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January 15, 2009

Brady Says ‘Hold Up!’ On Transition To DTV Feds Can’t Pay For $40 Rebates

Congressman Robert A. Brady says the Feb. 17 mandated date to switch to digital broadcasting should be reconsidered and extended.

“With just a few weeks left before the digital transition, I was shocked to find out that after months of promising Congress that the DTV converter box coupon program was adequately funded. The Bush administration has announced that the program has run out of funds. It is unacceptable that those seeking coupons will now be put on a waiting list that already has over a million names on it. The Congress must act immediately to ensure that millions of Americans are not left in the dark on Feb. 17,” the Congressman said.

(Cont. Page 2)

® Public Record

MAKING Presidential election results official and paving way for inauguration of Barack Obama as President of United States is Congressman and Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady, center, as he reads state-bystate Electoral College results during joint session of Congress.

Photo by Nikki Kahn, Washington Post Photo

PA. JUDGES: Not So Bad

Their Words Changed A Nation Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States on Jan. 20. His triumphal arrival there by train from Philadelphia is expected to draw a record setting throng of 2 million, eager to see the first ascension of an African American to the highest office in the land.

In the eyes of many Americans, the youthful Senator from Illinois will be completing a circle … a long journey toward healing for social injustice that began 46 years earlier with another massive rally in Washington.

In the steamy summer of 1963, Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed 200,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial who were part of the March for Jobs and Freedom. To this seminal gathering of the Civil Rights Era, the electrifying preacher from Georgia delivered one of the most famous speeches in US history, “I Have a Dream.”

Last year Sen. Obama delivered another famous speech, this time in Philadelphia. Here, at the Constitution Center, he addressed the complex feelings of Black and white Americans about their tangled racial relationships.

He was responding to a controversy

over bitter remarks made by another Black preacher, this time his own pastor the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Obama’s deft and sensitive handling of this difficult moment is credited with rescuing his candidacy from a scandal that threatened to sink it.

On Jan. 19, the day before Obama’s inauguration, hundreds of thousands of Americans across the land will participate in the Martin Luther King Day of Service. They will demonstrate the oneness of our citizens by volunteering for projects such as tutoring and mentoring (Cont. Page 2)

by Tony West To err is human, as judges in particular understand. That includes the judges of Pennsylvania, who are popularly elected by the same citizens that make the mistakes that keep judges busy.

Judges are human too and some

misbehave in office. But the 1,050 fulltime elected judges of Pennsylvania don’t seem to be guilty of misconduct at a higher rate than judges in neighboring states, including states where they are vetted by panels of experts and appointed by government officials.

(Cont. Page 2)

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page 2 The Public Record • January 15, 2009

(Cont. From Page 1) children, painting schools and senior centers, delivering meals, building homes, and reflecting on Dr. King's life and teachings. Many of the projects started on King Day will continue to engage volunteers beyond the holiday and impact the community year-round. Philadelphia is a national leader and role model in this venture, now in its 14th year.

As our society prepares for the momentous, history-making week ahead – a week vibrant with anticipation yet enriched by remembrance – the Philadelphia Public Record is pleased to reprint herein excerpts from these two famous speeches. Let the circle be unbroken.

www.phillyrecord.com

Martin Luther King, Jr. Speaking In D.C. On Aug. 28, 1963

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.

One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.

One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.

Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now

is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.

Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds.

Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.

We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back....

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day

this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood....

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" – one day right there in Alabama little Black boys and Black girls will be

able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together....”

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.

With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together....

(Cont. Page 27)

Brady Wants Hold On TV Transition

(Cont. From Page 1) As of today, the waiting list has grown to 950,000.

The number is projected to rise to as high as 5 million by Feb. 17.

It’s estimated that nationally as many as 4.5 million households could have their televisions go dark Feb. 17.

In the Philadelphia there could be close to 100,000 households who will lose their television reception.

“Broadcast TV is more than entertainment to people in Philly. Many in the city rely on free TV to get their news, weather, important emergency alerts, and of course, updates on our city’s sports teams,” Brady said.

The Digital Television Transition was mandated by law in

the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act. It requires television stations to broadcast in digital rather than analog format by Feb. 17, 2009. The Act also created a coupon program to offset the cost of analog-to-digital converter boxes so that households with analog televisions can still receive free over the air television.

The NTIA, which oversees the coupon program, announced in a press release on Jan. 5, 2009 that “…starting Sunday, Jan. 4, consumers requesting coupons from the agency’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program will be placed on a waiting list and coupons will be mailed on a first-come-first-served basis, as funds from expired coupons become available.”

Our Judiciary Is Above Average (Cont. From Page 1 Judicial systems vary greatly between the states. In the last generation, all states have moved to set up commissions that handle charges of judicial misconduct uniformly within each state. Judicial-conduct procedures, however, also vary between states.

Pennsylvania’s 12 million people are served by 1050 full-time judges, all of whom are chosen solely by the ballot. The Board of Judicial Conduct investigates allegations of misconduct; if it finds grounds for action, the case is referred to the Court of Judicial Discipline for a decision.

Since its founding in 1993, the CJD has taken disciplinary action against 53 judges, about three per year on average.

Justice is served differently for New York State’s 19 million residents. There, about 3500 judges are overseen by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. That body has disciplined 659 judges since 1975. That’s an average of 19 judges a year. Even allowing for differences in numbers, a New York judge is twice as likely as a Pennsylvania judge

to incur disciplinary action.

One quarter of New York’s judges are chosen by “merit selection” from nominees advanced by expert panels. The remaining judges are elected as they are in Pennsylvania.

Other neighboring large urban states also show higher or equivalent rates of judicial misconduct. In New Jersey, after investigations by the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, the State Supreme Court disciplined seven judges in 2008, out of a total number of around 800 that fall under its jurisdiction. All New Jersey judges are appointed by the Governor with no input from nominating committees.

Ohio’s Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline has processed 18 cases since 2004, according to its spokesperson John Marshall, of which 15 resulted in disciplinary actions. That is an average of three per year for the 750 full- and part-time judges of that state. Like Pennsylvania, all Ohio’s judges are chosen solely by popular election.

Just eight states have removed electoral politics en-

tirely from judicial selection.

Most of these are small in both land area and population.

Massachusetts is the most populous among them.

The Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct investigates complaints about all 400 of that Commonwealth’s judges. Its system is hard to compare with those of other large states because, explained its Executive Director Jill Pearson, almost all its disciplinary decisions are confidential – more like a personnel file than a public document.

Over the past seven years, MCJC has “dismissed with concern” 49 complaints against judges. These “dismissals” do constitute a black mark on the judge’s record. It has “informally resolved” 109 complaints with some severer form of reproof.

That’s an average of 23 disciplinary actions per year.

It is almost unheard of, however, for a judicial-misconduct case to be contested and move beyond MCJC to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. “Merit selection is a whole different ball game when it comes to judicial misconduct,” Pearson

maintained. “We see fewer serious cases in our state.”

But without open files, it is impossible to verify her claim.

Lax enforcement might make disciplinary action rarer. There is no evidence, however, Pennsylvania suffers from this problem. In fact, a nonpartisan organization called HALT, which claims 50,000 members, applies a generally critical eye to systems of judicial-conduct review systems across the nation. In 2008 HALT released a “Report Card” that graded Pennsylvania’s system thirdbest in the United States. New York, by contrast, came in 24th and Massachusetts was ranked 29th.

Based on the decisions of the Pennsylvania CJD, Philadelphia judges conduct themselves as well as their peers around the state. Of the 53 judges disciplined since 1993, five were in Philadelphia, which has about one-ninth of the entire population of the state. While three Philadelphia judges were recently disciplined by the CJD, they don’t indicate our City Judiciary in particular has anything to apologize for or to reform.

Page 3

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The Public Record • January 15, 2009

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The Public Record • January 15, 2009

page 4

(USPS PP 109) Weekly Publication Published by:

The Phila. Public Record The South Phila Public Record

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Associate Editor: Rory G. McGlasson Medical Editor: Paul Tayoun M.D. CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor Bonnie Squires (Complete list Page 23)

The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation has given $1 million to support building the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall.

“Dr. King had the courage, vision and tenacity to move the nation and the world toward a free and just society,” said Matt Bergheiser, Knight Foundation’s Philadelphia program director. Philadelphia is one of 26 US communities in which Knight Foundation invests.

“This memorial will serve as a reminder of Dr. King’s transformational impact, which is an inspiration for our work at Knight Foundation,” Bergheiser said. “I urge everyone in Philadelphia to visit www.buildthedream.org and learn more about how to make a donation to this important tribute.”

In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed a Joint Congressional Resolution authorizing the memorial’s construction and in 2006 participated in the ceremonial

groundbreaking. Clinton also has served on the Memorial Foundation’s President’s Council for several years.

“As we approach what would

have been Dr. King’s 80th birthday, we can be proud of the progress we’ve made as a nation to lift racial barriers and form a more perfect union,”

Clinton, the keynote speaker at the dinner in Miami, where Knight Foundation is headquartered, said. “Never before have we had the power we

have today to make Dr. King’s dream a reality, and together, we can build a more just and equal world for future generations.”

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 ISSN 1938-8551 (Application to Mail At Periodicals Postage Rates Is Pending At Philadelphia PA and Bellmawr NJ) Postmaster: send address change to: The Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila. PA 19147 215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com Subscription Rate: $ 30.00/Year

Knight Foundation Funds MLK Memorial

Page 5

The Public Record

Congressman

ROBERT BRADY www.phillyrecord.com

I am proud to be a witness at this time of history and proud to be of service to all my constituents!

page 6

City Commissioners

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

Chairwoman

MARGE TARTAGLIONE

I am pleased to be Celebrating this Milestone In the history Of Our Great Nation

www.phillyrecord.com

Sheriff John D. Green We Are Proud To Have Played A Role In Completing The Circle!!

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

I am honored to have had the privilege to make it happen!

Rep. Frank Oliver

Page 7

The Circle is Indeed Complete

2839 W. Girard Ave. Philadelphia PA 19130 215-684-3738

I am honored to be serving this city at a time when we mark the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King and Barack Obama.

City Controller

www.phillyrecord.com

Alan Butkovitz

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

page 8

Mackey Hosts Youth Inauguration Meet Bill Mackey, of City Wide Youth Partnership Agency, will be hosting a pre-inauguration town-hall meeting in Arlington, Va. Attending the event will be youths from several states.

The conference will be held at the Roslynn Holiday Inn in

Arlington, Va., Jan. 19 from 1 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Topics to be discussed will include rap vs. reality, youthon-youth crime, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Mackey said the purpose of the pre-inauguration meet-

ing will be to help plan a national violence-prevention program and to provide the Obama administration with first hand testimony of urban violence.

His citywide coalition has programmed scores of events throughout the year to keep youngsters from getting involved in street gangs.

Locals interested in attending should call Mackey at (215) 765-5504.

MAYOR Michael Nutter joins William Tucker at Liberty Bell-ringing ceremony in 2008 sponsored by Phila.

King Association.

It is my honor to be serving our State, City, And Country at this historic time in the history of our great Country STATE SENATOR

www.phillyrecord.com

CHRISTINE M. TARTAGLIONE 1061 Bridge St Phila. PA 19124 215-533-0440

Norris Square 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. Phila. PA 19122 215-291-4653

Libertarians Mark 37th

The Libertarian Party, America's third-largest political party, is celebrating its 37th birthday.

"Since we began in 1971, we've elected hundreds of Libertarians to public office across the country," says Libertarian Party National Chairman William Redpath. "These Libertarians make a significant impact on their community, and serve as a testament to the values of the Libertarian Party.”

The party was founded Dec. 11, 1971 in Colorado Springs, Col., as an alternative to Republicans and Democrats.

on the popular TV singing competition “American Idol.”

“Our presidents are the original ‘American Idols.’ They are the men who shaped our nation and who are honored in so many ways,” Stack said. “As a modern tribute to Presidents Day, I am inviting students to examine our presidents in the same way that they would vote for ‘American Idol’ contestants at home and design a poster in tribute to a President.”

Just as “American Idol” fans flash their posters during the TV show, students may design a poster that honors their Presidential Idol. Students may use any art medium and display their work on a standard poster board.

Students are asked to design their poster based on the following criteria: Grades K-2: A Presidents Day poster depicting what a President does, or just a poster celebrating Presidents Day in general.

Grades 3-5: Pick your Presidential Idol from presidents 23 to 44 (Harrison to Obama).

Grades 6-8: Pick your Presidential Idol from presidents 1 to 22 (Washington to Cleveland).

Students in grades 3-8 must also submit a brief summary describing why they selected their Presidential Idol.

“This contest is a fun way for students to research our nation’s Presidents and honor them in a unique and creative way,” Stack said. “I encourage all students to honor our presidents’ legacies and treat our leaders like true ‘American Idols.’”

One winner from each grade will be selected by a panel of judges. The winners will be invited to a ceremonial breakfast on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 16 at Franklin Towne Charter HS in the historic Frankford Arsenal. The winning posters will also be displayed in the Senator’s district office in Parkwood for the community to view.

Entry forms are available on the Senator’s Web site at www.senatorstack.com or in the district offices at Parkwood Plaza, 12361 Academy Road, (215) 281-2539, or at 8016 Bustleton Avenue, (215) 6951020.

All posters and entry forms must be submitted by Monday, Feb. 2 to one of the Senator’s district offices.

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

State Sen. Mike Stack reminds local students in grades K-8 there is still time to honor their favorite US president in an arts contest.

“State Sen. Mike Stack’s Presidential Idol Arts Contest” is open to all students in grades K-8 in the 5th Senatorial Dist.

The contest will honor Presidents Day with a theme based

Page 9

Presidential Art Contest Deadline Near, Says Stack

www.phillyrecord.com

page 10 The Public Record • January 15, 2009

Our Opinion ...

Brady: Hold That TV! On Feb. 17 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Digital broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels.

Converting to DTV also will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as public safety (police and fire departments, emergency rescue), and advanced wireless services. The government estimates it can make $50 billion from the sale of the freed-up broadcast spectrum.

Analog-only TVs should continue to work as before with cable- and satellite-TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players, and similar products. To apply for a rebate coupon worth $40 per needed converter box (one per TV set), one can call toll free (888) DTV-2009.

So far, so good. The main problem left is for individuals to know the rebate coupons can’t be honored until the Feds bring in some more money to the program.

That is why Congressman Bob Brady is calling for an extension of the Feb. 17 deadline. He too has seen the estimates that indicate as many as 25 million Americans have yet to apply. To make sure everyone who applies gets a $40 rebate, the Feds would need $1.5 billion. That’s chickenfeed compared to the money the US government will make from the sale of the vacated spectrum.

We support Congressman Brady’s efforts, since $40 is not easy to come by for those who still have the old TVs that for generations have relied on rabbit ears. He wants the Feds to make sure the coupon program gets funded soon.

www.phillyrecord.com

Another Opinion Every Child’s Right

by Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman CEO, Phila. School District As the world awaits the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, I am reminded of an observation W.E.B. DuBois once made, "Of all the civil rights for which the world has struggled and fought for 5,000 years, the right to learn is undoubtedly the most fundamental." Agree-

ing on rights is one thing, making them a reality is quite another. My goal as superintendent is to make every child's right to learn a real and accessible victory in every classroom.

This op-ed piece is a midterm report on what we have achieved thus far. Assisted by an expert transition team, I found encouraging strengths and heartbreaking challenges throughout the District. On the upside, I

noted incremental increases in achievement, a curricular framework in place, and some great principals, teachers, and a community hopeful for change. On the downside, I recognized a lack of accountability for most adults, inattention to customer service, no systemic coherence, and no District-wide planning. The disparity between and among schools was troubling.

So, what did we do? We focused our priorities on achievement, equity, and accountability. First, we enhanced customer-service features for parents and other stakeholders. We extended office hours and ensured a live, welcoming voice at the receiving end of every telephone inquiry.

To engage parents more productively, we began a monthly series of Parent Roundtables in November.

Approximately 200 parents attended the first event, and more came out in December.

Next, we instituted a "parent ombudsman" position. To date, we have 125 ombudsmen on the job.

Simultaneously, we needed to address the urgent needs in 85 longstanding, underperforming elementary, middle, and secondary

schools. Without haste, we implemented the "Empowerment School" initiative by redirecting financial and non-financial resources. To empower struggling schools, we need to provide resources. This endeavor is particularly important because ALL children deserve access to equal educational opportunities.

We revitalized the Student Code of Conduct and mandated vigorous enforcement of our Zero Tolerance policy. A multi-phase Truancy Reduction Initiative will soon tackle the unacceptable rate of absenteeism.

Also newsworthy is our progress toward financial stability. To date, we have reduced the deficit from $181 million to $476,000. In February 2009, a five-year strategic plan will provide further direction, as well as sustainable recommendations on dropout issues, college readiness, disparities in access, and more.

On Jan. 20, we will witness the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States.

His dream is our dream: "Can we do it? Yes, we can." The children of Philadelphia deserve no less than our very best.

Calendar Jan. 15- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen’s free Energy Conservation Workshop at Lenfest PAL Center, 3890 N. 10th St., 6-8 p.m.

Jan. 17- Mothers United Through Tragedy leads Walk For Life marching to City Hall from Broad & Spring Garden Sts., assemble 1:30 p.m. Rain, shine, sleet or snow! For info (215) 227-5331.

Jan. 17- State Rep. Ron Waters presents 191st House Dist.’s Community Service Awards Gala & Banquet at Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel, 500 Stevens Drive, 5 p.m. For info (215) 7486712.

Jan. 18- AOH / LAOH Division 51 Communion Breakfast Holy Name of Jesus Church, Gaul & Berks Sts., 10:30 a.m. Mass. Breakfast follows in Church Hall. AOH National President Seamus Boyle speaks. Tickets at door.

Jan. 19- Earthquake Moore leads community cleanup at New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Ch., 66th & Woodland Ave., 10 a.m.; Playing For The King youth basketball, 1 p.m.; historical reenactment march, 5 p.m. For info Paul (215) 386-2696.

Jan. 22- Friends of Berean Institute meeting at 1091 Gi-

rard Ave., 6-8 p.m. Effort to reorganize trade school. Call (215) 763-4833 Jan. 23- Juniata Golf Fdn. Holds Fundraiser at Juniata Pk. Boys Club, L & Cayuga Sts., 7-12 p.m. Tickets $30.

For info call Bob Wheeler (215) 743-4060.

Jan. 28- Phila. Commercial Development Corp. presents Retirement Planning for Small Businesses at 1441 Sansom St., Suite 300, 6-7:30 p.m. For reservations call (215) 7902200 or email events@pcdc1.com.

Jan. 28- Fundraiser for Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 1201 Filbert St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Call Jeff Felder for info (267) 809-2626.

Jan. 29- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen hosts Standards of Excellence accountability training for nonprofits in 3rd Senatorial Dist. at Learning Center/TUHS, Hunting Park Ave. & Stokley St., 9 a.m.-12 m., registration 8:30 a.m. Free for 3rd Dist. nonprofits, $3040 for others. To inquire call (215) 227-6161 or email to kwaters@pasenate.com.

Jan. 29- State Rep. Babette Josephs, Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, others on redistricting public forum at 1st Unitarian Ch., 2125 Chestnut St., 7:30-9:30.

Of

Philadelphia and Vicinity

Union Labor...

Building it right for a better and stronger community!

Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and vicinity is comprised of four unions: Local 135, Daniel L. Woodall, Jr., James Vail Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 332, Samuel Staten, Jr., Vincent Primavera, Sr. Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 413, James Harper,Sr., Fred Chiarlanza Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 57, Richard McCurdy, Jr., Harry Hopkins Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Laborers District Council, Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager.

Samuel Staten, Sr., Business Manager Emeritus of the Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity and Local 332.

Laborers’ District Council promotes a safe work environment, jobs completed on time and on budget, and represents union members, who are well trained, productive, professional, and take pride in their work. Union labor…building better and safer communities in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.

This ad is presented by LECET

Web: www.ldc-phila-vic.org Administrator, Richard Legree

UNION LABORERS WE DON’T JUST DO IT WE DO IT SAFE Our mission is to promote and enhance Contractor competitiveness And to protect the occupational health And safety of Laborers and their families.

Laborers District Council sponsors LDC Health and Safety Fund Local 135, Daniel L.Woodall, Jr., Business Manager; Local 332, Samuel Staten, Jr., Business Manager; Local 413, James Harper, Business Manager; Local 57, Richard A. McCurdy, Jr. Business Manager; Laborers’ District Council, Building Better and Safer Communities in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan area of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Business Manager; Laborers’ District Council; Business Manager; Ryan N. Boyer Samuel Staten, Sr. Business Manager Emeritus Of Laborers’ District Council and Local 332

Remember – Do It right, Do It Safe, Do It Union Administrator, Richard Legree, Sr. Director, Juan Bacote Management Trustees: James Vail and Steve Whiney

Web: www.ldc-phila-vic.org

www.phillyrecord.com

The Laborers Employers Cooperation and Education Trust 319 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Telephone: 215-922-6139 Fax: 215-922-6109

319 N. 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 Tel: 215-925-5327 • Fax: 215-925-5329

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

Laborers’ District Council Health and Safety Fund

Page 11

LDC HEALTH AND SAFETY FUND

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

page 12

Blondell ‘Warms Up’ Kids

SANTA CLAUS and super volunteer Frances Williams look on as Miss Philadelphia, Brintha Vasagar and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown provide warmth of new coat to child and mother from Interim House West Shelter.

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown in partnership with Driving Away the Cold (partnership between Operation Warm and Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation) distributed new hats, gloves, scarves and coats to over 1500 children from more than 40 homeless shelters and agencies around the City of Philadelphia.

This year Driving Away the Cold generously donated 3000 new coats matching all hat and glove sets at the 9th annual Warmth In Winter Grande Finale.

For the past nine years, Reynolds Brown’s Warmth in Winter Holiday Drive has been collecting new hats, gloves and scarves for homeless children.

The success of this initiative continues to be possible with the support of Aramark, Health Partners, Laborers Local 332, the Office of Supportive Housing, PhillyCarShare, Salvation Army, the Philadelphia Free Library,

2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

the Philadelphia Theatre Company, Teenagers In Charge Foundation, Verizon, Wachovia, Wal-Mart, West Oak Lane Senior Center and a host of other organizations and individuals.

Waters Hosts 7th Awards

State Rep. Ronald G. Waters and Community Friends Networking Together will host the 7th annual Celebration of Community Service Awards Gala and Banquet. Set for 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, the banquet will be held at the Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel, 500 Stevens Drive.

This year’s Trailblazer Award and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award will be presented to Lynette M. Brown-Sow and Tamika Felder, respectively.

For more information, contact (215) 748-6712.

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The Public Record • January 15, 2009

SHADOWBOXER has to once again acknowledge the work of US Sen. John McCain for his unending commitment to reforming the sport of boxing. The former US Presidential candidate was back at work in the Senate last Tuesday fighting for the boxing community. On the very first day of the 111th Congress, McCain was joined by Sen. Byron Dorgan in introducing legislation to establish a national boxing commission to regulate the sport.

McCain spearheaded the passage of the first two national bills to protect boxers: the Professional Boxing Safety Act, which requires medical care and Federal ID cards, and the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act which requires promoters to disclose any fees they receive. A former boxer himself at the Naval Academy and avid boxing fan frequently seen sitting ringside at World Championship fights, he has long been a passionate advocate of the sport. McCain has been quoted as saying, “Boxers are the most exploited athletes in our nation.” He intends to change this with the protections boxers would have if a national boxing commission is created.

SHADOWBOXER will be at the New Alhambra Arena (Swanson & Ritner Streets) in South Philly tomorrow night for an exciting night of professional boxing being presented by Greg Robinson’s Xtreme Productions. The eight-bout card features Lenny DeVictoria v. Ryan Belasco in the main event. First bout is 7:30 p.m. with tick-

Page 13

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page 14 The Public Record • January 15, 2009 www.phillyrecord.com

Medical Record

Pa. Has Mediocre Anti-Smoke Record

Pennsylvania's tobaccocontrol policies earned mixed grades, with "C’s” for its smoke-free air policy, cigarette tax and cessation coverage and an "F" in tobacco-prevention and -control spending in a report this week from American Lung Association.

It graded states on smokefree air laws; cigarette-tax rates; tobacco-prevention and -control program funding; and coverage of cessation treatments and services.

"Pennsylvania's legislators have made progress by passing a bill that strengthened the State's weak smoking restrictions in workplaces, but it was riddled with exemptions," said Deborah P. Brown, vice president of community outreach and advocacy for the ALA of the Mid-Atlantic.

The bill took effect on Sep. 11, 2008 and eliminated smoking in most restaurants, nightclubs and many workplaces, but exempted many sites, including up to 50% of

casino floors, some restaurants and bars, truck stops and residential adult-care facilities.

"The ALA in Pennsylvania was disappointed the smoke-free law was not more inclusive, and feels Pennsylvania leaders missed an opportunity to take a big step forward by protecting all workers from secondhand smoke," Brown stated.

Tobacco-related illness remains the number-one preventable cause of death in the US and is responsible for an estimated 31,390 deaths in Pennsylvania. Tobaccorelated illness claims close to 393,000 American lives every year and costs our nation $193 billion annually.

Almost 50,000 additional deaths are due to secondhand smoke exposure; the US Surgeon General has declared there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Funds allocated to Pennsylvania's tobacco-prevention and -cessation program

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Page 15 The Public Record • January 15, 2009

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The Public Record • January 15, 2009

page 16

Seth Models Campaign After Obama’s

DA CANDIDATE Seth Williams unveiled his growing support from State legislators at press conference in City Hall.

Attorney Williams claimed support from 11 of city’s Harrisburg delegation.

It’s no secret Seth Williams has picked up some campaign tips during his sojourn with the Obama Campaign committee.

He’s going the way of the internet to build up his campaign war chest and volunteer army. He’s also developing rank-and-file support. In this case the rank and file were elected officials from the State Democratic caucus.

Attending a press conference at City Hall on Tuesday

to show their support were State Sen. Anthony Williams, with State Reps. Mark Cohen, Rosita Youngblood, Ron Waters, and Tony Payton. Williams also claimed support by Sate Sen. Shirley Kitchen and State Reps.

Frank Oliver, Angel Cruz, Cherelle Parker and Vanessa Brown.

DA candidate Williams also announced, “As part of my effort to reach as many voters in as many ways as

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possible, I have launched Facebook, MySpace, Black Planet, Twitter and YouTube pages to keep my supporters up-to-date and to attract new ones.

“These social networking sites will help you follow my campaign and learn more about my plans for reforming the office of the District Attorney. So many of you have already used my campaign's website – www.votesethwilliams.com – to support my campaign, and I hope you will use my new social networking pages to stay involved – and get your friends involved, too!

“To view my social networking pages and interact with me, visit the following links: • Facebook: Visit www.face book.com and search for "Seth Williams" under the Groups section.

• MySpace: Visit www.myspace.com/SethWilliams4DA • Black Planet: Visit www. blackplanet.com/Seth4DA • Twitter: Visit www.twitter.com/Seth4DA and click ‘Follow Seth4DA’ • YouTube: Visit www.you tube.com/VoteSethWilliams “We’ll be regularly updating all these sites and even sending along special opportunities and inside information about my campaign to all who sign up as one of my ‘friends’.

“When I announced my campaign for Philadelphia DA, I invited you to join me in making our communities safe places to live, work and raise our families. I hope my new social networking pages will help us continue that work and encourage you to share your thoughts on what direction we need to take our city in. Please feel free to reach out, be it a phone call, email or ‘friend request’.”

Denny O’Brien Back Home State Rep. Dennis O'Brien, now marking his 16th term of service to the people of the 169th Legislative Dist. in the General Assembly, stepped down from the role of Speaker and is now able to give more time to his constituents.

"I always struggle to find

the words that begin to express the level of gratitude I feel for my constituents," O'Brien said. "They have repeatedly shown their faith in me and I intend to continue working hard to ensure their expectations for responsible leadership are met. I look forward to continuing my service in that regard and offer the 169th Legislative Dist. a heartfelt 'thank you'."

O'Brien brings 30 years worth of legislative experience to the table, having already worked on some of the Commonwealth's most pressing issues. Health care, veterans' rights, economic development, early intervention and ensuring quality nursing services have all been high priorities throughout his tenure in the House. During the 2007-08 legislative session, he set out to provide Pennsylvanians with a more trustworthy government as Speaker of the House.

"Over the last two years, I have presided over a legislative body that made enormous strides in making our government more open and accountable," O'Brien added. "We spent six weeks reviewing existing House rules and proposing changes. More than 30 of our suggestions were adopted, and as a result, the public now has unprecedented access to government records, including those of the Legislature."

Additionally, O'Brien has led the charge to provide children with disabilities in Pennsylvania with the resources, education and opportunities they need and has garnered statewide recognition for his efforts to shed light upon autism-spectrum disorders.

In his newest role as chair of the House Children & Youth Committee, O'Brien is widely expected to make a positive and lasting impact on Pennsylvania. Last year, O'Brien successfully introduced legislation requiring private health insurers to provide coverage for services to children with autism. He will continue to champion these causes and numerous other issues that affect children.

Page 17

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

www.phillyrecord.com

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

page 18

Page 19

Yo, Philly! How ‘bout dem Birds? It’s your long-lost, floppyeared, thick-skinned Republican buddy, back from a much-needed retreat in the Sahara. After our second thrashing in as many elections, I needed a “vacay” to recuperate and regroup. Mission accomplished as I’m now tanned, rested, and ready to kick some Donkey derriere.

As one of our own once said, “All good is hard, all evil is easy.

Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity are easy. Stay away from easy!” With that in mind, let’s get busy. We’ve got some tough work to do in 2009.

Me, I’m getting a little too long in the tusk to stay awake for “Saturday Night Live”! But I do keep an eye on the up-and-comers, so let’s talk about a few of them for the New Year.

It was sweet music to these long ears to hear a whisper AL SCHMIDT was pondering a run for City Controller. Al’s been getting some nice press lately and he deserves it. Three words describe this talented fella: competence, honesty and integrity. He walks among the old guard and young bucks in the party with equal ease and could unite the party behind a worthy cause. If there was ever a time Philadelphia needed a leader to balance the books, root out corruption, and get things squared away, it’s now. Even Donkeys who want to kick the fox out of the henhouse may take a hard look at this guy.

While I was out of town, word has it the Loyal Opposition held a barn-burner of a Christmas party at MIKE CIBIK’S “Leopard Lounge”. State Committee Southeast Chairman JOE DeFELICE, along with ADAM LANG, LINDA WOLF BATEMAN, MIKE MORRISON, KEVIN KELLY, WALLY ZIMOLONG and President MARC COLLAZZO imbibed, devoured, conferred, and strategized over the standard Cibik delicacies. A special guest from the Log Cabin Republicans provided the entertainment. It is indeed a big tent at Mike’s Society Hill lair.

Speaking of Morrison, have you seen his website “Without Objection” (www.withoutobjection.com)? Mike and his young gun ISRAEL RILEY have created a fantastic site that (Cont. Page 22)

We Gladly Accept Food Coupons

WANTED SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA Huggins & Scott Auctions is looking to buy or consign your VINTAGE Sports Cards & Memorabilia + older Americana type collectibles incl Toys, Games, Trains, Comics, Coins, Political Items, etc. for our next World Wide Internet Auction WE TAKE IT ALL & WE SELL IT ALL. Call Steve at 215-530-4365 to discuss your collection or to get a free catalog Visit our web page at: www.hugginsandscott.com

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Memories they’ll always Cherish.

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STATE SEN. MIKE STACK is sponsoring a Presidential “idol” arts contest. It is for grades K-8 in schools located in the 5th Senatorial Dist. Students may select a President from GEORGE WASHINGTON on until GEORGE W. BUSH. They are free to use any art medium and display their art on a standard poster sideboard. Entries must be submitted by Feb. 2, 2009. They should be submitted to his Senatorial offices at 12361 Academy Road or 8016 Bustleton Avenue.

JUDGE GENE MAIER is back from a cruise of the Caribbean. He and his wife LANA were joined by friend BILL MURRAY and his friend MARY SCOTT. The ship visited the Lesser Antilles, including the island of Barbados, where they stopped off to visit with old friend RALPH DUNGAN and his wife JUDY. The Dungans live on Barbados the year round. He is the former Ambassador of the United States to Chile and was also part of the Kennedy White House.

The first day for filing for Judge is fast approaching. It arrives during the early part of February. TERESA SARMINA was reported as a candidate for Superior Court in an earlier edition. She is actually running for Supreme Court and reports her campaign is moving along nicely.

Quite a few people from Philadelphia have planned to attend Obama inauguration. It appears the weather is going to set records for cold, which undoubtedly will influence the size of the crowd participating in the pre-inauguration parade. The John F. Kennedy inauguration was preceded by a gigantic snowstorm which covered Washington, D.C. with a continuous snowfall of almost 24 hours. The parade nevertheless took place. The expectation for the Obama parade is the same will happen.

(Cont. Page 22)

www.phillyrecord.com

Yo! Here we go again with instructions on How to Drive In Jersey. They were sent in by a New Jersey reader Lenny R. Ready? Here we go.

1. You must first learn to pronounce this city’s name. It is “Nork” – rhymes with Fork, not New-ark.(That one’s in Delaware.)

2. The morning rush hour is from 5 a.m. to noon. The evening rush hour is from nopon to 7 p.m. Friday’s rush hour starts on Thursday morning.

3. The minimum acceptable speed on the Turnpike is 80 mph. On the Parkway it’s 75 or 80.

Anything less is considered “Sissy.”

4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Jersey has its own version of traffic rules.

For example, cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, in Camden Co., SUV driving, cellphone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.

5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended, cussed out, and possibly shot.

6. Never honk at anyone. EVER! Seriously. It’s another offense that can get you shot.

7. Road construction is permanent and continuous in all of Jersey. Detour barrels are moved around for your entertainment pleasure during the middle of the night to make the next day’s driving a bit more exciting.

8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, skunks, dogs, cats, barrels, cones, celebs, rubber-neckers, shredded tires, cell-phoners, deer and other road kill, and homeless people feeding on any of these items.

9. MapQuest does NOT work here. None of the roads are where they say they are or go (Cont. Page 22)

GIVE THE GIFT OF NOSTALGIA Give the 5 Waffleman Books

Carl Jeff & Barbara

CARL’S FARM

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

Snooper’s “Where Are They Now”: Hey Boss, an old friend of yours, HON. IRV HOMER, asked me to say hello to you. He can now be heard on WBCB RADIO, 1490 on your AM dial, from 1 till 2 p.m. every day! “Uncle Irv” also has his own ‘on line’ broadcast show and it’s becoming really famous. You can reach Uncle Irv on WBCB at (215) 949-3232. Yes, he is the same Irv Homer we all listened to on WWDB RADIO. Call him!

Snooper Sighting: Hey VINCE FENERTY, I met one of your ‘elite’, BILL MONTELEONE, JR. Yes Chief, he works for The Philadelphia Parking Authority; no, you will not see him on its TV SHOW “Parking Wars”. Monteleone was a former PAROLE OFFICER for The Court of Common Pleas. His Dad, he was the famous CAPT. WILLIAM MONTELEONE, SR. – Sheriff’s Office. Hey Vince, you’ll notice he does come from a great family, and one that taught him RESPECT and LOYALTY. Also you can add HONESTY. A great guy!

Snooper Alert: You can send your EMAILS to –snooper2@live.com. Yes, I do read all of them as you can see. I answer all my EMAILS personally, or in this column.

Snooper’s Court Docket Files: By now, we all know about The Supreme Court and what it did to its respective Court Docket, especially regarding a few of our Philadelphia Judges.

Cited were a few disciplinary problems with three of our Judges. These Judges were from MUNICIPAL COURT, COMMON PLEAS COURT and TRAFFIC COURT. The actions of The Supreme Court really didn’t surprise anyone here because we knew, more or less, they were going to do what they did. Now we will see what they have planned for other Judges here in Philadelphia. The Supreme Court will be quite busy again!

Snooper’s Special Email From Charles Knapp, D.C.A.: Steven Wulko, Quality Assurance Officer for the Trial Division - Civil, received the prestigious 2008 Employee of the Year Award during the Trial Division - Civil's Holiday Luncheon. Deputy Court Administrator (Cont. Page 22)

page 20 The Public Record • January 15, 2009 www.phillyrecord.com

Pleasures of the Palate

by Len Lear Valanni, the Medi-Latin restaurant at 1229 Spruce Street, is introducing “Forks and Corks,” a new dinner series for 2009. The series debuts Tuesday, Jan. 20, with a four-course wine and paella dinner, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.

“When I went to Spain, there was this little restaurant actually called ‘Paella’ in Madrid. They were known to have some of the best paella in the country, and I fell in love with the stuff, even bought my first paella pan right there from the restaurant,“ said executive chef R. Evan Turney.

“When I came back to the States, I started playing around with my own dishes.

They use different rice in Spain, and I think the secret

‘Forks and Corks’ will be on the plates at Valanni

to our paella at Valanni is our rice. It has so much more flavor than traditional varieties in this country.”

The “Forks and Corks” dinners includes four courses — tapas, cheeses, familystyle meat and seafood paella and dessert, each paired with a Spanish wine. There will be a vegetarian paella option available upon request.

There are two seatings available on Jan. 20, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The cost is $55 per person. Reservations for “Forks and Corks” are strongly encouraged, and can be made online at valanni.com or by calling (215) 790-9494.

(Interestingly, Evan Turney’s sister, Marcie, is also a terrific chef in Center City with her own restaurant.

Marcie and her partner in business and life, Valerie Safran, are the owners of Lolita, a popular bring-your-

own-tequila restaurant at 106 S. 13th Street that serves up spicy Mexican cuisine in that emerging neighborhood. The duo owns two other spots on the same block: Open House, a home-design store, and Grocery, a market and cafe.)

Leap into New Year The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 700 Walnut Street, is partnering with Frog’s Leap Winery for a wine dinner on the evening of Friday, Jan. 16. For $75 per person, the menu will consist of a fivecourse meal, each course complemented with a Frog’s Leap wine.

At the dinner, guests will experience combinations from executive chef David Wiederholt such as: Japanese himachi crudo with a Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley, 2006); Alaskan king crab ravioli with a Frog’s Leap Chardonnay (Napa Valley, 2007); Alaskan monkfish confit with a Frog’s Leap Petit Sirah,

Len Lear (Rutherford, 2006); and braised beef short ribs with a Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford, 2004).

“Frog’s Leap is a terrific California winery,” said Wiederholt. “Creating the menu for this event was exciting because the flavors and aromas pair so well with a variety of cuisines. I think this menu showcases the organic quality of the wines and The Oceanaire’s commitment to ultra-fresh ingredients.”

Seating is limited, so reservations should be made

in advance! For additional information on the Oceanaire’s wine dinner, call (215) 625-8862 or visit www.theoceanaire.com.

Mid-town martinis With the new year comes a new Martini Hour menu at Stephen Starr’s chic Rittenhouse Square eatery, Continental Mid-town, 1801 Chestnut Street. Beginning this week, Continental Midtown will serve a Martini Hour menu at all bar tables including the first-floor bar, second-floor bar and lounge, and the third-floor rooftop bar and lounge. From 5 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, the Martini Hour menu will feature a handful of global tapas and many of the restaurant’s signature martinis and cocktails at reduced prices.

For $4 to $6, guests can snack on a variety of sides and small plates, including hummus and pita; steamed edamame; Szechuan shoestring fries; tofu chive

dumplings; orange-chileglazed calamari; and barbecued chicken quesadilla.

For $3 to $6, guests can sip on wines by the glass (Redwood Creek Cabernet; Pio Pinot Grigio), beer (Miller Lite; Kenzinger) and signature cocktails such as Buzz Aldrin; pomegranate Daiquiri; grape crush; champagne-o-rama and Smirnoff martini.

For more information, call (215) 567-1800.

Great ‘Green’ bargain St. Stephen’s Green at 1701 Green Street in Fairmount has one of city’s best dining bargains on Monday and Tuesday nights. For just $22.95 per person, you can get a complete three-course dinner.

Much-acclaimed chef Ben McNamara’s menu, which changes weekly, includes seasonal favorites such as braised beef in Guinness beer served over a bed of basmati rice. For more information, call (215) 769-5000.

Page 21 The Public Record • January 15, 2009

I am pleased to join with all Americans as we celebrate the completion of the circle from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama

www.phillyrecord.com

page 22 The Public Record • January 15, 2009

Elephant Corner (Cont. From Page 19) covers local and national politics and opinion near and dear to every Elephant’s heart. These talented conservatives are taking the message right into North Philly and beyond.

And check out the pachyderms roaming around the At-Large City Council hunt of 2011. We know Zimolong, Lang and DAVID OH are willing to campaign. Maybe ELMER MONEY? Maybe JIMMY D.? The list goes on and on. Jump on in, fellas, the water’s warm. But it’ll freeze quickly if the piggybank only has dust in it, so start raising some money.

Is SCOTT SIGMAN in or out for DA ’09?

I could get excited about a Schmidt-Sigman ticket in 2009 but a decision has to be made …

Snooper (Cont. From Page 19) Charles A. Mapp, Sr. stated the Civil Employee of the Year Award was established in 2005 to recognize employees whose performance and conduct consistently demonstrate a high level of commitment, innovation and initiative. This award is given to one of our Civil employees, who consistently perform, well beyond what

City Hall Sam

(Cont. From Page 19) HENRY WINKLESPECHT is making progress with his broken hip. He fell towards the end of October and nevertheless had experienced a decent recovery.

One of the great citizens and philanthropists of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, ROBERT TRAINER, died after a heart attack which he sustained at his winter home on Hilton Head in South Carolina. His family donated their real estate on which the very extensive school and church plant which is the parish of St. Christopher is located. He was active with many organizations and was a lifetime fan of the sport of basketball. He had played varsity basketball for St. Joseph’s College. He was also an excellent golfer. His family is highly respected and he is a great loss to the city of Philadelphia.

www.phillyrecord.com

Waffleman

(Cont. From Page 19) where they say they do and all the Turnpike EZ Pass lanes are moved each night once again to make your ride more exciting.

10.If someone actually has their Turn Signal ON, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been “accidentally activated.”

11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 70 in a 55-65 mph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be “flipped off” accordingly. If you return the flip, you’ll be shot.

12. Do not try to estimate travel time. Just leave Monday afternoon for Tuesday appointments, by noon Thursday for Friday appointments, and right after church on Sunday for anything on Monday morning.

Enjoy safe driving in New Jersey!

and quickly. With Philadelphia awash in crime, we need a guy who’s serious about sending criminals away to make little rocks out of big rocks. Enough of the bad guys walking free to terrorize our neighborhoods again and again!

Philly’s finest do love Scott, because he’s good in a foxhole. Some leftwing judges could find their names splashed across the front page if they let career criminals walk on his watch.

Next week, I’ll let you know the names squarely in front of the stampede that’s coming downhill from State Committee Chairman ROBERT GLEASON, JR. and other big-time GOP donors. Turns out they’re not so content with losing election after election after all.

Is MICKEY McKEOWN slated for a prime-time role in Bucks County political circles? Could be. I’ll see ya after the Inauguration – but not at it! their job description requires. Mr. Wulko is known throughout City Hall for always going above and beyond the call of duty, by providing outstanding customer service to the public. He is recognized for a level of professionalism and service that is really unmatched. Congratulations Steve! Much deserved! A GREAT CHOICE TOO! Thank you, Charles Knapp, for this one.

Snooper’s EMAIL SERVICE: I received a good one from DOUG HENNIGAR, who happens to work for a great Judge, HON. BRAD MOSS, Supervising Judge - Municipal Court.

Doug told me all about an incident regarding him and Frank Talent, a retiree of Municipal Court. Apparently this occurred in Macy’s on Market Street. He stated, “Frank needed some help, because he had a suspicion about this guy who was staying very close to him at the counter while making a purchase. Frank knew this guy as a pickpocket. He then asked me to walk with him as he left the store because he was very afraid of what this guy might do to him. I then proceeded to walk Talent out the door.” Thanks!

Snooper’s BIG QUESTION: Hey Chief, it seems our readers are a very serious lot, if you know what I mean. A few weeks ago, you may remember I mentioned “THE RADISSON GANG” and yes, they wanted to know who they really are and how can one contact all of them. Remember, I told you these LADIES do not make personal appearances. However, they can be seen at any one of your favorite shopping malls. I did get to speak to a gentleman named “JAY” who told me these LADIES will always keep to themselves. Question: Who are they and what are their names?

Aspite, Inc. Auto Auction Center

7000 State Road • Philadelphia, PA 19135

(215) 335-4884 Fax (215) 333-7793

In accordance with Chapter 73 of the Vehicle Code and authorization of the Department of Transportation, there will be a public auction of the below listed vehicles, January 15, 2009 at 1:30 PM. The location: 7000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA. All sales final. Cash only.

STOCK# YEAR MAKE

V.I.N.

SPV-7718 1996 CHEVROLET 1GNDT13WOT2288682

CTRL# 830193

US-1622

1999 PONTIAC

1GMDX03E1XD100448

840961

US-1625

1992 TOYOTA

4T13K12E8NU147602

840960

US-1643

1998 MERCURY

1MEFM13P8WW610133

841288

US-1659

2002 NISSAN

4N2ZN15T32D812273

841378

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MANY MORE VEHICLES TO BE ADDED •••

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY CIVIL ACTION - LAW Term No. 081001238 NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC Plaintiff vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROBERT D. BEATTY AND MILDRED A. SYPHERD Mortgagor and Real Owner Defendants TO: Unknown Heirs of Robert D. Beatty, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant, whose last known address is 2443 South Edgewood Street Philadelphia, PA 19142.

THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT OWED TO OUR CLIENT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM YOU WILL BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING THE DEBT. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 081001238 wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 2443 South Edgewood Street Philadelphia, PA 19142 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia County.

NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the above, 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 claimed in the Complaint or 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. PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION One Reading Center Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-238-6333 COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES, INC. Law Center North Central 3638 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19140 215-227-2400 or 215-981-3700

Michael T. McKeever Attorney for Plaintiff Goldbeck McCafferty & McKeever, PC Suite 5000, Mellon Independence Center 701 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106-1532 215-627-1322

(USPS PP 109) Weekly Publication Published by:

The Phila. Public Record The South Phila Public Record

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Associate Editor: Rory G. McGlasson Medical Editor: Paul Tayoun M.D. CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor Bonnie Squires Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: R. William Taylor Photographers: Donald Terry Donna DiPaolo Production Manager: William J. Hanna Bookkeeping: Haifa Hanna Webmaster: Sana Muaddi-Dows Advert. Director: John David Controller: John David Circulation: Steve Marsico The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community.

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State Rep.

State Rep.

Dennis O’Brien

Frank Oliver

169th District 9811 Academy Rd Phila. PA 19114

195th District 2839 W. Girard Ave. Phila. PA 19130

215-632-5150

R EP. A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE 2749 N. 5th St. • 215-291-5643 Staffed by

Joe Evangelista Debbie Toro Ready to Serve you

State Rep.

ROBERT C. DONATUCCI 185th District

215-684-3738

JOHN SABATINA JR. 174th District State Representative 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 Hours: 9am to 5pm Telephone: 215-342-6204

Senator Tina

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

Tartaglione

Serving Philadelphia & Surrounding Areas for 21 years.

On Site Binding - $1.00 lineal ft.

2nd District 1059-61-63 Bridge St

1809 Oregon Ave, Phila., PA 19145

215-533-0440

215-468-1515

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee

127 W. Susquehanna Ave.

215-291-4653 STATE SENATOR

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE

1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538

Room 580 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927

WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com

State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

“The Carpet Contractor II”

State Representative

RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District 6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A

215-748-6712

Carpet & Tile Sales, Installation & Repairs

FREE ESTIMATES

215-365-8321 2530 S. 69th St. (Behind Thrift Store)

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

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OPE N DAY 6 S

As Always, “You Can Walk On Our Reputation!”

Hrs: Mon, Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10-5.

Wednesday & Friday 10-6:30

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. A non-refundable fee for each set of bid documents is as scheduled. The School District will only accept bids from companies that have been placed on its current Pre Qualified Contractors List as shown at psit.org. All School District Project require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications.

State Sen. Shirley M.

Kitchen 3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave.Ste 104 Philadelphia, PA 19132 215-227-6161 www.senatorkitchen.com

Elected Official Place Your Ad Here 215-755-2000

I am joining the Philadelphia Flag Day Association to sponsor a President's Day Arts Contest for K-8 students that attend schools in Senate District 5. If you know a student that is interested in participating, you can obtain the contest rules by visiting my website, www.senatorstack.com, or calling or visiting one of my offices for a copy of the contest rules.

The deadline to submit entries is 5 p.m. on Monday, February 2. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony and breakfast on President's Day, Monday, February 16 at Franklin Towne Charter High School.

Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539

Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM

Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT

Specifications and/or plans and contract documents may be examined and copies thereof obtained from the School Reform Commission, 440 North Broad Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215400-5225. Make checks payable to the School District of Philadelphia.

The School Reform Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL PHILADELPHIA PA 19107-3290

NOTICE CANCELLATION OF STATED MEETING In compliance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, Act 93, 1998, Notice is hereby given the Regular Stated Meeting of City Council scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 10:00 AM. has been cancelled.

Patricia Rafferty Chief Clerk

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8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020

FEE BUDGET B- 027 (C) of 2006/7* Electrical Contract Feltonville Elementary School $100,000.00 $100.00 Fire Alarm & Emergency 4901 Rising Sun Avenue Lighting Upgrade *A mandatory pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on Januray 30, 2009 at 10:00 P.M.

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PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

SINCE 1990

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority A Promising Future

By Championing the Channel-Deepening Project And Substantial Port Expansion

Once Again, We Thank Gov. Ed Rendell For Giving Our Port A Great Opportunity And

John H. Estey, Esq. Chairman

James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director

Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

John F. Dempsey

Deputy Executive Director Administrative Offices: 3460 N. Delaware Ave. 2nd Fl., Phila., PA 19134 (215) 426-2600 • Fax (215) 426-6800 www.philaport.com

REP. JIM ROEBUCK SALUTES

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!

Brighten Your Car’s Colors For The Holidays

PAINT SERVICE www.phillyrecord.com

STARTING AT . . .

95

$129.

MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF ESTIMATE. HURRY...OFFER EXPIRES January , 2009

NEW LOCATION PHILA. AIRPORT AUTO MALL • 215-365-8300

6717 Essington Ave. Commercial vehicles by estimate. Body work, rust repair, and stripping of old paint extra. Not valid with any other offer. MAACO® Auto Painting & Bodyworks centers are independent franchises of MAACO® Enterprises, Inc. Prices, hours and services may vary.

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The Public Record • January 15, 2009

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The Public Record • January 15, 2009

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from Kansas. I was raised with the help of a white grandfather who survived a Depression to serve in Patton's Army during World War II and a white grandmother who worked on a bomber assembly line at Fort Leavenworth while he was overseas. I've gone to some of the best schools in America and lived in one of the world's poorest nations. I am married to a Black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slaveowners – an inheritance we pass on to our two precious daughters. I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on Earth is my story even possible.

It's a story that hasn't made me the most conventional candidate. But it is a story that has seared into my genetic makeup the idea that this nation is more than the sum of its parts – that out of many, we are truly one….

This is not to say that race has not been an issue in the campaign. At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either "too Black" or "not Black enough." We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and Black, but Black and brown as well.

Rev. Wright's comments were not only wrong but divisive, divisive at a time when we need unity; racially charged at a time when we need to come together to solve a set of monumental problems – two wars, a terrorist threat, a falling economy, a chronic health care crisis and potentially devastating climate change; problems that are neither Black or white or Latino or Asian, but rather problems that confront us all….

In my first book, Dreams From My Father, I described the experience of my first service at Trinity: "People began to shout, to rise from their seats and clap and cry out, a forceful wind carrying the reverend's voice

up into the rafters.... And in that single note – hope! – I heard something else; at the foot of that cross, inside the thousands of churches across the city, I imagined the stories of ordinary black people merging with the stories of David and Goliath, Moses and Pharaoh, the Christians in the lion's den, Ezekiel's field of dry bones. Those stories – of survival, and freedom, and hope – became our story, my story; the blood that had spilled was our blood, the tears our tears; until this black church, on this bright day, seemed once more a vessel carrying the story of a people into future generations and into a larger world...."

That has been my experience at Trinity…. And this helps explain, perhaps, my relationship with Rev. Wright….

I can no more disown him than I can disown the Black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of Black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

These people are a part of me. And they are a part of America, this country that I love….

Understanding this reality requires a reminder of how we arrived at this point. As William Faulkner once wrote, "The past isn't dead and buried. In fact, it isn't even past." We do not need to recite here the history of racial injustice in this country.

But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow….

This is the reality in which Rev. Wright and other African Americans of his generation grew up. They came of age in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, a time when segregation was still the law of the land and opportunity was systematically con-

stricted. What's remarkable is not how many failed in the face of discrimination, but rather how many men and women overcame the odds; how many were able to make a way out of no way for those like me who would come after them….

But I have asserted a firm conviction – a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people – that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice if we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union….

The profound mistake of Rev. Wright's sermons is not that he spoke about racism in our society. It's that he spoke as if our society was static; as if no progress has been made; as if this country – a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old – is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know – what we have seen – is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope – the audacity to hope – for what we can and must achieve tomorrow….

In the end, then, what is called for is nothing more, and nothing less, than what all the world's great religions demand – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

Let us be our brother's keeper, Scripture tells us. Let us be our sister's keeper. Let us find that common stake we all have in one another, and let our politics reflect that spirit as well.

For we have a choice in this country. We can accept a politics that breeds division, and conflict, and cynicism. We can tackle race only as spectacle – as we did in the OJ trial – or in the wake of tragedy, as we did in the aftermath of Katrina – or as fodder for the nightly news.…

But if we do, I can tell you that in the next election, we'll be talking about some other distraction. And then another one.

And then another one. And nothing will change.

That is one option. Or, at this moment, in this election,

we can come together and say, "Not this time." This time we want to talk about the crumbling schools that are stealing the future of Black children and white children and Asian children and Hispanic children and Native American children....

This time we want to talk about how the lines in the Emergency Room are filled with whites and Blacks and Hispanics who do not have health care; who don't have the power on their own to overcome the special interests in Washington, but who can take them on if we do it together.

This time we want to talk about the shuttered mills that once provided a decent life for men and women of every race, and the homes for sale that once belonged to Americans from every religion, every region, every walk of life. This time we want to talk about the fact that the real problem is not that someone who doesn't look like you might take your job; it's that the corporation you work for will ship it overseas for nothing more than a profit.

This time we want to talk about the men and women of every color and creed who serve together, and fight together, and bleed together under the same proud flag. We want to talk about how to bring them home from a war that never should've been authorized and never should've been waged, and we want to talk about how we'll show our patriotism by caring for them, and their families, and giving them the benefits they have earned.

I would not be running for President if I didn't believe with all my heart that this is what the vast majority of Americans want for this country. This union may never be perfect, but generation after generation has shown that it can always be perfected.….

It is not enough to give health care to the sick, or jobs to the jobless, or education to our children.

But it is where we start. It is where our union grows stronger. And as so many generations have come to realize over the course of the 221 years since a band of patriots signed that document in Philadelphia, that is where the perfection begins.

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Barack Obama speaking in Philadelphia On Mar. 18, 2008 "We the people, in order to form a more perfect union."

Two hundred and twentyone years ago, in a hall that still stands across the street, a group of men gathered and, with these simple words, launched America's improbable experiment in democracy. Farmers and scholars; statesmen and patriots who had traveled across an ocean to escape tyranny and persecution finally made real their declaration of independence at a Philadelphia convention that lasted through the spring of 1787.

The document they produced was eventually signed but ultimately unfinished. It was stained by this nation's original sin of slavery, a question that divided the colonies and rought the convention to a stalemate until the founders chose to allow the slave trade to continue for at least 20 more years, and to leave any final resolution to future generations.

Of course, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution – a Constitution that had at is very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law; a Constitution that promised its people liberty, and justice, and a union that could be and should be perfected over time.

And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part – through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk – to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time.

This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign – to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the Presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together – unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren.

This belief comes from my unyielding faith in the decency and generosity of the American people. But it also comes from my own American story.

I am the son of a Black man from Kenya and a white woman

The Public Record • January 15, 2009

(Cont. From Page 2) And this will be the day – this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the Pilgrim's pride; From every mountainside, Let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true; And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire; Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York; Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania; Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado; Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia; Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee; Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

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: Completing The Circle

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The Public Record • January 15, 2009

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