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Vol. XI. No. 5 (Issue 470)

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January 29, 2009

Special

Changes Coming To Legislature

Supplement

US Census Will Cause It To Happen

Health This Issue Page 20-23

190 172

202

WRENCH, NOODLE AND BARBELL: These three State House Districts in West, North and Northeast Philadelphia split communities, tack unrelated neighborhoods together and make constituent service burdensome for their Representatives. They may well be among other city districts that could be reshaped into “compact and contiguous” districts after 2010 Census, if reformers have their way.

by Tony West Fifteen months from now, the US Census Bureau will be tallying its massive record of every human being in the nation. A lot will be riding on that count, especially in politics. The General Assembly that is elected in 2010 will then be charged with redrawing the boundaries of districts for US Congress Members – as well as for its own ranks. It’s a game fraught with risk, because no matter what they do, population shifts will push some Senby Rory G.McGlasson ators or Representatives away from Harrisburg’s economics professor familiar neighborhoods into enemy gave Philadelphia’s newest lawmakCity Controller Alan Butkovitz territory. Two incumbents may even ers a freshman course in State budgfound discrepancies with admission be forced to run against each other. eting last week.

Incumbents hate that. And the curHouse Appropriations Chairman monies at three of the City’s ice-skatrent method of redistricting favors a Dwight Evans invited Brendan Boyle, ing rinks in his 2005 Auditor’s Report rough de facto bipartisan peace, in Vanessa Lowery Brown and Kenyatta of the Dept. of Recreation.

STATE REPS. Jewell Williams, Kenyatta Johnson, Vanessa Lowery Johnson to the last of six forums on The inconsistent ticket sales which districts are redrawn to defend Brown, Brendan Boyle and House Appropriations Chairman Dwight the economy and its impact on the records showed employees might as many incumbents as possible by Evans took part in economic forum at CCP last week.

State budget at the Community Col- have been taking cash or just not care- linking their residences to patches (Cont. Page 2) ful with accounting for the tickets. lege in Philadelphia.

Of the eight weekly ticket-sale Other veteran legislators, as well as many community leaders, were records that were examined from Tarken Ice Rink, Scanlon Ice Rink TRI-STATE MALL Claymont, Delaware also hosted.

“It’s important we help the public and Laura Simms Skatehouse, all had (302) 798-7079 understand the state of our finances,” discrepancies. Three of the examined 5 Minutes from Comm. Barry Bridge, Naaman’s Rd, Turn Left, Next to K-Mart said Evans, the legislature’s senior- worksheets showed reported ticket Winston Marlboro Camel Salem sales less then the actual number sold, most budget negotiator. $ .25 $ .25 $ .25 38 Carton 37 Carton 35 Carton He said, “We are facing extremely which was determined by subtracting Monarch Kool Eagle $ .49 difficult choices right now with re- the last ticket number from the first $ .25 $ .49 spect to State spending. There will be ticket number sold for the day. In one Carton 37 Carton 29 Carton $29.49Carton $37.75 (Prices Subject to Change) • SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks To Your Health (Cont. Page 2) (Cont. Page 2)

Evans Hosts Lawmakers’ Controller: Budget Forum $$ Slippery

At Ice Rinks

TOBACCO EXPRESS

Grand Prix 29

page 2 The Public Record • January 29, 2009

Tickets Resold At Ice Rinks

(Cont. From Page 1) day, Tarken lost $280 due to insufficient ticket sales.

In four of the examined worksheets, the same tickets were sold on different dates.

At the Scanlon rink, the same child’s ticket was sold twice during a five-day period.

“Corrective action needs to be taken now so that we can fill in the cracks where uncollected money is slipping through,” said Butkovitz. “A lack of Departmental oversight and following proper procedures loses the City much-needed revenue and it wastes the taxpayers’ hardearned dollars.”

Other deficiencies in-

cluded in the report were that Recreation’s policy regarding complimentary tickets to concerts held at its Robin Hood Dell amphitheater remained elusive. The changes to improve documented revenue amounts for ticket and concession sales were also not substantial.

The Dept. of Recreation operates and manages all City recreational facilities other than those operated by the Fairmount Park Commission.

The Department is responsible for formulating and conducting a comprehensive and coordinated program of cultural- and physical-recreational activities.

Local Legislators Hold Budget Forum (Cont. From Page 1) cuts and we will have to make sacrifices. But we shouldn’t make those decisions from inside the walls of the Capitol.”

The public forums are the latest effort by Evans to open the budget process to more people in Pennsylvania. Last year, for the first time ever, he invited citizens to testify during the annual budget hearings in Harrisburg, and he will do so again this year.

“I want all Pennsylvanians to be engaged in this process so that we have a broad perspective in terms of what the public thinks,” Evans said. “I want all Pennsylvanians to help us determine what our priorities should be. I firmly believe that by working together we can get through this crisis.”

For more information about the state budget, visit the website www.hacd.net.

www.phillyrecord.com

A Real Triumph

33rd ANNUAL Martin Luther King Day of Service kicked off in the main at Triumph Baptist Church in N.W. Phila.

Hundreds gathered to start day to salute ‘The Dreamer’ and his legacy. Among those enjoying pre-service refreshments are from left, guest honorees Rev. Cleveland Edwards, pastor St. Jude Baptist Church; Ducky Birts; Leonard Hard; Charlie Bishop; Lehigh Co. Executive Donald Cunningham; ShopRite owner Jeff Brown; ShopRite VP of operations Paul Brauer; Sid Booker; and State Rep. Jim Roebuck.

How Will Districts Change?

(Cont. From Page 1) where their party is strong.

Gerrymandering, it’s called. Unfortunately, this craft can produce bizarre geographical shapes that throw together communities with few local connections while sundering others. This makes it hard for citizens to figure out who their elected leaders are. It also tends to reduce the number of districts that are competitive, a fact that reduces meaningful voter interest and participation, critics charge.

Public complaints may pressure the current State legislature to find ways to improve the process of reapportionment.

Last year Common Cause and the League of Women Voters pushed a Constitutional amendment that would have dramatically altered the mechanism of reapportionment spelled out in Article II, Section 17(a). However, it died in the House State Government Committee, which is chaired by State Rep. Babette Josephs. Because Constitutional amendments take years to process, there is no way to rewrite Section 17(a) in time for the 2011 reapportionment.

But Josephs admits, “The complaint over the last couple of sessions has been that some districts are awful.”

There may be ways to improve reapportionment that don’t require an amendment, she believes.

Computerization and electronic communications are one key, Josephs argues.

While gerrymandering is as old as the Republic, it has been formidably perfected by computerized mapping tools.

Josephs wants some of these tools to be made available at no cost to the public, to even the playing field against political operatives. Preliminary plans can also be posted on the World Wide Web, for the public to review.

The Constitution already requires public hearings on redistricting plans, but Josephs believes past hearings were not public enough.

“Perhaps by legislation we can hold more hearings, in-

cluding some with evening hours,” she says. “We need to choose meeting sites that are convenient to the affected public.”

Guidelines can be written to further stress preserving contiguous communities of interest, she adds.

State legislative districts are redrawn by a Commission consisting of Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi of Delaware Co. and Minority Leader Robert Mellow of Lackawanna Co., along with House Majority Leader Todd Eachus of Luzerne Co. and Minority Leader Sam Smith of Jefferson Co. If these four are still in office in 2011, they will choose a fifth member, who in effect controls the outcome of partisan disputes.

If they can’t agree on a fifth member, that person will be chosen by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The partisan balance of the Supreme Court becomes extremely important. Currently Democrats hold a slim edge on that body. The result of the 2009 election to fill one Supreme Court vacancy may play an outsized role in shaping Pennsylvania politics for 10 years to come.

Also important will be the party affiliation of the next Governor, who will be elected in 2010. He must sign the final reapportionment measure.

In the 2001 reapportionment, Republicans dominated both House and Senate as well as the Governor’s desk.

The lines drawn that year tended to favor Democrats.

Since then, though, the House has shifted to Democratic control. Josephs notes, “If the people change their mind, they have shown they can overcome these protective boundaries.”

The Senate, however, has remained lopsidedly Republican, by 29-20 (one seat is open). Some Dems will surely press to create better chances for their own in the upper chamber.

In practice, the two parties collaborate more than they contest redistricting. A veteran of earlier reapportion-

ment work describes it thus: “The different regions caucus and settle on the number of pro-Republican and pro-Democratic seats in each area.

Then each party gets to choose which individual legislators to draw lines around.”

This practice tends to protect incumbents. When one party is forced to sacrifice a seat, it is apt to give up one held by a retiring member, a newcomer or a maverick on the outs with party leadership.

Protecting incumbency doesn’t strike Josephs, who has served in the House for 24 years, as a bad thing. “My constituents have made their choice,” she maintains, “and [36-year veteran neighbor] Frank Oliver’s constituents have made theirs. These choices deserve some respect.” Deference to incumbency mitigates extreme partisanship in line-drawing.

Draw lines as they will, though, there will be winners and losers. Philadelphia is certain to lose one House seat.

For a generation or two, decennial redistricting has tended to give Republicans a bump. As big-city Democrats made gains in life, they tended to move to suburbia … and turn Republican. For 50 years the Pennsylvania Dutch Country has been the state’s “Sunbelt”, attracting jobs, people and money … and the Dutch Country voted a stalwart GOP ticket.

The 2010 census may shine a kinder light on the Democrats. That’s because voters’ behavior has been changing in the last few cycles.

Pennsylvania’s population climbed only slightly from 2000 to 2008, by only 167,000, to 12,448,000. As usual, Philadelphia has lost residents while its suburban counties are growing steadily. They are part of a broader band of growth along the state’s eastern and southcentral borders, where economic activity from New York City, Baltimore and Washington is invigorating the Keystone State.

Of late, though, this “little Sunbelt” has been voting increasingly Democratic. Most of the Democrats statewide gains in 2006 and 2008 took place here. Even those counties that stayed in the Republican column saw GOP victory margins shrink.

Statewide, Democrats now enjoy a large registration advantage.

Disaffection with the increasingly hard-right direction of the national Republican Party under President George W. Bush’s leadership was an important factor in this shift. If the GOP remakes its image, it may woo back some centrist Democrats.

But incumbent Democrats now have an opportunity to entrench their funding and volunteer networks in the growth zone. If they succeed, any seats they lose in Philadelphia they can more than gain back elsewhere in the Southeast.

Across the vast center and west of the state, Republicans have been gaining in appeal … while losing the nose count. That three-quarters of Pennsylvania has been losing residents. So it will be hard to draw lines there that will add to the ranks of Republican legislators.

That’s the outlook for State legislators. The US Congress is a different ball of wax.

For starters, there is no way to protect every seat. Because Pennsylvania’s population has stagnated while other parts of America were growing throughout the 2000s, the state will lose at least one Congressional seat. So this redistricting will be a game of musical chairs.

The process differs also.

Congressional reapportionment is handled by a simple bill in the General Assembly, to be voted up or down.

This fact doesn’t trouble Josephs. “Reapportionment is an inherently political process,” she affirms. “That doesn’t mean it can’t be done better or worse.

“One reason we got bad results the last time was because of bad personalities.”

Page 3

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The Public Record • January 29, 2009

Joe Hoffman Sr., Hosts His Famous Gala Attended By All Candidates

A Great Chance to Meet and Greet Future Judges And Committee People From 6:00 till 9:00 p.m.

Super Buffet - Bar - Entertainment Tickets: $125 per person, Committee People: $35

Call Joe Hoffman, Sr. 215-833-1943

www.phillyrecord.com

page 4 The Public Record • January 29, 2009

DA Race Field Grows Quickly The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action will have to increase the number of candidates it plans to invite to a debate. It invited Seth Williams, Dan McElhatton and Michael Turner, but neglected to invite Dan McCaffery, whose first financial statement will send shivers down the backs of the other District Attorney candidates, and Brian Grady, who just this week announced All additional candidates for district attorney will be invited to participate in the ADA’s first-ever, live “Candidate Questionnaire.” The debate will take place on Mar. 25 at the 1st Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut Street, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The debate will be open to the public. However, the majority of seats will be reserved for ADA members. If you are interested in attending, please email your name to TakeAction@PhillyADA.org. If you are a member of ADA, indicate so in your email.

A “Northwester”, Brian Grady announced his candidacy for District Attorney in front of the Dunkin Donut where Philadelphia police officer Charles Cassidy was fatally shot in 2007. Grady and Cassidy were friends and former neighbors.

Grady comes into the event carrying the endorsements and public support from Maureen Faulkner, wife of slain Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner and former Attorney General candidate Jim Eisenhower.

Grady staunchly pledged to fight witness intimidation and return Philadelphia’s neighborhoods to their residents. “Citizens have more fear of criminals than they have confidence in the justice system. This must change.”

Grady served as a Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney for five years before entering private practice in 1998. Grady is a 1993 graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School and received his BA in Economics from La Salle University and

his diploma from La Salle College HS. He currently lives in Roxborough with his wife and four children.

McElhatton Launches Campaign Website When the technology team at votemcelhatton.com set out to create a website for Philadelphia district attorney candidate, Dan McElhatton, it wanted to do more than showcase his stellar achievements and reputation as a no-nonsense former Assistant District Attorney and successful lawyer. “Our goal is to convey a message that says this website is the place to go for not only information about my background, but information on where I stand on the issues facing Philadelphians,” says McElhatton.

The website offers residents detailed information about why the race for DA is critical to Philadelphia. “I’ve lived in this city my entire life and I want to make it a better place to live, work and raise our families. I encourage residents to sign up for email updates and regardless of your

JOHN SABATINA JR.

State Rep.

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

State Rep.

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

215-684-3738

Dennis O’Brien 169th District 9811 Academy Rd Phila. PA 19114

215-632-5150

State Rep.

State Representative

William Keller 184th District

RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District

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www.phillyrecord.com

State Rep.

ROBERT C. DONATUCCI 185th District

Senator Tina

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215-468-1515

2nd Dist.

1059-61-63 Bridge St

Councilman Wm.

215-533-0440

Greenlee

127 W. Susquehanna Ave.

1809 Oregon Ave, Phila., PA 19145

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

215-291-4653

background and experience you can make a difference and votemcelhatton.com will serve as a great resource,” says McElhatton.

Citizens can get involved via votemcelhatton.com by joining the campaign’s Facebook group, volunteering, telling their friends about McElhatton’s campaign or by setting up their own personal

fundraising page.

Residents will be able to see video and photos of events from around city that McElhatton attends and will serve as a daily source of news.

McElhatton will be blogging about his experiences, providing residents with an inside view of the campaign as it relates to the concerns of city residents.

PPA Increases City, School Contribution The Philadelphia Parking Authority will transfer $31.1 million to the City’s general fund and $600,000 to the School District.

The transfers mark a 17% increase over last year’s transfer and 54% more than the Authority contributed in 2007.

The increases are due to the Authority’s efforts to reduce cost and maximize collections, said Ex-

ecutive Director Vincent Fenerty. “We have been tightening our ship for over a year and will continue to so.”

Among changes initiated by Fenerty were a 6% cut in executive salaries, cancellation of some consultant contracts, reduction of staff, and also of use of Authority vehicles by some employees.

STATE SENATOR

State Sen. Shirley M.

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DISTRICT OFFICE

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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.

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Page 5

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The Public Record • January 29, 2009

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page 6 The Public Record • January 29, 2009

Younge Gives Superior Court Another Try Superior Court Judge Jack A. Panella officially announced his candidacy for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania at Larry Holmes Ringside Restaurant in Easton, Pa. “Pennsylvania deserves a Supreme Court whose members adhere to the strictest ethical standards and behave in a manner in keeping with the trust bestowed upon them by the voters.” he said.

“As a Judge, I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring the integrity and fairness of Pennsylvania’s courts. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so much for a cause in which I so strongly believe, and I hope to carry on that work as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

Judge Panella is running for the seat vacated by Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy, who retired on Jan. 7, 2008. Interim Justice Jane Cutler Greenspan was appointed by Governor Edward G. Rendell, but must vacate the seat after the 2009 election.

With a distinguished record of working to ensure the integrity and ethics of the courts,

Judge Panella has been rated “highly recommended” by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

First appointed by the late Gov. Robert P. Casey in 1991, Judge Panella has more than 17 years of experience on the bench, first on the Court of Common Pleas for Northampton County then as a judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

During his twelve years on Court of Common Pleas, Judge Panella presided over civil and criminal trials and was also the Administrative Judge for Asbestos Litigation. In 1997, he was appointed to the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline, and was later elected as President Judge of that court.

Elected to the Superior Court in November 2003, Judge Panella now serves as the statewide Administrative Judge for Wiretap and Electronic Surveillance.

Judge John Younge Seeks Superior Court Common Pleas Court Judge John Younge has announced his candidacy for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court, seeking to fill one of the projected three slots that will be open on the appellate court.

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vide direction or set precedent.

Jurists for this bench must be able to sort through thousands of appeals and be able to assert solid judgments. It requires judges with serious legal minds of high competence, impeccable character and strong commitment — a judge like Younge.

Voters first selected Younge for the bench in 1995 and then chose to retain him in 2005. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges and is a member of

“I’m energized and ready to go,” Younge said. “The judicial system can be complex, but we have a responsibility to make it accessible and understandable for every citizen. So I’m looking forward to re-introducing myself to the people of Pennsylvania, from Midland to Milford, Lewisburg to Lancaster, Erie to Philly.

The State Superior Court hears any and every appeal from the trial court level — unlike the State Supreme Court, which only hears cases that pro-

the House of Delegates of the Pennsylvania Bar Association as well as the National Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association and the Barristers Association of Philadelphia.

Prior to donning his robe, Younge operated a communitybased private law practice, later transitioning to the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. He served for 10 years there, rising to the rank of deputy executive and general counsel.

Married with three children, he resides in Philadelphia.

DON CUNNINGHAM, right, is campaigning for Governor. He’s seen here with Brian Preski, Esq.

UT O B A ASK ULL OUR F R A 30 YE TEE AN GUAR

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Page 7*

Our Opinion ...

Shame On Daily News

Another Opinion Save Tarken Rink

Having recruited players, coached, and administered clinics, I am very familiar with our City’s ice-hockey program. I have had the sheer joy of working with the children setting up ‘Mites on Ice’ between periods at The Philadelphia Flyers & Phantoms game.

Mites on Ice enables the children of Tarken to compete on the very ice skated upon by the pros. Imagine being a 12-year-old kid, who can’t afford to purchase a ticket to a

professional hockey game, now readying yourself to soar on the ice at The Wachovia Center and The Spectrum. It’s a dream come true ... a forever memory.

I am writing to put the spotlight on the tremendous success of Tarken’s hockey programs. Its positive impact on our community has been enormous. Over the last year, severe cuts were made in many city programs and services. Tarken took its lumps, too. Nonetheless, a path to success was found thanks to the efforts of the recreation staff, and supervisor Bruce Mann.

Under Mann’s leadership, in just over two years, the size of the youth ice-hockey program doubled to over 120 boys and girls ages 6-17. Several time slots were even created for beginners to hockey and clinics for those who are experienced. Parents and staff alike have applauded Mann both for his initiative and dedication. Mann has completed this feat despite a nearly 60% reduction in staff.

Mann has helped along with the staff to increased attendance during the public skate sessions, which serve the local community, church groups, after school programs, and several local schools. He has brought a high degree of respect and

professionalism to the rink.

He has secured mutual respect from both players and parents.

Mann assures that he has patient staff that takes time to work with some of the younger players to instruct and guide them to become better players. Furthermore, Mann has worked closely with The Snider Foundation to bring a diverse group of inner-city youths to the ice.

These kids might otherwise never have the chance to enjoy the good clean fun of ice-hockey competition.

Commissioner Slawson, any further cuts to Tarken Ice Rink will be devastating to the hockey community.

The devoted parents and hard working coaches all volunteer their time and talent to keep us afloat. We all share the same passion – enriching the lives of these underserved children. Tarken Rink lays claim to being “home” to many a local high-school team at affordable rates. The loss of ice time would be a hardship to them.

During these challenging times replete with budget cuts, I respectfully urge the Commissioner to remember the critical importance of the Tarken Ice Rink – the tireless staff, devoted volunteers, and of course, the ultimate beneficiaries, the kids. The staff

and volunteers are irreplaceable to this community. The Tarken Ice Rink has value to the parents and the youth of this community beyond its recreational aspects. It also serves as a source of great pride.

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. For this and so many other reasons, we welcome your attendance at any of our games. Be sure to bring your smile meter. The enjoyment of the players on the ice and the pride of their parents will send it sky high!

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 p.m.

Jan. 30- Grand Opening Community College Ctr. for International Understanding and Biennial Magazine Breakfast at Ctr. for Business & Industry at Rm. C2-5, 18th & Callowhill, 8 a.m.

Feb. 6- S. Phila. Business Association Scholarship Dinner at Galdo’s Catering, 20th & Moyamensing Ave., 7 p.m.

Donation $55. For reservations (215) 336-1108.

Feb. 9-13- Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center encourages Philadelphians to visit VA Hospital, University & Woodland Aves., during National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. For info contact Melissa Heinlein (215) 823-5800, ext. 6830.

Feb. 19- Friends of Marian Tasco honor the Council Majority Leader at Penna. Academy of Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad St., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Tickets range $250-$2500.

For info call (215)843-8482 Feb. 20- Phila. Chinatown Development Corp. marks Chinese New Year celebration, Year of Ox, at Ocean City Restaurant, 234 N. 9th St., 6 p.m. For info John Chin at (215) 922-2156.

Feb. 23- 1st Ward Democratic Committee meets at Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $125 ($35 for committee persons). Call Joe Hoffman (215) 833-1943.

Apr. 25- German American Police Association honors Geno’s Joe Vento as Man of Year at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd. For details call President Jim Schwartz (856) 236-2286.

www.phillyrecord.com

by Scott Cummings President, Mayfair Civic Association President, 15th Police Dist. Advisory Council I want to thank Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson for all she’s doing to make our City an extraordinary place. As an ice-hockey coach at Tarken Recreation Center for the last 10 years, I have witnessed the glorious “magic” the Dept. of Recreation has spread throughout our beloved Philadelphia.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

The Daily News campaign to have City Council members surrender a percentage of their pay by 5% is shameful.

It published their pictures under the title of “Rogue’s Gallery”.

Having taken cuts to help reduce the budget gap are Council Members Wilson Goode, Joan Krajewski, President Anna Verna, Marian Tasco, Frank DiCicco, Jim Kenney, Bill Green and Curtis Jones, Jr. To some who are in the city’s Drop Program, it makes sense. To some of the fledgling first-timers, it might be worth the sacrifice to create good first impressions.

Now the Daily News is running the rogue’s gallery once a week until all Council Members have agreed to pay cuts.

If we had the ability to print daily, we’d gladly public pics of at least a score of the executives of both the Daily News and Inquirer who make, as much, if not more than Council Members. We would urge them to take pay cuts to help Philadelphia Media Holdings weather the loss of revenue it now suffers due to the recession.

Council Members are not bankers. Neither are the City’s row-officeholders, nor its State Senators and Representatives. The majority have no other income source. Based on what they do, the hours they spend in and out of office, their pay per hour would average from $10 to $25, depending on the amount of Councilmanic activity in which they engage, both within City Hall and outside in their districts.

Those who have served in that office will tell you they think the pay Council receives is commensurate with other large cities around the country.

The real question evoked by this Daily News campaign is, “Why?” The facts do not support their diatribe.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

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LDC HEALTH AND SAFETY FUND Laborers’ District Council Health and Safety Fund 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.

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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 The Laborers Employers Cooperation and Education Trust 319 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Telephone: 215-922-6139 Fax: 215-922-6109 Web: www.ldc-phila-vic.org Administrator, Richard Legree

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

neys run by many small nonprofits such as the Emerald Society and the Police Athletic League.”

Fairmount Park didn’t place into the budget the money needed to repair the Course’s club house. “That was our first big challenge,” Wheeler admitted. “We were operating out of trailers.”

So his team moved the carts out of their huge barn and “thanks to retirees from the various Building Trades Unions, all volunteers, we were able to put together a great catering facility, a fine pro shop, and modern bathrooms … all on our own.”

Wheeler says, “My team does not make a move without Fairmount Park Commission approval. It is their property and we are just the caretakers.”

But the dollar-a-year lease worries Wheeler. “It keeps us on our edge, never sure if someone big in City government will pull our strings in and give them to someone else. We are hoping the Commission will give us a longer lease.”

State Sen. Christine Tartaglione leads a score of elected officials who are supporting the operation. “Thanks to their help, we have come a long way,” Wheeler says.

NET COMMUNITY Development Corp. and 37th Ward honored Officers Tyshann Williams (25th Dist.) and Annamae Law (26th Dist.). Joining in awards presentation are Capt. Robin Hill (26th); Capt. Chris Werner (25th); Councilman Bill Greenlee; State Sen. Tina Tartaglione; Natasha Mosley, award presenter; James Graham, event host; Dianne Bridges, executive director, NET CDC, and ward chairperson; and Ward Leader El Amor Photo by Joe Stivala Mapenzi Brawne Ali.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

The decision by the Fairmount Park Commission to spin off two of its six public golf courses to local nonprofits is paying off.

Formerly all six were managed by a national golf-course operator, the Bill Casper Co. But it was not willing to continue the Walnut Lane and Juniata Golf Club leases, since these were low revenue producers.

The year to year lease went into effect Jan. 1, 2008 and has been renewed for this year, with good reason. Local talent and local support make the difference.

At Juniata Golf Course, which was without a clubhouse, its own having burned down five years ago, golf rounds have nevertheless climbed from 12,000 to 15,000. When Fairmount Park reached out to Bob Wheeler, who has spent the past 20 years keeping Juniata a viable course, he immediately said, “Yes!” to a move to form a nonprofit of community people to run and maintain the golf course.

His Board consists of 20 people, “the majority from the neighbors around the park,” he noted. “We have increased members, rounds of golf played, and are big with tour-

IN MEMORIAM Martin F. “Irish” Taylor, Jr. The father of State Rep. John Taylor, Martin F. “Irish” Taylor, Jr., died Jan. 24.

Known by his nickname throughout Kensington, Martin was the husband of the late Gladys (nee Mullock) and father of Martin, III and John. Burial services were this morning at 11 a.m. at Mother of Divine Grace Church, Thompson & Cambria Streets.

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Golfers Do Well At Juniata NET CDC And 37th Ward Honor Police

FUNDRAISER for Juniata Golf Club attracted several hundred. Host committee included Bill Guilian, Ben Beddis, Walt Wesolowski, Executive Director Bob Wheeler, President Dan Snyder and Ralph Lewis. State Sen. Tina Tartaglione is a major booster of efforts to rehab unique 18-hole golf course.

Sheriff Green’s Important Steps to Saving Your Home Step 1: Assemble your current financial information, and call your lender.

Step 2:

Step 3: If you feel uncomfortable handling mortgage negotiations, consult a professional housing Counselor

Step 4: Take time to carefully investigate the offers you receive to avoid becoming a fraud victim Sheriff John D. Green Philadelphia

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Visit www.phillysheriff.com to learn more about borrowers’ rights, loss mitigation and abusive servicing practices. Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 215-686-3525 for more information

page 10 The Public Record • January 29, 2009

Fast and furious this week, my rampaging Republicans, as we have much to chew on. Did I mention the City is flat broke? Scratch that, we are $2 billion in the hole. Time to get our best and brightest elected so they can help us climb out from this disaster. I won’t mince words.

SCOTT SIGMAN, we love you, we need you, but you need to decide if you’re running for DA … yesterday. If Scott is a “no go”, this two-ton tower of wisdom recommends we steer clear of the DA race this time around. Why waste valuable resources on a warm body just filling a slot?

Let’s focus all our time, money and effort on getting AL SCHMIDT elected Controller. Work smarter, not harder!

Big shindig last Thursday at the Loews Hotel for the 150th year of City Committee. It was $500 bucks a pop with an illustrious lineup: CHAIRMAN VITO CANUSO, MICHAEL MEEHAN, JOE DUDA and Former Speaker of the House JOHN PERZEL mingled with the party troops. Some pretty good stories about STATE SEN. VINCE FUMO, who took offense at Perzel when Honest John queried the Top Donkey’s shenanigans. Looks like the Speaker’s gut instinct was correct way back when.

Counsel to the President of LaSalle University and foreign policy expert ED TURZANSKI gave a rousing speech, filled with outbursts of applause, on what it means to be a Republican. Ed is wise enough to know our future (Cont. Page 25)

I don’t know how many of you read Christine Flowers’ vision of the world in the Daily News on a regular basis.

While she’s not quite Ann Coulter on the “screeching conservative female” scale, she does occasionally make me wonder if she’s residing on the same planet that I am.

(But then again, I found myself asking the same question after seeing President George W. Bush’s farewell address.)

Friday’s column was entitled “My Big, Fat, Patriotic Promise” and it focused on one of my favorite subjects: dissent. Flowers has promised to use her Constitutionally-protected right to dissent every chance she gets when it comes to President Barack Obama, saying she won’t be bullied into supporting the President when she doesn’t agree with him by his supporters.

I agree totally with that because I’ve got a few bones to pick with the President myself. I’m still mad at him for voting for the FISA compromise. I’m wondering why in the heck Hillary Clinton’s in his Cabinet, because if I were him I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her. I’m wondering why he didn’t throw up on William Kristol’s shoes when he had his dinner with conservative columnists a few weeks back. But there is a certain level of hypocrisy in this demand for her right to dissent.

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SNOOPER UPDATE: Hey Chief, what’s wrong with this picture? You should read all the E-MAILS I received this week. Tell the Mayor, 100% agree with me: THE 311 CALL SYSTEM stinks. Yes Mr. Mayor, they even stated what a waste of taxpayers’ monies it is. Hey, I even heard HON. FRANK RIZZO, Councilman, on his talk radio show, WWDB-860AM, tell his listeners what happened to him when he called 311. DISASTROUS! I still say there was nothing wrong with (215) 686-1776.

Snooper Oops!: I owe CITY CONTROLLER Hon. Alan Butkovitz an apology, with regards to Councilman Wilson Goode, Jr.’s sometimes-at-work aide. He is the only City official who DID TAKE any action on that Latrice Bryant; in fact, he made her PAY BACK the $835 for the time that was proved she wasn’t on the job. But the Hon. Controller is not the person who has the POWER to prosecute or to fire any City employee.

Snooper’s Question Of The Week: Why is Congress paying for all them ‘CONVERTER BOXES’ to be used for the upcoming Digital TV hullabaloo? Why do we need a digital signal? Tell me, what the heck was wrong with the ANALOG SIGNAL? Seemed to work well for all these years. I bet you someone, somewhere, is making a “bundle” on this (Cont. Page 25) We Gladly Accept Food Coupons

WANTED SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA

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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

Yo! Here we go again with these rumors about Californians. So as not to be outdone by all the redneck, hillbilly, and Texan jokes, my friend Albert J. who was born in Los Angles California came up with this list of observations and questions. Ready? You know you’re from California if: Your male or female coworker has at least eight body piercings, none of which are visible. / You earn over $300,000 a year and still can’t afford to buy a house. / You take a bus and are shocked at two people carrying on a conversation in English. / Your child’s 3rdgrade teacher has purple hair, a nose ring, and is named Flower. / You can’t remember – is pot illegal?

You’ve been to a baby shower that has two mothers and a sperm donor. / You have a very strong opinion about where your coffee beans are grown and you can taste the difference between Sumatran and Ethiopian. / You can’t remember – is pot illegal? / A really great parking space can totally move you to tears. / Gas costs at least $1.00 per gallon more than anywhere else in the US. Unlike back home, the guy at 8:30 a.m. at Starbucks wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, who looks like George Clooney, really IS George Clooney. / Your car insurance costs almost as much as your house payment. / You can’t remember. Is pot illegal? / It is barely sprinkling rain and there’s a report on every news station: “STORM WATCH.” / You pass an elementary-school playground and the children are all busy with their cells or pagers.

It is barely sprinkling rain outside, so you leave for work an hour early to avoid all the weather-related accidents. / Hey! Is pot illegal? / Both you and your dog have therapists, psychics, personal trainers and cosmetic surgeons. / The Terminator is your Governor. / If you drive illegally, they take your driver’s license. If you’re here illegally, they want to give you one.

Carl Jeff & Barbara

CARL’S FARM

POULTRY & EGGS

Chicken - Chicken parts - Turkey - Turkey parts Ribs - Bacon - Eggs - Hamburgers - Hot Dogs - Sausage Roasters - Box Lots Available In the Heart of Philadelphia’s Italian Market • 1031 South 9th Street (215) 925-9059 • 1037 South 9th Street (215) 629-1796

The Northeast ward leaders met to discuss endorsing a ticket for the forthcoming spring election. It includes appellate judges, Common Pleas judges, Municipal Court judges, City Controller and the District Attorney. The meeting was held at Tony’s on Frankford Avenue.

Tony is JOE MALAMESI and his tomato pies are reputed to be the best in the Northeast, if not the city.

The meeting was called by COUNCILWOMAN JOAN KRAJEWSKI at the request of City CHAIRMAN BOB BRADY. Brady was on the warpath. He told the assembled ward leaders in no uncertain fashion the business of wards supporting unendorsed candidates, particularly candidates for judicial office, would have to stop. He stated any ward that supported an unendorsed candidate would not receive Election Day funds from Democratic City Committee. Also, he stated, “Lose my telephone number. Don’t call me with requests for service or help. If you are not going to support the endorsed ticket, then I am not going to help you.”

Among the leaders in attendance were STATE SEN. MIKE STACK (58th Ward); MIKE McALEER (66B); SHAWN DILLON (66A); FRANK CONAWAY (57th); TOM JOHNSON (25th); DAN SAVAGE (23rd); HELEN FARRELL (18th); Joan Krajewski (65th); BERNICE HILL (63rd); CHRISTINE SOLOMON (53rd); ALAN BUTKOVITZ (54th), a candidate for reelection to the office of City Controller; LORRAINE BEDNAREK (64th); BOB DELLAVELLA (55th), STATE REP. MIKE McGEEHAN (41st), HARRY ENGGASSER (45th); BILL DOLBOW (35th); and JOHN SABATINA (56th).

HENRY WINKLESPECHT, a longtime committeeman in the 58th Ward, is speeding to recovery from a broken hip sustained in a fall last year.

More then a month of winter has elapsed. The first day of spring will be Mar. 21. That means that there are four weeks in February and three weeks in March left to go. Spring is just around the corner. Listen to the chickadee sing.

PROUD INDEED of Terry’s achievements were her dad, Joe, brother Richard and sister-in-law Pam Graboyes.

AROUND GRABOYES, “politics fills the air”. That included this group: from left, State Rep. John Perzel, DC 21 Trustee Joe Ashdale, DA candidate Dan MCCaffery and Mike Luce.

AMONG MANY union leaders in attendance were Joseph Ashdale and Barbara Fox.

MAKING her mark as the premier commercial windowcompany operator in Delaware Valley, Terry Graboyes, left, with assistant Heather Lutzker, hosted 25th anniversary gala as major union contractor at DC 21.

ENJOYING Graboyes Commercial Window Co. gala were Bernard Smalley, State Sen. Larry Farnese, Jacquelyn Smalley, Joseph Ashdale and Phila. AFLCIO Political Director Elizabeth McElroy.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

CONGRATULATING Terry Graboyes on her quarter-century effort are for- WELCOMING State Rep. John Perzel mer Councilman Angel Ortiz and and his son John, Jr., to her 25th gala is Terry Graboyes.

Penna. Teachers chief Ted Kirsch.

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Graboyes Marks 25th Year

MEETING at Terry Graboyes’ 25th business anniversary celebration were Brian and Kelly Preski and Dick Comley.

PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT 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

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

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Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

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The Public Record • January 29, 2009

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The Public Record • January 29, 2009

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The Public Record • January 29, 2009

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GIVE THE GIFT OF NOSTALGIA

science class every day.”

Before opening the restaurant last month, Jennifer and Owen Kamihira, who also owns the hugely successful Bar Ferdinand next door to El Camino Real, traveled to the Juárez/El Paso border to check out the food and decor at border restaurants. “We gained about 10 pounds in four days in Texas,” said Zavala. (Kamihira is also a prominent artist who is responsible for such downtown culinary iconic landmarks as the ‘Buddakan Buddha’ and the ‘Continental Martini.’)

“Crafting a restaurant is like creating a movie set,” said Owen, “except that people can actually smell and taste and touch your movie, rather than just watching it.

For El Camino Real, I wanted to capture that dusty desert feeling.”

“Tex-Mex is really a

Len Lear made-up American cuisine,” added Jennifer. “In the Texas/Mexico border area, there are actually two separate and distinct food worlds, and I wanted to honor both on my menu. We serve two separate menus: we’ve got smoky Texas barbecue, ribs and hot links beside my grandmother’s refried beans and carnitas, and classic Mexican enchiladas, a true Juárez staple.”

Menu items range in price from $3 to $22 and include wagyu beef brisket, sourced from a Texas ranch and slow-smoked for 18 hours; and house-prepared jalapeno poppers with apricot-red onion marmalade. All items, from flour tortillas to chef Zavala’s “pride and joy,” her beef ribs, are prepared fresh in house.

The fried pickle chips ($7), which we had never tasted before, are addictive with their spicy chile mayonnaise, and the buttermilk onion rings ($6) come with an amazing smoked ketchup, about which we were also virginal. An entrée of enchiladas, stuffed with Mexican cheeses, baked in a red chile sauce and topped with a fried egg, was a steal at $10, and

the pork ribs ($12 for a halfrack, $24 for a full rack) were the most meltingly tender we have ever tasted (and my wife is from Port Arthur, Tex., right on the Gulf Coast). The apple-cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream ($7) was another extra-base hit. The only negatives were the deafening din (inevitable for a place like this), a so-so spiked lemonade cocktail (a ‘Texas tea’ cocktail, on the other hand, was fabulous) and the fact the coffee which I had ordered never did arrive.

El Camino Real is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information, call (215) 925-1110 or visit www.bbqburritobar.com.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

by Len Lear With most restaurants wrestling with the current economic depression and nearly down for the count, we thought we might have the place to ourselves when we drove to El Camino Real two weeks ago. It opened Dec. 18 at 1040 N. 2nd St. in Northern Liberties.

As if the economy weren’t enough of an anvil, we visited the new “cowboy/ border bar” on Thursday, Jan. 15, the coldest night in 10 years in Philly. The windchill factor was below zero, and during our two-block walk from the nearest street parking space to the restaurant, the wind assaulted our skin like a dentist’s drill.

Imagine our surprise, therefore, when we emerged from the deep freeze to find a virtual full house — about 100 young people dining and at the bar. (When the weather is more amiable, El Camino Real will also have at least 60 more seats in a wraparound outdoor café with handmade wooden furniture.) There are giant TV screens over the bar

and an oldfashioned juke box nearby. (Is there such a thing as a newfashioned juke box?) The tables, floors and bar stools are all blonde wood, under track and recessed lighting.

The restaurant’s chef, 30year-old Jennifer Zavala, a self-described “culinary gypsy” who previously traveled with Ozzfest as a rock ‘n’ roll chef, is a short, tattooed bundle of explosives.

(Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the US — and in some years, Europe — featuring performances by many heavy-metal and hard-rock musical groups.) Although she has a buffet full of personality and talent, she dropped out of culinary school because it was too regimented to unleash her free spirit.

“I got most of my education from other chefs at places like Amada and Silk City, where I worked before,” said Jennifer, a Mexican American native of Connecticut. “This project is really exciting for me since I am not a salad kind of girl.

I’m always trying out new dishes, so for me this is like

Page 17

Rock ‘n’ Roll chef rules at hottest new ‘cowboy bar’

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Céad Míle Fáilte For McCaffery

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified

GRIMES Family supports their guy DA candidate Dan McCaffery at recent fundraiser.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY candidate is hosted at fundraiser at Ancient Order of Hibernians In attendance were Seamus Boyle, Bob Burns, Meghan Costello and Dan’s brother Mike McCaffery.

Businesses That Do Not Advertise Will Surely Meet Their Demise!

YE OLDE Hibernians hope they will all be smiling this year as their candidate Dan McCaffery attempts to become City’s next DA. They are, from left, Drew Scanlon, Tony Nahill, Jack McGinley, Pat O’Connor and Jim McClafferty.

Question: Will I ever get credit again after I file for bankruptcy?

Answer: Yes! A number of banks now offer “secured” credit cards where a debtor puts up a certain amount of money (as little as $200) in an account at the bank to guarantee payment. Usually the credit limit is equal to the security given and is increased as the debtor proves his or her ability to pay the debt.

Two years after a bankruptcy discharge, debtors are eligible for mortgage loans on

terms as good as those of others, with the same financial profiles, who have not filed bankruptcy. The size of your down payment and the stability of your income will be much more important than the fact you filed bankruptcy in the past.

The fact you filed bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years. It becomes less significant the further in the past the bankruptcy is. The truth is, you are probably a better credit risk after bankruptcy than before.

Next week’s question: What debts survive bankruptcy?

Midgets Did It Tall! FOP Proves Busy Host

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CONGRATULATIONS to our Frankford Chargers! They are first Philadelphia Midget team to win Division 1 Pop Warner Title. Team held a mini-parade in Frankford to celebrate their victory and show off their trophy. Just like the Phillies. Do it again next year, Midgets!

Captain Jesse G. For the Finest In Seafood

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS ORPHANS' COURT DIVISION IN RE:

Live & Cooked Crabs.

Live Lobsters.

Fish Shrimp Scallops Clams Mussels

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE President John McNesby hosted these VIPs at one of his events. From left are Jimmy Lynn, candidate for Commonwealth Court; Jimmy Binns, Esq.; McNesby; and Richard Costello.

ADOPTION OF SA"FEEH KIONE CORLEY SCOTT NOTICE TO HELEN CORLEY

A Petition has been filed asking the Court to put an end to all rights you have to your child, SA'FEEH KIONE CORLEY SCOTT, born January 17, 2008. The Court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to the child. That hearing will be held in Orphans' Court, Courtroom "10", Courthouse, Norristown, Montgomery County, PA on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.

Your rights may also be subject to termination pursuant to (a)(6) of section 2511 of the Adoption Act if you fail to either appear at the hearing for the purpose of objection to the termination of your rights or file a written objection to such termination with the Court prior to the hearing.

Your presence is required at the hearing. You have the right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. 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 to find out where you can get legal help.

Montgomery County Legal Aid Office 317 Swede Street • Norristown, PA 19401 (215) 275-5400

Defendants TO: GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES REAL ESTATE, LLC, AND JOSEPH SCHWEIBINZ MORTAGORS AND REAL OWNERS, DEFENDANTS whose last known address is 4101-4107 Paul Street Philadelphia, PA 19124.

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 Plaintiffs OCEANVIEW CAPITAL CORP AND AMERICAN DREAM CAPITAL CORP, 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. 081102451 wherein Plaintiffs seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 4101-4107 Paul Street Philadelphia, PA 19124 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia.

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

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. COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES, INC. Law Center North Central 3638 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19140 215-227-2400 or 215-981-3700 PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION One Reading Center Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-238-6333 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

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

TO: Unknown Heirs of Morris Ferrell, Deceased MORTAGOR AND REAL OWNER, DEFENDANT whose last known address is 4614 Greene Street Philadelphia, PA 19144.

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 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS PURCHASER OF THE LOANS AND OTHER ASSETS OF WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, F/K/A WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA, 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. 081100380 wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 4614 Greene Street Philadelphia, PA 19144 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia County.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

Mortgagors and Real Owners

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY CIVIL ACTION - LAW Term No. 081100380 NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS PURCHASER OF THE LOANS AND OTHER ASSETS OF WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, F/K/A WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA Plaintiff vs.

Unknown Heirs of Morris Ferrell, deceased, QUINZETTA FERRELL, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir Morris Ferrell, deceased and Latoya Willoghby, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Morris Ferrell, Deceased Mortgagors and Real Owners Defendant

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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY CIVIL ACTION - LAW Term No. 081102451 NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE OCEANVIEW CAPITAL CORP AND AMERICAN DREAM CAPITAL CORP Plaintiffs vs.

LANDAMERICA FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES REAL ESTATE, LLC, JOSEPH SCHWEIBINZ AND SURETY ABSTRACT AND SETTLEMENT SERVICES, LLC

page 20 The Public Record • January 29, 2009 www.phillyrecord.com

Record Report On Health VA Medical Center Holds Open House

Veterans and non-veterans alike are being encouraged to visit for a day veteran patients at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, located at University & Woodland Avenues ,during the week of Feb. 9-13.

VA Centers nationally will mark National Salute To Hospitalized Veterans during the week of Valentine’s Day. For more information as to events and times and to schedule a visit, one should call Melissa Heinlein, chief of voluntary service, at (215) 823-5800, ext. 6830, or Dale Warman, public affairs office, at (215) 823-5916.

CONVENIENT LOCATION At the corner of Monument and Belmont accross from Fairmount Park; minutes from Center City, shopping, dining, recreational and cultural activities.

Stack Lauds Epilepsy Big Drop In Foundation Infections Seeks Staff The latest State report announcing hospital-acquired infections declined in 2007 is good news for all Pennsylvanians, said State Sen. Mike Stack.

In 2007, the number of hospital-acquired infections fell by 7.5% compared to 2006, according to a new report by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council.

“Clearly, Pennsylvania’s focus on reducing health careacquired infections is having a positive impact on health care,” Stack said. “A reduction in infections means less lengthy hospital stays, which means patients — and, in some cases, the taxpayers — aren’t paying for a completely (Cont. Page 22)

WORRY FREE LIVING Everuthing you need is on one campus. Scheuled transportation is available and apartments are maintenence free

The Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania is seeking campers, counselors and medical personnel for its annual Camp Achieve a Camp Green Lane running Aug. 11-28.

Campers run in ages from 8 to 17 and are subject to epilepsy/seizure disorder.

To qualify, they must also be able to perform activities of daily living independently.

Camp Achieve counselors must be 18 or over. Also being sought are doctors and nurses with experience in the treatment of epilepsy/seizure disorder.

The camp offers them a flexible schedule.

For more information, call Jean Gardyne, camp coordinator, at (215) 629-5003, ext. 110.

SPACIOUS APARTMENTS Choose a studio, one or twobedroom apartment that suits your style

PEACE POF MIND You will have access to rehabilitation services, assisted living or nursing home care if you should ever need it.

Drinking coffee during midlife can slash your risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A Finnish study found those who drank coffee at midlife had a lower risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in late life than those who drank no coffee at all.

Those who drank three to five cups of coffee a day lowered their risk by 65%.

“We aimed to study the association between coffee and tea consumption at midlife and dementia/AD risk in late life, because the long-term impact of caffeine on the central nervous system was still unknown, and as the pathologic processes leading to Alzheimer’s disease may start decades be-

fore the clinical manifestation of the disease,” says lead researcher, Associate Professor Miia Kivipelto from the University of Kuopio, Finland and Karloinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Coffee-drinking was categorized into three groups: low (0 to 2 cups daily), mod-

erate (3 to 5 cups) and high (more than 5 cups). Teadrinking was categorized into two groups: those not drinking tea and those who drank at least one cup daily.

While all coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease than non-drinkers, those who drank moderate amounts of

Record Report On Health coffee lowered their risk by a surprising 65%. Drinking tea had no impact on the risk of developing dementia.

“Given the large amount of coffee consumption globally, the results might have important implications for the prevention of or delaying the onset of dementia/AD. The finding needs to be con-

firmed by other studies, but it opens the possibility dietary interventions could modify the risk of dementia/AD,” wrote Kivipelto.

“Also, identification of mechanisms of how coffee exerts its protection against dementia/AD might help in the development of new therapies for these diseases.”

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

CLAUDIA TUCKERKETO has been named executive director of Health Partners Foundation. Formerly serving as director of Foundation’s operations, TuckerKeto’s new role will include oversight of all Foundation programs.

Drinking Coffee Slashes Your Risk Of Alzheimer’s

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HP Taps Tucker-Keto

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

page 22

Record Report On Health Stack Lauds Big Drop In Hospital Infections CITIZENS ACTING TOGETHER CAN HELP, INC.

(Cont. from Page 20) preventable illness.”

In 2005, Pennsylvania hospitals reported more than 19,000 cases in which patients contracted a hospital-acquired infection — a rate of 12 per 1,000 cases.

That same year, the average length of stay for hospital patients was 4.5 days; however, patients with a hospital-acquired infection stayed in the hospital 20.6 days.

The average hospital charge for patients with a hospital-acquired infection was $185,000; whereas, the charge for patients without a hospital-acquired infection was $31,000.

In response, in 2007 a new law was passed that establishes a program that, beginning this year, will provide financial incentives for those facilities that achieve significant reductions in reported infections.

The new law also permits the Dept. of Health to take action against facilities that do not meet benchmark targets for reducing infections.

“This law, in conjunction with our hospitals’ commitment to keeping patients healthy, will certainly help to further reduce infections,” Stack said. “We must continue to focus on health care quality improvements and outcomes.”

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia Commission on Parks and Recreation This notice is to solicit the submission of applications by those interested in serving on the new Commission on Parks and Recreation. The deadline to apply is March 9, 2009.

On November 4, 2008, the voters of Philadelphia approved an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create a new unified Department of Parks and Recreation. On July 1, 2009, the new unified Department will be established, the Fairmount Park Commission will cease to exist, and a Commission on Parks and Recreation will be created, with new and substantial responsibilities, including: To develop written standards and guidelines related to land use, preservation of green space, watershed management, sustainability, and the conveyance and acquisition of park and recreation land and facilities; To advise and assist the Parks and Recreation Commissioner and other supporting organizations to promote and enhance the image of the Fairmount Park system and City recreation facilities; To expand and diversify funding sources to support park and recreation facilities; and To hold public meetings at least quarterly to provide an opportunity for public input on matters within the Commission’s jurisdiction.

www.phillyrecord.com

Those interested in serving on the new Commission must complete an application form which will be available no later than February 1, 2009 at www.phila.gov, www.phila.gov/citycouncil, www.phila.gov/recreation, www.fairmountpark.org, at the Chief Clerk’s Office (Room 402 City Hall), and at Philadelphia libraries, recreation centers, and Fairmount Park facilities. The application form provides details about the Commission’s responsibilities, qualifications to serve, and how to submit the application to City Council’s Chief Clerk’s Office.

After March 9, City Council will hold a public hearing, at which every applicant will have an opportunity to speak. As required by the Charter amendment, Council will then nominate 18-25 individuals, from whom the Mayor will appoint nine Commissioners, who, together with six ex officio Commissioners, will constitute the 15 member Commission.

Please consult the application form for further details.

Anna C. Verna, President Council of the City of Philadelphia

pecially in older adults.

Medicare claims data suggest a majority of Pennsylvania residents 65 and older need the pneumonia vaccine.

Pneumococcal pneumonia kills more people every year

than all other vaccine preventable diseases combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC estimates that as many as 40,000 Americans die from pneu-

Girl Scout Cookies Salmonella Free Girl Scout cookies made with peanut butter are safe to eat and do not contain peanut butter produced by a Georgia plant that may have been the source of a salmonella outbreak.

ABC Bakers, which produces Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties and Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania nine-county Council, said it does not buy peanut butter from the companies with salmonella warnings, Peanut Corp. of America and King Nut. ABC’s peanut-butter supplier is Hampton Farms.

“ABC has assured us they do not purchase from the vendors in the news,” said Ann Meredith, CEO of Girl Scouts

of Eastern Pennsylvania.

“ABC’s labs also test each shipment of peanut butter received for salmonella.

“As our girls begin to sell the popular Girl Scout cookies, consumers will be pleased to know their favorite treats are safe,” Meredith said. The 2009 Girl Scout cookie program began Jan. 22.

In addition to the peanutbutter cookies, Girl Scouts will be selling perennial favorites Thin Mints; Shortbread; Caramel deLites; Thanks-ALot; Lemonades; and the new reduced-fat Daisy Go Rounds.

This year, Daisies, the youngest Girl Scouts, will be selling cookies for the first time.

US health authorities last

week warned against eating products that contain peanut butter until they can determine the scope of an outbreak of salmonella food poisoning that may have contributed to six deaths.

The company at the center of the matter, PCA, said it had been informed by health authorities some samples of its products had tested positive for a salmonella strain that may have originated in a Blakely, Ga. peanut-processing plant.

The peanut butter and peanut paste recalled by PCA was used by many other manufacturers to make such products as cakes, crackers, candies, cookies and ice cream, the FDA said.

monia each year.

Unlike the flu shot, which should be gotten yearly, most seniors 65 and older need only one pneumococcal vaccination in their lifetime; a booster shot may be required for those who received their shot before the age of 65. Please check with your doctor to see if you need the pneumonia vaccine today.

For more information on

the pneumonia shot, see http://www.immunize.org/vis /pneum3.pdf.

Quality Insights of Pennsylvania, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, protects Medicare patient rights and works collaboratively with hospitals and other health-care providers in Pennsylvania to assist them in their efforts to

improve the quality of the care they deliver. Quality Insights’ affiliate corporations include parent company, the West Virginia Medical Institute, and sister company, Quality Insights of Delaware. To learn more about this nonprofit organization, visit www.qipa.org. CMS is an agency of the US Dept. of Health & Human Services.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

Adults should check with their health-care providers to see if they need a pneumococcal (pneumonia) shot this winter.

Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu, es-

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You May Need A Pneumonia Shot Record Report On Health

www.phillyrecord.com

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

page 24

government, lower taxes, and individual freedom; these are the ideas that built the USA, and will one day save the failing

Out & About (Cont. from Page 10) I seem to recall a certain “my country right or wrong” attitude on the part of the right when it came to President Bush and some of the decisions he made, especially after Sep. 11.

Don’t think the Patriot Act is a good idea because it’s filled with things that even Richard Nixon didn’t try?

Shut up, you’re being unpatriotic. You want the terror-

ists to win.

Don’t think the War in Iraq is the right war to fight because the people who actually pulled off the Sep. 11 attacks were based in Afghanistan and that’s where we should keep our focus?

You don’t support the troops!

You hate America.

(An aside: You wanna know how dumb this sounds when it’s said to an Army brat?)

Snooper (Cont. from Page 10) deal. This really doesn’t make any sense, and WHY were we THE TAXPAYERS never asked about it? Please Email me on this!

Snooper’s Sports Extra: Here we go again, all you baseball “addicts”. FRANK SPATACCO, Chief of Security at The Family Court, is telling me it’s time once again for the NORTHEAST PEANUT LEAGUE BASEBALL, which will be starting very shortly. Hey, he’s look-

ing for good UMPIRES. I would sincerely suggest you give them a call. He has well over 10,000 youngsters that participate in the Northeast Peanut Leagues’ various baseball and softball programs.

I’m told ED REMENTER, of the 1st Judicial Dist., has been one of their top umpires for years! He tells us the pay for UMPIRES is great, also THE CYO. Snooper’s Common Sense Files: Chief, I opened them up and I found the name of

TINE FLOWERS! She’s been hosting her own show on The Big Talker 1210AM recently. Smart move, if 1210 turns this into a steady gig. Christine rocks! See ya next week.

You don’t dig the fact the United States is spying on its own citizens illegally in the name of fighting terrorism?

Our government has the right to do this. Shut up, you Commie!

Dissent is patriotic ... but it’s gotta go both ways. I’m sorry it required those on the right losing the reigns of power for them to get that, but it is what it is.

The most hilarious part of what Flowers wrote was when she asked that the government not impose its views

on her. When this is coming from someone who supported the efforts of the Bush Administration to turn this country into a theocracy, laughing until you have to run to the bathroom is the only proper response.

But I say this to Obama supporters: Look at how you were treated the last eight years – and do the opposite.

Let those who wish to dissent have their say. They’ll make you mad. They’ll make you laugh. But it’s the American way.

GENERAL AUTO REPAIRS STATE INSPECTION LUBRICATION

COUNCILMAN JAMES KENNEY. This is one Councilman who does make sense, especially when it concerns our BUDGET PROBLEMS. Yes, he does walk the walk, but he also talks the talk.

Council Members, how about getting rid of all them cell phones, and all those ‘extra’ cars you have, three cars and five BlackBerrys? Let’s start with them.

Snooper SPORTS SHAME: I still can’t believe a rotten coach would “run up” a score for the sake of a victory (1000). Let me follow this up by telling you, this rotten coach

refused to APOLOGIZE for his actions. GOOD NEWS: This rotten coach was FIRED and he still doesn’t get it. I also blame the referees who allowed this FARCE to continue; this is unforgivable.

Yes, I would have fired them too. Tell me, what has happened to sports?

Four Newly Constructed Almost Completed

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215 551 5100

BODY AND FENDER REPAIR TIRE SERVICE SIMONIZING

A.C. AUTO REPAIRS 24 HOUR TOWING & ROAD SERVICE PHONE 215-634-9517 BODY SHOP 215-427-0550 FAX 215-427-9296

2300 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILA., PA 19125

2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

Phone: 215-423-2223 Fax: 215-423-5937

Resales @ The Reserve At Packer Park 2009 W. Reserve Dr. 3BR-2.5BA, Interior approx.. 1600sq. ft. on two Levels.

Driveway, Corner Lot, Hw. Flrs Thru-Out 1st Level $389.900.

PAINT SERVICE STARTING AT . . .

95

$129.

MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF ESTIMATE. HURRY...OFFER EXPIRES February 28, 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.

www.phillyrecord.com

BiLevel Townhomes Delivery Spring ‘09 Sign now for special incentives Starting at $339,900

Call 215-755-2000

Brighten Your Car’s Colors For The Holidays

Now Available For Sale Villas @ Packer Park Model Home 2 Br - 2.5 Ba - Garage Corner Location Professionaly Decorated & Fully Furnished - asking $399,900 Ten Year Tax Abatement

Philadelphia Classifieds Work

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

(Cont. from Page 10) success hinges on our ability to articulate the principles that made this country great. Limited

MICHELLE RAJSIC, the YRs have been scarcer than an albino Elephant.

Might be time to hand over the reigns to get things going again. Who has the right stuff?

Check out CHRIS-

Page 25

Elephant Man

city where it was birthed!

Not Democrat Light as some would have us believe.

In no particular order: What ever happened to the rejuvenated Philly Young Republicans?

Under

page 26 The Public Record • January 29, 2009

Public Record Classifieds: ADOPTION: ADOPTION: Loving married couple wants to adopt newborn baby for happy life of love, play and learning. Call Sharon and Drivers: A Steady Lifestyle!

Top Pay, Great Benefits! No Experience? No Problem!

Werner Enterprises 800-3462818 x140

Lou anytime. 1-888-642-1931.

Expenses paid.

LOVING, FINANCIALLY SECURE Professional couple wishes to adopt newborn. Endless love, educational opportunities, many cousins.

Stay-at-home mom. Expenses Paid. Please call Rob & Nancy 800-216-4823.

AUTOS WANTED: DONATE VEHICLE, Receive $1000 Grocery Coupon.

Noah’s Arc Support No Kill Shelters. Research to Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, Tax Deductible, NonRunners accepted 1-866-912GIVE AUTOS WANTED:

AAA $300 CASH - MOST MODELS Junk OK, + Voucher $500 Gas +$1000 Fast Food/Groceries, 1-888-2047536, Espanol BUILDINGS FOR SALE: POLE BUILDINGS: 24x40x10’, $9,995 Includes 1-9’x8’ Garage Door, 1-3’ Door. 30’x40’x10’ $10,995 Includes 1-10’x10’

small

Sliding Door 1-3’ Door. Fully Erected. Maintenance Free. www.fettervillesales.com 800331-1875 BUSINESS OPPORT: 100% RECESSION PROOF! Do you earn $800 in a day?

Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-

ADS BIG Deals

460-4027 EDUCATION/TRAINING: ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 866-858-2121 www.CenturaOnline.com

GENERAL: Metal Roofing and Siding: Buy Direct, We manufacture and cut to your length, also a large supplier of Pole Building material 1-800-373-3703 www.abmartin.net HELP WANTED: Part-time, home-based Internet business.

Earn $500-

$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K348.com Check Cashing Agency Experienced teller needed E.O.E. Fax Resume to: 215-463-1099

Ad Sales Reps.

Good Pay Call John David 215 755-2000

STATE EMPLOYEES:

We are approved by the Commonwealth Dept. of General Services to serve you and service your vehicle!

If you need and want prompt and fast turnaround service on your state car or

vehicle, then come to DeSimone Auto Group at 6101 Frankford Ave. Call Gus Iannacone at 215-744-6400 for quick and personal service. Any state vehicle you drive is eligible for tune-ups, oil changes, auto repairs and body work.

www.phillyrecord.com

24 Hour Towing up to 200 miles

foreclosure rate in places like Las Vegas (9%), Southern California (8%) or Phoenix (6%).

With the modest price declines to date, Philadelphia’s housing is now considered to be overvalued by only 2.3%, according to research firm National City/Global Insight. This is down from a peak of 13.8% two years ago.

But while the Philadelphia’ market has declined less, the news here is still sobering: The number of homes that actually sold under arms-length conditions in Q4 stood at just

over 3,400; which was a dramatic 25% drop from Q3 and the lowest level of home sales since 2002 Q4.

Inventories (homes listed for sale) still stand at all-time high levels. As of December 2008, there were nearly 10,000 houses listed for sale in Philadelphia, which is still well above their pre-bubble average.

The continued high number of homes for sale, combined with a continuously shrinking pool of buyers, means homes continue to linger on the mar-

ket. The average time it took to sell a home in Philadelphia in Q4 rose to 74 days, which is well above the 30-40 days it typically takes in a balanced market.

If there is any good news about the direction of the market, it may be found in recent changes in inventories. From their peak of over 12,000 in 2007, the number of homes listed for sale has fallen steadily. In December of 2008, inventories fell below 10,000 for the first time since 2005.

The Public Record • January 29, 2009

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA ADVERTISEMENT The City of Philadelphia, Division of Aviation, is requesting PROPOSALS for MARKETING GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES for the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL No. 0501.28).

All proposals are to be submitted to www.phila.gov/contracts/ by 5 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2009 and also as directed in the RFP. Interested firms are invited to download the Notice of Contracting Opportunity and attachments directly from http://www.phila.gov/contracts/ or request the documents by email to rfp@phl.org

Come Celebrate With Us

Black History Month

Join us in salute to Philadelphia's African American leaders!

Special Supplement February 19th To Participate Call 215-755-2000

www.phillyrecord.com

by Kevin Gilllen & Ed Goppelt Hallwatch.org Philadelphia’s housing market continued its deterioration this past quarter, with both house prices and home sales exhibiting a faster pace in their declines, but the city still continues to outperform most other large US metro markets.

According to the latest analysis by Wharton and Econsult economist Kevin Gillen, the typical Philadelphia home fell in value by an average of 3.3% on a quality- and seasonally- adjusted basis. When added to previous price declines, Philadelphia house prices are cumulatively down 10.1% from their market’s peak of 18 months ago.

Price changes across the city’s neighborhoods were almost all negative, and no areas showed any meaningful increases. From lowest to highest, the price changes by neighborhood are: South Philadelphia (-8.6%), West Philadelphia (-7.2%), Center City/Fairmount (-6.0%), Lower Northeast Philadelphia (-3.3%), Northwest Philadelphia (-3.0%), Kensington/ Frankford (-2.0%), Upper Northeast Philadelphia (0.6%), University City (+0.5%) and North Philadelphia (+0.7%).

Although Philadelphia’s housing market continues to decline, it is at a rate far less than most other major US cities. According to CaseShiller MacroMarkets’ composite house price index, house prices have fallen by an average of 25% in the ten largest US cities since the bursting of the housing bubble, compared to only 10% in Philadelphia.

Compared to other cities in Case-Shiller’s index, 17 cities have experienced cumulative price declines that are larger than Philadelphia, and only three cities have experienced cumulative price declines that are smaller than Philadelphia.

The stats for Philadelphia housing also appear to be comparatively better on the topic of foreclosures, too. While foreclosure activity here has approximately doubled since a year ago, only 1.0% of all Philadelphia households – about one in every 100 – are in the process of being foreclosed upon. This is well below the

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City Home Values See Modest Decline

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The Public Record • January 29, 2009

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