School Protesters Chase Gov. Corbett From Olney To Center City
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Protesters scrambled to keep up with Governor Tom Corbett today, as he made a last-minute change in his schedule.
The protesters had massed at Broad and Olney this morning for a march up to Central High School, where the governor was scheduled to appear. But when the governor suddenly scrapped that appearance, they dug into their pockets, grabbed tokens, and took SEPTA's Broad Street line to Broad and Walnut Streets in center city, where the governor has a Philadelphia office (see related story).
There, outside the Bellevue Hotel, they chanted, "You can run, but you can't hide!"
Dawn Hawkins, a parent leader with the group Action United, claims Corbett should not accept praise for school performance after cutting nearly $1 billion from public schools across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
"Parents, communities, and educators are sick of Corbett coming to Philly -- like he did not hurt our children's future," Hawkins said.
As the governor exited the Bellevue, the protestors yelled, "Shame, shame!"
Philadelphia Police bike patrol and plainclothes Civil Affairs officers framed the governor and his entourage, guiding them into vehicles at curbside.