Aye. The ayes are 15, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. time, I offer congratulations to one of our colleagues, Councilwoman Tasco, who during the National League of Cities Conference held in Nashville Tennessee this past week was elected President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. Congratulations. We're very proud (Applause.)
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues for your hard work over the past four years. This afternoon, we bid farewell to Councilman Angel Ortiz, a long-time Councilmember who put his heart and soul into the matters that have come before this body. Angel, I want to wish you well. I bid you much success and offer this tribute: You have been one of the finest public servants I have had the privilege to know during my tenure in City Council. You have served the citizens of this City with You have been a resolute voice for the indispensable values, good, fair, and equitable government. You have fought hard to have this Council retain its independence. Council will not be the same without you. Your influence will linger in these halls long after you are gone from here. But please know that you are always welcome to come home, and I mean welcome at any time. Good luck, and may God bless you in your future endeavors. (Applause.)
Well, it's not the first time, Angel, that everybody wants to say something about you, good, bad, or indifferent, I guess. Councilman Nutter, please.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, when you said that Councilman Ortiz put his heart and soul into his work, apparently today it would be heart, soul, and his leg. I'm not sure what that's all about. He's a little banged up, but he's here with us. I know we'll have some other activities with the Councilman, but I do want to share in this way that he is one of three or four elected officials who have had a direct impact on my political life and career. Naturally, it's always dangerous to mention a whole host of people because you'll leave someone out, but I'll leave it at, I, as many people know, worked with the Councilman when he ran in the Special Election in 1984. Councilman called me and asked if I would run his election campaign in that Special Election. We have come to know each other through the late Councilman John Anderson. And certainly, I was very excited. I was kind of temporarily out of the business at a pretty young age, and the Councilman, then-candidate, called and asked, and as they say, the rest is history. We started together here in 1984. I was a staff person to him, and it certainly on my future endeavors and ultimately ending up here. So, one, it was just great to be able to work with someone, be here as a staff member and then ultimately come back and work with him as a colleague. I've learned a tremendous amount from you, Angel. And whether it's during hearings or even at the end of a session, the passion, the commitment, the insight, and the intellect are some of the things that I will certainly miss in terms of your service. You are a true friend. And in this business, as I mentioned earlier, one of the very important things as legislators is I never had to worry, I never had to be concerned either way, actually, if you said your position was X, then your position was X. The unfortunate aspect of that is there were times when our positions were not the same. And notwithstanding the friendship and notwithstanding the history, but I think out of respect to the business, even I at times could not get you to change your mind. I Hopefully, it didn't cost me too many votes from time to time with you being on the other side. I commend you for 19 years of elected public service. Obviously, your personal endeavors before being elected give you even more years of true public service or true service to the public, and I just commend you for it. I value the friendship, have enjoyed the time, and I appreciate the opportunity that you gave me almost 20 years ago, the result of which is that I'm here today in City Council. Thank you, my friend. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I want to be recorded as voting aye on all bills during my absence from Council Chambers. Thank you.
Thank you. The record will so reflect that. DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. I certainly want to echo the comments made by both you and my colleague Councilman Nutter as it relates to Councilman Ortiz. And for about six of the eight years or so that I've been here, he sat to my right. For the last year or so that we've had these temporary quarters, he's been sitting on my left. And a lot like Councilman Nutter, he has had a profound impact on my life, my political career because I had no choice because I sat so close to him and behind Councilman Cohen, I usually got it from both ends, as they say. It was an experience. And you're right, Councilman Nutter, the one thing I found out about Councilman Ortiz, who I not only consider a colleague but a personal friend -- we've been out on several occasions, we've broken bread together, as they say, and had some fun out there, even during the which, unfortunately, did not turn out the way most of us would have liked it to turn out. He is a friend, and I think that given the insignificant, in my opinion, issue that probably led to his losing the primary election, when you look at the man's record over 20 years -- and like Councilman Nutter and I'm sure other folks in here, we had some major disagreements, the City of Philadelphia has lost an advocate. Whether I agree with his philosophy or not, one thing I always agreed on, that he was passionate about what he believed in and he did what he thought was best in the best interest of the citizens of this City, notwithstanding some criticism that he had taken from time to time. I will miss you as a colleague, but I certainly don't think that this is the beginning of the end of our friendship. I want to continue that, and you and I will get together, I'm sure, in the future to talk about things and enjoy our experiences. And it was a pleasure, again, having served with a feeling that some day you will be back. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. I want to start where Councilman DiCicco left off. I'm sure Councilman Ortiz will be back. And I guess I might have to wait to have the position of a sure second to a motion by me or a resolution I introduce. I may have to wait until Councilman Ortiz returns before I can be sure I'm going to get a second. And I think Councilman Ortiz might feel the same way, so I'm going to post a notice maybe in the newspapers advertising "looking for a second." But angel has been not only a dear friend, he's one of the people who sees public service the same way I do and some others do; and that is, it's public service. It's not self service; it's public service, and everything has to be thought of from that point of view. with him, he makes his speeches because I think he's one of the most eloquent people I've ever heard speak. He speaks with emotion, with feeling. He's dedicated. Who else -- even though he may have come originally from Puerto Rico, who else would think of going back there and sleeping on the beach to protest the presence of militarism there. And as a result of that kind of protest, the United States government has cleaned up its act. And Angel works in that quiet way. He goes off by himself sometimes to join others and protest conditions. And more often than not, a change occurs, and a change for the good. Angel, we're all going to miss you, because in many ways you've been our conscience. And in my way particularly -- so I mention my selfish interest -- I always know I could get a second. The only other Councilmember who agreed to be a sure second for me, Angel, was the late Councilman Longstreth. We had a 20-year agreement that any motion I made, he would always second if And so I have sign posted, "Wanted: A sure second on my motions," and I might return the same to the Councilmember who follows that position. But you're a very severe loss to the Council. I feel it because you and I have struggled together on so many issues that sometimes some of our colleagues think we're crazy for fighting. But I'm looking forward to you getting healthy again, getting that foot controlled, and being back here at the opening day of not this session but the next session as a colleague. Thank you, Angel, for what you meant to me. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you, Madam President. To my brother and my friend, I'm going to miss you dearly. I'd like to say about Angel that he walked where others feared before this Council issue that were not popular at the time. And I think of the gay and lesbian issues way back in the mid-'80s when he brought the issue before the Council to take action on various issues that would support those who might be disenfranchised. He brought the issue of AIDS before the City Council and the concern of the healthcare centers. And certainly, I have the greatest administration for him because through his efforts on calling on the City to look at how we provide health services to our citizens, we ended up with the Mom Mobile. And certainly, the last great piece of legislation he passed was the MBE legislation. He has an outstanding track record in this Council, in this City, bringing to us issues and legislation that we passed because it was the right thing to do. The City has loss a strong voice. We don't want him to go away. We're going to find a way for him to be engaged. And certainly, if he decides that he wants to run 2007, the 50th Ward will be there with all the votes you need to get elected. We wish you well, my brother. And we will be friends forever. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. Councilman Ortiz, Angel, I want to thank you for your service to this City. It was certainly a good experience working with you. I think we accomplished a lot together. And I wish you the best and God bless you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. Twelve years ago when I came here to this Council, Councilman Ortiz and I were adversaries. I grew up a little bit -- a little bit, not much but a little bit -- and I was lucky enough to become his friend. man, Angel. And you've served the City wonderfully over the years. I was proud to have voted for you. I'd vote for you again. And you are a major loss to this Council. The one thing I've always respected in legislators is their consistency. And even though sometimes Councilman Cohen and you are a little bit left of where I'm at, your consistency is always there. You don't flip-flop on things. You don't change your mind. You stick to it. And for that, I respect you and admire you and will miss you dearly. So good health, and we'll see you soon. Thanks.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Brown.
Thank you, Madam President. Angel, you have been an uncompromising champion on the on the issue of procurement opportunities for minorities and women. And you need to know that in the three I've worked with you, that issue above any other, your spirit on that issue has resonated for me. So be assured that you're passing a baton to a number of us who care about that issue and will continue to beat the drum on why that issue needs to be dealt with. Congratulations to you and family, because they get a chance to spend more time with you now.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to say just goodbye or so long right now to Councilman Ortiz. I've known him for many years prior to coming to City Council when I worked for Representative David Richardson. He was always someone we could call to depend on and count on, particularly when he was Chair of Health and Welfare and Dave was Chair of Health and Welfare for the State. I just want to thank him for his leadership when he championed the cause and report of "The minority Business Report. Inclusion By Exclusion." And I want to thank him for his leadership and commitment and dedication to addressing that whole issue. So I know you'll be around. I'm not saying goodbye because I'm sure you're not going to disappear and neither are we. So thank you.
Thank you. Councilman Cohen, you want to be recognizes again? Your light is on.
Yes, just one moment to assure Councilman Ortiz that when he runs again four years hence he will still be considerably younger than I was when I returned to City Council in 1980. And I think I've had a fairly lengthy career since then. So just enjoy the hiatus, Councilman. You'll be back.
Councilman DiCicco, your light is on. Did you want to be recognized?
Yes, very politicians, we normally forget to recognize the people who probably pay the biggest price for the business that we're in. I failed to recognize the fact that Councilman Ortiz' wife and his son is here today. Lydia, would you please stand up? (Applause.)
Family members pay the ultimate price for our business. I've learned that the hard way. Thank you.
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
Gosh, this has been a long session. Thank you, Madam President. I really appreciate your words. They really touch me and are very meaningful. I have a lot of people to thank. The reason I'm here is because W. Wilson Goode decided at one point that we needed representation in City Council. W. Wilson and, I believe, a great mayor. The words that the president said are very welcoming, and I'm very grateful. When I came into the City Council, we were a body that people used to make jokes about. We were a grouping of people that Bill Green labeled the worst legislative body in the universe.
Free world. Through Joe Coleman, to whom I'm very grateful for the help he gave me when I came in, this Council began on a path of independence, of becoming a true legislative body. At times, becoming a legislative body means that you became quite raucous and debates take a long time and there's a lot of passion that is expressed. I remember during the '80s I was part of the group of four that then became the gang of five. In essence, because at that point in time, we were advocating and, strangely enough, supporting the policies of Goode, the Mayor. We had issues that we differed with each Mayor that I served under. And no Mayor should ever be able to run this institution as it was run during the '70s and the '60s. Our independence has been gained through lots of battles and the issues of gaining respect. It was through Joe Coleman who said that every Councilperson needed a staff. And each one of us is really truly dependent on the staff that you put around you, that surrounds you. I've been very fortunate from the very beginning, from Michael to Issy Colon I've had great individuals that work with me; not work under me, but work with me, that shape the policies, directions, and legislations that we took on. And we took on big people. We took on PECO, the NRA. We took on those individuals that were trying to run the City through their influence and money. People mentioned the gay and lesbian community in the City. A french group at the time that I came into Council, a group that was discriminated against, oppressed, insulted every which way. There were insults to it from the floor of City Council. Today, that does not happen. Today that does not happen. The issue of drugs and assault weapons; we took that issue on. It took seven or six years, but a consciousness was created. HIV ran AIDS, infant mortality, lead poisoning, after school programs as a crime deterrent, all of these are policies that have come to be implemented and seen as the natural aspect of government. But those were policies that were not being discussed before I came to City Council. Campaign finance reform, a good gift going away, an issue that we took on created the atmospher for it and finally passed it today, the first step, not the last, because we really have have to pass meaningful campaign finance reform. So it is not an ending; it is a beginning. It is not goodbye; it is just farewell. I'm going to be around. I'm going My staff Ray and Issy, Danny, Sharon, Michael, Julio, Sue; they're great people. They are who I am. It is because of them that I was able to speak, develop, and support. And to my wife, my kids, my daughter in Hollywood -- I hope she makes it big. She will. And to you Madam President, the best president I have ever served under and a president that I think deserves the support of this Council. Do not divide yourself, do not weaken yourself, do not dilute yourself. Do not let short-term interest harm the institution of City Council. Be very much aware when you deal with the structure of this body. This body has to be the check and the balance. This body is the voice, really the voice of the people of Philadelphia, much more so than the Legislature and the State Representive and the Senators. It is the Councilpeople that are called upon to face the issues. So I know that there are that there are issues still to be debated, but once you say that, the institution has to be strong. And anytime you weaken the institution, you weaken each one of you individually. So tread softly in any changes that you perceive or want to make. We have fought over 20 years to make this body the independent political legislative body that it is. That is in your hands. I want to thank you. It's been a pleasure working with each and every one of you. And I'll still be around. Thank you. )
Before we conclude, I would just like to wish the people in our audience and our viewing audience who watch us just about every week on TV a very healthy, happy holiday season. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to adjourn.
Thank you, Madam President. And before I do that, I'd just like to call my colleague's attention to a memo we sent around, following your lead as MBC, I defended our resolution on the floor at the National League of Cities to have the N word moved as a trigger word on the search engine for Ebay. And as of Monday, we were called to have a meeting with them. You started the ball rolling here in Philadelphia. The National League of Cities has picked it up to make a statement against it. And I thank you very much for your support. I wish you all a very happy holiday. I, Madam President, move that Council stands adjourned sine die.
It has been moved and properly seconded that Council stand adjourned sine die. All in favor will indicate by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the motion carries. (Council adjourned at 1:44 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T I O N I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of December 18, 2003, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. RE: STATED MEETING _________________________ Lisa C. Bradley, RPR