COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA2 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE3 Room 400, City Hall5 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Thursday, September 15, 20116 2:50 p.m. PRESENT:8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL9 COUNCILMAN DARRELL CLARKE COUNCILMAN FRANK DiCICCO10 COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR. COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN11 COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR.12 COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY13 COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER14 COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ15 COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, JR.16 COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO 17 BILL 110546 - An ordinance amending Chapter18 20-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Councilmanic Districts," by revising the19 boundaries of the Councilmanic Districts... 20 BILL 110547 - An ordinance amending Chapter 20-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled21 "Councilmanic Districts," by revising the boundaries of the Councilmanic Districts...22 23 - - -24 25 2 1
Good2 afternoon. This is a public hearing of3 the Committee of the Whole regarding Bill4 Nos. 110546 and 110547.5
Bill No. 110546,6 an ordinance amending Chapter 20-500 of7 The Philadelphia Code, entitled8 "Councilmanic Districts," by revising the9 boundaries of the Councilmanic Districts,10 under certain terms and conditions; and11 Bill No. 110547, an ordinance12 amending Chapter 20-500 of The13 Philadelphia Code, entitled "Councilmanic14 Districts," by revising the boundaries of15 the Councilmanic Districts, under certain16 terms and conditions.17
Thank18 you. And our first witness, Wilfredo19 Rojas.20 (Witness approached witness21 table.)22
I was getting ready25 3 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 to say good evening, but I guess it's2 good afternoon.3
Sorry4 you were kept waiting, sir. Please5 identify yourself for the record and6 proceed with your testimony.7
6 Now, ten years ago I testified7 in this Chamber and Councilman Frank8 DiCicco asked me a question, very pointed9 question, and I was here testifying on10 behalf of my friend, Darrell Clarke, and11 on behalf of my good friend, Rick12 Mariano, on a bill that they had13 proposed, which is the current14 redistricting bill/redistricting map that15 we have now. 3 What we would like to see is that the4 54th Ward be stricken from the 7th5 Councilmanic District and that we add the6 rest of the 62nd Ward into the 7th7 Councilmanic District. 11 When William Penn first came to12 Philadelphia and the Quakers, they13 believed in a very diverse society, and14 at the same time, they believed in15 diverse representation. 21
Thank22 you.23 Are there any questions from24 members of the Committee?25 8 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 (No response.)2
Thank6 you very much, Mr. Rojas.7 Our next witness.8
Angel Ortiz16 and Joe Garcia.17 (Witnesses approached witness18 table.)19 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:20 Hello. Welcome.21
Good24 afternoon. Good seeing you.25 9 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
My name is Joe2 Garcia. I come before you today3 representing LatinoLines Redistricting4 Coalition and the National Congress of5 Puerto Rican Rights. 8 I'm a lifelong resident of this9 great city, specifically the 7th10 Councilmanic District. 16 The 2010 census clearly shows a17 growth in strength of the Puerto Rican18 and Latino community in North19 Philadelphia. However, your newly20 proposed boundaries for the 7th21 Councilmanic District do not adequately22 reflect that strength. It takes away23 from the good that we are doing and the24 progress that we are making as a25 10 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 community. 2 Must I remind you that we are3 the fastest growing community in the4 City? City Council has only increased5 our district by 3 percent, taking us from6 49 percent to a 52 percent Latino7 population in the 7th District. 12 The proposed maps by City13 Council clearly do not represent that14 growth. 15 We are seasoned professionals and16 reasonable, but there is a difference17 between what you will settle for and a18 slap in the face. To suggest 52 percent19 is a slap in the face. 23 Your shortsighted action has24 long-term consequences. This proposed25 11 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 map perpetuates the state of flux and2 instability in our community. Worse yet,3 it perpetuates the disenfranchisement of4 our residents. It reinforces our5 community's belief that the government is6 so detached and self-serving that voting7 is useless, hence perpetuating the lack8 of voter turnout. The lack of voter9 turnout perpetuates lack of10 representation. 12 Lack of access to resources perpetuates13 lack of progress. You then blame us for14 not caring because we don't vote. You15 blame us for being voiceless. 17 You blamed us for a long time18 now that we are a people who have nothing19 but hope despite our circumstances. 23 Those services include quality schools24 that actually meet AYP. I know, my wife25 12 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 is an administrator with one of those2 schools. 11 We are holding ourselves accountable. 17 We can clearly show that our community is18 developing toward a positive outcome. 21 Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez22 has worked so hard to build Evelyn23 Saunders I and II, Glenwood Park and the24 Save-A-Lot at 8th and Lehigh, only to see25 13 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 pieces of her district and success2 stories being given away to another3 district. The current efforts of4 Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez are being5 disrespected. 12 We want them back. 16 As LatinoLines, we repeatedly17 said we want our district back and our18 neighbors back in our district. We never19 thought you would try to take away that20 seven divisions. 24 Don't give us what you want. We've25 14 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 endured it long enough. 3 You have adjusted part of our4 problem by cutting off part of the tail,5 but that is not enough to help us develop6 a strong and viable community. Increase7 our population to at least 56 percent and8 cut off the stump. Take away the 62nd9 and the 54th and give us the 37th, 43rd,10 42nd and part of the 45th. 18
Good afternoon,22 Madam Chair.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 Welcome back.25 15 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
And I say hello to2 all my former colleagues and the members3 of City Council.4 I'm very glad actually to come5 before you, because District 7 has lost6 its title as the most gerrymandered7 district in the City and the State of8 Pennsylvania. I think now the 6th9 Councilmanic District and the 10th10 probably deserve the title of most11 gerrymandered districts. And we have to12 understand what the word "gerrymander"13 means. It means creating lines and14 bringing together communities that before15 were separate and disparate in order to16 create supposedly a majority of a certain17 type of voters.18 In the 7th Councilmanic,19 although we are more compact, we still do20 not close the circle that we started over21 25 years ago. Since that time, over 2522 years, we have gone from 70,000 Puerto23 Ricans in the City of Philadelphia to24 over 190,000 Latinos, of which 65 percent25 16 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 of those are Puerto Ricans and reside in2 the geographical area where the District3 7 that we gave you as a map currently4 live.5 All that we're saying is that6 we are now, at the present time, at 497 percent. A growth of 52 with a voting8 age of 42 or 41 really is not9 commensurate with the growth that the10 Latino community has had in that district11 and in that area.12 You have created a map that has13 a standard deviation between the lowest14 district in population and the highest15 district in population of 17.6 percent,16 and that's really, really almost17 unfoundable in this process. It does not18 adhere to the one man, one vote/one19 woman, one vote aspect of the Voting20 Rights Act when you have districts of21 such disparate population in one city.22 And when you have a community that has23 growth within certain geographical lines,24 it does not make sense and it's not25 17 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 giving that community the respect that it2 deserves in terms of being able and3 struggle to create a district within4 those lines for over 30 years to go from5 49 to 52 and really not give it the same6 numbers in terms of the voting age.7 So although we have made8 progress, we have taken the Councilmanic9 7th District out of the most10 gerrymandered area, we still in terms of11 the Latino/Puerto Rican community, we12 have not gone the step that we thought13 was necessary.14 I think Joe has expressed the15 thoughts and feelings of the National16 Congress of Puerto Rican Rights,17 LatinoLines and other community Puerto18 Rican and Latino organizations in the19 City. We thought we would do better in20 this process. We thought we would come21 out with a district of at least over 5522 percent Puerto Rican/Latino. The fact23 that we had to adjust our percentages to24 the political aspects that Council is25 18 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 finding itself in hurts our development,2 both politically, economically and3 socially, to participate in this city.4 I would hope that you would5 reconsider. I would hope that you go6 back.7 I've been in many struggles8 over this issue in this Council over9 20-some years and I know how difficult it10 is. That's why when I was outside11 waiting and I knew that you guys were12 inside discussing, I didn't ever want13 Maria to leave the room, because I know14 that if she left the room, something15 would happen.16 The thing is, we should be much17 more mature as a body and as a political18 institution, and we should address those19 issues that are before us. I don't think20 you go a long stretch to give the Puerto21 Rican/Latino community the district that22 they have asked for. Not all of it, but23 at least one that meets that community24 halfway. I don't think Council has gone25 19 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 halfway in terms of the current mapping2 that is before us.3 Thank you, Madam President.4
Thank5 you.6 Are there any questions or7 comments from members of the Committee?8 (No response.)9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Seeing none, thank you.11 Our next witness.12
Ellen Kaplan.13 (Witnesses approached witness14 table.)15
Good16 afternoon. Thank you for your patience.17 Please identify yourself for the record.18
Sure. I'm Ellen19 Mattleman Kaplan. I'm the Vice-President20 and Policy Director of the Committee of21 Seventy, and I'm here with Rob Byron, who22 is the Deputy Policy Director of four23 days at the Committee of Seventy.24 First of all, I just -- I'm25 20 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 going to be very short, which my family2 says I can never be, but I'm going to3 really do my best here.4 I'm here to urge two things.5 One, the first one is to urge Council6 just to take its time in approving a city7 redistricting plan. I know that this8 Council has talked about having a plan in9 place by September 22nd, and while the10 Committee of Seventy has no desire to see11 you lose your paycheck -- and as I'll say12 in a few minutes, we're going to testify13 today in favor of uncoupling14 redistricting and the receipt of your15 paycheck -- we urge you not to rush to do16 a redistricting plan just to avoid this17 outcome.18 And we say this not because19 we're opposed to any of the plans.20 Because of our non-partisanship, we have21 purposefully not taken a position on what22 is a very partisan political process of23 drawing the district lines, but our24 request again is prompted by our belief25 21 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 that the public needs a little more time2 to digest these plans.3 As we all know, the first4 public hearing was held 24 days before5 the deadline. We had two neighborhood6 hearings after that, and I do thank7 Council for having the neighborhood8 hearings. I thought they were very9 interesting, and I really enjoyed going10 to particularly the neighborhood hearings11 to hear some input from the public. But12 I do think that having the three hearings13 in such a short period of time really14 doesn't comport with what I thought was a15 very good resolution by this Council,16 which you approved on June 23rd, to have17 an open and transparent opportunity for18 public engagement.19 So although the public has an20 opportunity to talk today, we would21 really urge you just to take your time in22 coming up with a plan that really listens23 to the public input and that has buy-in24 from everybody.25 22 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 I just want to talk a little,2 just for a moment about some long-term3 reforms. Even though we're not doing4 redistricting for another ten years, we5 can start early on to make sure that the6 next redistricting process is as good as7 it possibly can be. And one thing we8 would urge, even though this takes a9 Charter change -- and that in and of10 itself takes time -- six months is too11 short a time to do a process of this12 importance. It just is. This Council13 had many things to do in the spring, not14 the least of which is the budget, and15 when you add on top of that that this is16 a municipal election year, it is just too17 short a time, and we urge you to look at18 a change in the Charter that would extend19 the period of time so that it is more20 reasonable.21 We also urge you to create a22 permanent Citizens Redistricting23 Commission, as there are in many other24 cities, and the Committee of Seventy has25 23 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 plenty of research on that that we're2 happy to share.3 And, lastly, we're urging you,4 eliminate the requirement that you lose5 your paychecks if redistricting is not6 done by a certain date. You have many7 other functions that the Charter requires8 you to do that don't have that punitive9 measure attached. We think it's10 demeaning and it puts a greater premium11 on getting the job done than getting the12 job done correctly.13 And, again, I just want to say14 that the Committee of Seventy is more15 than happy to share the research with16 City Council, and we look forward to17 engaging with you further on this issue.18
Are22 there any questions or comments from23 members of the Committee?24 (No response.)25 24 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:2 Again, thank you. We did get a letter3 from the Committee of Seventy. I will4 give it to the stenographer, so it will5 be made a part of the record.6
Thank you.11 Thank you, Madam President.12 I certainly and I think many13 members of City Council agree with your14 position that we should have more time.15 I intend, as I said at a forum at WHYY,16 to introduce a Charter change to17 accomplish just that. So I look forward18 to the Committee of Seventy's support for19 that.20 I will point out that there21 have been hearings within various22 districts. I think there was one in23 Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez's district24 and one in Councilwoman Tasco's district,25 25 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 and that the Committee has met with a lot2 of people about that. There also has3 been a very public planning process where4 hundreds of plans were submitted in5 Azavea's contest, and we've had the6 opportunity to look at those plans that7 were submitted, the winning plans and8 others, and have put together, I think,9 the best plan -- we have a couple of10 alternatives on the table today. You're11 going to hear maybe debate about them. I12 don't know.13 But I will point out that only14 five people signed up to testify, and15 they really only dealt with kind of one16 substantive issue so far, the testimony17 on the plans. And so it makes me feel18 like we've had a process that's basically19 gotten it right, and I just wanted to put20 that on the record.21 Thank you, Madam President.22
Thank2 you, Ms. Kaplan. Thank you.3 Our next witness.4
John5 Attanasio.6 (Witness approached witness7 table.)8 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:9 Aren't you the winner of the contest?10
Madam President15 and members of City Council, my name is16 John Attanasio. I live in Center City in17 what is now Councilman DiCicco's18 district, but I am not here to represent19 any section of the City or any20 organization. 2 I had the opportunity to3 present my own redistricting plan, as you4 said, to a panel of this committee last5 Tuesday as the overall winner in the6 recent Fix Philly Districts competition7 sponsored by some media organizations and8 Azavea and the University of9 Pennsylvania. 12 Having carefully studied the13 geographical and political contours of14 the City in preparing my plan and as a15 citizen, I have both a civic and16 technical interest in the two17 redistricting proposals that were18 introduced in Council last week. So I19 mapped both of those plans onto the Fix20 Philly Districts system in order to21 analyze them better. 2 The most charitable thing I can3 say about both of these plans is that4 they could have been worse. The most5 egregious aspects of the current6 gerrymanders in Districts 5 and 7 are7 gone, although District 1 is still8 artificially elongated. 15 The DiCicco Plan is clearly the16 better of the two plans, and I commend17 Councilman DiCicco for improving on the18 Verna Plan. His plan eliminates the19 jigsaw puzzle of political creativity20 that carves up the 56th and 57th Wards on21 the current map. 24 But there are two major25 29 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 problems with both plans. 8 Apart from trimming the gerrymandered9 appendages of Districts 5 and 7, nothing10 much was done to improve the compactness11 of any districts. 13 Second, and most regrettably,14 neither plan comes close to achieving the15 essential purpose of the redistricting16 requirement, which is to equalize17 population among the districts. 23 Both plans have a population24 disparity of more than nine percentage25 30 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 points, as measured by how much the most2 populus and least populus districts3 deviate from the average district4 population of 152,601. 14 In particular, the four contiguous15 districts that lie mostly west of Broad16 Street and west of the Wissahickon -17 that's Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 - have an18 average population of less than 148,00019 people, while the remaining six districts20 have an average population of nearly21 156,000. 25 31 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 And within a short time and2 perhaps long before the next mandatory3 redistricting that will follow the 20204 census, it may well be that this5 representation disparity will have grown6 to a level that violates the7 constitutional standard of one person,8 one vote, even as that standard is9 applied to state and local legislative10 districts. 13 A related problem in both plans14 is lack of compactness. 20 The ten current districts have21 an average compactness ratio of only 4922 percent based on the calculation method23 used in the Fix Philadelphia Districts24 system. The DiCicco Plan has an average25 32 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 compactness ratio of 55 and a half2 percent, while the Verna Plan has an3 average ratio of 52 percent. 13 It appears that the two14 proposals were drawn in order to preserve15 current district boundaries as much as16 possible. 22 We need to hit the reset23 button. 25 33 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 Unlike the 50 states, our Council2 districts don't lay claim to specific3 geographical territories, and unlike the4 states, they have no permanent or5 continuous existence that needs to be6 preserved. Council districts are7 analogous to congressional districts,8 which also have no permanent tie to9 geography. What might be called District10 No. X today and what might be called11 District No.
20 A corollary principle is that21 no particular person's residence should22 be considered an anchor around which a23 new district must be drawn, and that24 includes the residences of incumbent or25 34 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 nominated members of Council. The2 districts that Council adopts today will3 not go into effect until a future Council4 takes office in January 2016. Yet, some5 members of Council seem to believe -- I6 heard it said last week -- that it is7 appropriate to draw boundaries that8 purposefully include the personal9 residences of today's incumbents or their10 presumptive successors. The proposed11 plans bear this out. Every proposed12 district incorporates not only most of13 the district area that is currently14 served by an incumbent, but also includes15 the incumbent's home. 21 Some states have specifically22 outlawed from their redistricting process23 the practice of considering where24 incumbents live. For example, California25 35 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 and Florida have done this for2 congressional redistricting and maybe3 more. 7 Redistricting by incumbent8 officeholders is a terrible conflict of9 interest. It amounts to politicians10 selecting their own constituencies. To11 the extent we must live with this12 conflict of interest in the current13 redistricting process, Council should at14 least make an honest effort to apply15 objective and transparent principles to16 the task. 20
Thank21 you very much. We certainly want to22 thank you for taking the time to do all23 of that research and work on the map and24 come in to testify. I think that your25 36 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 testimony was very good, and I applaud2 you for your interest.3
I see6 there are a couple people that would like7 to be recognized.8 Councilman Goode.9
Thank you,10 Madam President.11 Good afternoon, and thank you12 for your testimony. Thank you for your13 work. I'm quite interested in a portion14 of your testimony that deals with what15 our principles are or are not, when16 clearly along the process I'm not sure17 many of us have voiced what our18 principles are or not. I was asked that19 question at a redistricting hearing. I20 answered the question. I essentially21 want to see the districts be22 proportional, I want to make sure they23 are not as gerrymandered as they were,24 and I want to do no harm. So I'm trying25 37 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 to be clear about what are the three main2 principles you used in your3 decision-making.4
Well, I didn't5 actually do decision-making other than6 draw one map that was --7
So what were8 the three main principles that you9 used --10
The three main11 principles there are compactness of12 districts, that they are -- that they're13 as close to a circle as possible,14 theoretically; that the population among15 all districts is as close to equal as16 possible; and that there is as little17 disruption of existing neighborhood18 boundaries as possible. And when I did19 my own mapping, that was based under20 competition rules on a number of wards21 that were split. I split only -- there22 were only 21 splits. Ten wards were23 affected.24
So that's25 38 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 for your three main principles. Then you2 added on.3
Well, the other4 principles is to maintain communities of5 interest, and I did specifically look6 at --7
No. I asked8 the question what were your three main9 principles.10
And where13 did you derive those principles from?14 Are they personal principles?15
The compactness16 always has been a personal principle when17 I see gerrymandered maps. That's the18 most obvious assault I think on19 democracy, when you can actually see20 visually that something has been done to21 manipulate --22
Did you ask2 anyone what their principles were? Did3 you --4
No. I'm only5 one person. I didn't do a complete6 investigation.7
I believe they14 are what should be a democratic process15 as opposed to --16
But I'm17 asking were the principles you used to18 design your map, were they based upon a19 democratic process?20
Thank you.23 Next question is, what were the24 goals in your mapping with regard to25 40 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 demographics?2
First, I3 hesitate to elevate the contest to the4 actual redistricting. I think the5 contest provided Council with starting6 points.7
I'm not8 asking about the contest. You came here9 to testify about your map.10
And how12 great your map was and how neither of our13 maps were as good.14
In the17 process, you talked about what our18 principles were and were not. So I'm19 asking about your principles.20
First, I think21 it would be helpful for Council to tell22 the public what its principles are.23
I just told24 you what mine were, but I'm asking you25 41 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 about your principles, since you came2 here to testify about them. I'm asking3 what were your demographic goals in your4 mapping of districts?5
I did not have6 specific demographic goals, other than7 the one that has risen to considerable8 public attention, which is the Latino9 district, which is highly gerrymandered10 because it disrupted or divided an11 existing community of interest.12
So your13 demographic goals were limited just to14 the 7th District?15
Not entirely.16 I also looked at other districts -- I17 focused on compactness and not -- I18 certainly never --19
The demographic22 goals were to create one Latino district23 and to maintain at least four majority24 black districts.25 42 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
There would be8 four -- well, no. There are five under9 these plans, but my plan is not even10 before Council.11
How many12 majority black districts are there right13 now?14
And no one21 voted on how you should do your mapping?22
So if people24 voted on how you should map and how it25 43 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 should be mapped demographically, do you2 believe that your map would win?3
Well, because I14 think many people would look at this not15 as dividing up of political interests,16 but as a dividing up of geography.17
I didn't say18 anything about the political interest. I19 asked what your principles were and I20 asked you how you changed demographic21 districts.22
Okay. And so I23 don't really know how the voters would,24 if placed before the voters, how this25 44 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 would turn out. I can hazard a guess2 that it would get pretty good reception.3
But you4 would admit that what's been described as5 a public map or a map based upon6 democracy is actually a map done by a7 private citizen?8
No. No. I9 didn't say my map -- no. I'm not saying10 my map is based on democracy at all.11 What I'm saying is that the maps that are12 presented by City Council, the existing13 map and the two proposals, are not based14 on democracy. They're based on politics.15
So you16 didn't say that, but it's been widely17 said that some of these maps are,18 quote/unquote, public maps while they19 were done by private citizens. It's been20 said that it was a more democratic21 process while it was actually just a22 contest.23
It was a24 contest, and it was a contest that25 45 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 brought public attention to this process2 probably in a way that has not been3 focused on -- that has not been focused4 on in the past. I think that was a good5 thing. I think the fact that the contest6 existed caused Council to hold public7 hearings. The fact that the contest8 existed raises the questions of9 compactness. It raises the question of10 equal population and is a means of11 showing --12
Let me ask13 you a question. Doesn't federal law14 raise those questions in and of itself?15
It does, but16 the federal law is not complete in terms17 of principles such as compactness.18
The federal19 law suggests that districts should not be20 gerrymandered. The federal law suggests21 that they should be of equal population.22
So federal24 law dictates that, not contest rules.25 46 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
I'm not here to2 advocate for the contest rules. I came3 here because I saw maps that didn't look4 much better than those that existed5 before and were gerrymandered.6
Let me say7 this to you: My third principle was do8 no harm. I wouldn't vote for your map.9
But I11 appreciate the work that you did. Thank12 you.13
Thank15 you both.16 The Chair recognizes17 Councilwoman Brown. Councilwoman Brown,18 you want to be recognized?19
Yes. I20 wanted to make sure that I heard what I21 thought I heard.22 We're starting out with how23 many districts with African Americans?24
The current map25 47 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 has five.2
Well, my5 analysis that I talked about today was6 about these other two plans, and I7 believe those both have five majority8 African American and one almost -- and9 I'm looking at voting age population10 obviously.11
I'm not making14 a recommendation at all for that -- I am15 suggesting that Council should look at16 those issues, but start from a point that17 does not involve carving up the City in a18 way that looks like either of those maps.19
And I'm20 trying to get a handle on what I thought21 I heard with regards to your answer to22 Councilman Goode's question of how many23 districts of color your map would end up24 being, and what number did you give25 48 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 Councilman Goode?2
Four and one3 Latino, four African American and one4 Latino.5
All right.6 Are you aware that the City of7 Philadelphia is 82 percent black, brown,8 yellow and women?9
Well, of course10 when you add women, it's going to be very11 high. That's not exactly a fair12 comparison.13
Thank you14 for your testimony.15 Thank you, Madam President.16
Thank17 you.18 Any other questions or comments19 from members of the Committee?20 (No response.)21
Do we25 49 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 have anyone else that would like to2 testify on these bills?3 (No response.)4 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:5 Seeing no one, we will go into our public6 meeting.7 The Chair recognizes8 Councilwoman Tasco.9
Madam10 President, I offer amended -- several11 amendments to Bill 110546.12
I think15 so. Have they been circulated?16 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:17 Councilwoman Tasco, we'll just give18 everyone the opportunity to look at the19 amendments.20 (Pause.)21
We22 are going to stand in recess for ten23 minutes. Thank you.24 (Recess.)25 50 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
We2 are now going to circulate revised3 proposed amendments to Bill 110546, along4 with a copy of the map. So disregard the5 amendments that were circulated earlier,6 please.7 Councilwoman Tasco, can we make8 a motion.9
I make a10 motion -- I offer amendments to Bill 546.11 I move for the adoption of the12 amendments.13
I move for16 the adoption of the amendment.17 (Duly seconded.)18
It19 has been moved and seconded that the20 amendments as circulated regarding Bill21 110546 be adopted.22 All in favor will say aye.23 (Aye.)24
Those25 51 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 opposed?2 (No.)3
Whoa,4 say it again. I didn't hear you.5 Can we have a roll call,6 please.7 Councilwoman Blackwell.8
No.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Councilman Clarke.11
No.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 Councilman DiCicco.14 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 Councilman Goode.17
No.21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Councilman Greenlee.23
No.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 52 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 Councilman Jones.2
No.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Councilwoman Krajewski.11
No.12 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:13 Councilwoman Miller.14
Aye.15 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:16 Councilman O'Neill.17
Aye.18 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:19 Councilwoman Brown.20
Aye.21 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:22 Councilman Rizzo.23
No.24 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:25 53 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 Councilwoman Sanchez.2
Aye.3 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:4 Councilwoman Tasco.5
Aye.6 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:7 Councilwoman Verna, aye.8 The adoption fails. The motion9 fails. The vote was yes; no.10 Are there -- Councilman Kenney,11 do you have amendments to Bill 110547?12
No, ma'am.13 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:14 Councilman DiCicco.15 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No.16
Very17 well.18 The Chair recognizes19 Councilwoman Tasco for a motion on Bill20 No. 110546.21
I move the22 bill out of committee, Madam President.23
With24 a favorable recommendation, unfavorable?25 54 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
Just2 report it out of committee.3 Madam President, can we have a4 recess, please.5
Okay.9 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Excuse me.10 Can we go on to 547?11
I12 don't know whether they want to act on13 doing something with 472.14
Thank you.20 Are we going to recess or are we going to21 vote on 547 before we recess?22
Madam25 55 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 President, I move that we vote Bill 5462 out of --3 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:4 Suspend the rules.5
-- out of6 committee and suspend the rules so we7 have the first reading of this bill at8 Council's next session.9 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:10 Councilwoman Tasco, is that with a11 favorable recommendation or no12 recommendation?13
With a18 favorable recommendation, 546 with a19 favorable recommendation and that the20 rules of Council be suspended --21
Do I22 hear a second for the suspension of the23 rules?24
-- so it25 56 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 can be heard at Council's next session.2 (Duly seconded.)3
It4 has been moved and properly seconded that5 the rules of Council be suspended so as6 to -- boy, I'll tell you, they're making7 me -- okay. All in favor of the motion8 will say aye.9 (Aye.)10
We're11 going to have a roll call vote now.12 Those voting in favor of the13 bill. Councilwoman Blackwell.14
What are16 we doing, Madam President?17 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:18 Pardon me? A vote on your motion.19
Okay.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 Councilman Clarke.22
No.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 Councilman DiCicco.25 57 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Councilman Goode.4
No.11 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:12 Councilman Jones.13
No.20 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:21 Councilwoman Krajewski.22
No.23 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:24 Councilwoman Miller.25 58 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
Aye.2 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:3 Councilman O'Neill.4
No.11 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:12 Councilwoman Sanchez.13
Aye.14 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:15 Councilwoman Tasco.16
Aye.17 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:18 Councilwoman Verna, aye.19 So the motion passes 9; 8.20 Councilman DiCicco, do you want21 to be recognized?22 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Yes, Madam23 President. I make a motion that Bill No.24 547 be called up for a vote.25 59 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
Very2 well.3 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Be4 reported out of committee with a5 favorable recommendation.6
And7 suspension?8 COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: With a9 suspension, yes.10 (Duly seconded.)11
All12 in favor of the adoption of that motion13 will say aye.14 (Aye.)15
The19 ayes have it. The motion carries. So we20 will now vote on that bill.21 I'm sorry. Listen, you people22 have me going up a wall.23 Is there any other business for24 the Committee of the Whole?25 60 9/15/11 - WHOLE - BILLS 110546 & 1105471
No. We did a4 voice vote.5 COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA:6 Anyone have any comments to make?7 Councilwoman Miller.8
I don't9 have a copy of the map for 547 or the10 amendments.11 (There's no amendments.)12
All13 right. Well, I don't have a copy of the14 map.15
Okay.16 (Stated Meeting reconvened.)17 (Committee of the Whole18 concluded at 4:55 p.m.)19 - - -20 21 22 23 24 25 61 1 CERTIFICATE2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the3 proceedings, evidence and objections are4 contained fully and accurately in the5 stenographic notes taken by me upon the6 foregoing matter on September 15, 2011,7 and that this is a true and correct8 transcript of same.9 --------------------14 MICHELE L. MURPHY15 RPR-Notary Public16 (The foregoing certification of this20 transcript does not apply to any reproduction21 of the same by any means, unless under the22 direct control and/or supervision of the23 certifying reporter.)24