No. In this particular case the Executive Order 1-03, is, as Councilman Goode mentioned -- as the Chairman mentioned earlier was, I believe, the companion executive order to the new Minority Business Enterprise legislation that was passed last year by City Council. The Mayor issued and executive order to go along with that legislation. And I think also as has been testified, that executive order apparently expired at some point in time. It had an expiration date on it.
It should also be mentioned that the executive order was done at the same time as the legislation, but the executive order was not nearly as strong as the legislation.
-- work tearing up 256 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 Wynnefield, and like in front of our church. And usually when the Water Department is working, I see African American men. I have seen none on this job, and I was wondering why. I have so many calls in your office, Mike, I thought I'd give you a break. But now I know I should have done it anyway.
Yeah. No; that's fine. This job is actually not being done by the department itself. It's being done under contract with a private contractor. It's three separate locations in the Wynnefield community, one of which I drive through every day.
So if the Water Department was doing this, we would have had a conversation of people working, as usual.
Well, more than likely you would see Water Department 257 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 trucks and Water Department personnel who are City of Philadelphia employees. And you're right, it allowed those jobs. I mean, there are a lot of African Americans working in the Water Department. So, I mean, I see them out doing work. This is a private contract by the Water Department.
And so why would the Water Department hire somebody else to do a job that their people can do? Because we've seen them tear up --
No; I understand. There's a lot of work -- There's a lot of work out there. We only have so many people who can do so much of the work. So, the City does hire a lot of private contractors to assist the departments because we have nowhere near, I think, as many personnel as we would need to do all the work that needs to be done, especially with regard to the Water Department. 258 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 I don't have any issue with them issuing a contract to a private contractor. My issue is --
Well, that and the fact that they would send a letter to the contractor saying there are no 10 participation requirements at all. And then in the next sentence, but if you want to contact some minority businesses, that's fine. Well, I don't know these people from a can of paint, but if you tell me in the first sentence I don't have to do something...
So I'm still trying to understand how under the executive order or the present law can a letter like this go out in the first place? 259 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04
They're from the Water Department. I don't know what their title is. Gentleman's name is Bill Credle. He may be like a technician or administrative person or something.
Thank you so much for allowing me to get that question. Thank you.
Sure. No 13 problem. Ma'am, you were saying that from time to time people just don't send paperwork over to MBEC?
It happens. It's certain... Human people. 260 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04
Are the departments required to send their bids or the documents before they go out to MBEC?
Yes. Most of the time the Water Department does. I simply said that may be the case in that instance.
James Royal. Good afternoon. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to your testimony. First, please identify yourself for the record.
Good afternoon, 261 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 Chairman, and to the committee. My name is Paula Peebles. I am the President and CEO of Renaissance Community Development Corporation in North Central Philadelphia.
And I am Sutan Ashley Shah (phonetic) with Renaissance Community Development Corporation. Also, I serve at the pleasure of the President and the CEO. Thank you. And thank you for having us today.
Again, we want to thank you for this opportunity. I feel very grateful for the fact to be able to proceed behind Mr. Williams because my testimony actually addresses some of the various concerns that were indicated in dealing with this critical issue that we are confronted with here in the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding region. We are honored to be among those who 262 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 have presented today the case for parity and the time for equitable distribution of resources and opportunity. We would like to again thank the City Councilman Wilson Goode and the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development for providing us with the opportunity for input on this critical issue, economics. Economics, in our opinion, is the last frontier for African Americans, specifically, and other people of color in totality. Like the struggles of the 1950s and '60s for civil and human rights and for self determination, as we continue our sojourn in this country, so is it true for our struggle for economic parity, economic repair, and equity are no different. From a historical perspective, the pre-civil rights era and post emancipation era, blacks enjoyed a thriving business economy among themselves, realizing that the source of their existence was a 263 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 mandatory commerce exchange with one another, thereby creating the growth of black entrepreneurs, such as the great Madam C. J. Walker, the first woman of any race to become a millionaire. Her startup business developed out of desire of black women who began a micro level of business, selling her product door to door in 1905. In our opinion, her business thrived despite segregation, indirectly because of it. When integration occurred in America, it stopped short of the integration of economic opportunity for African Americans. History has taught us that the only time black people and economics became important to America was when riots over the lack of economic opportunities for African Americans occurred. The government would then respond with a Band-Aid of some form of antipoverty program, fancy slogans such as War on Poverty, to silence the revolt. 264 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 In the 1980s and 1990s when African Americans again sought economic parity, they were publicly scolded by American white ethnic majority, that blacks were moving too fast. After all, we were just given civil rights to share places with all other citizens. Blacks were moving too fast, as if we could afford to slow down, after some 400 years of criminal persecution based upon race. We must be pro-active about the issue of economic parity, as we were with the violation of civil and human rights in this country. 2 percent of the City's gross business receipts. This is criminal, and a 265 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 violation of our rights to fully participate in the commerce of the City. 6 percent as a minimum, with a focused plan to exceed this proposal. The challenge, as we see it, lies with elected leadership from the state's mansion to the second floor of City hall. Ironically both share in Philadelphia as their political foundation. The challenge to them is to create equitable opportunity for inclusion, integration of black Philadelphians into the state and City's commerce. Today black contractors and black businesses are held to the same standards of governmental requirements as other ethnics in the City. However, these standards are structurally unfair, given the advantage afforded to ethnic immigrants, with infusion of startup capital, access to banks, and governmental aid, and therefore 266 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 a greater advantage. In closing, we would like to make the following recommendation, to sincerely, with all vigor, begin the process for economic equality of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania and throughout America.
One, equal access to capital is pivotal to the successful growth of African American businesses in Philadelphia County and throughout the region. Job creation must be a prerequisite for participation in awarding of all government contracts. It can no longer be left to political leadership to decide who will be exempt, based on self-serving contributions. It should be optional. And I think there was an example of that, just based on the comments and the question to Mr. Michael Williams. Parity standards must be institutionalized to provide for more equitable distribution of public resources and business opportunity. 267 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 Those who remain in the City should enjoy the benefits of engaging in City commerce. Presently those living outside of the City enjoy the benefits of City commerce, to the neglect and unemployment of City residents. This must be reversed. And finally, procurement policies must focus on development of an institutional requirement of inclusion, rather than relying on the shift to the mainstream, which amounts to hope -- which amounts to a hope and a promise to do the right thing without any structural process for enforcement of this requirement. I thank you for this opportunity, in being able to present before this committee today. I also want to add one footnote. I believe it was Councilwoman Marian Tasco, and I thank her for asking about nonprofits. And my only brief comment is nonprofits do business. We create job opportunities. We are entrepreneurs. And 268 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 we would like to be included in the ongoing process. And I thank you.
Once again I thank you, Councilman, for allowing me this opportunity. Our testimony is as follows: Honorable members of this profound body, I come before you this day in the hopes of conveying to you what has been echoed to me by so many small and minority businesses here in our great City. These same individuals are the very ones that represent a portion of our tax base, yet the bar of standards to compete are always higher or constantly being raised. Therefore, we as a city of diversity, as a city of neighborhoods, and as a city for whom as a national role model, with statistics that say we as a major metropolis should be alarmed at such 269 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 a disparate level of participation. Only 15,532 minority businesses, 4 percent of all of Philadelphia businesses. 5 And the region's 28,973 minority 6 businesses, 10 percent of all business in 7 the region. 6 percent, respectively, of the City and 10 regional gross receipts. 11 This body I know has developed a 12 measure of commitment towards this goal of 13 increasingness [sic], but I just believe we 14 need to be doing more. 15 We as a City must really take a more 16 committed role in allowing the so many 17 other minority contractors who are being 18 left out of the process a level playing 19 field so that they will allow -- be allowed 20 to equally participate in the high volume 21 of commerce that this City and region 22 enjoys, even in the leanness of times. 23 No longer can we be a process that 24 says you can only participate if you are politically connected or are financing 270 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 someone's political agenda or that you happen to be one of those, one of the ones blessed to make it through the door of opportunity, and fail to remember where you yourself came from. Too many times success blocks our ability to realize that we, too, are a part of finding success have to have a sincere helping hand and not a handout, but rather a sense of belief and true commitment to wanting for your fellow man that which you would want for yourself. In closing, I respectfully request this esteemed body use the power that this great electorate has granted it, and do more in the way of putting real dollars and not a handout to acquiring a more level playing field for minority contractors. I have two little -- two small notes I'd like to address, if I may, Mr. Chair, first being, in my office I see people coming and going every day, in and out every day. I also deal with a major population 271 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 of ex-offenders. I also deal with small business entrepreneurs whom are struggling, and I also deal with a small populous of individuals for whom have the misfortune of having to expend a lot of time and energy on the other side of the fence, but seek to correct that way of life and move into a cleaner mainstream. And the hallmark of my conversations with each and every one of these individuals is that they lack the adequate training necessary to put forth a quality business, whether it comes from, as the woman spoke earlier from West Philadelphia, because there's a lack of that or the level of public school systems or post secondary educational systems that our people are not afforded the opportunity to reach, that our people lack that capacity or the knowledge to know where to go to get this. So, I have been working with many, many of these individuals, and in sending them to, particularly, PCDC to get that kind of access to training or giving it to 272 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 them ourselves, based on our experiences. But I find it, you know, a sad situation to know that they cannot get that type of structure without the opportunity to know where it's at. The second piece is, I just had a conversation with a minority contractor. And it alarmed me.
And that's why I spoke to a situation here, relative to wanting for your fellow man that which you would want for yourself, and talked about how other minority contractors for whom have paid to play or for whom have just been blessed to come through that door fail to understand that they have a requirement, to reach back and help those that are coming along, because who are the best teachers other than those who have walked through those same footsteps? But these individuals, they turn their noses. They want to -- This one individual, he told me a scenario whereby he was -- had access to some properties through NTI. 273 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 But because he couldn't meet that -- meet that financial challenge and requirement necessary to put certain pieces in place, that he could not afford the opportunity -- be afforded the opportunity to continue in that playing lane. So there was another gentleman who's... eludes himself to be big in NTI, who garners many, many parcels of property from the City of Philadelphia, in our City. And this man here, this small contractor, has the capacity to take down four, maybe five houses a week. And this man who has all of these parcels is getting somewhere in the neighborhood of $15,000 per unit to demolish. Well, the man said, I'll tell you what: I won't dissolve my company, but I'll come to work for you for $15,000 a week at the same pace for which I would do for myself. This minority contractor who was getting all of these properties had the 274 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 unmitigated gall to tell this man that he would not nor could he nor would he even entertain the opportunity of paying this man a decent wage to work. So again, because of, quote unquote, pay to play, however we want to look at it, whatever terminology we want to put on it or whatever spin we want to use to describe it and define it, but the reality of it all is that if you're not politically connected, you're not playing, the field's not level for you. If you're not supporting someone's political agenda, then the field is not level for you. But these are the same individuals that under the legal terminology of taxpaying citizen, they are equal in parity, but not equal in disbursement of opportunity. I would pray... I would prey that this body, this esteemed body, would not only look at the situation, as it stands externally, relative to those reasons that I stated as to why these individuals don't 275 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 meet certain levels of standards, because either the bar is being raised or they just haven't had the public or the professional grooming to reach the bar, no matter where it is, but that they force the process to take a look at itself from within as well. Because that's where a large portion of the problem lies. And I commend you, Wilson, as Chair of this body, and the rest of the esteemed members of this committee, for taking on this challenge of looking at the serious crisis that exists in our City. Because again, if we don't pay our taxes, we are reprimanded. But if we pay our taxes and we do what we're supposed to do, then we're supposed to have equal access to all opportunities. Give you another quick example, and I'm going to cease this. I look at the dried out corridor. And I said I wasn't going to go here, but I need to. I look at the dried out corridor, and I look at minority entrepreneurship involvement in 276 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 the City, and I see the word gentrification. I see the word gentrification in the sense of ownership, and I see the word gentrification in the sense of economic opportunity for minorities.
And when I look at that corridor, and I see all those small minority businesses that have been involved in that corridor for years on end, seeking to do certain things, and reaching specific goals and objectives, based on their visions as it relates to their ethnicity, their lifestyles, their community, their lives in that community, raising their children, their heritage, and their investment in that neighborhood. And I see what they lack in opportunity. Then I turn around and I see an organization such as the Dry Coalition come along, and look up and they have a budget of $500,000 or more working capital for just administrative purposes alone? Then I find disparity. And I find 277 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 that disparity not coming externally or a portion of it is externally because certainly we have to bear some responsibility ourselves. But those dollars that they got are public sector dollars. So I asked internally that the public administrators of our City, and our state, and our Federal Government take a real serious hard look, because, see, where I come from guy, says speak out against injustice, even if it's against yourself, your family or your kindred. So, we first must take a look within and challenge ourselves to make the difference. And that's why I commend you. And I thank you, Chair, for this process, and thank you, Councilman.
Thank you. Any questions from members of the committee? (No response.)
Before you 278 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 start, are there any other witnesses to testify? Okay. So, Miss Robinson and... Mr. Traylor, are you testifying?
Mr. Royal, please identify yourself for the record and begin your testimony.
Thank you. My name is Reverend James Royal. I'm a member of the CROP organization, Community Rebirth Organizational Plan. I do have a few copies of my testimony, of which I'm not going to read these 12 pages because most of what is integrated in the draft resolution has been given by others. C. and the state properly. One of the things that does not 279 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 happen in the community, which has been stated over and over about training, is the manning table, the monies that come from the Federal Government? Where they go into a distressed neighborhood. Bruce Crawley was talking about 8 percent. Well, under the Federal mandate, 9 it's 40 percent in a distressed area. 10 In other words, if you have a 11 three-phase job, you go to that 12 neighborhood where the work is going to be 13 done. You get those people that are 14 unemployed, untrained and train them for 15 each phase of the job. 16 And so, we're looking at that as a 17 way to create immediate employment in the 18 neighborhood. It has been gone over step 19 by step for the last, I guess, three hours 20 that I've been listening. 21 There's three things that you really 22 need in order to create employment and 23 long-term employment. Number one, firstly, 24 the wherewithal, the guts to do it. 25 Number two, you need to train work 280 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 force. And number three, you need to have that engine that drives your economy. And in this regard is, fossil fuel. In the information that we have given you, you will see that we do not really intend to just come down and testify again and again because this has been happening for many years. We intend to start that process in the public school system, and with the parents, and with the recovering addicts, and those people that are coming back into the work force. Our students need to be trained. There is a curriculum that we're giving Mr. Vallas, that he now has, of the public school system, that will, in fact, train our students and have them come up to the par that they need to as far as not only just as journeymen, but also business owners. A lot of the information and a lot of the testimony that's been confined to 281 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 City contracts? Well, we need to look at the whole array. One of the things that Mr. C. I think that's fine. C. is banks and astronauts, and airplane pilots, and bankers-owners, and car dealers, spaceships, anything and everything a student need to learn. But the principal goal of the information that we've given to you is to show you that we need to have consumer stock ownership and employee stock ownership. We've been talking about that for the last ten years, and it look like it's going to start to come about. Because right now we're in a crunch with oil. And if we had hydrogen fuel, that would be readily available in the area of natural gas, and the area of SEPTA, in the area of these various schools and 282 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 businesses, it would cost costs tremendously. But back to the point today is, the issue is, how do we generate jobs and money now? We believe that the manning table in these jobs, where they come to the community talking about NTI, is a perfect example. Those dollars that come from the Federal Government can train those people in the neighborhood right now to go to work right now. Simultaneously we can work with the parents and the students in the public school system. And again, I'll say Mr. Vallas has our plan. He's had it for about a year now. I can say without question our curriculum is superior to anything that the public school system has. It's anything that the -- superior to any of our charter schools. That's already in the curriculum. And much of it is in the statement that we give you today. 283 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 We just ask you to look at it because we're going to be sitting down with Mr. Crawley and others, because I will say quite clearly, Mr. Mike Williams, we knew him.
We know him. He's not qualified for the job. He's a good middle management person. They should have put somebody like Bruce Crawley in that MBEC position. The idea is not to go on a job and learn when you're in crises. The job is to go in when you know what you're doing. And so, we would say that we'll be coming back from time to time to talk with Council, as we make steps forward. And again, in that document that we gave you, maybe or 911 will kind of run to the heart of it. But we're saying to you we need change, and we need it now. We say that everywhere we go. We can not do business as usual. The fact that the administration is 284 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 not interested in supporting the process, even what we're going through right now with the budget, is really bad. It's a bad thing. But nevertheless, we want to cut it short because we understand you've been sitting in them chairs for a long time. But it's important for you to know, as you read that information, that we're going to be coming back to you from time to time to implement it. Because even if we can't implement it through Council, maybe we can implement it through referendum. The issue is now, people need relief. They need changes now. The seniors need relief now. People need jobs now. And just because the good ole boy network is still working, it's time for us to do something different than we've been doing in the past. Why? Because we need change now, Mr. Chairman. And again, I thank you for the 285 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 opportunity to come. Again, as you get an opportunity to read that and adjust that, we'll probably be talking about that in the future, because we need change now. And again, that percent that 8 Mr. Crawley talking about, it should be 40. 9 This 50 percent that you talking about 10 regionally... Oh, by the way, I think this 11 is -- I would be remiss -- What I'm saying 12 is, this regional spending is a good idea. 13 But I think it ought to be in the 14 City and County of Philadelphia first. You 15 do it in the City and County -- Everybody 16 was talking about where is your 17 demonstration at? 18 Well, let's demonstrate in the City 19 of Philadelphia, because most of the 20 people, with all these tax cuts -- And I 21 hadn't really paid a lot of attention to 22 it. We walked up with the Chamber a couple 23 of years ago. 24 But I wasn't looking for these 25 drastic changes because I was looking for 286 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 some balance. I know the Mayor kind of gives you information late. So I don't have it either, of what would actually happen if these cuts were going into effect, and in effect would it actually hurt the City? But at the same time I have to think about most of the people supporting the change don't live in the City. But they make their money out of the City. They live in region, but they don't make their money -- And a lot of them don't want to pay the taxes in the City but they want City taxes cut. So I don't want to see us cut off our noses to fight our face. But back to the point. If we're going to do anything that's going to be effective for the City of Philadelphia, it should be the City and County first. And then if we want to go to the region, great. So ends my short testimony.
Thank you, Mr. Royal. If you would, I would ask one favor, if you could send me an electronic 287 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 copy of the bill that you offered.
Yes. I actually want an electronic copy. If you could send it to me e-mail.
Thank you. What happened to the -- Excuse me. First of all, my name is Judith Robinson?
Well, good. I want to make sure they hear me, because I don't like wasting a lot of time and energy. And we seem to be really wasting a lot of time with a lot of nonsense. I want to talk about the process first of all. I been coming to the 288 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 Economic Development and Commerce Committee hearings for many years. And I don't really appreciate how this was set up, to be quite honest with you, with all due respect, Councilman Goode. When I saw this yesterday... And I don't want to digress too far off of this. But I saw yesterday a bill that came in front of the Finance Committee, regarding the Housing Trust, where people had gotten together before the Council hearing and sort of like set up a stacked deck, for lack of a better term. And when that happens, you have all those people sit up in front first with the same ole, same ole that you probably heard. But they want to get it on record, so they are put in front of individuals like myself that don't come here toting that I'm part of an organization of millions of people or whatever they say. Okay? So I just want to state that first, about the process. 289 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 We always called. We got our names on a list. And we came in turn, based on when we called. And I think that's the way it went because it always seemed fair to me. Because I understand this hearing was about the 21st Century Forum's Review study.
It's about the report from The Minority Business Development Subcommittee of the 21st Century Review Forum.
Not the whole Review Forum document, but just that minority --
No, but just the aspect of -- the economic development aspect of that review study. And I did read that document. And from what I read, these were the Mayor's picked people who came back with 290 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 information or recommendations. I think it was really laid out nice. They had findings. You had key findings, recommendations, et cetera. And as it relates to economic development, I'm sure you all read it, and you know, have referenced it, and you know, got briefed on it. And I understand that, so I'm not going to rehash that to that extent, because I want to ask the question: Do you all -- And I wanted to ask especially the African American members of this committee: Do you all have the political will, the guts, tenacity, et cetera, that it would take to deal with this issue of the unions? And... And, you know, you get donations from them. Do you have the will to say --
-- no to the unions? Mrs. Robinson, there's absolutely nothing within that report that relates to the unions. It's a report -- 291 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04
It's not a report on minority employment. It's a report on minority business development.
That's what I'm talking about, because what I'm telling you is not about jobs and how the unions stops African Americans from participating in the job market. Councilman Nutter, are you...
You and I know each other very well. And you know that I pay tremendous attention to what you say and what you talk about. I do... I have developed over time the ability to listen to a couple different conversations going on. So I'm aware of 292 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 what you're talking about.
Okay. I just saw you moving your hand. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
No. Actually, I'm trying to get something else resolved.
Oh. No, no, no. I'm sorry, then. I just saw you moving your hand. Okay.
I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry. But the reason why I'm not referencing the 21st Century Review Forum, because I did not see anything in there about the unions. Okay? And I want to get to that point to say to you all --
I'll how you to testify to whatever you want to testify, but it's not going to be a conversation about something that's not in the report.
Well, why would you waste the time of the community to have people come here and spend three hours going back and forth about a whole bunch of stuff I heard this morning that was not in that 21st Century Review Forum. And then here we sit here. It's just you, me and several other people. And now you're telling me you don't want to talk about something.
I didn't say I didn't want to talk about it. I said you can talk about it as much as you want. But this hearing is on the findings --
Excuse me. Excuse me. This hearing is on the findings and recommendations of The Minority 294 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 Business Development Subcommittee report. That's the question.
And how -- who can get the $50 million, in the name of advocating for black people. That's what it's about.
You can talk about whatever you want to talk about. Go ahead.
Yeah; that's what I want to talk about, that little aspect of it.
Because we seem to be limited to that, where we're going to have $50 million being given over to somebody in the name of advocating for African Americans, the same group that supposedly has been advocating for them for the past ten years, the same members that were on... some of the same members, I should say, that were on this -- this forum. So -- So what I'm asking is, do you all have the political will to get past the 295 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 studying, the hearings, and get to the bottom line so that our community can move forward? That's what I wanted to ask the African American members of your committee. Can you use your political negotiating skills? Are you willing to buck the unions with your donations? Are you willing to make sure that our youth, our youth -- Because I'm kind of past this group now that are talking about what they want. I want to talk about the future generation. Are we going to start -- stop lying about whether we have the skills in our community, when we have business owners that are -- have every document that you would need, everything that you need to be in business in this City? They pay their taxes. They do everything. And you know why they're not here? Because they're so busy trying to keep their head above water that they're not going to be able to come here today and fill up this Council like I saw the folks yesterday filling up this Council, 296 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 regarding the issues that they were interested in. These folks that are already qualified, certified, and have all the licenses, documentations, and the taxes paid, et cetera, are not looking for handouts. They're not even looking really for you all to make up some special program for then. They just want equal opportunity in this whole process. When you divvying up things like what I saw yesterday where people come to you beforehand and determine that they going to get X number of dollars, make sure that you think of your folks. You know, that's what the question I'm -- the statement I'm down here to make, you know. Because I understand the political process. Thank goodness I learned it really well. And I see what happens. And I see that you all are obviously not putting a word in. You're obviously not making it a priority, else it would have 297 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 been dealt with a long time ago. I know how people meet. I understand the stuff very, very well. And I know that obviously something is out of -- truly out of order. But I'm not going to put it all on you all, by any stretch of that imagination. Please don't think I am. Because I really want to start with the Mayor, the Mayor, John F. Street. years 12 we gave this gentleman of our vote and our 13 support and protection. 14 I'm not going to just badger you 15 all. I'm not here to do that today. It's 16 sort of like nonsense, but I have to get 17 this on record. 18 If it was up to me, to be honest, 19 I'll be dealing directly, directly with the 20 Mayor, because it starts from the top. 21 We have a model for this. I was 22 trying to look for Mayor Andrew Young's -- 23 You know, what did he do? What guts did he 24 have? You know, what did he leave us? 25 What legacy did he leave us? 298 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 I wanted to bring that down here and put it in record. I haven't done, you know, enough research on the internet yet to get it. But what guts did he have at 35 years old to stand up and be a true black man? That's what I want to talk about. Look, how can we get beyond all this meeting and -- and having certain meetings with certain people, and then come in here today in front of the Council where you get on record, and then those people go in front, and then here it is o'clock or o'clock. I don't care how long it takes. You all met, like, late at night. How come they're not here?
Mr. Crawley went first because he was Chair of the subcommittee that issued the report.
So he was here to present testimony on the report that his 299 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 subcommittee issued.
I heard that, sir, and I appreciate that. And I'm glad -- I appreciate you... But let me just finish on up and get on out of here. Regarding training, we go all the way back to the Negro Trade Union 30 years ago. We have trained people in our community. So please, stop. We have women trained. We have African American women that are part of these unions. They're not getting work, and we know that. You know, it's just ridiculous. And then we continue to train. Okay? And they are last hired. The unions are major factors. You have African American owned business people, that when they would even think of submitting a bid for contracts right in the heart of North Philadelphia and other urban areas, they are to ask, are you going to have a union members. 300 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 The roofers union, for instance, one of the most corrupt unions in this town, they have the audacity to ask roofers that are African American roofing companies that are African American owned, and have licenses and documentation and all that, are you going to hire somebody from that corrupt union. It's just ridiculous. You're going to have some Joe six-pack type guy ask some black people are they qualified, are they trained, and all that nonsense. Meanwhile, those folks have moved out of our City to New Jersey and the suburbs.
Nothing, except they don't have no black people in them. COUNCLIMAN GOODE: Why not form --
Well, then, why not just form black unions? 301 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04
Well, I don't know if they'd get any work; that's why, because they'll be real segregated even more. But it's not about -- It's about those unions getting all the work, those unions being ahead of RDA, those unions being in places where they can see all the work coming down the pike, they grab it first. The problem is you all, the body, the executive body, and the legislative body --
We're not joined. We're two separate branches of government.
I understand that. But they determine and you all vote. And --
We vote on some things. Other things we do not vote on. 302 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04
We vote on some things. Other things we don't have the opportunity to vote on.
That's true. I agree with you on that. That's why I'm'a keep coming back, to the top, because I -- You know, this is the Forum today. I really wish it was at the Mayor's Office; but, you know, since we're here today, I'm'a get all this out. But I appreciate you keeping --
I appreciate you keeping me honest. Okay? But we have people that are qualified in every arena. What bothers me so much is that the stadia, already built. The schools. You only get to do these things every 30 years, it appears to me. The PHA, the Hope Six. All of that's a done deal. When the next time you going to have a NTI? You know. And we 303 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 sitting here playing and talking and having studies. And the money is being spent. Every second and fourth Tuesday I go to the RDA board hearings. And that's -- The deals are just going through there. You know, I'm just going to say this and I'm going to get on off of this and go on about my business and have a great day. And I hope you all do the same. But if you all have any power or influence to do anything that can be of value to this whole agenda, do it. Do it. Do whatever you can. In your wheeling and dealing and creating and making things happen, all of that. That's all I'm asking of you all to do. But I really think it lays in the lap of the Mayor, Mayor John F. Street. That's where I'm going to put it. And then to the extent that you all vote on this stuff, and you do the legislation and all of that, just bring something to the table. 304 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 When you're making your deals, I know what you can do. Because in my little small old business, occasionally I get a chance to pick somebody. Okay? And I pick somebody that I know can get the job done, and I pick them based on certain criterias. Okay? One of them is major, that they can get the job done. And then I look for African American contractors. I really do. In my little small business. So I know what we all can do with our little bit of power and influence. That's all I want to say. And I'm going to leave it alone. Thank you for the time.
Mr. Chairman, you just said something. I was getting ready to go out but then when you said --
Reverend James Royal. For the record, we are thinking 305 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 about starting unions. I just thought you ought to know that. We've been waiting too long. And it's about ownership, because that's the other thing I'm really pushing real hard. That's why I talked about consumer stock ownership, employee stock ownership. We've got to own. So if we get caught up in the policies, if we own what we own, we won't have to get our throats cut simultaneously. But that needs to happen because keep knocking at the door, and begging folks to let you in, something's wrong with that. Thank you so much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you. Mr. Ali. Please state your name for the record.
My name is John Ali. I'm the President of the Contractors Roundtable Council. I was at the earlier session, and a comment was made by Councilman Clarke about 306 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 the apprentices, which is something I wanted to address, because he -- the speaker at the time was Bruce Crawley. And one thing that he talked about was the trades. I'm a card-carrying carpenter. I've been in the carpenter's union probably for ten years. But one thing I wanted to be clear to communicate to you, to leadership was that when we talk about trades we're really not talking about transferring one trade to another. That in theory -- Theoretically that might be something that somebody might think that they want to do. But in practice trades don't transfer from -- You don't transfer from a laborer to a carpenter. And just in due respect, I would like to give the respect to the labor union. Although the labor union is called laborers, the labor unit in itself is a respectable trade. They make almost $25 an hour. That's in their pre-package before 307 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 the taxes and whatever. Not to say that anybody disrespected them, but I would just like to respect them in the manner that they should be respected. In addition, 332 is the only predominantly black union that really fights on everybody's behalf and really gives their leadership to help all the causes across the board. So, I just want to be clear on that. But one thing that we can all agree on, we have to be able to help businesses because it's only by helping businesses will we be able to help the apprentices. And although a lot of the apprentice ratios are set by the Federal Government. But even in that, when I think Councilman Nutter, when we had the hearings on the stadiums, we saw that we were -- we weren't participating -- we -- this -- Philadelphia wasn't participating, in terms of participation of African Americans in their apprentices, but apprentices were on the stadiums. 308 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 But even in that, we weren't maximizing our ratios on the apprentices. And the only way that's going to happen, we have to have business owners that's involved, because the business owners are the ones that are going to make those apprentices move along. And we also have to be in mind that there's trades. And all the trades 11 don't have the same amount of 12 apprenticeship time. 13 Carpenters might have five years. 14 Electricians might have three or four. 15 Cement finishers might have two. So we 16 just have to be mindful of that. But it's a great opportunity for young men and women, Hispanics, blacks and whites to get in. And the ones that's really leading that effort for the trades is DAP. But we have to give them support for them to tackle all the other 15 trades. So I just wanted to make that comment. And I think that the leadership of this Council as it is today, you always 309 040048, 040145, 040414 - 6/2/04 have to be the leadership for whatever we put forward, because there's always going to be people that's on there side of the table that really are going to be looking out for their own interests. And because you're looking out for everybody's interest, you're going to have to put us in check sometime. That's just the reality that you're going to have to be able to deal with. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak, and I support everything that all this Council is about.
Thank you. Thank you for your testimony. If there's no further testimony, this Resolution will be held in committee with the other two Resolutions. This hearing is recessed to the call of the Chair. (Hearing concluded at 2:55 p.m.) 310 CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the public hearing of The Philadelphia City Council, taken on June 2, 2004, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. _____________________________ DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds (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.)