PAC down to seven commissioners
The city’s Police Advisory Commission has 12 vacant commissioner positions, including four alternate slots, officials said this week.
The PAC, which investigates police-misconduct complaints, is supposed to have 19 commissioners and alternates, but it only has seven.
Ed James and Mu’min Islam are the most recent commissioners to leave.
Mayor Nutter has the responsibility of directly filling six vacancies. He is also tasked with filling another six vacancies from recommendations supplied by Philadelphia City Council.
Mark McDonald, a spokesperson for the Nutter administration, had no comment on when Nutter will fill the vacancies.
Chuck Volz, an openly gay commissioner, expressed hope that the vacancies would be filled shortly.
“The PAC would be much more effective with a full complement of commissioners,” Volz said.
PAC executive director Kelvyn Anderson agreed.
“We’re aware that the process [of filling the vacancies] is in the works, and we look forward to welcoming new appointees to the commission as soon as it’s feasible,” Anderson said.
One of the PAC’s high-profile cases involves Nizah Morris, a transgender woman who was found with a fatal head injury in 2002 after receiving a “courtesy ride” from police.
The PAC has called for state and federal probes in the Morris case.
Jury trial set for Woody’s case
Tyree Lawson, who says he’s permanently injured due to an assault at Woody’s Bar, will have his day in court.
On Aug. 1, Common Pleas Judge Idee C. Fox ruled that Lawson’s case can be heard by a Philadelphia jury rather than a city arbitration panel.
Lawson contends that he was assaulted by an unidentified bouncer at Woody’s in July 2012, during a melee on the second floor.
The LGBT-oriented bar is located at 202 S. 13th St.
Lawson allegedly sustained a permanent ankle injury, and he’s seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages, according to court records.
Lawson’s attorney, William E. Averona, expressed gratitude for Fox’s ruling.
“In my opinion, Mr. Lawson’s injuries exceed the arbitration limits,” Averona told PGN. “So we’re very grateful that Judge Fox has granted a jury trial for him.”
Kevin L. Connors, an attorney for Woody’s, declined to comment.
— Tim Cwiek
Gay Day at PA Ren Faire
LGBTs and allies can don their favorite Renaissance getups for the second Gay Day at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, Aug. 11 at the grounds in Manheim, Pa.
Discount tickets are available at www.parenfaire.com with use of the promo code “INNERPRINCESS.”
The event features more than 90 shows daily as well as a wealth of Renaissance-themed food and merchant options.
— Jen Colletta