South Philadelphia Public Record

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

Vol. XVI No. 1

Issue 639

January 2, 2020

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

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TIME TO GIVE

THE SECOND day-care center Councilman Kenyatta Johnson visited on (Dec. 23 to give Christmas toys to children was Western Community Daycare Center in South Philadelphia. His staff distributed more than 150 toys at Western, more than 300 toys overall that day. The toys were donated from various organization including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, SEPTA and the Pennsylvania State Police. The councilman partnered with other community groups in South and Southwest Philadelphia during December to distribute toys to children.

Panepinto Jewelers

CENSUS

W2W4

BEGINS

IN 2020

P. 2

P.4

740 Sansom Street, Suite 506 Philadelphia PA, 19106

Store#: 215-923-1980 Cell#: 215-470-7629

Info@panepintojewelers.com www.panepintojewelers.com

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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Philadelphia COUNTY CIVIL ACTION - LAW ACTION OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE Term No. 2019-SU-002212 NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE M&T BANK Plaintiff vs.

JACQUELINE TULL a/k/a JACQUELINE Y. TULL a/k/a JACQUELINE Y. WILLOUGHBY a/k/a JACQUELINE WILLOUGHBY & REGALO H. WILLOUGHBY Mortgagor and Real Owner Defendant TO JACQUELINE TULL a/k/a JACQUELINE Y. TULL a/k/a JACQUELINE Y. WILLOUGHBY a/k/a JACQUELINE WILLOUGHBY & REGALO H. WILLOUGHBY, MORTAGOR AND REAL OWNER, DEFENDANT whose last known address is 770 Fahs Street York, PA 17404.

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 M&T BANK, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 2019-SU-002212 wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 770 Fahs Street York, PA 17404 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of York.

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. LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE OF THE YORK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION (ATTORNEY CONNECTIONS) YORK COUNTY BAR CENTER 137 East Market Street York, PA 17401 717-854-8755 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

2020 Census Begins – in Alaska The U.S. Census Bureau launched its first set of advertisements for the 2020 Census in Alaska this week, about one month ahead of the kick off to the 2020 Census in remote Alaska in January 2020. The advertisements will inform those living in approximately 220 Alaska Native villages that a census taker will soon visit their home to count them in the 2020 Census. For the rest of Alaska, and the rest of the country, the 2020 Census begins in mid-March.

On Jan. 21, the count officially begins in Toksook Bay, an Alaska Native village located on the Bering Sea west of Bethel. Locally hired census takers get a head start in rural Alaska when the ground is frozen, allowing for easier access to remote villages.

This will be the first time the Census Bureau has aired ads targeted at remote Alaska audiences for a decennial census. Aimed primarily at reaching Alaska Native people, the advertising creative includes full-page print ads, commercial signage, posters, radio ads and digital content.

“We are working hard with state and tribal leaders as well as community organizations to make sure that the Alaska Native population and everyone in Alaska – no matter where they live – receive information about the 2020 Census and why it is so important to be counted,” said Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham. “Residents of remote Alaskan villages have limited internet connectivity and no at-home mail delivery, so conducting the count with census takers going door-to-door

is critically important. By responding to the census, you can help shape your village’s future for the next decade.”

The Census Bureau has long been planning the most robust marketing and outreach effort in Census history for the 2020 Census. The newly released advertisements are part of the Census Bureau’s $500 million communications campaign to increase awareness and participation in the 2020 Census.

Next month, paid advertising in support of the 2020 Census will begin running in the rest of the country in print and digital outlets, on television and radio, on billboards, and at transit stations. The integrated campaign will feature advertising in 13 languages and be in market from January through June.

The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone who lives in the United States. It is conducted every 10 years and is required by the U.S. Constitution. Census responses determine congressional representation in the states and inform how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed to states and local communities every year for critical public services and infrastructure, including health clinics, schools, roads and emergency services.

Most households in the United States will start receiving invitations by mail to respond to the 2020 Census in mid-March.

The Census matters to Philadelphia as well as Alaska. It is imperative that we get a full count of our residents, as this determines the fate of millions of dollars of federal spending for our city.

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

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Teamsters 628

COUNCILMAN Bill Greenlee at the desk he has occupied for 15 years – deploying a lifetime of experience.

Which of These Costly Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make When You Sell Your Philly Home?

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As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 This report is courtesy of Larry Levin, Realtor, RealtyMark Associates. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2019

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dal, this time at large.

For the next 26 years, until his death in 2005, Cohen was a dogged gadfly, unafraid to take on anybody as he fought for the little people.

Greenlee fell in with Cohen early in life. A fourth-generation Fairmounter (he still lives around the corner from where he was born in Brewerytown), Greenlee attended St. Francis Xavier Church.

He graduated from St. Leonard’s Academy, St. Joseph’s Pre and Temple University with an ambition to become a sportswriter.

But politics was another contest that intrigued him.

An uncle had been a State representative. He became active in Cohen’s campaigns during the ’70s; when Greenlee won back a seat on Council, Greenlee came (Cont. on Page 6)

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BY TONY WEST ouncilman Bill Greenlee is stepping out of City Council this month after 40 years inside it, one way or another.

The 66-year-old councilmember apprenticed in City government under the tutelage of one of Philadelphia’s most-colorful leaders, Councilman David Cohen.

An old-school liberal with a keen sense of working-class concerns, Cohen started out representing the 8th Council District. In the tumultuous 1970s, he resigned to run for mayor – ultimately beaten out

by Frank Rizzo, whom he detested and launched a recall campaign against. After a couple of unsuccessful campaigns, Cohen the reformer clawed his way back onto City Council in 1980, buoyed by the Abscam scan-

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Greenlee Bids Farewell to City Council Life

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Politically, 2020 Will Be Lively in Philly

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POLS on the STREET

BY JOE SHAHEELI lot is about to happen. Before the last beercan is swept off the sidewalks of Broad Street, the city’s politicos will be in the thick of serious discussions, starting with City Council. There, three new faces must be absorbed into its complex organizations, with committee assignments for all.

Eyes will be on the post of majority leader, currently held by Councilmember Bobby Henon (6th District). An insurgency led

by Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez (7th District) sees Henon as vulnerable because he is under federal indictment. Few

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will echo her call for him to resign but many may settle for him to lose his leadership role, which would make room for another to move up.

Council President Darrell Clarke would rather avoid such a dilemma. He is unlikely to join seven fellow Democrats to vote for this move. Democratic Party Chair Bob Brady would recoil at the prospect because he needs a united Democratic Party going into November (of which more later).

But emboldened progressives increasingly look to push against party leadership for the sake of principle and councilmembers with ties to that bloc may decide to start the New Year with a fuss.

The winter primary season will keep Democrats stirred up as several progressives tackle State house incumbents around town.

They will be buoyed by heightened interest in the presidential race, where a

Always Hard At Work for You!

State Senator

Sharif

Street

1621 W. Jefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121

215-227-6161

State Senator

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crowded field is vying to take on Donald Trump – a mission most Philadelphia Democrats hold nearly on a par with defeating ISIS. Pennsylvania’s Apr. 28 primary comes late but a clear leader may not be apparent by then; and all observers agree Pennsylvania will be a crucial bellwether state in the fall election. Presidential broadcast and social-media advertising will be intense heading into spring.

So the average voter will have politics more on their mind than usual this winter and some of that may trickle down to legislative races.

Brady’s concern is November, not April. He needs to pump the Philadelphia Democratic turnout to overcome expected gains by Republicans outside Southeastern Pennsylvania. The progressive turnout is not his concern; they’ll mobilize themselves. Democratic City Committee needs to pump turnout among ordinary bluecollar voters who may have more-pressing business than finding their way to a polling place on Nov. 3.

He’ll need footsoldiers and he’ll need cash.

Pols Join Meek Mill Meek Mill did his Community Toy Giveaway at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center at 22nd St. & Cecil B. Moore Ave. Kids and family members circled around the block to receive toys, games, sneakers and bikes. Senatorial aide Jim Harrity congratulated him. Photos by Leona Dixon.

HELPING OUT were, L-R, Judge James DeLeon, Jim Harrity, Sheriff-Elect Rochelle Bilal, Council President Darrell Clark and Jim Harrity.

EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE volunteers participated under the direction of Darrell Robinson.

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”

AT YOUR SERVICE

McClinton 191st Leg. Dist.

52 S. 60th Street, Phila 19139

Youngblood

310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148

Councilman At-Large

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

215-686-3450 www.phlcouncil.com

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

610 N. SECOND STREET 215.503.3245

Councilman

198th District

City Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker

STATE REP MARY ISAACSON 175TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687 Rep. Rosita

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.

State Rep.

Joanna E.

P: 215-849-6426 Rep.Maria P.

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

Mark

Squilla 1st District City Hall Room 332

215-686-3458/59 State Rep.

Kevin J.

Boyle 172nd Dist.

7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

215-331-2600

Everybody knows their way around town, at least to take care of their personal business. People who drive know the streets they take; people who use public transit know the routes they take. Most people know their Zip code. Do you know your ward? The city is divided into 66 wards that are the basic units of electoral and political organization. Find your ward on the map below.

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Political Philadelphia: Our Wards

5

58

66 63

50 10 22

17

59 21

12 13 38

32

60

24 27

51

43

7

33 45

20

15

36

18

31

25

14

N

5

8 30

41

23

2 1

48

26

39

40

0

1

LEGEND 2

4

Mile

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42

65

55 62

49

16 37 19

29 4 44

35

11

28 52

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64

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34

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State, Step up to the Plate The News in Black & White

OPINION

O

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f all public needs, few are more poorly suited for local tax bases and more apt for State-level funding than K-12 education.

That’s because every child’s mind is equally valuable and deserves equal investment by society.

But local school districts differ greatly in their available tax dollars because Americans segregate themselves by wealth. So a Philadelphia

schoolchild can’t tap the same pool of wealth that a Lower Merion schoolchild can.

Enter the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has primary responsibility over all education from Erie to Marcus Hook. Its statewide tax base can even out local income differences. That’s why State funding for K-12 is the backbone of schools across the nation.

In Pennsylvania, though, that backbone is weak. We are the fifth-worst State in the nation in the percentage of basic education costs borne by the State. Put another way: We are the fifth-cruelest State in the nation to its poorer children.

This can change. But change must take place in Harrisburg, starting with the General Assembly, which sets State taxation

and education budgets.

The General Assembly is controlled by Republicans.

Republicans are increasingly hostile to tax increases – as well as to education in general. But while the first position is popular with their base, the latter is less so. Ordinary Republicans want the best for their children.

And ordinary Republicans in Midstate and Western Pennsylvania increasingly struggle with a stagnant, low-wage local economy.

They need State money too.

So there is room for Philadelphia’s talented legislative team in Harrisburg to negotiate across the aisle for the future of all our children.

Let’s hope they will forge ahead on this task in the year to come, when their counterparts are running for re-election.

STATE SEN. Sharif Street, L, participated in a dedication of the 200 block of W. Coulter Street in Germantown to honor the late Rev. Alyn E. Waller. Dr. Waller was a revered minister and city visionary. Photo courtesy of Street’s Facebook page

Cohen, To Greenlee, To Beyond (Cont. From Page 3)

with him, handling pretty much anything that lands on an at-large councilmember’s desk – and that can be pretty much anything.

While much of a district councilmember’s focus is on the people and issues of their part of town, at-large members go anywhere and talk to everyone. This enables them to focus on larger systemic challenges.

But that doesn’t mean individuals are beyond their scope. “Cohen believed government was there to help people,” Greenlee recounted. “There was nothing government couldn’t do.”

Cohen was a glutton for constituent service and he knew the city inside out. As the decades passed, Greenlee wound up as his chief of staff and learned everything Cohen knew.

“Constituent service leads to legislation,” Greenlee in-

sisted.

On his boss’s death, Greenlee ran to take his place in a special election in 2005. He survived three of Philly’s demanding at-large re-election races before deciding to sit out 2019’s.

He is the chair of the Rules and Law & Government Committees – key positions through which much important City business that originates in other committees must ultimately pass through. He is the vicechair of the Public Property Committees. Greenlee serves on the Finance, Streets & Services, Licenses and Inspections, Public Health & Human Services, and Public Safety Committees. The councilman was elected by his colleagues to serve as Majority Deputy Whip in 2012 and 2016.

Greenlee’s proudest accomplishment in Council was the passage of a bill

requiring employers to offer paid sick leave to a large class of workers, as many as 200,000. This measure, which passed in 2015 was the kind of achievement that David Cohen would have been proud of.

Greenlee also sponsored legislation to overhaul the Fair Practices ordinance, which is the City’s basic civil-rights code. The ordinance prohibits discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. His update of the law expanded protection to include domestic violence victims, the disabled and the LGBT community.

The councilman was the prime sponsor of legislation to protect domestic-violence victims from losing their jobs or homes due to their status as a domestic violence victim; he has also sponsored legislation protecting property owners

from thieves looking to steal property through filing false deeds.

But if he shares Cohen’s causes, Greenlee is known for a different style. “Dave was a maverick. He had no problem burning down bridges,” Greenlee said.

“He could very critical of other people on the floor.

Of course, he had a way of going back to these same people for other things later. But I try to work things out first.”

Amiable, even-tempered and unpretentious, Greenlee is effective at steering the Rules Committee, where everyone trusts his fairness.

City Council is made up of many more people than just the Sweet 17 at its top.

Greenlee’s human touch has helped him maneuver their staffs as well – and an at-large councilmember (Cont. on Page 7)

MARK your CALENDAR Jan. 3- Sheriff Rochelle Bilal hosts Inauguration Gala at DoubleTree Hotel, 237 S. Broad St., 7-11 p.m. Formal attire. Tickets: $100. Payable to “Friends of Rochelle Bilal,” P.O. Box 14140, Phila., PA 19138 or online rochellebilal. com. For VIP info: Jabari Jones (814) 433-0221 or rochelle@rochellebilal. com.

Jan. 13- C o u n c i l m a n David Oh celebrates Korean American Day at City Hall, Flag-raising 10 a.m.

followed by ceremonial reception. Commemorates first Korean immigrants in 1903.

Jan. 18- Reclaim Phila. hosts Citywide Mtg. at Calvary Ctr., 48th St. & Baltimore Ave., 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 23- State house candidate Vanessa McGrath hosts New Year’s Resolution Happy Hour at Jerry’s Bar, 129 W. Laurel St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free! But Friends $25, Supporters $50, Co-hosts $250.

Jan. 31- Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown is hosted “Legacy Experience Celebration” at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., Reception 6 p.m., Philadanco Program, 8:30 p.m. Olde School Dance Party. Proceeds support Philadanco. Entire evening: $100, Dance Party only $50.

For info or to purchase: (215) 851-1858 or celebratebrb@gmail.com.

since the days of Connie Mack Stadium, his proudest possession is a Mike Schmidt #20 jersey.

Now it will be somebody else’s turn to shepherd the budget though the Rules Committee this year.

“HAVING BEEN a staff member really helped me keep learning when I became a councilmember. It is important to approach everyone with respect.”

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But the pharmaceutical industry fought us really hard and I didn’t get it. I hope the next Council will take up this cause again.”

How will they fare in general without mild-mannered Bill to grease their wheels? He counsels patience.

“People need to realize they’re not going to change the world,” he advised.

“Compromise is not a dirty word. You need nine votes to get anything done in Council. I walked very softly at times so that I could get what I felt was important at other times.”

He frets that some cutting-edge progressives come on too hard, pleasing their constituents at the risk of missing a chance to enact substantive practical change.

Greenlee looks back on his tour of duty without regrets. “It was a grand ride,” he said. “I liked what I did.”

But there is one aspect of the councilmember’s trade that he won’t miss: fundraising. “I hate asking people for money!” he said.

Greenlee will continue in politics as 30th Ward Democratic leader, a post he has held since 1994. He knows how to knock on doors in Fairmount and after all these years, he faces a friendly reception when he does so.

But his first priority is Phillies spring training. A fan

www.ldc-phila-vic.org

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(Cont. From Page 6) must work smoothly on occasion with the staffs of all 10 district councilmembers as well as his own. “Having been a staff member really helped me keep learning when I became a councilmember,” he said. “It is important to approach everyone with respect.”

Greenlee took over his role under Council President Anna Verna. He has now served two terms under Council President Darrell Clarke – who happens to be his district councilmember. It’s been a happy relationship.

“Clarke and I stand for pretty much the same things and we have shared interests,” Greenlee said.

“He’s my brother from another mother.” Greenlee praised Clarke’s passion for a consensus that on problems actually gets things done.

Every career leaves important work undone at its conclusion. For Greenlee, there is no doubt about what constitutes the big one that got away.

“My colleague Cindy Bass and I sponsored a bill to restrict gifts by pharmaceutical representatives to doctors,” he related. “This has been a major factor in driving up drug costs and in over-prescribing medication. It was one of the factors that led to the legal-opioid addiction crisis.

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40 Years In Philadelphia Public Service

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Because this matters to you...

...we matter to you!

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unparalleled coverage of the city’s public life

215-755-2000

www.phillyrecord.com

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

BY DENISE CLAY s we begin the second part of our look at 2019, we’ll start with the fact that in America, nowhere is safe from gun violence.

Don’t believe me? As I write this on Sunday, Dec. 29, two people were killed and another injured when a gunman walked into a church in White Settlement, Tex. and started shooting. Granted, because he chose to do this in Texas, and this is a state where folks go

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Ten-year-old Semaj O’Branty was walking home from school when he was hit in the back of the head with a stray bullet. This was two weeks after a 2-year-old girl was shot to death in her home and an 11-month-old baby was injured when the car the child was traveling in got caught in a hail of bullets.

But what was probably the most heartbreaking incident of gun violence locally was the death of 10-year-old Micah “Dew” Tennant. Micah was among those shot at a playoff game between Pleasantville High School and Camden High School at Pleasantville High School’s athletic campus in November. The game was later finished at Lincoln Financial Field at the invitation of the adelphia Eagles, but the young men found out prior to the game that their (Cont. on Page 13)

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA N SOUTH JERSEY it is too soon to determine the wish of the new Wildwood Mayor in acquiring the KATE SMITH statue for the town Vietnam Memorial. Former Mayor Ernie Troiano was 100% for it and was a strong veterans’ supporter. How will Mayor Pete Byron feel?

It is too soon to gauge if the Congressman VAN DREW candidacy as a Republican will fly. The GOP was ready to nominate a millionaire who could have

I

CITY HALL SAM Here we go again. West Philly Ward leaders are trying to figure out who the candidate will be for a special election to fill the seat of MOVITA JOHNSON-HARRELL. She has already pled guilty to corruption and stealing money from a nonprofit. Interestingly, she replaced VANESSA LOWERY BROWN, who was a very able State rep but showed bad judgment by accepting gifts.

The new nominee to represent the district is Green is a business agent with

riod. Rubin and Meek: In 9 2020, “Loose thy bonds, and let the oppressed go free” – with your money.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS: To 37th Ward DEM Leader Elinor BROWN; no doubt she had a new DO for her born day! Chrissy BEREN celebrated her day with mom MARIE. Marie is a top constituent services aide for Councilman Mark SQUILLA. Mark SQUILLA earned the love and thanks of citizens as he jumped in to assist explosion victims on S. 8th Street. A caring human being.

BIG LAUGH for me is that environmentalists claim that the Energy Solutions refinery was the Philly’s biggest polluter. Yet air-quality monitors show no change in city air. No one is a bigger environment supporter than me – but I am PROJOBS for that site... The Lindy Institute at Drexel seems (Cont. on Page 15)

SEIU Local 668. She won the majority of votes among ward leaders that have divisions in the 190th House District. If she wins the special election, she will serve the remaining 10 months of former Johnson-Harrell’s term.

There were several contenders for the nomination.

And they may challenge Green for the nomination in the April primary. In addition to running for the State House special election, Green will need to circulate petitions and run in the April primary election for a full term. Sam’s New Year wish for the voters of the 190th House District is that Green runs an ethical and scandal-free campaign and office.

Sam has a New Year’s resolution for members of City Council: more civility and less opportunism. Sam will be watching for a New Year’s showdown as City Council MAJORITY LEADER BOBBY HENON battles

for his leadership position.

Henon has used his clout with the building trades to help numerous members of City Council raise money and win campaigns, but in a Shakespearean drama moment some of the folks that he helped are conspiring to remove him as majority leader. So will Henon prevail or will he say “Et tu CHERELLE, CURTIS and MARIA” as a knife is plunged into the heart of his political career?

Another New Year’s resolution ... Philly pols need to unify around a presidential candidate. They can’t get together on whom to back in the presidential race. The ancien garde of ED RENDELL and DAVID COHEN have been backing likable former VP and U.S. SEN. JOE BIDEN. But the treacherous liberals of the future will surely eviscerate the former moderate and now super-liberal Biden.

If Biden does make it (Cont. on Page 15)

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to Starbucks armed, the gunman didn’t make it out alive, but hey….

In 2019, the United States of America showed you in all kinds of ways that it was the Land of the Free and the Home of the Gun, especially if you were hoping that the folks in Washington would do something to keep people that shouldn’t have access to guns for any number of reasons from getting them.

To be fair, the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would make background checks, one of the thing that would keep people who have no business having guns from getting them mandatory, but that legislation has fallen through the Black Hole in Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk.

Here in the Philadelphia area, children seemed particularly vulnerable to bullets this year.

WALKING the BEAT

filled local party coffers. He is now cast out as a choice due to the Van Drew party switch.

The daily press seems to be harping on Mayor KENNEY since he promised to select a new Police Commissioner by the end of 2019. The choice is TOO IMPORTANT to be rushed.

No matter who he selects, disagreement will be heard by one side or the other. If you make both sides somewhat happy and sad; then it is a good pick. A mayor needs to take ALL THE TIME he needs on this.

Michael RUBIN and Meek MILL were up in the Big Apple NBA Store giving gifts to families of those who were incarcerated due to violations of probation and parole for “technical reasons.” Great, but some of that money STILL HAS NOT been spent on paying minor bails of worthy persons who now languish in jail during the holiday pe-

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t’s déjà vu. There will be another special election in Philadelphia for a State rep resigning owing to criminal activities.

Less than a year ago, Philadelphia’s Democratic Party had to choose a nominee for a special election in the 190th State House District to replace Vanessa Lowery Brown, who was convicted of bribery. This year’s winner, G. RONI GREEN, is a business agent for SEIU Local 668. She will represent the Democrat Party in the special election on Feb. 25.

a lobbyist working with the authorities) look tame. The lobbyist helped in a sting that brought down six corrupt Philadelphia Democrat politicians.

One good thing that can be said for Johnson-Harrell is that when the charges were filed, she resigned rather than holding on to the job pending conviction, as did Lowery Brown.

The seven Democratic ward leaders (former State Rep. Michael Horsey sent his daughter in his place) cast 45 votes for Green while Roi Ligon, Jr., the safe-schools advocate for the Philadelphia School District, received 36. The ward leaders had one vote for each voting division their ward has in the district. Ligon won the support of the 44th and 60th Wards, while Green was backed by the 4th, 6th, 24th, 38th, and 52nd wards.

In the special election, Green is the heavy favorite to win because 87% of the district’s voters are registered Democrats.

The winner will complete the final 10 months of the term of (Cont. on Page 15)

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ELEPHANT CORNER

Until last week, the seat was held

by MOVITA JOHNSON-HARRELL, who won the special election in 2019. Johnson-Harrell is expected to receive jail time owing to the severity of her crimes. She is accused of funneling half a million dollars into a bogus charity for personal travel, private-school tuition for her children and expensive personal items. According to charges against Johnson-Harrell, she was writing $12,000 in checks to her State house campaign from the nonprofit. She spent money that came from Medicaid and the residents’ Social Security checks of people living in the five homes run by her not-for-profit. These residents are struggling with mental illness, addiction, and other issues. According to Pennsylvania ATTORNEY GENERAL JOSH SHAPIRO, these Medicaid and Social Security payments were the nonprofit’s only income.

Johnson-Harrell’s crimes make former 190th District State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown felony of accepting a $4,000 bribe (from

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Boathouse Row Lit For Kwanzaa...

MAYOR Jim Kenney embraced Alexandra Jean-Baptiste at the Boathouse Row Kwanzaa celebration. Photos by Wendell Douglas

DRUMMERS from Imhotep Charter High School performed for the ceremony.

SINGING a Hanukkah melody on Sunday to commemorate the Jewish holiday at Boathouse Row were members of Rising Song Institute: L-R, Sam Tytiel, Rabbi Yosef Goldman and Eitan Kantor. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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...Hanukkah Honored On Sunday

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the WAFFLE MAN

Y

o! Here we go again with some cosmic queries that need no answer – the question itself is thought-provoking. Like this: Who needs rhetorical questions?

Furthermore, if dolphins are so smart, why did Flipper work for television? If you were to choke a smurf, what color would it turn?

Why do they sterilize the nee-

dles used for lethal injections?

If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the door? How can there be self-help groups?

What is another word for “thesaurus”? If it’s the tourist season, why can’t we shoot them?

Is it true cannibals don’t eat clowns because they taste funny? When you’re sending someone Styrofoam, what do you pack it in? Speed is relative, right? The top speed attained in the first American auto race in Chicago in 1895 was a blazing 7.5 miles per hour.

Why do kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Isn’t it amazing how they get the deer to cross the road at the yellow deer-crossing signs? If women wear a pair of pants and a pair of glasses, why don’t they were a pair of bras?

What would you do if you saw an endangered animal eating

an endangered plant?

Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad at the ATM drive-up window? Do witches run spell-checks? Twenty-four hours in a day, 24 beers in a case – coincidence? If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself – is it considered a hostage situation?

Did you know it takes about 30 minutes for aspirin to find a headache? What would happen if a man took a menopause medication? How many words do you need to write a book? The book, “Green Eggs and Ham,” contains only 50 different words – check it out for yourself.

The world’s most popular car color is red – of course.

Speaking of color, did you know that according to sleep researchers, only about 5% of people dream in color. Do you?

understanding BANKRUPTCY

that it will affect their employment or could them to be passed over for a potential job.

Although your employer may learn about your bankruptcy, your employer cannot fire you, reduce your salary, or demote you for it. Public agencies cannot consider your bankruptcy when hiring you.

However, your credit and financial affairs may be an issue for private employers if you apply for a job that requires you to work with money or sensitive information.

Because bankruptcy shows that you are working on putting your financial affairs in order, it looks better than having judgements, foreclosures, and repossessions on your credit report.

JA N UA RY 2 , 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL HEALTH & SAFETY FUND 665 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 236-6700

www.ldc-phila-vic.org

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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.

AT&T proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 89’, 108’, & 113’) on the building at 3020 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA (20192080).

Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-8091202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

BY MICHAEL M. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED

Question: Will filing for bankruptcy affect my job or future employment?

Answer: A person filing for bankruptcy will often worry

Jones Goes Black COUNCILMEMBER Curtis Jones, Jr. held his fabled Black Party at the Business Center. L-R were Jazelle Jones, the councilmember, incoming Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and incoming Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

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former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot, 89, former Congressman Ernest “Fritz” Hollings, 97 joined Ken Gibson, 86, the first Black mayor of a Northeastern city, and Richard Hatcher, 86, one of the nation’s first Black mayors when they left us this year.

Entertainers John Witherspoon, 77, Nipsey Hussle, 33, Danny Aiello, 86, and Rip Taylor, 88 and Carol Channing, 97 also left us this year, as did opera diva Jessye Norman, 74.

Big Bird and Oscar (Carrol Spinney), 85, Walter Finley (Bill Macy), 97, Rhoda Morganstern (Valerie Harper), 80, Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) 74 also died this year, as did rockers Eddie Money, 70, Leon Redbone, 69, and Ric Ocasek, 75.

We also lost Oscar nominated director John Singleton, 51 and “90210” heartthrob turned “Riverdale” dad Luke Perry, 52.

Iconic restauranteur Leah Chase passed away. She was 96. So, unfortunately, did iconic actress and animal activist Doris Day, 97.

The community of journalism lost NPR and ABC political analyst Cokie Roberts, 75; Garth Reeves Sr., 100, former publisher of the Miami Times; and Kam Williams, 66, a prominent film critic whose work appeared in the Sun. Audrey Johnson Thornton, 93 will be remembered for her work as head of the American Women’s Heritage Association restoring the Belmont Mansion Underground Railroad site in Fairmount Park and Davida Godett, 43, will be remembered for her work making all of us more aware of the dangers of stroke.

But one of the biggest losses felt by Philadelphia’s journalistic community this year was the loss of photographer Robert Mendelsohn, 61. Robert was a ubiquitous presence at a variety of events in the Black Community, taking pictures for and with everyone.

Next week: I’ll bring you all of the sights and sounds of the 2020 Inauguration.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Clark Hangs It up CITY COMMISSIONER Anthony Clark celebrated his retirement with a party. In attendance were, L-R, Michael Moore, Christina Bryant, Melvin Sharpe, Clark, Clark’s successor Omar Sabir, Theresa Waters and Odessa Emerson. Photo by Wendell Douglas

23 September 2019 Department of Veterans Affairs reported at least 60,000 veterans died by suicide between 2008 and 2017.

Are you a VETERAN, do you know a VETERAN in crisis?

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(Cont. From Page 9) Philadelphia Eagles, but the young men found out prior to the game that their 10-year-old fan had lost his fight for life.

The shooting had nothing to do with the game and two other people were injured, including Ibn Abdullah, the person who was the actual target.

The Pleasantville shooting was one of 45 incidents of lethal gun violence in schools and nationwide that took place in schools and other educational spaces, any place where lots of people are gathered seemed to be vulnerable in 2019.

For example, a concert at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, in Gilroy, Cal. turned violent when Santino Legan, 19, went on rampage that killed four concert goers and injured 17 injured. Patrick Crusius committed a hate crime when he went on an anti-Hispanic rampage in El Paso, Texas, killed 22 people, injuring 24, and causing former Democratic Presidential Candidate Beto O’Rourke to do some cursing.

The Philadelphia Police Department also had its share of issues in 2019.

It started out with the Plain View Project’s report that showed that the racist ethos that gave us the Dome Lights website has moved to social media in terms of the city’s police department. According to the report, 330 Philadelphia police officers were airing their private thoughts on Facebook and while the Fraternal Order of Police is standing by its men, activists came to City Hall demanding that these officers be shown the door and that City Council join them in making that demand.

Council, to its credit, held hearings to give the community a chance to speak its mind on the issue. But whether or not these officers are going to be sent on their way is anyone’s guess. The FOP and Mayor Jim Kenney are currently negotiating the Police Department’s contract, but my guess is that social media

usage is probably low on the priority list.

Top priority for the mayor in terms of the Philadelphia Police Department is finding a new commissioner.

In what could be described as the ultimate Philadelphia “Me Too” moment, Commissioner Richard Ross resigned in August just one week after Kenney described him as the “Best Commissioner in America” for thwarting a standoff in North Philadelphia.

Why? Well, he resigned after being named in an amended lawsuit filed by a former paramour that alleges Ross refused to take her sexual harassment complaints seriously because she ended their two-year long affair.

He has been replaced by interim Police Commissioner Christine Coulter, who has problems of her own, most notably her involvement in the 1994 beating death of towtruck driver Moises DeJesus.

In breaking news, Kenny has appointeed Outlaw to be the new police commisioner. That Danielle Outlaw, who had headed the Portland, Or. police deppartment, will take the helm of PhiLadelphia’s finist.

A lot of people that made our world a brighter place left us this year, and their impact will be felt for a long time to come.

Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Toni Morrison left us this year.

She was 88. Diahann Carrol, who made history in her role as “Julia” and later taught us not to accept “burned” champagne as “Dynasty’s” Dominique Devereaux, was 88.

James Stern, the man who managed to take over one of America’s largest neo-Nazi groups with the sole purpose of dismantling it, was 55.

Former Sen. Harris Wofford, an ally of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King who went on to represent Philadelphia in Congress, was 92 and two of the longest serving members of Congress – Michigan’s John Conyers and John Dingell – left us this year at 90 and 92 respectively.

Former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, 99,

call 1-800-273-8255 press 1 or text 838255 for deaf or hard of hearing 1-800-799-4889 VeteransCrisisline.net

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE ALL GAVE SOME. SOME GAVE ALL. REMEMBER OUR SOLDIERS, LIVING, DECEASED and THEIR FAMILIES months/ /365 365Days 1212 months That includes the NATIONAL GUARD and MILITARY RESERVES

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EVERYDAY

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Special Issue

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The Philadelphia Public Record will commemorate

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. In the January 16th, 2020 Issue

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Please join us to honor his legacy.

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

against Pat Toomey. And Jim Kenney could run for governor with the largest Democratic voting bloc in Philadelphia.

The bottom line is no one knows what will happen in 2022. Years in politics feel like decades, particularly with all the indictments and scandals. And who knows what could happen with reinvention and new faces?

It’s too far into the future, so for now Sam just wishes everyone a happy New Year.

ELEPHANT

(Cont. From Page 9) Johnson-Harrell. Republican City Committee has not chosen a nominee for the special election. Rumors have it that 60th Ward COMMITTEEMAN MICHAEL HARVEY is interested in running. Harvey is well known and liked. He is a veteran and security professional.

Republican City Committee, like the Democrats’, allows the ward leaders of the divisions with in the district to choose the party candidate in a special election. Unlike the Democrats, each of the seven ward leaders will have one vote rather than being weighted by divisions. Harvey was the RCC candidate in special election against Johnson-Harrell.

The respected national political analysts, the Cook Group,

Police Give Toys 35TH DISTRICT police officers collected toys at Einstein Hospital on Old York Road. They were distributed to over 600 children in their district and surrounding community. L-R were Einstein Protective Services’ Juan Soto, Sgt. Vincent Elias, Sgt. Hoppe and Sgt. Medycki. Photo by Leona Dixon

changed its rating of CONGRESSMAN MATT CARTWRIGHT’S (D-Lackawanna) race from Lean Democrat to Toss-Up. Cook attributed its change in part owing to Cartwright’s joining the rest of the Democrats in the state in voting for both articles of impeachment. In 2018, Cartwright won his fourth term over a GOP candidate by 9 points in the newly drawn congressional district. While this district has more registered Democrats, Trump won the area by 10 points in 2016.

Cook also attributed its rating change to the entrance of EARL GRANVILLE, a decorated war veteran, as Republican candidate. The Cook Political Report noted that Republicans “may have a candidate out of central casting,” with Granville in the race.

WALKING

(Cont. From Page 9) to be pushing a parkland for the energy site. Harris Steinberg there was once part of Penn Praxis, which developed the Delaware River Waterfront Plan. They advocated the elimination of the ramp to Market Street from Columbus Boulevard. Now to get to Center City from Columbus Boulevard; you are directed all the way to Callowhill Street. DUMB. Since that plan, the waterfront had become more cluttered with buildings – increasing the public DISCONNECT with the river that they wailed against.

The daily press quoted Ed RENDELL as saying that the “Dem-

ocrat MACHINE” had a bad day in the November general election. Maybe Ed was trying to impress millennials (?). They have no idea of what a machine was; there has not been one in Philly in 25 years!

Gen. John GRONSKI of our state is completing a book, “The Ride of Our Lives,” after his successful tour as a NATO commander.

HATS off to Lt. Gov. John FETTERMAN, whose blasts against the creaky Pardons Board should take hold with members. Attorney General Josh SHAPIRO serves on it, and has to appear tough in rural counties and the opposite in our cities – as he mulls a run for governor.

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(Cont. From Page 9) through the primary, he’ll be so filled with holes from the attacks of the left that DONALD TRUMP will make Swiss cheese out of him. This is sad, because at the end of the day America needs change and strong leadership from a Democrat who really cares about working people. However when one imagines MAYOR PETE or U.S. SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN trying to take on PUTIN, the Rocket Man or the gangsters of Iran, confidence does not ensue.

And the economy has been booming at a record-setting pace. But it wasn’t until last week that Democratic presidential candidates started coming up with arguments of why it’s weakening. They are on the right track, but it took them years to figure out that it’s about the economy, stupid.

The candidates cannot help with talk about social issues that the great majority of America is not interested in. BILL CLINTON won the presidency from GEORGE H. W. BUSH by focusing like a laser beam on the economy. That’s the kind of focus Democratic candidates will have to have, but so far, it’s unclear if they are able.

Another New Year’s resolution ... pump the brakes on political speculation. In the city it will be exhausting to watch politicians position themselves to become mayor after JIM KENNEY leaves office. Keep in mind, He hasn’t even been sworn in yet for a second term. And asked for who will be the candidates for governor, it could be virtually a dozen to 15 people that one may have heard of. Or someone never even considered … like TOM WOLF was.

Wolf was something new.

That was essentially his whole campaign theme.

Now folks are asking is there any other old flavor around.

And what Democrat will be strong enough to take on PAT TOOMEY for United States Senate. Last time it was KATIE McGINTY, Braddock MAYOR JOHN FETTERMAN and CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK. Fetterman, like Wolf, had the theme of something new. He still finished third out of three.

Now Fetterman is not new anymore and has had big problems simply conducting the business of the State Senate or wearing an appropriate suit. People in Pennsylvania like leaders who are intelligent and tough.

Tom Wolf would probably be well-positioned to run

JA N UA RY 2 , 2020

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