Go to any major city in the world and you will likely find a main square, plaza, park or piazza. Depending on the season, you will see dozens of people in those places, enjoying the sun, or shade, eating lunch, talking to friends and, some, simply people watching. You will hear musicians singing or playing, artists drawing or painting and children running around or riding bikes. These things make a city great.

Rittenhouse Square and Philadelphia are no different. On any given spring, summer or fall weekend, individuals and families descend on this city jewel. And, I for one go to enjoy the whole park—including its musicians. So, when I learned that Anthony Riley, a young man who can sing “Summertime” like I have never heard, was arrested and spent 18 hours in a holding cell for singing, I was confused. For years I’ve enjoyed walking through the park and had neither seen nor heard a commotion related to musicians.

Yesterday, May 19, 2007, I proudly participated in a http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/20070502_Jill_Porter___On_the_Sq...
">great rally held to support music in Rittenhouse—and other parks in the city. After discussing the matter with representatives from the police department, we learned that, playing music in the park is okay—provided it is between certain hours (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.) and that the crowd is not too large (I believe 75 is the point in which a permit is required). While these regulations seem reasonable, it is hard to understand why Anthony Riley was arrested at all. He was confronted by an officer an hour BEFORE the cut-off!

I wanted to put this on a seperate thread because I think its worth mentioning. Earlier I talked about how well the Liberty City endorsement committee evaluated the candidate responses and presented their recommendations to membership. Many times during the discussion, there were opportunities to learn about some of the candidate's past work and specifically their support for LGBT issues. One such example was when we were discussing council at large and Jim Kenney was brough up for endorsement. During discussion the Councilman was praised by former City Councilman Angel Ortiz, who recalled that when he (Ortiz) introduced the first lequal rights legislation in Council there was only him and Jim Kenney in support. He went on to explain that in his opinion, it took alot of guts for an Irish Catholic from South Philly who was a mummer to look the cardinal in the face and support equal rights. He called this leadership, in the face of extreme pressue, "incredible".

I was wondering if anyone had a chance to read Mark Scolforo's article from last friday on the panel recommendation that the State House make all its financial records available in electronic form, phase out private vehicle leases for lawmakers, and limit the time lawmakers have to get reimbursed for their expenses. Very interesting piece. I have included some of the article here and would like to know what people think about the recommendation as well as reasons not to support it.

From the article:

...The Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform rejected one idea promoted by critics of the legislature - a ban on using incumbents' names or images in public service announcements. The critics call the paid television time thinly disguised campaign ads.

If the entire House approves the spending-records proposal, the public can request an e-mail with information about all state representatives' expense records as well as the accounts controlled by the two parties' leaders.

When I read Mark Scolforo's piece today in the Inquirer, I almost fell out of my chair. In his article he explains that there are 36 former state lawmakers who retired or were booted out last year collecting lump sum payments totaling nearly $4million. One of the Reps Scalforo mentions is William Rieger, whose seat is now held by my good friend Tony Payton. After 20 years, he got a one time lump sum of $369,000 with an annual pension of $115,00. Guess what? There are members right now with MORE years than him! What will they get when they retire or lose an election? Think about that. A lump sum payment and then $115,000 a year plus benefits ! And that has nothing to do with how effective they have been while in office! And here is another fact: some of these people (if not most of them) gave us CASINOS in the middle of the night in July of 2004!

We have had quite a year. The Democrats have taken over the State House and we have re-elected our Governor by an overwhelming majority. Now, what do we do next? What will be our agenda as we move forward and see our Governor cash in some of that political capital earned through his hard work and great results. What are your ideas for an agenda moving forward? What legislation would you like to see passed and why is it important to you in shaping Pennsylvania's future? In other words, your "wish list". Here are some of my ideas for legislation which I think is important to shaping Pennsylvania's future.

Legislation which clearly prohibits discrimination based upon gender and sexual orientation.

Although its hard to believe, Pennsylvania state law is not entirely clear on gender based discrimination. What we have is an "executive order" which protects state employees from discrimination where same is based upon identity and expression. Further, Pennsylvania does not clearly and explicity address discrimination directed at sexual orientation in the employment context. Again, an Executive Order is in place which protects state employees from discrimination baed upon sexual orientation.

Today has been a crazy day in Harrisburg, to say the least. In the midst of all the dealings and counter-moves, lets not forget that today is a very special day for our new state reps-Tony Payton, Bryan Lentz, Rick Taylor and many others who we supported right here on YPP. When I think about whats going on up in Harrisburg, it makes me proud to know that these guys, and others like them, represent whats good about our party. The past few weeks have been rough, specifically with the casino announcements and the days leading up to the vote on speaker of the House. But today, we should all be proud because in a way we won. For once, some our folks are taking the oath and pushing those buttons in Harrisburg. I know its hard, but lets try not to forget that as we move forward into the new year and the new legislative term.

As we all know, Open Spaces is an issue which is very important throughout Philadelphia and is well blogged on YPP. I wanted to give the YPP community some info on 2 projects which I am concerend about and hopefully others will check out.
First, there is a community meeting scheduled for November 30 at 7pm in The Mayor's Reception Room-202 City Hall entitled "Open Space Matters". This is one meeting in a series which specifically will address the neighborhoods of: Old City/Society Hill/Chinatown/Wash/ Square/Logan Square and Rittenhouse Square. We as neighborhoods and residents of these communities are going to have a chance to share our thoughts about the future of green spaces in our communities. I want to work to make Green Spaces a focul point in the upcomoming May elections and think this is a great opportunity to let the candiates know what we are thinking. Some of the folks who attended the Skuykill Banks Community Meeting last week spoke about this event and it should be very informative.

As I was walking home tonight something finally hit home-wow, what crazy ride this last election year has been. For me, tomorrow is a day that I have been thinking about, in one way, shape or form for almost 2 years. My experience up through the May Primary was incredible. After the primary, I refocused and poured all my efforts to helping the causes and some of the candidates that we read about right here. I also had the pleasure of getting to know alot of the people who are contributers to YPP. People like Tony Payton, Ray Murphy, Hannah Miller, Marc Stier, Gaetano, Vern, Sam Durso, Anne, I could go on and on but the important thing, at least for me, is that I had a real chance to get to know these people. We all had an opportunity to talk and in some cases, work together, on causes which we both shared. I look forward to getting to know many more people as we turn to the next election cycle and move forward to the Presidential in 2008. This really is a great site, run and used by people who really care the issues which are important in our lives.

I know its been a long campaign season and every one is just plain tired. Tonight, however, before hitting the PFC Meeting, why not stop by Finnigan's Wake from 6-7:30 and help support Brendan Boyle and Bryan Lentz. These guys are closing in on beating 2 long time incumbent rebublicans and will help the dems take back the state House. Tony and Patton and I are hosting the event with a requested min. contribution of $50.00 but we will take whatever you can afford. Also, you can sign up for election day help if you have time next Tuesday.
If meeting Tony Patton isn't enough to get you out, I hear that Vern Anastasio may make an appearance as well. Wow, Boyle, Lentz, Payton and Anastasio-now thats one heck of a line up!!!!! So please stop by and help these guys out in any way you can. Thanks again.

We have been talking about it forever and now with less than 2 weeks until the election, here is a chance to help 2 candidates win elections gainst incumbent republicans. Tony Payton and I are hosting a fund raiser for Bryan Lentz and Brendan Boyle on November 1, at Finnigan's Wake 3rd & Spring Garden Streets, Philadelphia, PA at 6:00pm.
Bryan is an Iraq War Veteran and Major in the US Army who wants to serve us in Harrisburg. He has knocked on close to 14,000 doors to date and is ahead in the polls to knock off a twenty-eight year incumbent. You can give him the extra infusion of campaign funding he needs to ensure victory by attending this event ($50 suggested contribution minimum). Brendan F. Boyle is the only other candidate who has knocked on as many doors and is already ahead in the polls. Boyle serves as a Legislative aide to State Senator Stack and has advised the Navy on defense policy. It is evident both candidates display strong leadership and offer practical solutions. There is an opportunity to take back the House, and Brendan and Bryan can lead the way.

Its official- Tony has won, yet again. The Supreme Court of PA has denied Vazquez's appeal. Tony Payton, Jr. is the Democratic Candidate for the General Election for State Representative in the 179th Legislative District!!
Congrats Tony. Let me also throw a plug out to Tony's hard working legal counsel Scott Sigman, Esq. Great Job!!!!

I just heard the good news-the Commonwealth Court has reversed the decision of the common pleas court and has ordered the Secretary of the Commonwealth to certify Tony as the Democratic candidate for the 179th! Congratulations Tony!!!!

Update (from Dan): The article:

The Commonwealth Court today ordered the name of grass roots candidate Tony Payton Jr. to appear on the Nov. 7 election ballot as the Democratic nominee for the state house seat in North Philadelphia's 179th District.

The decision overturned a lower court decision that had awarded 52 write-in votes to Emilio Vasquez, the party-backed candidate who had waged a write-in campaign.

If your in the area, I am helping Ray Murphy and PAS tonight with a presentation at Kennedy House located 1901 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, at 7pm. We will be in the community/meeting room. There will be light refreshments provided. Stop by if you have some time!

Larry Farnese

On Friday October I am co-hosting a fund raiser for Brendan Boyle's at the law firm Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell at 6pm. Its located at 1 Penn Center, 19th Floor in Philadelphia. We are asking for a minimum contribution of $50.00 and there will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments and food provided. Brendan really needs our help right now to make the last push for victory against an entrenched and well funded Republican. Brendan is on his way to the State House but we need to help him out right now! Please try and join us on Friday.

Also, I attended a fundraiser last night for Tony Payton who today is ready for his appeal to the Commonwealth Court. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you today Tony and we look forward to hearing GOOD NEWS later today!!!!

Recently I visited Brian Lentz's web site and checked out his new TV ad. www.votelentz.com. Bryan is another Dem who really needs our support and is running a great race with a real shot to take out a Republican.

I had the pleasure of meeting Brendan during the primary and I think he is great candidate who is running an impressive race against an entrenched incumbent. I know Brendan has been mentioned here before at YPP and many are supporters of his campaign. Brendan and I caught up at the recent Young Dems event and I thought I would give him another mention and ask people to consider helping him raise money, specifically since his opponent is very well funded. Recently, Brendan's campaign was described as the "best campaign in the Philadelphia area" by some of the Harrisburg press. I know he is out there every day, knocking on doors and talking to the voters. We have a great chance here to pick up a seat which has been held by a republican for far too long. You can check out his web site at www.voteboyle.com. His campaign address is: Friends of Brendan Boyle, P.O. Box 11659, Philadelphia Pa. 19116.