White is right on cop bill
I’m proud to see that one of our elected officials (State Rep. Martina White, 170th Legislative District) is set to sponsor a bill in the PA House of Representatives which would block the release of names of police officers involved in shootings except in cases where they are charged with a crime as a result of the shooting.
Nationwide, we have had several incidents where law enforcement officers have been specifically targeted because of their profession. By releasing the names of cops who are involved in a shooting, officials make those officers and their families bigger targets for people such as the cop killer who expressed his desire to put “Wings on Pigs” right before he ruthlessly executed two New York City police officers.
To those who cite Right to Know on wanting to know the names of officers, I understand your concern but in today’s climate, one has to consider the safety of our law enforcement officials and their families. Moreover, the bill introduced by White does allow for the identification of cops who do commit a crime by discharging their weapon. I applaud White and her 41 co-sponsors of the bill and fervently hope that the bill passes through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Aizaz Gill
Burholme
Protect police identities
I strongly support state Rep. Martina White’s proposed legislation to protect the identities of Philadelphia police officers who are involved in a shooting or violent confrontation while in the line of duty. It is terribly unfair to the officer and his or her family to release the officer’s name in connection with a shooting before an investigation is completed.
There have been numerous incidents around the country in which an officer involved in a shooting had his identity immediately revealed, but was later cleared of any wrongdoing. Unfortunately in many of those incidents, the damage to the officer’s reputation was already done. The officer had to leave his hometown or resign from the police force altogether as a result of death threats against him and his family. That’s a shameful way to treat the men and women who lay their lives on the line for us every day. Rep. White’s legislation will help protect police officers and their families from serious threats by protecting their identities. I stand with her and especially with the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Al Taubenberger
Republican Nominee, Philadelphia City Council
Thank you to all who helped NE Celebration
We want to thank everyone for contributing to 2015’s Northeast Celebration. We served 2,000 attendees this year.
Jared Solomon, the director of Take Back Your Neighborhood, dedicated endless time in pursuit of his vision for the Northeast.
Thanks to all of the people who volunteered their efforts before and during the event in order to help make his dream a reality.
We want to thank the staff at Max Myers for their assistance and also the leadership council and members of Take Back Your Neighborhood.
In addition, there is a lengthy list of concerned and committed people who contributed financially or donated food and/or items:
Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez, Wells Fargo, Catholic Community Service, Half Price Appliances, Shop Rite, Whole Foods, Peace Islands Institute, 4 Aces, Steve’s Steaks, Congressman Brendan Boyle, State Rep. Kevin Boyle, State Rep. Mark Cohen, Citizens Bank, 7-Eleven, Pepsi, Coca Cola, Herr’s, Utz, Frito Lay, Wawa, Dunkin’ Donuts, Nuts to You, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Conrad the Florist, Staples, Acme, Rib Rack, Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers, Cosco, Cheesecake Factory, Hiway Theater, Regal-United Artist Movie Theater, Benny the Bum’s, Gallo’s, Walgreens, Rite Aid, PJB, Alper Automotive, CVS, Access Cares, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Country Club, The Dining Car, Applebee’s, Cricket, Almost Paradise Hair Salon, Giggles, Barnes & Noble, Casa Brazil, Azaad, Picanha, Naana, Al Shaam, Spanish Island, Montana Grill, La Poblanita, Murano Deli, Trumark, Northwood Credit Union, Oteri’s Bakery, Lipkin’s Bakery, Manor College, Deck Medic, Jesse Bermudez, attorney Lawrence Levin and Ric Bamash.
Take Back Your Neighborhood
