Vol. XV No. 24
Issue 1011
June 13, 2019
“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”
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GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS DAY was commemorated last Friday in front of City Hall. Political leaders and activists joined Gov. Tom Wolf to call for action to stem the rising tide of gun violence, wearing orange in memory of a girl who had spoken at President Obama’s inauguration and was later gunned down. Instrumental in organizing the rally was State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, at R of Wolf, whose son was gunned down, an innocent bystander. Photo courtesy of CeaseFire PA.
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City Accelerator Pushes Diversity in Procurement
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he Citi Foundation and Living Cities have expanded the City Accelerator initiative on Inclusive Procurement, a retake on its fourth cohort, to 10 additional U.S. cities, including Philadelphia. The 10 cities will work together over the next year to pursue a range of projects to find innovative, effective, locally-tailored strategies to leverage public purchasing power to develop firms owned by people of color. Local initiatives range from implementing aggressive outreach strategies, developing procurement portals and creating an ecosystem of support services for firms owned by people of color to increase their opportunities to gain city contracts. “Philadelphia is experiencing great momentum and economic success right now, but we know this comes with the responsibility of building an economy that works for all our residents,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “It is a great honor that Philadelphia has been selected to join the sixth City Accelerator cohort, and its focus on the adoption of equitable procurement strategies to promote economic equity aligns perfectly with many efforts being undertaken by our administration. We recently shared our vision for inclusive growth in Philadelphia, which includes targeted and intentional strategies aimed at expanding financial access and business supports to increase diverse business inclusion. As part of our work to improve equitable economic outcomes, our plan also specifically highlighted the need to make City procurement processes and outcomes more equitable. We look forward to working with the Citi Foundation, Living Cities and Griffin & Strong to
deliver on the vision, commitment, and strategies we have laid out.” Participation in the City Accelerator cohort will build on Philadelphia’s recent efforts to improve City procurement. For example, earlier this year, Councilmember Derek Green introduced legislation to revise the City’s procurement procedures. His legislative package would increase the maximum dollar amount that triggers the need for a formal RFP process—from the current level of $34,000 to $100,000 for Philadelphia-based businesses and $75,000 for all businesses, thus incentivizing local minority- and women-owned enterprises to enter into City contracts—and provide for a ballot question in the upcoming November 2019 election to approve the required amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. Philadelphia’s goal in participating in the City Accelerator is to significantly increase response rates to contracts by minority business enterprises (MBEs), with a particular focus on local MBEs. By better connecting these businesses to City contracting opportunities, the City and its partners hope to grow Philadelphia’s economy in an equitable manner. The City will utilize a comprehensive approach to develop an understanding of the organizational barriers that limit MBE response rates and certification with the City, initiate and implement strategies to target specific challenges, and grow partnerships with key stakeholders to inform the development of a strategy that could be scaled citywide in the future. Proposed strategies to be explored through the City Accelerator include: • Research
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Compliance and Monitoring • Outreach and Certification • Anchor Institution Partnership • Industry-Specific Solutions • Increasing Access to Capital “Many cities aspire to spend a greater proportion of their expenditures with small and minority-owned businesses, but the municipal procurement process is often a deterrent to achieving that,” said Ed Skyler, Citi’s chief executive VP for global public affairs and chair of the Citi Foundation. “The City Accelerator has already helped cities in all parts of the country identify new ways to enhance transparency, communication and awareness in the procurement process — making it easier for small and minority-owned businesses to participate — and we’re excited to see the new approaches that come from these next 10 participating cities.” The Citi Foundation and Living Cities launched the City Accelerator in March 2014 to foster innovation and promote collaboration between urban leaders to tackle some of their cities' most pressing issues. Now in its sixth cohort, its largest to date, the City Accelerator has brought together 22 municipalities to test new approaches that improve the lives of residents, especially people of color. “Inclusive procurement is a strong element in closing racial income and wealth gaps,” said Living Cities President and CEO Ben Hecht. “When cities leverage their buying power to support the very residents that have been kept out of wealth-building activities, they are contributing to the betterment of the entire community.”
In addition to a $50,000 grant, each city will receive a combination of coaching, technical assistance and implementation resources in the coming year. Cities may consider local policy reform, supplier diversity engagement, improved contract compliance practices, utilization of tax incentives and economic development tools. “Procurement by City government is a powerful tool that can help create economic opportunity for communities who have historically been shut out,” said Nefertiri Sickout, deputy diversity & inclusion officer in the Mayor’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion. “Being part of this City Accelerator cohort will provide us with resources and support to make Philadelphia’s procurement practices more inclusive, and it will give us the chance to learn from our peers who are facing similar challenges in their cities. Reaching parity in response rates and contracts awarded for minority-owned firms will not happen overnight— but the actions taken as part of this cohort will help the City of Philadelphia build a system that is more equitable and increases both access and opportunity for minority-owned businesses.” The team leading Philadelphia’s efforts will include representatives from City government and local economic development partners: • Iola Harper, deputy director of commerce, Office of Economic Opportunity • Nefertiri Sickout, deputy diversity & inclusion officer, Mayor’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion • Stephanie Tipton, chief of staff, Office of the Chief Administrative
Officer Monique Nesmith-Joyner, interim procurement commissioner • Andrew Buss, deputy chief information officer, Office of Innovation & Technology • Michelle Flamer, senior attorney, City of Philadelphia Law Department • Derek S. Green, City Councilmember at Large • Valerie Cofield, president/CEO, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council • Gregory DeShields, PHL diversity executive director, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau • Jeff Hornstein, executive director, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia • Mariya Khandros, director of shared solutions, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia Technical assistance for the effort will be provided by Griffin & Strong, a law and public policy consulting firm specializing in disparity research and supplier diversity for government entities and private corporations. To track the progress and work of these City Accelerator cities in the coming year, visit Governing Magazine, Citi’s blog and follow the #CityAccelerator hashtag on Twitter. Citi is the leading global bank. The Citi Foundation leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people. Living Cities harnesses the collective power of 18 of the world’s largest foundations and financial institutions to develop and scale new approaches for creating opportunities for low-income people and improving the cities where they live.
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Teamsters 628
Mums & Mutts Hits 10 MUMS & MUTTS founder Megan McFarland is flanked by M & M Board Member Fred Druding, Jr., L, and Councilman Allan Domb at the Mummers Museum where the organization hosted a gala celebrating 10 years of the Mummers helping countless homeless pets in Philly.
THE LGBT PRIDE Parade was in full force on a lovely day – and in full voice, thanks to the Philly Gay Men’s Chorus. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Facebook page.
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Streets Swell with Pride
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JOINING in the festivities were, L-R, State Reps. Joanna McClinton, Jordan Harris and Malcolm Kenyatta. Photo courtesy of State Rep. Joanna McClinton’s Facebook page.
‘Hamlet on the Potomac’ Plays out
OPINION BY G. TERRY MADONNA & MICHAEL L. YOUNG Should we or shouldn’t we? The angst in Washington over impeaching President Trump is producing a “Hamlet on the Potomac” moment that even Shakespeare might appreciate. Democrats want to do it, but most Republicans don’t, and voters overall while divided along party lines are mostly opposed. (65% opposed) Speaker Pelosi, while fully occupied by her daily hand-to-hand combat with
the president, thinks impeachment is premature. Translation: Democrats will lose politically more than they gain if they impeach Trump. She is almost certainly correct about that. There is zero chance that a GOP-controlled Senate responsible to try Trump – if the House impeaches – would ever vote to convict and thus remove him from office. While articles of impeachment would deeply embarrass Trump and likely reveal much that would wound him, the cost-benefit ratio is anything but clear. Independents, who may well determine the 2020 election, are lukewarm at best for impeaching. In addition, Trump’s hard-core constituency of a third or more of the electorate are more likely to be galvanized by impeachment then aban-
don Trump. Against this background, the arguments for and against impeachment have become almost ubiquitous in the national press – with Democratic partisans mostly arguing that Trump is unfit for office, has broken the law, and perhaps dangerous, justifying his removal. Republicans argue just as strenuously that Trump has been a successful president and is the architect of a booming economy that has produced both peace and prosperity. What’s a bitterly divided country, already deafened by the toxic rhetorical drumbeat of the approaching 2020 presidential election, to do? Do we really need or want another divisive partisan battle about who should be president when we are only some 17 months from hold-
ing the election that will determine that question? Isn’t the ballot box the best way decisions of this magnitude are made in a democracy? Unfortunately, too often these days we do things because we can rather than because they are good for the country. Republicans have been guilty of this recently with their failure to hold Supreme Court nomination hearings during Obama’s final year as well as their machinations to usurp a revered Senate institution like the filibuster to naked partisan ends. Democrats, however, when in power, have not behaved better. They ran roughshod over Republican minorities through most of the New Deal period and more recently Obama undermined congressional majorities by greatly over-
using executive orders. He used 276 of them between 2009 and 2017. Neither party is a paragon of political virtue. But now Democrats can mend their ways (as well as provide an exemplar to Republicans) by choosing not to impeach just because they can do it. Moreover, there is a larger point here – one which Americans of both parties have been slow to recognize. Impeachment for presidents doesn’t work – it never has. The authors of our Constitution, gathered in Philadelphia in 1787, carefully considered the “Articles” that would delineate impeachment, Article 1, Section 3 and Article 2, Section 4. James Madison’s notes reveal the delegates were repeatedly frustrated about the process, tabling their deliberation multiple times
before coming up with the imperfect solution we have today: impeachment in the House, followed by a trial in the Senate. Had they set out to consciously produce a more convoluted politicized process, they could not have done better than what they actually did. Consequently, impeachment of the president has only been used twice in the nation’s history (there have also been 15 federal judges impeached, one U.S. Senator and one cabinet officer.” One of the two presidents impeached was post-Civil War President Andrew Johnson, and the other was Bill Clinton in 1998. Neither was convicted and removed from office, and both impeachment processes were fetid with naked political motivations. (Cont. Page 6)
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ACTIVIST Jim Jenkins’s longstanding campaign to fly 10,000 U.S. flags around the city of Philadelphia received a boost in the form of a citation sponsored by Councilman David Oh. Celebrating this honor at 1518 Bar & Grill in Center City was a host of enthusiasts, among them, L-R front, David Krain, Eileen Jenkins, Fred Druding and Jake Brown.
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10,000 Flags Win Kudos
Peace on Earth as City Budget Bears Fruit
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POLS on the STREET BY JOE SHAHEELI lected officials are in a mellow mood when there is money to spare, even a little to throw around. Philadelphia is looking at its first $5 billion budget in history. Ten years ago, $4 billion was the norm. Ten years ago, a proposal to increase the budget by a big “B” would have triggered panic, seasoned with acrimony. But in 2009, the city was gripped by the Great Recession. Money was nowhere to be seen and the budget process revolved around which painful cuts
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to make. Ask Michael Nutter what that felt like. 2019 is pleasantly different. The economy is on a roll, taking the city along for the ride. No, even better: The city has actually been growing in population for the first time since 1950. And although Philadelphia is still the poorest large city in the United States, the growing part is not the poor part. That means more taxpayers. The municipal budget relies heavily on wage and real-estate taxes. Unemployment is low now, so wagetax receipts are up. Property-tax receipts are also up. One reason is the boom in property values due to the influx of market-rate development in many neighborhoods. Much of this began around 2000, spurred by the 10year tax abatement. These properties have been coming off abatement and are yielding fruit to the City’s bottom line. Another reason is more controversial: the Actual
State Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Northwest) won his last election. But he just lost a Pennsylvania Supreme Court case over how he wanted to win it. Having narrowly defeat-
ARE RIDE-HAILING companies like Uber and Lyft being properly regulated? State Sen. Anthony Williams, 3rd from L, convened a Senate hearing on the matter at USciences in University City. Photo by Wendell Douglas
ed an opponent in the 2018 Democratic primary, Rabb was unopposed in the NoAT YOUR SERVICE
STATE REP MARY ISAACSON
195th Leg. Dist. 2835 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130
310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148
175TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629
P: 215-849-6426 State Senator
Sharif
Street 1621 W. Jefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121
215-227-6161
610 N. SECOND STREET 215.503.3245
Representative
Angel Cruz
District Office 3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you
Paid for with PA Tax Dollars
State Rep.
Councilman
Mark
McClinton
Squilla
191st Leg. Dist. 6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139
1st District City Hall Room 332
T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687
215-686-3458/59
Donatucci
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
vember general election. However, the progressive Working Families Party had also nominated him; it wanted Rabb to appear on the ballot under its column as well as the Democratic column. This is allowed. But under Pennsylvania law, Rabb’s (Cont. Page 8)
Joanna E.
Rep.Maria P.
8th Senatorial District
“Paid for with Pennsylvanian taxpayer dollars”
Ride-hail Studied
Bullock
198th District
2103 SNYDER AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145 (215) 755-9185 FAX: (215) 952-3375 ---SENATE BOX 203008 HARRISBURG, PA 17120 ROOM: 11 EAST WING (717) 787-5970 FAX: (717) 772-0574
LABORERS Local 332 rose to a call from North Central neighbors to clean up an alley that had turned into an illegal dumping site. Laborers activist Jonathan Gary, 2nd from left, consults on battle plan with Ward Leader Gary Williams. Photo by Wendell Douglas
SC Rules: No Dual-Party Candidate
Anthony Hardy Williams 2901 ISLAND AVE. STE 100 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 FAX: (215) 492-2990 ---419 CHURCH LANE YEADON, PA 19050 (610) 284-7335 FAX: (610) 284-5955 6630 LINDBERGH BLVD.
Laborers Clean
Donna
Youngblood
State Senator
The added money will go to the School District (newly restored to local control), affordable housing, services for returning ex-offenders, the public defender’s office, homeless services and the Department of Licenses & Inspections (about which there is widespread agreement that it is under-resourced). Property-tax breaks for some homeowners were also included. The deadline for a final vote on the budget in City Council is June 30. June 20 is its last scheduled meeting for the session. But there is a good chance the vote will be taken today, since everybody seems to be in a good mood … and it’s been a long, tiring campaign season.
State Rep.
Rep. Rosita
Always Hard At Work for You! P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0
Value Initiative. This reform, which went into effect in 2013, aimed to insert both logic and fairness into a real-estate assessment process that frankly made no sense whatsoever and was completely arbitrary. Does the new system make perfect sense now? Has it eliminated all unfairness? Probably not. Apparent discrepancies – especially between the way taxes have gone up in poorer neighborhoods and the cushion enjoyed by tax-abated developments – fueled great heat in the May primary campaign. Many candidates campaigned fiercely against it. Still, the money came in. And with the main election season over, the mayor and City Council get to spend it – by making constituents happy. Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposed budget was a hair under $5 billion. City Council topped it off with $30 million more to raise it to $5,025,266,000. Kenney cheerily went along.
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.
State Rep.
Kevin J.
Boyle 172nd Dist. 7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136
215-331-2600
COUNCILWOMAN Helen Gym, R, shared a moment with the senator’s mother, Madeline Farnese.
FORMER City Controller Jonathan Saidel, L, congratulated City Commission candidate Omar Sabir on his primary-election victory. P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0
CITY COMMISSION Chair Lisa Deeley enjoyed the cool of a summer evening with former State Sen. Vincent Fumo
JOINING their favorite State senator were, L-R, Dan Sullivan, Larry Farnese, Jamie Pietrangelo and J.R. Rowan.
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STATE SEN. Larry Farnese’s supporters turned out en masse for his elegant spring fundraiser at the Waterworks. Photos by Wendell Douglas
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Farnese’s Fans Gather at Waterworks
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Pride and Tears
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here has been so much to be proud of this month as Philadelphia and its citizens, businesses, organizations and government of all stripes came together as never before to celebrate Pride Month. It has been truly a revelation – even for those of us long accustomed to year-round expressions of LGBTQ pride have been pleasantly astonished by the buy-in across the board, from flags flying in the State Capitol to rainbows festooning everything from Zipcar spaces to hotel frontage to crosswalks. The culmination of this
celebration of diversity came on Sunday with the annual Pride Day parade, which featured floats, more than 140 contingents, and live television coverage by 6ABC. Watching the spectacle, reveling in the inclusionary atmosphere, appreciating just how welcoming Philadelphia can be – this made it all the more painful to come to terms with the tragedy that cast a shadow across the weekend’s proceedings. The news that Dante Austin, a deputy sheriff who served as the sheriff’s LGBTQ community liaison, took his life on Friday rocked the city, from municipal government to the LGBTQ community to the military community to allies from all walks. The loss is a palpable one: Austin was seemingly everywhere and known by everyone, as evidenced by the heartfelt testimonials that have con-
(Cont. From Page 3) More important, perhaps, both failed to remove a president. Johnson’s trial led to allegations that several senators had been bribed by prosecutors while Johnson himself filled out his term and was later elected to the U.S Senate. Clinton was acquitted outright in 1998 on the charges adopted by the House while the trial itself produced such a sharp backlash from voters that Clinton’s job performance rose and his party actually picked up five House seats in the 1998 midterm elections. There well may be a better way to remove a
president but without doubt there is no worse way than impeachment as it has been practiced. The recent 25th Amendment has been proposed as a way to handle presidential disability. But most scholars doubt it is practical beyond very narrow circumstances. So, after some 230 years of national history we have had just one way that actually removes a president or keeps one – and that is our quadrennial presidential election. The next one is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. It’s not only a better solution than impeachment – it’s one that works.
OPINION
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tinued to overflow across traditional and social media. We mourn the loss of someone who was making a difference in the lives of so many, and urge anyone in need to please, please take advantage of the many resources available in the city, including: National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 2738255. DBHIDS 24-Hour Suicide Crisis & Intervention: (215) 686-4420 Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (en Español): 1 (888) 628-9454 Community Behavioral Health Member Services: 1 (888) 545-2600 Crisis Text Line is a free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis. If you text “HOME” to 741741 from anywhere in the United States you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor.
To Impeach – Or to Vote
MARK your CALENDAR Jun. 13- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Town Hall Mtg. at Jefferson U., Downs Ha., 3101 School House La., 7 p.m. Focus on 2020 U.S. Census. For info: (215) 482-8726. Jun. 14- State Sen. Sharif Street & Temple U. Pan-African Studies Community Education Program host “2019 Re-Entry Summit” for formerly incarcerated citizens at Gittis Stud. Ctr., 1755 N. 13th St., Rm. A&B, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Job fair, legislative panel, peer panel. Free lunch. For info: Desmond McKinson
The News in Black & White
JEFF ABRAMOWITZ of Reentry Services, R, welcomes mayor Jim Kenney to a conference at Friends Central Meetinghouse on how to reintegrate former prisoners into the community in a healthy way. This has become a bipartisan statewide issue. Photo by Wendell Douglas
(215) 227-6161. Jun. 14- State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell & State Sen. Vincent Hughes host “Expungement, Clemency & Pardons Clinic” at Bible Way Bapt. Ch., 1323 N. 52nd St., 5:30-7 p.m. Free information. For info: (215) 879-6615. Jun. 14- Phila. Unemployment Project hosts Jazz Fest in honor of Councilman Bill Greenlee at 1st Unitarian Ch., 2125 Chestnut St., 6-10 p.m. Tickets: Members $25, others $60. Program book ads available. For info: (215) 5570822 or Craig crobbins@ philaup.org. Jun. 15- Firefighters Local 22 & 18th Police Dist. play “Philly Ballers Annual Basketball Tournament at USciences, Rec Ha., 42nd St. & Woodland Ave., 12-4 p.m. Benefits prostate-cancer awareness. Jun. 20- Phila. Public Record hosts “Salute to Labor” at Phila. Joint Board, 22 S. 22nd St., 5:30-
7:30 p.m. Honoring five of the region’s most-influential union members: Lifetime Achiever, Rising Star, Organizer/Activist, Management Leader & Good Deeds. Premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres. Tickets: $40 in advance, $50 at door, 10 for $350. Purchase online: https:// tinyurl.com/salutetolabor2019. For info: (215) 755-2000. Jul. 6- DCC Chairman Bob Brady hosts “The Brady Bunch at Flip Flopz, Bar & Grill, 106 W. Spruce Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Tickets: $35. Jul. 7- Carpenters’ Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Jul. 14- Whitman Council hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Jul. 14- Teamsters Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New
Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Jul. 21- Glaziers’ Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 3-Local 14 Insulators Union hosts Day at the Beach at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 4- Firefighters Union Local 22 Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 4-8 p.m. Aug. 5- Veterans Comfort House Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 10- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts Summer Soirée at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 7-10 p.m. Aug. 11- IBEW Local 98 hosts Down Under at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m.
Check Our News & Calendar Daily Updates @ www. phillyrecord.com
BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: Can a bankruptcy continue after death of debtor? Answer: One of Benjamin Franklin’s most famous quotes is, “Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.” With the certainty that is death, it is not surprising that occasionally, after a bankruptcy is filed, a debtor will die. However, the death of a debtor does not automati-
Q
can be more difficult be- 7 cause of the fact that the payment of debts through the plan will almost always have been based on the debtor’s own income which will no longer be available. However, sometimes a family member or members may wish to come forward to fund the plan. This is particularly true where the bankruptcy may have been filed to address an arrearage on real estate or to stop a foreclosure/sheriff sale. By continuing with the 13, the family member(s) may be able to pay out the arrearage to keep the house, or obtain refinancing to pay off the home loan. Decisions on whether to continue on with a bankruptcy after death can be as much an issue of State inheritance laws as it will be an issue of bankruptcy itself. Next Week's Question: Bankruptcy won’t stop the calls?
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understanding BANKRUPTCY
cally mean the death of his or her case. The Bankruptcy Code permits the continuation of both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases after a death. Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 1016 deals with the issue of the death or incompetency of a debtor. Rule 1016 permits the continued administration of a Chapter 7 case “in the same manner, so far as possible, as though the death or incompetency had not occurred.” Likewise, in a Chapter 13 reorganization, the case can continue to be administered if it is in the best interest of the parties. The ability to get a discharge of debts in a Chapter 7 can be a tremendous benefit to the deceased heirs of an estate, since they would be able to assume the assets of the deceased person without having to assume the debts. In Chapter 13, the ability to continue with the case
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o! Here we go again with this question from the Waffleman – have you ever had a flashback? What is a flashback? It is a small hint of things gone by that usually triggers many pleasant memories. Once started, though, these memories seem to grow like an avalanche: easy to start but hard to stop. It is like dropping a snowball on a hill. As it rolls down the hill, it gathers more snow, getting bigger and bigger. I will try to get one started with these offerings: EDDIE’S ICE-CREAM SHOP. The local ice-cream parlor at 12th & Mifflin Streets where you could get a generous ice-cream cone, float, soda, sundae or banana split at a reasonable price. All the ice cream was hand-dipped by Eddie.
ware problem. A broken faucet, lock, key or gah-zinta that had to be repaired or to have a component replaced, was brought to these stores. The experts like Albert, Chubby, Tom or Babe, were there to give advice and sell the necessary parts. A single washer, screw, nut or bolt, could be bought to fix your gah-zinta and was considered a sale. Time would be taken to satisfy the friend. They were friends ... for as friends, they always came back and as friends, they were always welcome. By the way, do you know what a gah-zinta is? It is the thingy that gah-zinta the other piece. If that got you reminiscing, then the Waffleman did his job.
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the WAFFLE MAN
The guys and girls made this their popular meeting place. The neighbors and police considered this place a hangout. GRAVY. That’s what spaghetti sauce is called in South Philadelphia. The secret brews of tomatoes, various spices and herbs were cooked by many mothers and grandmothers throughout South Philadelphia. It was prepared every Sunday, early in the morning. Gravy had to simmer for at least four hours, for if it cooked for less than that, it was not done. Some neighborhoods smelled delightful due to the aroma generated by the simmering gravy. Anticipation of a great spaghetti dinner grew as time passed and the aromas stimulated one’s appetite. It was mandatory in our home that Sunday dinner was as close to noon as possible. The difference between gravy and sauce is that you cannot buy gravy at the Acka-me. HARDWARE STORES. These had nothing to do with computers. Places like Albert’s, Katzen, Kaiser Brothers and Silvers were where you went with a hard-
Movita Hosts Town Hall
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NEWLY ELECTED State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell led her first town hall meeting at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Haddington. Photo by Wendell Douglas
(Cont. From Page 4) Democratic vote could not be totaled up with his Working Families vote, a process known as “electoral fusion.” This is legal in many states but here, Rabb could only win by counting one party’s vote. Since he was unopposed, it didn’t matter this time. But Rabb was fighting for principle. He is philosophically opposed to the two-party system, which he calls a “duopoly.” He argued that voters should be able to cast third-party votes in a way that has actual power to elect candidates instead of just serving as a spoiler. No such luck, said the Supremes. Pennsylvania’s exclusionary practices against third parties, some of the strictest in the nation, remain secure for now.
City of Philadelphia Public Hearing Notice
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL HEALTH & SAFETY FUND 665 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19123
The Committee on Public Property and Public Works of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at 10:00 AM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following items: 190507
(215) 236-6700
www.ldc-phila-vic.org Alan Parham, Adminstrator
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POLS on the STREET
Local 57 - Esteban Vera, Jr., Business Manager Local 135 - Daniel L. Woodall, Jr.,, Business Manager Local 332 - Samuel Staten, Jr., Business Manager Local 413 - James Harper, Jr., Business Manager Laborers’ District Council - Ryan Boyer, Business Manager Building better and safer communities in Philadlephia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties
Do it Right, Do It Safe, Do It Union.
190508
190510
An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an amendment to a lease agreement with RedGap Limited Partnership, for use by the City of all or a portion of the premises located at 4000 North American Street, under certain terms and conditions. An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with E.O.M. Athletic Association, Inc., for use by EOM of all or a portion of the premises located at 144 Moore Street, all under certain terms and conditions. An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to convey to Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development all or a portion of a parcel or parcels of land in and about the area bounded by Frankford Avenue, East Butler Street, Buckius Street and Haverford Avenue, for further conveyance, under certain terms and conditions.
Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed items. Copies of the foregoing item are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall. Michael Decker Chief Clerk
EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY n the ’70s, you really couldn’t get away from the R&B group Kool & the Gang. Couldn’t really do it in the ’80s or ’90s either. For the most part, you didn’t want to. With hits like “Jungle Boogie,” “Open Sesame” and “Summer Madness,” Kool & the Gang always made your party better. While I wasn’t really a fan of their later stuff – if I never hear “Celebration” again, I won’t cry – their music has always brought people to the floor. If you’re a fan of Kool &
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the 2019 Marian Anderson Award,” Mayor Kenney said. “The group embodies all that Marian Anderson herself stood for, and I cannot think of a group more deserving of this prestigious honor.” “[Kool and the Gang] represent love and joy and everything that Marian Anderson stood for,” Williams said. “They brought the soundtrack for our lives for 50 years. It makes to show them how beloved they are as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.” While the group is best known for its musical contributions, Kool & the Gang has done a lot of charitable work, Hightower said. In addition to participating in Band Aid in 1984 to raise money for African famine relief, they’ve been involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and have also either donated to or performed free concerts for Haiti Relief, Wounded (Cont. Page 15)
BY JOE SHAY STIVALA mployees of the REGISTER OF WILLS office want to unionize. A good idea amid rumors that they could be sacked. A reporter wrote that an incoming elected official usually brings their own people. No, not an entire department of workers; usually only high-paid administrators. To sack a department of trained workers would invite chaos – and be harmful to taxpayers who need services there. The incoming register is said to have been a committee per-
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large crowd of over 100 people showed up for STATE SEN. LARRY FARNESE’S fundraiser last week at the Waterworks. Many ward leaders, elected officials and Democratic Party leaders packed the event. The elected officials included Councilmembers DEREK GREEN, HELEN GYM and BILL GREENLEE. CITY COMMISSION CHAIR LISA DEELEY was on hand with her City Commissioner running mate OMAR SABIR. STATE SEN. SHARIF STREET joined
his University City home 9 turf. The legendary Shuler Boxing Gym in West Philly will host its 25th anniversary. Owner Percy CUSTER has managed many a successful boxer and kept kids away from crime for a quarter century. I just learned that Chris CONCILLIO passed. Chris was an energy-filled government worker that used to call power dinners to discuss political issues. They were fun and stimulating. St. Peter, WATCH OUT! The State Liquor Control Board has contributed $185 MILLION to the state budget! This is the same agency that the GOP tried to sell over the years. If they had succeeded, where would the State get a needed $185m? Avishal GREIS is my kind of HERO! He used to walk around inserting coins in parking meters about to expire (pre-kiosk). He also (Cont. Page 15)
former STATE SENS. VINCE FUMO and BOB ROVNER at the event. Last Friday was the national “wear orange to end gun violence” week and Friday was gun-violence awareness day. CeaseFirePA and other gun-control advocates joined lawmakers to host a variety of gun-control and gun-safety events around Pennsylvania. In the City of Brotherly Love, STATE REP. MOVITA JOHNSON-HARRELL hosted a rally at City Hall on Friday afternoon to call for commonsense gun-safety laws. Joining Johnson-Harrell at the event and sporting orange CeaseFire PA shirts were GOV. TOM WOLF and Larry Farnese. House Democratic Leadership member STATE REP. JOANNA McCLINTON and her colleague MALCOLM KENYATTA also joined in the rally sporting orange shirts. Sunday was the Philly Pride parade and festival.
Both events were extremely well-attended. The Grand Marshals were Sen. Sharif Street and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. Elected officials speaking at the event included MAYOR JIMMY KENNEY, Gov. Tom Wolf and Sen. Larry Farnese. STATE REPS. MARY ISAACSON and JOANNA McCLINTON also attended and enjoyed shaking hands and talking to folks on the beautiful sunny day. A former aide to City Councilman Jim Kenney turned lobbyist and prominent City Hall insider, JOHN HAWKINS, held a reception to commemorate his new lobbying firm, Philly Strategies Group. The well-attended event was held at Opa on Sansom Street. COUNCILMAN DEREK GREEN, City MANAGING DIRECTOR BRIAN ABERNATHY and Montco County COMMISSIONER KEN LAWRENCE were among the many guests in attendance.
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the Gang, you might want to keep Tuesday, Nov. 12 open. That’s because the group will be given the Marian Anderson Award at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts that night. This marks the 20th anniversary for the Awards, which go to artists who use their artistic talent in service to others. Last year’s chosen honoree, singer/actress/rapper Queen Latifah, was unable to attend and the gala was canceled. Last week at the Sofitel, the gala’s hotel sponsor, gala chair (and inventor of Black Music Month) Dyana Williams and Willa Hightower, chairwoman of the Marian Anderson Awards, joined Mayor Jim Kenney in announcing the honor for the R&B group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It’s an honor the group has more than earned, Kenney said. “We are honored to present Kool & the Gang with
WALKING the BEAT
son once, but not for long (?). Some rumors wonder if a grudge has to be settled? Camden County's primary saw regular party organizations win – except in Collingswood, where progressives drove ALL incumbents out. They did it by being the majority population there (Like the 1st & 2nd Wards in Philly). SUMMER is here. The City ended the fiscal year with $400 MILLION surplus cash (the City spent $200M of that). So why not keep the City swimming pools OPEN ALL SUMMER? Pools have opened later in summer and closed too early in August for years due to budget constraints. Mayor KENNEY, we have the money. So please give kids more time in the pool and off our streets. Matt WOLFE posters for Council at Large are now being seen across town. Wolfe may have to address some progressive opposition in
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ast weekend the Republican Party of Pennsylvania held its summer meeting for State Committee members. State Committee has 349 members and the Philadelphia delegation numbers 12. As there is no business meeting at summer meetings, attendance is not expected, thus Philadelphia did not have a full contingent. Philadelphia members sighted include Republican City Committee CHAIRMAN MIKE MEEHAN as well as WARD
marily a lead-up to the 2020 election. Pence believes PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP has earned four more years by dint of delivering on his promises. Trump in his campaign had emphasized the economy, reducing taxes and protecting our borders. Pence pointed out that Trump has brought unemployment to a two-decade lows. But perhaps more importantly, he noted that unemployment among women is the lowest in over 50 years and unemployment among African Americans and Hispanics has reached an all-time low. Trump has succeeded in the revamping and simplifying taxes for US citizens. Referring to the debate in Washington concerning border issues, Pence chastised the Democrats for being disingenuous. He noted that a country without borders is not a country. Friday morning involved (Cont. Page 15)
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ELEPHANT CORNER
LEADERS MIKE CIBIK, DENISE FUREY, CHRIS VOGLER and CALVIN TUCKER along with CAMILLE McCOLGAN. The Thursday night dinner was well attended as the keynote speaker was VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE. It was rumored that the event was the most lucrative State Committee dinner event for the PAGOP. There were over 500 people at the dinner. I also understood that a number of paying attendees were barred from entering the event as they arrived after the US Secret Service deadline time for security clearance. The venue for the dinner had been changed from the Hershey Lodge to the Radisson Camp Hill owing to security concerns. This makes sense, as there are innumerable entrances at Hershey Lodge and limited entrances at the Radisson. Pence’s speech was pri-
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City Council to Require Lead Tests for Kids
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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK Philadelphia City Council passed Bill 180937 requiring physicians to test children for elevated blood lead levels twice before they are 2 years old. This legislation is part of a package that was introduced to address the issues that will protect children from the harms of lead exposure and poisoning in our city. Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (at Large) stated, “Though rates of elevated blood lead levels have fallen over the last decade, Philadelphia’s rates remain far higher than the national average. This is not acceptable for the children of our city.” Under this legislation, the Board of Health will establish rules and regulations regarding lead testing of children, including special testing for high-risk groups of children, additional testing of lead-poisoned children and preferred methods of testing. The Department of Public Health will be responsible for providing information and education to physicians and the public on the requirements, terms and conditions of blood level testing in children. Other cities have already adopted this medical practice. There are 16 ZIP codes
in Philadelphia, covering nine out of 10 councilmanic districts, where more than 10% of children screened have elevated blood levels. In Philadelphia, 24% of children are not tested for lead before the age of two. A whopping 72% of children are not tested twice as the Health Department recommends. Maurice Sampson, Eastern Pennsylvania director of Clean Water Action, stated, “With the passage of this legislation, Philadelphia joins Allegheny County in leading Pennsylvania to test children for lead when it will make the most difference for their future. We are grateful for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s leadership on this important issue.” Lead exposure during childhood is medically dangerous and can result in health and behavioral complications for children who are exposed to dangerous amounts of lead. These bills reflect another effort towards a more comprehensive approach with shared responsibilities for all stakeholders.
Reynolds Brown Wants Healthy Drinks
Reynolds Brown also introduced a bill that would require restaurants to make healthy beverages the default option for menu items designated for children. Currently, drinking just one 12-ounce can of soda every day for a year is equal to 55,000 calories, or 15 pounds a year. Offering healthier beverage options is a start towards encouraging children and parents to make smarter choices when they decide to dine out. Reynolds Brown stated, “I remain committed to
being an advocate for the health and well-being of the children of Philadelphia. Obesity among children is a serious problem that can be prevented and does have serious consequences in the long run on the health of children.” According to this legislation, a food-service establishment that offers a children’s meal must first offer a healthy beverage choice, including water, nonfat milk, or 100% juice. This change to the menu will not prohibit the restaurant from selling, or a customer from purchasing, a beverage other than these healthy options. Approximately 41% of youth aged 6-17 in the City of Philadelphia are overweight or obese, which is 8% more than the national average. Data reveals that overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become overweight or obese adults. Dr. Rene J. Alvarez, Jr., president of the American Heart Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Board of Directors, stated, “With busy working-class families eating out at restaurants more often, the American Heart Association is supportive of policies that would make the healthier choice the easier choice when purchasing children’s meals sold in the city. Healthier beverage options would help decrease the consumption of unhealthy sugary drinks that are a leading cause of diabetes and heart disease.” Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body. Children who are obese are more likely to have psychological problems such as anxi-
ety, depression, and low self-esteem. Consuming a healthy diet and being physically active helps children grow to maintain a healthy weight throughout childhood.
DeLissio Advocates Women Vets’ Health
State Rep. Pamela DeLissio (D-Northwest) is sponsoring a resolution that focuses on the exclusive health care needs of women veterans by establishing the Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care in House Resolution 348. House Resolution 348 was recently referred to the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. This is a bipartisan effort, and DeLissio is encouraging her female colleagues in particular to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, women make up 9% of the estimated 21 million veterans. In Pennsylvania, there are nearly 45,000 women veterans. It is estimated that by 2045, women will make up approximately 18% of the veteran population. While the proportion of women veterans continues to increase, the unique health needs of women are often overlooked when providing services to the predominately male veteran population. This legislation’s goal in establishing the Task Force is to study the health issues facing women veterans and make recommendations to the governor and General Assembly. The task force would be composed of 18 members, including four women veterans in Pennsylvania, representatives from the
health care provider community with experience in treating women veterans, advocates and various State agency secretaries. “The service and sacrifice of all of our veterans should be applauded and admired, and that means recognizing there are specific services that our women veterans require,” DeLissio said. “This resolution makes sure our women veterans will receive quality care that is tailored to their unique needs.”
Farnese: Leach Should Resign
State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) issued the following statement calling for the resignation of his colleague Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) following an independent counsel’s review of allegations involving Leach’s workplace conduct. “The Senate Democratic Caucus received a briefing on the investigation into allegations against Sen. Daylin Leach. “After reflecting on what I learned, I am calling for State Sen. Daylin Leach to resign due to his history of improper conduct and for the real harms his conduct has caused. I believe that victims deserve to be heard, believed, and their claims must be investigated thoroughly. They should not be subject to lawsuits, intimidated, or bullied. “Sen. Leach’s misconduct goes beyond what he has been accused of in the media to include what he has done personally on social media and is trying to do through the courts. He has disrupted and sowed division inside and outside the Capitol. For the good of victims of harassment, Pennsylvania, and
the Pennsylvania Senate, Sen. Leach must resign.” Leach has been accused of several instances of sexually inappropriate behavior in his office. He has also been accused of sexual assault in another arena. Leach vigorously denies all charges and has filed a defamation lawsuit against some accusers.
Parker Champions Business Corridors
Councilmember Cherelle Parker (9th District) applauded City Council’s proposed FY20 budget, which includes bold investments in neighborhood commercial corridors. “I am delighted to see that my additional $2 million ask for cleaning and management of neighborhood commercial corridors has been incorporated into this year’s budget. This is an issue I raised during the Commerce Department’s budget hearing and have continued to advocate for during negotiations,” said Parker. “I have long believed that commercial corridors are the veins of our neighborhoods. They not only provide jobs for local residents, but they offer many goods and services that help our neighborhoods grow and flourish. I have also seen the difference that bright lighting, clean sidewalks, attractive storefronts and appealing signage can make with the recent transformation of Vernon Road in East Mt. Airy. Unfortunately, many of our corridors do not have sponsoring community development corporations or business and neighborhood improvement districts that can coordinate and oversee (Cont. Next Page)
Murt Investigates Senior Housing
Pennsylvania’s changing demographics are placing demands on the state’s seniors as they search for housing that better serves their changing needs. To better understand those needs, the Aging & Older Adult Services Committee, chaired by State Rep. Thomas Murt (R-Northeast), held an informational hearing on how the State can improve senior-housing options. “While there are seniors with adequate funds to live in 55-plus communities, there are many without the funds for adequate housing to meet their needs,” Murt said. “To find senior housing, many must move far away from their families. We must find more innovative ways to help our seniors when the time comes to move to more helpful living arrangements.” A survey conducted by
Northeast Philadelphia.
Cephas’ Bill Targets Sexual Harassment
State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-W. Phila.) announced that her amended version of HB 849 was approved by the House Labor & Industry Committee. The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York), would ban the requirement of nondisclosure agreements related to sexual harassment as a condition of getting a job. “I believe that Pennsylvanians deserve protection from workplace sexual harassment, and I hope this bill will give employers the tools needed to protect their employees,” Cephas said. “I am thankful for the help of the Women’s Law Project, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, and the business community in guiding us to really tackle the root of this issue.” The bill would not prohibit nondisclosure agreements in which both parties voluntarily agree to participate. Cephas' amendment clarifies that nondisclosure agreements formed during the hiring process are to be considered involuntary, while those created during the settlement of a harassment case may be considered voluntary. The bill was reported out as amended by a unanimous vote.
Haywood Hosts Impeachment Meeting
State Sen. Art Haywood (D-Northwest) joined John Bonifaz, constitutional lawyer and president of Free Speech For People for an Impeachment Town Hall. The discussion focused on a resolution urging Congress to impeach President Donald Trump and the role citizens can take in this action.
“President Trump continually violates the trust of the American people and has repeatedly obstructed justice,” said Haywood. “President Donald Trump is a direct and serious threat to our Republic,” said Bonifaz. “On an almost daily basis, he attacks our Constitution, our democracy and the rule of law. His conduct has created a constitutional crisis which we must confront now. We applaud Senator Haywood’s leadership in calling on Members of Congress to start impeachment proceedings today against this president.” Attendees were provided with information on how to advocate to impeach President Trump and were encouraged to sign Senator Haywood’s online petition. Mr. Bonifaz also shared information from the book, “The Constitution Demands It: The Case for the Impeachment of Donald Trump,” which he co-authored with Ron Fein and Ben Clements, and gave detailed information on the process of impeachment. “Our nation cannot accept the threat President Trump poses to national security,” said Haywood.
DeLissio Promotes Agriculture in Pa.
State Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-Northwest) is the primary sponsor of an Agriculture & Youth Development Grant – HB 1518 – that will revise and reestablish a program to fund youth organizations that promote development in agriculture, community leadership, vocational training and peer fellowship across the commonwealth. HB 1518, with more than two dozen bipartisan co-sponsors, was referred to the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee
last week. It’s part of the 11 Pennsylvania Farm Bill Package, which features nine separate bills offering initiatives, funding opportunities and resources to support and expand the agriculture industry. DeLissio’s bill would provide grants to eligible agriculture and youth organizations, including but not limited to Pennsylvania Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Ag in the Classroom, the Family, Career & Community Leaders of America, and other vocational-education programs. By expanding eligibility for funding to agriculture-support organizations across the commonwealth, DeLissio and colleagues expect to cultivate greater appreciation of agriculture across all 67 counties. The funding would help locally, too, investing in future agricultural workforces. The legislation would increase the available grant funding to $7,500 per grant and makes available matching funds of up to $25,000 for capital projects. Eligible projects include educational/workforce development programs, seminars, field trips and safety training programs. “The Pennsylvania Farm Bill lays the groundwork to strengthen Pennsylvania’s work force and ensure the next generation is prepared to fill the employment opportunities that are anticipated in this sector,” DeLissio said. “Through my legislation, students will be introduced to agriculture and workforce opportunities, which could foster interest in these subjects as a career path and not just a job. I’m proud to sponsor this piece of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, a critical investment in the future of our commonwealth.” T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D
they have no income, and we cannot proceed with matching,” he said. According to Jennifer Hale, director of the Bureau of Policy and Regulatory Management, Office of Long-Term Living, for the Department of Human Services, the goal is to find community-based housing options. To accomplish this, in 2018 the departments of Human Services and Aging began a three-year implementation of Community HealthChoices (CHC), a managed care program for individuals who receive both Medicaid and Medicare, older adults, and individuals with physical disabilities. “CHC is primarily focused on serving more people in communities, to give program participants the opportunity to work, spend more time with families and experience an overall better quality of life,” Hale said. “Another goal of CHC is to improve services for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians by enhancing access to and coordination of medical care. We are creating a person-driven, long-term support system where people have choice, control, and access to a full array of quality services that provide independence, health, and better quality of life.” But a challenge remains. “AARP ranks Pennsylvania 36th in the nation for subsidized-housing opportunities,” Hale said. “I will take the information we received and find ways through legislation to connect seniors in need with housing that addresses their needs,” Murt said. Murt’s 152nd Legislative District is centered in Montgomery County but includes some divisions in
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(Cont. From prev. Page) economic development. As a result, they tend to suffer from a lack of investment that leads to a downward spiral. “I am confident that the City will see the fruit of this investment. I am especially glad that these funds will come from the General Fund, meaning they won’t have the kinds of restrictions on them that often disqualify middle neighborhoods. I, along with others, am now working with the Commerce Department to decide how and where exactly the funds will be allocated.” Council is set to adopt the proposed $5 billion budget for FY20 at its scheduled session on June 13.
the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging found one of those challenges as many grandparents and great-grandparents are caring for adult children addicted to opioids. The survey also found many seniors caring for adults with special needs. “We have for decades considered successful aging to mean staying in the same home that one raised a family in,” said Kathleen Gillespie, chief executive officer for the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging Inc. “ln addition to being erroneous, this does in fact create barriers that can and do become dangerous for seniors who are in need of help due to disease processes.” Among the solutions discussed are shared housing situations where seniors with similar health challenges can live together with support staff. In 2015, the Monroe County Area Agency on Aging participated in the tri-county Shared Housing & Resource Exchange (SHARE) pilot program for low-income seniors. The program matches seniors with homeowners who make their properties available as rentals. “The SHARE Counselors spend a significant amount of time in person getting to know everyone and going over the application process,” said Brian LaVacca, administrator for the Monroe County Area Agency on Aging, “This gives them the time to understand the person’s needs.” Yet challenges remain. LaVacca testified that host houses are often far off the public transportation routes, and it can be difficult to find people who can meet the financial requirement of the facility. “In some extreme cases,
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Special Issue
JULY 4th ISSUE The Philadelphia Public Record will proudly publish its
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on
Independence Day, July 4th, 2019 Please send your ad to mbarrett@phillyrecord.com or call Melissa Barrett, 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 • Philadelphia PA 19107
HEADLINER was hiphop artist Doug E. Fresh.
PERFORMER C.Y.B. (Jordan Coleman) is the nephew of Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and Dawn Chavous.
EGBE IJOBA is a family-outreach program of the Orisha House.
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CAMARA ARTS African Dance Troupe presented a virtuoso display.
POLITICAL leaders lined up with Odunde VIPs: State Rep. Jordan Harris, 2nd from L, with Councilmembers David Oh and Jannie Blackwell, 3rd and 4th from L.
STATE SEN. Vincent Hughes, L, and Lisa Duhart-Collins brought a guest to enjoy the festival.
FESTIVAL-GOERS practised traditional African games.
PHOTOGRAPHER Leona Dixon made merry with the Odunde crew.
THREE LEADERS of Philadelphia’s Afrocentric community, L-R: Councilmember Jannie Blackwell, Odunde head Bumi Fernandez and Caribbean-American spokesperson Stanley Straughter
L-R WERE Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, State Reps. Joanna McClinton and Jordan Harris, and sheriff candidate Rochelle Bilal.
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BUMI FERNANDEZ, CEO of Odunde, before the sea of spectators. Photos by Leona Dixon
TROUPE DaDa Drummers fired up the crowd.
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Odunde Celebration Fills South Street
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Salute to Labor
JU N E 13, 2019
On June 20th, The Philadelphia Public Record will publish its second annual Salute to Labor Special Issue and award ceremony. We will recognize five labor leaders who have each made significant contributions to the labor movement and to the community as a whole. Lifetime Achiever
Rising Star
Organizer-Activist
Management Leader
Good Deeds
Daniel Grace, Teamsters Local 830
Todd Farally, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19
Ken Washington, Laborers Dist. Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity (LDC)
Kevin Boyle, Ironworkers Local 401
Nicole Fuller, PhilaPOSH
Please join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and awards, emceed by Jonathan Saidel Thursday June 20th, 2019 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
at the Philadelphia Joint Board 22 S. 22nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door or 10 tickets for $350 Ticket website: https://tinyurl.com/salutetolabor2019
Please join us in honoring their accomplishments by purchasing a congratulatory ad in the Salute to Labor Special Issue Publishing June 20th, 2019 Please send your ad to mbarrett@phillyrecord.com or call Melissa Barrett, 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 • Philadelphia PA 19107
ELEPHANT CORNER
(Cont. From Page 9) only two meetings: a Trump 2020 update and a voter registration training. In the afternoon, PAGOP held its annual Golf Outing at the Hershey Country Club. Before teeing off, the players and non-players were invited to a lunch at the Country Club. CONGRESSMEN FRED KELLER (R-Snyder) and SCOTT PERRY (R-Dauphin) addressed the crowd. Keller was recently elected in May 21 special elec-
Bri Steves, trumpet player Matt Cappy, and local songstresses Lady Alma and Carol Reddick will be joining Grammy-Award winning artist and co-founder of CHIC Nile Rodgers in celebrating Kool & the Gang musically during the evening. If you’re interested in joining in the “Celebration” of Kool and the Gang’s receiving the the Marian Anderson Award, tickets are on sale now at https://www.kimmelcenter.org/events-and-tickets/201920/kcp/marian-anderson-awards/. If you’re interested in attending the annual dinner as well, call (215) 893-1837.
tion to fill the seat recently vacated by CONGRESSMAN TOM MARINO, who suddenly retired. Keller believes that this election was a precursor for 2020. As the district is heavily Republican, Keller was expected to win but not by the wide margin that happened. The Democrats spent a large sum of money to no avail. Keller was sworn in last week. He immediately went to work. Keller believes that we need to push back the message of many Democrats to move our country toward
socialism. Keller noted that indoctrination regarding the advantages of socialism has started in our schools. He noted that everyone in the room needs to fight the schools pushing a radical leftwing agenda by electing more reasonable voices to school boards. Keller quoted WINSTON CHURCHILL as saying that the problem with capitalism is that the advantages are not evenly distributed, while the problem with socialism is that the misery is equally shared.
WALKING the BEAT (Cont. From Page 9) fights his parking tickets at 9th & Filbert – which one reporter calls the “ship of the damned.” What reporters leave out is that the hearings are NOT conducted by the Parking Authority. They are conducted by the CITY FINANCE DEPT. How CRAZY is it for a NON-JUDICIAL department to hold hearings? The Finance Dept. even hears its own appeals. Lunacy! Hats off to City Council for its effort to increase the HOMESTEAD real property-tax exemption! Thanks from many! Councilwoman Jannie BLACKWELL will be honored on June 21 by the Cobbs Creek Recreation Center for her contributions there and caring for youth. Since the primary election, BLACKWELL has NOT slowed the pace with around-the-clock services to constituents. I call upon GOV. WOLF to appoint Blackwell to a human-services commission! The media were critical of Kenyatta JOHNSON’S Bay Windows Bill – then was upset by full-length windows in new homes (?). It was great to see a photo of “CORNBREAD”
commenting on his graffiti art of the ’60s-’70's. He and “Cool Earl” left their autographs on walls across town. Police never caught them. The apex was spraying the nose of a DC-3 at the airport. Happy Birthday to Colonel and educator Tim RINGOLD. He was once able to get 100 Soviet tanks out of Hungary for use by the U.S.-installed Iraqi government. Three hundred cops accused of Facebook hate postings suggests that updating of recruiting evaluation is needed. A reporter said that Meek MILL is a step closer to freedom with his Superior Court hearing. He is only closer to the hearing. All due to testimony from a cop under suspicion. The MARSHALL PROJECT wrote online that reporters need to change the way they report court cases. They felt that the media drove decades of HARSH criminal-justice policy. Coverage rose SHARPLY just as the rate of crime fell. GOOD MOVES: Judge Kai SCOTT held a seminar on “Black English” in testi-
mony for fellow jurists. Judge Scott DiCLAUDIO ordered a former City official to serve her probation in Philly, not Boston. Did W. Edwards DEMMING have the January 2020 Register of Wills office in mind when he said: “It is not enough for you to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best?”
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(Cont. From Page 9) Warriors, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Kids X-press, Gabrielle's Angels, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “Kool & the Gang’s profound success over the last five decades combined with their philanthropic spirit makes them the obvious and well-deserving recipient of this year’s Marian Anderson Award,” Hightower said. “We are looking forward to another exceptional evening celebrating the importance of the arts in Philadelphia.” In a statement released
by the band, Kool & the Gang thanked the board. “We are truly honored,” the statement said. “Philadelphia played such an integral part in our early career. We would not be where we are without the city of Philadelphia, or as we called it back in the day, ‘Funky Philly.’ It’s where we recorded several of our albums and where radio and fans really had our back. Receiving an award founded by Marian Anderson on our 50th anniversary means so much to us. Thank you to everyone involved.” Music director Bill Jolly, trombonist Jeff Bradshaw, Atlantic recording artist
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.
JU N E 13, 2019
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