Street: Media overreacting to issue at Geno'shttp://www.philly.com/mld/philly/14822037.htmMayor Street says the media are making a "mountain out of a molehill" over the "speak English" sign at Geno's Steaks in South Philly.
In his first words on the tempest, Street said that the issue has had "almost no impact" on the city, that the sign is probably legal and that "it can't pass soon enough for me."
The mayor urged Philadelphians not to read too much into what amounts to a routine investigation by the Human Relations Commission...
Not everyone is ready to let the story die. Hair stylist Julius Scissor, who has a salon off Rittenhouse Square, argued that the Vento sign is "not good for the city" and offered to debate the cheesesteak impresario on the subject.
The hairstylist, whose real name is Francesco Antonio Pinto, said he has put up a well-received sign which says "foreign speakers are welcome."
Pinto said he is from the "same generation" as Vento, and also Italian-American.
"I'm over 60," he said. "I've seen America change dramatically...
Of Vento, Pinto said, "He needs to think beyond that corner. (Geno's is on 9th Street near Passyunk Avenue.) I think he listens to a little bit too much of that right-wing radio."