Committee Hearing, December 5, 2006

COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE ON LAW AND GOVERNMENT - - - Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Tuesday, December 5, 2006, 10:30 a.m. - - - Bill 060854 - Amending Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Competitively Bid Contracts; Financial Assistance." Bill 060581 and Res. 060596 - Providing for creation of Youth Commission. COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: William K. Greenlee, Chair Carol Campbell Wilson W. Goode, Jr. Jack Kelly James F. Kenney Blondell Reynolds-Brown Frank Rizzo Daniel J. Savage - - - V A R A L L O Incorporated Litigation Support Specialists 1835 Market Street, Suite 600 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 215.561.2220 215.567.2670 12/5/06 - LAW AND GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE Bill 060854 WITNESS Susan Kretsge, Deputy Managing Dir. .... Bill 060581, Res. 060596 Loree Jones, Sec'y Internal Affairs..... 20 for Mayor John Street Denise Ray, Philadelphia Family Court... 32 Panel 1 (Youth Panel) M. Zaccagni, Citywide Student Gov't..... 46 Jamira Burley, " " " ..... 48 Kimber Christian, Youth Action.......... 50 M. Jacono, Miss Philadelphia '06-'07.... 53 B. Waxman, Rep.'g College Students...... 55 Shawn Dorman, Attic Youth Center........ 56 Jamar Tillery, PCCY..................... 58 Malik Neal, City Center Academy......... 60 Sarah Sims, Youthadelphia............... 62 Panel 2 M. Olshan, Big Brothers Big Sisters..... 64 R. West, Support Center-Child Advocates 69 S. McGinley " " " "...... 72 N. Caisson, Youth Advisory Board........ 73 D. Roberts, Phila. Young Democrats...... 74 Panel 3 Shelly Yanoff, PCCY..................... 77 Lindsay Berger, U of PA Senior.......... 80 Thos. McKenna, U of PA Instructor....... 87 Ann Shamberger.......................... 93 Philadelphia Safe and Sound A. Park, After-School Program Director.. 96 Germantown First United Methodist Church Father Ron Rhodes, Catholic Priest......100 * * * 3 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854

Good morning, everyone. The Committee on Law and Government now, the in session. For the for the record, we have a quorum: Myself, Councilman Savage, Councilman Goode, Councilman Rizzo. Would the clerk of the committee, Mr. Boyle, please read the title of Bill No. 060854.

An ordinance 12 amending Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code entitled "Competitively Bid Contracts, Financial Assistance" by revising the threshold for in terms of eligibility for certain contracts and finance assistance, all under certain terms and conditions.

Thank you. I would like to note also for the record the presence of the Vice Chairman of the committee, Councilman Kenney. I'd like to thank Councilman Kenney and his assistant Tara 4 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854 (indiscernible) for helping me get all of this together in my first committee hearing as chair. This is Councilman Goode's bill, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to (inaudible, off mic.)... Section 17-1404 of the Philadelphia Code drafted by the Law Department. This bill creates Subsection 17-1404(1)(d) to incorporate new campaign-finance provisions unanimously passed by City Council and signed into law on November 16th into that section of the code. New provisions legally take effect on December 16th and were adopted by the independent Board of Ethics yesterday. Therefore, this bill's intent is as a technical amendment that would create consistency within the code 5 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854 related to campaign contribution limits. I note there's testimony here from Susan Kretsge, Deputy Managing Director, who's been instrumental in no-bid contract law, and she she's here.

Is there anyone here to testify on this bill? (Witness comes forward.)

Yes, sir.

Please identify yourself for the record. Good morning.

Good morning, Chairman Greenlee and members of the Law and Government Committee. My name is Susan Kretsge, K-R-E-T-S-G-E.

Ma'am, pull your mic a little bit closer, please.

And I'm Deputy Managing Director with the City of Philadelphia. Thank you for this opportunity to testify to the proposed amendments to 6 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854 Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code governing non-competitively bid contracts and financial assistance. On February 1st, some dramatic changes to Chapter 17-1400 of the Philadelphia Code took effect. These changes proscribed a complex set of requirements for the procurement of non-competitively bid services. They dictated how city agencies could solicit and award these contracts. They determined how vendors interested in a non-bid contract opportunity with the city would apply and the changes implemented required reporting. They also established eligibility requirements for vendors interested in a non-competitively bid contract with the City of Philadelphia based on a level of campaign contributions. On July 1st of this year, these provisions regarding the eligibility requirements that required reporting 7 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854 were extended to those applying for or receiving financial assistance through the approval or authority of the city. In order to implement these changes, the City established an online process called e-contract Philly that would allow us to post the notices of contract opportunity. It was also the vehicle that vendors interested in applying would use, and it was where the City would post contract renewals and contract awards. Since February 1 of this year, we've had close to 1300 vendors register with e-contract Philly. We posted 175 contract opportunities and 130 contract awards. Vendors have submitted 650 applications for advertised contract opportunities, and another 384 have submitted disclosures for contracts that did not require advertisement. Also, since February 1st, the City has posted five different reports on contracting and financial assistance 8 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854 on this website. In accordance with Chapter 4 17-400, vendors and financial-assistance applicants and recipients are required to disclose campaign contributions for the prior two years. Those contributions made after January 1st of 2006 are considered when making an eligibility determination. Currently, if an individual makes contributions that are greater than $2500 during the calendar year to a candidate for nomination or election to any City office or to an incumbent, then that individual is ineligible to receive financial assistance or a non- competitively bid contract greater than 10,000 during the candidate's or incumbent's term of office. For businesses, the campaign contributions in excess of $10,000 affect eligibility for financial assistance or non-bid contracts that are greater than $25,000. 9 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854 As proposed in Bill 060854, if campaign-contribution limits for individuals and businesses change due to a candidate making contributions from his or her own resources greater than $250,000, than the eligibility thresholds for financial assistance or non-competitively bid contracts will increase in a corresponding manner. This legislation will maintain the current consistency between campaign-finance legislation and rules governing non-bid contracts and financial assistance. Maintaining this consistency will obviously be of great help to the vendor community and certainly to city staff when understanding and applying the rules. And this bill, like the companion piece that did change campaign contribution thresholds, will address issues of equity. The Administration supports this bill and believes that these 10 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060854 changes to 17-1400 should be made. Thank you.

Thank you for your testimony. Are there any questions from members of the committee? (No questions.)

Seeing none, thank you very much. Is there anyone else to testify on this bill? (No response.)

Seeing none, we will move to the next bill and resolution. Mr. Boyle, will you please read Bill No. 060581 and Resolution No. 19 060596.

Bill No. 060581, an ordinance providing for the submission of the qualified electors of the City of Philadelphia of an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter creating a Youth Commission, as approved by the 11 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 resolution of the City Council; fixing the date of a special election for such purpose, prescribing the form of ballot questions to be voted on; and authorizing the appropriate officers to publish notice and to make arrangements for the special election. Resolution No. 060596, proposing an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter creating a Youth Commission and providing for the submission of the amendment to the electors of Philadelphia.

Thank you. This bill and resolution was sponsored by Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown and the Chair recognizes the Councilwoman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On June 15, 2006, I introduced legislation that would create a Youth Commission for the City of Philadelphia. 12 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Under this proposal, a question would be placed on the ballot on Election Day, May 15, 2007, asking the voters to decide whether the Home Rule Charter should be amended to create a Youth Commission with members between the ages of to who have an 9 understanding of the needs of young 10 people or experiences with children and 11 youth programs. 12 Why a Youth Commission? 13 To bridge the gap between young 14 people and government; 15 To bring young people into the 16 city's government public policy-making 17 processes; 18 To provide young people with 19 opportunities to impact policy decisions 20 that ultimately affect their lives; 21 To educate young people about 22 the political process; and 23 Lastly, to develop youth leadership skills in the political arena. 13 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 The purpose of such a commission is ultimately to engage our young people in the governmental process. The commission would advise and make comments to City Council, the Mayor, and departments and agencies of the city regarding proposed ordinances, policies, and other legislative matters affecting our children. The commission would reflect the diversity of the city and would be composed of members, with each 15 Councilmember and the Mayor having one 16 appointment, and the Mayor having three 17 additional appointments from 18 under-represented communities to ensure 19 diversity. 20 The initial appointment would 21 be made by the new council and mayor after the first Monday in January, 2008, and no later than February 1, 2008. The first term would run from February 1, 2008, to August 31, 2009. 14 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Future terms would be for one year, beginning on September 1st of each year. The commission would have the authority to write its own bylaws and would be required to conduct regular meetings at least one a month. It would be required to keep minutes of these meetings and also would be required to prepare an annual report. Bylaws, minutes and the annual report would be filed with the Chief Clerk of City Council. And in closing, I might add that Philadelphia would not be a first. Like the Children's Fund, San Francisco did it first several years ago, and so I ask for favorable consideration of this bill, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Any questions or comments on the -- the Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney. 15 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

Thank you. Councilwoman, I think it's a tremendous idea, and I really think it's something that should be institutionalized permanently as a part of the city political and policy landscape. The one question I have is, it says on the resolution that the powers and duties of the commission, one of them would be -- shall advise and comment to Council, the Mayor, agencies and departments of the city on proposed ordinances and other legislative matters and policies concerning the children and youth of the city. Would this be -- would they have the ability to comment on everything, or just ordinances and resolutions and policies that affected children? 'Cause I'm not clear on it. It says other "legislative matters," but I want to make sure that it's everything 16 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 that comes before us and not just issues related to either education or recreation or -- is it everything?

It's intended for young people to comment only on proposed ordinances and legislative matters that directly impact children, so it would not be the huge world that we know it to be as members of Council.

I mean, certainly this is, you know, your idea ask you're shepherding it through. But one of the things I would just suggest is that perhaps we should widen the scope of their ability to comment. I mean, there are issues relative to the Police Department that may affect them, or just generally government in general, which I think part of what the effort here is to get young people to start thinking about their city and the laws that affect their city and policies that -- 17 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

That govern them.

And while probably their focus -- it's important to deal with issues that affect them directly, but in the end, I guess everything that happens in the city affects them directly and long-term. So I have no suggested language.

Yes.

But if there's something you could maybe craft before we get this out of committee that would kind of broaden their scope and give them the latitude to comment on anything. I mean, I think that one of the things we're probably lacking is young people's engagement because they think that we don't listen, and I think having their ability to comment on whether or not we build stadiums, whether or not, 18 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 you know, what the Police Department looks like, what the -- how the Streets Department does their stuff. It may be interesting and insightful for all of us, so it's just --

I thank you for the feedback. And one impetus for the legislation is because there are a number of what one might call "splinter youth groups" in the city that have a voice and are making a difference, but it doesn't resonate to our level. So we will craft language quickly so that we can --

If you agree with my assertion --

Absolutely I do. Absolutely.

And I think it would be interesting on any particular issue that we're dealing with to have representatives from that 19 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 commission sitting at that table, telling us what they think about all of the things we're doing -- campaign- finance reform, contract-compliance reform. I mean all of that stuff, I think. It's their city; at some point, we're going to have to move forward and --

And pass the baton. That's exactly right.

So that's just my suggestion.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Thank you. Are there any other questions or comments from members of the committee? (No further questions.)

Seeing 20 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 none, on my list here I have as Panel No. 1 Loree Jones and Denise Ray. (Witness comes forward.)

Good morning, Miss Jones. Identify yourself for the record, please.

Good morning, Councilman. Good morning, Chairman Greenlee. Loree Jones, Secretary of Internal Affairs for Mayor John Street. Good morning, Chairman Greenlee, members of the Law and Government Committee of City Council. Good morning, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown. I'm here on behalf of Mayor Street to testify about Bill No. 060581, which would place a Charter-change question on the May 2007 ballot regarding the creation of a Youth Commission; and Resolution No. 080596, which contains the substance of the proposed changes to the city's Home Rule Charter. 21 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to testify for the Administration on this important initiative. This administration, like the bill and resolution author, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown and her colleagues, has demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare and success of the city's children and young adults, supports the concept involving young adults in the process of government, and believes in assisting youth in making their voices heard on issues of importance to them in this city. Mayor Street has made every year of his administration "The Year of the Child" and has signaled his deep commitment to children through initiatives such as the Children's Report Card, curfew centers, and most recently, an aggressive truancy program. Certainly youth commissions in other parts of the country have provided 22 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 a unique way for young people to become engaged in the political process and to gain practical firsthand knowledge about how government works. The Administration supports initiatives such as this that are designed to enhance the education and civic engagement of our city's youth. The one challenge with the creation of the commission as proposed is the Charter-change proposal. The Youth Commission proposed in this legislation would be an advisory body. Other advisory bodies have been established in the city to seek advice and input of particular communities on issues of importance to those communities. This Youth Commission, similarly, could be created simply through the adoption of a Mayor's Executive Order. Creation of the commission by Executive Order allows for flexibility in making changes for the 23 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 proposal if, over time, it appears improvements need to be made. Unless there's a specific reason to treat this proposed advisory body differently from the others, then there seems to be no compelling need to create it through a Charter change. While the Administration does not support the Charter change proposed, the Administration would certainly be willing to consider adoption of a Youth Commission by another more flexible mechanism. Thank you for allowing the Administration to appear before you this morning. We look forward to working with you collaboratively on this matter. This concludes my testimony. I would be pleased to answer any questions.

Thank you, Miss Jones. I know Councilman Kenney has a couple questions, but there's just one 24 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 question I had. Obviously, by Executive Order, that order only lasts as long as that particular executive is in office. Obviously, this is hopefully a very far-reaching proposal. Does that concern you that we could go through all of this and then the next Mayor could decide, well, you know, I don't think this is a good idea? I think that's -- I don't want to speak for Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown, but I think that's part of the thinking involved here. I don't know if you have a comment on that.

It's something that we did consider and had discussions about. We certainly -- the Administration has some concerns about the number of Charter-change proposals that have come out in the last couple years and are proposed in the next 25 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 couple of weeks. And so generally, this fits into that concern. It's our belief that this City Council and whoever is elected mayor would share Councilwoman's -- the current mayor's concern and interest in children and would be interested in continuing this commission.

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Miss Jones, is it a general concern that Council not seek to change the Charter too often, or is there something specifically within this Charter amendment which you view to be not flexible enough? I don't see anything within this particular Charter amendment that's not flexible enough or that couldn't be written into stone, so to speak. 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

I'm sorry. Can you repeat the question?

I mean, what about this Charter amendment shouldn't be permanent? Is it something specifically within this Charter amendment that you feel needs to be flexible and that would be changed over time?

Our concern is really a general one about the amount of changes that are being made to the Charter, and we'll be expressing that not just here but in other upcoming hearings.

So then it's not a specific concern about how this particular Charter amendment is crafted?

No. I mean, our sense is that this could be created by another mechanism, perhaps as an Executive Order, but we do have on overall concern about the amount of changes that are proposed to the 27 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Charter.

Well, in my own viewpoint, there are issues in terms of discrimination and empowerment that relate to race, gender, and age that, unfortunately, we would hope to be resolved within generations and over the course of time, but they may be built-in issues in terms of society. So I'll ask the question sort of sarcastically. What happens if the next mayor hates children? (Laughter.)

That sounds like a rhetorical question if I have ever heard one.

Well, what happens? I mean, would children and young people then become not empowered within that administration?

That's a fair concern and one for this body to make a decision about. Our sense is that this is such 28 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 an important issue and an important initiative that's been proven in other parts of the country and that it's something that a future mayor and a future council would be supportive of going forward. So I don't see that as a main concern. I don't see that as -- it's not our anticipation that a future mayor would not be supportive of children and the creation of Youth Commission in this way. But certainly through a Charter change, you would have the opportunity as Council to address that.

But clearly -- well, let's not say that the Mayor hates children or dislikes children; let's say the Mayor just doesn't prioritize that as a policy concern and that this Council and those people who support this and the voters who support it simply think that this is a way of empowering young people, as a 29 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 way of dealing with issues of youth empowerment long-term, and that it should not be up to any given administration whether that should be a policy priority or not.

That is something that, again, this body of City Council can decide to do. It's not our anticipation that that would be the case in that hypothetical situation. A way of getting around that would be to do a Charter change, but our sense is that you could do this without enacting a Charter change, and that it would continue in future administrations.

Let me ask one more rhetorical question then. Do you think that every administration has cared about children in the same way?

No. 24

Okay. Thank you. 30 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I tend to agree with the comments made by Councilmember Goode, and the reason that I do is not to doubt the commitment of this administration to its children, but in some ways, if you really want to be taken seriously and we want to show that we're really serious about having young input into our government, I think you almost have to institutionalize it in a permanent fashion. I don't think that any of the people that are talking about running for mayor, if successful, would hate children or would do anything to regress this, but I do think that there's a value to the voters actually empowering this group of young people and for the 31 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 young people who serve on the commission to actually think and know that what they're doing has been recognized by their fellow citizens and authorized by the government. And I do agree with you that concerns over frequent changes to the Charter is something we've wrestled with since I've been here, going on years 11 now, but I do believe that certain 12 issues rise to the level of needing to 13 be institutionalized so that there's no 14 doubt of the Council's, of the 15 Administration's and, more importantly, 16 of the citizens' commitment to making this a body that's viable and contributory -- (Applause.)

Any other questions or comment from members of the committee? (No further questions.)

Thank you, Miss Jones. 32 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Miss Ray, do you have any testimony?

Yes, I do. Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Denise Ray, and I am employed by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Family Court. I'd like to add that my testimony, however, is my personal opinion and in no way reflects the opinion of the First Judicial District Philadelphia Family Court. I am honored and privileged to offer testimony in support of this legislation that goes beyond meetings and committees. Imagine an approach to building sound mind and competencies of youth that go beyond the classroom. The Youth Commission is an outgrowth of the kind of imagination needed to continue to 33 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 foster a heightened awareness of the value of Philadelphia's children. Inherent in the proposed Youth Commission is a two-pronged process, as I see it, a two-pronged advantage: One, the facilitation of a governmental/formal leadership ability among the young; and, two, the provision of important voices to assist in understanding and meeting the needs of the youth culture. The utilization of the city's young people to assist in improving civic engagement and, thus, improving its communities is an awesome process. Youth is that period wedged behind childhood and adulthood. It comes with a propensity to change the world. The manner in which a family, community, city, country, or culture manages its youth will affect the whole of each of those entities. Youth must be prepared to assume greater and more meaningful 34 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 responsibility for their lives, their future, and the community in which they thrive. They can only navigate this effectively if we, the adults around them, act as models, teach them, and expose them accordingly. The Youth Commission could mark the beginning of the whole of city government's investment in its youth. A word about youth. For many social and psychological reasons, the plight of too many young people in our city has taken a difficult turn. Their futures have become less certain and steps toward adulthood have become risky. All youth should be able to face the prospect of growing older and assuming their place in society, but first, we must consider the whole issue of the developmental process. It does not end with adolescence. Supporting young people 35 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 requires a focus on evidence-based developmental assets, and these assets are powerful tools that help shape the lives of young people from all socioeconomic, racial and ethnic and family backgrounds. They also impact youth from all kinds of communities. Yet the average youth, according to (indiscernible) Institute only experiences of 40 prescribed 12 developmental assets. They are the key 13 to fostering productive people. And if 14 a child's life is seriously devoid of 15 such assets, it is less likely that he 16 or she will adjust in normative ways. 17 Asset-building is an ongoing 18 process that needs to be continued 19 beyond high school and needs to involve a village of concerned adults who can support consistent, repetitive, positive messages to young people. While the role of City Council is not in rearing children, everyone needs to be committed to ensuring our 36 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 youth know what's expected of them and know that they can achieve. The need to hear such messages from home, at schools, and their communities is important, and they also need to hear it from city government. Some of this asset-building can be a byproduct of a youth involvement in the Youth Commission. While serving City Council members and the Mayor and representing the youth of this city, the experience of a Youth Commission for young people affords city government officials the opportunity to offer the developmental assets of support, empowerment, and constructive use of their time. Youth need enriching opportunities to reach their full potential. Young people have their pulse on the community in which they live.

They know things you wouldn't believe; it is the nature of peer culture. 37 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 They have the ability to support Councilmembers on a number of important community issues from their perspective. By virtue of their age and involvement in their community, they can reach out to youth who may be needy, youth who may be bullied, and represent the voices of other youth in expressing what their educational and personal needs may be and introduce issues to Council. In addition to the role laid out in the ordinance proposal, there are potential collateral advantages of a Youth Commission. These commission members would become the newest and youngest pillars of our community. Getting out the vote of newly turned 18-year-olds might be an idea. Hosting community service fairs and perhaps facilitating other youth- leadership initiatives for young people across the city to help change the violent culture. 38 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 A Youth Commission is a promising endeavor for the City of Philadelphia. It takes our express concern for young people to a higher level and uses the natural abilities of young people to support city government's policy-making process and our communities in new and exciting ways. Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Ray. Are there any questions or comments from members of the committee? (No questions.)

Could I please note for the record the presence of Councilman Kelly on the committee. Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown? I'm sorry.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to seize the moment right now to publicly thank all of those 39 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 who are providing testimony today both for or against this proposal. I just need you to know that we appreciate it, and I'm delighted to be mentioned in the same sentence with Philadelphia Citizens for -- PCCY, Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth for their help with us down this road. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Any other questions or comments? Councilman Goode.

A couple questions for Miss Jones. Miss Jones, while the Administration does not necessarily support what could be piecemeal amendments to the Home Rule Charter, does the Administration support a comprehensive overhaul to the Charter in 40 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 view of the fact that it's over 50 years old?

The Administration does support a comprehensive review of the Charter, and I understand that the Committee of Seventy is in the process of doing a review, and we're collaborating with them on that, and we definitely would welcome that process.

Well, not just a review per se policy-wise, but an actual overhaul; I mean, taking action towards overhauling the City Charter.

I think that that would follow from a review.

And you do you believe that you should play a role in that?

I'm sorry?

Do you believe that you should play a role in that?

I think it definitely would be valuable to have the 41 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 input of youth and all stakeholders of the City in an appropriate way.

And so if we're going to overhaul the Charter anyway and you're going to be involved in overhauling the Charter, then why wouldn't you wish to move forward on a Youth Commission to begin to empower youth and bring them into the process right now?

We definitely agree with empowering youth and having them as a part of the process.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman. Councilman Kenney.

Yes. I just have one other comment that occurred to me while Ms. Ray was giving her testimony. One of the benefits of having a formal commission approved by the voters is that not that necessarily the next 42 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 mayor or the next matter after that will, as Councilman Goode sarcastically said, hate children, but what if we come into a situation where the administration is in conflict with the members of the Commission on an issue that is important to the members of the Commission that we need to hear about that may enlighten us, and a mayor because of the purse-string power, may be able to shut down that discussion. I think sometimes we need to take the chance of putting our foot out there, even if it's not pleasant so that -- and I hate to give an example 'cause it's hard to do it, where we're dealing with this issue of gun violence now and youth violence and killings. The Commission may have a totally different perspective on what an administration may have. I think it's important that the independence be maintained so that even if we don't follow what they're 43 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 suggesting, that they have the freedom out from underneath an Executive Order to express that opinion and know that they're still going to exist in the future. And a lot of times, especially with young people, you don't really understand them and you don't know where they're coming from, but you don't want to shut 'em up either, and they have something to say. And you may not take it all, you may not accept it all; you may just listen to what they have to say and figure it out your own way. But if there's some ability to shut them down or to shut them up or to turn them off, I think that would probably not be in our best interest. Even though it's an Charter change, the fact that they'll be independent and unable to be shut down, even if they're telling us stuff that we don't want to hear or we don't agree with, I think 44 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 it's an important element of their effectiveness. So... (Applause.)

Thank you, Councilman. Any other questions or comments? (No further questions or comments.)

Thank you, Councilman Kenney. I also should note for the record -- it's probably an appropriate time -- that I received a letter from the Committee of Seventy, and Mr. Stalberg, the President and CEO, cannot be here but wanted this in the record. And if I could paraphrase, he takes the same position that the Administration does in support of the commission but not of a Charter change. Thank you. 45 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 The next panel I was given is quite a long one. I'll say the names, but before I do, could I just respectfully ask that anybody that is here to testify -- we have a number of committees that are going to be meeting after us -- if they could be brief, if they have written testimony, maybe they could just submit that or paraphrase it and/or if they're saying the same thing as someone else, you know, if there could be a spokesperson for that position. And Panel No. 2 that I have here is listed as: Ben Waxman, Jamira Burley, Matthew Zaccagni, Kimber Christian, Jamar Tillery, Sarah Sims, Shawn Dorman, Malik Neal, and last, but not least, Miss Philadelphia 2006, Mary Kaye Jacono. I probably fouled that one in particular up. I don't know where you will all sit, but do your best. (Witnesses come forward.) 46 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

Identify yourself for the record and proceed, please.

My name is Matthew Zaccagni. First I'd like to say good morning to the committee members and Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown. My name is Matthew Zaccagni, and I'm a member of the School District of Philadelphia Citywide Student Government. I'm currently the chair for their communications committee. I believe the creation of a Youth Commission is crucial to the process of this city because it gives the youth, the young citizens of Philadelphia, a much needed voice in local government. So often, students don't realize the power they possess or the ability they have to make a positive change in their environment. This commission will give the students the 47 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 ability to make that positive change. In a forum of our peers, we can discuss ideas and have an efficient body that will be able to effect that change. But most importantly, I believe that the creation of a Youth Commission can play a crucial role in reducing the amount of violence and homicides in the City of Philadelphia. When you bring people together of different races, ages, and walks of life, this convergence of energy can only lead to positive results. By creating a permanent Youth Commission, you will be directly responsible for helping bring a positive change to this city. I would just also like to note from hearing the testimony from the woman from the Mayor's Office, it is a good idea and the correct way to go about it is making it permanent and not something that could potentially be revoked in the future. 48 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Thank you.

Thank you. Any questions or comments? (No questions or comments.)

Please proceed.

Hello. My name is Jamira Burley, and I'm currently the President of Citywide Student Government. The purpose of the Youth Commission is to give the students and the youth not only a voice in the community but the opportunities to make change in an environment that affects them the most. Day after day, year after year, decisions and so-called solutions are made about the youth but the youth is not represented at the table of discussion. It's almost as if it's expectations without representation. Everyone expects so much from the youth 49 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 but the youth is never represented when decisions are being made. I guarantee that the homicide rate and the drop-out rate would decrease if there was opportunity for the youth to be heard. If you was to ask those students in detention centers and ask the ones dropping out of high schools and ask the ones getting pregnant why they do the things that they do, they will tell you it's because no one ever took the time to listen, no one ever took the time to ask them why, and no 16 one ever took the time to let them be heard. So the first step in the right direction would be for the formation and creation of the Youth Commission of Philadelphia. Thank you.

Thank you. Please proceed. 50 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

Hi. My name is Kimber Christian and I'm here representing -- (inaudible).

Speak right into the microphone.

My name is Kimber Christian, and I'm here representing Youth Action. "You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people," Dr. Cornell West. Good morning, everyone. Once again, my name is Kimber Christian and I'm here representing Youth Action. Many of you sitting before me might say, Well, what is Youth Action? Well, I'm here to answer that question. Youth Action is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia founded by Young Alumni of the Tavis Smiley Foundation. Youth Action's main focus is to establish an effective youth-based program that strives to 51 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 solve major issues that plague the youth through our various communities in the Philadelphia area. Someone may ask the question of why Youth Action may be so different from any other nonprofit organization? Well, aside from many other organizations, Youth Action is soley run by high school and college students, and we are committed to bringing awareness to community issues, so committed that we put together events that will draw the attention of the youth. Yes, we do have fun, but at the end of the day, our guests leave our informative events with knowledge of things that we are faced with, things that are we are so immune to that we pay no attention such as teen pregnancy, domestic violence, and homelessness in Philadelphia. These are the top things that affect the youth community today. I believe the Youth Commission can benefit the youth by using 52 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 strategies that will lure youth in and educate them on how to face and defeat the hardships that come our way. To do this, we have to follow Dr. Cornell West, who says, in his words: "You have to love the people to lead the people and you have to serve the people to save the people." And I believe he says this because if you have not lived among us and you haven't lived in the communities that, you know, are plagued with these hardships, you don't know how to face it. So I think the Youth Commission will benefit the youth by doing just that. Thank you.

Thank you. Very well said. Thank you very much. Does anyone else wish to testify? Ma'am? Come on up. (Witnesses come forward.) 53 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

Good morning. Please identify yourself for the record and proceed.

Good morning. My name is Mary Kaye Jacono, and I'm Miss Philadelphia 2006-2007. Thank you so much for having me here this morning, and a special thank you to Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown for inviting me to speak this morning. I know you have many people that would like to speak, so I promise I'll keep this brief.

Thank you.

Just to give you a little bit of background, I am years 19 old and I'm a third-year law student at 20 Villanova. 21 And although I am 22 Miss Philadelphia, I know that I am only 23 one of potentially thousands of young 24 men and women in this city looking for a way to share their voice and make a 54 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 difference in their community. My platform as Miss Philadelphia is child advocacy, and so a lot of what I've been doing this year is spending time with children in schools, day cares, camps; wherever there are children, I try to be there. And what I've noticed most about the children in the city is that they're extremely passionate, extremely determined. A lot of them are trying very hard to rise above difficult circumstances. And more than anything, what I have seen with so many of the children in the city is that what they need more than anything is somebody to take a chance on them, somebody to believe in them, somebody to make them feel like they are worthwhile. And not just for a day, not just for a week, not just for a year, but permanently. Because so many of these children have people coming in and 55 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 out of their lives on a regular basis, they don't have permanent fixtures. And the amendment to the Charter for a Philadelphia Youth Commission would provide an opportunity for these children to feel like they're worthwhile in this city and like the city cares about them. So I promised I would be brief, so thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

My name is Ben Waxman, and I have written testimony, but I won't read it; I'll just try to be as brief as possible. I think that one of the key constituencies I think that will be really positively impacted by this legislation is college students, which, actually, when we talk about youth issues in the city, college students are often overlooked. And justifiably so, 56 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 because there are a lot of critical issues facing young people in Philadelphia. But there's over 200,000 students at almost 81 colleges and universities in the Philadelphia area. There's millions of dollars pumped into the region's economy by college students, and we need to make sure that college students want to stay in Philadelphia once they graduate. So I definitely think that that's an important constituency that will be served by the creation of the Youth Commission, and I just wanted to kind of offer that kind of support. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Thank you. Sir, go ahead.

Good morning. My name is Shawn Dorman. I also have a statement of testimony, but I'm going to 57 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 try to stay off of that. Basically, I want to say that in Philadelphia, we have a lot of encouraging ideas towards us that are coming our way, but then we don't see action in what you say. We don't see dollars going in behind what the committee says. So I feel that our youth having the Youth Commission, it would encourage and help develop better plans and strategies on funding for our youth and in our schools. And it will better strategize our community, our youth community, to better fund them and have us closer together and stuff. That's all I wanted to say.

Thank you very much. And if you have written testimony that you want to submit, it will become a part of the record. Thank you very much. Is there anybody else to 58 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 testify with this group? (Witness comes forward.)

Please identify yourself for the record. and proceed, please.

Hi. My name is Jamar Tillery. I'm here representing PCCY. And, basically, the Youth Commission was introduced to me when I was in -- well, basically, like two months ago, when I started my internship at PCCY. I'm a senior at Masterman Charter High School. And when they first told me about it, I was all for it and everything, 'cause I think that the youth should have a say-so of what goes on in the government because there are some smart people. And, like, people always look down on us. Like, Oh, they're just young. They do this, they do that. Like what can they know. There's always 59 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 that one adult that's always, like, Oh, yeah, mm, they just kids. So like, for example, if a kid was to get beat up, shot, or killed in the school, the first thing people always think is that, oh, what the parents think, but it's not necessarily what the parents think because, of course, they'll be angry. But it's what the students think -- oh, how did they let a gun into the school? How can we stop (indiscernible) the guns? How could one of our students get beat up or killed like that? So, like, the first thing people always go for is the adult opinions, and some adults have like negative responses. Like, for instance, adults would be like, oh, for instance, an adult would usually say, like, oh, he got beat up or killed. What are they going to give the guy, the death penalty or life in jail? 60 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 But another kid can say like -- a kid like a friend or something could use the example as, oh, that was my friend. Can I say something? Can I speak on it? That's about it. I'm nervous.

If I could just interrupt and note for the record the presence of Councilwoman Campbell. Thank you. Please proceed.

Good morning. My name's Malik Neal, and I'm a high school student at City Center Academy, and I reside in Councilwoman Anna Verna's district. I believe as Americans, democracy is the best form of government we know, but it can only work if individual citizens take responsibility for their actions and for their communities. I think throughout history, we saw youth get involved in their 61 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 political system during the civil rights movement and Vietnam. We saw students protest and march and fight for what they believed in, and I think today, we also stand here to say what we believe in, which is the Philadelphia Youth Commission. And I think we all agree that a Philadelphia Youth Commission is what this city needs with all the problems the city faces. I'm sure that solutions to these problems is not easy, but I'm sure that with the help of the City Council and Philadelphia Youth Commission, we can achieve 'em. And I think with the petitions we got signed, the people of Philadelphia are sending us a signal that they want the Philadelphia Youth Commission established. And I think, just as in the 1960s, where youth were saying their mottos and slogans, I think today what we say is: No decision about us without 62 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 us. Thank you.

Thank you.

My name is Sarah Sims. I'm a senior at Archbishop Bishop (indiscernible) High School. I'm representing Youthadelphia, which I'm one of the co-chairs of PCCY and the United Way. I speak on behalf of all the youth that have been told that they weren't going to be anything and the youth that lack the necessity to become better adults and better people. You look at me and say, Well, I'm just another average youth, but I feel as though I'm not. I feel as though I've been given the seeds by different people that have believed in me, like people that would be like the Youth Commission, they have given me the seeds to grow into a tree and can support other youth and help other 63 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 youth. I believe the Youth Commission is a step one to get the youth voices heard. I think it's very important that youth voices and opinions should be heard. No decision should be made without us. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Thank you all for your testimony. Any questions or comments from the committee? (No questions.)

Thank you. Thank you very much for coming. (Applause.)

The next panel I have listed is Rasheeda West, Marlene Olshan, and Damon Roberts. (Witnesses come forward.)

Good morning. Whoever would like to go first, please identify yourself for the 64 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 record and proceed.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Marlene Olshan, and I'm the Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania. I've been asked to share my testimony with you today and would like to thank Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown for affording me the opportunity, and most importantly, for bringing the challenges facing the youth in our city today. I represent an agency on behalf of thousands of children and volunteers and families, and in our programs, we know firsthand the importance of engagement and mentoring. More to the point, we know that the way to build a strong, healthy future for our children is by engaging everyone in the community, and our 65 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 city's youth need to be a part of this engagement. The Youth Commission would give our city's youth a chance to voice the issues they are facing. It would give them an opportunity to become engaged in identifying and finding solutions. Most of all, by encouraging them to take a leadership role in our city, it will provide other youth with role models that they can aspire to. We know about the power that role models and leadership have in young people's lives. At Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern, PA, we're the largest affiliate in Pennsylvania and we've served children in Philadelphia for over 90 years. In 2006, we will serve 2900 children. But right now, we have 13 children on the waiting list, the majority of them boys, living here in the. In a city where 180,000 children ages 14 and older had eight or more 66 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 absences last year, where half of the 9th-graders don't graduate on time, and where the murder rate continues to skyrocket, hitting 375 dead as of this weekend, it is clear that we need to do more to support the youth in our community. And through the Youth Commission and other programs, we need to engage youth in helping to address these challenges. I can speak firsthand about how older youth can really step up when they are asked to be leaders and role models. In several schools throughout Philadelphia and the other counties we serve, we have high school programs where high school students are mentors to elementary and middle school students. We see the power of these relationships. The younger students really love to look up to their high school students, and these high school 67 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 students, in turn, demonstrate leadership and responsibility. A number of them have commented on how proud they felt when they realized that their little brothers and little sisters did respect them and listened to them and their advice. Similarly, the simple act of spending time with a child, whether it's an adult or a young adult, improves school performance, results in better grades, and improves kids' self- confidence. Today, as the City Council convenes this hearing on the Youth Commission, the positive impact of mentoring is more critical now than ever. We know mentoring works. Big Brothers Big Sisters is classified as a blueprint program. We know that our high school (indiscernible) program works. We have 175 high school students right here in Philadelphia who are providing 68 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 mentorship and leadership to younger students and who are providing them a way for them to be positively and constructively engaged in our community. It will take a communitywide effort to address the complexities and challenges facing our city. It is clear that there is increased youth violence and that leadership is needed to reduce this violence and the steady drumbeat of truancy and dropout rates. We believe that by engaging youth in all ways, including through the Youth Commission, that we can become a part of this multi-pronged solution. We encourage our city's youth as well as our adults to stand up and provide leadership that everyone needs.

On behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pennsylvania, thank you for this opportunity to present testimony.

Thank you. 69 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Please proceed.

Good morning. My name is Rasheeda West, and I'm a staff attorney at the Support Center for Child Advocates. The Support Center for Child Advocates is Philadelphia's pro bono lawyer program for abused and neglected children. We offer the skills and dedication of lawyer-social worker teams. In nearly 30 years, we have served as a resource to the community and to this Council, and I thank you for the invitation to serve in this in this role again. As a staff attorney for the Support Center for Child Advocates, I work almost exclusively on issues dealing with older youth and have done so over the past five years. Over the course of my tenure at Child Advocates, it has become clear that the pressing issues concerning older youth are numerous, the three most 70 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 constant issues being the need for foster homes, not congregate care for older youth; the need for youths to be in school, the right school, and finish school; and the need for adequate and affordable housing for those youths exiting the system. Youths need permanent homes, good schools, and not to end up homeless. For those of you on the committee who are the parents of teenagers, you know that most young people are not ready to be sent out on their own at the age of 18, yet we expect children leaving the child welfare system to do just that. We would expect our own children to go to school, yet we allow our children (indiscernible) to age out without a high school diploma. Across the nation, court- involved children are second-class citizens. Children in both child protection and delinquency proceedings 71 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 fail in devastating numbers to develop, learn and succeed (inaudible) their potential brilliance, their evident strength and capacity. In Philadelphia, 6,728 children are in dependency placements, and 1,797 are in delinquency placements. It is well-documented that court-involved children are disproportionately African-American and Latinos. What child clients are offered by public systems is largely fragmented and often inadequate for youths' complex needs. All youth need to have a voice, but particularly the ones involved in the child welfare system. Child Advocates feels that the formation of a Youth Commission is the right step to address the needs of these young people. We recommend that the Youth Commission include members who are intimately aware of the many issues facing youths within the child welfare system and members who have themselves 72 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 been in care. And, again, I just want to thank the committee for their interest in youth, and I have copies of my testimony for the record. (A copy of Ms. West's testimony was not provided to the stenographer for attachment hereto.)

Thank you. It will be included. Please proceed. MS. McGINLEY: I'm Sharon McGinley, and I created a youth advisory group for the Support Center of the Child Advocates, and we've been doing this for the last three years. Our agency has benefitted from having this group be a part of it. Our social worker who works with me was amazed at how much she's learned from the group. Having worked with young people for decades, she's learned a great deal from their wisdom and insight. 73 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 How often have you heard the phrase "I don't know" when you've asked a child, "Why did you do that?" or "Why didn't you tell me you were in trouble?" Our young people have been able to explain to us some of the most baffling behavior. The youth I work with have been mature, thoughtful, and extremely insightful. Many issues dealing with young people we complicate and get wrong. I hope you will be able to have the good fortune to work with the youth as I have. And Nellie Caisson is one of our Youth Advisory Board members, and she wanted to testify about her experience.

Please. (Witness comes forward.)

Hi.

Please identify yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony. 74 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

My name is Nellie Caisson, and I'm with the Youth Advisory Board of the Support Center for Child Advocates. And I just want to let you all know that I think that being a part of the Youth Advisory Board is good for youth voices to be heard. It's something that would help us to get our words out. Like don't overlook us because lots of times we're overlooked and our voices aren't being heard. So, therefore, that's why a lot of homicides are happening with the youth, you know, it's mostly killing teens that are killing teens or whatever. So I think that it is a good idea for a Youth Commission to be starting.

Thank you very much. Mr. Roberts?

Good morning. My 75 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 name is Damon Roberts. Among other things, I'm Community Outreach Director for the Philadelphia Young Democrats. I'd like to thank Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown for inviting me to testify today. I definitely support amending the Home Rule Charter to create the Philadelphia Youth Commission because I think that it sends a dual message to youth in this city: First of all, that they are valued by governmental leadership; and secondly, that they can make a contribution to our municipality. Many of the things that I planned to say have already been said before, and I definitely am in support of it. One thing that I will add, and there are only two suggestions that I would ask you to consider. First of all, don't only include in this the so-called best and the brightest, those with A averages and 76 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 those who are regularly involved in student government. Also involve those who are at the fringes of school and at the fringes of civil society. And then the second thing is that I think that the kids who are involved should be paid. In Section 9 3806(d) of the proposal, it says that members of the Commission shall not be compensated. I think that giving them some compensation could further engagement. Yet despite those minor disagreements, I stand in full support of the notion of creating a Philadelphia Youth Commission, and I trust that City Council with resoundingly support this and give us a chance to vote on it in May. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mr. Roberts. Are there any questions or comments? 77 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 (No questions or comments.)

Seeing none. Thank you all very much for your testimony. The next panel that I have listed is Shelly Yanoff, Lindsay Berger, and Tom McKenna. (Witnesses come forward.)

And while they are coming up, please, I'd like to note to the folks in the audience who I think are here for the next set of bills for the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee will start as soon as we have completed our hearings. And I again emphasize to you the need to be as brief as possible. That wasn't directed just to you.

Okay, sure.

Oh, absolutely. Please proceed.

Thank you. Thank you so much for holding this hearing. And thank you Councilwoman Blondell 78 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Reynolds-Brown. I won't read my testimony except for a part or two. Right now, you are struggling in this city with issues of violence, of dropouts, of how to get college graduates to stay here, of how to strengthen our economy, about what to do with schools. Our young people have a lot to say, but there's no official way to make them heard to, help them be heard, and to support them. The implementation of this Charter amendment would allow the Commission and young people to help figure out strategies and advise you officially of that. We're glad that the Mayor supports the idea of a commission created by Executive Order, but we urge that this Youth Commission have the authority and the legitimacy to officially advise and be appointed by 79 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 both Council and the executive branch and that it survive any individual administration and that it exist as a right and not as a favor. When this nation was founded, only white land-owning men of a certain religion were able to speak their truth to power, to vote, to have a voice, to be officially heard or concerned about policy. Gradually, barriers were broken down, and we as a society reaped the benefit of the enriched deliberation about important matters that, in fact, impacted on people who were allowed to talk and who were encouraged to talk and were officially listened to. The reverse is also true when groups feel they have no authority, no 21 voice, and so their attention, their alienation, their disinterest grows. We risk a great deal in not taking advantage of them. So we respectfully ask that you 80 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 give the youth of the city and us a chance to build a better community, to increase civic and electoral participation, to make Philadelphia the city that problem-solves and builds a future with its youth. Thank you.

Good morning, Councilmembers and Mr. Chairman.

Good morning.

My name is Lindsay Berger, and I'm currently a senior at the University of Pennsylvania. Before college, I lived in San Francisco actually and was a member of the San Francisco Youth Commission, so I wanted to give you today an example of how great the model worked over there. The Youth Commission being proposed today is modeled off of the one I was a part of over there. It's a great model to look at because, among other things, it's an 81 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 entity of the city of San Francisco. This has been a defining factor of the commission over there because it gives the body credibility and stability. It also allows young people to express their opinions openly and freely. Since its inception in 1995, the commission has empowered young people to speak up for their rights in City Hall. These last 11 or so years, young people have roamed the halls, looking for opportunities to speak to Councilmen, write their own resolutions, and get stuff done. The body has held hearings on police in schools, youth homelessness, skateboarding, and the state of San Francisco public schools, and they have taken every issue a couple steps further. Youth Commissioners were so dissatisfied by the education they received and so disheartened by what other students expressed at their 82 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 hearing that they contacted news media and took some of the most popular news stations in San Francisco on a tour of a typical high school. Images of soiled bathrooms, decrepit facilities, and rundown textbooks were all over television. As you can imagine, this spurred action. This might make you nervous, but it makes me proud. However, this might not have happened had the Commission not been in the Charter. It has also formed numerous task forces including the Transitional Youth Task Force and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning and Queer Youth Task Force. It has also saved various programs from being cut in the budget. Each year, youth drug facilities, after-school programs, and/or youth extracurricular facilities are spared from the chopping block. After all, 83 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 youth are the best judges of which youth programs should and should not be saved. My experience with Youth Commission was invaluable. As a young person, I learned to be confident in my ability to express my thoughts and my discontent. I was constantly going to meetings, giving testimony at hearings, and serving as a youth contingent of many advisory committees. It also gave me the opportunity to meet other young people with whom I might not have worked. Of the seventeen youth I served with, three of them had been homeless at one point, one of whom credits the Youth Commission with giving her the little stability and security she had while she was living on the street. The majority of young people involved attend public schools and represents a broad range of diversities, from age to sexual orientation. All of the commissioners I keep in touch with 84 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 say the commission has given them a passion for activism and a commitment to civic engagement. I think it will come as no 6 surprise to you that it has imbued me with the same sense of activism and passion. The commission gave me the opportunity to be good at something outside of school. For many young people, this is really important, but for many commissioners I worked with, their success on the commission was what allowed them to do so well in school. Since I'm a political science major and I'm trying to make my teachers proud, I think it's important to touch on the issue of youth development. Tom will speak to that in a little bit, briefly as well. " These are amazing findings, and we really need to take them to heart and take advantage of them. The Youth Commission was able to work in San Francisco because San Francisco is the hub of youth activism.

When I got to Philadelphia, I heard the same catchphrase, but we are missing one thing, and this is the Youth Commission. 86 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 We need to bridge the gap between youth and politics and advocate for better youth policies, programs, and budget priorities in Philadelphia. We need a body of young people to look out for youth across the city and fight for our rights. We can only achieve this if youth get a place in your City Hall. Thank you for your time and I will answer any questions.

Thank you.

What was your last sentence? Youth get a place where?

In your City Hall.

No, it's your City Hall. It's our City Hall.

Thank you.

By the way, the big important question: Are you going to stay here after graduation?

We'll see. (Laughter.) 87 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581

That's a very good answer.

Sounds like a politician in the making. Sir, please proceed. MR. McKENNA: You have my written testimony.

Just identify yourself for the record, please. MR. McKENNA: Yeah, I will in a second. I just want to say that I will focus on those points that have not been emphasized. My name is Tom McKenna. In the past seven years, I've been at the University of Pennsylvania where I teach courses in nonprofit leadership and administration through the Adult Institute School of Public Policy at Wharton. Prior to coming to Penn in 1999, I was a nonprofit executive for 37 years, 23 in New York City heading a 88 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 neighborhood-based group, citywide and federation and statewide organizations, and the final years here in 5 Philadelphia as National CEO of Big 6 Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 7 only major national human service 8 organization headquartered here in 9 Philly. 10 And I'm proud to say that 11 Lindsay is one of my students, and you 12 can see from her passion what she can 13 bring out and how important this 14 commission can be. Most of my career has been focused in the field of youth services. My perspective on this work has been heavily influenced by theories of positive youth development, which were spoken to eloquently earlier in terms of referencing search institute, and youth development is essentially a focus that really, really puts the emphasis on the potential of youth growing into caring and productive adults, and really puts 89 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 an emphasis on building assets, and it sees youth as resources rather than problems to society. And I can think of no better example of youth development than the opportunities which would be afforded youth through the establishment of a Philadelphia Youth Commission. Such a Youth Commission can serve many purposes; again, many have been spoken to. One that hasn't been mentioned as much is from a youth leadership standpoint. Think about how valuable it would to the civic life of Philadelphia to have a cadre of youth who are knowledgable about the institutions and decisions that are affecting their lives and putting this knowledge to use through the Youth Commission. This leadership group will, in turn, involve youth of all geographic areas of Philadelphia in their deliberations as they discuss and make 90 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 recommendations to you as members of the City Council. By supporting the creation of the Philadelphia Youth Commission, you will be putting in place the process that will significantly involve youth for generations to come. What a positive cumulative impact this can have on developing youth leaders in our city now and in the future. Think, also, another point of the opportunities such a commission can have for you as Councilmen and Councilwomen to be exposed to the special insights of youth who you will appoint to the commission. They will be like advisors and staff people to you. Shouldn't this lead, in turn, to better informed youth policy, which will, in the long, run benefit the entire City of Philadelphia. So briefly, in conclusion, the creation of the Philadelphia Youth Commission is a win/win situation for 91 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 all the key stakeholders in the democratic process of government at the local level. Elected public officials will have a new resource to draw upon. Young people themselves, instead of feeling alienated from the political process, will now have a sense of empowerment. And the citizens of Philadelphia will benefit from improved governmental decisions affecting youth. And I just want to make a comment about the question of whether this should really go into the Charter or just be, in essence, an advisory group appointed by the Mayor. I think that Councilman Kenney and Councilman Goode made good, strong points about this, and I want to particularly emphasize Councilman Kenney's point about creating an independent body, because that's a big difference.

I mean, a group that's appointed, in essence, is not really an 92 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 independent body, and I think this really is important. The final point is that what an opportunity we'll be missing to not have this on ballot. Think of the work that PCCY and the youth you heard today will be putting in over the next few months to make sure that the whole city is aware of this. Think of the empowerment that they're going to get out of outreach that is being planned to really see that everyone understands and ultimately supports this Charter revision. I think it would be just a shame to cut that short. So I really strongly support this effort, and I think it's great to see the young people here today that are speaking so eloquently, more so than myself. Thank you.

Thank you. 93 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Councilman Rizzo.

Professor? MR. McKENNA: Yes?

Convince her to stay.

Maybe you guys can convince me to stay.

Like I said, a politician in the making. Miss Shamberger, do you want to speak too? (Witness comes forward.)

I've known you for 30 years, but please identify yourself for the record.

It's a pleasure to be here. I'm Ann Shamberger, a neighbor of Mr. Greenlee's, and I'm the President and CEO of Philadelphia Safe and Sound. So much of what I would have said has already been said today. I just want to echo our support for this bill and to thank again Councilwoman 94 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Blondell Reynolds-Brown for her leadership in introducing it and Shelly Yanoff from PCCY for their leadership in working toward its passage. Just in terms of Safe and Sound, most of you know that we produce the Annual Report Card on children's well-being in the city. We also deliver a number of services that are aimed at youth development. And I just wanted to make sure that you're aware that in our Beacon programs, of which there are 30 citywide, we do require that each program have a youth council, and they have been invaluable in shaping those programs in ways that are responsive to the youth who are attending them. And also to say that positive youth development does have a positive impact on crime and violence in the city. If you look at the youth arrest for crimes in the after-school hours between 3:00 and 6:00, since 2000, there 95 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 has been a percent decrease in those arrested in the after-school hours and during the same time when the City was investing in positive youth development opportunities. So I think that it is both the right thing to do and an excellent investment Of City dollars that will result in reducing crime in the city

Thank you 12 very much. 13 Are there any questions or 14 comments? 15 Councilman Kenney? 16

Thank you. 17 It's not often that we consider 18 legislation that has absolutely no 19 downside in Council. Despite the argument -- (Applause.)

Despite the argument between the Charter or Executive Order, which is a minor issue. I think we've weighed in on that, that 96 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 it should be a Charter change. But there's nothing negative that can come from this; it's only positive. So thanks for all your input.

Thank you. I have two more people listed that which to testify. Mary Ann Smith Amanda Park; are either one here? (Witness comes forward.)

Good morning, identify yourself for the record.

Good morning. My name is Amanda Park, and I will speak briefly 'cause as a former teacher, I can see the eyes going. My name is Amanda Park, and I am the director for the after-school program at the First United Methodist Church in Germantown. Thank you for allowing me to give testimony in favor of forming the Youth Commission. A brief history. In 1998, 97 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 church members worked for the administration and staff at Germantown High School to confront the overwhelming fact that 50 percent of students were dropping out of 9th grade. A safe and nurturing school environment was reduced to risk the students dropping out. In its ninth year, this non-sectarian program has operated with a single focus: Academic success. A couple of statistics. No 13 student has dropped out of school while attending the program, and all students who remain active in the after-school program graduate. Also, because it was geared toward 9th-graders, our 9th-graders are two-and-half times more likely to pass to the 10th grade on the first try. I could go on and on about the success of the after-school program, but I believe that there's a more pressing need that exists. In the eight years since the 98 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 after-school program started, nothing has changed in the School District of Philadelphia but the players. As pointed out by the Philadelphia Inquirer on October 26th, there still is a dropout crisis. I too am one of the players who has changed. In 1998, I was a teacher at Germantown High School. I wrestled each day with the successes and failures of my students. In 2001, talent development from Johns Hopkins was introduced to the administration and staff at Germantown High School. I participated in the exploratory committee and recommended that talent development be implemented at Germantown. From an optimistic teacher's point of view, it didn't work for many students; it was too little too late. I left the School District of Philadelphia in 2004 to pursue out-of-school programing and have spent 99 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 the last year-and-a-half participating in workshops, advisory boards, and meetings that prove that there are a lot of after-school programs that are effective, and Ms. Shamberger certainly could speak to that. Unfortunately, system-wide, the students are being left behind for improved test scores and virtually becoming second-class citizens. The parents are overwhelmed, and in many ways, their needs too are being ignored. Many of these students are lost in a system that is broke, patched with Bandaids that have lost their adhesion. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown's after-school program is attempting to be proactive by providing more direct services to those students who are behind in credits or over age but we are only one program working with one school. This is the time when strong advocacy is needed for the students in 100 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Philadelphia, and sometimes the strongest advocates are the students themselves. I hope that by forming a Youth Commission, the students will not only be heard but listened to. I thank you for your time.

Thank you, Miss Park. Is there anybody else that wishes to testify on this bill and resolution? Sir, please. (Witness comes forward.)

Identify yourself for the record.

Good morning. And thank you for the opportunity. I have just one brief comment. My name is Father Ron Rhodes. I am a ordained Catholic priest of the independent Catholic Church but my comment is as a citizen. I live in West Philadelphia in 101 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 what people call a "hot zone," and I appreciate very much, Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown, your legislation for one reason: The children, youth, and young adult are already powerful. They're shaping the way we live in my neighborhood and in my community. Any effort that puts before them positive ways of being powerful is extremely important. I strongly urge you to pass this legislation. As a citizen, I need it at 50th and Chestnut Street so that I can say to them that there are alternatives. Thank you very much. (Applause.)

Thank you, Father. Anyone else to testify? (No response.)

Seeing none. 102 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown, I know there are some amendments that we should go into. Could you just briefly explain them?

The amendments go directly to the important question raised early in the testimony -- earlier in the hearing from Councilman Jim Kenney with regards to broadening the scope of the work of the Youth Commission to not only be limited to issues impacting children and youth and those departments that provide services to the children and youth but to be taken across the entire scope of government, whereby any issues from any department in our government will be will have an opportunity, if you will, for young people to respond, reply, advocate, or oppose. So the language has been distributed and... I'll just it read for the record: The Youth Commission is hereby 103 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 established to advise the Council and the Mayor on issues which are of concern deleting the word, deleting the word "relating to," but on issues which are of concern to children and youth. And under "Powers and Duties," the same: Deleting the word "concerning" and inserting "which are of concern." So that's "any and all issues which are of concern to children and young people." Additionally, Chapter 8, independent boards and commissions language which further cleans up, if you will, the time lines associated with this legislation. So I move for the adoption.

Okay. I guess we'll do that actually in the meeting. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman. Any questions for the Councilwoman on the amendments? 104 12/5/06 Law and Gov't - Bill 060581 (No response.)

Seeing none -- hold on. Okay. Seeing no one else that wishes to testify, this concludes the public hearing of the Law and Government Committee. And we will now go into the public meeting. * * * 105 12/5/06 Law and Gov't Public Meeting

The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode for a motion on Bill No. 060854.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 060854 be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit first reading at our next Council session. (Motion seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that Bill 16 No. 060854 be approved by this committee and that the rules of Council be suspended. All in favor, please say aye. Opposed? The motion passes. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney regarding Ordinance No. 060851. I'm sorry. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode. 106 12/5/06 Law and Gov't Public Meeting

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There are two sets of amendments to the bill. After reviewing the Law Department amendment, some of the numbers were changed, so I move that we approve the amendments proposed by the Law Department, but on of the Law Department amendments --

Okay. I believe that is, Councilman, on the resolution that we're actually amending, correct?

That's correct.

Okay. So first, again, I recognize Councilman Kenney on Bill No. 060581.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Bill No. 060581 be reported out of this committee favorably and a request be made for a rules suspension to allow for first reading at 107 12/5/06 Law and Gov't Public Meeting our next Council session.

Is there a second? (Motion seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded that the Bill No. 060581 be reported out of this committee with a favorable recommendation and that the rules of Council be suspended. All in favor will please say aye. Opposed? There are none opposed. The motion passes. (Applause.)

Hold on one second before you finish your applause. The Chair recognizes Councilman Goode regarding Resolution No. 060596.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I jumped ahead of myself earlier. 108 12/5/06 Law and Gov't Public Meeting On Resolution No. 060596, there are two sets of amendments, one by the Law Department, and the other amendment we'd like to add. I suggest that we work with the Law Department amendment. On of that amendment, Section 4-1200, under "Powers and Duties of the Youth Commission," I suggest that we cross out the word "concerning," strike it out and change that to "which are of concern to." So cross out "concerning." We're not going to do the first one because it was a different Law Department change. For the second one on the second sheet, we can find it on , the Law Department amendments to the resolution, 4-1200, we'll change that word "concerning" to read "which are of concern to" on the Law Department amendments.

Is there a second? 109 12/5/06 Law and Gov't Public Meeting (Motion seconded.)

Any questions about the amendment? (No response.)

Seeing none --

I move for the adoption of the amendments as circulated and as just changed and read into the record. (Motion seconded.)

Opposed? The amendment is adopted. The Chair against recognizes Councilman Goode.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the resolution, as amended, be reported out of committee with a favorable recommendation. (Motion seconded.)

It's been moved and properly seconded -- I'm sorry, is there a question? 110 12/5/06 Law and Gov't Public Meeting Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown? On the resolution, you don't have to. That goes automatically on the calendar.

Fine. Thank you.

Okay. All in favor of the resolution, please say aye. Opposed? The resolution passes and will be on the calendar for the next Council meeting. There being no other business before this committee, thank you very much. (Applause.) * * * 111 C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings of the City of Philadelphia Council Committee on Law and Government are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, and that this is a true and correct statement of same. __________________________________ JOSEPHINE CARDILLO Registered Professional Reporter (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)