Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
S. Sharrieff Ali wrote: The motion carried and was without opposition to have a community meeting organized by concerned community residents. I made the motion and volunteered to make sure the meeting happened. 20 people signed to participate in a committee to organize the meeting. ... The idea was not to rely on the UCD or Penn to organize a meeting. ... The UC-Review has volunteered to moderate the community meeting with a suggested location of Rosenberger Hall. It would be wise for representatives of the Board of UCD to participate as well as the trustees committees of the institutions represented. sharrieff, here's an initial contribution to the proposed community meeting, developed openly here onlist [and still open to revision]. a set of responsibilities for us and ucd: - - - - - - - - - - - 1: ucd is primarily accountable to us, the public, not to ucd - - - - - - - - - - - 2: ucd's performance/actions should be evaluated/investigated/monitored on an ongoing basis by an agency independent of ucd - - - - - - - - - - - 3: we should develop the means whereby ucd communications are public, timely and proactive - - - - - - - - - - - 4: ucd's boundaries should be clearly defined and maintained - - - - - - - - - - - 5: ucd should remain scrupulously neutral in public questions/disputes/contests, not taking sides or even appearing to take sides. - - - - - - - - - - - 6: ucd officers/staff should not serve on the boards of neighborhood organizations. - - - - - - - - - - - 7: regular public forums should be held to generate a set of principles, best practices, etc. that would examine and improve ucd as a public service organization. - - - - - - - - - - - 8. ucd should use its resources to facilitate/broker compromise among competing neighborhood stakeholders rather than using resources to implement solutions for one type of stakeholder. ie, win/win not win/lose [example: ucd brokers Trees/HelpWithPropertyTaxes rather than takes sides in Trees/NoTrees on kyle's block. ucd becomes uniquely positioned as an agent for equality rather than an agent for divisiveness.] - - - - - - - - - - - .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [aka laserbeam®] [aka ray] SERIAL LIAR. CALL FOR RATES. It is very clear on this listserve who these people are. Ray has admitted being connected to this forger. -- Tony West You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
Thanks Ray, I will introduce them at the organizing meeting. S -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 2:10 AM To: University City List Subject: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job S. Sharrieff Ali wrote: The motion carried and was without opposition to have a community meeting organized by concerned community residents. I made the motion and volunteered to make sure the meeting happened. 20 people signed to participate in a committee to organize the meeting. ... The idea was not to rely on the UCD or Penn to organize a meeting. ... The UC-Review has volunteered to moderate the community meeting with a suggested location of Rosenberger Hall. It would be wise for representatives of the Board of UCD to participate as well as the trustees committees of the institutions represented. sharrieff, here's an initial contribution to the proposed community meeting, developed openly here onlist [and still open to revision]. a set of responsibilities for us and ucd: - - - - - - - - - - - 1: ucd is primarily accountable to us, the public, not to ucd - - - - - - - - - - - 2: ucd's performance/actions should be evaluated/investigated/monitored on an ongoing basis by an agency independent of ucd - - - - - - - - - - - 3: we should develop the means whereby ucd communications are public, timely and proactive - - - - - - - - - - - 4: ucd's boundaries should be clearly defined and maintained - - - - - - - - - - - 5: ucd should remain scrupulously neutral in public questions/disputes/contests, not taking sides or even appearing to take sides. - - - - - - - - - - - 6: ucd officers/staff should not serve on the boards of neighborhood organizations. - - - - - - - - - - - 7: regular public forums should be held to generate a set of principles, best practices, etc. that would examine and improve ucd as a public service organization. - - - - - - - - - - - 8. ucd should use its resources to facilitate/broker compromise among competing neighborhood stakeholders rather than using resources to implement solutions for one type of stakeholder. ie, win/win not win/lose [example: ucd brokers Trees/HelpWithPropertyTaxes rather than takes sides in Trees/NoTrees on kyle's block. ucd becomes uniquely positioned as an agent for equality rather than an agent for divisiveness.] - - - - - - - - - - - .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [aka laserbeamR] [aka ray] SERIAL LIAR. CALL FOR RATES. It is very clear on this listserve who these people are. Ray has admitted being connected to this forger. -- Tony West You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
[UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
Two days after her office had said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell had no plans to update the community about the Fenton-Knox affair in Malcolm X Park at the First Thursday meeting, she showed up promptly and did just that. She went much farther, angrily baring a serious rift between Univesrsity City District and her. She delivered petitions with 300 signatures in support of Fenton. The room at Walnut St. West Library, filled as usual with 70 people, most of them representatives from more than three dozen agencies and organizations that are active in West Philadelphia, noisily concurred and made forceful pleas to retain the popular UCD employee in his job. There was universal agreement Fenton has been a tireless supporter of the labors of all civic groups to improve their community. Blackwell charged Fenton was being offered resignation with a severance package from UCD. She said she had asked to find ways to help underwrite his work but had been rebuffed. She said she had suggested mediators for the dispute but had been rebuffed. UCD Executive Director Lewis Wendell attended the meeting. He read a previously published statement. Fenton, he reiterated, is still on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation. In addition, he said, We are in discussions to resolve the matter. Blackwell repeated her denial that she had involved Fenton or his community service team with a political rally for Tom Knox in the park. Everybody knows I supported Tom Knox for Mayor, she said. A couple of weeks before the election, the other candidates began releasing their supporters to support Michael Nutter. They didn't want Knox to win because he was an outsider. Nutter had no constituency of his own. But the community service team was not involved in the Knox rally, she said. Instead, it was engaged in park cleanup and facilitation of another event, a fair that was going on in the park. In this case, the Councilwoman said, her eyes flashing, John Fenton and UCD did what they do. I work with Penn and UCD. But somebody decided to lie on him. I'm very disappointed. Blackwell expressed her view that UCD has been slighting her in other ways for some time. Although First Thursday is not a parliamentary body, Penn's Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan ceded the floor to the Councilwoman. Community members raised three motions, all of which passed with scarcely a dissenting voice. The meeting endorsed John Fenton and asked he be retained in his position. It asked that UCD policies in general be made public. It supported a community meeting to discuss concerns with UCD, that meeting to be organized by a committee from among the attendees at the meeting, which Sharrieff Ali volunteered to coordinate. -- Tony West
So, who is Committeeman7? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
Tony, thank you for this thorough and important update. A question remains about the person who posted about it to our listserv. My guess, now, is that our anonymous poster, Committeeman7, is either affiliated with the Councilwoman's office or has inside information from the Councilwoman's office. Why doesn't the person simply identify him/her/self and be honest and open with us? Why operate secretly? Why didn't Jannie's office confirm their plans for the first Thursday meeting when Tony called, if they were collecting signatures and planning to ask for support? What were they hiding? Have they missed all the calls on this list for transparency and process? Melani Lamond ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.
Re: So, who is Committeeman7? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
I Googled Committeeman7 and did not find anything. Jim Cummings On 6/7/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Tony, thank you for this thorough and important update. A question remains about the person who posted about it to our listserv. My guess, now, is that our anonymous poster, Committeeman7, is either affiliated with the Councilwoman's office or has inside information from the Councilwoman's office. Why doesn't the person simply identify him/her/self and be honest and open with us? Why operate secretly? Why didn't Jannie's office confirm their plans for the first Thursday meeting when Tony called, if they were collecting signatures and planning to ask for support? What were they hiding? Have they missed all the calls on this list for transparency and process? Melani Lamond ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. -- Jim Cummings You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
Tony - one point of clarity: You mention the meeting agreeing on three points. Was there any response from either Glenn Bryan or Lewis Wendell to the idea of the forum organized by Sharrief Ali? I would expect the first two points to require further internal process, but I wonder if they were able to agree to participate in the forum? _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony West Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:02 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Two days after her office had said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell had no plans to update the community about the Fenton-Knox affair in Malcolm X Park at the First Thursday meeting, she showed up promptly and did just that. She went much farther, angrily baring a serious rift between Univesrsity City District and her. She delivered petitions with 300 signatures in support of Fenton. The room at Walnut St. West Library, filled as usual with 70 people, most of them representatives from more than three dozen agencies and organizations that are active in West Philadelphia, noisily concurred and made forceful pleas to retain the popular UCD employee in his job. There was universal agreement Fenton has been a tireless supporter of the labors of all civic groups to improve their community. Blackwell charged Fenton was being offered resignation with a severance package from UCD. She said she had asked to find ways to help underwrite his work but had been rebuffed. She said she had suggested mediators for the dispute but had been rebuffed. UCD Executive Director Lewis Wendell attended the meeting. He read a previously published statement. Fenton, he reiterated, is still on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation. In addition, he said, We are in discussions to resolve the matter. Blackwell repeated her denial that she had involved Fenton or his community service team with a political rally for Tom Knox in the park. Everybody knows I supported Tom Knox for Mayor, she said. A couple of weeks before the election, the other candidates began releasing their supporters to support Michael Nutter. They didn't want Knox to win because he was an outsider. Nutter had no constituency of his own. But the community service team was not involved in the Knox rally, she said. Instead, it was engaged in park cleanup and facilitation of another event, a fair that was going on in the park. In this case, the Councilwoman said, her eyes flashing, John Fenton and UCD did what they do. I work with Penn and UCD. But somebody decided to lie on him. I'm very disappointed. Blackwell expressed her view that UCD has been slighting her in other ways for some time. Although First Thursday is not a parliamentary body, Penn's Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan ceded the floor to the Councilwoman. Community members raised three motions, all of which passed with scarcely a dissenting voice. The meeting endorsed John Fenton and asked he be retained in his position. It asked that UCD policies in general be made public. It supported a community meeting to discuss concerns with UCD, that meeting to be organized by a committee from among the attendees at the meeting, which Sharrieff Ali volunteered to coordinate. -- Tony West
Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
He's toast. On Jun 7, 2007, at 10:02 AM, Anthony West wrote: Two days after her office had said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell had no plans to update the community about the Fenton-Knox affair in Malcolm X Park at the First Thursday meeting, she showed up promptly and did just that. She went much farther, angrily baring a serious rift between Univesrsity City District and her. She delivered petitions with 300 signatures in support of Fenton. The room at Walnut St. West Library, filled as usual with 70 people, most of them representatives from more than three dozen agencies and organizations that are active in West Philadelphia, noisily concurred and made forceful pleas to retain the popular UCD employee in his job. There was universal agreement Fenton has been a tireless supporter of the labors of all civic groups to improve their community. Blackwell charged Fenton was being offered resignation with a severance package from UCD. She said she had asked to find ways to help underwrite his work but had been rebuffed. She said she had suggested mediators for the dispute but had been rebuffed. UCD Executive Director Lewis Wendell attended the meeting. He read a previously published statement. Fenton, he reiterated, is still on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation. In addition, he said, We are in discussions to resolve the matter. Blackwell repeated her denial that she had involved Fenton or his community service team with a political rally for Tom Knox in the park. Everybody knows I supported Tom Knox for Mayor, she said. A couple of weeks before the election, the other candidates began releasing their supporters to support Michael Nutter. They didn't want Knox to win because he was an outsider. Nutter had no constituency of his own. But the community service team was not involved in the Knox rally, she said. Instead, it was engaged in park cleanup and facilitation of another event, a fair that was going on in the park. In this case, the Councilwoman said, her eyes flashing, John Fenton and UCD did what they do. I work with Penn and UCD. But somebody decided to lie on him. I'm very disappointed. Blackwell expressed her view that UCD has been slighting her in other ways for some time. Although First Thursday is not a parliamentary body, Penn's Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan ceded the floor to the Councilwoman. Community members raised three motions, all of which passed with scarcely a dissenting voice. The meeting endorsed John Fenton and asked he be retained in his position. It asked that UCD policies in general be made public. It supported a community meeting to discuss concerns with UCD, that meeting to be organized by a committee from among the attendees at the meeting, which Sharrieff Ali volunteered to coordinate. -- Tony West
RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
Bill: The motion carried and was without opposition to have a community meeting organized by concerned community residents. I made the motion and volunteered to make sure the meeting happened. 20 people signed to participate in a committee to organize the meeting. Glenn Bryan's Penn meeting was hijacked by a broader community issue today, all other agenda items took a back seat, particularly to the indictments of Councilwoman Blackwell. The idea was not to rely on the UCD or Penn to organize a meeting. It was clear everyone in the room who was aware of the issue with John stood outraged by his treatment, the lack of information prepared by UCD to release to the public, and the revelation of John's forced resignation as we were told today. It was clear to me UCD has been advised by legal to say nothing besides the very short statement released. Channel 6 WPVI News attended, filmed part of the meeting and took statements from a few attendees. Councilwoman Blackwell stated she viewed the situation with John as a particular affront on her reputation for political reasons. The UC-Review has volunteered to moderate the community meeting with a suggested location of Rosenberger Hall. It would be wise for representatives of the Board of UCD to participate as well as the trustees committees of the institutions represented. It is not about Sharrieff Ali putting a meeting together as an excuse not to attend. Unanimously the community is behind the effort to get answers, the meeting is a part of the process. As Tony mentioned, there was a petition of 300 signatures in support of John which had already been forwarded to Councilwoman Blackwell's office. I will post information as I get it. If anyone on the listserv would like to join the committee, e-mail me off-list. S -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Sanderson Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 11:20 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Tony - one point of clarity: You mention the meeting agreeing on three points. Was there any response from either Glenn Bryan or Lewis Wendell to the idea of the forum organized by Sharrief Ali? I would expect the first two points to require further internal process, but I wonder if they were able to agree to participate in the forum? _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony West Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:02 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Two days after her office had said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell had no plans to update the community about the Fenton-Knox affair in Malcolm X Park at the First Thursday meeting, she showed up promptly and did just that. She went much farther, angrily baring a serious rift between Univesrsity City District and her. She delivered petitions with 300 signatures in support of Fenton. The room at Walnut St. West Library, filled as usual with 70 people, most of them representatives from more than three dozen agencies and organizations that are active in West Philadelphia, noisily concurred and made forceful pleas to retain the popular UCD employee in his job. There was universal agreement Fenton has been a tireless supporter of the labors of all civic groups to improve their community. Blackwell charged Fenton was being offered resignation with a severance package from UCD. She said she had asked to find ways to help underwrite his work but had been rebuffed. She said she had suggested mediators for the dispute but had been rebuffed. UCD Executive Director Lewis Wendell attended the meeting. He read a previously published statement. Fenton, he reiterated, is still on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation. In addition, he said, We are in discussions to resolve the matter. Blackwell repeated her denial that she had involved Fenton or his community service team with a political rally for Tom Knox in the park. Everybody knows I supported Tom Knox for Mayor, she said. A couple of weeks before the election, the other candidates began releasing their supporters to support Michael Nutter. They didn't want Knox to win because he was an outsider. Nutter had no constituency of his own. But the community service team was not involved in the Knox rally, she said. Instead, it was engaged in park cleanup and facilitation of another event, a fair that was going on in the park. In this case, the Councilwoman said, her eyes flashing, John Fenton and UCD did what they do. I work with Penn and UCD. But somebody decided to lie on him. I'm very disappointed. Blackwell expressed her view that UCD has been slighting her in other ways for some time. Although First Thursday is not a parliamentary body, Penn's Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan ceded the floor to the Councilwoman. Community members raised three motions, all
Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
Sharrieff, I think it is important to remind everyone that it was reported that Mr. Fenton is under some type of gag order. How can we trust any organization doing an internal investigation of its wrongdoing when they are imposing a gag order? That is cover-up not disclosure. Honestly, I hope we are successful at having this community forum done sooner than later. If the UCD fails to appear and refuses to disclose the information the people request, I personally hope that we demand that the major shareholders in UCD reorganize it. .John Fenton's work on the street cleaning and service projects was the successful part of UCD. If the major share holders of a special service district really want community engagement, in the future; we must be included in honest and transparent processes and the organization must have accountable and competent leadership. I think the shareholders and we resident stakeholders would be better served if they got rid of the existing Board and Executive staff and rehired John to focus on the street cleaning. Everything about John's treatment should leave no one in doubt that there is no investigation but a cover-up and a scapegoat! Sincerely, Glenn - Original Message - From: S. Sharrieff Ali To: 'Bill Sanderson' ; UnivCity@list.purple.com Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 1:56 PM Subject: RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Bill: The motion carried and was without opposition to have a community meeting organized by concerned community residents. I made the motion and volunteered to make sure the meeting happened. 20 people signed to participate in a committee to organize the meeting. Glenn Bryan's Penn meeting was hijacked by a broader community issue today, all other agenda items took a back seat, particularly to the indictments of Councilwoman Blackwell. The idea was not to rely on the UCD or Penn to organize a meeting. It was clear everyone in the room who was aware of the issue with John stood outraged by his treatment, the lack of information prepared by UCD to release to the public, and the revelation of John's forced resignation as we were told today. It was clear to me UCD has been advised by legal to say nothing besides the very short statement released. Channel 6 WPVI News attended, filmed part of the meeting and took statements from a few attendees. Councilwoman Blackwell stated she viewed the situation with John as a particular affront on her reputation for political reasons. The UC-Review has volunteered to moderate the community meeting with a suggested location of Rosenberger Hall. It would be wise for representatives of the Board of UCD to participate as well as the trustees committees of the institutions represented. It is not about Sharrieff Ali putting a meeting together as an excuse not to attend. Unanimously the community is behind the effort to get answers, the meeting is a part of the process. As Tony mentioned, there was a petition of 300 signatures in support of John which had already been forwarded to Councilwoman Blackwell's office. I will post information as I get it. If anyone on the listserv would like to join the committee, e-mail me off-list. S -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Sanderson Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 11:20 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Tony - one point of clarity: You mention the meeting agreeing on three points. Was there any response from either Glenn Bryan or Lewis Wendell to the idea of the forum organized by Sharrief Ali? I would expect the first two points to require further internal process, but I wonder if they were able to agree to participate in the forum? -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony West Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:02 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Two days after her office had said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell had no plans to update the community about the Fenton-Knox affair in Malcolm X Park at the First Thursday meeting, she showed up promptly and did just that. She went much farther, angrily baring a serious rift between Univesrsity City District and her. She delivered petitions with 300 signatures in support of Fenton. The room at Walnut St. West Library, filled as usual with 70 people, most of them representatives from more than three dozen agencies and organizations that are active in West Philadelphia, noisily concurred and made forceful pleas to retain the popular UCD employee in his job. There was universal agreement Fenton has been
Re: So, who is Committeeman7? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
I believe the Councilwoman was sincere when she said on Tuesday she had not yet made up her mind whether to attend First Thursday at all. Close of session is a very busy time for Council Persons. So while the anonymous poster may have had some connection with her organization, I don't believe he was carrying out orders from above. Most likely, the flow of events from Tuesday to Thursday pushed Blackwell into deciding to act. I know that some of the things she spoke publicly this morning have been on her mind for a long time. -- Tony West My guess, now, is that our anonymous poster, Committeeman7, is either affiliated with the Councilwoman's office or has inside information from the Councilwoman's office. Why doesn't the person simply identify him/her/self and be honest and open with us? Why operate secretly? Why didn't Jannie's office confirm their plans for the first Thursday meeting when Tony called, if they were collecting signatures and planning to ask for support? What were they hiding? Have they missed all the calls on this list for transparency and process? Melani Lamond
Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
I left before the end of the meeting (in order to post this report and then cover my day job). So I cannot testify for sure that they said nothing about it after I left. But I left when the Councilwoman left, and they hadn't said much by that point. Bryan's position was made clear from the outset. First Thursday is a Penn-sponsored meeting. Analysis: no way would he venture an off-the-cuff opinion on the merits of somebody else's meeting. He's not stupid. -- Tony West - Original Message - From: Bill Sanderson Tony - one point of clarity: You mention the meeting agreeing on three points. Was there any response from either Glenn Bryan or Lewis Wendell to the idea of the forum organized by Sharrief Ali? I would expect the first two points to require further internal process, but I wonder if they were able to agree to participate in the forum?
Re: So, who is Committeeman7? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
I prefer attribution, but I understand why someone might not want to expose themselves to the rampant paranoia, profligate speculation and general nastiness that began to swirl around the 'offending' post, long before a beginner might have twigged to list etiquette (or not) or a more adept sender might have discovered an address oversight. Many of our senders are known by insider nicknames. Some of us include to much in our signatures, others too little, some assume the E-address says it all. I'm fairly fearless, but the remarks are so awful that I'd be reluctant to admit to being the poster. One irony, the post turned out to be accurate, and still the poster is referred to as dishonest. Meanwhile, among the latest gentle requests for introduction... Cassidy wrote: I'd say it's relevant because: ... So the question why did committeeman7 make the post and then leave Glenn to fend for himself amongst the jackles? I think is relevant. And now we discover that it was probably someone who was at the meeting or who works for someone who was at the meeting Maybe it was UCD! In a message dated 6/7/2007 11:05:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Really? Our little list of over 300 University City folks who care enough about what's happening in this community to stay aboard, despite having to endure frequently nasty exchanges and messages? We don't count? We can be lied to, or spoken to anonymously by folks who refuse to reveal their identities? According to Tony's report, the first Thursday meeting ... asked that UCD policies in general be made public. What about the Councilwoman's office's policies? Shouldn't they be public also? We elect her; should her office and/or her supporters be sending anonymous emails to the listserv? Or was it sent by an anonymous supporter of John Fenton? Or somebody who just guessed about today's meeting, and just happened to be right? In any case, what is to be gained by adding new layers of secrecy to neighborhood processes? Committeeman7 knew what was going to happen today and is probably reading my questions on the list now. Who is he, or she, and why is this person afraid to identify him or herself? ... and... My guess, now, is that our anonymous poster, Committeeman7, is either affiliated with the Councilwoman's office or has inside information from the Councilwoman's office. Why doesn't the person simply identify him/her/self and be honest and open with us? Why operate secretly? Why didn't Jannie's office confirm their plans for the first Thursday meeting when Tony called, if they were collecting signatures and planning to ask for support? What were they hiding? Have they missed all the calls on this list for transparency and process? Melani Lamond Best! Liz On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 10:35:05 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Tony, thank you for this thorough and important update. A question remains about the person who posted about it to our listserv. My guess, now, is that our anonymous poster, Committeeman7, is either affiliated with the Councilwoman's office or has inside information from the Councilwoman's office. Why doesn't the person simply identify him/her/self and be honest and open with us? Why operate secretly? Why didn't Jannie's office confirm their plans for the first Thursday meeting when Tony called, if they were collecting signatures and planning to ask for support? What were they hiding? Have they missed all the calls on this list for transparency and process? Melani Lamond
Re: So, who is Committeeman7? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
On 6/7/07, Elizabeth F Campion [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I prefer attribution, but I understand why someone might not want to expose themselves to the rampant paranoia, profligate speculation and general nastiness that began to swirl around the 'offending' post, long before a beginner might have twigged to list etiquette (or not) or a more adept sender might have discovered an address oversight. Many of our senders are known by insider nicknames. Some of us include to much in our signatures, others too little, some assume the E-address says it all. Liz, I fail to understand why you're putting so much energy into defending the practice of anonymous posting, which even the most hopeless newbie realizes is a vile and scummy practice. There is absolutely no excuse for sending messages under false names to a public email list. In fact, it is technically illegal, although I can't cite the statute at the moment. WTF is wrong with you today??? -- Ross Bender http://rossbender.org/mqrtoc.html Ph.D. in Love, Columbia University D.Hon. Bob Jones University Certificate in Cognitive Science, Institute of Glottopsychiatry, University of Waterloo Chevalier, Legion d'Honneur Lt., (Ret.) Queen's African Rifles Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Goshen High School, 1967
Re: So, who is Committeeman? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
Ross, I repeat, I prefer attribution. My further comment was MHO, that said writer might have good reason to stay quiet and avoid any association with the straw figure, held up for immolation, by you and others. What may have been an oversight has been so roundly pounded beyond recognition, and the writer (possibly a hapless soul) defined as vile, sneaky, manipulative and part of some putative clique. I believe 'strangers' should be invited in, and bona fides revealed in a natural and organic manner. Most on this list are neighbors and even potential friends. Newbies should not be grabbed by the digital throat and shaken until they accept the pigeon hole assigned by the loudest bully. I'm not calling the post or subsequent silence the bravest or most honorable or smartest choice. But I'll note that it is hard to build relationships upon such a rocky start. C-7 may be choosing a new E-name as we speak. Committeeman7 did nothing wrong! Unfortunately he did nothing right. But the real harm is being caused by those who are abusing their talents and our time. Focusing on C-7's identity is a distraction from the content of the message and the much bigger issues of WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? My questions include: How do we thank John Fenton? Can his job and reputation be saved? Should we save his job? lose UCD? settle for what we get (and thus deserve)? How do we prevent the further co opting of UC by Politics, Penn and powerful lurkers? Do we support any person or initiative at UCD? ?, ?, ? Ask more, limit responses to facts and goals or clear opinions, not gossip and speculation. And stop attacking me. I am not C-7. I don't deserve the attacks and I don't like being grumpy or angry at you and I don't like thinking of you as some overstuffed gnat that needs a smack-down. I'd rather enjoy your civil company, in a friendly environment, where body language and immediate feedback can provide the clues as to when either of us has gone to far in a stupid direction. Best! Liz On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 16:13:24 -0400 Ross Bender [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On 6/7/07, Elizabeth F Campion [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I prefer attribution, but I understand why someone might not want to expose themselves to the rampant paranoia, profligate speculation and general nastiness that began to swirl around the 'offending' post, long before a beginner might have twigged to list etiquette (or not) or a more adept sender might have discovered an address oversight. Many of our senders are known by insider nicknames. Some of us include to much in our signatures, others too little, some assume the E-address says it all. Liz, I fail to understand why you're putting so much energy into defending the practice of anonymous posting, which even the most hopeless newbie realizes is a vile and scummy practice. There is absolutely no excuse for sending messages under false names to a public email list. In fact, it is technically illegal, although I can't cite the statute at the moment. WTF is wrong with you today??? -- Ross Bender http://rossbender.org/mqrtoc.html Ph.D. in Love, Columbia University D.Hon. Bob Jones University Certificate in Cognitive Science, Institute of Glottopsychiatry, University of Waterloo Chevalier, Legion d'Honneur Lt., (Ret.) Queen's African Rifles Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Goshen High School, 1967 Elizabeth Campion Cell Phone: 215-880-2930 215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax, Desk + VM: 215-790-5653 PRUDENTIAL, FOX ROACH REALTORS, LLC Please read Consumer Notice enjoy HOME PILOT tools at www.PruFoxRoach.com
RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
Thanks - I know about the petition, I signed it. This sounds like a good effort. I certainly hope that stakeholders in the UCD, both institutional and individual will attend and that there can be some productive feedback. I'm a little worried that the legal folks are going to keep a lot from being said, from the institutional side-but maybe Penn has somebody who will have the guts to attend, and at least pass questions up the chain. _ From: S. Sharrieff Ali [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 1:57 PM To: 'Bill Sanderson'; UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Bill: The motion carried and was without opposition to have a community meeting organized by concerned community residents. I made the motion and volunteered to make sure the meeting happened. 20 people signed to participate in a committee to organize the meeting. Glenn Bryan's Penn meeting was hijacked by a broader community issue today, all other agenda items took a back seat, particularly to the indictments of Councilwoman Blackwell. The idea was not to rely on the UCD or Penn to organize a meeting. It was clear everyone in the room who was aware of the issue with John stood outraged by his treatment, the lack of information prepared by UCD to release to the public, and the revelation of John's forced resignation as we were told today. It was clear to me UCD has been advised by legal to say nothing besides the very short statement released. Channel 6 WPVI News attended, filmed part of the meeting and took statements from a few attendees. Councilwoman Blackwell stated she viewed the situation with John as a particular affront on her reputation for political reasons. The UC-Review has volunteered to moderate the community meeting with a suggested location of Rosenberger Hall. It would be wise for representatives of the Board of UCD to participate as well as the trustees committees of the institutions represented. It is not about Sharrieff Ali putting a meeting together as an excuse not to attend. Unanimously the community is behind the effort to get answers, the meeting is a part of the process. As Tony mentioned, there was a petition of 300 signatures in support of John which had already been forwarded to Councilwoman Blackwell's office. I will post information as I get it. If anyone on the listserv would like to join the committee, e-mail me off-list. S -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bill Sanderson Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 11:20 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: RE: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Tony - one point of clarity: You mention the meeting agreeing on three points. Was there any response from either Glenn Bryan or Lewis Wendell to the idea of the forum organized by Sharrief Ali? I would expect the first two points to require further internal process, but I wonder if they were able to agree to participate in the forum? _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony West Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:02 AM To: UnivCity@list.purple.com Subject: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job Two days after her office had said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell had no plans to update the community about the Fenton-Knox affair in Malcolm X Park at the First Thursday meeting, she showed up promptly and did just that. She went much farther, angrily baring a serious rift between Univesrsity City District and her. She delivered petitions with 300 signatures in support of Fenton. The room at Walnut St. West Library, filled as usual with 70 people, most of them representatives from more than three dozen agencies and organizations that are active in West Philadelphia, noisily concurred and made forceful pleas to retain the popular UCD employee in his job. There was universal agreement Fenton has been a tireless supporter of the labors of all civic groups to improve their community. Blackwell charged Fenton was being offered resignation with a severance package from UCD. She said she had asked to find ways to help underwrite his work but had been rebuffed. She said she had suggested mediators for the dispute but had been rebuffed. UCD Executive Director Lewis Wendell attended the meeting. He read a previously published statement. Fenton, he reiterated, is still on paid administrative leave pending the results of an internal investigation. In addition, he said, We are in discussions to resolve the matter. Blackwell repeated her denial that she had involved Fenton or his community service team with a political rally for Tom Knox in the park. Everybody knows I supported Tom Knox for Mayor, she said. A couple of weeks before the election, the other candidates began releasing their supporters to support Michael Nutter. They didn't want Knox to win because he
Re: So, who is Committeeman? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
Ross, The only posts with inarguable intent to annoy were those who demand the right to 'out' or badger C-7. I still consider the original post and accurate and timely invitation to a community meeting that was more lively than most. Sorry, your need to know inability to let go do not alter my original opinion or my interpretation of the regulation. Let's agree to disagree. I am beginning to find this thread boring and I am one of the participants. Liz On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 18:29:07 -0400 Ross Bender [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On 6/7/07, Elizabeth F Campion [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Committeeman7 did nothing wrong! He/she/it did something very wrong -- posted an anonymous message that not only annoyed the listserve but caused a whole lot of trouble, igniting a firefight and gangbang that resulted in a huge amount of damage to the list. I'm not focusing on the anonymous posters' identity -- simply insisting on the very basic principle that ANONYMOUS POSTING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. PERIOD. FWIW here is the text of the federal statute which became law in January 2006: It's illegal to annoy A new federal law states that when you annoy someone on the Internet, you must disclose your identity. Here's the relevant language. Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. http://news.com.com/Create+an+e-annoyance,+go+to+jail/2010-1028_3-6022491 .html While you may believe, as the above commentator does, that it's a stupid law is beside the point. There's a very good reason for this type of statute, even if it's unlikely to be enforced. -- Ross Bender http://rossbender.org Elizabeth Campion Cell Phone: 215-880-2930 215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax, Desk + VM: 215-790-5653 PRUDENTIAL, FOX ROACH REALTORS, LLC Please read Consumer Notice enjoy HOME PILOT tools at www.PruFoxRoach.com
Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job
Indeed he is NOT. Glenn is beautiful people. Quite talented as a musician. He¹s from quality West Philadelphia African-American stock such as his late father who was known as, ³The Mayor of 52nd St.² Some of the ³Old Guard², longtime homeowners who valued school. My parents and his were fighters against the School District, City Council, whatever to ensure their children receive a good education. They succeeded. However, the spirit lives on. Perhaps, Glenn is keeping that spirit going in his own way. Not my way perhaps, but then again my circumstances are different from his. On 6/7/07 2:57 PM, Anthony West [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I left before the end of the meeting (in order to post this report and then cover my day job). So I cannot testify for sure that they said nothing about it after I left. But I left when the Councilwoman left, and they hadn't said much by that point. Bryan's position was made clear from the outset. First Thursday is a Penn-sponsored meeting. Analysis: no way would he venture an off-the-cuff opinion on the merits of somebody else's meeting. He's not stupid. -- Tony West - Original Message - From: Bill Sanderson mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Tony one point of clarity: You mention the meeting agreeing on three points. Was there any response from either Glenn Bryan or Lewis Wendell to the idea of the forum organized by Sharrief Ali? I would expect the first two points to require further internal process, but I wonder if they were able to agree to participate in the forum?
Re: So, who is Committeeman? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]
On 6/7/07, Elizabeth F Campion [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ross, The only posts with inarguable intent to annoy were those who demand the right to 'out' or badger C-7. I still consider the original post and accurate and timely invitation to a community meeting that was more lively than most. Sorry, your need to know inability to let go do not alter my original opinion or my interpretation of the regulation. Let's agree to disagree. I am beginning to find this thread boring and I am one of the participants. OK. I'll buy you a beer sometime. -- Ross Bender http://rossbender.org
