COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Room 696, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 26, 2002 10:05 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILMAN FRANK J. DI CICCO COUNCILMAN WILSON W. GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, CHIEF CLERK VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Good morning, everyone. I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will please come to order. Members will take their seats. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes the Reverend Frederico Britto, Pastor of St. Cyprian Catholic Church. Rev. Britto is here today as the guest of Councilman Kenney. All guests and members will please rise. REV. BRITTO: Let us pray. We stand before you, Holy Spirit, conscious of our sinfulness but aware that we gather in your name. Come to us, remain with us, and enlighten our hearts. Send down your blessings upon these, your servants, who so generously devote themselves to helping others. Send your blessings upon our Mayor, our Council President, and these Councilmembers. Give us light and strength to know your will, to make it our own, and to live it in our lives. Help us to put aside our pride and prejudgments so that the matters and decisions to be made will be for the betterment of this great city. Guide us by your wisdom, support us by your power, for you are God, sharing the glory and Son. You desire justice for all. Enable us to uphold the rights of others. Do not allow us to be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favor. Unite us to yourself in the bond of love and keep us faithful to all that is true. As we gather in your name, may we temper justice with love so that all our decisions may be pleasing to you and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants. When they are called on in times of need, let them faithfully serve you and their neighbor. You live and reign with the Father and the Son, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Chair thanks Father for his very inspiring invocation. Council will be at ease. (Council at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of September 19, 2002. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. I move that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 19, 2002, stand approved. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 19, 2002. Stand approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, the motion carries. The Journal of the meeting of Thursday, September 19, 2002, is approved. The next order of business is requests for leaves of absence. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. There are no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the majority.
Thank you. The Chair at this time recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Madam President, I request a leave for Councilman Brian O'Neill.
Leave will be dispense with the regular of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in Council this morning. On behalf of all members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council Session. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our City. We certainly invite you to come again. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller who will present a resolution declaring September as US Naval Sea Cadet Corps Month and honoring Commander Officer Arlene Fields. And I believe Councilman Clarke will also make the presentation. Will Corps Commander Fields and those accompanying her, please join the Councilmembers at the podium. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. Declaring September US Naval Sea Cadet Corps Month and commending Arlene Fields on being the first African American woman to achieve the rank of commanding officer of a division within the 4-2 Whereas, U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps programs for young men and women 13 to 17 years old, exist in most of the maritime countries, including Canada, Great Britain, Belgium, and Japan, to name a few. With instilling leadership skills as its primary goal, the NSCC further seeks to build in every cadet a sense of patriotism, courage, self-reliance, confidence, and similar qualities which will mold character and citizenship; and Whereas, Sea Cadet recruits E-1 attend a two-week recruit training, during their first summer, at the Navy's recruit training command at Great Lakes or at one of the regional training sites. Cadets become officers and, in their next recruit training, can be stationed at any national or international site; and
Whereas, the Barry DDG-52 Division is the only inner-city, non-military sea cadet unit and housed in Benjamin Franklin High School, is the first of its kind in the history of the School District of Philadelphia. Its focus on leadership, responsibility, citizenship and academics has ignited a renewed enthusiasm within and its administration; and Whereas, Arlene Fields believed that the availability of naval sea cadet training could prove beneficial to the youth of Philadelphia, widen their options and afford them opportunities that they otherwise would not have. Ms. Fields boldly accepted the challenge to prove that not only did a qualified pool exist within our urban setting but that a unique opportunity to eradicate any stereotypes as to our children's ability to compete and excel if given the same stimuli; and Whereas Commanding Officer Fields, asked by the Naval Academic Alumni President of Pennsylvania and the Regional Representative for the U.S. Naval League to lead the Barry DDG-52 Division is the first African American female to hold this distinguished rank in the 4-2 Region and, by virtue of her continuous service and commitment to Philadelphia youth, is well qualified to provide the leadership essential to the growth of this precedent setting unit; now therefore
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, that we hereby Sea Cadet Corps Month and commend Arlene Fields on being the first African American woman to achieve the rank of Commanding Officer of a division within the 4-2 region. Further resolved, that engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Arlene Fields, Commanding Officer, and the Cadets of the U.S. Naval Cadet Corps-Barry DDG-52 Division as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Certification. This is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 19th of September, 2002, Anna C. Verna, President of City Council. Introduced by Donna Reed Miller and sponsored by all members of City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Corps Commander Fields for remarks. Welcome.
Thank you. I'd like to thank City Council, President of City Council, for this honor for my sea cadets and my officers. We open to 11 to 17. I have 12 of my cadets and 4 officers and the parents. One thing that's really important, we have a very, very good corps of parents that support every cadet that there is. And because of this, our young people have the opportunity to, not only leave their neighborhood, but they have the opportunity to leave this country and represent the City of Philadelphia in Japan, in Australia, and Canada and England where our other cadet units are, as well as states in the United States. So we're very proud. And our children are excelling, our children's behavior is exceptional. And it's no one that can say that these children are not succeeding. And again, we'd like to thank you so very, very much for this honor. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown who will present a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. Will Mr. Stanley Simpkins and those accompanying him please join the Councilwoman at the
Good morning. About a week ago, many you may remember the very unfortunate, sad incident that took place at Sayre Middle School where a young man was beaten to death by his peers. What you may not know is that this young man struggled and suffered from sickle cell. This morning we have an opportunity to salute and honor an organization that has been in the business of providing services to members of families who struggle with sickle cell. Honoring and commending the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America for their achievements in sickle cell awareness, education, and providing programs for those with sickle cell in Philadelphia on the occasion of their 20th anniversary. Whereas, the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of Sickle Cell Disease Association of America has from its inception worked closely with hospitals to provide programs that meet the needs of individuals with a sickle cell disease and to have a positive impact on their quality of life;
And, whereas, one established by the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of SCDAA with the Robert J. Spizer Camp Love which benefited children, ages 3 to 13, affected with sickle cell; and Whereas, other programs established over the years has been the Project Self Care, an adult support group; the Parents Network, a parents support group; and a Teen Transition Program for those transitioning from pediatric to adult medical facilities; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Delaware Chapter of SCDAA continues its commitment to the sickle cell community through its Walter E. Brennan Sickle Cell Walk-a-Thon; and Whereas, annually the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of SCDAA holds a sickle cell awareness fair which provides information and raises awareness about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait; and Whereas, the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of SCDAA strives to uphold their motto, "To the glory of God and service to the community," through facilitating and encouraging and providing various support groups to aid those battling the sickle cell disease and trait; now therefore
Be it resolved, that the City Council of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America for their achievements in sickle cell awareness, education, and providing programs for those with sickle cell on the occasion of their 20th anniversary. Resolved further that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Stanley Simpkins, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Delaware Valley Chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body. Introduced by myself, Blondel Reynolds-Brown and my colleague Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and sponsored by all members of Philadelphia City Council. (Applause.)
The Chair recognizes Mr. Stanley Simpkins for remarks.
Good morning. I would like to thank Councilwoman Brown as well as all of City Council for recognizing our 20th year as providing services to the entire sickle cell community. Our community consist of over 1600 patients throughout the Delaware Valley who suffer from this dreaded genetic blood disorder. We would also like to thank you for recognizing the fact that this is our fifth year of the Walter E. Brennan Sickle Cell Walk-a-Thon. And we would like invite all of you to join us on Sunday at 10 o'clock at Memorial Hall to walk for those persons who have sickle cell disease and recognizing them for the illness that they have and to show support that we all are concerned about their welfare. I thank you very much for your time.
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the from the Mayor to the Clerk. The Clerk will please read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I'm transmitting herewith for the consideration of your honorable body an ordinance to amend the Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded generally by Oregon Avenue, 20th Street, the Walt Whitman Bridge approaching I-76.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. The Clerk will please read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, AND RESOLUTIONS Madam President. I move that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions and their time of introduction. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of introduction. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution recognizing the legacy of William Penn on the anniversary of his birth, October 24th.
The Chair AND RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Kenney.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Madam President. This morning I introduce one resolution on your behalf and one on my own.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to cute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds AND RESOLUTIONS located in the 51st and 60th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the resolution has been adopted. The Clerk will please read the second resolution.
An ordinance amending Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning AND RESOLUTIONS designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded generally Oregon Avenue, 20th Street, the Walt Whitman Bridge approach and I-76.
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in 7th, 18th, 19th and 43rd Wards of AND RESOLUTIONS the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move for the adoption. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution honoring Dustin Ballard, Phylicia Lane, Tamika Ponds and Vanessa Ponds. AND RESOLUTIONS
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer one bill and one resolution.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Philadelphia zoning maps by changing the zoning designation of certain areas of land located within an area bonded by City Avenue, 52nd Street, Overbrook Avenue, and 54th Street. AND RESOLUTIONS
The bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located 4th and 30th wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam President. I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam Chair. I have no bills or resolutions this morning.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I offer two resolutions, one on your behalf that is signed by a majority members of City Council.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution designating the week of Monday, October 14, 2002, as Christopher Columbus week in celebration of the festivities commemorating Columbus' historic voyage to the New World. AND RESOLUTIONS
Move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. The Clerk will please read the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City deeds located in the 5th, 18th, 25th and 31st Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Madam AND RESOLUTIONS Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the motion carries. The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
The Clerk will please read the title of the bill.
An ordinance amending Section 9-204 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Vendors in Center City," by prohibiting sidewalk vending on portions of Ben Franklin Parkway.
This bill will be referred to the appropriate committee. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth. AND RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
Thank you. And it is my understanding that Councilwoman Miller does not have any bills or resolutions to introduce today. Our next order of business is reports from committees. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano for a report from the committee on licenses and inspections.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on License and Inspection reports three bills with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on License and Inspections, to which was referred Bill No. 020411 entitled an ordinance amending Title 4 of the notice of demolition to residents of neighboring properties; And a Bill No. 020482, entitled an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Code to revise various requirements and prohibitions relating to Educational Housing Districts, adding certain requirements regarding cooperation with enforcement officials and making technical changes; And Bill No. 020484, entitled an ordinance amending Chapter 9-2400 of the Philadelphia Code by adding requirements applicable to the landlords who rent to students in Educational Housing Districts and to the colleges and universities attended by such students by adding certain reporting requirements related to such requirements and by making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions; Respectfully reports it has considered the same and amended the same and returns the attached bills to Council with a favorable recommendation.
I move that the suspended so as to permit first reading this day of Bills No. 020411, 020482, and 020484. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Rules of Council be suspended so as permit first reading this day of Bill Nos. 020411, 020482, and 020484. All in favor will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the bills will be placed on today's First Reading Calendar. Our next item of business is the consideration of the Calendar. The Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 020438.
An ordinance enacting a new Chapter 19-3400 of the Philadelphia Code authorizing the Board of Revision of taxes to grant tax deferrals to longtime owner-occupants of certain properties in the City of Philadelphia.
And Bill No. 020411, an ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code to require notice of demolition to residents of neighboring properties, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 020482, an ordinance amending the Philadelphia Code to revise various requirements and prohibitions relating to Educational Housing Districts, including revising the definition of the term "responsible party," adding certain requirements regarding cooperation with enforcement officials and making technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
And Bill No. 020484, an ordinance amending Chapter 9-2400 of the Philadelphia Code by adding requirements applicable to the landlords who rent to students in Educational Housing Districts and to the colleges and universities attended by such students, and by changes, all under certain terms and conditions.
The Chair agrees. The bills just read by the Clerk will be placed on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar for our next session. That concludes the First Reading Calendar. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell for the purpose of calling up bills on the Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar to be called for consideration for day.
Thank you, Madam President. Today Bill No. 020380 is being called up for Second Reading and Final Passage. All other bills are being held.
Thank you. The Clerk will please read the title of the Bill No. 020380.
An ordinance authorizing the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, PAID, notwithstanding any contrary requirements to convey fee simple title to a certain property located in the vicinity of 52nd Street and Jefferson 9/26/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE Street to the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution or its nominee for nominal consideration, all under certain terms and conditions.
This bill having been read on two different days, the question now is shall the bill pass finally?
Thank you, Madam President. I would ask to be heard briefly on this particular bill.
Certainly. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Given the length of time that the community has worked on a proposed development project in the Parkside Section of the City at 52nd and Jefferson, this bill will allow that project to go forward. And I must express some thanks to a few people, and I'm sure I'll miss many others. But first and foremost, I need to actually thank this Council for having the faith to support a tax 9/26/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE increment financing bill that I introduced sometime ago that actually allowed this project to come to fruition at a time that we had not even selected a developer, but it was a tool that was used to promote and encourage development in an area of the City that desperately needs it. Secondly, to the Empowerment Zone and the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution for their great work on this. PIDC, I see Paul Deegan in the audience, and certainly Bob Fina and Peter Longstreth, now president. And what should have been first, but certainly last but not least, the Parkside community, the Parkside Association in particular, but the various Parkside groups and organizations and individuals. This development project, it is anticipated, will help to bring about a renaissance to the Parkside community, which by its location is in a great location. It's name actually comes from being so close to that wonderful jewel called the Park, and the Fairmount Park Commission right down the street. So it is with great pleasure that finally this has come to fruition, the developer and 9/26/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution have come to agreement. And I look forward to, not only construction, but that great day when people are actually shopping and buying groceries. Thank you very much, Madam President.
Councilman Mariano. 9/26/02 - STATED - 2ND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Councilwoman Miller, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Yes. Madam President, I'd like to be recorded as voting aye on resolutions that were introduced when I was out of Chambers.
Thank you. That concludes the Calendar for today. Are there speeches on the part of the minority? (No response.)
Are there speeches on the part of the majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I don't normally do this, Madam President, but given the -- my colleagues are chuckling. I do often give speeches at the end of the Session; that is true. I don't often make announcements. It will be relatively short. But "relative" is a relative term. There are a couple of important meetings coming up, Madam President, that have a timeliness to them and they are quite topical, given our current situation. There are two major tax assessment community meetings coming up next week in addition to the hearings that the President has already announced which are on Tuesday. But in two sections of the City, first on Tuesday October 1, 2002 at 7 o'clock p.m. at the Roxborough High School there is a community meeting to get information about the City's tax assessment system. Representatives from the Board of Revision of Taxes will be in attendance and they will also actually have appeal forms. Secondly, for West Philadelphia and those areas covered by the 52nd and 34th, 4th, and 44 wards, the Penn Memorial Baptist Church at 54th and Wynnefield Avenue on Wednesday, October 2, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. Similarly, there will be representatives from the Board of Revision of Taxes to talk about the system and also try to help people both understand it and get appeal forms. I just wanted to encourage the listening audience and certainly the press to try to report this information so that people can know that there are places where you can get information and obviously file your appeal before the deadline on October 7th. Thank you very much, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. all, I wanted to thank the many citizens of Philadelphia for their kind -- I was going to say condolences. (Laughter.)
But fortunately, the situation moved in the opposite direction. But for the kind expressions of consideration over the last few weeks. And secondly I wanted to say I've developed really a new understanding of the wonderful work that our healthcare workers do day after day. The people at Einstein, I'm sure it true at other hospitals, and the people at Moss Rehab work, not because they're getting fortunes because most of them are vastly underpaid, but they work because they're sincere, because they really try to do a job on behalf of the patient. And I just think they set an example for us because I've been troubled in recent days about how far this country seems to have moved away from the notions that for quite a while had great strength. For example, as an active leader in the labor movement for many years, I began to get distressed maybe some 20 or 30 or 40 years ago when I heard labor leaders begin organizations as businesses, because the last think in the world I thought would be good for the United States would be for labor organizations to follow the pattern of businesses who sold interests as profit and not the interests of making people feel better or live better lives the way the hospital workers work, the way the therapists work as I've seen firsthand at Einstein. And so it's been a bothersome thing and I had a little time over the last couple weeks to think more generally about the situation, and I think there have got to begin to be some changes made. As I watched the nurses' aids and therapists and their aids work for the low wages they get, it struck me, what a strange thing it is that the people who speak for ordinary working people for poor people, the labor unions are, for example, being charged with building houses which cost a thousand dollars more because allegedly the labor cost of using cast iron pipe runs the cost of each house about thousand more, when plastic pipe would be just as good and many people think is better. I'm alarmed by the reports coming out of the Convention Center about the kinds of things that, to me, labor never represented. I never thought that labor is a featherbedding institution or as an institution which sought to make life other than better for ordinary working people. And to run up costs to have a reputation in Philadelphia for being the most costly labor place makes no sense to me. And many of you may remember that as long ago as nearly a year ago I introduced a resolution expressing concern that why does it cost so much to build a house in Philadelphia and so much less to build a house outside the City. Labor comes in here, and they've had strong support from just about all of us in City Council in the interest of getting jobs for working people, and then to find labor being accused of doing things that run in the opposite direction made no sense. So I'm asking that all of us begin giving new consideration to the values that we represent here in City Council. And I think people in Philadelphia have got to begin evaluating their public officials and all others by what services do they perform for the community. It shouldn't be left solely to faith-based institutions to carry the burden of providing a better life for people. I job of labor. And I would like to go back to the days when organizing the unions was a crusade; it was a crusade for a better life for people. It was not a technique by which somebody was prevented from opening a suitcase because he has an exhibit at the Convention Center and there's a union rule that says anything done by anybody has to be done by a union person. Now, I just don't understand these things, and so I will be introducing shortly in Council a very broad resolution for us to be examining new perspectives and maybe going back to old perspectives as an example of what labor ought to stand for.
It ought to stand for higher productivity. It ought to stand for making life better for working people and for the poor who may not be working through no fault of their own. I must say that with respect to the Democratic Party, I wonder what does "working poor" mean. Are we excluding when we say, we in the Democratic Party represent the working poor, are we saying we don't represent those who through the weaknesses in the economy have not been able to get a job? Are we becoming people who rail against the unemployed for their unemployment when everybody knows it's companies like Enron that have caused the unemployment, Global Crossing and all these companies we're hearing about? I think it's time for us to take new perspectives and I hope out of my recent removal from direct activity over the last couple of weeks, I'm hoping that my thoughts will take form in the nature of a resolution to permit us to begin recharging our force. I think the responsibility of public officials is to see that everybody, no matter how poor, no matter whether working or not, gets the opportunity to live the best possible life they can live. I believe President Bush when he says he wants to see that every child gets the best possible education, but I wish by his actions he was more like Martin Luther King than like George Bush, Sr. or Jr. Because you have to judge people by their actions. So thank you very much again for your kind considerations. And I just have to tell you, the look and the smell and even the difficulty of substitute for our beautiful Council Caucus Room looks awfully good to me here day. Thank you very much. )
Thank you, Madam President. Is it safe to say that Councilman Cohen is back? (Laughter.)
I'm glad to see him so healthy and vibrant but, obviously, he's back with fire in his belly. It's nice to you. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches on the part of the majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Madam President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 3, 2002. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, October 3, 2002. All in favor will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. The motion carries. Thank you. (Council adjourned at 10:50 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of September 26, 2002, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING ___________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR and Notary Public