Philadelpia Public Record by The Public Record

Vol. XVI No. 5

Issue 1044

January 30, 2020

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

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TO YOUR HEALTH

DEMOCRATIC National Committee Chair Congressman Tom Perez came to town Tuesday to emphasize that health care will be a driving theme of his party’s nationwide campaign this year. He drove that point home by holding a press conference at the headquarters of NUHHCE Local 1199C, the area’s leading health-care union, in Center City. Among those joining him at the event were, L-R, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Perez, State Rep. Morgan Cephas, and health policy experts Tarik Khan, RN and Barbara Wright.

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T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

Sexual Assault, Firearms Now on DA Dashboard

istrict Attorney Larry Krasner has announced new category features on the District Attorney’s Office Public Dashboard, a public transparency and accountability tool produced by the DAO DATA Lab. Following its release in October 2019, the DATA Lab has invited review, feedback, and engagement from journalists, colleagues in prosecutor offices across the country, academics including criminologists, and the public at large. Many of the new features were incorporated in direct response to requests made by the public, including: • Detailed information on newly featured offenses such as Assaults, Sexual Assault and Other Sex Offenses, Fraud/Theft of Services, Embezzlement, Possession of Firearms,

Prostitution/Sex Work, Patronizing Prostitutes, and Threats of Violence, in addition to information already available on serious criminal offenses; • Reports on "summary" offenses (less serious than felonies and misdemeanors, rarely requiring incarceration); • D o w n l o a d a b l e data by Zip code and census tract in addition to already available citywide and Philadelphia Police District-based information; and • Year-end reports that include year-over-year comparisons of reports, rather than just year-to-date comparisons. “I am thankful to the DAO DATA team for enabling us to keep our commitment to disrupt the ‘black box’ status quo of the criminal justice system by making our office the most

DISTRICT ATTORNEY Larry Krasner

transparent, accessible, and accountable to the public in DAO history,” Krasner said. “I encourage our local partners in criminal justice – including the courts and police, as well as lawmakers, journalists, and all members of the public – to use the DAO Dashboard to get a more clear and accurate picture of how a case moves from a reported criminal in-

cident to an arrest to a case proceeding before a judge.” “The new features of the Dashboard allow the public to see exactly what is happening in the criminal justice system in a more fine-grained way than ever before,” Michael Hollander, director of analytics and assistant director of the DATA Lab, said. “Downloadable information by Zip code and census tract will allow individuals to connect what is happening in the criminal justice system to larger demographic questions about race and poverty.” “We created the DAO Dashboard to tell a fuller story of public safety in Philadelphia – to be very transparent in great detail,” Director of Research at the DATA Lab Oren Gur, Ph.D., added. “Still, we recognize that the story cannot simply

be reduced to numbers and figures, as our latest Data Story illustrates: ‘Outlier Cases Explain Aggravated Assault “Not Guilty” Rates in Cases Taken to Trial.’ Every resident of Philadelphia is impacted by our large and costly criminal justice system, regardless of direct involvement. Offering key metrics, graphs, maps, tables, and data updated daily, we hope the Dashboard can be a tool for members of the public to take ownership of the justice system, and to demand action and reforms as necessary.” The Public Data Dashboard can be found at data. philadao.com, and downloadable data from the new category features can be found at data.philadao. com/download.html. Questions, suggestions, and findings can be sent to justice@ phila.gov.

Controller Shows Budget for City’s Violence

s part of an on-going series of data releases and analysis on gun violence in Philadelphia, the Office of the City Controller released budget details for the Kenney Administration’s fiscal year 2020 violence-reduction efforts, including overall planned spending, spending by program and program descriptions. The data release, which is based on information provided by the Office of Violence Prevention or sourced from the City’s budget documents, is available on the office website. Additionally, the Controller’s Office released an interactive data report that presents the enduring impact of structural racism on Philadelphia, mapping 2019’s homicides and present-day disadvan-

tage with 1930s redlining maps. The data release expands on the historical correlation between disadvantage and homicide discussed in the Office of the City Controller’s 2019 report on the economic impact of gun violence. “For the second year in a row, Philadelphia had the highest homicide rate per capita of the top 10 largest cities. 357 people were murdered – their families and friends left reeling in the wake of this devastating loss and our communities left struggling under the oppressive weight of this persistent and unimaginable trauma. Philadelphia must do something,” said City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. “The goal of this data release is to help the public better engage with the City on its efforts to address gun violence

CITY CONTROLLER Rebecca Rhynhart

and rising homicide rates. By understanding how the City is planning to spend funds on violence reduction efforts, we can have an honest dialogue about which efforts are working and which ones aren’t, and whether the City should deploy resources to strategies with proven track records in other cities.”

Currently, the City has budgeted about $15 million for violence reduction efforts in FY20, which includes $5.4 million in funding to expand existing and add new programming from a mid-year transfer ordinance announced in November 2019. • The Office of Violence Prevention will receive about $10.2 million in funding for the Youth Violence Reduction Program ($3.1 million), payroll for the Office of Violence Prevention staff and related positions ($2.7 million); the Community Crisis Intervention Program ($1.8 million); targeted community investment grants ($1 million); Group Violence Intervention, or focused deterrence, ($750,000); Rapid Response Team

($282,500); a mentorship program ($250,000); program evaluation ($150,000); Police Assisted Diversion pilot program ($83,200); and a workforce development program ($50,000). • The Department of Licenses and Inspections will receive about $3 million for blight remediation efforts to be made citywide. • The Philadelphia Police Department will receive $1.7 million for additional civilian positions ($1.3 million), upgrades to the Acoustic Gun Shot Detection System ($368,000), and upgrades to Operation Pinpoint ($97,000). • The Streets Department will receive $300,000 for street lighting upgrades.

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($35 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

YOUNG and old hung out together: L-R, Jim Harrity, State Rep. Mary Isaacson, Beth Finn, Gabby Richards, Fred Druding, Jr. and Jim Jenkins

L-R, CONGRATULATING new Millennial Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, R, was labor leader Keith Myers of Local 401, Tommy Golden of Local 690 and Ward Leader Billy Dolbow.

OLD HANDS surveying the scene were, L-R, Rick Lombardo, Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady and City Commission Chair Lisa Deeley.

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YOUNG DEMOCRATS sponsored a free and lively beer social for “Young Politicos” at Democratic City Committee. Ward Leader Pat Parkinson, L, welcomed two of them: Anna Marie Parkinson and Kyle Hanahan.

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Turzai Bows out; Wolf Sticks Around

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

POLS on the STREET BY JOE SHAHEELI orceful Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) has revealed that he’s out of the 2020 primary for re-election. This surprised some, because Turzai is a fierce competitor and he seemed a likely gubernatorial candidate in 2022, when Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf will step down after two terms.

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But Turzai represents the 28th Legislative District, a suburban area of a major metropolis – precisely the sort of demographic that has been cringing from Donald Trump of late. Despite his long incumbency and clout, Turzai only beat his Democratic opponent by 54-46% in 2018, when Trump wasn’t at the top of his ticket. This year Trump is. The majority leader has turned 60. Perhaps he decided 2020 will be a better year to start racking up a decade of lobbying and consulting, as so many legislative veterans do, instead of continuing on his meager $86,478 salary. It’s the economic version of spending more time with the family.

What will happen next year as a result? Doubtless Turzai will try to engineer a successor both in his district and in his House leadership role. So he will remain popular with fellow Republicans on the Hill, to an extent. But all of them

will start to consider life after Mike. So will Wolf. 2020 is an election year, when his leverage on Republicans in the General Assembly peaks. If he’s going to pry a compromise out of them on any of his signature issues

Representative

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Isaacson Gears up McGrath Enters

STATE REP. Mary Isaacson, L, held a campaign fundraiser to get on the ballot in the April primary for her 175th Legislative District seat. Among her well-wishers was auditor general candidate Nina Ahmad.

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191st Leg. Dist. 52 S. 60th Street, Phila 19139

175TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

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A CHALLENGER in the same 175th District Democratic primary, Vanessa McGrath, holding sign C, held a meet-&-greet for voters at Jerry’s Bar in Northern Liberties. Photo by Wendell Douglas

For information on advertising in The Political Directory, please call Melissa Barrett: 215-7552000 ext 5; email: Mbarrett@phillyrecord.com Rep.Maria P.

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

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State Senator

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But the GOP-controlled State Senate has already wavered on that last year. This year, when employment is high but wages remain sluggish and all his House caucus colleagues will be running for their lives, his (Cont. Page 6)

Political Directory

State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 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.

– energy tax reform, education funding, infrastructure investments and a minimum-wage hike. Of all the above, observers note Turzai may be most weakened on the minimum wage. He has been a fierce opponent of increasing it.

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Kevin J.

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State Senator

Larry Farnese DISTRICT OFFICE 1802 S. BROAD STREET PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145 (215) 952-3121

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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

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ROBERTA & CARL Dranoff welcomed Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Ballet Shelly Power to the Academy of Music. Photo by Bonnie Squires

L-R, JAN SLUSSER and Tiffany Taverez, of Wells Fargo, with Rev. Bonnie Camarda of the Salvation Army, Eric Gutshall and Tanya Derksen. Photo by Bonnie Squires

JOHN FRY, president of Drexel University, his wife Cara, with Kathy & Tom Leonard. Photo by Bonnie Squires

TERRY & AMY Buckman at the Chairman’s Reception with Inquirer editor Gabriel Escobar and his wife Louisa Shepard. Photo by Bonnie Squires

ALISON YOUNG & David Maser joined neighbors Ben & Danielle Persofsky at the reception. Photo by Bonnie Squires

MICAELA & JIM Brandau, Co-chairman of the Concert & Ball, welcomed their New York friend Kathryn Tyre. Photo by Bonnie Squires

SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT Dr. William Hite & his wife Deirdre enjoyed seeing a dozen talented public-school musicians perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the 163rd Concert & Ball. Photo by Bonnie Squires

LARRY DUBINSKI, CEO of the Franklin Institute, & his wife Vicky are long-time supporters of the Academy of Music and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Photo by Bonnie Squires

DR. STEFANIE PORGAS and her husband Gerald Lawrence are greeted by Leslie Anne Miller, Esq. Photo by Bonnie Squires

ANNE HAMILTON, honorary co-chairman of the Academy Concert & Ball, was grateful for support of volunteers like Nicole Allen White, the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s director of government affairs. Photo by Bonnie Squires

DR. CALVIN JOHNSON and his fiancee Allison Green were looking forward to their wedding, one week after the Academy Ball. Photo by Bonnie Squires

KEN DAVIS, of Duane Morris, and his wife Nancy. Photo by Bonnie Squires

PUBLIC RECORD CONTRIBUTING editor Bonnie Squires caught up with Congresswoman Madeleine Dean at the Bellevue. Photo by Susan Scovill

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D JA N UA RY 3 0, 2020

CACKIE ROGERS, extreme R, chairwoman, Academy of Music Board of Trustees, welcomed, L-R, Garry & Missy Parkin and Roi Lerman and Alison Avery to the Academy of Music Concert & Ball. Photo by Bonnie Squires

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Academy Ball Enlists Elite Music-Lovers

Bringing out the Big Guns

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

OPINION

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n extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are necessary. That is the short answer to the question of why Philadelphia City Council voted last week to, as an article in the Capital Star put it, “hire legal counsel to file a lawsuit against the state government to compel Pennsylvania officials to address gun violence as a public-health crisis and protect citizens by enacting gun laws or allowing municipalities to do so.” It is at once a bold step and

POLS on the STREET

(Cont. From Page 4) sway on this issue may wither. Most Keystone State R legislators now represent stagnant rural and post-industrial districts in the Northeast, Center and West. Their household income is below the state median. Four rock-ribbed Republican counties are even poorer than notorious Phil-

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an overdue one. The General Assembly, dominated by the GOP, has refused to entertain any kind of substantive gun-control legislation that would help stem the tide of this bloody epidemic. And make no mistake, what is happening in our streets, our homes, our workplaces, our congregations – it is nothing less than a full-blown health crisis. Don’t believe us? Check out how gun violence is classified by the Centers for Disease Control. By making this move, City Council sends a number of messages. To the citizens who are dying, who are bleeding, who are recuperating, who are deliberating whether it is worth it to leave the safety of their homes, it lets them know that their elected officials recognize that business as usual is not going to make any more headway solving

the crisis than it has in the past. The city’s homicide rate is already up almost 70% from where it was at this time last year, and there have been more than 30 homicides in January. To the GOP gatekeepers in Harrisburg, it puts them on notice – in an election year – that their continued blocking of legislation that will save lives will be under greater scrutiny than ever before. Lawsuits and legal action have a wonderfully clarifying effect on political calculations, and the likelihood that whatever legal course the City of Philadelphia chooses to pursue, it will be joined by numerous other municipalities in the commonwealth eager to be able to enact their own life-saving legislation. should give Republicans pause as they weigh the needs of the many against the needs of the few.

adelphia. Their voters may love Trump; but they would probably also love a raise. So Wolf may have more to work with against Turzai this year than he did in 2019. The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has already started to beat this drum. Its immediate response to Turzai’s announcement was: “As speaker, he kept our minimum wage the lowest in America, worked with Betsy DeVos to sabotage public schools, and repeatedly tried rigging elections and silencing PA voters. Turzai's white flag – on the verge of the 2020 election – is the best sign yet that Pennsylvanians are ready for change inside the statehouse!” This may not be quite the way Turzai reads the battleground. But it lays the groundwork for a Dem state campaign strategy that does not rely solely on bashing Trump, which may not work everywhere.

Bernie Picks up 215 Support Philadelphia-based 215 People’s Alliance endorsed Bernie Sanders for president by a unanimous vote of its 15-member steering committee. In its endorsement, the collaborative highlighted that Sen. Sanders has the best policies for working people, and emphasized his ability to mobilize a powerful multi-racial, working-class coalition to defeat Donald Trump. Mindy Isser, executive committee member of the group, said, “Philadelphia is the poorest big city in the country, and a Bernie Sanders presidency would change that thanks to the homes guarantee, Medicare for All, and federal jobs guarantee.” “215 People’s Alliance is fighting for the working people of Philadelphia, and we are honored to receive their support,” said Bernie 2020 Political Director Analilia Mejia.

The News in Black & White GRIEF struck par ticularly hard in Philadelphia at these tragic deaths – but n o w h e r e more keenly than at Larry’s Steaks in Wynnefield, a favorite haunt of many in Lower Merion where Kobe Bryant came from. Photo by Leona Dixon

MARK your CALENDAR Jan. 30- State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler hosts Expungement Clinic at Mt. Enon Bapt. Ch., 500 Snyder Ave., 3-6 p.m. No app’t necessary. For info: (215) 271-9190. Jan. 30- SEAMAAC hosts “Fight for Our Future” Anniversary Gala at Univ. of the Arts, Hamilton Ha., 6-9 p.m. Multicultural entertainment, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres. For info: (215) 467-0690. 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. Jan. 31- Philly for Bernie hosts Variety Show Fundraiser at Field Ho, 1150 Filbert St., 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Recruiting musicians, artists, speakers & volunteers. For info: phillyisberning@gmail.com. Feb. 6- State Rep. Angel Cruz hosts Wine & Cheese at Salsa, 2126 e. Lehigh Ave., 4:30-7 p.m. Friends $100m, Supporters $250, Sponsors $500. Payable to “Angel Cruz for the 180th.” For info: (267) 228-7231 or elections215@gmail.com. Feb. 6-State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler hosts Neighborhood Mtg. with Capt. Hartzell at 2400 S. 9th St., 6-7 p.m. For info: (215) 271-9190. Feb. 7- State Sen. John Sabatina, Jr. hosts Shrimp-APalooza at Harmonia Cl.,

2404 Orthodox St., 7-10 p.m. All-you-can-eat shrimp, buffet & beer. Friends $40, Tables of 10 $350 (must reserve tables by Feb. 3). Payable to “Committee to Re-Elect John Sabatina Jr.,” 1212 S. Broad St., 4th fl., Phila., PA 19107 or www. JohnSabatina.com. RSVP: Andrea (215) 251-0585 or Andrea@RittenhousePolitical.com. Feb. 11- 8th Ward Democratic Executive Committee hosts Fundraiser & Candidate Meet & Greet at Rosewood, 1302 Walnut St., 5:30-7 p.m. Cash bar, complimentary beverages & appetizers. Suggested contribution $250. RSVP: Elaine (215) 704-9304 or elaine. petrossian@8thward.org. Feb. 19- Councilmember Isaiah Thomas hosts “Black Excellence Evolving Fundraiser” at Somo Sophi, 1301 S. 13th St., 6-9 p.m. Promoters $1,000, Patrons $500, Supporters $250, Individuals $100, Young Professionals $50.

WORKING at the Longstreth School in S.W. Philadelphia, State Rep. Joanna McClinton assembled an impressive team that included the Nomo Foundation, Mural Arts Program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a host of Common Pleas Court judges led by President Judge Idee Fox.

L-R WERE 1st Judicial District spokesperson Gabe Roberts, State Rep. Joanna McClinton Melissa Graham and President Judge Idee Fox.

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

McClinton Pools Volunteers at School for MLK

Coast Guard Thanks Helpers U.S. COAST GUARD Auxiliary 04-76 held a Change of Watch luncheon in the Corinthian Yacht Club. The many attendees braved the rains to thank auxiliary members for their volunteer service. Douglas Di Toro, Judge James De Leon and Scott Sigman, Esq. were thanked by Silvia Sigman and Eagles mascot Swoop for volunteer service, which has included lifesaving. Photos by Joe Stivala

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PHILADELPHIA Deputy Police Commissioner Joseph P. Sullivan and lovely wife attended the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Lunch and received and received the Law Enforcement Award. Sullivan is thanked by Scott Sigman, Esq. and Captain Louis Cavaliere, president of the Chapel of Four Chaplains. Auxiliary members meet in the Coast Guard base at Columbus Boulevard & Washington Avenue. They volunteer their personal boats and aircraft to assist the Coast Guard in law enforcement, search and rescue, and boating safety.

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T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

Johnson Seeks Property-Tax Relief Again

PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

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ouncilmember Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) reintroduced a bill during the new Philadelphia City Council term to provide property-tax relief to 220,000 homeowners citywide. City Council approved an identical bill by a 17-0 vote last year, as introduced by Johnson on behalf of City Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District), that would increase the City’s existing Homestead Exemption for homeowners by an additional $5,000, raising it from $45,000 to $50,000. Clarke remains a co-sponsor of the new Homestead Exemption bill. “During this new Council term, I will continue the fight for property tax relief for all Philadelphians, including expansions of the Homestead Exemption and the Longtime Owner-Occupants Program (LOOP),” Johnson said. “Philadelphians need tax relief because spikes in property assessments have supersized tax bills in many neighborhoods. Yet, working families aren’t getting pay raises and most seniors are on fixed incomes. Too many homeowners have to choose between paying tax bills and paying for groceries or medication.” Johnson continued, “Most LOOP enrollees are senior citizens who bought their homes decades ago,

at a low point in the market. But LOOP has helped save those households from displacement, according a 2017 study the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.” In December, Council unanimously approved Bill 190943 to raise the Homestead Exemption from $45,000 up to $50,000. Mayor Jim Kenney didn’t sign the bill into law, saying he supported it but wanted to delay the discussion as part of the upcoming Fiscal Year budget discussion. “I respect Mayor Kenney’s decision, but I am reopening discussions right away by reintroducing the Homestead legislation,” Johnson said.

Cruz, Burgos Host Telethon for P.R.

State Reps. Angel Cruz and Danilo Burgos (both D-Kensington) are hosting a radio telethon from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 1, to help raise money for earthquake victims in Puerto Rico. The fundraiser, named Rescata A Puerto Rico, will be held at Izlas Latin Cruise Restaurant, located at 2725 N. American Street. “Puerto Rico needs our help now more than ever,” Cruz said. “It breaks my heart to see families forced to sleep outside, struggling to pick up the pieces. Now is the time we need to come together and help our brothers and sisters get back on their feet.” A series of earthquakes, including one with a magnitude of 6.4, struck the island earlier this month, destroying homes and knocking out power. Anyone seeking more information about the fundraiser can contact Cruz’s office or visit www.vocespr.org.

Hughes, Fiedler Cheer School Funding Pledge State Sen. Vincent Hughes and State Rep.

Elizabeth Fiedler jointly released the following statement, applauding Gov. Tom Wolf's pledge to address school infrastructure needs in the 2020-21 budget: “We are glad Gov. Wolf is prioritizing the needs of Pennsylvania students and educators in the upcoming budget. The issue of toxic school conditions is most prominent in Philadelphia – where six schools have been closed this academic year because of environmental concerns. But make no mistake, schools across the state are facing similar infrastructure needs that are just as pressing in nature. We must adopt a plan that addresses the immediate concerns, as well as a long-term strategy to ensure every child is able to attend a healthy, safe 21st-century school.”

Clarke: Sue State Over Gun Laws As gun violence continues to rage unabated in Philadelphia, Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) on Jan. 23 called for Council to authorize the hiring of legal counsel to file a lawsuit compelling the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to enact stronger gun laws, or allow municipalities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or others to pass their own gun laws. The day before, a 20-yearold man was shot and killed inside his Cobbs Creek home. It marked Philadelphia’s 32nd homicide already in 2020 – a 22-dayspan. This represents an 82% increase in homicides in the city in the first three weeks of the year, compared with the same period last year. More than 100 youths under the age of 18 were shot last year – 14 fatally. “People in Philadelphia are tired and frustrated with gun violence happening every day in their neigh-

borhoods,” Clarke said. “Thirty-two homicides in 22 days! Toddlers shot in their homes, a shoot-out at a Target store parking lot – we must take action and we need every responsible elected official on deck. Desperate times call for desperate measures.” A resolution authorizing Council to retain legal counsel to file a lawsuit against the Commonwealth was co-introduced by Councilmembers Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District) and Curtis Jones Jr. (4th District) on Clarke’s behalf. Numerous other Councilmembers signed on as co-sponsors, including Majority Leader Cherelle Parker (9th District) and Councilmembers Derek Green and Allan Domb (both at Large).

Henon, Gym to Expand Labor Department Councilmembers Bobby Henon (6th District) and Helen Gym (at Large) introduced legislation that would create a permanent Department of Labor and Board of Labor Standards with expanded resources and staff, and improved investigatory powers. The Department’s charge is to enforce new and existing City labor laws, resolve disputes between workers and employers, and issue fines and other penalties as deemed necessary. A key area of work will have the Department overseeing all sexual harassment and discrimination complaints within City agencies. The law requires voters to approve a charter change on the April 28 ballot. The new Department of Labor would enforce a growing body of local labor laws, such as wage theft, Fair Workweek, prevailing wage, and paid sick leave. That includes investigating complaints, enforcing penalties for violations, and educating workers on their rights

and employers on their responsibilities. Collective bargaining agreements of City employees would also be negotiated and administered by the Department. It would be responsible for monitoring City contracts for compliance with labor laws including wage and diversity requirements, as well as analyzing workforce data in order to identify opportunities to improve working conditions and more effectively enforce protections. “The working people of Philadelphia have always been a top priority for our administration. That is why we created the Mayor’s Office of Labor during our first term and have made continued efforts to grow and strengthen their team ever since,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “We are greatly appreciative of Council’s interest in the proposed charter change and look forward to working with them to make it happen. In recent years, Philadelphia has passed some of the most progressive workers’ rights legislation in the country, and it is time we ensure the office charged with enforcing those laws has a secure place within City government as the Department of Labor. We have the opportunity to cement Philadelphia’s reputation as a pro-worker city, and we cannot pass that up.” The bill is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Kendra Brooks (at Large), Cindy Bass (8th District) and Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District). “This charter change will allow the City to oversee and ensure that the laws we already have on the books, like earned paid sick leave and fair work week Fair Workweek, are enforced and upheld,” said Henon. “A permanent Department of Labor that is given the resources and staff to suc-

ceed will tackle real issues that face working people, like the misclassification of workers, labor negotiations and the need for family and medical leave.”

House Oks Neilson’s Holocaust Measure Jan. 27, 2020 was recognized by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Pennsylvania, owing to a resolution introduced by State Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Northeast). “Between 1933 and 1945, nearly 17 million people were tragically murdered in the horrifying, state-sponsored genocide known as the Holocaust,” Neilson said. “It is critical to our humanity and to the memory of the millions of people who were murdered during the Holocaust that we commemorate Jan. 27 – 75 years to the day of the liberation of the largest and deadliest concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau – as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Pennsylvania.” The Holocaust was a human rights crisis of epic proportions. While Jews were the priority target of Nazi racism, other groups within Germany were persecuted for racial reasons. Studies have shown that a growing number of Americans lack a basic knowledge of the Holocaust and the events that led up to it. Commemorating the day is one way to try to educate the public, Neilson said. It is also about more than just remembering history and honoring the victims, Neilson added. “This is a day to remember and mourn, and a day to stand up against hate and violence,” Neilson said. “We have seen recent violent acts inspired by hate perpetrated against people throughout (Cont. Next Page)

Farnese’s Grant Restores Dairy With the help of a State grant, dairy processing will make a return to a historic Philadelphia facility, State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) announced. Pennsylvania’s Dairy Investment Program awarded Perrystead Dairy LLC $126,039 to help restore the former Harbison’s Dairy in Kensington to serve the growing need for high-end milk products. “While milk consumption has waned over the years, the demand for gourmet cheese and other upscale milk products is growing, especially in Philadelphia neighborhoods,” Farnese said. “Perrystead will fill this need and restore a neighborhood tradition. I’m happy to support this state investment in urban agriculture.” Perrystead will use the grant to install a self-contained creamery unit at its Coral Street facility, where the giant milk bottle looms over the site that closed a half-century ago. The company plans to process 5,000 gallons of milk per week in 2020, with the potential for doubling that capacity the following year. The unit will allow the company to comply with regulations in order to ship products, including kefir, yogurt, whey tonic and artisan cheese, across

Tartaglione Shocked By School Asbestos State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Kensington) issued the following statement regarding the School District of Philadelphia’s response to asbestos contamination at Alexander McClure and Francis Hopkinson Elementary Schools: “I am extremely frustrated and deeply concerned that the School District of Philadelphia was forced to close Alexander McClure Elementary School for a second time today after new environmental testing revealed that the district failed to properly contain hazardous airborne asbestos in the building. The district spent more than three weeks on this emergency project before declaring McClure safe to reopen. “I am equally disappointed that the district has also detected hazardous asbestos inside Francis Hopkinson Elementary School. Yet – in this case – it has chosen to keep the building open for regularly scheduled classes and activities. It is my understanding that the district notified students’ parents in a letter, but it did not promptly share its new knowledge of this threat with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. “These two cases, within the context of the citywide toxic schools crisis, raise serious questions about the district’s ability or will to systematically identify and promptly remediate materials that threaten the health of students, faculty, and staff. They also demonstrate a troubling lack of consis-

Boyle Would Reform Special Elections Following the announcement of the date for special elections to fill three House vacancies, State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Northeast) announced he will be introducing legislation to regulate when these elections could be held in the future to save Pennsylvania taxpayers money. “Special elections have been scheduled for Mar. 17 when the April 28 primary is only a little more than a month away. These special elections will cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $1 million in added elections costs,” said Boyle. Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) announced the March date for the special elections to fill vacancies in the 8th, 18th, and 58th Legislative Districts. The speaker’s decision will inconvenience voters and election workers in Mercer, Butler, Bucks and Westmoreland counties. “Not only are these special elections a financial burden, but our counties are dealing with changes to new voting laws and voting machines. Our already overburdened county election workers should be concentrating on ensuring voters are educated on the new laws and new voting machines so they can make secure, informed decisions at the polls,” Boyle said.

He added that he has introduced legislation that would require special elections to fill vacant seats in the House or the Senate to be held in conjunction with the next regularly scheduled general or primary election day. “As the Democratic chair of the State Government Committee, it is my responsibility to put the best interests of the people of Pennsylvania first. Special elections are fiscally irresponsible for the State. While I understand Speaker Turzai’s desire to provide representation as soon as possible for these districts with vacancies, we need to recognize that the repercussions of these actions will impact every taxpayer in the commonwealth,” Boyle said. A fourth vacancy, in Philadelphia’s 190th House District, already was scheduled to be filled with a Feb. 25 special election.

Fiedler: Need Informed Patient Consent State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-S. Phila.) and Liz Hanbidge (D-Montgomery) hosted a Capitol news conference to discuss legislation that would require informed patient consent for all procedures performed while under anesthesia. The bill will be introduced this week. “Right now, patients who walk into the hospital for a procedure may not be aware of what happens while they are under anesthesia. No patient should ever be subjected to an exam or procedure without their explicit consent, especially if they are under anesthesia,” Fiedler said. “It’s time for that to stop; we must protect a patient’s right to decide what happens to their own body.” “Think about the necessary trust that we place in our physicians to allow them to work on our bodies, so often we are literally

putting our lives in their hands. It never occurs to one that they are going to violate that trust. And there are different levels of violation of trust, but physical intrusion in this manner is one of most grave,” Hanbidge said. “Our legislation protects people against non-consensual pelvic, rectal and prostate exams. We are asking our colleagues to continue supporting this legislation, protecting women, and making sure that every voice is heard and every body is protected.”

DeLissio Lands Ag Grant for Saul H.S. State Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio (D-Northwest) announced a $7,500 Ag & Youth grant for Walter B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences in Philadelphia. Gov. Tom Wolf released statewide grants at the 104th Pennsylvania Farm Show, saying the goal will improve access to agriculture education with a goal of addressing the looming 75,000 workforce deficit Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry faces in the coming decade. Saul High School, the only agricultural high school in the commonwealth and one of three in the nation, is located in DeLissio’s district. The grant will be used to purchase new laptops for the Career & Technical Education program students use to access online agriculture education resources. “I’m so pleased these future farmers will have the current materials necessary to be connected to online resources related to their studies,” DeLissio said. “Education is multifaceted and requires independent learning, collaboration, and enhanced group work, in addition to utilizing technology as a tool for learning.”

Dawkins, Hohenstein Land Assault Program State Reps. Jason Daw-

kins (D-Kensington) and 9 Joe Hohenstein (D-Northeast) said that Holy Family University has been awarded a $28,952 grant to help combat campus sexual assault through the state’s It’s On Us campaign. “When we send our children to college to get an education, neither we nor they should be in fear for their safety,” Dawkins said. “But the reality is that about 11% of all students experience rape or sexual assault. That is unacceptable, and we all have a responsibility to our children to change that statistic. This It’s On Us grant funding will help us to make a difference.” The grant awarded to Holy Family University, which is located in Philadelphia with a satellite campus in Newtown, Bucks County, was one of 36 It’s On Us grants totaling more than $996,000 awarded across the state. The Philadelphia campus of the University is split between Dawkins’ and Hohenstein’s legislative districts. “During what is supposed to be a time of learning and self-exploration, many students’ experiences at university are marred by their ordeal of sexual assault. It’s something no student should experience,” Hohenstein said. It’s On Us PA, the nation’s first statewide campaign, began four years ago as a way to bring everyone who plays a role in ensuring safety on college campuses into the conversation. The It’s On Us effort shows that everyone has a responsibility to recognize that nonconsensual sex is sexual assault, identify situations where consent has not been or cannot be given, to intervene in situations where consent hasn’t been given and to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.

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tent and effective communication by the district with its many stakeholders, including students and their families, teachers, staff, and the communities served by the schools. “In light of these two cases, and the unresolved complaints of environmental hazards at many other public schools, I call upon the district to complete comprehensive and fully transparent environmental inspections immediately at every public school throughout Philadelphia.”

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(Cont. From Prev. Page) our country, including the horrific attack at the Tree of Life Building in Pittsburgh in October 2018. It’s so incredibly important that when we look back at history and remember what has happened, that we also look at the things happening around us right now and find a way to bring tolerance, love and acceptance into the conversation.” HR 658 was adopted unanimously.

state lines. Harbison, opened in 1860, operated for more than 100 years in Kensington. “Easily the best thing about my Senate district is the diversity,” Farnese said. “We have businesses and nonprofits of all kinds and to see a city facility help Pennsylvania’s dairy industry is groundbreaking.”

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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

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Working Party Money: Philly Workers United Nicholas O’Rourke Marks Its 100th Year

With the UNIONS NICHOLAS O’ROURKE with his Working Families Party running mate Councilmember Kendra Brooks, R, and ally Councilmember Helen Gym.

BY DAVID LYNN riends of O’Rourke, the campaign finance arm of the campaign of Nicholas O’Rourke, filed for the first time in 2019 Cycle 4. The campaign began with $0.00 in the bank – just like Kendra Brooks’ campaign. Between Jan. 1, 2019 and Sept. 16, 2019, the campaign raised $88,454.89. Contributions of $50.00 or less totaled $5,892.00. These contributions are not itemized. Contributions from individuals totaling $50.01 to $250.00 totaled $17,778.00. Contributions above $250.00 from individuals were $17,145.00. The campaign also received $47,639.89 from political committees, or PACs. PAC contributions were as follows: $10,000.00 from 215 People Alliance, $10,500.00 from Local 32Bj Pa American Dream in New York, NY, $5,000.00 from PASNAP, $339.89 from People for Tanya Bah, $5,000.00 from Reclaim Philadelphia and $16,800.00 from Working Families Party National PAC in Brooklyn, N.Y. Individual contributions in the upper category included an impressive assortment of donations from $250.00 to a $1,500.00 contribution from an individual contributor. In-kind donations of $1,940.00 included an as-

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sortment of event costs, and $1,520.00 to PA Working Families Party for legal services. On the expenditure side, many of the payments were for payroll expense. Several individuals listed as receiving payroll funds were also mentioned as expenditures. They also include a contribution to Friends of Kendra Brooks for $1,929.00. The committee ended the period with $73,721.62 in the bank. The committee opened with the same $73,721.62 in the bank in 2019 cycle 5. Contributions were $47,022.00. $4,819.00 came from contributions of $50.00 or less. Individual contributions between $50.01 and $250.00 totalled $13,253.00. Individual contributions for the period were $15,700.00. Total PAC contributions were $13,250.00. Individual contributions in the upper category again included an impressive array of amounts from $300.00 to $5,800.00 from a donor in San Diego, CA. PAC donations included Faculty Federation of the Community College of Philadelphia for $250.00, Pennsylvania SEIU COPE in Harrisburg for $10,000.00, SEIU Healthcare in Philadelphia for $2,500.00, and Temple Association of University Professionals for

$500.00. In kind contributions included several from Friends of Kendra Brooks for outreach. Friends of Kendra Brooks is also listed as donating $950.00 for “Rent (Action United).” PA Working Families Party donated several thousand dollars for video production, and contributions of $1,240.00 and $3,040.00 for legal services. Reclaim Philadelphia PAC donated $6,130.54 for organizing labor. Expenditures included several to the same set of individuals who were also working for Kendra Brooks’ campaign. Red Horse Strategies, which received funds from both Friends of Kendra Brooks and Local 32BJ PA American Dream Fund in 2019, was paid $5,450.00 for communications. The committee ended the period with $97,402.51 in the bank. Unfortunately, an error of some sort seems to have occurred during the creation of the 2019 cycle 6 report for the campaign. Until this issue has been corrected, we will wait to hear more. Stay tuned. David Lynn is an independent political analyst in Philadelphia. He provides free campaign-management software at papolcm.com and writes at winningcampaigns.vote.

he Philadelphia Joint Board of Workers United is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding on Jan. 28, 1920, by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Several PJB100 celebratory events are planned for this year, including the first one in February celebrating Black History Month and one in March that will honor Women’s History Month. According to Lynne Fox, president of Workers United (the International Union) and manager of the Philadelphia Joint Board of Workers United, “the yearlong PJB100 celebrations will highlight our members, our diversity, the social activism of our union and the profound impact we have made in the lives of our members and throughout the city.” It took nine years after its founding as the Philadelphia Joint Board of Amalgamated that a concerted effort was made to unionize the clothing workers of Philadelphia. Led by Sidney Hillman and other leaders of ACWA across the country, they worked quietly for months to organize workers. Between June and November 1929, the Philadelphia Joint Board had unionized 71 workplaces and 10,000 workers, and established ACWA in the Phila-

delphia clothing industry. Beyond the organizing, the Philadelphia Joint Board led its membership through the Great Depression. Union training schools were set up, empowering members to challenge employers on wage standards, and understand the benefits of mutual betterment through solidarity. The Philadelphia Joint Board has lent its expertise to organize in other states, and outside of Philadelphia, in the Pennsylvania suburbs. They successfully organized the “unorganizable,” outlawed sweatshops, and ensured re-employment and fair competition. “We are proud of our Joint Board’s history,” said Fox. “Our members come from all races, all religions, and all nations. Many of our members are immigrants, as well as the sons and daughters of immigrants, some who arrived voluntarily, some who were taken from their birth communities against their will.” The Philadelphia Joint Board has a long history of fighting for workers who worked long hours (many worked 12 or 14 hours a day) for little pay and sometimes under dangerous conditions. Joining the union led to safer working conditions, increased pay, and shorter workdays for those workers. In the late 19th century, as many as 40% of the paid workforce in Philadelphia were garment or textile workers. Two of the greatest innovations of the ACWA Philadelphia Joint Board were the establishment of the Sidney Hillman Medical Center in Philadelphia in 1951, honoring one of the union’s earliest leaders, Sidney Hillman, and the creation of the Sidney Hillman

Apartments for the Elderly (now the John Fox Towers) which provided low-cost housing for members. The Philadelphia Joint Board was the first major industrial union to provide medical care for its members. After several mergers, in 2009, Workers United was formed, representing workers across the United States and Canada. “Through the years, we have celebrated much success, and also endured hardship and heartache,” said Fox. “But each time, we emerge stronger, and even more dedicated to our mission. Our legacy is one of solidarity, unity, and inclusion.” Workers United is the union that puts workers’ rights, women’s rights, immigrant rights, civil rights, LGBT and non-binary rights, student rights and senior rights above all else. Today, Workers United has over 80,000 members in North America, working in the laundry, hospitality, manufacturing, apparel and textile, distribution and food service industries including baristas, as well as some workers who are employed by nonprofits.

Teamsters Local 623 Picks New Leaders The Teamsters local that represents Philadelphia’s massive UPS facility operation in Philadelphia has elected a new slate, overturning existing leadership. Local 623 members turned out en masse at their headquarters in Bridesburg to vote in “623livesmatter,” headed by new Secretary-Treasurer Richard Hooker, Jr. It is the first victory of an insurgent team in recent memory. The 101-year-old union local has 4,000 members.

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Boyle: Save Hospitals

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AT&T proposes to replace an existing 20’ traffic light pole with a new 30’ traffic light pole and install a top-mounted antenna at 34.6’ at 138 S 46th St, Philadelphia, PA (20191954). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

den closure of Hahnemann continues to strain our community,” said Boyle. “When a hospital closes, it places unforeseen stress on other facilities in the area. We should do everything we can to preserve high-quality, timely care for patients, both in Philadelphia and across the country. My legislation gives the federal government oversight over closure plans to ensure patients, employees, and other hospitals are not left out to dry. We can’t afford another Hahnemann-type closure.” “Hahnemann’s closure rocked Philadelphia and woke us up to the destructive practices of the private equity and for-profit health care market,” said Councilmember Helen Gym (at Large). “The hospitals that serve the most vulnerable patients – those most in need – are the very hospitals at the highest risk of closure. This is not just

an urban problem. Pennsylvania alone has dozens of rural hospitals in worse financial shape than Hahnemann.” Hahnemann University Hospital, a safety-net hospital that treated underserved patient populations in the Philadelphia area for over 170 years, abruptly closed in 2019 after the private equity-backed company running it filed for bankruptcy. This legislation is modeled after a bill introduced by Gym in Philadelphia City Council. It requires hospitals to provide a written notice to the Department of Health & Human Services at least 180 days before closing a unit, department, or wing (or an entire hospital). The hospital must also have its closure plan – which provides details on the community impact, employee impact, and patient impact – approved by the secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AT&T proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 72’) on the building at 302 N. 13th St, Philadelphia, PA (20192130). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

AT&T proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights up to 39’) on the (building) at 33 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA (20192101). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

AT&T proposes to replace an existing 20’ traffic light pole with a new 30’ traffic light pole and install a top-mounted antenna at 34.5’ at 13 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA (20191926). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

ongressman Brendan F. Boyle (D-Phila.) introduced the Protecting Communities from Hospital Closures Act, legislation to provide oversight over future hospital closures to mitigate the impact on surrounding communities. “I introduced this bill after witnessing how the sud-

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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.

FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE IN AND FOR NEW CASTLE COUNTY NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS ACTION TO: Unknown Father FROM: Confidential Clerk, Family Court Adoptions From The Heart, Petitioner, has brought a civil action (Petition #19-35267) against you to terminate your parental rights of your child, a minor female (DOB: 7-242019). A hearing is scheduled at Family Court, 500 N. King St., Wilmington DE on 2-14-2020 at 3:00 p.m. If you do not appear at the hearing, the Court may terminate your parental rights without your appearance. IF YOU WISH TO BE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY IN THIS MATTER BUT CANNOT AFFORD ONE, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE COURT APPOINT AN ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT YOU FOR FREE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONFIDENTIAL CLERK AT FAMILY COURT, (302) 255-0244.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY hile I was never a really big fan of his and only really paid attention to him because my late nephew had the bad taste to be a Los Angeles Lakers fan, I owe this week’s column to Kobe Bryant. For those of you who don’t know, and I’m not sure who in the Philadelphia area that might be, Bryant was one of nine people who perished in a helicopter crash on Sunday afternoon our time in Calabasas, California. He was

for one thing. Regionalism, which used to be something we used to talk about a lot because we had people in power who realized that how Philadelphia goes, so goes South Jersey, Delaware, and especially the city’s suburbs, isn’t in vogue anymore. To be fair, Michael Nutter tried to bring it back into vogue when he was mayor, but since it requires people with like minds to make it work, it’s not something we’ve talked about much. Regionalism, for those who aren’t familiar with what it is, is a theory or practice or regional, rather than central systems of administration, or economic, cultural or political affiliation. In this case, if the Philadelphia region practiced actual regionalism, there are a lot of problems that the folks who don’t have tax bases like Lower Merion’s or Council Rock’s wouldn’t have. I bring up Lower Merion (Cont. Page 14)

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA ongressman Adam SCHIFF is getting national recognition as he presents the case for impeachment. Social media describes him with either great acclaim or severe disdain. Either way, he is a national figure now, despite the outcome of the proceedings. His somber, smooth and flawless delivery will be remembered. Trump called him “corrupt” and “sick.” Trump may feel that way if he feels that Schiff is effective (?). If JFK were alive, he would insert

CITY HALL SAM

t’s hard to think of another Philly-area persona who was as prominent, who wound up impacting so many lives across the world, as NBA legend KOBE BRYANT. The Lower Merion high school star passed away in a helicopter accident. Even the great Wilt Chamberlain wasn’t in his league. Although controversy surrounded Kobe over rape charges in the past, he was a figure who rose to the level of icon. There has never been a political or entertainment star from the City of Brotherly Love to reach those

minding him of his days as 13 a Mummer, and his caring concern that all Mummers in his club be fed. She did not understand his VERY STRONG admonishment to all Mummers when ONLY two erred, and were banned (?). Actually it was a low-cost/big gain warning. He gains with Black and young voters, as his former base on “2 STREET” wanes – mainly due to HUGE assessment increases. KENNEY won’t stop the parade. BRAVO! To Sister James Ann FEERICK for 57 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary School! Sister is a longtime judge of St. Patrick’s Day Parade units, and a GREAT Irish dancer HERSELF!... Richard De Marco, Esq. has three years at Lauletta-Birnbaum LLC!... Aleida GARCIA finished five years at National Homicide Justice Alliance. Nikil SAVAL has reportedly quit as ward leader in (Cont. Page 15)

heights. The Teachers Union is suing the city over asbestos contamination of public schools. The suit is about protecting students, teachers, and parents. It is ludicrous that the kids face this kind of medieval type danger. Most can’t read at grade level and are suffering in poor performing schools. Now we know they are at risk of lung disease. It is an absolutely appalling and tragic situation. JOE BIDEN will likely be the Democratic nominee but the Trumpers have done the same kind of damage they did to HILLARY CLINTON. They have thrown ridiculous amounts of dirt and some of it will stick. Plus the other presidential candidates will keep stabbing at him, further helping PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP. Progressive candidates and fellow SENS. BARNIE SANDERS and ELIZABETH WARREN, as well as moderate candidate PETE BUTTIGIEG, will

try to help themselves in the process, but in the end, and fulfilling Republicans’ deepest, darkest wishes, their friendly fire will only help the Donald in his rapacious quest to remain in the Oval Office for another long fouryear term. Former STATE REP. EMILIO VÁZQUEZ is running an energetic race to represent his old seat. Vázquez served for one term in the State House and has served many years as a ward leader. Speaking of ward leaders, Highly respected operative JOHN DelRICCI was elected ward leader for Ward 66B succeeding the legendary MIKE McALEER, who was recently laid to rest. Del Ricci was the ward chair and is liked by everyone. A small minority of committee people are preparing a groundless challenge. There were signs of unity and cooperation in the Northeast wards but it looks like the old northeast. Maybe that will change.

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on his way to a basketball tournament with a group that included his 13-yearold daughter Gianna, who was becoming a pretty good basketball player in her own right. She and two of her teammates, along with their parents and a coach, also died in the crash. (I hate talking about 13-year-olds in the past tense. There’s something really wrong about that.) But while I wasn’t a fan of Bryant’s, his much-less-arrogant post-basketball path notwithstanding, his death allows me to talk about something that I’ve wanted to write about for a long time: Regionalism. You see, when I got the ESPN alert saying that Bryant, 41, died in the crash, most of the notifications described him as a “Philadelphia basketball legend.” There’s just one problem with that. Lower Merion is in Montgomery County. Now, it wouldn’t be all that big a deal if it weren’t

WALKING the BEAT

Schiff in his “Profiles in Courage” book. Skip MONTELL on Facebook featured a photo of barricades around Wildwood’s Convention Hall for the Trump visit. The post called it “Trump’s Wildwood Wall.” “The Economist” notes that the high price of new homes is due to a shortage of them. The high mortgage payments cause families to defer spending in other areas. We do not build ENOUGH (and the ABATEMENT incentive has been cut in Philly). This makes cities more expensive than they would be, with a reduction in city GDP. Begorrah, I thought when I learned that Mike TURZAI will not seek reelection! Cromwell had it right when he told the LONG PARLIAMENT: “Begone for all the good you have done.” Marie Collachi RUSSIAN wrote an open letter to Mayor KENNEY on Facebook re-

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ast weekend, the Republican Party of Pennsylvania held its State Committee winter meeting at the Sheraton Harrisburg. The primary items on the agenda were to endorse (or not to endorse) for the commonwealth’s row office positions that will be on the ballot in November. The annual State Committee’s Lincoln Day Dinner was held on Friday night. SEAN PARNELL, Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, was the keynote

meeting on Saturday, CONGRESSMEN G.T. THOMPSON (R-Centre) and JOHN JOYCE (R-Blair) gave the State Committee members an update on Washington, D.C. Thompson, whose district includes Punxsutawney, noted that while the groundhog is not scheduled to appear until next month, Thompson saw his own shadow in that town while visiting constituents. It was clear to Thompson that the sight of his shadow means four more years for President Trump. Thompson also noted that he has been very successful in recruiting new Republicans and he attributed this in large part to his “great assistant, NANCY PELOSI.” Joyce is the newest member of the Republican contingent to Washington. A dermatologist from Altoona, he won this seat in a landslide in 2018. He replaced longtime CONGRESSMAN (Cont. Page 14)

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speaker. Parnell will be facing Democratic incumbent CONGRESSMAN CONOR LAMB. Parnell is a retired Army captain and author. Parnell won both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan. He wrote a best-selling account of his army experience, “Outlaw Platoon.” Lamb won this seat by besting KEITH ROTHFUS. Lamb and Rothfus were both incumbent Congressmen; however, after redistricting they faced each other. Lamb, a veteran, had initially won a Republican-friendly (but not safe) seat by portraying himself as a moderate Democrat. His voting record does not appear moderate and his vote to impeach PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP is not a positive in his district. PAGOP believes Parnell is an ideal opponent for Lamb in November. During the business

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Haywood Leads Mentoring

tate Sen. Art Haywood (D-Northwest) hosted the third annual Mentoring Conference at La Salle University to announce the first round of mentoring grant recipients, offer training and networking opportunities to those with mentoring organizations, and conduct presentations on Mindfulness and Mentoring. “Saving youth through mentoring is vital to build successful citizens for tomorrow. The opportunities for youth are limitless, and we want to expand them through positive mentoring activities. National Mentoring Month is a great time to assist mentoring groups to guide more young people.” Haywood said.

STATE SEN. Art Haywood led the 2020 mentoring Conference at LaSalle University. Photo provided

“The Greater Philadelphia Mentoring Collaborative came out of this conference as a way to continue and develop mentoring organizations because the Urban Affairs Coalition realized their work is incredibly important and this is one of the ways we can help them do what they do best.” said Tivoni Devor, Director of Growth and Engagement for the Urban Affairs Coalition. The micro grants will go

to mentoring organizations for youth to experience opportunities they may not have otherwise. The program included a half-day of information offered to individuals who head mentoring organizations looking to expand their capacity. Organizations also heard from leaders and experts about Trauma Informed Mentoring practices and available resources.

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JA N UA RY 3 0, 2020

Hotel Trade Booming

2019 marked a decade of growth for Center City Philadelphia’s hotels. Today, the City of Philadelphia, in conjunction with VISIT PHILADELPHIA, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, announced records, most notably, in average daily rate (up 5.8% year over year to $202.41) and revenue (up 4.3% year over year to $707 million). Occupancy remained solid at 76.3%, as did demand with 3.49 million room nights consumed. All of these results came during a year when four new Philadelphia hotels opened, adding 491 rooms to the city’s supply. “I’m proud that even with new properties entering the Philadelphia market, our hotels continue to set records,” said City of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “Our growing tourism and hospitality industry works collaboratively to ensure that people choose Philadelphia for meetings, business trips, and vacations every season of the year. This constant stream of visitor

activity generates tax dollars and supports family-sustaining jobs for our residents. That’s hugely beneficial to our city and region.” 2019 Center City Hotel Highlights: • Occupancy: 76.3% • Saturday night remained the busiest night of the week, with average occupancy at 88.1%. • Tuesday was the busiest weeknight, with 79.4% occupancy. • Record Average Daily Rate (ADR): $202.41 • This 5.8% year-overyear increase (up from $191.40 in 2018) is attributable to several factors: a strong convention year, strengthened business demand, solid leisure demand, more high-end hotel room inventory and a slow and steady increase in ADR in recent years. • Record Revenue Per Available Room: $154 • Growing 1.2% year over year, RevPAR is up from $152 in 2018. • Supply & Demand: 4.58 million room nights in supply, 3.49 million room

nights sold demand surpassed the overall five-year average by 4.5%, showing that the market is strong and thriving. • Record Room Revenue: $707 million • Up 4.3% from $678 million in 2018, this revenue is the result of higher rates (ADR) throughout the year. • Market Mix: One-third for each segment • Of the 3.49 million rooms consumed, demand was split largely evenly among the three segments of travel: business (33%), group (32%) and leisure (31%). Contract business (primarily flight crews and longterm stays) accounted for 4% of the mix. According to AIRDNA, in 2019, Center City Philadelphia saw a significant increase in demand for limited-lodging options such as Airbnb, with 343,700 room nights consumed by guests renting a private room or an entire home, up 38.9% year over year.

• 2019

ELEPHANT CORNER

(Cont. From Page 13 BILL SHUSTER, who announced his retirement in 2017. Joyce noted that Congress recently voted for the largest pay raise for the military in years. He also praised President Trump for attending the March for Life. Trump is the first U.S. President to attend the rally, which started in 1974. Joyce, along with many other congressmen, marched. PAGOP CHAIRMAN LAWRENCE TABAS noted that owing to the redistricting of Pennsylvania’s congressional districts by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, we lost seats. Tabas believes that the Supreme Court’s rejection of the legislature’s redistricting and putting their own in place was a violation of the Pennsylvania Constitution. Of course, the Republicans challenged the court’s districting, but as you can imagine, the Supreme Court was

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

(Cont. From Page 13 (Montgomery County) and Council Rock (Bucks County) because these two school districts have teachers that are making what college professors wish they made due to the tax bases they have to sustain it. Their students have the best computers, advanced placement courses are the norm and the only time you’d hear the word “asbestos” in a conversation is if it’s connected with some sort of historical restoration project. But if we all got together as a region and told the folks in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. that we make up a big chunk of our state’s economic base, and it’s not like you can make that money up on the farm show or some project based in Alabama, and demanded to be treated like we mattered financially, all of the region’s school districts

not going to overturn itself. Prior to that redistricting, Republicans held 13 of the 18 Congressional seats. Republicans now hold nine seats (the Democrats hold nine also). Tabas believes there is a good chance of flipping three seats this year, including Lamb’s. Tabas also sees a shot at the seats of CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN WILD (D-Lehigh) and CONGRESSMAN MATT CARTWRIGHT (D-Lackawanna). Republican CHARLIE DENT held most of what is now Wild’s 7th District. Cartwright’ s Northeastern Pennsylvania district is traditionally Democrat. However, Trump won that district in 2016 and word on the street is that many of his supporters do not like Cartwright’s vote to impeach. State Committee voted to endorse HEATHER HEIDELBAUGH for attorney general, STACEY GARRITY for treasurer and TIM DeFOOR for auditor general. Heidelbaugh and Garrity were the only individuals could resemble Council Rock and Lower Merion. But we only seem to entertain the concept of regionalism when it comes to sports. The rest of the municipalities surrounding Philadelphia only seem to want to name-check the city is when it’s time to throw a parade that we end up paying for or when they can pimp the city out to get media exposure from networks that wouldn’t be able to find the Main Line or Lower Merion on a map. Which brings me back to both basketball and Kobe Bryant. If you’re a longtime reader of this column, you’ve probably seen me complain – vehemently – about Philadelphia’s alarming lack of self-esteem when it comes to stuff like Villanova victory parades and other sports related nonsense that doesn’t actually occur in Philadelphia. Like, for example, Kobe Bryant. Playing in the Son-

seeking these seats, thus the confirmation was quick. DeFoor, Dauphin County controller, won a three-way race for the endorsement over STATE REP. CRIS DUSH of Jefferson County and Lancaster County COMMISSIONER DENNIS STUCKEY. A vote was taken whether to endorse or not endorse. Most State Committee members believe that endorsements are preferable as they ensure that our candidates spend money fighting Democrats and not each other. Heidelbaugh is a Pittsburgh-area lawyer. She was recruited by the Association of Republican Attorney Generals. Heidelbaugh has been a trial lawyer for decades and represented the PAGOP successfully against ACORN. Garrity is a lifelong Republican. An executive for a powdered-metals supplier in Northern Pennsylvania, she is a highly decorated retired colonel from the National Guard. ny Hill League as a kid or having a parent who played for the Philadelphia 76ers doesn’t mean that your game was created on Philly’s basketball courts. In other words, Simon Gratz’s Rasheed Wallace can call himself a Philly baller. Temple University coach Aaron McKee can call himself a Philly baller. Marcus and Markieff Morris of Prep Charter High School can call themselves Philly ballers. Calling Kobe Bryant a Philly baller is inaccurate. So while my heart goes out to Bryant’s family, it’s directed to Lower Merion, not Philadelphia. Before I sign off, I need to make a correction. Heshimu Jaramogi, the late Philadelphia journalism pioneer that I wrote about last week, actually won the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalist’s lifetime achievement award in 2011, not 2017. Sorry for messing that up.

the WAFFLE MAN

o! Here we go again. My Air Force buddy Bernie A. sent this to me. A group of school kids were asked these questions on love and marriage. You might agree with some of the answers. Read on:

Who should you marry? You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming –Alan, age 10. No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with – Kirsten, age 10. What is the right age to get married? No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married. – Freddie, age 6. How can a stranger tell if two people are married? You might have to guess,

based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids –Derrick, age 8. What do you think your Mom and Dad have in common? Both don’t want any more kids. –Lori, age 8. What do most people do on a date? Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. –Lynnette, age 8. On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. –Martin, age 10. What would you do on a first date that was turning sour? I’d run home and play dead –Craig, age 9. When is it okay to kiss

someone? When they’re 15 rich. –Pam, age 7 The law says you have to be 18, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that. –Curt, age 7. Is it better to be single or married? I don’t know which is better, but I’ll tell you one thing. I’m never going to have sex with my wife. I don’t want to be all grossed out. – Theodore, age 8. It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. – Anita, age 9. And my favorite is: How would the world be different if people didn’t get married? There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there? –Kelvin, age 8.

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: Can I keep my tax refund in Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Answer: In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, a person must pay all of their disposable income into their Chapter 13 repayment plan. Disposable income is any income that is not

used for reasonable and necessary expenses such as shelter and food. When you receive a tax refund during a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the trustee may consider those funds as disposable income if they weren’t included in the income and expense calculations used to pay your Chapter 13 plan. The tax refund

can be considered a surplus by the trustee and therefore you may be required to put that money towards your repayment plan. If you are able to show that the trustee is incorrect, then the court may let you keep the money. Next week's question: Can my bankruptcy discharge be revoked?

Q understanding BANKRUPTCY

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

(Cont. From Page 13) South Philly – after all the effort of his friends to attain it? As a State senate candidate, he may feel it is UNCLEAN to run as a ward leader (?). A BAD move. Beyond sadness for me when I just heard that Phil BANNAN had passed months ago in West Chester, Pa. I recruited Phil to a Defense Department Committee where he met with many of the state’s then38k reservists. St. Peter had Phil’s pass ready for easy passage through the pearly gates. A CLASS guy. A media-predicted BLUE WAVE over the SEPTA Board is coming in years ahead, we are told. Well, the BURBS are already blue. Change the Board now! That New Year editorial promise in the daily press for openness: We still do not have email access to Editorial page & Op-Ed writers. Halloo!

An E-newsletter noted that Helen GYM is “widely seen” as leader of reformers. How many is widely seen? It noted that the Progressive Manifesto is a “stunning document.” I never seem to find the section on constituent service (?). It mentioned that progressives can be unenthusiastic on issues or candidates. Worse, they might STAY HOME, and not vote…. Then there was the writer acting as judge for us on what vote returns meant. And the BLARNEY “machine” blather. I do not smoke, and wonder what brand, if any, powered that article? A QUANDARY over reuse of the fire-damaged refinery. If you shutter it as a refinery, it leaves ONE LESS of the few refineries. Any breakdown, fire or sabotage of one of them ROCKETS the price of gasoline, as the supply shrinks. As an environmentalist, I have to laugh at the ducks lining up to please our group. JOBS COME FIRST!

JA N UA RY 3 0, 2020

WALKING the BEAT

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T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

Special Issue

JA N UA RY 3 0, 2020

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

On February 13th, the Philadelphia Public Record will recognize the achievements of Philadelphiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s African American Leaders in our Black History Month Issue.

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Please join us to honor their achievements.

Please send your ad to mbarrett@phillyrecord.com Melissa Barrett 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 * Philadelphia, PA 19107