Vento off the hook
http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=988 won’t have to go out of business now.
Vento vowed he would shut down http://www.wvwnews.net/story.php?id=2652."
But yesterday, after nearly two years and a grilling at a hearing on the issue of whether the signs were “offensive,” the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations ruled that there was “insufficient evidence” to pursue the case.
It had filed a discrimination complaint against the South Philadelphia steak shop in 2006.
“Finally, they ran across a guy who put his money where his mouth was,” Vento said after yesterday’s ruling.”I never thought I did anything wrong. If they [immigrants can’t speak English, they can’t read the sign,” said Vento, declaring his free-speech rights were being denied.
“The matter is behind us and I look forward to directing this agency to more progressive ends,” said W. Nick Taliaferro, executive director of the Commission on Human Relations.
“This is an excellent example of the balanced and conscientious attempt made by the Commission, on a daily basis, to fulfill its mandate,” he added.
Vento said that no one had ever been denied service at Geno’s, located at 9th and Passyunk, because they didn’t speak English.
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080320_Reputation_at_steak__Vento_off_the_hook.html