status as a city resident. Weinberg spokesperson Bill Miller characterized Fernandez's legal efforts as nothing more than a way "to jump-start a failing campaign," adding that he thought the judge's ruling would dispel all doubt over Weinberg's residency. "It's the end of the issue for us," Miller said. "As far as we were concerned, we didn't have an issue from the beginning. Anyone who knows Marty knows he's a lifelong Philadelphian." Initial questions of Weinberg's residency emerged several months ago, but with the May 18 primary election approaching, Fernandez and fellow Democratic candidate John White led a vocal charge to force Weinberg -- who admits to owning homes outside of city limits -- to release tax records to prove that he lives in the city. On March 15, one day before Fernandez filed her suit, representatives of Weinberg's Democratic opponents met to discuss the situation -- a meeting that Miller described as a "full-blown conspiracy." "Sometimes you can define your stature by the quality of your enemies," Miller said. "As far as I'm concerned, we've got somebody afraid of the Weinberg candidacy, so we must be doing something right." The dismissal didn't end the sniping between Weinberg and Fernandez. "While we're disappointed [in the verdict], we knew we stood a good chance of coming up short because the law is interpreted loosely," Fernandez spokesperson David Dougherty said. "And Marty Weinberg, as he has done for the last 25 years, has jumped through another hoop." But Miller rallied back, calling Fernandez a "clearly mean-spirited" person who "is comfortable in the back room." Despite Miller's contention that the matter is closed, Dougherty said that while the lawsuit may have been dismissed, "[Weinberg's] commitment to the city is sorely lacking." Dougherty noted that Fernandez has been a longtime resident of West Philadelphia's Powelton Village, while Weinberg has bounced from home to home during the past quarter-century -- a distinction that Dougherty said works in Fernandez's favor. "My view is that campaigns are won on contrast," Dougherty said. "You have to give [voters] a choice. And in the last few weeks, they've gotten a real contrast between Happy and Marty." But Miller said the Weinberg campaign expects voters to look past this recent turn of events. "Our campaign never got off track," Miller said. "We're still focused. Marty is as energetic as he's ever been and he is ready to attack the issues." Dougherty criticized Weinberg's response -- which included a threat from his lawyer to countersue Fernandez and attach her personal assets. Dougherty said such hostility will help voters see the "real" Weinberg. "We brought a legal challenge to Marty Weinberg and he responded with threats to Happy personally," Dougherty noted. "I think voters learned about the way he reacted to this challenge and I think they learned a lot about Happy from her challenge." White spokesperson Paul Bennett said he believed the residency matter was over, but not before the controversy took its toll on the election. "[The controversy] opened the window for people to see the fabric from which Weinberg was cut," Bennett said. Throughout this year's campaign, Weinberg has repeatedly referred to his childhood in the rowhouses of South Philadelphia -- a fact that he also highlights in the commercials that have blanketed Philadelphia's airwaves in recent weeks. "There's no way you can live in a $600,000 house and be a rowhouse candidate, nevermind the fact that the house is outside Philadelphia," Bennett said. "He's got an estate and it's gorgeous. I wish I had it."
(03/24/99 10:00am)
Following several years of revitalization, Center City is beginning its next large-scale renovation effort -- a makeover of a long-closed downtown segment of Chestnut Street that will re-open the thoroughfare to traffic by next spring. The project seeks to widen the road and improve its surrounding sidewalks in hopes that the area will become a retail and tourism destination in the near future. The mass renovations -- which will take place on Chestnut Street between 6th and 22nd streets -- will be conducted in two separate phases, with city, state and federal funds helping to foot the anticipated $14 million bill. The first phase of construction will take place between 6th and Broad streets and is expected to be complete around November of this year, while the second phase will begin this August and is scheduled to conclude in time for the Republican National Convention in the summer of 2000. In the mid-1970s, an eight-block portion of Chestnut Street was closed permanently to daytime and early evening traffic, but this failed attempt at creating a pedestrian thoroughfare has shown signs of aging and deterioration in recent years. Recognizing Chestnut's major problems -- cracked sidewalks, an outdated look and all-too-common real estate vacancies -- city officials decided to take action that will include widening the street from 20 feet to 28 feet, its original dimensions before the 1970s construction. "I think the street has long since outlived its urban design usefulness," said Denise Goren, Philadelphia's deputy mayor for transportation. "Simply what we want is a new, fresh and safe feel to the street, one that's more inviting and that fits a better balance of users on the street -- pedestrians, bikers, buses and cars trying to balance the use on a 24-hour clock." Goren explained that much of Chestnut's current sidewalk faults stem from thin pavement used to help the original project reach completion before the city's 1976 Bicentennial celebration -- a problem that will now be corrected. Other improvements include better lighting and over 200 new trees, as well as rounded street corners known as "bumpouts" which aid pedestrians with visibility when crossing streets. Chestnut currently maintains two lanes of traffic for use after 7 p.m. and the improvements will open a third lane of eastbound traffic. But Joseph Syrnick, chief engineer and surveyor with the Philadelphia Streets Department, said that the project was not created with the motorist in mind. "We're not designing this to carry a lot of traffic," said Syrnick. Citing a booming national economy and the recent prosperity of Philadelphia, Syrnick described the Chestnut renewal as "an important catalyst" to continue the city's success. While Goren said she did not anticipate any excessive inconveniences for Philadelphians during the construction period, buses and cars will be diverted until the project's first phase comes to a close. But Goren explained that the project will prove to be very successful in the coming years and offered an interesting metaphor to describe the purpose of Chestnut Street's revival. "It's is part of what I call 'connect the dots,'" Goren said. "The project will provide a link from [the Schuylkill] River to [the Delaware] River and it needs to reflect the city's history and future."
(03/22/99 10:00am)
There were few major areas of disagreement last night when the six major mayoral candidates assembled at a Center City hotel to discuss -- in two-minute soundbites -- how they would improve the state of Philadelphia's neighborhoods. Several hundred people gathered at the Wyndham-Franklin Hotel to hear each of the candidates respond to specific yes-or-no questions pertaining to four different topics: safety, city services, education and neighborhood revitalization and investment. The forum was organized by the Eastern Philadelphia Organizing Project to ensure that neighborhoods become a top priority for the city's next mayor. "Our convention is about accountability and democracy," said Ortencia Cortez Santiago, one of the event's hosts. "Our job is not to endorse any one candidate.? We're here to educate ourselves." Questions about public safety addressed the structure of the city's 911 system, as well as the "Same Cop, Same Neighborhood" program, which assigns officers to specific sections of the city to familiarizing officers with the citizens they are assigned to protect. The candidates all responded that they were in favor of 911 reform and police-neighborhood interaction but the five men and one woman looking to succeed outgoing Mayor Ed Rendell took slightly different positions. "Crime can best be deterred by cops? who are familiar to the community," said businessperson Sam Katz, the lone Republican in this year's election field. Katz added that although he supports the "Same Cop, Same Neighborhood" idea, the city must find balance in order to avoid possible corruption. Former City Council President John Street, the frontrunner in the race, declared he would implement the "Same Cop, Same Neighborhood" program in the first year of his administration and mentioned spreading the city's police force in order to deploy several hundred undercover narcotics officers. And attorney Marty Weinberg, currently embroiled in controversy over whether he has lived in the city for the three years required of mayoral candidates, spoke of his childhood in a small Philadelphia rowhouse and the benefits of knowing the patrolling officers while growing up -- a statement that drew some laughter and conversation from the crowd. On the topic of how to improve city services, Katz -- an investment banker and financial advisor -- offered the business-like perspective that it would require more coordinated multi-department services for Philadelphia. Former Philadelphia Housing Authority head John White explained that the city's neighborhoods "have not been a priority" and vowed to make Philadelphia "a great place to visit and a great place to live." While the six candidates were generally in agreement on most of the issues, discord became apparent when the conversation switched to public and adult education. Questions covered class-size reduction, the establishment of an education position in the mayor's cabinet and the connection between welfare reform and adult education levels. "I do not need an education cabinet member to show I am the education mayor of this city," said former City Council member Happy Fernandez, who noted that "reducing class size? needs to be our goal" in order to improve Philadelphia schools. State Representative Dwight Evans, a Democrat, arrived late due to a scheduling conflict but jumped right into the conversation and explained that he was opposed to an educational cabinet position and that class-size reduction should be handled on the state level. On the other hand, Weinberg said that the Philadelphia school superintendent would be a member of his cabinet and identified education as "the biggest item [the city] has to address." Weinberg also shared his belief in alternative schools for disruptive students. Following chants of "neighborhoods first" by the crowd, candidates switched their attention to ways of improving Philadelphia's individual communities. "We can revitalize these neighborhoods if we pay attention," Street said. "And they will be something I pay attention to."
(03/18/99 10:00am)
Philadelphia has lost more residents than any other county in the nation this decade, seeing close to a 150,000-person drop, according to figures released last week by the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the Census Bureau statistics, the population of Philadelphia County -- which is made up solely of the city -- dropped from 1,585,577 in 1990 to 1,436,287 in 1998, a 9.4 percent decrease. But city officials -- including Mayor Ed Rendell, who took office in 1992 -- have been quick to attack the report's accuracy, claiming the figures undercount the actual number of residents. Population decline is a trend that has haunted Philadelphia for the past several decades, but the Rendell administration believes the recent numbers are "just flat wrong" and intends to work with the Census Bureau to find and correct any possible errors. "We believe that Philadelphia and cities like Philadelphia have been undercounted for a number of years, especially in the 1990s," mayoral spokesperson Kevin Feeley said. "We believe there are more people here than the Census Bureau gives us credit for." Citing the demand for public services and "anecdotal evidence in communities," Feeley explained that there is "a lot of evidence" to prove that Philadelphia is being shortchanged in the latest count. He also pointed to a 1994 census count of children living in poverty -- which local welfare lists eventually proved inaccurate -- as an example of the bureau's past miscounts. "We know they make mistakes like that all the time," he noted. Still, Feeley admitted that Philadelphia's population has decreased over the past eight years. He emphasized, though, that the official 2000 census needs to be more precise. "Sure, we've lost people and nobody's disputing the fact that we've lost people," Feeley said. "But in this context, we're coming upon the decennial census and we want to make sure to get it right." Census data will be especially important in 2000 because the figure determines representation in the House of Representatives, as well as serving other political purposes. Meanwhile, other surrounding counties -- including Bucks, Chester and Montgomery -- experienced population increases ranging roughly from 6 to 12 percent. Delaware County's numbers dipped less than one percent. In contrast, New York County increased by 4.2 percent, Chicago's Cook County rose 1.7 percent and Los Angeles County went up 4 percent. Although Feeley said he believed the study would not ultimately affect Philadelphia's reputation or tarnish the widely-praised Rendell administration, he said that errors in the federal government's official population figures could hurt state funding and political representation. Marc Perry, a demographer with the Census Bureau in Washington, D.C., noted that the study only looked at populations in the nation's counties, and because Philadelphia is unlike many American cities in that it comprises its own county, the declining numbers may be deceiving. "It's not always appropriate to compare demographic trends," Perry said. "I advise people not to look just at the county numbers but to look beyond that at the whole metropolitan picture." Perry explained that three factors -- births and deaths, domestic immigration and international immigration -- contribute to population fluctuations and that annual estimates are made by gathering various national, state and local records. Singling out urban areas like Baltimore, Washington and St. Louis, Perry said that Philadelphia's situation was not unusual. "What's been going on in Philadelphia mirrors what's been going on in some other counties," Perry added. John Keene, a Penn professor of City and Regional Planning, also stressed the difference between cities and counties, adding that it is important to measure both the quality and quantity of a city's inhabitants. "What I would like to know [from this report] is what the composition of the people coming in and the people coming out," said Keene, who identified income and job skill as key traits for which to look. Los Angeles County had the biggest population increase in the country, experiencing an influx of 95,000 people.
(03/17/99 10:00am)
Despite his low name recognition, former state and city official John White hopes to win his party's nod. John White is running his campaign the old-fashioned way. With low name recognition and less money than most of his rivals, the 49-year-old former Philadelphia Housing Authority director said he hopes voters will respond to the personal element he is trying to bring to the election by paying closer attention to the real problems plaguing Philadelphians --Einstead of issues like money and race that have often marred the road to City Hall. White, who has also served as a state representative, a City Council member and secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, said he believes candidates' emphasis on money and commercials has led to a drop-off in voter participation -- a trend he is trying to avoid with the use of small group gatherings and door-to-door campaigning. "The type of campaign we've been running, where we try to speak directly with voters as often as possible? we've tried to return to the more personalized way of communicating with people," White said in an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian last month. And even though he may not be able to afford a large-scale advertising blitz, he says his ideas and track record as a longtime public official should help make him successful. While the slate of candidates have taken differing stances on the best way to improve the city's fortunes, White believes that many of Philadelphia's problems stem from the troubled public education system. "I don't think that there's any issue more critical than public education," White said. "I think it is the underlying issue, it is the core issue that really supports solutions to the other issues that voters say are most important, namely crime and the economy." White explained that a solid public education system creates a competitive work force that leads to a drop in crime and an improvement in the economy. "Nothing cures crime like a job," White said. "Nothing brings economic viability and vitality to a community like a job." Believing that the next mayor must play a "more active role in education," White listed the establishment of "alternative" schools for disruptive students, reduction of class size and re-establishment of fiscal credibility and management of school districts as key aspects to target. White, who is one of three African-American candidates vying for the Democratic nomination on May 18, agreed with political analysts who have said that race could be a significant factor in this year's election. "The debate, the question is whether or not we're going to divide the African-American vote up to the point that someone who may be lesser qualified maybe lesser desired by the majority of Democratic voters is going to win and that's real concern," White said. "As a candidate, you have to rise above that." The topic of race rose to the forefront several weeks ago when a bogus World Wide Web site that claimed to be White's official campaign page was linked to an aide of fellow African-American candidate Dwight Evans. The site contained a racially inflammatory quote from a Spanish-language newspaper, which White says was taken out of context. Evans maintains that he had no prior knowledge of the Web site's creation. Although many political experts claim that outgoing Mayor Ed Rendell has failed to make a significant dent in areas like public education, White praised the two-term mayor and explained that the next leader of Philadelphia will have to build partly on Rendell's accomplishments. "You first of all have to preserve the most important legacy of the Rendell administration and that is fiscal prudence," White explained. "You have to continue to be a cheerleader for the City of Philadelphia and you have to continue to work towards improving the public image of the City of Philadelphia by attracting tourism and luring businesses into the city." But White warned of the dangers of simply trying to emulate Rendell's work. "If all you want to do [as mayor] is to maintain or to continue this legacy, I think you fall way short," White said. "We've got to find ways how to spread the prosperity that is clearly evident in Center City." Penn and Philadelphia's other higher education institutions will be critical to overall economic development, according to White. The challenge, in his view, is to make the city an attractive place for talented graduates to settle permanently. "I am committed to this City of Philadelphia and committed to making Philadelphia a good place for the students at the University of Pennsylvania and other universities to matriculate in, but also to live here, to work here and to become integral parts and contributing members of our community," White said.
(03/17/99 10:00am)
Philadelphia mayoral hopeful Happy Fernandez filed a lawsuit yesterday against one of her opponents, Marty Weinberg, accusing him of flouting a city law that requires candidates to have lived in the city for the three years preceding the general election. The suit is intended to force Weinberg to come forth with local tax records that would reveal whether he has paid taxes as a Philadelphia resident for the last three years. Weinberg did release his federal tax records yesterday, which listed his primary residence to be in the city. "What we have to do, frankly, is clarify Mr. Weinberg's status," Fernandez Campaign Manager David Dougherty said. "He has a pattern of living outside Philadelphia and moving back into the city when it meets his needs." Weinberg -- a former city solicitor and aide to the late former Mayor Frank Rizzo -- has previously admitted to owning as many as 25 homes in the last 25 years and questions of his permanent residency stem from this abundance of homes, many of which were located outside the city limits. Bill Miller, a Weinberg spokesperson, was not available for comment yesterday, but told The Philadelphia Inquirer Monday that the candidate does not have a "residency problem" and that he believed the recent challenges from Fernandez and fellow Democratic candidate John White were attempts to gain "free press." The latest turn of events presents an ironic twist for Weinberg, also a Democrat, who had recently launched a successful television advertising campaign emphasizing his modest upbringing in the rowhouses of South Philadelphia. Weinberg lists a Penn's Landing condominium complex as his current address, according to the Inquirer. Fernandez and White --Ewho both lag significantly behind Weinberg and Democratic frontrunner John Street in the polls -- have taken the lead in urging the deep-pocketed politico to prove that he is in compliance with the residency requirement. "It's a matter of voters being informed of the commitment of the candidates running for mayor and the honesty of the candidates running for office," Dougherty said. White's campaign manager, Dean Levitan, said the controversy would likely help Fernandez in the long run. "I think Happy cuts into his votes," Levitan explained. "Marty responding to Happy is going to lift her up."
