October 21-27, 2004

political notebook

by Mary F. Patel

Central Points

The Center City Residents Association (CCRA) held their annual confab Oct. 12 at Freeman’s. Celebrating downtown life, CCRA President Lou Coffey enumerated some of the hot topics in which the powerful civic association has been involved of late.

One big change they've made is in the rules for what developers must present when seeking CCRA approval for a project in Center City. Though the group isn't a government agency, developers bring their plans to them first to get community support before going to the zoning board.

An increase in housing development left association members to establish guidelines governing projects that will involve demolition of existing properties. Coffey said that when demolition is involved, the developer must have all permits in place -- including financing -- to avoid a time gap between demolition and building.

CCRA tries to ensure that developers undertaking projects in Center City also enhance the streetscape, expand the amount of retail space and enhance the facade -- particularly when above-ground parking garages are involved. They also try to get developers to pay for public art.

Potential new construction or conversions in the neighborhood include the former Locust Club, 1700 Rittenhouse Square, 15th and Chestnut streets and the old AAA garage on 23rd Street between Chestnut and Market.

The event also seemed to be a magnet for politicians rumored to be contemplating mayoral runs in 2007, including City Controller Jonathan Saidel and Councilmen Jim Kenney, Michael Nutter and Frank Rizzo.

Friday Night Lights

On Friday, Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club hosted a fund-raiser at Transit Nightclub for their get-out-the-vote efforts. Guests included the ubiquitous Saidel and city Councilman Frank DiCicco, who said he has not ruled out a mayoral run.

Liberty City co-chairs Renee Gilinger and Michael Marsico honored state Treasurer Barbara Hafer for supporting their issues. Hafer, however, could not attend because her husband, Jack Pidgeon, is recovering from successful bypass surgery.

Rendell accepted the award on behalf of Hafer, a former Republican who switched parties. The governor pointed out that she has always supported choice and the gay community, even though it was unpopular with her former party.

"It's just my informed guess that she plans to run against U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum," said Rendell. (Santorum is up for re-election in 2006).

Hafer is finishing the last year of her second term and is barred by state charter from seeking another term. As for the upcoming elections, Rendell said, "Your ass is on the line," and said he expected colossal Democratic turnout.

Former city Councilman Angel Ortiz, always an advocate for gay rights, said that many have talked to him about running for an at-large seat in 2007, when several council members may resign to seek the mayor's office. Ortiz, who said he's considering those overtures, lost his at-large seat in last year's primary election.

U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel, who is running for U.S. Senate against Specter, made a late stop. He pointed out that while former President Bill Clinton appointed 120 high-level, openly gay public officials, President George W. Bush has tapped none.

"President Bush has made a lot of broken promises and should be held accountable," said Hoeffel.

Also on Friday night, down in Pennsport, Pennsylvania Log Cabin Republicans hosted a fund-raiser for Specter, who is in a close race with Hoeffel.

Specter arrived after canvassing at Doc's Union Pub on Second Street, which owned by Local 98 electricians' union head John Dougherty. (The union endorsed Specter).

The party was held at the home of former GOP ward leader Karen Chizeck, who is involved with the Republican Majority for Choice. Specter talked about how he favors civil rights and stem cell research legislation.

Chizeck said that the event brought in about $10,000, which included a $4,000 check from the national Log Cabin group. Pennsylvania Log Cabin chairman Michael Stara said that Specter is the only Republican to co-sponsor hate crimes legislation and is working to pass the bill nationally.

Specter also was endorsed by OutFront!, a bipartisan gay and lesbian lobbying organization.

Kerry-ing Favor

While the CCRA did their thing in Center City, a fund-raiser for Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry was going down at the Franklin Institute. Kerry wasn’t there, but Gov. Ed Rendell showed up along with Kerry’s stepson, Chris Heinz.

The lone potential mayoral wannabe on hand was Saidel, whom Rendell invited onstage to make remarks about Kerry. Insiders are saying that Rendell will support Saidel with, among other things, massive campaign contributions, should Saidel choose to run. (He has yet to publicly declare his intentions).

Sharif Street managed to appear alongside Rendell and Saidel, but there's no word on whether he plans to succeed his father, Mayor John Street.

When Heinz appeared front and center, all the women got so tittery that nobody could hear a word the cute potential "first stepson" said.