In another blow to State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo, a computer technician who prosecutors said carried out an electronic cover-up for Fumo has agreed to plead guilty and is expected to testify against his former boss.
Leonard P. Luchko, 51, who worked in Fumo's South Philadelphia office, is scheduled to plead guilty on Monday before a federal judge, according to a document filed yesterday in U.S. District Court.
These computer guys were the ones caught deleting all kinds of information, allegedly at Fumo's direction. If nothing else, the feds now almost certainly will have him on obstruction of justice.
2) The City Commissioners story continues to have legs. In the last week or so, it has been in local media all over the place (The Germantown Courier, Mt Airy Times Express, Art Museum Home News, Northeast Times, etc). And on Monday, the Daily News had a nice editorial about it, as well. The story resonates because the premise- that election results are password protected- is just so ridiculous, and because hundreds of people signed on to force a change.
3) Speaking of corruption, Councilman Jack Kelly's Chief of Staff entered a not guilty plea yesterday. In the meantime, Inga Saffron has more on those shady developers also charged.
4) In site news, you can now get YPP delivered to you by email. Over there --->, just enter your email address in the box, and voila. It should be formatted for whatever device you are using, including blackberries.
5) And one more: From Its our Money, Ben has a a bunch of things up about recycling, including an op-ed today in the paper, a podcast with Dave Heller of WHYY, and a Q/A with Christine Knapp of Penn Future.
PACleanSweep, a non-partisan organization aimed at reforming state government in Pennsylvania, today revived its online Hall of Shame feature to pressure lawmakers into signing a petition to call a special session of the General Assembly focusing on ethics and reform in Harrisburg.
The web page lists all incumbent legislators who have not signed the petition launched on July 21st by Senator Jeffrey Piccola. Also listed are the Harrisburg and district office phone numbers of the legislators to enable Pennsylvanians to easily contact them.
"We're stunned that more legislators have not yet signed the petition," said Russ Diamond, chairman of the group. "There are 55 freshman legislators in Harrisburg, most of whom were elected in 2006 based on their campaign promises of reform. We're especially disappointed with the individuals that PACleanSweep backed who have not signed on."
More fun from the corruption indictments below, as it turns out that even within the last couple months, Jack Kelly appeared to be introducing legislation that was a direct result of his Chief of Staff being bribed. It turns out that besides the New River City Development, a stupid, weird, hulking development that is out of place in Philly, these developers were buying off Kelly's office for... mechanical parking garages. Nice.
As the City Paper notes, way back in June of 2006, Jack Kelly was introducing legislation that appears to be a direct result of his chief of staff being bribed. Then, he got questioned by the FBI in January about these guys, yet...
...on June 12, 2008, Kelly introduced another piece of legislation (text here) that created a "new definition for 'Mechanical Access Parking Garage' and adding it as a permitted use in certain residential, commercial, and industrial districts." The bill was referred to the committee on rules, and Council won't meet again until September.
So, the burning question: did the FBI mention mechanical parking garages to Kelly when they questioned him about Wright? (It was obviously part of the investigation.) And if they did, why was Kelly still pushing a type of legislation that that investigators later linked to Wright and the Chawla brothers?
If half of what is being reported is true, Jack Kelly needs to resign. Here he was, actually introducing bills as a direct result of bribes going to chief of staff?
And, once again, we also see just how cheap it is to buy someone off in Philadelphia:
According to the indictment, Wright received a $1,000 check marked "Happy Holidays" from Hardeep Chawla, in December 2005; rent-free use of a Rittenhouse Square apartment for a time in 2006 and 2007, as well as a free parking space; and free legal services from Teitelman for an eviction proceeding and divorce.
So, you cut the guy a check for a thousand, give him a little apartment in a building you own, and as a result, you have a City Councilman doing your bidding. Now that is smart investing.
Via Catherine Lucey of the Daily News, we get word that there are some new indictments coming out of City Council's chambers today, this time courtesy of the Chief of Staff of GOP Councilman, Jack Kelly:
City Councilman Jack Kelly's chief, Chris Wright, and three men involved in local land development were indicted this morning on federal corruption charges. Federal investigators say Wright used his post to help real estate developers Ravinder and Hardeep Chawla and their attorney Andrew Teitelman. Wright, the indictment said, received $16,000 in cash, gifts, a free apartment near Rittenhouse square and free legal services.
How about this? How about some statements from City Councilpeople that when staffers are indicted, it is an indictment on how they, too, are running their offices? I know there is a level of collegiality involved in City Council, and I am sure it is somewhat necessary. But at some point, the 'good apples' are going to have to realize that staying quiet when their colleagues bring embarrassment to their whole legislative body, and to our city, is just not OK.
I know that when previous indictments (and later guilty pleas) came out of Donna Miller's office, I received emails from multiple staffers saying that they wish they could speak out, because the job they took pride in was being denigrated.
Maybe it is time for their bosses to step up to the plate?
Has Pennsylvania's highest court been compromised by greed and political corruption? A year ago, when I first got involved with working to keep casinos out of Philadelphia neighborhoods, I might have been shocked by the very idea. Now the question seems appropriate.
On Monday, the League of Women Voters (“LWV”) filed a federal law suit that makes a stunning allegation: it alleges that former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ralph Cappy secretly met with legislative leaders and struck a deal to uphold the constitutionality of Pennsylvania's slots casino bill in return for a pay hike in the form of . . . wait for it . . . the now infamous pay raise of 2006. Furthermore, the complaint asserts that these types of alleged shenanigans date back a decade to the mid-nineties. Check out the LWV case by clicking here.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that both the gaming act and the pay raise were passed by the General Assembly through a process called "gut-and-replace" whereby a law is stripped of its original language and intent, and rushed to a vote without the mandated three days of public review in both the House and the Senate. This is a clear violation of Article 3 of the Constitution and last year a lower court struck down a perfectly nice 2002 hate-crimes bill, finding the "gut-and-replace" tactic to be unconstitutional.
Though some observers have questioned whether the LWV's case will succeed, few familiar with the history of the court's decisions regarding casinos are shocked or surprised by the accusations that the Court might have lost its independence.
Is it true? If not, why would a respected nonpartisan group such as the League of Women Voters put its reputation on the line? And their case isn't the only place where you can hear these questions raised about justices and injustice.
Take this month's Philadelphia Magazine story about the feud between former friends and political allies Senator Vince Fumo and SugarHouse investor Richard Sprague as exhibit B. In his article, Robert Huber explains that:
These days, Dick Sprague helps watch over the State Supreme Court from his perch on its disciplinary committee, which is chaired by Bill Lamb, an ex-justice who is one of Sprague's closest friends. So close that Fumo sometimes referred to them in phone conversation as the "tennis player" – Sprague–and his partner–Lamb.
Well guess what? You can cue up the spooky music because Bill Lamb is also an investor in SugarHouse. Huber goes on to slyly note that the gambling bill written by Fumo in 2004 has "a provision that legal challenges get fast-tracked past the lower courts and go right to the Supremes. At press-time, in the 11 separate matters involving SugarHouse that have been decided by the court, the casino has gotten favorable rulings 11 times."
Get ready for ruling number 12.
At the end of his last term, Mayor John Street granted SugarHouse Casino a license to build on 11 acres of riparian land along the Delaware River despite the fact that under current law only the state legislature, not the city, has the legal authority to lease these riparian lands. (For a more detailed account of the case, check out this Plan Philly article.) Mayor Michael Nutter, Philadelphia City Council, and members of Philadelphia's legislative delegation, including Representatives Mike O'Brien and Bill Keller and Senator Fumo now are asserting in court that Street overstepped his legal authority. If SugarHouse wins its 12th legal case, it will be in blatant defiance of existing law, our city officials, state officials and basic common sense.
If the allegations in the League of Women Voters' case are true, then does that put all the casino cases under a cloud of suspicion? Is the Delaware riverfront being held hostage to a political conspiracy?
So what to do? To save democracy and declare our independence just like our fore-fathers did in 1773, Casino-Free Philadelphia is throwing a Tea Party.
The first step is to shine a light. The SugarHouse case could be decided as soon as today, so we're sending the Supremes a message to let them know we are watching. We expect the Court to operate within the very same laws that they are sworn to uphold.
Here is how our Tea Party will work: If you donate to Casino-Free Philadelphia, we will put your name and personalized message on a card, enclose an actual tea bag, and mail it to the Supreme Court. The minimum donation is $1 to cover the costs of postage, materials and tea! Click here to take part. Additional funds donated will be used by Casino-Free Philadelphia to help fund all their efforts to keep casinos out of Philadelphia's neighborhoods.
We will also deliver the names and messages of those who participate to City Council, our legislators, and Mayor Nutter to thank them for standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Philadelphia and to let them know that we will continue to resist.
If the Supreme Court is dealing away our democracy and refusing to uphold the law, then maybe our city has no choice but to revolt, peaceably of course.
It appears more bad news is on the horizon for Philadelphia's favorite union leader, John Dougherty. After his surprising, yet refreshing, defeat in the recent State Senate primary, it appears he will now be subject to the indictments hinted at by the Larry Farnese campaign.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported today:
"Federal prosecutors yesterday urged a judge to reject a request for immunity for labor leader John J. Dougherty, saying such a move could jeopardize the "possible future prosecution" of the electrical workers' union boss...
Gus Dougherty, 42, president of Dougherty Electric Inc., is accused of violating the federal Taft-Hartley Act by selling John Dougherty a North Wildwood condo for $24,000 under market value and by performing $115,600 worth of electrical work without charge at his Philadelphia home."
Sounds like a regular Vince Fumo, and also sounds like Dougherty is in serious trouble. If he's not granted immunity, he could face serious consequences from the federal government.
Let's hope Farnese actually means change when he says it, unlike Doc, who's campaign slogan of "real change, real results" now sounds like a complete and total sham.
It is time for Tony Payton to do the right thing, and withdraw from his bid for the 179th District. Corruption cannot be tolerated by anyone!
Payton signed off as the circulator on a petition that had FIVE DEAD PEOPLE signed on, and his OPPONENT'S MOTHER. His opponent's mother has already said she didn't sign the petition.
This is clearly a kitchen table job, something that the Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has recently taken very seriously. Although this issue is starting to draw significant attention, it appears that his friends are working hard to silence any criticism.
HOW IS THIS ACCEPTABLE? Has anyone heard a reasonable explanation for dead people signed on? Or an opponent's mother? How is this different than the Bebko-Jones case? Also, since these same names were on the petition for state rep. as well as for delegate for Obama, this is both a state and federal issue?
So, where is the outrage? Where is the call for an explanation?
Oh, Donna, where can you be? Where can you be? -Richie Valens
A month ago, I wrote that with yet another person indicted for corruption in her office, Donna Miller was still oddly silent. In the comments, I was told:
This post sounds like your still bitter about your dad losing in the primary election....
The latest former staff member is just an indictment and doesn't equate to a conviction, isn't even qualify that she committed any illegal acts, just that the Federal Prosecutor Patrick Meehan has enough to warrant a trial.
In this case Donna Reed Miller shouldn't say anything.The councilwoman trusted her enough to have her on staff as did City Controller Alan Butkovitz who has been doing a great job at finding corruption.
Until the case is heard in a courtroom and decided upon there is nothing to talk about.
And:
Aside from the past election, Councilwoman Miller shouldn't be speaking about the pending trial or anyone related to it.If the woman is found not guilty people might have to re-think alot about what they say.
This is why there is a court process to determine the guilt or innocence of a person, none of us here or anyone besides the judge and or jury has the right to make a determination on charges.
A Philadelphia woman pleaded guilty on Friday to extorting more than $5,000 in cash and a cell phone in exchange for services she was required to provide as a city employee.
Charges were filed against Theresa Pinkett last month, who is alleged to have extorted $5,000 in cash and a cell phone from 2001 to 2003 while serving as a constituent services representative for City Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller. Pinkett is also alleged to have extorted $1,200 in cash from September to December of last year while serving as a community specialist in the Community Affairs Division for the City Controller's Office. No wrongdoing is alleged by others in Reed's office or the Controller's Office.
Okey dokey, so, guilty as charged. Maybe now we could get a simple quote saying, "I am sorry that someone under my employment used their position to extort money from the public. I apologize, and assure my constituents this breach of trust will not happen again."
Think that will happen? Doubtful.
And by the way, an almost instant guilty plea, followed by...
Sentencing is scheduled for April 18 for Pinkett, who faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
I don't really know how federal sentencing works. Maybe people are really busy. But, a delay that long in sentencing makes it seem like maybe, just maybe, there is something else that we may be hearing about soon.
We’ve entered an ugly phase in the fight against casinos. Our lame duck mayor has tried to paint the city into a corner through backroom deals. The casinos, desperate to break ground before Mayor Nutter takes office, have their public relations machines beating the drums of inevitability in the hopes that the citizens will simply give up. Furthermore, a recent spate of articles have attempted to brand those of us who continue to oppose these casinos as a bunch of crazies who care more about traffic congestion or saving the “soul” of the city than cutting property taxes and creating jobs.
"It is an honor just to be nominated."
-Lying award show losers.
Following my ode to Donna 'See No Evil' Miller, now we find that out that our very own Vince Fumo has been nominated for an award. OK, so it is not an Oscar. And it is not an award for best local governance, or most creative use of staff time (well, it sort of is).
In fact, national blog Talking Points Memo has nominated our own Vinsanity as a nominee in the 'best local scandal' category of their annual awards show.
Let's all be honest here, Vince Fumo is no Susan Lucci. He will accept nothing less than a win. And, if he wins, Fumo could be at a kick-ass awards after-party with national nominees such as Alberto Gonzales and Larry Craig.
Oh, Donna, where can you be? Where can you be? -Richie Valens
A few years back, Donna Miller's Chief of Staff, Steven Vaughan, pled guilty in a pay-to-play tax racket that he ran out of Miller's office. I don't know about you, but if I ran an office, and my chief of staff used that office's powers for a little corruption, I might apologize for a violation of the public trust.
This is about as repentant as Donna Miller gets about the incident:
“You have to trust your staff when you run an office,” she said. “You just don’t know every second what everyone is doing.”
Now of course, we learned that another former Miller aide has been charged for activities from within that office. In the grand scheme of the City, a $5,000 extortion from a Councilwoman's office is not the reason that our schools suck, poverty is high, and the city is shrinking. But, this type of BS is symptomatic of so much of what is wrong with our political system, and certain actors within it.
And, once again, Miller was very willing to discuss the latest alleged bout of corruption within her office:
Miller, who faced a serious primary challenge last May but breezed to re-election last month, did not return Daily News calls seeking comment.
Oh, Donna. With corruption a seemingly normal part of your City Council office, where can you be?
As if proposing legislation to stifle the First Amendment was not enough, Councilman Darrel Clarke (along with Council President Anna Verna) recently introduced legislation to strike at one of Philadelphian's most treasured institutions - their Wawa's.
And Starbucks.
And Rita's Water Ice.
And every mom-and-pops little sandwich shop, deli, small restaurant, neighborhood coffee house, bakery, pizza shop, taqueria, noodle shop, Chinese take-out - in-short anything the zoning code defines as a "small retail food establishment" or "take-out restaurant."
The bill, #70913, would redefine all of these types of establishments as falling under the "Regulated Uses" portion of the zoning code, the portion of the code that covers commercial uses like:
Today, my reform campaign ran the second of a series of full page ads in the Daily News where I poked fun at State Senator Vince Fumo's alleged misuse of taxpayer and charity money for personal and political purposes. (The Daily News is 60 cents - go buy a copy. They have a nice comics section.)
Though the fraud and corruption detailed in the Fumo indictment are dramatic and infuriating, the issues in Harrisburg are much larger than Fumo himself. The problem is that our legislature is broken, unwilling to operate in the light of day, and unable to reform itself.
For too long, Pennsylvania government has been corrupt and content, and the voters have grown frustrated. When the General Assembly gave itself an illegal pay raise in a late night vote on fourth of July weekend in 2006, voters of all political stripes joined together in a populist revolt and threw out dozens of lawmakers from around the state.
Philadelphia, PA, Nov. 27 -- Today, the Anne Dicker for State Senate Campaign is running the first in a series of three full-page ads aimed at educating voters about the particulars of the Vince Fumo indictment. The three full-page ads will run on successive Tuesdays with the next two running in the Daily News on December 4 and 11.
One would have to assume that this can't be good for Vince Fumo:
n a surprising move, Richard A. Sprague and his firm asked today for permission to withdraw as lawyers for indicted state Sen. Vincent J. Fumo.
The request comes just three weeks after U.S. District Judge William Yohn ruled that Sprague and his firm, Sprague & Sprague, can represent Fumo, despite conflicts of interests alleged by prosecutors, as long as Fumo waives and acknowledges any such conflicts in court. Yohn had set such a hearing for later this month.
Instead, Sprague and colleagues Mark Sheppard and Geoffrey Johnson filed a motion this morning, seeking to withdraw.
Withdrawing from a case is pretty unusual. Not that it doesn't happen, but, considering that these guys were just fighting the government's request to remove them as Fumo's lawyers, this is pretty weird. I have no idea why (and as the article notes, we will probably never know), but Sprague is a Philly super-lawyer, feared by many. Losing him has to hurt.
That said, not to go down this road again, but if Vince did everything that was alleged and is convicted, we will both likely have justice served, and lose quite a lot of clout and state resources coming from from Harrisburg, especially when Rendell hits the road too.
Today, my reform campaign ran the second of a series of full page ads in the Daily News where I poked fun at State Senator Vince Fumo's alleged misuse of taxpayer and charity money for personal and political purposes. (The Daily News is 60 cents - go buy a copy. They have a nice comics section.)
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