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Nutter names ex-offender to head reentry program

Ronald L. Cuie served time in prison. Now he will help released prisoners readapt to society.

Mayor Nutter yesterday named Ronald L. Cuie, released from prison four years ago after being convicted on aggravated assault and other charges, to lead his administration's efforts to help Philadelphia ex-offenders readapt to society.

Nutter was joined at a City Hall news conference by Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa.), who said he would introduce federal legislation to expand, in a pilot program, an initiative that gives tax credits to employers who hire ex-offenders.

Speaking the morning after an unusually violent night in the city in which five people were killed, Nutter highlighted both announcements as long-term antidotes that might help "relieve the pressures" that can lead to violent deaths.

"Most people who get arrested come back" to the neighborhoods where they once lived, Nutter said, "so addressing this issue is part of our crime-reduction strategy."

Cuie, 53, previously held city positions as an assistant managing director, and then a deputy managing director, under former Mayor W. Wilson Goode Sr.

His title switched again when he was named a deputy mayor by former Mayor Ed Rendell. In that role, he was responsible for special events, boards and commissions, and served as a liaison with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

But in 2000, Cuie, addicted to cocaine and alcohol, acted out after a weekend-long binge, nearly beating a companion to death. He was convicted of aggravated assault, robbery, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment and criminal conspiracy. He went to prison for three years.

"I am humbled and privileged" to serve as Nutter's director of the Mayor's Office for the Re-Entry of Ex-Offenders," Cuie said.

Since 2003, he has worked with St. Joseph's University and other organizations to develop reentry programs.

Nutter said he was "utilizing Ron's background, expertise, and quite honestly, Ron's unique life story . . . to give hope [to others for] a second chance in life."

He also noted that Cuie was recommended to him by Goode.

Specter's tax-credit proposal would be modeled on a new Philadelphia program that grants businesses a $10,000 tax credit if they hire ex-offenders. Nutter talked about the program during his campaign, and City Council, led by Councilman W. Wilson Goode Jr., approved legislation creating it a few months before Nutter took office.

Under current federal law, businesses hiring ex-offenders can apply for a $2,400 tax credit. Specter's bill would increase that to $10,000, and try to speed up the process of actually awarding the tax credit.

Officially titled the Employment Access for Recidivism Reduction Nationwide (EARN) Act, Specter said he would introduce the bill next week.