Sunday, April 23, 2006

As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer: "OK, class, repeat after me: 'More
quarters, sir?' "Philadelphia City Council plans to study whether lessons
like that could become a staple of future job-training classes once
slot-machine parlors set up shop in Philadelphia. "Councilwoman Jannie L.
Blackwell, who has called for hearings on job opportunities in the gambling
industry, said the goal was to make sure low-income city residents get
access to the 7,000 to 12,000 jobs that are projected in and around the
casinos.

".Blackwell also said she would like to see a charter school devoted to
preparing youngsters for careers dealing with the gambling business
".Paul Vallas, schools chief executive, was a bit less enthusiastic.

" We welcome enhanced employment opportunities for our young people, but our
reforms are geared to do more than just train our young people in slot
machines," he said."