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Back to Work for City Council
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Greetings,
School has begun, the leaves are changing and Council is back in session - it is indeed Fall in Philly. It was a busy summer and we've got a lot on our plate this fall. Below is an update on the many things happening in the 2nd Council District.
As always, I am here to serve you. Anytime you have any questions, concerns, or issues, feel free to give my office a call.
Sincerely,
Kenyatta Johnson
Philadelphia City Councilman
(215) 686-3412
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Thank you very much for the many expressions of sympathy in connection with my mother's passing. Cards and condolences may be sent to my office:
1400 JFK Blvd.
City Hall, Room 580
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Please keep us in your prayers during this difficult time and join us in remembering her on Wednesday.
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This Year's Crisis Averted, But More Work to be Done
Yet again our schools are operating on a shoe string budget. Repeatedly over the last few months, I have joined parents, advocates, and students to urge the state to fund our schools by passing a $2 per pack cigarette tax which was left unfinished this July when state legislators broke for summer recess.
Thanks to the efforts of many dedicated constituents, the state passed the legislation which could raise $83 million this year for our schools. However, this is only a short term solution, leaving much to be done.
I urge you to advocate for a fair funding formula for our schools and for the return of local control of Philadelphia Public Schools!
Philadelphia's schools have one of the lowest per-pupil funding allocations of any district in the Commonwealth - yet we educate more students in poverty and more students with special needs. A fair funding formula would adequately fund our district based upon the needs of its students.
We must also advocate for the state to abolish the SRC and return control of our schools to Philadelphians. Without these reforms, we will continue to revisit this crisis each fall.
Please continue to advocate for these reforms because our children deserve to attend adequately funded schools and receive a quality education.
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Progress for Victims of Bainbridge Water Main Break
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 As you may know, on July 22, 2012 a massive water main break at 21st and Bainbridge Sts. damaged over 100 properties. Since then, I have worked tirelessly to ensure that homeowners receive compensation for the losses they endured.
I was encouraged to receive the Court's Special Master report which detailed that victims would receive 60% of their claims. I applaud PECO for lowering its claim so that homeowners will receive a larger portion of the pie.
Victims of this incident deserve to be made whole for their losses. As chair of the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, improving the aging infrastructure of our city is a top priority of mine. It is equally important for me to ensure that residents are compensated for their loss if that infrastructure fails.
Accordingly, I have introduced legislation which would deliver city funds to cover the remaining 40% of residents' claims, so that residents will receive full compensation. It is vital that this bill passes and I urge you to advocate on behalf of your neighbors. |
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Councilman Johnson Brings Leaders to the Table to Address Sinking Homes in Eastwick
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 | | Councilman Johnson and representatives view damage to homes in the Eastwick neighborhood of the 2nd District |
I called together members of the Army Corps of Engineers, federal and state legislators and a number of city agencies to address the problem of sinking homes in Eastwick. The residents are unsure if their homes are safe to live in, which is unacceptable.
I enlisted the help of Senators Casey and Toomey, Congressman Bob Brady, State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams and State
 | | Councilman Johnson inspects structural damage to a home in Eastwick |
Representative Maria Donatucci to meet with the residents and the Army Corps.
The first step is commissioning a study by the Army Corps of Engineers to properly identify the problem and a potential solution. All present agreed to work together to attain funding for the study and a solution for the residents of Eastwick.
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Putting the 2nd District to Work:
Finding people jobs should be the number one priority of the City of Philadelphia, and it is a key mission in my office. Roi Ligon takes the lead on job development and organizes our many job fairs. Since 2012 my office has assisted over 300 people with gainful employment, below are some testimonials from newly employed constituents:
"I want to thank Councilman Johnson and his team for using their contacts to help me find a job at AC Linen. This job will help provide me with a great future. Thanks Councilman and keep up the good work!"
- Antwain Roper, Southwest
"I would like to thank Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and his wonderful staff for helping me to gain employment with a local prestigious hospital. Due to his office having well needed job fairs I was able to make some great connections. Mr. Johnson's staff worked with me tirelessly and always made follow-up calls for me.
- Tyrone Rogers
 | Councilman Johnson's Spring Job Fair.
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Be sure to join us at our Fall Job Fair 11am-3pm on November 21, 2014 at Vare Recreation Center 2600 Morris St. Start your career path with my help!
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Out and About in the 2nd: Councilman Johnson Takes Constituent Service Personally
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Constituent Service Highlights
Whether we're connecting you to the proper department, addressing a code violation or cleaning a vacant lot, we want to work with you to resolve your issue.
I make a habit out of visiting constituents. I am always sure to introduce my staff and myself so that constituents have a face and a name to ask for when calling my office. Through frequent
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Councilman Johnson with neighbors on the 2100 Block of S. 15th St.
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On Your Block events, I visit communities to discuss quality of life issues. Our visibility with constituents has led to over 4,000 completed constituent service cases. Cases range from housing, streets, sanitation and utility issues and much more. No matter what the issue, I take pride in strong constituent services, and you should never hesitate to call my office with any issues at (215) 686-3412.
Vacant and blighted lots pose major quality of life challenges in the Second Council District. To date, we have cleared over 1,000 lots this year through the help of Community Life Improvement Program. A cleaned lot is the
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One of many freshly cleaned lots in the 2nd District.
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first step towards a new home for a family or a new
small business in our community. If you have a lot which needs to be cleaned on your block, please contact my office - I'm happy to help.
Community Appreciation Day
Thousands gathered along Point Breeze Avenue on September 6th for our 8th Annual Community Appreciation day.
We connected constituents to public services and provided free food and entertainment all day. Performances included GoGo Morrow, 112 and Philly Rap Legend Schoolly D. Despite the threat of rain, Point Breeze Ave. was crowded with families and friends all day.
 | | Councilman Greenlee, Senator Williams, State Representative Lowery Brown and Councilman Neilson all stopped by. |
Thank you for having a look at my newsletter I look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson |
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Community
Shout Out:
Nakia Carr & Anton Moore
Advocates Anton Moore and Nakia Carr staged a protest on Labor Day when they learned that a corner store was illegally selling BB guns to children. Their efforts have raised community awareness about the problem. Combating the spread of gun violence is undermined when our children have toys which look like real guns.
I have offered legislation which will increase the fine on selling BB guns and ban realistic looking toy guns. I have also called together a task force to ensure these laws are enforced. |
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Breaking Ground at CHOP
On September 17th, I joined the community, Mayor Nutter and elected officials to break ground at CHOP's Community Health and Literacy Center at Broad and Morris.
This investment in the community is the first of its kind to bring health services, recreational facilities and a library under one roof. I look forward to its completion.
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Ribbon Cut on Renovations to Wharton Square Park
On September 24th, Councilman Johnson was joined by Mrs. Trudy Gay, Director of Wharton Square Park Recreation Center, Susan Slawson, Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and members of the community to reopen the playground at Wharton Square Park.
The $225,000 investment in the playground is one of many throughout the 2nd District. Improving parks in my district is part of improving quality of life for my constituents because neighborhoods form and thrive around their parks and recreation centers.
To date, I have made over $3,000,000 in improvements in parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers across the 2nd District. I look forward to many more investments like this. |
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Resource Brunch at Galdo's
On September 13th I kicked off my Resource Brunch at Galdo's Catering. It was a successful event which connecting active community members to the myriad of services and nonprofits which are available to them and their neighbors.
 | | Swoop Learning About Our Services |
 | | The Phanatic Posing with attendees |
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How to contact us:
City Hall
1400 JFK Blvd., Rm 580
Philadelphia, Pa. 19107
215-686-3412 (o)
215-686-1932 (f)
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City Services
City Hall information
311
District Attorney's Office
215-686-8000
Philadelphia Housing Authority
215-684-4000
Department of Human Services
215-683-4DHS
Office of Emergency
Shelter & Services
215-686-7150
The School District of Philadelphia
215-400-4000
Philadelphia Courts
215-686-7036
Fairmount Park Commission
215-686-0203
Free Library of Philadelphia
215-686-5322
Historical Commission
215-686-7660
Human Relationn Commission
215-686-4670
Licenses and Inspections
215-685-8686
Marriage Bureau
215-686-2233
Mayor's Commission on Services to the Aging
215-686-8450
Mayor's Commission on Literacy
215-686-5253
Mayor's Commission on Disability
215-686-2798
Mayor's Office of
Community Services
215-685-3600
Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs
215-686-7590
Philadelphia Mural Arts
Program
215-685-0750
Office of Supportive Housing
215-686-7150
Parent Action Network
215-727-3687
Mayor's Office R.I.S.E .
215-683-3370
Parks & Recreation
215-683-3600
Department of Records
215-686-2262
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