Philadelphia Is Still Waiting For A Mayor Who Will Be A Fighter

Philadelphia Is Still Waiting For A Mayor Who Will Be A Fighter
November 2009
When Mayor Nutter won the mayoral primary, I emailed a message titled "2007 Primary Election Results: CHANGE!!!" and highlighted it with a picture of Tug McGraw at the 1980 World Series victory parade holding up a Daily News that offered the headline "WE WIN." But now, like so many, I am not as enthusiastic about the Nutter Mayoralty as I had been when he won.
During his campaign, Michael Nutter aired a commercial that outlined the bold and decisive moves he would make as Mayor. It concluded by declaring he would "throw out bums in City Hall who have been ripping us off for years" and underscored the point by showing a hand literally ripping City Hall tower from the rest of the building and shaking out the hacks and pinstriped patrons as they wailed and thudded onto Broad Street. But that kick-ass candidate has been much less of a can-do Mayor.
Mayor Nutter balanced the city budget by raising our taxes, which are already too high, and stiffing the city's pension fund, which is already woefully underfunded. Even with these moves, the budget still counts on completing negotiations for new contracts with the city's unionized workforce to save millions. If the Mayor does not achieve savings in those new contracts, more money for salaries and benefits will blow another hole in the budget that will drive him back to the drawing board looking for new revenues or new cuts.
What happened to the crusading Mayor who was going to throw the bums out? Vast bastions of political patronage remain intact and agencies Nutter once declared he would "blow up" conduct business as usual. Through his first two years in office, Mayor Nutter has simply not been the man who promised bold ethics reforms, major bureaucratic shakeups, and dramatic governmental overhauls. Instead of building the coalitions and popular support necessary to win major reforms, the Mayor has too often been content to go it alone, play an inside game, and expect reform advocates to cheer him on from the sidelines. By not engaging the outsiders, the Mayor has had to occupy himself with winning support for his plans from insiders who are unwilling to embrace major reforms.
What happened to the popular Mayor who was going to bring us together to tackle our most challenging problems? Watching Nutter cruise to a huge victory in November 2007 with nearly 90 percent of the vote; it is easy to forget that not so many Philadelphians voted for him when they had a real choice. Nutter won only 37 percent of the Democratic Primary -- nearly two-thirds of voters in his own party voted against him. He won by appealing to true-believer reformers who wanted action in many areas ignored by previous Mayors, and by attracting the support of party insiders who feared the prospect that wealthy businessman Tom Knox might govern as an independent outsider who did not depend on the party for his electoral ascension. Nutter attracted us to him because of who we thought he was and who we knew he wasn't. With fewer true believers left believing, and with party insiders divided as ever, it is unclear whether Nutter has any base of support left to build upon.
What happened to the savvy Mayor who understood City Hall and knew how to get things done in the no-holds-barred world of Philadelphia politics? Watching his performance to date, it seems as if Nutter has learned few lessons in his time in City Hall. He saw Mayors cultivate a core group of support on Council to stand strong in the face of insurgent pressure, but seems to lack the nine votes necessary to pass legislation on a routine basis. He watched Mayors exert their authority for years, but does not seem to know that if one develops the reputation for "crying wolf" early, opponents will soon call every bluff. When his political power was strong, Nutter did not spend political capital to win battles and cement alliances to expand his power and now that his power has waned, his opponents know he is in no position to make demands.
We are left with a Mayor who can still talk reform, but has been unable to deliver change; a Mayor who is not unpopular, but has been unable to build the necessary coalitions to push for change; and a Mayor who is a product of Philadelphia politics, but has been unable to use his political ties to make change. Far from wrenching the tower off of City Hall, Mayor Nutter might have a hard time right now tearing the top off a cereal box. It seems the bums will keep on ripping us off and we will endure more years of a Mayor who will be at the mercy of his political opponents -- and in no position to deliver on the renaissance he promised when he took office.
But, as I do with the Phillies, I rant as a hopeful fan and I know that we can bring positive change to the city we love. I believe that Mayor Nutter can regain the reform mantle and recapture the promise of his election if he engages Philadelphians in an effort to push for the changes he championed in his campaign. If he is ready to lead, I know that Philadelphia cries out for the changes he promoted and I know that so many stand ready to help rip the tower off of City Hall to make true reform a reality.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Brett Mandel, DeWitt Brown, Treasurer.

"Bench Warrant Amnesty 2009"

"Bench Warrant Amnesty 2009"
Domestic Relations Court is holding a press conference at 34 South 11th St. for their "Bench Warrant Amnesty 2009" next Thursday, November 12th at 10:00 a.m. and asked for the support and attendance of fatherhood practitioners at the press conference. There will be a sign on a side door identifying the location of the press conference.

It is also being asked that practitioners escort fathers who owe arrears to the court house to have their cases expedited. The judges have been asked and the judges agreed to not arrest anyone.

Please pass through your respective networks and yes, this is real,

Sulaiman A. Wood, MSS, MLSP
Project Manager
Focus on Fathers
Resources for Children's Health
260 South Broad Street, 18th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
267-765-2324
swood@phmc.org

Death of another Philadelphia Grassroots organization

WPCCN Annoucement

Dear WPCCN Members, Colleagues, and Friends:



For the past 12 years, the West Philadelphia Child Care Network has diligently worked to strengthen early education and childcare in West and Southwest Philadelphia through professional development, resource development, and advocacy activities. Over the years, our mission resonated with many childcare providers and families in our service area.



We are proud of our accomplishments in providing quality professional development to over a thousand childcare providers per year, graduating and empowering over four hundred childcare providers to improve their professionalism through the Child Development Associate Credential and creating innovative programming for young fathers and immigrant communities. We are also proud of our exceptional Executive Director, dedicated staff, and our community partnerships with Philadelphia Early Childhood Collaborative, Neighborhood Interfaith Movement, The Preschool Project, and other childcare advocacy agencies across the region.



WPCCN has cautiously kept expenses low and vigorously tried to raise funds; however, given the current economy compounded with the uncertainty of future public and private funding, the Board of Directors of WPCCN has decided to cease operations and to close our office located at 4117 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia, on December 31, 2009.



The Board of Directors made this decision with a heavy heart, but knowing it was the prudent approach in these difficult economic times.



We thank you, our members, supporters, donors, friends, and families for your support.



If you have any questions, please contact Howard W. Tucker, Executive Director at (267) 531-5245, ext. 103.



Best regards,



Donna Johnson Bullock

Board President





Howard W. Tucker

Executive Director

West Philadelphia Child Care Network

4117 Lancaster Avenue

Philadelphia, PA. 19104

(ph) 267-531-5245 ext. 103

(fx) 267-531-5249



"It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men(women)." - Fredrick Douglass

Blackhawks Athletic Club Family sorrowfully regret

Blackhawks Athletic Club Family sorrowfully regret to inform you of the passing of their Founder and Director

MR. REGINALD MTUMISHI

Mr. Mtumishi suffered illnesses in silent while he continued to diligently serve the youth and community of North Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia. He was discovered to have succumb to these illnesses on Monday, October 25,2009.

At this time services to honor this Matriarch that gave over 40 years of service and devoted his life to leadership and mentoring of children are still pending. However, in an effort to begin to honor his legacy, the Blackhawks family would like invite any and everyone who knew, loved and enjoyed this very special man to join us at a candlelight service that will be held:

DATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2009
TIME: 7:00P.M.
PLACE: BLACKHAWKS ATHLETIC CLUB, 11TH AND CECIL B. MOORE AVENUE


IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ADDITIONAL YOU MAY CONTACT
TONI ELLIS – 267-586-1563


WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF A GREAT AND HONORABLE MAN

Black men participated in the Million Man March

On October 16, 1995, I and millions of other Black men participated in the Million Man March. It was an historic day. A great day. It was without question the largest gathering of Black men to ever assemble in the US and probably the world. Those of us in attendance took a pledge to “love our brother as we love ourself.”
Today some would have us believe we’re living in a “post-racial society.” We have a Black president. We have Black billionaires, millionaires. We have black cards and black cars. But have we changed our condition as a people from where we were on the eve of the Civil War? Economically the answer is no. Blacks today, own even less than we collectively owned in 1864. Health disparities? We lead the nation in health challenges and have the largest percentage of “uninsured.” Social justice? We’re still sentenced disproportionately and receive longer sentences for the same crimes. And psychologically? Have we learned to “love our brother (sister) as we love ourselves?”
P.S. Did you see any 14th anniversary coverage of the MMM in the mainstream media?

Did You or Someone in Your Family Just Get Out of Prison?

Did You or Someone in Your Family Just Get Out of Prison?
What Kinds of Problems Are You Having?
This is a Day for You!
We welcome parents, spouses, children, grandparents,
block captains, recovery leaders, advocates and all faith communities to our first…


West Philly Neighborhood Speak Out:
Exploring Ways to Support Our Community Members who are Coming Home from Prison and Their Families


Saturday, October 24, 2009
9:30am-2:00pm
Frances Myers Recreation Center
5803 Kingsessing Ave





**PROGRAM ATTACHED**




RSVP! Free Registration!
Call 215-985-4448 x136
Breakfast and Lunch Provided




Our city's prison/reentry crisis is a community problem. When someone goes to prison, the whole family is affected. We need to hear the hardships you are facing, so we can work together to support each other and get the services our communities need.




For more information, contact 215-985-4448 x136 or SCPA@fight.org


Sponsored by the Support Center for Prison Advocacy

Organized by (list in formation):


Community Legal Services

DBH/MRS Faith-Based Initiative

Education Not Incarceration

EXIT-US, Inc

Hearts on a Wire

Hosanna Christian Life Center

Institute for Community Justice, Research and Advocacy

Institute for the Study of Civic Values

Joshua Achievement Center

Kingdom Care Reentry Network

MOMobile, Maternity Care Coalition

Office of Addiction Services

Pennsylvania Prison Society

Philadelphia FIGHT

Philadelphia Prison System

Philadelphia Region Positive Women’s Network

Philadelphia Recovery Community Center

Reaching Out: A Support Group with Action

Reconstruction, Inc.

The Time is Now To Make A Change

Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project

The Support Center for Prison Advocacy is grateful for support from the Bread and Roses Community Fund.
-
Laura McTighe
Co-Director
Institute for Community Justice, Research and Advocacy
1233 Locust Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
O: 215.985.4448 x109
F: 215.985.4952
C: 215.380.5556
E: lmctighe@community-justice.org

www.community-justice.org




--
Bob Shipman

The site community activist must check daily phillyneighborhoods.org/

$1000 needed

My Dear Friends on PhillyBlocks, Philly Parent Partner...Now is the Time to Come to the Aid of the Party
Help us to help you...I too work for ISCV, we put in long days and nights. For the past year the days are longer and so are the nights...especially when you are on unemployment and thinking of applying for food stamps...paypal id rmship

Most of you know that I am unemployed and really need a few bucks to carry on...

email rmship at yahoo dot com

Winter Coats for children

Winter Coats for children


Good morning everyone. Please read this message. It could save you, or someone
you know, hundreds of dollars.

Fathers Are In The House (FAITH) has partnered with Cradles To Crayons to
provide children ages 0-12 with books, clothes, art supplies and toys.. We can
now have access to their inventory and are urging everyone to take full
advantage of this opportunity.

All products are high-quality used or new goods. For a registration fee of $20,
you will have access to their entire inventory for 6 months.

Cradles has informed me that they are now accepting orders for their winter coat
drive. All coats are brand new. If you have a child or know someone with
children ages 0-12, then this will be a great benefit to them. Please do not
delay. Cradles To Crayons will be receiving 5000 coats, but they service over
10,000 children. So get your orders in quickly.

Please pass this message along to your friends and family. We want to help as
many children and families as possible. Attached you will find the order form
and flyer.

Thanks
Greg C. Porter
267-804-3852

Is this a worker able program??

Should blacks continue to Look at Our history

an excellent as well as an important production by Gwen Ragsdale. it left me sad, mad, hurt and inspired to keep fighting for our freedom because we still ain't free. I purchased the DVD and showed it to my family because we need to know all of our story and we can never forget.
check it out if you can.
Kemah.

Lest We Forget Slavery Museum

Presents

“My Slave Sister Myself”



FREE film screenings of My Slave Sister Myself:


Ø Wed. 9/30 @ 6:30 PM - Church of the Advocate 1801 W. Diamond St. (215) 236-5848

OVERVIEW: My Slave Sister Myself exposes the effects of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade on enslaved African women and correlates them with feelings deeply embedded in the souls of today’s African American women. The comparisons are compelling! The film also reveals how slavery impacted African American manhood and shaped perceptions about the Black Man's sexual prowess. This unique, thought-provoking documentary film addresses a myriad of issues that were born in slavery, yet continue to plague African Americans today. This informative 55 minute DVD sheds light on a dark and tragic period in American history (includes 10 min. music video). Come see this thought-provoking film and join in the stimulating discussion that follows.



View Movie Trailer-Click on Products: www.lestweforgetmuseumofslavery.com



FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

DVD COST: $25.O0 – Website: $29.00

Limited Quantity, Purchase A Copy Today!

For More Information Call: (888) 886-LEST

PLEASE FORWARD......









--
"If I cry tonight, understand that my cries are those of our children dying in the streets."

Father Paul M. Washington

Diamond Street from 16th through 19th is now known as "Father P. Washington Ave"
please visit our website at, fatherpaulwashington.com and please sign our guest book."

Friends of Sacks Rec And World Champion Philadelphia Phillies Partnership 2009

Friends of Sacks Rec And World Champion Philadelphia Phillies Partnership 2009, during the BTF/MLB Equipment Day. This is the response that the World Champions of Baseball has for the efforts in the community. on July 21, 2009, the Phillies organization on behalf of super star Chase Utley awarded $2500 to the organization that represents the inner city fans. Receiving the award on behalf of the Community group is Doug Nesmith, The Friends of Sacks recreation center located at 400 Washington avenue. The Phillies and every major league team has been focusing on enhancing and recruiting the African American baseball players, they realize that there are diamonds and major leaguers that are waiting to be found, in places like The Sacks center, walking distance from the stadium. The funds went into the melting pot of donations that are used for the betterment of the physical area of Sacks and the programing efforts of the group. The basketball leagues, drill team, drum corp and tee ball and the older Phillies rookie players. Against all odds, especially financial, the parents and volunteers are beginning to garner support for their efforts to provide safe forms of recreation and education to the south Philadelphia community. We have found youth and parents that live outside of the Sacks boundaries return to use the center because they fell safe and respect the experience of the volunteers operating the programs. Hat's off to the Sacks family for the well deserved award. The expanding programs at the recreation center and the surrounding community would appreciate any and all donations especially your time, say one hour a week to supervise a activity, the rewards are priceless.