SOUTH PHILADELPHIA
Vol. XV No. 30
Issue 616
July 25, 2019
“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”
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BARTRAM’S IN BLOOM
CONGRESSWOMAN Mary Gay Scanlon, third from left, visited Bartram’s Garden last Saturday to meet with its staff, including former City Council candidate Justin DeBerardinis, second from left, along with environmental activists and numerous Southwest Philadelphia community groups that are engaged with Bartram’s Garden extensive programing. The historic garden has launched an audacious $30 million master plan.
BETHANNA PICNIC P. 2
MEDICAL WEED WOES P. 6
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Community Fests Cleaning up Oregon Ave. Are the Best
BETHANNA Community Services hosted its annual Community Fest at Smith Playground, located at 24th Street between Wolf and Snyder avenues. The all-day event featured activities, music, plenty of food and appearances from political leaders. Smith Playground was chockablock with booths and tents from all manner of nonprofits, agencies and companies eager to assist attendees.
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
MEMBERS of the South Philadelphia community, including State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, 4th from R, gathered during the heatwave to beautify their neighborhood by pulling weeds, sweeping sidewalks and removing trash.
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 JU LY 25, 2019
Wendell Douglas Jim Jenkins
CITY COUNCILMEMBER Kenyatta Johnson multitasked during the fest, speaking with constituents while giving a piggyback ride.
Harry Leech
Director of Operations:Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett Circulation: Yousef Maaddi
COMMUNITY members focused on the area around 10th & Oregon, committed to doing difficult maintenance work like weed-pulling and street-sweeping in the stifling heat.
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STATE REP. Jordan Harris, L, and State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, R, took in the festivities with a pair of attendees.
E. Pt. Breeze Neighbors Picnic
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n Saturday, July 27, 12-4 p.m., East Point Breeze Neighbors Association will co-host the 4th annual Point Breeze Community Cookout with Neighbors In Action. All neighbors, friends and families are welcome to join. It will be held at Manton Green, 17th & Manton Streets). This is a well-at-
tended event and a great way to meet neighbors! Burgers, dogs, sausages and snacks are provided; BYO beverages and desserts. They would very much appreciate volunteers and/ or food donations! Please email clean@epbneighbors.org or outreach@epbneighbors.org.
S. Philly Steps up Its ACCT
ACCT PHILLY offers adoption and lifesaving services for homeless pets, but sadly, the organization is in need of financial resources and South Philly’s Passyunk Beer & Java Runners have stepped up and raised $3,500. PB&J did so by hosting a fundraiser like this one held at the South Philly Social Club in Whitman. Among those in attendance: PB&J organizers Anthony Wojciechowski and Kia Bickel, Democratic Committeeman Jim Jenkins, the Second Street Irish Society’s Nicholas Piscitelli, and WDA Community Liaison Fred Druding, Jr.
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
THE REVELRY was high at Philly’s Glaziers’ Local 252 annual seashore party in N. Wildwood. Local President Michael Laughlin, L, joins with members proudly displaying the logo of the local.
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ABOVE: Officers of Glaziers’ Local 252 celebrated another successful year in the life of their local at the annual seashore gala in Keenan’s of N. Wildwood, N.J. President Michael W. Laughlin, 2nd from L, is joined with Business Representatives Roberto Rios, Chuck Green and Ed Paley. The Philadelphia Public Record sends best wishes to Michael Laughlin on assuming the local presidency. Right: “Welcome to the Wildwoods” was the greeting sent by Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano, R, and American Legion Post 184 Commander Harry Weimar to Glaziers’ Local 252. Photos by Joe Stivala
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Glaziers Cool off by the Sea at Keenan’s
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GOP Plans a Counter to Wolf’s ‘Restore PA’
POLS on the STREET BY JOE SHAHEELI he moment the dust settled on the municipal primary election this spring, all fulltime state-level politicians swung into full-time planning for 2020, which will be their turn onstage.
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STATE REP. Martina White
All legislative proposals for the remainder of the 2019 session will be understood, – at least in part – as strategic positioning. Ever since he was elected in 2014, Gov. Tom Wolf has pressed forward the banner of a severance tax on natural gas, a cause dear to most Democrats’ heart and anathema to most Republicans. Throughout his first term, it never went anywhere in the GOP-controlled General Assembly. But the 2018 general election was a sharp setback for state-level Republicans. Though they remained in firm control of both houses of the legislature, their ranks were reduced. Democratic campaign planners smell blood next year. Thus, this past January, Wolf’s “Restore Pennsylvania” plan. This time, the severance tax was designed to pay for a wide range of municipal and county goodies across the state, many of them tailored specifically to appeal to struggling Midstate and Western com-
CITY COUNCIL President Darrell Clarke, 4th from L, and Councilmember Derek Green, 5th from R, hosted students from the Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Program Summer Internship program as part of their summer experience, introducing them to the one-ofa-kind Room 400 in City Hall, where Council conducts its public meetings.
munities facing stagnant economies – items like rural broadband access, roads, commercial blight and contamination. It was a shrewd pitch. While the benefits of the Marcellus Shale boom accrue indirectly to many across the state, the vast bulk of natural-gas production takes place in just
AT YOUR SERVICE
Bullock
198th District
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
Anthony Hardy Williams 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
“Paid for with Pennsylvanian taxpayer 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
to their business donors, to amass a kitty to fend off Democrats next year. But Wolf intends to bring back “Restore Pennsylvania” louder than ever this fall. And as the 2020 election approaches, Republicans in iffy districts may find it prudent to strike a deal on infrastructure. Accordingly, Republican leadership last week unveiled its counterproposal for infrastructure: an approach that would fund infrastructure projects by drilling for natural gas under (Cont. Next Page)
Joanna E.
Rep.Maria P.
8th Senatorial District
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.
Wolf (who comes from such a Republican county, York, himself) noticed this and began to warble into the Midstate ear his “Restore Pennsylvania” song. Few GOP lawmakers budged, shrugging off the governor’s legislation before the summer recess. They didn’t have to listen to him; they needed to listen instead
Donna
Youngblood
State Senator
10 of the Keystone State’s 67 counties. These are the ones that sop up most of the “impact fees” under the current, Republican-written regulatory model. That leaves most Republican-majority counties as much out of the game as the Democrat-held, environmentally conscious constituencies of Southeastern Pennsylvania. 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
Hosting Councilmembers of the Future
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
position each time? Why not Kendra Brooks, a younger activist with 215 People’s Alliance who is campaigning on the slogan “Republicans out, Working Families in?” Working Party? Brooks did the work of speaking at a demonstration before the Philadelphia headquarters of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party,
calling for action on the national “Green New Deal.” Ten were arrested, Brooks not among them. But it will be her test to mobilize that constituency and see if it now outnumbers Republicans in Philadelphia. Brooks, along with Rev. Nicholas O’Rourke, drew the endorsement of the Working Families Party.
Brooks went so far as to 5 hold a fundraiser last night. It is tempting for leftwing progressives to knock off right-wing progressives in the at-large race. But it would be a duel between a shattered organization and a non-organization. Five Republicans are already at war over two seats and are split (Cont. Page 13)
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Al Taubenberger, who are seeking re-election along with three others on the November Republican ticket. But why not instead veteran progressive activist Sherrie Cohen, daughter of Councilman David Cohen, who has run for Council at large as a Democrat three times but drawn poor ballot
Can Progs Sack GOP City Council Seats? By law, two of the seven at-large City Council seats are reserved for candidates who are not of the majority party. In practice, for the past 50 years, those seats have been taken by the second-largest organized party in Philadelphia, the Republicans. But as registered Republicans dwindle in the city, chiefly by dying off, a movement has arisen among progressives who find themselves outside Democratic City Committee’s inner councils to mount at-large independent challenges from the left. Their aim is not to beat a Democratic Party-endorsed candidate but rather to unseat one or both of the top two candidates on the five-person Republican ticket, who normally are elected to fouryear terms on City Council. Presently those Republicans are David Oh and
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(Cont. From Prev. Page) state forests, a move desired by drillers but forbidden by current regulation. While it seems unlikely that state-forest gas will pay for anything like the revenue provided by a severance tax, it’s a talking point. Enter, of all people, State Rep. Martina White (R-Northeast), Philadelphia’s sole surviving GOP general assembly member, who represents a district not known for either forests or oil reserves. Despite this, the Republican house caucus appointed her to chair a task force “to determine the next phases of infrastructure improvements needed to accommodate the demands of expanding industries and a growing economy without putting any additional burdens on taxpayers.” White said, “We need to have the infrastructure to maximize our potential and keep pace with an ever-growing, competitive global economy.” That was a huge give on the part of state Republican leadership to a city that has trended ever more Democratic. But White has shown her GOP chops before, by spearheading an attack on Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner’s assault on the death penalty. She painted Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro into a corner that forced him ultimately to capitulate on whether he would relitigate at the state level charges dropped by Krasner at the county level.
By waffling, Shapiro likely won little loyalty from either progressive activists or law-enforcement voters. More on this subject below. It’s possible the 32-yearold White, who is only in her second full term, is being well coached by senior state operatives as a tool for discomfiting Philadelphia Democrats. But it’s unlikely they would push her into these important roles if they didn’t think she’s a comer. By being handed the shale-gas job, she is being groomed for statewide leadership. Expect her to be well funded to beat off any Democratic challenger next year.
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POLS on the STREET
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The Curfew, the Not Proud The News in Black & White
OPINION
O
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ne of the less-desirable hallmarks of summer, right down there alongside reeking dumpsters (reeking more than usual, anyway), sauna-like commutes, and sidewalk-clogging tourists is the proliferation of youth-driven mayhem on our streets. Like clockwork, unsupervised minors out of school for summer can be seen on television and in
your social-media feeds swarming over unsuspecting citizens, trashing our beloved Wawas, and giving flash mobs a worse name. This year, as in years past, while any section of Center City could be overrun by unchecked youths, it was South Street that took the brunt. Between the malevolent throngs of teens terrorizing local residents and shopkeepers, violent fights, physical attacks on citizens and shootings (which could have been done by adults – investigations continue), it is no wonder that so much attention has been devoted to the Philadelphia Police Department’s enforcement of the city’s summer curfew. According to the curfew requirements, those 13 and older need to be home
by 10:30 p.m. during the week, and by midnight on weekends. Those younger than 13 need to be home by 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. But it is painfully, embarrassingly obvious that far too many adults are shirking their responsibility to enforce these rational regulations on their charges. It is just as obvious that for many of these people, “It takes a village” has been replaced by “It takes too much effort.” As a result of this lack of supervision and disciplinary structure, we get to cringe as these scenes of unfettered behavior play out across our screens. To those responsible for raising these children: Do your job. To those policing said children: You have our thanks.
REBUILD rolls on as, L-R, Councilmembers Darrell Clarke and Bobby Henon team with Mayor Jim Kenney to cut the ribbon for improved playground facilities at Fishtown Recreation Center, celebrated by a throng of neighborhood children. The project, which will be under way over the next several months, includes a multimillion-dollar commitment, including a complete renovation of the Lederer Pool and a major overhaul of the street hockey rink. Photo by Wendell Douglas
es, recreational) marijuana legal. Yet, no CEO wants an employee operating heavy equipment or driving company vehicles with marijuana in their system. When there is a workplace accident of any kind, the people involved are immediately subject to a drug test. If drugs or alcohol are found, they are terminated. Companies do not want to put themselves at risk of legal action, especially if someone is seriously injured. The unintended consequence is that valuable employees being helped by medical marijuana will be treated differently at work due to the risk the company is being exposed to as the result of these now-legal prescriptions. You can see how this dilemma could be maddening for employers, with no guidance from those who enacted the law. (Cont. Next Page)
nival talent show with free food, children’s gamers & prizes at Stenton Pk., 1701 W. Courtland Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Jul. 30- State Sen. Christine Tartaglione & State Rep. Angel Cruz host Information on Obtaining Medical Marijuana Card at 400 W. Allegheny Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: (215) 291-5647. Jul. 30- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Jazz, Funk & Soul with DJ Gary O” at Morris Estate, 1610 W. Chelten Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Jul. 31- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Oldies in the Park” at Vernon Pk., 5800 Germantown Ave., 5:30 p.m. Family activities &outdoor dance party with DJ Gary O. For info: (215) 686-3424. Jul. 31- State Rep. Danilo Burgos hosts Summer BBQ at Taqueria la Raza, 227 W. Allegheny Ave, 5:30-7 p.m. Special guests Congressman Dwight Evans, State Sen.
Reefer Madness Revisited
BY JOHN DAME ore than 40 years ago, I ran a rock radio station, Starview 92.7-FM in Central Pennsylvania. We were the first radio station to offer special midnight movies. These movies included a 1930s anti-drug movie called “Reefer Madness,” which warned of a descent into madness for those lured into trying marijuana. This propaganda film was quite campy and funny, especially in the culture of the late 1970s, where pot smoking was pervasive. Today, we have a different version of reefer madness facing us – and it's one that should be taken in a bit more serious tone. It stems from the unintended consequences of the legalization of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, which occurred in August 2016. Marijuana and its active ingredients (in various forms)
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can help patients deal with symptoms of migraines, cancer, Parkinson’s, seizures and glaucoma, among a host of other diseases and illnesses. The positive results of taking medical marijuana are incredibly real for patients who struggle every day to live and work. While the Pennsylvania legislature voted to legalize medical marijuana, it did very little to provide guidance for businesses and schools that now struggle with how to deal with employees and students who have been prescribed medical marijuana. Most organizations have clear policies regarding the usage of any illegal substances, including marijuana. Often times, it's a zero-tolerance policy – if you test positive, you’re out. Marijuana is illegal federally, even though more than 30 states have relaxed their laws to make medical (and, in some cas-
MARK your CALENDAR Jul. 27- State Sen. Sharif Street is hosted Summer BBQ at Bill & Linda Hart, 7001 Brentwood Rd., 1-4 p.m. Contribution levels: Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000, Tickets $250. Payable to "Friends of Sharif Street," P.O. Box 28854, Phila., PA 19151. RSVP & pay online http://www.sharifstreetforpa.com/ click on EVENTS. For info: Lindsey Perry (267) 275-2120. Jul. 29- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Showtime at the Apollo,” car-
Sharif Street & State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta. Host levels $2,500, $1,500, $1,000; Friends $500, Supporters $250, Tickets $20. Payable to “Friends of Danilo Burgos,” P.O. Box 60601, Phila., PA 19133. RSVP: Matt@MDDConsulting.org. Jul. 31- Councilmanic candidate Matt Wolfe hosts Summer Reception at S. Philly Social Cl., 2341 S. 4th St., 6-8 p.m. For info: (215) 387-7300. Jul. 31- AFL-CIO Young Organized Phila. Democratic Debate Watch Party at Haute Restaurant & Lounge, 1420 Locust St., 7-10 p.m. Several co-hosts. Aug. 3- State Rep. Mary Isaacson hosts Kids Resource Fair at Hackett Sch. Plg., 2161 E. York, St., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. For info: (215) 503-3245. 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. (Cont. Next Page)
Reefer Madness Revisited (Cont. From Prev. Page) Same goes for our school districts. I recently spoke with a superintendent who explained that if a child needs a prescribed drug while at school, the school nurse will administer it – except for medical marijuana, since it is still a federal crime, regardless of the state law. A child would need to leave the school grounds to take the prescribed marijuana and could not return if there remains any marijuana in his or her system. The problem is that the active ingredient in marijuana can stay in a person’s body for several days or even weeks. Again, what a maddening situation! Here’s the issue: Our State legislature rightfully legalized medical marijuana, and it is a real blessing for those who battle the pain of illness
or disease. Unfortunately, our lawmakers forgot that businesses and schools are bound by the federal law regulating drug use at the worksite and at school. These entities are being forced to establish policies for themselves without guidance from the legislature. If the legislature does not act to help companies and school districts understand how to deal with employees and students taking medical marijuana, then these organizations will be forced to take action that reflects current federal laws and potentially hurt good people. Let’s stop this madness! From a business perspective, my advice for companies would be to only drug-test individuals who show up visibly high or unable to perform their work. Of course, safety on
the worksite is still paramount. Check with your attorney and insurance company about permitting individuals who have been prescribed medical marijuana a place in your company to be medicated safely. Don’t lose great employees struggling with medical issues. In our schools, districts need to work out a policy and let parents know what it is well in advance. Pennsylvania businesses and school districts shouldn’t have to go it alone. The General Assembly needs to put an end to this reefer madness by offering solutions to the unintended consequences they created. A CEO coach to countless business leaders, John Dame (“JD”) is an executive team consultant and leadership strategist based in Pennsylvania.
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1701 W. Courtland Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 13- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Jazz, Funk & Soul with DJ Gary O” at Morris Estate, 1610 W. Chelten Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 14- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Oldies in the Park” at Vernon Pk., 5800 Germantown Ave., 5:30 p.m. Family activities &outdoor dance party with DJ Gary O. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 14- City Commissioner Lisa Deeley Hosts Birthday at the Palm, 200 S. Broad St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Contribution Levels: Gold $1,000, Silver $500, Bronze $250. Payable to “Deeley 15,” P.O. Box 22535, Phila., PA 19110. For info: (215) 906-0339. Aug. 16- State Rep. Joanna McClinton hosts Summer Soirée at Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., 5-9 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. For info: www.mcclintonforpa.com. Aug. 17- Teamsters host Unity Day at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m.
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(Cont. From Prev. Page) Aug. 3- Firefighters Union Local 22 Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 5-9 p.m. Aug. 5- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Showtime at the Apollo,” carnival talent show with free food, children’s gamers & prizes at Stenton Pk., 1701 W. Courtland Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 6- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Jazz, Funk & Soul with DJ Gary O” at Morris Estate, 1610 W. Chelten Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 6- Nat’l Night Out, several locations. Aug, 7- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Oldies in the Park” at Vernon Pk., 5800 Germantown Ave., 5:30 p.m. Family activities &outdoor dance party with DJ Gary O. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 7- American Ass’n of Political Consultants Mid-Atlantic Chap. hosts “On Fire in Philly!” at Ladder 15, 1528 Sansom St., 6-9 p.m. Light food & cocktails. Seeking sponsors: Fire Chief $5,000,
Hook & Ladder $2,500, Cadet $1,000. For info: Josh Nanberg josh@ampersandstrategies.com. Aug. 9- FOP Lodge 5 hosts “Team McNesby at Shore at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 6-9 p.m. Aug. 9- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts Summer Soirée Down the Shore at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 7-10 p.m. Yachts $5,000, Sailboats $2,500, Paddle Boats $1,000, Gen. Admission $30. Payable to “Squilla for Council,” P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148 or http://www.marksquilla.org/upcomingevents/ Aug. 10- IBEW Local 98 hosts Down Under at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 10- Local 686 Gas Workers’ Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 4-8 p.m. Aug. 12- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Showtime at the Apollo,” carnival talent show with free food, children’s gamers & prizes at Stenton Pk.,
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MARK your CALENDAR
Major New Housing Funds Approved
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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK
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round of numerous grants for housing has been announced by city legislators this week. State Sen. Art Haywood (D-Northwest) reported that more than $3.1 million in funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability & Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program has been awarded to multiple projects in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “Once completed, the housing projects will enhance housing quality and aid in the building of communities throughout our region,” said Haywood. “Quality housing and assistance programs are critical elements of improving the quality-of-life in a community.” Programs dealing with Philadelphians included: Commonwealth Housing Legal Services: $75,000 to support those returning from incarceration find housing. Roizman Development, Inc.: $656,642 for Summit House, which will provide environmentally friendly housing for seniors; Women Against Abuse, Inc.: $100,000 to provide safe long-term housing to survivors of domestic abuse and their children; The Philadelphia Housing Authority: Philly SEEDS program ($50,000) to assist first-time home-buyers with closing costs;
The Philadelphia Energy Authority: $200,000 to continue their work of helping all Philadelphia households gain access to solar power; Action Wellness: $75,000 to implement a Reentry Housing Project to assist adults 18 to 26 who are leaving incarceration find housing; Women’s Community Revitalization Project: $1,000,000 to complete 35 unit of affordable housing for families; Rebuilding Together Philadelphia: $150,000 for their Middle Neighborhoods Initiative in Northwest Philadelphia to assist those over 55 with necessary home repairs; Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network: $75,000 to continue their homeless prevention services; Covenant House PA: serve under-21 years of age population by using the $200,000 for transitional housing for homeless youth; Urban Affairs Coalition: $100,000 for Philadelphia Home Buy Now program offering homeownership incentives for their low- and moderate-income employees. State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) cited seven additional development and rehabilitation projects for low-income housing in Philadelphia have been approved through PHFA. “Philadelphia’s growing population is always in need of more affordable-housing opportunities,” said Farnese. “I am pleased to see these numerous projects approved for funding as they will ensure safe and affordable housing for many residents in need.” The approved projects include: 1301 N. 8th Street: $1,201,738 of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for the construction of one four-sto-
ry building that will house 40 efficiency units for formerly homeless individuals; City of Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services’ Philadelphia Co-Living Program: $200,000 of PHARE funding to turn seven properties into affordable, co-living units and assist landlords with necessary repairs to eliminate property maintenance code violations; Ceiba’s Free Income Tax Preparation Services – Gateway to Housing Counseling: $50,000 of PHARE funding to connect an additional 300 low-to-moderate income families to PHFA financial coaching and housing counseling; Community Legal Services’ Pilot Project to Assist Seniors Facing Loss of Homes: $300,000 of PHARE funding to continue the program that provides housing counselors and legal services to assist low-income seniors vulnerable to losing their homes at property-tax foreclosure sheriff sales; Philadelphia Association of Community Development’s Health & Housing Partnership Program - $50,000 of PHARE funds to develop models that will foster financing and investment opportunities by health care institutions to support affordable housing options for low-income residents; Philadelphia Council for Community Advancement’s Mortgage Retention Fund: $15,000 of PHARE funding to assist homeowners in danger of foreclosure; and United Communities Southeast Philadelphia’s Housing Agency Enhancement: $15,000 of PHARE funding to continue offering financial assistance to residents in need of settlement, foreclosure, eviction, and tax support. “The variety of these projects demonstrates the great
need to ensure that all Philadelphians are able to access housing and the assistance programs that are available to them,” Farnese said. State. Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-W. Phila.) was pleased to see $700,000 in State funding for two community projects that will impact the residents of the 192nd Legislative District. “I’m thrilled that this much-needed funding will come to projects helping low-income residents in West Philadelphia,” said Cephas, who supported the projects seeking the funds. “My hope is that the funding will allow these projects to alleviate some of the need for affordable housing and allow low-income residents the opportunity to stay in their communities.” The Overbrook West Neighbors Community Development Corp. was awarded $200,000, and the Mission First Housing Group was awarded $500,000 from the PHARE fund. The Overbrook West Neighbors Community Development Corp. will use the funding for its West Philadelphia Handyman Program, which is open to older adults and seniors who meet financial eligibility requirements. Through the program, residents can make necessary improvements to their homes to ensure they can age in place and in dignity. The Mission First Housing Group will use the funds for Phase 2 of its plan to develop the Apartments at New Market West, a development currently under construction near the Haddington/ Cobbs Creek neighborhood. The project will create 41 new affordable apartments, including units that will receive referrals from the Office of Homeless Services. State Rep. Jordan Harris (D-W. Phila.), House Democratic whip, helped to shepherd $950,000 in PHARE
funding toward two organizations in his district to help renovate and construct affordable housing. Harris said, “Having consistent access to affordable housing is key in helping people maintain a quality standard of life in a place they can call their own home.” The Office for Community Development of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will receive $750,000 in PHARE funding toward the construction of St. Rita Place. This five-story, mixed use building will be built on a currently vacant lot and will include 46 one-bedroom apartments targeted toward seniors. Holy Trinity Baptist Church Enterprises Inc. will receive $200,000 in PHARE funding toward the Fitzwater Homes Preservation Project. This project will rehabilitate and extend the affordability of 22 units in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood of the 186th Legislative District. These units are targeted toward low-income families. State Rep. Donna Bullock (D-N. Phila.) touted $2.65 million for four community development projects that will impact the residents of the 195th Legislative District. “I’m thrilled that this much-needed funding will come to our district to help create better low-income housing,” said Bullock, who supported the projects seeking the funds. Earlier this year, Bullock also introduced a resolution recognizing May 5-11 as Affordable Housing Week in Pennsylvania, which was unanimously adopted. Mt. Vernon Manor CDC was awarded $200,000 for the Mantua Preservation Project. The funds will be used to rehabilitate and to hold in perpetuity 29 recently acquired units of affordable housing across 10 scattered-site properties in
the Mantua neighborhood of Philadelphia. The rehabilitation process will happen in phases, with work on all 10 properties to be completed by mid-year 2020. Project HOME received $1 million for the Rowan Judson Diamond project which will renovate and preserve 39 units of affordable family housing for individuals with special needs. The renovations will take place at the properties Rowan Homes I and Rowan Homes II. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia received $200,000 for its Oxford Green project. The funds will be used to complete the development at 2300 Oxford Street. The project will consist of 20 affordable, energy-efficient row homes. Hunt Development Group received a total of $1.25 million for the Sharswood Phase I project. The project is a mixed-income family development consisting of a four-story building and three-bedroom townhomes along three blocks within the Sharswood neighborhood of Philadelphia. The buildings will contain 50 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units and 10 market-rate units. PHARE was established in 2010 to provide the mechanism to allocate certain state or federal funds to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout the state. Funding for the PHARE program comes from three main sources. Since 2012, the program has received a portion of the impact fees collected from natural gas companies operating in the state with the goal of addressing the housing shortage caused by the impact of drilling. That is supplemented with two major new funding sources that include a portion of the realty transfer tax and money from the National Housing Trust Fund.
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recently received via email of a picture of a prominent Democrat with the caption “Racist Definition: Anyone with whom a Liberal does not agree.” In the 2016 election, anyone who was not liberal was stupid, misguided or nefarious. I guess now we right-of-center individuals are just bad people. As I was about to write a piece about how Pennsylvania’s impact fee on shale gas was appropriate and that an additional severance tax was not optimal, I tried to think
EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY or want of a better way to put it, I’ve been kind of obsessed with the 2020 Census. You see, I worked on the 2010 Census here in Philadelphia. I supervised a group of census takers in South Philadelphia as we tried to get everyone counted. The count is really important because it’s directly responsible for how much the city gets in terms of resources. When you’re a city with a 26% poverty rate, those resources become really important.
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of how I could be portrayed as evil. Pennsylvania Democrats in general – and GOV. TOM WOLF in particular – are eager to either add a severance tax to the impact fee or just replace the impact fee with a larger severance tax. The impact fee is applied to shale gas as it extracted from the ground. The subsequent revenues are allocated to municipalities that are “impacted” by shale-gas extraction and processing. A severance tax would go to the general fund. For example, this year, Lycoming County government will receive $4.1 million from the latest impact-fee distribution and municipalities in the county will receive $6.1 million. In the past and, we assume, going forward, the county government will use the money for purchasing capital items, helping to keep those costs out of the locally funded portion of the budget. Typ-
ically, local governments use the impact-fee revenues for flood mitigation and prevention, emergency-response planning and equipment, improvement of wastewater treatment facilities, brownfield-site remediation, and plugging of abandoned wells. Throughout the regions impacted by shale-gas extraction, economic development is bolstered through use of the impact-fee revenues. Of course, Philadelphia is not directly impacted by shale-gas production. To many, this is an opportunity to get extra revenues for local projects that have nothing to do with natural-gas development. In 2018, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvaniareceived $251.8 million in these fees. Since the impact fee was legislated in 2012, the state has received $1.7 billion. Is this not enough? Or maybe liberals (Cont. Next Page)
Now, what does this have to do with gerrymandering, the process of chopping up legislative district maps in a way that favors one party over another without considering the citizens contained in those districts themselves? A lot, as it turns out. Learning the connection between gerrymandering and the census was just one of the things I picked up recently at a gathering at the Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha offices in North Philadelphia. Community activists from a variety of groups, including Why Courts Matter, Pa. State Voices, the Philadelphia NAACP, and Common Cause gathered at the APM offices to meet with former Attorney General Eric Holder, State Sen. Sharif Street and others to figure out ways to make sure that everything in both cases is done equitably through a group called All On The Line.
Holder listened as activists expressed their concerns about the 2020 elections in light of some of the, shall we say, creative ways that the Republican majority in Harrisburg has endeavored to keep itself in place. Like, for example, the last set of congressional maps that the legislature drew up last redistricting cycle. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw them out shortly before the 2011 elections because the fix was obvious. While many groups across the country are calling for independent commissions, Street thought that might not be the best way to go because of the commonwealth’s human factor. “The courts drew a fair set of lines,” he said. “But a commission would have to have their maps approved by the same group of people that’s been doing the gerrymandering. A commission makes sense in the abstract, (Cont. Page 13)
WALKING the BEAT BY JOE SHAY STIVALA iring of police officers by Commissioner Richard ROSS was a tough decision, and a PROFILE IN COURAGE. He won’t be popular with some police, and will someday quietly retire. Police have to know that we live in a new day of basic rights for citizens; and cameras which are everywhere – even if an officer has the body camera turned off. Wearing a uniform means loyalty to your fellow soldier or police officer. In the military, that includes a CODE OF HONOR
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CITY HALL SAM Labor leader JOE RAUSCHER passed away at the relatively young age of 76. He led the Bakery & Confectioners’ Union for several years before becoming president of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO. Joe was able to bring people together in the interest of labor but had credibility with management. At the end of the day, he wanted to make sure that workers could make a decent living and be treated fairly. Well known labor lawyer PETER MARKS was seen vacationing in N. Wildwood
which is 24/7 – and for life. Do not comment on people in a PUBLIC DOMAIN. Being popular with fellow police reminds me of a late buddy who worked in INTERNAL AFFAIRS. His work caused some police to be disciplined or fired. When retirement came, he had a solid plan in place for instant evacuation from Philly to a low-population area upstate. It was considered wise to do that. I talked with Bill Heeney, who is a GOP Council candidate. It turns out that he is the son of the late, great policeman Vince HEENEY. I met Vince after he retired from Philly Police work, and was a detective at the Navy Yard. My Navy work took me into the Navy police station. Vince enrolled this lad into the Southeast Police Chiefs Association. I am today, after decades, a Life Member. The members include Lieutenants, Captains, Commissioners and Feds Special Agents-
in-Charge. The daily media seem to have run out of Philly targets and now zeroes in on Camden? HELP Camden instead. A proposed new site for PETSCH (Called “Pets”) Charter School will be a plus in Fishtown. PETS was begun by John DOUGHERTY and Local 98. The quality of graduates is outstanding! A success story NOT mentioned enough. Senior Judge Gene COHEN ruled that the City must return $48 million to businesses for assessments not made concurrently with residential assessments. The Office of Property Assessment must assess all 557,000 parcels at the same time. UNIFORMITY of market values and of METHODOLOGY should now commence! Local businesses: now come up with a plan to INVEST the $48m in expansion and jobs! (Cont. Page 15)
with his large family. Peter has eight children and vast numbers of grandchildren. Peter ran for state Rep in the ’70s and was forced to go to law school after losing. Instead he was able to fight for such unions as Local 274 hotel employees and restaurant employees and to have a good life. ATTORNEY GENERAL JOSH SHAPIRO was recently in the crosshairs of a criminal-justice reform group at the progressive NetRoots Nation conference. Apparently they are holding the State attorney general responsible for a bill that passed the legislature giving concurrent jurisdiction on gun crimes with Philly DA LARRY KRASNER. Krasner continues to be the main voice, even if not the most rational, on criminal-justice reform. It’s a strange time to be a Democratic attorney general in Pennsylvania. The old mold was to be tough on crime at all times. But with
the progressives pushing for leniency and reform, it’s tough to be tough. Nobody has been more focused on statewide advancement than Shapiro. This dates back to his early days in the House of Representatives when he helped unseat SPEAKER BILL DeWEESE and install Republican DENNY O’BRIEN. Speaking of Speaker DeWeese, he continues to thrive in Harrisburg as a lobbyist and consultant. His relationships have come in handy and more and more he is perceived as a go-to guy. DeWeese has always been an expert at making friends on all sides of the aisle. Some of his best and closest friends are Republican senators. Democrats thought they caught a break when PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP tweeted that several freshman congresswomen should go back to where they came from. Of course, this marshaled support on (Cont. Next Page)
(Cont. From Prev. Page) do not like the impact fee not because it goes to those “impacted” but to those regions of the state that are more conservative (aka evil). Many proponents of a severance tax think that the natural-gas companies need to pay their “fair share.” I have never had any of these advocates offer a “fair share” number except to point out that other states have severance taxes. They also conveniently ignore that those other states such as Texas and Oklahoma do not have or have minimal corporate income taxes, let alone one like Pennsylvania’s 9.99% rate. They conveniently ignore the $1.7 billion in impact-fee taxes this industry has added to Pennsylvania State tax revenues since 2011 (this is
CITY HALL SAM
(Cont. From Prev. Page) the Democratic side for the congresswomen but once again helped Trump stir up his base. Now he is leading chants of “Send them back!” at his rallies across the country. The New York Times even recently predicted that he could increase his electoral count in the presidential election because some polls have him winning states that he previously lost. And the Democrats don’t even have a frontrunner yet. Superficially, it was Joe Biden, but once he hit the water with the more than 20 approximate competitors, his luster began to wear off. He forgot his moderate Democratic credentials immedi-
through 2018). Proponents of a severance tax note that many natural-gas producers do not pay 9.99% corporate taxes. Is this because they are cheating or because their profits are minimal owing to depressed natural-gas prices? Some argue that the natural-gas companies need to pay severance taxes, as they are out-of-state companies taking “our” resources. Not one of the people who have expressed this view actually own natural-gas mineral rights. It is not their natural gas, but that of the landowners, many of whom, until the shale-gas revolution, were eking by financially. Some severance-tax proponents do not want natural gas, period. Their attempts to totally ban natural-gas development have failed, so they hope the tax penalizes an industry they dislike. They want renewable sources of
energy, but conveniently ignore that renewable resources produce internment power that needs to be subsidized by natural-gas generation both for reliability and financial reasons. Future tax and impact-fee revenues are already challenged by the low market price for natural gas, which are currently $2.29/thousand cubic feet at the major U.S. natural-gas market of Henry Hub. Pennsylvania shale gas is frequently $1/ thousand cubic feet cheaper owing to limited transportation options. Basic economics indicate that increased taxes will add to costs and lead to reduce natural-gas development. Unfortunately, the allure of more tax revenues is more enticing than the sobering understanding that higher taxes will chase natural-gas developers to other states.
ately and began pandering to the far left just like everyone else on the Democratic side. The Democrats need to learn Politics 101. Find out what your base is and work it. It’s impossible to do that if you don’t know what it is. The party of the blue-collar worker no longer exists. The same folks who elected BILL CLIN-
TON and RONALD REAGAN and Donald Trump will elect Donald Trump again. It’s not too late for the Democrats to come up with a plan to attract moderate working-class voters, but Sam thinks that ship sailed years ago. The elites who run the circus have no interest in that type of voters.
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C O U N C I LW O M A N Cherelle Parker, 4th from R, presented a citation to sexual-health counselor Lynette Medley, C, who realized that a number of Philadelphia students were unable to afford feminine-hygiene products and took it upon herself to gather and distribute them to those in need. From Parker’s Facebook page
LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL HEALTH & SAFETY FUND 665 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 236-6700
www.ldc-phila-vic.org Alan Parham, Adminstrator
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.
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Philadelphia COUNTY CIVIL ACTION - LAW ACTION OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE Term No. 181101762 NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Moses Kamara, Deceased & MOSES KAMARA Mortgagor and Real Owner Defendant
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The Unknown Heirs of Moses Kamara, Deceased & MOSES KAMARA, MORTAGOR AND REAL OWNER, DEFENDANT whose last known address is 2037 Bonaffon Street Philadelphia, PA 19142. THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT OWED TO OUR CLIENT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM YOU WILL BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING THE DEBT. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff MIDFIRST BANK, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 181101762 wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 2037 Bonaffon Street Philadelphia, PA 19142 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia. NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claim in the Complaint of for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
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COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES, INC. Law Center North Central 1410 W. Erie Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19140 215-227-2400 or 215-981-3700 PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION Lawyer Referral and Information Service One Reading Center Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-238-1701 Michael T. McKeever Attorney for Plaintiff KML Law Group, P.C., PC Suite 5000, BNY Independence Center 701 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-1532 215-627-1322
understanding BANKRUPTCY BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: What are the risks of co-signing a loan? Answer: Co-signing a loan is a dangerous thing. Too many people end up in bankruptcy due to debts they just cosigned for, so here are a few points worth considering before co-signing for a friend or family member. 1. There is a reason they need a co-signor. A professional lender does not think they
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will pay the money back. An objective professional (or underwriting standards) arrived at this judgment. Why do you think you know differently? 2. If they do not pay or miss payments, it will affect your credit. 3. The fact that the debt exists, and you are liable for it, in itself, will affect your credit and will limit the amount of other debt you can contract due to your debt/income ratio. 4. In most states, the creditor doesn’t have to chase the primary borrower when they don’t pay. They will usually just pursue the co-signor in court, getting a judgment and attaching the co-signor’s property and wages. This is a real shocker for most people, and I’ve had many, many conversations with people in some stage of disbelief that they, and not the person who they co-signed for,
is getting chased for the debt. However, the truth is that the co-signor is usually better off financially than the primary obligor and, consequently, is a more attractive target for a creditor. 5. Unless you agree otherwise with the lender, you may not even know if the primary obligor misses payments. They may be afraid to tell you while you are accruing mounting interest and late fees. Co-signing a loan is serious business, and you should think about it as taking on the debt itself, rather than just helping someone out because a creditor is being unreasonable. Once you co-sign a loan it is your debt, and you should ask whether you can afford it and really want to take on the responsibility. Next Week's Question: Does it make a difference if I file bankruptcy before the end of the month?
FAMILY Days on the FARM (rain or shine) Friday ~ July 26 ~ 4pm-8pm Saturday ~ July 27 ~ 8am-4pm The John Esh Farm 432 Springville Road Quarryville, PA 17566 ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ Lectures, Demonstrations, Vendors Lots of Fun for Children and the Healthiest Food in the U.S. Donations help to support this annual event questions: 717-925-0503
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 140’) on the building at 6250 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA (201910671). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-8091202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.
T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 103’) on the water tank at 6800-08 Greenway Street, Philadelphia, PA (20190650). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.
T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 117’) on the water tank at 1910 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA (20190651). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.
T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 67’) on the building at 132 South 55th Street, Philadelphia, PA (20190649). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.
Militaries Don’t Fix Problems
BY JOE SESTAK ensions between Iran and the United States have recently reached dangerous new heights – which could result in spiraling reprisals devolving into war. Having served in the military, I know that militaries can stop a problem, but they can’t fix a problem. This is why I supported the Iran nuclear accord, and still support it today as the best framework for maintaining peace and security for us and our allies. As tensions continue to ratchet up, we must own up to the fact that we are to blame. We broke our word. The latest development is the recent announcement from Tehran that Iranians have begun enriching uranium above limits agreed upon in 2015. This does not mean Iran is significantly closer to developing a nuclear weapon, but it does mean they no longer comply with the agreement. Of course, we first violated its terms by withdrawing from the agreement, in May 2018, after establishing
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sanctions on Iran. At the time of our withdrawal, Iran was in full compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors on the ground verifying compliance every day. The decision by the Trump administration to withdraw was a huge strategic mistake. It makes negotiating disarmament with other countries – such as North Korea – immeasurably more difficult, because those countries now have every reason to suspect we will not uphold our side of any bargain. The Iran deal was not all-inclusive: it did not deal with Iran’s ballistic missile program, nor with Iran’s meddling in the affairs of their neighbors and support of violent extremists, and had an expiration date. But by fulfilling its fundamental purpose – preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons – it was successful. Also, critically, it was building trust between Iran and the international community. It takes time to repair fractured relation-
ships, especially when there are decades of animosity to overcome, and the nuclear agreement was designed to be a decade-long first step toward peace and reconciliation. The recent high-stakes drama in the Straits of Hormuz, during which two foreign oil tankers were attacked, followed by Iran shooting down of a U.S. drone, brought us to the brink of war – a terrible prospect. During my years in the Navy and in the White House, I was involved in assessing how a war with Iran would go. In summary: It would be ugly. Reprinted courtesy of the Des Moines Register.
(Cont. From Page 5) among at least two factions, plus freelancers. The progressives don’t even have well-constituted factions yet. Andrew Stover pioneered this tack four year ago. He was well respected but did not reach or ignite the anti-Republican “masses” in the progressive world. The way for political outsiders to break in is to surrender ego and form a disciplined phalanx around a core ticket. It is not yet apparent that any of Philadelphia’s dissidents, either on the right or the left, have mastered this lesson.
Sestak’s Back! Now Plowing Iowa A familiar Pennsylvania face has suited up for the Democratic presidential race. And no, it’s not Joe
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(Cont. From Page 10) but in reality, the people who have benefitted from gerrymandering are going to make sure they keep benefitting.” Gerrymandering has come up a lot in our discussions of electoral politics of late, mostly because we have national elections coming up. In 2016, President Donald Trump lost the popular vote, but managed to win the Elector-
Biden. Former Congressman Joe Sestak (D-Delaware) threw his hat into the ring last month but has just started to gear up a campaign team. Sestak, who ran for U.S. Senate twice in Pennsylvania, now lives in Alexandria, Va. He claims he entered the race late because he wanted to see that his daughter’s brain cancer was under control first. He joins a field that now appears to number 25, more or less, and is jockeying to move up in the field. Sestak is known as an indefatigable street campaigner, walking more miles and shaking more hands. He adheres to that strategy, claiming to have shaken 25,000 hands and handed out over 45,000 brochures across Iowa, running in seven parades, visiting dozens of local Democratic Party groups, attending church
services and chamber of commerce meetings and meeting veterans at their gatherings). He can’t claim big money yet, but he says he is running even with other second-tier candidates in funding. “I know past is not prologue, but I have known – and enjoyed – challenges in other races where I’ve started over 30 points behind,” said Sestak, “like my first congressional race against Republican Curt Weldon (to become the second Democrat to represent my district since the Civil War), or my senate primary race against Republican-turned-Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter (who was supported by the Democratic Party elite).” In honor of his service to Pennsylvania, we’ve shared a Sestak op-ed from Iowa, where he is busily doing what all presidential candidates must do.
al College, and thus the presidency, thanks to these “creatively” drawn legislative districts. It’s also come up in discussion of how we elect our Congress, and how, in spite of Americans being more progressive according to polls, progressive policies aren’t the norm. The group also discussed the ways that things like racial justice, and making it easier for students to vote where they attend school can serve as means of keeping
gerrymandering at bay. Here’s where the census figures into this discussion. Because this year’s census is going to be largely conducted on computer, and until recently, many thought it would include a question regarding citizenship, an undercount of the mostly Black and brown populace of Philadelphia is a legitimate concern. With an undercount comes a lack of resources. And the cycle continues….
of stated City policies regarding discrimination. “The vast majority of officers are honest and proud to protect our residents. However, those who practice and speak hatred against our communities have no place in the Philadelphia Police Department.
“Once again, I would remind all involved that the Police Advisory Commission, which has been strengthened and funded by Council’s legislative action, needs to be a part of the ongoing conversation to ensure that police officers are accountable to the communities they serve.”
Clarke Condemns Racist Posts
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ouncil President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) responded to the announcement that 13 Philadelphia Police Department officers would be fired and 56 others disciplined for racist, violent and offensive posts brought to light by the Plain View Project:
“I support this action taken by Commissioner Richard Ross as a key first step in restoring faith in the officers who serve Philadelphia’s diverse communities every day. The continuing investigation must include a full vetting of the officers and any potential violations
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THE 1926 FOUNDATION, Inc. in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Omega Omega chapter, hosted its 24th annual Day of Sharing at Independence Blue Cross. The foundation awarded over $40,000 in scholarships and community grants to college-bound students and community organizations. The program was facilitated by Sherilynn Johnson Kimble, program chairman of the 1926 Foundation, and Charlene Collins, program chairman of Omega Omega chapter. The foundation is the charitable arm of Omega Omega chapter. Carol B. Rice serves as the president of the foundation and Carol Parkinson-Hall is the president of the chapter. L-R front, Collins, Parkinson-Hall, Rice and Kimble; rear, Samaiya Minor, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall Blake, Paula McKinney-Rainey, Raquel Easley, Cressa Morris and Aaliyah Johnson. Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion
Sestak Sets Sail
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Special Issue
Please join us on September 12th for The Philadelphia Public Record’s annual
Back to School Issue,
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a fresh look at the latest trends in and out of class. Please make checks payable to the Public Record Newspaper
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
WALKING the BEAT
(Cont. From Page 10) The daily press said that gentrification is not bad. They should remember that the ABATEMENT made it happen! Congrats to educator Anthony INGARGIOLA for nine years on the job! And to Councilman Derek GREEN on his 24th wedding anniversary! Lee PROCOPIO, a leading constituent-service guy, has five years with Councilman Mark SQUILLA!... Hats off to Natasha TAYLOR for six years in the Montgomery County Solicitor’s Office! Meek MILL may get a
refinishing jobs. VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand. TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity. BAND SAW: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to
cut good aluminum sheet into smaller pieces that more easily fit into the trash can after you cut on the inside of the line instead of the outside edge. TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect. PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids or for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on
your shirt; but can also be 15 used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads. STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws and butchering your palms. PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50-cent part.
new trial due to suspect testimony of a police officer. Such an outcome in NO WAY can be developed as criticism of Judge Genece BRINKLEY. It is overreaching to attack Judge Brinkley. I heard from folks on my warning to abandon hope for your cause in the federal building. I think it is a WASTE OF TIME to APPEAL a case there. You have to wait a long time for the expensive notes of testimony, then study them. It is NOT CHEAP. People have borrowed money to appeal. Save your money. Find new evidence. Going to trial is fraught with danger. Jurors may think you guilty after the “parallel trial” in the daily media.
You do not control the narrative; hence so many plea bargains. This is a system of the UNELECTED with your vast taxpayer dollars, demeaning ELECTED, by the people, officeholders and union leaders…. The FEDS were once speakers at our Police Chiefs meeting. One Fed told the chiefs to bring their cases to 6th & Market for stiffer sentencing. INDEPENDENTS seeking a City Council seat will be hot news in the fall campaign, opposed by the GOP. Sherrie COHEN has the best shot at it. A few years ago when she first ran, it looked as if she had defeated then-Councilman at Large Jim KENNEY – until
votes from the 39th Ward came in. The Cohen name has vote value over years thanks to motivation of MOM Cohen. Voters who are disabled get to vote less and less. Picking up the disabled and transporting them to a polling station used to be commonplace. Committee persons need to RELEARN this practice – or provide absentee ballots. State Rep. Mary ISSACSON was out there ringing doorbells to learn issues concerning voters, to see if they need voting assis-
tance. BRAVO! It is just SILLY to census-count inmates as residents of the town where a prison is located. Gov. WOLF is for changing it. LOUISIANA has a judge that NEVER has granted asylum, and a cop who wrote ON FACEBOOK that a member of Congress should be shot! How long will the GOP tolerate and defend TRUMP’S brash remarks? Years ago, they turned on a similar president and did not nominate him for a second term. Will they have similar courage
this time? The good news is that 40% of USA homes are paid off. The TOO-SOON loss of Joe RAUSCHER was too much to bear. Joe was President of the AFL-CIO here, before Pat EIDING. He led the Bakers Union with great vigor before that. Kevin LOTT and Dan ENGLE of Boilermakers Local 13 are candidates for Northampton City Council. Local 13 Political Director Ed HARKINS is on the scene. Pass the word for them!
T HE S O U T H PHIL A D EL P HI A P UB L I C R E CO R D
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o! Here we go again with these tool “truisms” –
WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, “Oh crap!” PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters. BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major
JU LY 25, 2019
the WAFFLE MAN
classic technical advice that has been circulating on the internet for as long as there have been workshop accidents. DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal-bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly painted project which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.
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PUBLIC RECORD CLASSIFIEDS Education/Training: AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid
for qualified students Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-207-0345
Miscellaneous: Dental Insurance: Call Physicians Mutual Insurance company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL
coverage for 350 procedures. 855-8904914 or http://www. dental50plus.com/ Penn Ad# 6118 Miscellaneous:
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(215) 335-4884 Fax (215) 333-7793 In accordance with Chapter 73 of the Vehicle Code and authorization of the Department of Transportation, there will be a LIVE public auction of the below listed vehicles, WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019 @ 10:00 AM The location 7000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA. All sales final. Cash only. Register & bid online @ www.aspiteauction.com STOCK # YEAR US-9583 2004 US-9992 2008
MAKE V.I.N. CONTROL BMW WBANA73554B063170 054389 VOLKSWAGEN WVWBA71F78V013991 O55733
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T HE S O U T H PHIL A D EL PHI A P UB L I C R E CO R D
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Special Issue
JU LY 25, 2019
HAPPY LABOR DAY Honoring Our Locals
P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0
Please join us on August 29th in our 2019 Labor Day Commemorative Issue honoring our Local Unions and their membership. Come celebrate at the 32nd Annual AFL-CIO Labor Day Parade:
Monday, September 2, 2019
at Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Union Hall 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. & Washington Ave.