Former City Records Department Clerk Charged with Bribery

Inspector General Calls for Restitution of More Than $600,000

A former Philadelphia Records Department clerk and three other individuals were charged with bribery today in connection with a corrupt scheme to sell and obtain police incident, traffic accident, and emergency medical services reports that defrauded the City of more than $600,000, announced Philadelphia Inspector General Amy L. Kurland, U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jan Fedarcyk.

The federal informations allege that Kelly Kaufmann Layre, a Clerk Typist II in the Police Reports Unit, provided thousands of incident, accident, and EMS reports to Tina Meyrick, Paul Kling and Brian Daly at a significantly reduced rate in exchange for cash payments. Layre abused her position as a public employee to pocket nearly $186,000 from the four-year scheme, according to the informations.

If convicted of all charges, Layre, Meyrick, Kling, and Daly could each face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, a $100 special assessment, and full restitution to the City of Philadelphia.

“More than $600,000 was stolen from the city at the height of the City’s financial crisis, and many programs are still suffering from the cuts that have been made,” Kurland said. “It is crucial that we recover these funds and spend them on projects that benefit all Philadelphians.”

Kurland said this should send a message that City employees must uphold the public trust at all times in their official duties.

The charges were the result of an investigation initiated by the Philadelphia Office of Inspector General and conducted jointly with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Records Department Commissioner Joan Decker cooperated with the investigation. The OIG and Commissioner Decker are developing safeguards to prevent similar schemes in the future.

The indictment was filed in federal court because the Department of Records receives federal funding.

CODE FOR AMERICA SELECTS PHILADELPHIA TO PARTICIPATE IN “FELLOWS PROGRAM” TO DEVELOP CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT WEB APPLICATION

Philadelphia, July 28, 2010 – The City of Philadelphia is one of only five cities to be selected by Code for America for their inaugural, one-year Fellows program. Through a competitive application process, Code for America chose five cities that reflect a deep understanding of the potential that a citizen engagement web platform can deliver. The cities chosen for the first ever Code for America Fellows program cycle are Philadelphia, PA; Boston, MA; the District of Columbia; Seattle, WA; and Boulder, CO. Philadelphia was selected due to strong leadership, innovative concepts for more efficient, transparent and participatory web applications, and a willingness to invest in long-term change.

“Philadelphia looks forward to working with Code for America and these four bold, innovative cities over the next year and a half to develop a web platform that takes technological transparency and civic engagement to new heights,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

During the summer, Code for America will conduct initial brainstorming sessions with each city. With oversight by Code for America, key stakeholders will meet with web industry innovators to further develop proposed conceptual projects. In February 2011, five web development Fellows will begin work in Philadelphia. Additionally, the Fellows program will facilitate sustained dialogue and partnership between the five selected cities. The five cities will be working collaboratively on distinct but related applications that can be shared at the end of the program.

Allan Frank, the City’s Chief Technology Officer and head of the Division of Technology, is excited about the high-level programming expertise that Code for America Fellows will bring. “We are talking Star Wars here; Philadelphia will have the benefit of a group of ‘Jedi Master’ technologists that will augment the Division’s existing web-development capacity, facilitating the creation of a powerful, interactive citizen engagement tool that will increase connectivity and the exchange of information between the City government, residents, and visitors.”

About Code for America
Code for America helps city governments increase transparency, become more efficient, and enhance citizen participation by connecting the talents of cutting-edge web developers with people who deliver city services and want to embrace the transformative power of the web to achieve more impact with less money. Inspired in part by Teach for America, CFA works with city officials and leading web development talent to identify and then develop web solutions that can then be shared and rolled out more broadly to cities across America. http://codeforamerica.org

Code for America is now accepting applications for its 2011 fellows program. If you’re a developer, designer, product manager, data wrangler or researcher who wants to make a difference, this is your opportunity to build a new generation of Gov 2.0 apps to make city governments work better.

Inside the tech industry and beyond, Code for America fellows will be known as part of a select group of individuals able to realize transformational change to government work better for us all.

Applications are due August 15th, 2010. Please see http://codeforamerica.org/fellows for details.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR NUTTER

Philadelphia, July 28 – Following the verdict of a Common Pleas jury earlier today finding two defendants guilty in the first degree murder of Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, Mayor Michael A. Nutter issued the following statement:

“At this time, our focus is on Sgt. Steve Liczbinski and his wife and family. Nothing that has happened today can take away the pain and anguish all of us have felt since May 3, 2008 when Steve was assassinated. My prayers and thoughts are with Steve’s wife, Michelle, and their children Matt, Stephen and Amber and their families. We’ve lost a hero and a good man who for 12 years served the public with honor, bravery and fidelity.

The jury will now be instructed by Common Pleas Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes to begin deliberations in the penalty phase to determine whether the two convicted defendants will face death by lethal injection or life in prison without parole. We all await the jury’s decision.”

MAYOR NUTTER APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBER TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Philadelphia, July 27 – Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that he has appointed James J. Cuorato to serve on the board of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia (RDA). James Cuorato will serve as the board’s Second Vice Chair, replacing the Honorable Roxanne E. Covington who has resigned.

“The RDA plays a central role in promoting the City’s ongoing economic recovery. Its work protects the unique character of our neighborhoods and brings jobs and affordable housing to Philadelphians,” said Mayor Nutter. “Jim brings decades of invaluable public and private sector development experience to the RDA Board, and I look forward to working with him in the weeks and months to come.”

The four other members of the RDA board are Mayor Nutter, Asia Coney, Wendell Pritchett and Jennifer Rodriguez. The board meets monthly.

James Cuorato is President and CEO of the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC). Prior to joining the IVCC, he was the Vice President of Urban Development at Brandywine Realty Trust. He has previously served as City Representative and Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia under Mayor John F. Street’s Administration. He started his career as a Project Manager at the City’s Redevelopment Authority.

MAYOR NUTTER LAUNCHES Let’s Read. Let’s Move. Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA’S FIRST SUMMER OF SERVICE CHALLENGE

Philadelphia, June 27, 2010- Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that Philadelphia will participate in the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Summer of Service Challenge. The Corporation, in collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama and five federal agencies – U.S. Department of Education, Department of Interior, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture and Institute of Museums and Libraries – is challenging citizens of all ages to both seek out and develop volunteer opportunities designed to ensure that young people read, exercise and eat healthy food this summer. Philadelphia’s response to that challenge is Let’s Read. Let’s Move. Philadelphia., an initiative of the City’s Chief Service Officer carried out in partnership with a wide range of City agencies and partner organizations across the City.

“I am pleased to help announce Let’s Read. Let’s Move. Philadelphia., the City’s first summer service challenge,” said Mayor Nutter. “Last month I announced Catie C. Wolfgang as Philadelphia’s first Chief Service Officer. In a very short time, she has been instrumental in helping align Philadelphia’s many service and youth serving organizations to get young people moving and reading this summer.”

“I have been thrilled with the tremendous response from individuals and organizations across the City interested in getting behind this challenge,” said Catie C. Wolfgang. “As summer school, and many other summer opportunities, draw to a close at the end of July, it is more important than ever to leverage volunteers in ways that meet the academic, social and physical needs of our young people straight through to the first day of school.”

“Helping young people develop fit bodies and strong minds is critical to our nation’s future,” said Patrick Corvington, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Through this outstanding Let’s Read. Let’s Move. partnership, Philadelphia is rising to the challenge by coming together to make sure young people are reading, exercising, and eating healthy this summer.”

Lisa J. Nutter, President of Philadelphia Academies, Inc., and community organizations from across the City will be joined by The Corporation for National and Community Service’s Chief Strategy Officer, Heather Peeler, to help launch Let’s Read. Let’s Move. Philadelphia. this evening in the Lemon Hill section of Fairmount Park. This exciting and interactive event is being held in partnership with Students Run Philly Style as part of their Annual Summer Clinic Series. The event is free and open to the public. Adults are encouraged to attend with a young person in their family, neighborhood or organization.

Activities include:
Students Run Philly Style will host a Yoga & Cross Training Clinic facilitated by Dhyana Yoga and All Fitness.
Teens4Good will distribute vegetables grown in gardens across the City. Expert chefs from ARAMARK will be using those vegetables to prepare some tasty treats for event participants.
First Book will distribute 400 books in celebration of their donation of 170,000 books to the City of Philadelphia.
YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School students will help young people build desktop bookshelves.
Mural Arts Program will people of all ages in a painting project.
EducationWorks will lead a fun-filled fitness clinic for younger youth and their older youth/adult mentors.
Riverbend Environmental Education Center, sponsored by the Junior League of Philadelphia, will exhibit live animals and worm composting exploration.
Breaking Barriers will educate young people about rowing and Dragon Boat racing.
PARENT POWER! President Sylvia Simms will talk to parents about becoming a member of this exciting new parent driven organizing group.
The Fresh Grocer will be providing water and EducationWorks will be distributing healthy snacks.

Philadelphians can learn how to get involved with these groups and others, or submit their own volunteer opportunities, by visiting www.phila.gov/service/LetsReadLetsMove/ or by contacting Catie C. Wolfgang at 215.686.0317 or cso@phila.gov.
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About Corporation for National and Community Service
Let’s Read. Let’s Move. is an Administration-wide effort led by the Corporation to expand opportunities to engage young people in summer reading and physical activities as well as provide access to healthy, affordable food. The initiative aims to increase access to volunteer projects around reading; exercise, and healthy eating; provide toolkits and resources to help Americans develop high impact service projects; and build new partnerships to reach youth in big cities and rural communities. Go to www.serve.org/summer to learn more about Let’s Read. Let’s Move. and how everyday Americans can make a difference.

About First Book
First Book provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. An innovative leader in social enterprise, First Book has distributed more than 75 million free and low-cost books in thousands of communities. First Book has offices in the U.S. and Canada. For more information please visit www.firstbook.org.

About Students Run Philly Style
Students Run Philly Style is the only program in Philadelphia that offers marathon training to help young people succeed in life. We do this by connecting students with adult mentors who help them imagine and accomplish goals beyond their dreams, including the completion of a marathon. In addition to ongoing mentoring through running, Students Run Philly Style offers extensive leadership development, academic support and opportunities for summer internships. Students Run Philly Style is proud to partner with Julius King from All Fitness and Leila Zinni from Dhyana Yoga on its annual Summer Clinic Series.
About All Fitness
All Fitness is an exclusive personal training company based in and around the Philadelphia Area. Our specialties are to design and implement a program to facilitate your personal wishes and desires. Whether you are looking for general health and fitness related goals or an area of more specialization like sports performance or childhood obesity care.

About Julius King
As a performance coach, Julius brings a tremendous amount of experience. He has worked as a personal trainer, coached football camps, and trained high school, college, and professional athletes, including four international basketball players from Hungary who were preparing for the NBDL (National Basketball Developmental League), an international Basketball player (Wykeen Kelly) from the USA who has been league MVP and won a scoring title in his first two years of playing international basketball, as well as an NFL offensive linemen, Jahri Evans of the N.O. Saints. In addition, Julius has also trained individuals with mental illnesses as well as senior citizens.

About Dhyana Yoga
Dhyana Yoga in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania presents a modern, friendly, fun and accessible approach to the 5,000 year old practice of yoga while staying close to the traditional teachings of the ancient masters. We offer over 125 classes per week, workshops with nationally recognized yoga teachers each weekend, and many exciting opportunities for in-depth studies including a Yoga Alliance approved Teacher Certification program & Chopra Center Certified Meditation Courses with Dhyana. Join us for Vinyasa classes in the vigorous Ashtanga style (All Levels Vinyasa & Vinyasa Plus), Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, 101 classes for Beginners, Yin Vinyasa (a relaxing flow style), Anusara and Anusara style (Align & Flow), Creative Vinyasa Flow (Dynamic Flow, Jivamukti Style, Hatha, & Liquid Flow), AcroYoga and traditional Ashtanga Mysore classes, all led by caring and qualified teachers in welcoming settings.

PHILADELPHIA YOUNG PEOPLE RECEIVE 170,000 BOOKS FROM FIRST BOOK, IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE LITERACY

Philadelphia, June 27, 2010- Mayor Michael A. Nutter is proud to announce Fist Book’s donation of 170,000 books to the city of Philadelphia. First Book is a non-profit organization that provides new books to children in an effort to increase literacy by reducing one of the biggest barriers – access to books. The first donation of 400 books will be distributed tonight at the kick-off event for Philadelphia’s summer service challenge Let’s Read. Let’s Move. Philadelphia. For more information on how to receive donated books, interested schools and groups should visit www.firstbook.org/register. This gift was made possible through a generous contribution from Disney Publishing Worldwide, First Book National Advisory Council member Heather Steinmiller, and the supporters of the 2009 First Book gala, the Book Bash.

“Access to books is a key step to increasing literacy in the city of Philadelphia,” said Mayor Nutter. “I am so pleased that First Book has made this incredibly generous gift to Philadelphia. These books will have a positive impact on young people for the rest of their lives.”

“We are thrilled to be working with the City and School District of Philadelphia. Mayor Nutter’s vision and leadership for the community have truly opened the doors for First Book and our partners to provide these books – and millions more in the future – to kids who need them most,” said Kyle Zimmer, president of First Book.

First Book has distributed more than 65 million free and low-cost books in thousands of communities in the United States and Canada. In 2009 First Book Philly provided 21,568 books to 3,334 kids in the Greater Philadelphia area. The distribution of this summer’s record number of donated books is being coordinated by First Book through an instrumental partnership with the School District of Philadelphia.

First Book Philly is a completely volunteer organization; there are no salaries and no overhead, so every dollar contributed in a restricted gift can go directly to the purchase of books. To find out more or donate go to www.firstbook.org/firstbookphilly.

PHILADELPHIA TO LAUNCH Let’s Read. Let’s Move. Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA’S FIRST SUMMER OF SERVICE CHALLENGE

WHO: Lisa J. Nutter, President of Philadelphia Academies, Inc.
Catherine Wolfgang, Chief Service Officer
Stan Soloway, Board Member of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Other Partner Community Organizations
WHAT: Today, the City of Philadelphia begin participating in the Corporation for National and Community Service’s Summer of Service Challenge. The Corporation, in collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama and five federal agencies – U.S. Department of Education, Department of Interior, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture, and Institute of Museums and Libraries – is challenging citizens of all ages to both seek out and develop volunteer opportunities designed to ensure that young people read, exercise and eat healthy food this summer. Philadelphia’s response to that challenge is Let’s Read. Let’s Move. Philadelphia., an initiative of the City’s Chief Service Officer carried out in partnership with a wide range of City agencies and partner organizations across the City.
WHERE: Lemon Hill, Fairmont Park
Sedgeley Drive and Lemon Hill Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. – TONIGHT

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES THOUSANDS OF PHILADELPHIANS PUT TO WORK, MANY MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE

Way to Work Philadelphia! puts almost 2,700 adults to work in first 3 months

Philadelphia, July 22, 2010 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that the Way to Work Philadelphia! (WTWP) program launched in May has provided almost 2,700 adults with jobs, and that hundreds more job opportunities are still available. Speaking during a visit to a participating employer that has hired almost twenty people through the stimulus-funded program, Mayor Nutter urged Philadelphians looking for work to visit their local CareerLink office or call the job-seeker hotline to find out about job slots that are waiting to be filled.

“We are focused on putting Philadelphians back to work and through Way to Work Philadelphia almost 2,700 people who were previously unemployed have jobs this summer and are earning wages to support their families,” said Mayor Nutter. “Over 100 employers across the region have stepped up to take advantage of this program and so there are still hundreds of job opportunities available. If you’re looking for a job visit your local CareerLink or call 215-557-2625 so that you can get back to work.”

Mayor Nutter visited MEE Productions, a company that through WTWP has hired 18 adults as Community Action Team Coordinators to supervise the street outreach teams made up of Philadelphia youth who promote positive social and health messages to their peers and the broader community. MEE also hired 100 youth through WTWP to participate on the Community Action Street Teams.

“This collaboration is a good opportunity for people to work together and ultimately get people employed. MEE would not have been able to do this without WTWP,” said Alicia Jackson, Director of Operations for MEE. “This project has been fueled by the employees we have hired through WTWP, and that’s the collaboration. The dollars that WTWP is fueling into this surely help us by supplementing what we would have to bring to the table by way of the payroll that we would ultimately have to meet for this project. Overall, everybody wins.”

Since the City of Philadelphia, in partnership with the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board (PWIB) and the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corp. (PWDC), officially launched WTWP on May 19, 2,699 adults are working and earning wages through the program. They have earned almost $3.2 million in total already. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the program aims to jump-start job creation by subsidizing the wages of eligible individuals who are hired under the program.

Currently the program is set to last through September 30, 2010 when federal funding will end, however advocates and some legislators are working to push for an extension. Private, public and non-profit employers who participate will receive a 100% wage reimbursement (up to $13 per hour) for adult employees hired through this initiative.

Jobs must employ workers between 20 and 40 hours of work per week. The program cannot be used to fill positions behind laid off employees, displace current employees or impede promotional opportunities.

Individuals must be qualified as eligible for the program, which involves income verification and status of dependents. Eligibility will be determined at the point of service, where assessment and other job screening will also occur. To find out more, individuals should visit their local CareerLink office or call the Job Seeker Hotline at 215-557-2625.

Businesses that are interested in hiring workers through this program should visit the Way to Work Philadelphia! website at www.waytoworkphilly.org or call the Employer Hotline at 888-557-2535.

About MEE Productions
MEE Productions (Motivational Educational Entertainment) – Nationally recognized company that maintains a reputation for developing and executing highly effective communication strategies and tactics to reach and influence urban, ethnic and underserved audiences.

About the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation
The Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation (PWDC) is a private non-profit organization that has been providing quality employment services to the residents of Philadelphia for over thirty-five years. As the fiscal agent for federal and state employment and training dollars, PWDC invests resources in hundreds of job training providers and employers in the region to provide services to unemployed and underemployed individuals.

About the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board
Founded in 1999, the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board is a volunteer commission appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia with the legislated responsibility to govern the public workforce system in the city, including the CareerLink Centers. The organization that supports the commission – Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, Inc. – provides expertise in all facets of workforce development, and works to align the skills of the region’s labor force to meet the needs of industry, ultimately supporting the region’s growth and prosperity. The organization’s vision is a thriving and inclusive regional economy and its mission is to advocate and advance a demand-driven opportunity agenda that effectively prepares Philadelphians to compete in the economic mainstream.

MAYOR’S BOX ATTENDEES: SECOND QUARTER REPORT: APRIL – JUNE, 2010

Philadelphia, July 22 – The City of Philadelphia has released the names of those who received tickets to the Mayor’s Box from April 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 (second quarter, 2010).

The City’s ticket policy is the first time distribution of Mayor’s Box tickets has been governed by a written, public policy. It provides for the equitable distribution of complimentary tickets received by the City of Philadelphia.

Some highlights from the report are as follows:
• During the second quarter of 2010, Philadelphia charter, parochial and private high school students who received straight A’s or had perfect attendance during the second marking period of 2010 were given 249 tickets.
• During the second quarter of 2010, children from recreation centers, nonprofits and members affiliated with other groups who attended events in the Mayor’s Box at the Wachovia Center, Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and the Mann Center received a total of 381 tickets.
• 630 tickets or 53% of all Mayor’s Box tickets were given out to non-city related entities.
• 92% of all tickets that were available for use were distributed.
• From January 1- June 30, 2010, 2,381 tickets have been distributed. 1,373 tickets (58%) were distributed to schools, nonprofits, recreation centers and other groups.

MAYOR NUTTER TO ANNOUNCE STILL MORE JOBS AVAILABLE THROUGH WAY TO WORK PHILLY!

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter

WHAT: Mayor Nutter will share details related to the thousands of Philadelphians who have found jobs through the new Way to Work Philadelphia initiative, launched on May 19. He will tour the facility of an organization that has hired workers through this program and meet with Philadelphians who have found work.

The Mayor will also announce that despite the fact that thousands of Philadelphians have already been placed, there are still many job opportunities waiting to be filled. He will let jobseekers know how they can still get involved in this program and get back to work thanks to this stimulus-funded opportunity.

WHERE: MEE PRODUCTIONS, a Way to Work Philadelphia participating employer
340 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia PA

WHEN: Thursday, July 22, 2010 10:45 am

10:45-11:00am – Mayor Nutter will tour the organization and meet with employees

11:00am – Mayor Nutter, the employer, and an employee who was hired under the Way to Work Philadelphia program will speak to the press and answer questions.