Philadelphia Public Record by The Public Record

Vol. XV No. 18

Issue 1005

May 2, 2019

“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”

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MAKE

IT $15!

A TASK FORCE of labor activists and legislators rallied on N. Broad Street to press for raising the minimum wage, ultimately to $15 an hour. L-R behind State Sen. Christine Tartaglione were Nicole Hunt of UNITE HERE, Mel Wells, Congressman Brendan Boyle, Daisy Cruz of SEIU 32BJ and State Sen. Sharif Street. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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Lawmakers Press to Kill Death Penalty Roebuck Reports On Charter Schools

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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK On Tuesday, Sen. Sharif Street (D-N. Phila.) and State Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Northwest) were joined by advocates as they called for ending the death penalty in Pennsylvania. The lawmakers are introducing legislation in their respective chambers to repeal the penalty that is proven to be unsuccessful as a crime deterrent, incredibly costly, and a flawed system of punishment. “The overwhelming cost, disparate application of the death penalty compounded by human error, and its historically arbitrary and racist implementation in our country make it unfit for any use in an efficient and truly just system,” said Street. “I am proud to join my colleagues in issuing the Death Penalty Repeal Act and bringing an end to a relic of Pennsylvania’s past.” Since 2010, states that allow the death penalty have experienced an 18% or higher increase in homicide rates compared to states that have abolished the punishment. The increase shows that the threat of a death penalty sentence is no more of a deterrent than not having the penalty. “One innocent life taken at the hands of the state is one too many,” said Rabb. Since 1978, 408 people have been sentenced to death in Pennsylvania. Of those, six have been exonerated.

State Rep. James Roebuck (D-W. Phila.), Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, issued his 5th consecutive report on charter and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania. The report calls for strong reforms to charter schools. “We need to fix the problems with Pennsylvania’s outdated charter-school law,” Roebuck said. “They should be treated the same way as public schools since they receive taxpayer money.” One highlight is an update on the performance of charter and cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania, including: For 2016-2017, the last year the Pennsylvania School Performance Profile (SPP) reported scores, based on a score of 100, the average SPP score for traditional public schools was 69.6, for charter schools 58.8 and for cyber charter schools 46.7. None of the 14 cyber charter schools had SPP scores over 70, which is considered the minimum level of academic success, and 10 of them had scores under 50. 51% of public schools reached a score of at least 70, while only 20% of brickand-mortar charter schools reached that goal. There were only 10 high-performing charter schools with SPP scores above 80 in 2016-17, a sharp drop from 28 high-performing charter schools in 2012-13. 43 charter and cyber charter schools, nearly one in five, have closed due to academic and/or financial reasons, some due to fraud and financial irregularities.

Domb: Make RE Tax Revenue-Neutral

Councilmember Allan Domb (at Large) co-introduced a Revenue Neutral Tax Bill with Councilmember Brian O’Neill (10th District)

and issued the following statement: “The proposed Revenue Neutral Tax Bill will provide City Council with the oversight to make the City more fiscally responsible. It will eliminate the City’s ability to increase revenues by raising homeowners’ property values. More importantly, it maintains full funding levels for our schools and for the City’s essential services.”

DeLissio Relaunches Government Reform Last week, State Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-Northwest) joined constituents and many other citizens from Fair Districts PA in the Capitol Rotunda in their rally for redistricting reform. “Last session, our collective two-year effort resulted in no legislation regarding this matter making it to the governor’s desk,” DeLissio said. “Instead of giving up, Fair Districts PA has regrouped and, armed with a new strategy, is determined to ensure that an independent citizens’ commission draws the lines for the congressional, State Senate and House redistricting that will occur in 2021. “Since my first town hall meeting in 2011 and at every one of my 83 town hall meetings since, I have mentioned the need for redistricting reform. In 2011, constituents wondered why I was talking about a topic that was not needed until 2021. Yet here we are in 2019, still attempting to get this legislation through the General Assembly,” DeLissio affirmed. “Our current redistricting system continues to not be fair to the citizens it serves. That is why it is imperative for both sides to work together to create a fair system that serves all citizens equally.” DeLissio used the rally to announce her effort to reconvene the Government

Reform Caucus, a bicameral and bipartisan caucus that focuses on good-government reforms.

Parker Bill Protects Parking Workers Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker (9th District) introduced a pair of bills to increase protections for parking workers. One bill would require parking employers to demonstrate “just cause” to fire an employee, while the other would mandate parking garages, parking lots and valet services to provide sufficient staff to ensure the safety of employees and customers. The bills seek to address concerns raised during a hearing on the need for a living wage for parking workers held by Council’s Committee on Labor and Civil Services. Both bills were co-sponsored by Council Members Derek Green and Helen Gym (both at Large). “We can and we must help root out unfair treatment and substandard conditions for workers in an industry that employs more than 1,000 men and women in Philadelphia, and where many of them earn as little as $8 per hour,” Parker said. “The idea that an employer would fire an employee simply for advocating for better working conditions and trying to organize workers while they are not on the clock is reprehensible and sends the wrong message to other employees.” “Today, Council took a big step forward with legislation that will help 1,000 Philadelphia parking workers have job protections to make their lives better,” said Daisy Cruz, District Direct of 32BJ SEIU.

Two Press Charge For Plastic Bags

State Reps. Brian Sims (D-S. Phila.) and Jared Solomon (D-Northeast) have introduced a bill would put

a 2-cent fee on each non-reusable plastic bag handed to shoppers by retailers grossing over $1 million a year. Half the revenue would be returned to retailers to help improve internal recycling, and half will be used for state recycling programs. “One single-use plastic shopping bag takes 1,000 years to decompose in landfills. Not to mention littering streets and killing marine creatures that mistake them for food,” Sims stated. “A modest fee of two cents on each plastic bag at retail establishments would serve as a reminder for everyone to think twice before taking a bag and would offer a needed revenue source for Pennsylvania’s recycling programs.”

House Backs Cruz On Drugs, Disabled State Rep. Angel Cruz (D-Kensington), Democratic chairman of the House Human Services Committee, saw his committee unanimously approve a legislative package that would fight the ongoing opioid epidemic and ensure equal rights for people with cognitive disabilities to technology and information access. Cruz said, “My HR 74 works to make sure we close the gap on the vast majority of people with cognitive disabilities who have limited or no access to the comprehensible information and usable communication technologies that most of us today have in the palm of our hands.” Nearly 30 million citizens in the United States are living with some form of cognitive disability, whether an intellectual disability, severe mental illness, learning disability, brain injury, and many others such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($20 per year Optional Subscription) The South Philadelphia Public Record 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 755-2000 Fax: (215) 525-2818 editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF In Memoriam:James Tayoun, Sr. Editor/Publisher: Greg Salisbury Managing Editor: Anthony West Everyday People Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Photographers: Leona Dixon

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Director of Operations:Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett Circulation: Yousef Maaddi The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. City & State will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public. The Philadelphia Public Record is a publication owned by:

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Teamsters 628

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Bullet Voting: Whom Do You Love, Really?

POLS on the STREET

M AY 2 , 2019

n important political tactic comes into play in primary races where there are multiple seats in a given office which are being contested by more candidates than there are seats. Example: Democrats get to nominate two seats on City Commission – but there are 13 candidates for those seats on their primary ballot. All Democrats are entitled to vote for their two favorites among that lot. If, however, you are strongly rooting for one candidate in particular – then it may be a strategic mistake for you to cast a second vote for the next-best candidate. That’s because the next-best candidate may use your vote to come in second – thereby winning a berth on the November ballot and a sure Rep.Maria P.

Donatucci

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D-185th District 2901 S. 19th St. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164 Councilwoman

Jannie L. Blackwell

District 3 City Hall, Room 408 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-3418, (215) 686-3419 FAX: (215) 686-1933

State Rep. Jason

Dawkins District Office:

4667 Paul St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215) 744-7901 M.–Th.:8:30a.m.–5:00p.m. F.: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

win – nudging out your favorite, who came in third. For this reason, seasoned political operatives want their hardcore supporters to cast only one vote, for their champion. If you are really excited about one candidate, you should vote only for that candidate, no matter how many other choices stare at you on the ballot. Bullet voting matters greatly in at-large councilmanic races, for both Republicans and Democrats. It’s a game of musical chairs for those five names on the November ballot. If you are dedicated to electing one person in particular, don’t vote for four more names, no matter how highly you think of them. The same is true in judicial races, where six openings are being contested by more than a score of candidates. If there is one person that you are convinced should be a judge, vote only for that person. Any five other votes you cast may wind up defeating your favorite. It seems counterintuitive, in a time when all activists decry low voter turnout, to encourage people not to vote for every choice that lies before them as citizens. But the first mission in voting is

to enable your people to win and bulleting is a way to win. This doesn’t matter if your choices are more generic than personal. Say you’re rooting to elect as many judges as possible who are saints, or scholars, or Slovenians, or southpaws. If you have a list of six potential jurists who qualify in your category, then vote for those six. If you are primarily loyal to a slate chosen by an interest group you identify with, it’s smart to vote that slate: There is strength in numbers. But if you know and like a candidate off its slate, you can “BB bullet” him or her by skipping one on your team’s slate and punching your pal’s button instead. Election strategy can be baffling for an ordinary voter. But it can also be fun to learn and practise. And it’s free.

FOP Gives Nod To Dan Tinney Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5 has endorsed Republican candidate Dan Tinney in his campaign for City Council at Large in the May 19 primary election. “We are very proud to endorse Dan Tinney for City Council At-Large in the primary election. Tinney is a neighborhood guy with strong ties to our members

Representative

AT YOUR SERVICE

Angel Cruz

STATE REP MARY ISAACSON

District Office 3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643

175TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 610 N. SECOND STREET 215.503.3245

Ready to Serve you

State Rep.

Kevin J.

Boyle 172nd Dist. 7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

215-331-2600 State Senator

Sharif

Street 1621 W. Jefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121

215-227-6161 Paid for with PA Tax Dollars

in the community. We believe he will always support our brothers and sisters in blue in City Hall. Our members need allies in City Hall now more than ever,” said FOP President John McNesby. “I am very humbled and honored to receive the endorsement of the FOP. Their support means so much to me because they represent so many of my family, friends and neighbors in Northeast Philadelphia. They sacrifice so much at such great personal expense. I will be a strong voice for the police community in City Hall,” Tinney responded. FOP endorsement is a big boost in urban Republican politics because its members all live in Philadelphia, many lean Republican and all are trained in team spirit.

Gym Racks up Endorsements The final weeks before a primary see a flurry of endorsements. Councilwoman Helen Gym has picked up her share. She announced last week she had picked up hugs from Ascend PAC, One Pennsylvania, UNITE HERE and the Sierra Club. “As a big believer in local politics and community organizing, I’m grateful to have the support of groups committed to uplifting a progressive agenda,” she said.

P: 215-849-6426

FLANKING councilmanic at-large candidate Vinny Black at RePoint Philadelphia candidates forum were organizers Aaron Wunsch and Janice Woodcock. The event, held at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street, drew numerous candidates such as Black, who closed with his campaign slogan, “I’m Vinny Black and I got your back.”

Squilla 1st District City Hall Room 332

T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687

Phila PA 19148

Got Your Back

Mark

191st Leg. Dist. 6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139

310 W. Chelten Ave.

A CITYWIDE Community Day and Anti-Violence Summit was sponsored by the Philadelphia Masjid and the Coalition for the Reconstruction of Unified Community Involvement & Leadership at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse in Fairmount Park E. L-R were Ron Waters, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Neil Blount, State Sen. Anthony Williams and Rajan Muhammad. Photo by Leona Dixon

Councilman

McClinton

198th District

Stop Violence

Pulling top position on the (Cont. Next Page)

Joanna E.

Youngblood

A BREAKFAST support meeting for Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., C, was hosted by Bellevue Strategies last week.

Number 1 Draws Rivera-Reyes Fans

State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

Jones Breaks Eggs

215-686-3458/59 State Rep.

Donna

Bullock 195th Leg. Dist. 2835 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130

T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629

Councilman At-Large

DEREK S. GREEN City Hall, Room 594 Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-686-3450 www.phlcouncil.com

City Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker 9th District

District Office 1538 E. Wadsworth Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19150 Phone: 215-686-3454 Fax: 215-685-9271. www.phlcouncil.com/CherelleParker

Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9

Memo to all candidates in a contested citywide race: Travel north of Market Street once in a while.

Libertarian Toure Hunts at-Large Seat Maj Toure, activist and Philly native, has declared

his candidacy in an at-large bid for Philadelphia City Council. In his words: “Philadelphia’s City Council has problem. We are under-educating our young people. Citizens are being lied to about marijuana. Our neighbors are being locked

up. We need new solutions. I am running for this seat to be a Solutionary. Things need to change, and I will be that change when I am in office.” Toure outlined his priorities as criminal-justice reform: to end the practice of solitary confinement; legal-

ization of marijuana: bring 5 home our family members now; and improved education in Philadelphia: conflict resolution training for disconnected youths. Toure describes himself as a hip-hop artist turned 2nd Amendment advocate.

Happy Barish Day Justin Seeks Crew

JUDICIAL candidate Wendi Barish, C, was hosted a birthday party by her supporters at City Commission aspirant Beth Finn’s Center City office.

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(Cont. From Prev. Page) councilmanic at-large ballot always invites a closer look from a host of endorsers. In all fairness, Adrián Rivera-Rivera-Reyes already had certain angles going for him before that moment, though. In the past week, Latino Victory Fund announced its endorsement of Rivera-Reyes in the Democratic primary on May 21. “From growing up in a working-class family in Puerto Rico to becoming a PhD cancer researcher, Adrián Rivera-Reyes’ perspective and voice are what’s missing in the Philadelphia City Council,” said Latino Victory Fund Interim President Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Adrián’s passion for helping Philadelphia's working families is nothing new. As a community organizer, he has seen firsthand what struggling families are going through. He will be the strongest advocate at City Hall, fighting for quality housing, education, and health care. Make no mistake: this PhillyRican can get things done.” “Our city is better when our leaders reflect our diversity,” said Rivera-Reyes. Philadelphia has the largest Puerto Rican population after New York City. Rivera-Reyes also picked up the kiss of the Working Families Party. In 2017, Working Families

Party, one of the largest and most active progressive organizations nationwide, backed 1,036 candidates nationwide, and won nearly two-thirds of its races. WFP was active in many of the recent progressive victories in Philadelphia, including Larry Krasner, Chris Rabb, Joe Hohenstein and Elizabeth Fiedler. Speaking for her party, Vanessa Clifford said, “As a member of City Council, Adrian will stand up for fully funded public schools, higher wages, affordable housing and a Green New Deal. We are proud to support him.” “With their support, we will make Philadelphia a city that puts working class people first,” responded Rivera-Reyes.

AT-LARGE councilmanic candidate Justin DiBerardinis, C, made his case to the Schuylkill Navy at an event at Crescent Boat Club. He posed here with Commodore of the Schuylkill Navy Paul Horvat and Vice Commodore Bonnie Mueller.

Gordon Snaps up A Choice Ward Tracey Gordon was thrilled to trumpet her endorsement by the 9th Ward Democrats in the race for Register of Wills. Dormant for years under the leadership of incumbent Ron Donatucci, who has a management record with no glaring stumbles, this primary contest has drawn two challengers this year, Jacque Whaumbush and Gordon. Gordon served as deputy City commissioner and has been around town both in that capacity and in progressive political circles. The 9th Ward Democrats are a bastion of well-heeled progressives who also show up at the polls in large numbers.

M AY 2 , 2019

POLS on the STREET

AT-LARGE councilmanic candidate Deja Lynn Alvarez, 3rd from L, took her campaign to N.E. Philadelphia for a campaign event hosted by Troy Everwine, 2nd from L, at the SawTown Tavern in Tacony. Photo by Harry Leech

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Alvarez in N.E.

The More You Know The News in Black & White

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OPINION

M AY 2 , 2019

t’s crunch time now. You can tell by the building crescendo of ads, the strategically timed leaks that are the second cousin twice removed of the October Surprise, and even by the seemingly endless opportunities to schmooze and snack with candidates of all stripes. For diehard wonks like ourselves, it’s an immersive experience better than anything to be found at Six Flags. But for the majority of Philadelphia voters, it’s a time of bewildering, overwhelming and even disori-

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MARK your CALENDAR May 2- Judicial candidate Daniel McCaffery is hosted Cocktail Reception at Giuseppe & Sons, 1523 Sansom St., 5-7 p.m. Chairs: Robert Brady, Jonathan Saidel & Thomas Duffy. Contribution levels: Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $500, Guests $500. Payable to “McCaffery for Pennsylvania Superior Court,” P.O. Box 472, Bensalem, PA 19020. RSVP: Vanessa DeRose (609) 635-3375 or vanessagervasi@gmail.com. May 2- Judicial candidate Craig Levin hosts Happy

enting choices – more Gravitron than rollercoaster. We do our best within these pages to suss out and present as much information about the candidates and their positions as possible, but in an election like this month’s primary, there is simply too much ground to cover. Dozens of candidates for City Council, a City Commissioners’ race that has drawn unprecedented interest, a four-way race for sheriff, a three-way race for register of wills – and a head-spinning number of judicial elections and candidates – if you want to be informed before you step into the ballot box, you better start researching right now. Here are some of our favorite repositories of electoral knowledge to draw upon before the 21st. • For City Council candidates: a great source for Hour Fundraiser at Square 1682, 117 S. 17th St., 57 p.m. For info: Levinforjudge@gmail.com May 2- State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta hosts “N. Philly Votes Fish Fry” at Barber’s Hall, 1402 W. Oxford St., 5:30-7 p.m. Contribution Levels: Super Hosts $500, Hosts $250, Tickets $12. Payable to “Malcolm for PA,” P.O. Box 3254, Phila., PA 19130 RSVP: Events@LPerryGroup.com. May 2- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts Cocktail Reception at home of John Rodenbeck & Jeremy Zerbe, 1415 S. Howard St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Contribution levels: Gold $500, Silver $250, Bronze $100, Tickets $50. Payable to “Squilla for Council,” P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148. RSVP: Events@lperrygroup.cvom. For info: (215) 696-0291. May 2- The Flow hosts Happy Hour for a cause at TGI Fridays, 1776 Ben Franklin Pkwy., 5:30 p.m.

information on these races, as well as every other election, is ballotpedia. org. • For City Commissioners: In addition to our comprehensive coverage of this race, Committee of Seventy has an extremely useful voter’s guide on its website for this and all other primary races. • For judicial candidates: Check out phillyjudges. com, which features not only the candidates but also assessments and recommendations. It’s not an ideal process, to be sure. To be an informed voter this election means bouncing around from site to site, publication to publication. It’s a chaotic, messy process, but one that will reap great dividends if done assiduously. Just like our democracy itself. Benefiting “Absolute Justice.” Special guest: State Sen. Sharif Street. May 3- Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Committee hosts Contest & Open House at 10401 Decatur Rd., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Competition in 5 categories, trade-show exhibits. Complimentary refreshments. For info: (215) 824-2313. May 3- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler hosts Coffee & Conversation at her Satellite Office, 1537 S. 6th St., 9:30-10:30 a.m. For info: (215) 271-9190. May 3- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler hosts Coffee with the Rep at SPOAC, 1430 E. Passyunk Ave., 10:30-11:30 a.m. Senior SEPTA IDs & unclaimed-property check. For info: (215) 271-9190. May 4- 42nd Ward Democratic Committee hosts Meet the Candidates Night at Majestic Hall, 800 W. Olney Ave., 9-11 a.m. For info: Sharon Vaughn (215) 313-7019. May 4- N.W. Community

LABORERS’ Local 332 hosted its annual Hall of Fame Dinner honoring former Mayor John Street, C. Business Manager Sam Staten, Jr., L and Sharif Street, State senator and son of the former mayor, congratulated the honoree. Photo from Sharif Street’s Facebook page

Empowerment Coalition hosts Candidates Day 2019 at Elders Place, 53 Wister St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: Rev. Jackie (267) 551-9299. May 4- Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. hosts Block Captain Boot Camp at Overbrook School For the Blind, 6333 Malvern Ave., 12-3 p.m. Presentations by elected officials; Block Captain 101, Emergency Preparedness and Financial Literacy. For info: Dinah Hayward (215) 688-7042. May 4- Congressman Dwight Evans hosts 65th Birthday Party at Hilton Phila. City Ave., 4200 City Line Ave., 7-10 p.m. Contribution levels: Chari $2,500, Hosts $1,000, Supporters $250, Friends $100, Patrons $80. For info: Terri Grantham-Peebles (215) 242-3213 or Terri@DwightEvans.com. May 5- Councilman Kenyatta Johnson hosts GOTV Fish Fry at 22nd St. Café, 1266 S. 22nd St., 4-8 p.m. Tickets: $10. For info:

(267) 262-2116. May 7- Democratic City Committee hosts Jefferson-Jackson Day Celebration at Sheet Metal Workers’ Hall, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd., 5:307:L30 p.m. Tickets $150. RSVP by 5/2: (215) 2417800. May 9- 24th Police Dist. holds Officers of the Year Banquet at FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Rd., 6-10 p.m. Tickets $35, table of 10 $325. For info: Officer Tina Willis (215) 685-9963 or tina.willis@phila.gov. May 9- Councilman David Oh hosts Beef & Beer Fundraiser at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd., 6-8:30 p.m. Live music, comedy. Tickets: $30. For info: davidohphilly@gmail.com. May 10- McCall School HSA hosts Gala & Auction honoring restaurateur Michael Solomonov at Reading Terminal Market, 7-10 p.m. Special guest: Mayor Jim Kenney. Early-bird ticket $95 through Apr.

5. For info: Lisa Widawski Hallowell lisa.w.hallowell@gmail.com. May 11- City Commission candidate Luigi Borda hosts Borda Street Run/Walk 5k, starting at Marconi Plaza, Broad St. & Oregon Ave., 8-10 a.m. Participation fee: $20. For info: Luigi (267) 886-5444. May 11- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Shredding Event at Roxborough Mun. Pkg. Lot, 514 Dupont St., 9-11 a.m. Limit: 4 bags/ household. For info: (215) 482-8726. May 11- State Rep. Ed Neilson hosts Shredding Event at St. Jerome School, 2031 Stamford St., 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For info: (215) 330-3714. May 11- Councilmanic candidate Isaiah Thomas hosts “Rally for Our Future” at Finley Rec Center, 1000 E. Hortter St., rally 12-2 p.m., canvass 2-4 p.m. For info: (267) 4690673 or team@citizensforisaiahthomas.com. (Cont. Next Page)

(Cont. From Prev. Page) May 11- 40A & 40B Ward Democratic Committees host Pre-Primary Party at Bocce Cl., 24th & Point Breeze Ave., 6-10 p.m. Food, drink, music! Committee persons free, others $35, candidates $100. Checks payable to “Ward 40A Executive Committee.” For info: Ed Thornton (215) 834-3414. May 13- City Commission candidate Luigi Borda hosts Fundraiser at Mick Daniel’s Saloon, 2nd Street & Oregon Ave., 6-8 p.m. Special guests: Councilman Mark Squilla & Sherrie Cohen. Sponsors $500, Hosts $2550, Tickets $50. For info: Luigi (267) 886-5444. May 13- 65th Ward Democratic Committee hosts Mtg. at Ashburner Inn, 8400 Torresdale Ave., 7 p.m. For info: John Donohoe (267) 334-3775. May 15- 57th & 65th Ward Republican Committees host Fundraiser at Blue Grass Billiards, 9490 Blue Grass Rd., 6:30-8 p.m. Draft beer, soda, wings, chicken tenders & appetizers. Donations: $40, candidates more. Payable to “Elephant Fund” or “65th Ward GOP.” For info: Brian McCann (267)

702-0509. May 16- Councilwoman Cherelle Parker hosts Breakfast Reception at Bellevue Strategies, 200 S. Broad St., Su. 410, 8:30-10 a.m. Levels: Sponsors $3,000, Hosts $1,000, VIPs $500, Friends $250, Guests $150. Payable to “People for Pakrer,” P.O. Box 27647, Phila., PA 19118. For info: Vanessa DeRose (609) 635-3375 or vanessagervasi@gmail.com. May 16- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Shredding Event at Roxborough Municipal Lot, 514 Dupont St., 9-11 a.m. For info: (215) 482-8726. May 17- Sid Booker hosts Get Out The Vote Rally at Club LaPointé, 4600 N. Broad St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. May 18- Councilman Derek Green is hosted “AS Night in Wakanda” at Treasures Ha., 5549 Germantown Ave., 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets: $25. For info: Ella (215) 224-6956. May 21- Primary Election Day, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. May 21- N.J. State Council of Sheet Metal Workers hosts Golf Outing at Mercer Oaks C.C., 725 Village Rd., W. Princeton, N.J., Registration & Lunch 10:30 a.m., Shotgun Start 12 m., Dinner Buffet 5 p.m. $150 per golfer, Sponsorships $2,000$250. For info: Lou Coppalino (215) 416-0450.

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D M AY 2 , 2019

MARK your CALENDAR

Please contact Melissa Barrett for more information: 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 Email: mbarrett@phillyrecord.com

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Biden Time

JOE BIDEN kicked off his presidential campaign Apr. 25 at a fundraiser at Comcast VP David Cohen’s Mount Airy home. Several Philadelphia political activists enjoyed a chance to meet and pose with Biden, including State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and consultant Teresa Lundy.

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M AY 2 , 2019

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the WAFFLE MAN

o! Here we go again. I wondered what the scoop was about bananas. I discovered these facts on the internet – from no less a source than the Farmer’s Almanac! (Which is right at least some of the time.) After reading this, you will never look at a banana in the same way again!

Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose – combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. According to a recent survey amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain trypto-

phan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. For PMS: Forget the pills – eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. High in iron, bananas can

stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and help in cases of anemia. This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration have just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood-sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness. Before reaching for the insect-bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of

its soft texture and smoothness. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Many other cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature. Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6 and B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack. So a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best-value foods around. So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, “A banana a day keeps the doctor away!” Pass this information to all your friends.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY ave you ever thought about what you’d do if you hit the Powerball for millions and millions of dollars? Of course you have! We all do. It’s the ultimate fantasy. You have a pot of 600 million dollars or so that you can do Any. Damn. Thing. You. Want with. That’s a heady feeling and the power contained within it is kind of immense. And it’s that power that often leads to lottery winners winding up in bankruptcy court. While there’s

schools and Rebuild it provides. After one of the people testified, Councilman David Oh, one of the councilmen who voted against the tax in the first place, suggested that he could pay for all of those things by submitting a transfer request to fund them. On the campaign trail, former City Controller Alan Butkovitz and State Sen. Anthony Williams have both proposed using the City’s $368 million surplus to fund all of the programs that Mayor Jim Kenney has put together using Sweetened Beverage Tax funds. The Mayor’s response has been to say that getting rid of the tax would get rid of those programs. I’ve been reading budgets for most of the 30 years I’ve been a journalist, so I’ve learned a few things. In this case, the surplus is the Powerball winnings, and the city’s residents are the Powerball winners. They have this $368 million (Cont. Page 11)

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA he sad saga of the KATE SMITH song and statue seems to have wound down (for now). The removal of the statue would never make a chapter in Profiles in Courage. A columnist wrote not too favorably of Kate. while another correctly brought closure by drawing a line in the sand: If it occurred more than 20 years ago, the we have more important CURRENT ISSUES to deal with. Thanks to Mayor Ernie TROIANO of Wildwood, N.J. for interest in acquiring

CITY HALL SAM

ISA RHODES, the well-liked head of the Democratic Women of Philadelphia, continues to make moves around town. She is serving as a member of the executive board of Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee. She is head of the Women’s Democratic Black Caucus and she is advocating for several judicial candidates. Lisa is also a really nice person. SHERRIE COHEN, a Council candidate with a substantial following, decided that the coffee-can lottery way of running for Coun-

This week’s THERE YOU 9 GO AGAIN Award goes to advocates of auto-free Center City streets. Artists’ conceptions make such streets look like Valhalla. It seems to tell drivers to do something impossible to themselves. Designers eager to show off their ability should consent to street closure on their block. The daily-press series on high teacher TURNOVER in city schools is the stuff PULITZERS are made of! Keep it up... A daily-press poll of over 800 people is NOT ENOUGH to print conclusions of what a MILLION Philly residents think.... An op-ed piece told DA Larry KRASNER how to preserve his legacy. Leave it to him to figure that out. Happy Birthday to State Rep. Movita JOHNSON-HARRELL as you embark on a career of accomplishment!... It is the birthday of South Philly's (Cont. Next Page)

cil at large was not the way to go this time. She didn’t have a good ballot position and the field is absolutely swamped with wannabes and people with cash who can get on ballots. In the last election she came in sixth; just one spot out of winning the Democratic primary for Council. Her father, DAVID COHEN, was the longtime councilman who served well into his 80s and was re-elected countless times. Sherrie will continue to carry on the legacy and figure out the next move; and whatever that move is, it will be good for the Philadelphia community because that is the Cohen way. JOE BIDEN announced he’s running for president of the United States. The usual suspects from Philadelphia held a fundraiser for him along with the Southeastern Pennsylvania members of the congressional delegation. Money is a necessity and there are

many businesses and people that are happy to donate to presidential candidates in order to have actual or perceived access and a chance to pitch their issue or project. And the Democratic candidates need money. No one can argue that Biden is one of the nicest guys in the world and did a great job as vice president under BARACK OBAMA, but does he represent a fresh approach to the future that voters seem to be favoring? In a word ... maybe he does. Biden has humble roots growing up in Scranton, Pa. and living in Wilmington, Del. Biden’s announcement video was surprisingly fresh. It touched many folks’ hearts and minds. He took a different track from other candidates, focusing solely on the moral decay of our country under PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP. Somehow a guy that has been in politics for 40 years found an (Cont. Next Page)

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a certain power that comes with having a big pile of money, that money isn’t finite. And it’s not like you’re going to hit the lottery for $600 million every day. The smart move is to put a chunk of it aside in anticipation of any emergencies, and for your retirement. In other words, sure, buy the penthouse condo at Liberty Place and the Bentley convertible if you want. But remember they’ll be the first things you have to sell if you find yourself in bankruptcy court because you’ve spent all your money. Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m bringing all of this up. It’s because it appears to me that there are some members of City Council and a couple of mayoral candidates who don’t seem to understand this concept. Last week during City Council, people came to testify on behalf of the Sweetened Beverage Tax and the investment in pre-K, community

WALKING the BEAT

the statue. He clearly has not had spinal-column removal surgery. A great article asks why real-estate taxes rise while the tax rate stays the same. Good point. City Council, for years, had little reason to adjust the tax rate in the past when the tax office was INDEPENDENT of the Mayor’s Office. Assessments were reasonable and did not hammer homeowners – which then attracted millennials to the city out of New York and Washington. Should the tax rate be adjusted with assessment increases, so that the City gets NO NEW REVENUE? The Mayor’s Office will NEVER support revenue neutrality! A spokesperson for that office commented on the benefit (to whom) of annual reassessments. His quote was like that of the Texas Governor (played by Charles Durning) in the movie about the “Chicken Ranch.”

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orget March, beware the Ides of May! It’s that treacherous time every four years when the various factions of the Republican Party bare all the dirt to the public in an effort to grab those two minority seats on City Council at large. The Super Bowl, the Grand Prix, the World Cup … all bush league compared to the enormity of the hallowed minority at-large seats. But why is it that the often-slumberous Republican ward

courts, muscle to intimidate rebellious Republicans who dream of growing their party within city limits). The good news is the voter base is growing and the people are more informed. There’s a clear difference when you attend a Republican event and a Democratic event. Democrats seem bent on identity politics, hatred of Trump and “getting theirs,” while the Republicans are talking about how to get our streets safer, schools better and taxes lower. Yes, you are seeing a rise in more-active and aggressive Republicans who will not look for goodies but rather a serious opposition party ready to battle the Democrats. Perhaps the commotion besetting city Democrats in their turmoil this primary season will leak over into the other party.

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ELEPHANT CORNER

leaders in Philadelphia suddenly come alive for this race? GOV. TOM CORBETT, candidate for governor SCOTT WAGNER, senatorial contender LOU BARLETTA, and so many State and federal candidates simply died on the vine in large part thanks to the inertia displayed in places like Philly. One unsubstantiated theory that seems to make some sense goes as follows: prominent Democratic establishment leaders get with Republican establishment leaders and make a deal on whom they wish to support for those two seats; in turn, they will commit to getting their votes (if elected) to back whom they want for Council president. In return for the Republican collusion, er, cooperation, they get their goodies (City contracts, patronage jobs, connections in the

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WALKING the BEAT (Cont. From Prev. Page) political sage: Dominic DiMURO! Dom uses his body to carry his brain around. Former Sheriff John GREEN admitted guilt. The press should not use this to attack the office. It

might be easily seen to have ignoble motives.... Writers of an editorial urging cleanup of Philly by term limits should LEAD BY EXAMPLE: 1) Set two-year editorial board-member term limits and PRINT it; (2) Tell salaries of EB members, with a bio, and if they LIVE IN PHILLY; (3) Use photos of FACES of EB members.

Sincerity is subject to proof. John & Sara DelRICCI are a popular Northeast couple who just celebrated 15 YEARS of marriage! So youthful are they, that I wonder if they married at age 10?... Northeast EDUCATORS Mona Getz COHEN and Peter JEROME are the rock on which you build vibrant communities!

I had forgotten that the REGISTER OF WILLS Office has NO VOICEMAIL. That disliked wall of seemingly permanent City voicemail does not exist there. Attackers of that office leave that important fact OUT! MASSIVE amounts of corporate money are being plowed into the race to unseat Councilwoman Jannie

BLACKWELL. Jannie does so much to help ordinary people. I cannot find a section in a reform manifesto with a chapter on helping the needy, as opposed to world issues. CONGRATS to Nelson DIAZ, Esq. on his new book, “Not from Here, Not from There.” Nelson is on a book-signing tour and still with Dilworth Paxson. Hats off to State Sen. Sharif STREET and State Rep. Ja-

son DAWKINS on legislation to empower the Parole Board to review more LIFER Cases. The Instagram sent by a sports-team owner to Meek Mill’s Probation judge was UGLY and reprehensible. He talks much of JUSTICE. Justice would be served if he went into his wallet for BAIL MONEY for worthy citizens in jail on minor charges that cannot get a few dollars. Let not your money get RUSTY.

CITY HALL SAM

ten held in contempt by a significant portion of the electorate. Even a popular mayor is usually in the low50s area so Kenney must be doing something right. But these numbers are often a snapshot in time and don’t indicate how much the numbers can vacillate with the right kind of negative advertising. Nonetheless, both TONY WILLIAMS and ALAN BUTKOVITZ, the opposition candidates, don’t seem to have the resources to come up with a clear reason to vote for them. It’s almost May and either one has to make a move soon or Kenney will clearly win in a landslide.

(Cont. From Prev. Page) issue that none of the other 20 candidates have spent much time talking about but many Americans have spent time thinking about. Biden cultivated and crafted an issue, then bottled it up and delivered a powerful message that served as an elixir to the hearts and minds of all Americans. It was a powerful start to his campaign. JIM KENNEY’S unofficial polling numbers have him in the low 60s for an approval rating. This is unbelievable for a mayor of Philadelphia who is of-

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11th Ward Counsel

NORTH PHILLY'S 11th Ward held a candidates ward meeting in the New Courtland Apartments for candidates seeking municipal and judicial offices. Josh Roberts, Esq., R, is seeking a Common Pleas judgeship. He answered all questions of committeepersons at the meeting. He was seen with Dwayne Lilley, a fast-rising ward leader and consultant. Photo by Joe Stivala CRAIG LEVIN, ESQ., candidate for Common Pleas judge, spoke to committeepersons in the 11th Ward. Levin is part of a large field of candidates, but deemed to have a shot because of his good ballot position. Levin would bring 31 years’ legal experience and a Freemason’s caring to the bench. He appeared here with Ward Leader Dwayne Lilley.

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every year can lead to your winding up in bankruptcy court, using the City’s surplus on reoccurring expenses like pre-K, Rebuild and community schools is going to lead to folks having to make some hard – and politically unpopular – choices when the money runs out. The folks who are still mad because you have to pay 50 cents for a sugary drink instead of 25 cents aren’t trying to hear me on that. But the question remains: Are we going to have our lottery winnings in the bank – or in bankruptcy court?

M AY 2 , 2019

(Cont. From Page 9) in winnings, which actually came from a taxation booboo that the City made, so it’s not something that they can count on. On the one hand, Budget 101 says that you take a nice chunk of that money and pay off some bills. It also says that you put the rest away so that you have something to spend on emergencies. But while it makes sense to have a fund balance, I’ve never met an elected official that doesn’t look at a pile of money and think of ways to spend it. While what you might want to spend that money on is good in the short term, it can really screw up your budget (and lead you to bankruptcy court) in the long term. When folks like Oh, Butkovitz and Williams, all of whom probably have their hearts in the right place, say

that we should use the surplus on pre-K, Rebuild and community schools so that we can repeal the Sweetened Beverage Tax, they’re not looking long term. Just like our Powerball monies are finite, so is the City’s surplus. Just like you won’t hit a $600 million Powerball jackpot every year, you also aren’t guaranteed a surplus. So just like using your Powerball monies to deck out your friends in designer threads and new Bentleys that you have to pay the reoccurring expense of taxes on

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EVERYDAY PEOPLE

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Squilla’s Team Revs up Ducky’s Foundation

Makes Awards

COUNCILMAN Mark Squilla’s friends turned out for an NFL Draft Party at McGillin’s Old Ale House. L-R were Brian Stevenson, Squilla, State Sen. Larry Farnese, Ward Leader J.R. Rowan and Justin Whitmore. Photos by Wendell Douglas

COMMUNITY linchpin Donald “Ducky” Birts’ Foundation held its annual Medallion Scholarship Banquet in Cheltenham last Saturday. Photos by Robert Mendelssohn

JUDICIAL candidate Nicola Serianni showed up with consultant Ozzie Myers, R, sharing a moment with Ward Leader J.R. Rowan.

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DUCKY’S son David Birts rolled out a cake for the occasion.

L-R, JAN SINGER, Joe Micali, Bill Bevidas and Bob Bevidas enjoyed the affair.

IATSE PRESIDENT Phil Lavery, rear, posed with this family shot of Councilman Mark Squilla and Squilla’s wife and daughters.

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DUCKY BIRTS posed with his wife Linda and his HONOREE State Rep. Joanna McClinton was flanked Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, R. by David Birts, L, and Ducky.

SHARING a moment were, L-R, John White, Jr., Rev. Lorena Marshall Blake, Donald “Ducky” Birts and councilmanic candidate Sandra Dungee Glenn.

PATRIOT Home Care made a $5,000 donation to the Foundation’s scholarship fund.

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A LOOK AT AT-LARGE COUNCIL HOPEFULS

Justin DiBerardinis Adrián Rivera Reyes

Justin DiBerardinis he has “run the table with progressive endorsements,” claiming Neighborhood Networks, 215 Peoples Alliance, Liberty City Democratic Club, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. He is backed by the 1st, 2nd and 8th Wards; by AFSCME DC 33 and 47; by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers along with Temple and Community College faculty. But he is also respected by mainstream politicians as well. Tax policy is central to his vision. “We handcuff ourselves with the uniformity clause” in the State Consti-

tution that forbids a higher rate for commercial property. “It is burdensome to the economy and to the poor. Trailing other cities.” DiBerardinis would press an aggressive drive to seek relief in Harrisburg, harnessing a rack of younger State legislators. Aided, perhaps, by the support of Gov. Ed Rendell, DiBerardinis asserts a kitty of $325,000 which has enabled him to buy TV time. Fishtown-born, he lives by Wayne Junction. Married to his Central High School sweetheart, they have two young children.

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f elected, this candidate would stand out in many ways. “I would be the first scientist on City Council, the first doctor, the first openly LGBTQ member and the first millennial,” he explained. Rivera Reyes will turn 27 by the election. He would also become the second Latino in that 17-member body, governing a city that is 14% Hispanic. Born in Puerto Rico, Rivera Reyes came to Penn in 2014 to pursue a PhD in cancer research. He now lives in Grays Ferry. His studies drove him toward politics. “I began to learn how the City works,” he explained. He became president of the Penn Science Policy & Diplomacy Group, an organizer for pro-science 314 Action, a health-care advisor for a congressional candidate and a labor activist in Get Up, a Penn graduate-students’ group. Nationally, health care is a top topic. Rivera Reyes advocates a single-payer system. But it can’t be instituted at the local level. There is much for City Council to do on health, however, he argues. Funding for community health centers must be increased. Having lost a family member to the opioid epidemic, Rivera Reyes supports safe-injection sites. He insists that addiction treatment be coupled with job training. Green justice and economic justice are inter-

Adrián Rivera Reyes twined for him. He calls for a “municipal green new deal.” It’s about economics as well as health care in low-income Black & brown communities, he says, where the asthma rate is overwhelming. Rivera Reyes wants to reduce carbon emissions by tackling building rules. Greening them will create more jobs, he said. He opposes an LNG plant in Southwest Philly because of its impact on the environment; make it solar instead, he recommends. He wants SEPTA to expand its services across the city – and to run on renewable energy;

likewise PECO. His endorsements are varied: 314 Action, LGBTQ Victory Fund, Latino Victory Fund, Run for Something, Sunrise Movement Philadelphia, Sierra Club, 5th Square TAUP and Working Families Party. The candidate has a team: campaign manager, political director, communications director and finance director. He plans a campaign based largely on digital and fieldwork with lit drops. As of Apr 5, Rivera Reyes has $20,000 in the tank. He is shooting for $70,000 more.

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his candidate bears a familiar name. His father Michael recently retired as the City’s managing director after a long life of public service both here and with the Commonwealth. The son inherited this mission and has pursued numerous causes across the city. Early on, young DiBerardinis worked with the Eastern Philadelphia Organizing Project to replace Kensington’s dilapidated Willard School. This campaign led to a new building in 2011. DiBerardinis became Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez’ legislative director, a job that immersed him in the policy issues of a high-poverty community. His most-recent assignment was as program director for Bartram’s Garden, a Philadelphia historic gem tucked away in another hard-hit community, Southwest Philadelphia. DiBerardinis launched a slew of new projects there – a community garden and a boathouse among them – that boosted visitors to 100,000 a year while re-engaging local residents with the facility. DiBerardinis prides himself as a change agent who gets things done. “I’ve demonstrated in my career that I belong to the progressive family but I have always been seen as a coalition builder. It’s necessary to tackle reform,” he said. The candidate believes

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Sheriff Takes Back Meds

Council President Darrell Clarke’s office was a drop-off point and collection site for unused medications. The Sheriff’s Office provided staff to give out gun locks and information. L-R, Clarke aides Curtis Wilkerson and Tammy Byars; Sheriff’s aide Karen Smith; and Deputy Sheriffs Johnson and Thomas. Photo by Leona Dixon

Henon Honors Park

COUNCILMAN Bobby Henon commemorated Pulaski Pier in Port Richmond, which has recently been upgraded as part of the Delaware River trail. It is named after a Polish hero in the U.S. War of Independence. From L are DCNR Southeast regional Director Jean Lynch, Henon, Adam Folta and neighborhood volunteers. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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Salute to Labor

On June 20th, The Philadelphia Public Record will publish its annual Salute to Labor Special Issue and award ceremony. It will feature five Delaware Valley organized labor leaders who have each made unique contributions to the labor movement and to the community as a whole. Please nominate a person, or persons, in the Philadelphia labor world deserving of this recognition. The five leadership categories we will honor are: Lifetime Achiever: People at the pinnacle of their career whose accomplishments, stretching back decades, have had a lasting positive impact. Rising Star: Youthful project executives who deserve recognition for their talent, their success and their growth. Organizer-Activist: Union leaders with a track record of organizing success in the workplace or political arenas. Management Leader: Union executives who excel in the vital duties of maximizing benefits, training and assets.

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Good Deeds: Effective promoters and paractitioners of philanthropy in the larger society that union members proudly live among and serve.

Nomination Deadline: Friday, May 3rd Awards Ceremony: Thursday, June 20th, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m

Nominate @ http://tinyurl.com/pprsalutetolabor2019 For more information please call:Melissa Barrett: 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 mbarrett@phillyrecord.com

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: Budgeting after bankruptcy – How do I save $1,000 per month? First, maybe your goal isn’t $1,000 per month. It might be $500 a monthand it might also be a higher number, like $1,500 per month. What you need to save depends on your fi-

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bank account. Need an emergency fund? You’d be surprised how $100 per month can build up over a few years. To recap: (1) You spend less than you make, (2) you must pay attention to

Restore Pa. For Philly?

he School District of Philadelphia, City Council and Mayor Jim Kenney have voiced their support of Gov. Tom Wolf’s aggressive infrastructure plan, Restore Pennsylvania. “Philadelphia is a historic city that has seen tremendous growth in recent years, but our lack of investment in infrastructure is holding back potential further development,” said Wolf. “I am proud that Philadelphia officials are recognizing the potential

PUBLIC NOTICE LIEN SALE AUCTION This is to advise that the personal property of Peter Mooney located at Garage #16 at 4233 Adams Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 will be sold to auction to the highest bidder at 4233 Adams Avenue on May 3, 2019 at 11:00 AM to satisfy the owner’s lien for rent.

for Restore Pennsylvania to assist with issues like removing lead paint in schools, remediating blight and restoring greenspace.” The governor toured John H. Taggart School in Philadelphia last month to see how Restore Pennsylvania could assist the district with addressing issues like lead paint contamination. The school district has a backlog of $5 billion worth of infrastructure repairs. Restore Pennsylvania could assist with funding many of these projects.

the big expenses which 15 can make it impossible to save, and (3) you must pay yourself first.

PUBLIC NOTICE DECREE NISI – Phila. Orphans Court Div. O.C. No. 4 DE of 2019/ Control No. 190028, Estate of Judy Harris-Hairston: Notice is hereby given that on 1/23/19, it was decreed nisi that title to the interest of Judy Harris-Hairston in real estate situate 1015 S. 60th St., Phila., PA 19143 is in Khadijah Harris, Administrator. If no exceptions to the decree are filed within three months, the decree shall be confirmed absolutely. By the Court, John W. Herron, J. Karen Conn Mavros, Esquire.

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of saving.” You garnish your own wages, and that money goes into savings. For other savings goals, you can accomplish the same thing by having the money automatically withdrawn from your

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dren. Over the years, he worked for GM, and when he was not working that job, he prepared tax returns, installed furnaces, and did construction. He and my grandmother, a wonderful woman, raised four children. And Grandpa had a saying: “Pay yourself first!” Paying yourself first means when you get your paycheck, you immediately set aside money for savings goals. Back when Grandpa did this, he had to take money and put it in another bank account. Today, at least for retirement savings, you can have your employer pay you first by having money taken out of your check. The idea is simple: You’ll never see it, so you won’t spend it. I call this “the garnishment method

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understanding BANKRUPTCY

nancial circumstances (income, children, years to retirement, other financial needs, etc.). But let’s call your “number” $1,000 a month for purposes of this discussion. Second, the key to saving – whether accumulating an emergency fund or saving for long-term goals like college or retirement – is paying yourself first. “Pay yourself first” is a principle I learned from my grandfather over and over as I grew up. Grandpa accumulated a fairly large amount of money over the years, and he did that by keeping what he earned. He was an autoworker with only a 9th-grade education who arrived in Flint, Mich. in 1936 to work for General Motors. He came from a farm family in which he was the oldest of 12 chil-

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Reach key influential labor and political leaders in Philadelphia with our newspaper throughout the primary season. * Special Pre-Primary Issue

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May 16th, 2019

Please contact Melissa Barrett for more information: 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 Email: mbarrett@phillyrecord.com