City's technology chief agrees to stay in Nutter administration

There will be at least one holdover from the Street administration after Jan. 7: Chief Information Officer Terry Phillis.

The city's technology chief confirmed last week that he was approached two weeks ago by members of Mayor-elect Michael Nutter's transition team asking "if I would stay on and be part of the Nutter administration."

His answer: A quick "yes."

"I had been getting some calls about some other opportunities," Phillis said, "but I really didn't want to do that. I really like what I'm doing."

Phillis was named CIO in August 2006, replacing Dianah Neff, Street's handpicked and well-paid technology chief who left under a cloud because of her role in a costly and troubled water-billing system project. He had been hired as Neff's deputy the year before.

Phillis has his own difficulties ahead, namely dealing with Wireless Philadelphia, which has been marred by Earthlink's rethinking of its business strategy, i.e., wanting to get out of the municipal wireless business.

"The experience with Earthlink hasn't been exactly wonderful to this point," he said last week. "We'll continue on, because we view it as a city asset. . . . I don't know what the future will bring."

- Marcia Gelbart

What's the difference between a sapphire and a diamond?

The answer, in politicalspeak: Two tickets to attend the swearing-in of Mayor-elect Michael Nutter.

Companies regionwide are being asked to write checks to help Nutter pay for his inaugural festivities, but details about exactly when and where remain a secret.

The National Constitution Center? The Liacouras Center? The Navy Yard?

Banks, colleges and health-care organizations and others are all being hit up - but none for more than $10,000, thanks to Nutter's voluntary decision to abide by fund-raising caps endorsed by the city's Board of Ethics.

Four levels of giving have been identified for those who want to, well, give. Here's a look at what some money can get you:

Sapphire ($2,500): Four inaugural gala tickets and two private reception tickets.

Emerald ($5,000): 10 inaugural gala tickets, two private reception tickets, and "special acknowledgment" at the private reception.

Ruby ($7,500): 10 inaugural gala tickets, six private reception tickets, "special acknowledgment" at the private reception, photos, company logo display on sponsor's banner.

Diamond ($10,000): 10 inaugural gala tickets, six private reception tickets, "special acknowledgment" at the private reception, photos, company logo display on sponsor's banner, two swearing-in ceremony tickets, and company name listed in news releases as a "title sponsor."

What about any money left over? It will be donated to charity.

- Marcia Gelbart

City Councilman Juan F. Ramos Jr. always said he would land on his feet when he leaves office in January, and last week the former laborer announced that his next job would be as a lobbyist.

Ramos, who lost his at-large seat in the May primary, will join the Bravo Group, the Harrisburg and Philadelphia public relations and lobbying firm headed by Chris Bravacos.

Ramos starts on Jan. 14.

"I am thrilled to be joining a firm with such a great reputation," Ramos said. "I know my experience and skills will help Bravo's efforts in many important endeavors."

Among those efforts is a campaign with the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association to pass a stronger open-records law.

A lifetime member of the Laborers International Union, Ramos is president of the local chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. He has also served as the Laborers union local director of labor standards and did public relations for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

With his departure, look for Ramos' spokesman and deputy chief of staff, Joshua M. Cohen, to take a position with Councilman-elect Curtis Jones Jr.

- Jeff Shields