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Vol. XI. No. 30 (Issue 495)

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

BU D G E T W A R S --

Prelude To 2010

by Joe Shaheeli There was a time when Gov. Ed Rendell was in charge of preparing the 2009-10 budget for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. But that time has passed.

Today, in effect, Republican Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi of Delaware Co. is Rendell’s unwanted co-Governor. As contentious budget negotiations chew up overtime, the Republicans of the upper chamber in effect can demand the final result meet their long-term goals as much as it meets the Governor’s.

Furthermore, Pileggi’s long term is longer than Rendell’s. Regardless of what happens this July, Rendell will be out of the Harrisburg rat race by this time next year. Even though he will still be in office, political momentum will have shifted to those who seek to replace him.

Pileggi, on the other hand, firmly intends to remain Senate Majority Leader in 2011 and beyond. Furthermore, he hopes to be ruling Pennsylvania with fellow Republicans in the Governor’s mansion and in control of the House of Representatives as well.

If he succeeds in all these aims, Pileggi will be a kingpin in the most important legislative session of the decade. That’s the one in which Federal and State redistricting is done. Given a Republican hat trick, the GOP can counteract sharp declines in voter registration

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and hope to dominate the Keystone State for years to come.

So the hang-tough Republicancrafted SB 850, which avoided any tax increase, was designed to win a major victory with voters who are themselves tightening their belts.

The Senate Republicans gambled they could do so by socking constituencies that, for the most part, lean Democrat anyway.

If they deliver these goods, the Senate GOP will fire up their major funders and woo the middle of the road with the role of fiscal responsibility in the fall of 2010.

The Senate’s measure included deep cuts for CHIP, basic education, child care, Pre-K Counts, the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program, county child welfare, and more. However, it was written so as to enable small overall increases for public-school systems – any cuts in which would have surely cost the GOP their base.

(Cont. Page 27)

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July 23, 2009

Courts Schwartz: Push On For Health Reform Face Slashes

by Ruth R. Russell Courtrooms without judges.

Judges without staffs.

Payless days for workers.

Citizenry with justice delayed, and perhaps eventually denied.

All of these could result from a court system bleeding red ink.

This was the picture painted by Chief Justice Ronald A. Castille during a talk on the possible effects of budget cuts to courts in Philadelphia and across the state, now being planned in Harrisburg.

In his speech to open the annual Conference of Pennsylvania State Trial Judges recently in Hershey, Castille revealed courts in the Commonwealth would lose more than $34 million in Gov. Ed Rendell’s bill and more than $46 million in the Senate Republicans bill.

“This will be a tough time for the courts,” he said. “With this loss of revenue, we will really have to (Cont. Page 2)

Nonprofits Don’t Land At Airport: A Retraction In the Jun. 25 issue of the Philadelphia Public Record, an article entitled “Airport Is Cash Cow To Some Nonprofits” stated numerous nonprofit agencies in the city received contracts from the Philadelphia Airport.

It’s time to say none of these agencies did in fact have these contracts with the Airport. Our published report was mistaken.

The source of the error turned out to be simple. A usually reliable source picked up a report of a different City department and mistakenly

CHARGING health care in Phila. is imperiled by national crisis, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz joined Univ. of Penna. Health System CEO Ralph Muller, Health Commissioner Don Schwarz and host of civic leaders in City Hall to press for comprehensive reform in Washington.

HUD Secretary Tours Renowned PHA Training Deputy Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Ron Sims saw Federal tax dollars at work during his visit to Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon. He joined Philadelphia Housing Authority Executive Director Carl Greene on a driving tour of public-housing sites and a visit to the agency’s acclaimed Pre-Apprenticeship training program.

PHA’s Pre-Apprenticeship program, in coordination with Philadelphia’s building trades unions, is designed to prepare public-housing residents for entry into approved apprenticeships in various trades. It provides students with academic and life skills as well as vocational training.

Sims toured the classrooms, met students and got a first-hand look at the program’s success when he met several graduates who have entered PHA’s work force as part of its innovative Maintenance WAVE (Weatherization and Value Enhancement) crews.

Addressing the program graduates, PHA residents and others who had gathered in South Philadelphia to meet him, Sims said, “I am not allowed to say which is my favorite, so

I will say this is one of the more remarkable housing authorities in the country.”

To the Pre-Apprenticeship students and graduates, he added, “We look forward to seeing your skills, your talents and your expertise. Not (Cont. Page 2)

HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims, left, listens as PHA Executive Director Carl Greene explains agency’s Pre-Apprenticeship training program at Workforce Development Center. Greene told Sims there has been a focused effort to increase the number of female participants.

page 2 The Public Record • July 23, 2009

Jobless Workers’ Benefits In Danger More than 17,000 jobless workers lost unemployment benefits this week as a bill, which would use Federal money to grant them an extension, is being held up in a Senate committee. Of those workers, 4,180 live in Philadelphia.

The city’s all-Democrat Senatorial caucus raised a firestorm of protest in an effort to sway their Republican colleagues, who control the pace of legislation in that chamber. House Bill 1770 received nearly unanimous passage in the House of Representatives, but the measure has stalled in the Senate Labor & Industry Committee, preventing Pennsylvania from qualifying for $145 million in Federal aid that would pay for extended benefits for the affected workers. The measure would extend their unemployment- compensation benefits by seven weeks.

“Help for these Pennsylvania workers is being denied because of the Senate’s failure to act,” State Sen. Christine Tartaglione said.

“The Federal government recognized the difficulty in finding work in a historically

weak market and sent help through the economic-stimulus package. There is no excuse for putting these families through the anxiety of not knowing where to turn to next.”

Tartaglione called on Republican leadership in the Labor & Industry Committee to release HB 1770 to the full Senate for a vote.

“Holding the bill hostage in committee is undemocratic and mean-spirited,” Tartaglione said. “This economy has already caused enough damage to families and communities without politics adding to it.”

“These people need our help now. They can’t wait another day while the Republicans continue to implement their stall tactics,” State Sen. Shirley Kitchen said. “During this historic national economic crisis, we must take extraordinary action to help Pennsylvanians who are out of a job, so I urge the Senate Labor Relations Committee to move HB 1770 out of committee now.”

“The Federal dollars are there to ensure these Pennsylvanians continue to re-

ceive compensation through this rough economic time,” State Sen. Larry Farnese said. “Why ignore this, why ignore common human decency and continue to allow these people to suffer?

“Let’s do the right thing and lift this burden off the backs of so many suffering through this economic recession.”

Joining Farnese at the news conference was Brian Wheeler, a constituent from his district. Wheeler, a former teacher who went back to school to be an RN, was laid off right after he received his RN certification.

Wheeler has been out of work for two years, dependent on unemployment benefits. He joined the thousands of other Pennsylvanians whose benefits ended on Saturday.

"This is not a Democrat or Republican issue,” Wheeler said. “This is something that affects all people. Politics shouldn't come into play when it comes to getting this bill out of committee."

“These hard-working citizens lost their jobs through no fault of their own. They

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Budget Deal Rips Cts. (Cont. From Page 1) tighten our belts. I have never seen anything like this in my 15 years in the courts.”

The $34 million shortfall will have a devastating impact on judicial salaries and staff.

“With a $45 million cut, we would have to lay off everyone but the Judges,” the Chief added, with a touch of humor.

He stressed he has written to Rendell and is even now working on economies for the courts.

Still, he has to face cuts that could equal the cost of 60 Judges and 6,000 days of Senior Judge service. And, as he noted, most of the funding provides for human costs – salaries and benefits – and are mandated expenses.

For example, over $95 million is needed to pay for 450 Common Pleas Court judges. The Governor’s

budget recommends a little more than $82 million, leaving a shortfall of $12 millionplus. This amount equals salary and benefits for 57 Common Pleas Judges and for 11 new ones (created by the legislature), who will take office in January 2010.

In Philadelphia Municipal Court, the amount needed for 25 Judges is $6.6 million but the Governor’s budget recommends $5.7 million. This gap equals salaries and benefits for one Judge and one arraignment-court magistrate, and 500 Senior Judge per diems. (Senior Judges are paid by the day.)

Also in Philadelphia, Traffic Court Judges cost $1.1 million while the Governor’s budget cuts leave a shortfall of $159,000, equal to the cost of one Judge and 157 per diems for Senior Judges.

Other cuts have been made in courts across Pennsylvania.

Also slated for budget reductions are the Magisterial District Judges, Superior Court Judges, District Court Administrators and Supreme Court Justices.

Despite all this, Castille seemed upbeat. He believes the State Courts are being operated efficiently and effectively at the present time, even with a deficit in the current budget.

The bottom line, however, said the Chief Justice, is the judiciary must have an increase in funding of at least $24 million above the Governor’s recommended amount for FY 2009-10. In closing, Castille pointed out the current State Court budget is $307 million, about 1% of the State budget – not an exorbitant amount.

were victims of a national economic downturn that is touching millions of American families,” State Sen. Mike Stack said. “They’re already struggling and they’re worried about paying their bills and feeding their families. They shouldn’t be penalized any further, especially when we have the opportunity to help them out now.”

Stack continued, “The economic climate is something that is beyond our control but we can take steps to ease the burden placed on the unfortunate people who are victims of the economy, and House Bill 1770 will accomplish that.”

Nor is it just a Philadelphia issue. Pennsylvania’s rural counties are facing an unemployment crisis,

Tartaglione said.

“Rural counties have the highest unemployment rates in Pennsylvania. Putting money into the hands of the unemployed while jobs are scarce, puts money into local businesses, boosts the sagging economy, saves homes and helps preserve jobs,” cites Tartaglione.“Short-term aid that improves the quality of life in our neighborhoods brings immeasurable benefit.”

“These unemployment compensation benefits are their only income as they go about trying to find new employment while attempting to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. We need to take action on this critical legislation today,” State Sen. LeAnna Washington said.

HB 1770 received solid bipartisan support and Senate Republican endorsement is all but guaranteed. However, Senate Republican leaders said with only one week to examine the measure, it was not yet possible to release a well-crafted piece of legislation.

Capitol Hill observers speculated the eventual release of the bill may wind up timed to serve as a quid pro quo in the dealings that finally resolve the budget impasse.

Newly minted Democrat US Sen. Arlen Specter also urged the Pennsylvania State Senate to pass the enabling legislation as fast as possible.

It is unlikely, though, Harrisburg’s Republican leaders will find Specter’s voice persuasive.

PHA: More Than Housing (Cont. From Page 1) only are you builders, but we want you to own the companies that are building as well.”

During the visit, Greene explained the program includes practical hands-on training, that there has been a focused effort to increase the number of female participants, and that PHA strives to maintain a well-balanced effort including life skills and basic-education training as well as post-graduation follow-up and mentoring.

“We want to produce graduates who are not only sound in the building trades, but who have gained wellrounded skills that will help them succeed at work and in life. And, this does not end when they conclude the program. We remain in contact with the graduates, providing job-placement assistance and mentorship as they enter their professional trades,” Greene said.

Thus far, 601 residents have graduated from the program, 310 of whom have entered the construction trades.

These jobs are positions at union-scale wages with benefits, resulting from certified

PHA Executive Director Carl Greene, left, shows HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims one of the work areas at the PHA Pre-Apprenticeship training program center where students learn skills such as how to install plumbing and kitchen cabinets. apprenticeships in the building and construction trades program and PHA’s new partnership with industrial employment opportunities.

During the visit, Sims

also got a look at a number of PHA’s housing developments in North Philadelphia, including Richard Allen and Cambridge Homes and the PHA community center.

ROXBOROUGH businessman Dan Pellicciotti enjoys conversation with Supreme Court candidate Jack Panella.

IBEW LOCAL 98 Business Mgr. John Dougherty, center, hosted Democratic Candidate for Supreme Court Jack Panella at McFadden’s at Ball Park. Union officials, Judges and ward leaders joined political movers and shakers packed inside park. Among them, Judge Anne Lazarus and Local 98 Political Dir. Bob Henon join Dougherty and Panella in posing for this picture.

SUPREME COURT CANDIDATE Jack Panella congratulates soon-to-be Judge Roxanne Covington on her primary win.

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FORMER DA CANDIDATE Dan McCaffery joins Judge Anne Lazarus, former Congressman Ozzie Myers and host John Dougherty at Ball Park.

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

C I V I C LEADER Karen Brown joins host John Dougherty, guest of honor Jack Panella and 25th Ward Leader Tommy Johnson at Phillies Ball Park fundraiser for Panella.

Page 3

Electricians Host Panella At Ball Park

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The Public Record • July 23, 2009

page 4

Rudman Pledges $20G To UArts Students The Public Record Over 60 top high-school musicians jazzed up the summer for some special friends at the University of the Arts.

To show off their talents, the students, who have just finished an intensive study at the

University of the Arts Summer Jazz Institute, put on a free concert at the Caplan Center in Terra Hall. The students showed off their exceptional skills in a grand finale concert for their teachers, family and friends. Students from five different ensembles, including

two big band groups performed. It was an exciting finale to the two-week summer program, now in its 19th year.

Among the packed audience were Kal & Lucille Rudman, who have just pledged another $20,000 toward the program. The Rudmans’ sup-

State Representative

STATE SENATOR

RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE

6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A

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

215-748-6712

WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com

port over the past several years has provided scholarships that annually allow dozens of top pre-college musicians to take part in the twoweek summer program.

The UArts Summer Institute affords high-school students from across the United

States the opportunity to study the visual, media and performing arts. Classes include jazz music, art history, digital photography, book arts, animation, computer game design, screen directing, acting, stage combat and dance, among others.

Councilman Wm.

R EP. A NGEL C RUZ

Greenlee

DISTRICT OFFICE 2749 N. 5th St. • 215-291-5643 Staffed by

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

Joe Evangelista Debbie Toro Ready to Serve you

KAL & LUCILLE Rudman enjoy lunch time free jazz performance at Art Institute.

Constituent Service Office

1610 S. Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 (215) 952-3378

State Rep. Cherelle

Parker 200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker

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

State Rep.

Senator Tina State Sen.

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

Tartaglione 2nd Dist.

127 W. Susquehanna Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19122

1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19124

215-291-4653

215-533-0440

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

215-684-3738 State Rep.

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

215-632-5150

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State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190 State Rep.

ROBERT C. DONATUCCI 185th District 1809 Oregon Ave, Phila., PA 19145

215-468-1515

Eligible homeowners and renters now have until Dec. 31 to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors and residents with disabilities. Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms are available at my offices, or online at www.senatorstack.com. Individuals who already applied for Property Tax/Rent Rebates may check the status of their claim online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-PA-TAXES. Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539 8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020 Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM

Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT

(USPS PP 109) Weekly Publication Published by:

The Phila. Public Record The South Phila Public Record 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 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 Lee Buchanan Dawud Starling 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.

Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity.

(C) 1999-2009 by the Philadelphia Public Record. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. The Philadelphia Public Record will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.

Page 5

INJURED AT WORK! CALL FOR YOUR FREE HANDBOOK

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

Are you being forced to treat with a doctor you don’t know?

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PRESIDENT Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday celebration was centerpiece of 4th of July weeklong celebration, marked by presentation to City of life-size statue of Lincoln, a gift from City of Beijing. Cochair of Lincoln 200 festival, Dianne Semingson welcomes President Abraham Lincoln, aka Fritz Klein, to kickoff of celebration, largest in country.

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

page 6

A Lincoln From China

Photos by Bonnie Squires

www.phillyrecord.com

STATE REP. Jim Roebuck, on board of Civil War Museum, is joined by Mayor Michael Nutter and Nicholas DeBenedictis, CEO of Aqua America and a sponsor of festival. They stand in front of Lincoln statue, given by City of Beijing in honor of 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between US and China.

Union Labor...

Building it right for a better and stronger community!

Page 7 The Public Record • July 23, 2009

Our Opinion ...

They Also Work

A Correction!

At Beech Interplex, Inc., we read with surprise and dismay, the story titled, “Airport is Cash Cow to Some NonProfits,” published in the Philadelphia Public Record, dated Jun. 25, 2009. Neither Beech, nor any of its entities, has ever received a contract from the Philadelphia Airport. This fact was incorrectly reported in your newspaper.

And we also know that at least one or two other nonprofit organizations listed in the article as having received contracts from the airport, in fact, did not.

We have no idea where you received the information from, but if you check your sources thoroughly, you will find that it is false.

As a non-profit, 501(c)3, Beech is prohibited from engaging in political activities as a group, so we took offense with the tone of the story that so-called “politically connected” non-profits are somehow getting contracts at the airport. (Our employees are free to contribute to political campaigns if they wish, as it is their constitutional right.)

Statements in the story such as “despite the fact some maintenance (at the airport) has been on the back burner, the Airport Administration has been a charitable cash

cow for several of the more politically powered non-profits,” gives a false impression (in our case) and in the cases of some of the other fine nonprofits, that they have, in some nefarious way, received contracts because of who they know, at a time when the airport is suffering.

Further, we have no idea how many other non-profits listed in the June 25th story have been incorrectly reported as receiving contracts at the airport, however, this does tend to raise doubts about the entire premise of the story.

Founded in 1990, Beech is a non-profit neighborhood revitalization firm, with a mission to improve economic development, employment opportunities and the quality of life in North Central Philadelphia, especially the Cecil B. Moore Ave. area.

Since then our organization have invested more than $100 million in our service area, which included building a half dozen commercial properties along the corridor and collaborating with other community groups to build more than 1,000 homes. Beech provides direct community services in partnership with the local schools, senior citizens programs and the business district. Also, Beech organizes and funds the annual jazz festival on Cecil B. Moore Ave. and fund the maintenance op-

eration for daily cleaning of the avenue and the monthly clean-up of a 26-square-block area of the Cecil B. Moore community.

On those occasions when Beech has received grants from the city or other government agencies, it has produced jobs, housing and economic development, which generates thousands of dollars returned to the government in the form of eco-

Jul 25- Vincent Woodson Fdn. anti-violence rally at Vernon Park, Germantown & Price Sts., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

For info Faye Woodson Dawson (215) 200-8453.

Jul. 25- Brady Bunch Beach Party at Keenan’s, 113 Old New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, NJ, 4-8 p.m. $35. Pay at door, or call Democratic City Committee (215) 241-7805.

Jul. 25- 9th Birthday celebration, “Mardi Gras Under Stars”, for State Sen. LeAnna M. Washington at Belmont Mansion, 200 Belmont Mansion Dr., 6-11 p.m. Contribution $300. Checks payable to Friends of LeAnna M. Washington, PO Box 27013, Phila., PA 19118.

Jul. 25- Bartlett Jr. HS Reunion at Galdo’s Catering, 20th St. & Moyamensing

nomic activity, fees and tax revenues.

In the spirit of fairness and good journalism, we ask for a correction.

Kenneth Scott President & CEO The Beech Companies (ED. NOTE: Please see our article on Page 1 that sets the record straight. We apologize to Beech Interplex and any other party that was involved.)

Ave. Tickets $55. For info Claudia Gordon (267) 9713768 or Diane Davis (215) 498-7201.

Jul. 30- Mike Ellis, President of Phila. Young Democrats, hosts birthday fundraiser at Champagne’s, 21 E. Chelten Ave., 6-9 p.m. For info Ytina Dudley, (215) 485-3899.

Jul. 30- Untermeyer for DA Reception, Dark Horse Pub, 421 S. 2nd St., 6 p.m. Free.

Jul. 31- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen invites Allegheny West community to free concert by Philadelphia Orchestra performance, 7 p.m. at Deliverance Evangelistic Church, 2001 W. Lehigh Ave. Seating first come, first served.

Aug. 7- Chris Wright Legal Defense Benefit at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 5-7 p.m. $40. Checks payable to Chris Wright Legal Defense Fund, 2720 Rhawn St., PMB #173, Phila., PA 19152.

www.phillyrecord.com

The ongoing Pennsylvania budget crisis has legislators working overtime. As it should. With close to $30 billion and a host of public services and jobs on the table, too much is at stake for them not to sweat.

Which raises the question of the work politicians do most of the time. Most of the time, people like to poke fun at it. There is undoubtedly a round of honorary proclamations and grandstanding bills on trivial issues that society doesn’t really need. But somebody does want it, or politicians wouldn’t be asked for it.

Most of what General Assembly members are now duking it out over in Harrisburg is deadly serious business. There are fundamental disagreements between what ordinary citizens want from their government that are not easily resolved.

Most of them are best explained by the old saying, “Everybody wants to go to Heaven but nobody wants to die.”

Everybody wants more government services, and everybody wants lower taxes. Everybody thinks money spent on services other people use is frivolous and unneeded; everybody thinks money spent on services they personally consume is essential and even short-changed.

Every private-sector worker thinks government is inefficient and wasteful – and it is. Yet nobody admits their own business is inefficient and wasteful – even when they see Dilberts all around them conferring about nothing and playing solitaire.

The truth is, solving the budget crisis of any $30 billion enterprise is harsh and tricky, and requires the skills of hundreds of top-level managers. In government, we call them “politicians”.

It’s frustrating how much time politicians spend disagreeing. Why don’t they just get to the point?

But politicians disagree because citizens disagree – with each other and, more importantly, with themselves.

Let’s hope the chore of disagreement in Harrisburg will soon be resolved. Next week would be just about the right time. If the politicians succeed at this … then good work, ladies and gentlemen!

Letters • Letters • Letters

page 8 The Public Record • July 23, 2009

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY CIVIL ACTION - LAW Term No. 090600287 NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE DREW DEMARCO Plaintiff vs.

RITA MCCLAIND, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of ROBERT JAMES MCCLAIND, Deceased, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT JAMES MCCLAIND, DECEASED & RONALD R. WILLIAMS Mortgagors and Real Owners Defendants TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT JAMES MCCLAIND, DECEASED, MORTGAGOR AND REAL OWNER, DEFENDANT whose last known address is 5013 Jackson 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 Plaintiff, DREW DEMARCO, 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 Term No. 090600287 wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 5013 Jackson Street Philadelphia, PA 19124 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia County.

www.phillyrecord.com

NOTICE You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money 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 19107 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

PFT Trains New Teachers NEW PHILA. public-school teacher Tamiko Mitchell displays certificate given by Phila.

Federation of Teachers. With Mitchell are PFT Health & Welfare Fund chief trustee Jack Steinberg, instructor Tara Ardary and PFT’s Rosalind Jones-Johnson. PFT will train 400–500 incoming teachers in an effort to improve retention. More than 50% of City teachers typically resign within first five years.

Photo by Kirk Dom

NEWLY TRAINED incoming teacher inquires how to handle unruly, disruptive students.

Training took place at Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush HS in Northeast. More training is scheduled for Audenried HS and Thomas Edison HS. The revolutionary six-day course is meant to prepare beginners for managing their classrooms and dealing with student disciPhoto by Kirk Dom pline.

Page 9 The Public Record • July 23, 2009

See page 8 for contest rules and information.

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Vendors Are Welcome

page 10 The Public Record • July 23, 2009 www.phillyrecord.com

Looks like PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S popularity is folding faster than Superman on laundry day. As the inebriated “hope and change” bender has predictably morphed into a Sunday-morning economic hangover, the charlatan express is derailing at a pace that makes JIMMY CARTER’S demise look like a snail marathon. Just consider: This week Obama hosted a conference call with leftist bloggers urging them to pressure Congress to pass his health plan as soon as possible. During the call, a blogger from Maine said he kept running into an Investors Business Daily article that claimed Section 102 of the House health legislation would outlaw private insurance. He asked: “Is this true? Will people be able to keep their insurance and will insurers be able to write new policies even though HR 3200 is passed?” The President replied, “You know, I have to say that I am not familiar with the provision you are talking about.”

What?! Not familiar with the fact this bill outlaws private insurance?! This from the guy who’s telling us we have to pass this insane legislation by Aug. 1 or the world will come to an end? My only question to those who bought into this drivel and pulled the election lever for this lightweight, noexperience shyster from the cesspool of Chicago politics is this: How foolish do you feel right now? Given the fact Obama’s approval ratings are diving, it’s safe to say some voters are starting to experience buyer’s remorse.

Around the local campus, some “congratulations” are in order. First off, we have a new little Elephant named CHRISTIAN GERARD DeFELICE in the pack. JOE DeFELICE is proud as can be and ROSE DeFELICE is doing just fine. My best to a fantastic family and a real leader.

(Cont. Page 20)

Okay, I want everyone who thought former Sen. Vincent Fumo was going to get a Bernie Madoff-esque sentence for his conviction on 137 Federal charges, charges that included a whole lot of fraud, to raise their hands.

Now, I’d like all of you who raised your hands to send me your names and addresses. I have some prime real estate in Brooklyn that I’d like to show you. Has its own bridge and everything.

The folks at the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Daily News, and most local media outlets have been losing their minds over the 55-month slap on the wrist Fumo got for his crimes.

When I saw the sentence, I broke out my calculator and did some math and came to the realization The Vince of Darkness will be out of jail in less than five years.

Considering I’m still surprised the Feds convicted the guy, I wasn’t surprised at all to see he’ll be out in time to see his daughter graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.

The previous sentence doesn’t mean I support corruption here in Philly; far from it. I think when people take advantage of the public trust in a way that enriches them and their friends and causes disadvantages to the people they’re supposed to be serving, there’s a special hell that they need to be shipped to.

But I’ve also been around here long enough to know it rarely happens. Sure, former City Councilman Rick Mariano got 6½ years for taking money to pay his credit-card debts and former City Treasurer Corey Kemp got 10 years for taking Super Bowl tickets and an addition on his house from a contributor, but as far as fish go, they’re not as big as Fumo.

Thus, I am surprised that Fumo was convicted. I am not, (Cont. Page 20)

Snooper’s Special EMAIL: Here’s one I received last week, and I might add, obviously from an ardent Michael Jackson fan. I was very interested in a recent statement made by the Father JOE JACKSON regarding the death of his son. The father stated, “There was definitely FOUL PLAY in regards to the death of my son MICHAEL JACKSON. I believe, once they’re done with all the investigations, they will definitely find there was some sort of foul play in the actual cause of my son’s death”. This leads me to believe THE FATHER is really setting up an upcoming CIVIL CASE which will be based on WRONGFUL DEATH! I can tell all your readers, Michael’s death will be with us for a while.

Snooper’s F.Y.I. Files: This is one I would like all of you to see for yourself. Inside THE CASINO DELI you’ll get to see all the greats of entertainment. Yes, ELVIS PRESLEY, DOLLY PARTON, BARBRA STREISAND, FRANK SINATRA, MARILYN MONROE, SAMMY DAVIS, JR., ROY ACUFF, SEIGFRIED & ROY, RITA HAYWORTH, and ELSIE the ‘ICON’. Oh yeah, you’ll also see your favorite committee persons here too. Check it out!

Snooper’s ‘Helpful Hints’ Bureau: When you go shopping, they put your items in these yellow plastic bags, and when you take them home, you throw them away. HOLD IT … may I strongly suggest you keep them. After all, you can put your trash in them, and then hang this bag on the back of a door – on the doorknob preferably! Once the bag is full, tie it up, and put it in the trash cans – EASY! The trash men told me it’s a great idea. I must admit, my lovely ‘other’ gave me this fantastic idea and it really works!

Snooper’s NIGHTMARE: Whew … this is unbelievable, and the worst part of it all is she will be confirmed to THE SUPREME COURT. I watched with horror those phony, ridiculous CONFIRMATION HEARINGS. JUDGE SOTOMAYOR is absolutely a judicial nightmare, and she should NEVER be a Judge of The Supreme Court. She was already told, even before she opened up her hypocritical mouth, she was going to be a Judge of The Supreme Court.

She was so controversial, and yet these clowns all voted for her. Yes, she is an outright RACIST and everybody knows it. Her decisions were so ridiculous, even The Supreme Court threw them out, especially the decision she made regarding THE WHITE FIREMEN. Hmm … I wonder what laws she used to justify her stupid decision in that case. She’s another one of OBAMA’S protégés.

(Cont. Page 20)

The four Goldberg brothers, Lowell, Norman, Hiram, and Max, invented and developed the first automobile airconditioner.

On Jul. 17, 1946, the temperature in Detroit was 97 degrees. The four brothers walked into old man Henry Ford’s office and sweet-talked his secretary into telling him some gentlemen were there with the most exciting innovation in the auto industry since the electric starter.

Henry was curious and invited them into his office. They refused and instead asked that he come out to the parking lot to their car.

They persuaded him to get into the car, which was about 130 degrees, turned on the air conditioner, and cooled the car off immediately.

The old man got very excited and invited them back to the office, where he offered them $3 million for the patent.

The brothers refused, saying they would settle for $2 million, but they wanted the recognition by having a label, “The Goldberg Air-Conditioner”, on the dashboard of each car in which it was installed.

Now, old man Ford was more than just a little anti-Semitic, and there was no way he was going to put the Goldberg’s name on two million Fords. They haggled back and forth for about two hours, and finally agreed on $4 million and that just their first names would be shown. And so to this day, all Ford air conditioners show Lo, Norm, Hi, and Max on the controls. So, now you know....

P.S.: Don’t lose your sense of humor during these challenging times.

Sen. Arlen Specter may have sown the seeds for his defeat in the Democratic primary of 2010 by lining up support for his renomination with PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, his own colleague SEN. BOB CASEY and GOV. ED RENDELL. In so doing, he has effectively made his opponent CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK an “underdog.” Pennsylvania voters love underdogs. Look back through the pages of political history to the year 1966, when millionaire MILTON SHAPP took on the endorsed candidate of the Democratic Party BOB CASEY, SR. He made himself “the man against the machine.” Most voters view the formal apparatus of the Democratic Party with suspicion and they are glad to have an opportunity to show it by voting against its handpicked candidate. So in 1966 you had a millionaire who styled himself as an “underdog” defeating Bob Casey whose background was working-class in Lackawanna Co. Now, you do not have to pay any attention to the fact Sestak has already raised $4 million and will undoubtedly double that by the time the 2010 campaign rolls around.

When you combine Sestak’s illustrious wartime record as an Admiral with his commendable service in two terms of Congress, he becomes a formidable opponent.

There is a residual negative vote against SEN. ARLEN SPECTER because of his past record of voting against his Party and his current record of changing parties. Most political pundits believe in a Republican primary, Specter would not have been able to beat again his opponent from six years ago, PAT TOOMEY. Toomey is the darling of the Republican conservatives and they pretty much set the style for who the candidate will be in their Primary. Specter already has $6 million in the bank and the campaign promises to be one of the most expensive in the history of American politics.

The National Conference of State Legislatures was held in Philadelphia this week.

Unfortunately, the unresolved question of the budget made it expedient for Pennsylvania’s legislators, the would-be hosts not to participate. It was, to put it bluntly, an embarrassment. However, Pennsylvania is only one of several other states still embroiled in budget-balancing, so no doubt their visiting peers were understanding.

Among the activities made available to the attendees was a visit to the Galileo exhibit at the Franklin Institute.

page 12 The Public Record • July 23, 2009

Stimulus Money Starts To Show Up In Town

Long awaited – and, some say, long overdue – some Federal stimulus money is beginning to arrive at the State and City level, with more expected in the next couple of months.

Mayor Michael A. Nutter submitted Philadelphia’s application for $58.8 million in Federal funds to stabilize and revive local neighborhoods and housing markets with heavy concentrations of vacant properties. These funds are available through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP-2), a component of the American Recovery Act. Philadelphia is looking to use these dollars to leverage the existing strengths of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and expand successful neighborhoods into adjacent areas that have been left be-

hind. NSP-2 is a competitive grant, rather than a formula distribution.

“Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and as such our success depends on their strength. Unfortunately, many of our most vulnerable communities have been threatened further by the economic crisis,” said Mayor Nutter. “We are going to fight for every dollar possible from the Federal stimulus in order to help our neighborhoods during this difficult time.”

To begin, financial incentives will be offered to owneroccupant buyers of foreclosed homes. Next, the City’s NSP1 program will be expanded to purchase, renovate and sell additional foreclosed and long-term vacant houses. And finally, in terms of new hous-

ing, there will be gap financing for affordable new construction housing on blighted, vacant land.

Gap financing for the redevelopment of key occupied or vacant foreclosed, multifamily structures will be used in eligible areas where selective reinvestment can affect neighborhood value.

Furthermore, the City will implement expanded code enforcement and selective demolition of blighted structures, especially old industrial or commercial buildings in neighborhoods that are now residential. This will be used in neighborhoods with high vacancy or poor land-use patterns.

This plan will leverage significant resources from the City of Philadelphia and other public and private entities including $15 million spent by the City on commercial-corridor improvements, $270 million to be spent by SEPTA on transit improvements, $2.8 million to be spent by the Pennsylvania Housing Fi-

nance Agency on housing finance programs, $37 million to be spent by the Water Dept. on greening and stormwatermanagement projects, and $1.3 million to be spent by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society on cleaning and greening vacant lots.

Nutter also announced the City of Philadelphia has applied to the Dept. of Housing & Urban Development to use $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funding through the Recovery Act for housing counseling, legal services, and outreach on mortgage foreclosure. HUD is reviewing that request; a decision is expected by early fall.

The Philadelphia Mortgage Diversion Program, launched in June 2008, involves doorto-door outreach. Representatives visit individuals whose homes are slated for foreclosure and inform them of the housing and legal counseling available to them.

Through this program so far, approximately 1,400

homes have been saved and a further 1,500 cases are under negotiations. Since the hotline was established, more than 7,500 homeowners have called for advice.

At the State level, funding is available through the PA Conservation Works! grant program and is the main mechanism for local governments and non-profits to access ARRA funds for energy projects. PA Conservation Works! will provide up to $250,000 for individual projects and $500,000 for joint projects designed to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and reduce energy costs by at least 25%.

US Dept. of Energy Secretary Steven Chu declared $39.8 million in funding under ARRA to support energy-efficiency and renewable-energy projects in Pennsylvania. Under DOE’s State Energy Program, Pennsylvania proposed a statewide plan that prioritizes energy savings, creates or retains jobs, increases the use of re-

PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIA’S 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

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James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director

Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

John F. Dempsey

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

newable energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Pennsylvania has now received 50% of its total Recovery Act SEP funding. The remaining 50% will be released if the State meets reporting, oversight, and accountability milestones required by the Recovery Act. Pennsylvania Green Energy Works! will offer grants to businesses, nonprofit organizations, universities, local governments, and utilities to deploy shovel-ready efficient, environmentally sustainable and economically worthwhile energy projects across the state.

Pennsylvania will also establish a Green Development Loan Program, a revolving loan fund that will provide clean-energy and energy-efficiency financing for facilities projects, resource-efficiency measures, and advanced and renewable clean-energy technologies.

The Recovery Act appropriated $3.1 billion to the SEP to help promote energy efficiency and clean-energy deployment, as well as to support local economic recovery. States use these grants at the state and local level to create green jobs and address state energy priorities.

Hole in One

The Housing Association of Delaware Valley, a citizen's housing advocacy agency, has raised over $39,000 at its 1st annual Fundraising Golf Outing.

“The dollars raised through this event will translate into families staying in their homes and remaining together. We are so grateful to all of the sponsors and supporters for helping us to make this event successful," said Tony Lewis, HADV managing director. "We look forward to continuing the fight for decent housing and economic opportunities."

Event sponsors included L.E.C.E.T. of Philadelphia, Laborers' District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia & Vicinity, and Laborers' Local 332.

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BORN TO TEACH! Jannie Blackwell’s political friends, including Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, joined Jannie’s cookout. Blondell and Jannie are both former school teachers.

SHARIF STREET, son of former Mayor John Street, joins judicial candidate Adam Beloff and host Jannie Blackwell.

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANNIE! Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell celebrated her birthday by cutting cake at 12th annual cookout for homeless outside City Hall. Blackwell spoke to all, making sure everyone was FROM LEFT, Mayor Michael Nutter and DA candidate well-fed and enjoying themselves. As she does every year, Blackwell knew how to be selfless and thankful for all her blessings on day of YOUNGSTERS ENJOYING the festivities made sure Seth Williams wish Jannie Blackwell a happy birthday at her 12th annual cookout for homeless in Dilworth Plaza. her birth. they got pictures with their favorite Councilwoman.

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Jannie Shares Birthday With Homeless

COUNCILMAN BILL Green stopped by to wish his Council colleague a happy birthday.

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The Public Record • July 23, 2009

page 18

days later for Rodney Evans, 32, of Ludlow Street near 55th Street in West Philadelphia.

Evans, who remains at large, is a Black male who stands at 6 feet, 5 inches and weighs approximately 250 lb.

Members of the Philadelphia boxing community and Laborers Local 332 announced at Police headquarters they have put up a $10,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of Lyde’s murder. DA

candidate Seth Williams, who was in attendance, vowed to do whatever he can to bring Evans to justice and to get illegal guns off of the streets to prevent more tragedies like this from occurring.

Capt. James Clark said Evans was to be considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information, please call the Citizens Crime Commission anonymous tip line at (215) 546-TIPS.

PHILA. boxing community showed support for FrazierLyde families: boxing Judge John Stewart, Khaliah Ali (Muhammad Ali’s daughter), manager "Big" Rob Murray, Peter Lyde, Sr., Legendary Blue Horizon co-owner Vernoca Michael, Veteran Boxers Association's Fred Druding, Jr. and boxing coach Anthony Jacobs all attended.

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

IF YOU SEE this man, Rodney Evans, call police or Citizens Crime Commission anonymous tip line at (215) 546-TIPS.

$10,000 Reward Offered Peter Lyde, Jr.’s life was senselessly taken on May 31 as he worked security at a North Philadelphia bar. Two feuding patrons began shooting at each other and one of the bullets fatally struck Peter Lyde, Jr., the son of Local 332’s Peter Lyde, Sr., stepson of Municipal Court Judge Jacqui Frazier-Lyde and step-grandson of boxing legend Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

Police issued a warrant nine

Tragedy Strikes Boxing Family

Page 19

Ringside With The Shadowboxer

LABORERS LOCAL 332's Sam Staten Jr., former City Councilman Juan Ramos, Peter Lyde, Sr., Local 332 Business Mgr. Sam Staten, Sr., and DA candidate Seth Williams also came out to show their support.

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page 20 The Public Record • July 23, 2009

Seth At Union League DEMOCRATIC DA candidate Seth Williams is hosted Union League fundraiser last month. Joining Seth are Father Kelly from St. Monica Parish and Judge Vincent DeFino, Sr. A NEW DAY, a new DA! And his name is Seth Williams, center, according to Scott DiClaudio, Wolf Blitzer, Vince De Fino, Jr. and Walter McHugh.

FUNERAL DIR E C T O R Mark Rago and South Philadelphia caterer Lou Galdo join noted attorney William Brennan at fundraiser for Seth Williams.

Out & About

(Cont. From Page 10) however, surprised at the sentence he received.

The Feds are going to appeal this sentence because they spent a whole gang of money to put on this trial and to go through all that for a 55month sentence has to have left a whole bunch of folks (including some folks who were hoping to use it toward their Republican Gubernatorial bid) a little ticked off.

But to be honest, it would be in their best interest to take the half a loaf. For if the Feds go for the whole loaf — conviction and big sentence — and they fall short, they may end up with nothing.

I say that because this was the third time the Feds went after The Vince of Darkness.

They had to get him this time or they’d never have another shot.

I wouldn’t take a chance because public opinion (or Republican politics) tells me I should.

(But if you are going to take another shot, I’d tell my friends at the Inquirer to stand down.

Judge Ronald Buckwalter singled out their coverage of Fumo for particular scorn when he handed down his sentence.)

I wish you all luck. You’re going to need it.

Although my dad wasn’t really crazy about my becoming

a journalist, some of my interest in the news was his fault.

How? Because when he would come home after a long day training troops on Fort Dix, he’d do two things: grab the local paper and watch the “CBS Evening News” with Walter Cronkite. He’d then invite me to join him on the couch.

Cronkite, a newscaster who was probably the last person who will ever be called “the most trusted man in America”, died on Friday of cerebral vascular disease. He was 92.

Because my dad had me watching Cronkite nightly, I knew what Vietnam was, which was important because the Army sent my father there.

I knew what Watergate was, which led to more than a few fights on the playground and made me really, really want that President Richard Nixon bobblehead doll that plays the “I’m Not a Crook” speech when I got older.

I even learned from Cronkite on Saturday mornings through watching the CBS show “You Are There” and through the documentary series “The 20th Century”.

I got a lot of information from Walter Cronkite, and it made me a much smarter kid.

What I’ve learned since is that Cronkite was a reporter Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board.

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who played it straight down the middle but wasn’t afraid to react to stuff that he thought didn’t sound right.

He reacted to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and expressed the feelings of the rest of the country. He told America that Vietnam was unwinnable and helped President Lyndon Johnson realize that it was time for American troops to pull out.

He spoke out for diversity in media, and backed up his words through his support of reporters of color like Bernard Shaw and the late Ed Bradley.

There’s even a school of journalism named after him at Arizona State, further cementing a legacy that was on pretty sturdy ground already.

When I got the news that Cronkite died, I was in a restaurant. The waitress asked me why I looked so sad. I told her, “Walter Cronkite’s dead. To anyone who considers themselves a journalist, that’s really bad news.”

And that’s the way it is.

Rest in peace, Mr. Cronkite.

Thanks for being a true newscaster. I wish we had a few of you today.

Elephant Corner (Cont. From Page 10) Speaking of leaders, WALLY ZIMOLONG was overwhelmingly elected as Chairman of the Philadelphia Federation of Young Republicans Tuesday night. He is the type of leadership YRs need.

Look for this hard charger to move forward and start delivering results right out of the gate. He has some fantastic ideas on how to reach out to a younger crowd and make them realize the GOP is the only choice for a savvy young Philadelphian.

Finally, a great big “atta boy” to JOE EASTMAN for setting up a spectacular event for US Senate candidate PAT TOOMEY with local business leaders in Chinatown last Thursday, including MABEL CHI CHAN. The event brought out 30 of the neighborhood’s most prominent leaders to hear Pat’s message of low taxes and fiscal responsibility; a message that rang loud and clear with these jobcreating citizens of Philadelphia. Keep cool in this Sahara heat, my chubby chums.

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The Public Record • July 23, 2009

(Cont. From Page 10) Snooper’s Violence UPDATE: Here we go again, Boss. It seems no one cares, nor do they listen.

They keep giving everyone FALSE HOPE with all these GUN RECALLS or, worse yet, giving some of these very same criminals CASH; and we know what they do with it. It seems all they are doing is just recycling old guns. The irony of this latest gun collection, was that two blocks away, someone was shot and killed, and then two more killings by guns too. It’s a no-win situation! I am sick and tired of it all, and I’m dumbfounded as to what to do. Tell me, please!

Snooper’s BIG Question: Rick Mariano is sentenced for four years for taking a small amount of cash.

Councilman Jannotti serves two years’ jail time for no less than $10,000. Then we have others who get serious jail time for taking fewer

monies. Here’s my point and my question. SEN. FUMO takes Millions of Dollars in all kinds of various schemes, he gets a mere four years, period.

I’m wondering where the justice is here. Yeah I know: SEN. FUMO did a lot of good stuff for Philadelphia. But he also did good stuff for himself too. I’m curious to see, what CHRIS WRIGHT will get for his crime. How many years, tell me Boss!

Snooper’s BIG EVENT: Here we go with the annual BRADY BUNCH BEACH PARTY. The date is this SATURDAY, JUL. 25 at KEENAN’S, 113 Old New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, N.J. You can pay at the door, or better yet, call the Democratic City Committee at (215) 241-7805, and let me suggest, if you don’t have your ticket yet, call them right now so you can be a part of The Brady Bunch. I strongly want all THE CANDIDATES to know

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After 21 years, ‘new’ BYOB Jake’s Still Rules

by Len Lear Jake’s is one of those few restaurants that, like Old Man River, just keeps rolling along, no matter how often the winds of culinary change blow in new trends from the Near East, the Middle East, the Far East and every other point on the world map.

Owner/chef Bruce Cooper, 54, a 1974 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, was previously catering and cooking for the doctors’ dining room at Lankenau Hospital before opening Jake’s on Nov. 17, 1987, at 4365 Main Street (between Grape and Levering Streets). On that very day, then referred to as “Black Monday,” the DowJones Average took its biggest one-day plunge in

history up until then — 150 points, which certainly must have inc r e a s e d whiskey sales. (Jake’s, by the way, is the nickname of Bruce’s former wife, Helena.)

Cooper should start a side business of reading palms and tea leaves because he certainly turned out to be prescient. He purchased the modest 3,000-square-foot, two-story storefront for little more than the cost of a filetmignon entrée at Barclay Prime today; after all, Manayunk at that time was one more working-class, shotand-beer Philly neighborhood that looked as if it was headed down the urban escalator.

But Jake’s was a huge popular and critical success from day one, and the restaurant was the first one that helped to transition Manayunk — like Con-

shohocken and Northern Liberties in more recent years — from a blue-collar enclave to a trendy restaurant and boutique district with perennial complaints about the paucity of parking places.

The quality of Jake’s has always been in the upper pantheon of Philadelphia restaurants. The 2009 Zagat Restaurant Guide for Philadelphia says its “reliably high-end dishes” are “excellent as ever” and that Jake’s is “still the place to go in the area.”

But let’s face it; in this apocalyptic economy, almost every upscale restaurant except for steakhouses like Del Frisco’s, Union Trust and Butcher & Singer — which are mysteriously immune to the economic cyclone — is offering lower-priced options that would have seemed impossible one year ago. In Jake’s case, it is now BYOB every night of the week (with a $5 corkage fee). “I got tired of fighting the

trend,” explained Bruce. “I started the BYOB policy six months ago.”

In an even greater concession to the less-pricey zeitgeist of the economic Katrina, Cooper took over the next-door property last year (4367 Main Street), which had previously housed a Chico’s clothing store, and after breaking through the wall that separated the two storefronts, opened Cooper’s Brick Oven Wine Bar. Almost all entrees at Cooper’s are $15 or under.

Every time we have passed Cooper’s and looked through the window, it has been mobbed, so much so that Cooper’s customers may have to sit in Jake’s (where it is much, much more quiet), where they may still order from Cooper’s menu.

“Cooper’s has brought people in here to Jake’s who were never here before,” said Bruce.

The chef at Jake’s, Abdoulaye Soumah (from Guinea in Africa), and pas-

Len Lear try chef Debbie Tonsey have both been at Jake’s for 15 years, which is like 50 years in the non-restaurant world.

Dining-room manager Cyril Addison is also a long-time fixture. “Soumah did not speak English when he started here, although he spoke other languages,” said Cooper, “but he is the hardest-working person I have ever met.”

Our latest dinner at Jake’s last month did not have a joker in the deck. One appetizer that was a super value was the huge red-leaf salad with pears, spicy pecans,

gorgonzola cheese and a balsamic/port dressing ($10).

It’s enough for two people.

An awesome entree is the barbecued Scottish salmon with crispy sweet-potato fries, green beans and a sublime apple cider soy dressing ($29).

And a great dessert was the decadent chocolate hazelnut layer cake crowned with mousse and hazelnut ice cream, all wreathed in Frangelico caramel ($8).

And everything but the breads (from Le Bus) is made from scratch; you can tell the sauces are made from pure reductions and the fruit sauces are cooked down from fresh fruit.

Jake’s has always been known for the artwork on its walls as well as for its food.

Cooper once said, after selling $25,000 worth of art in a 16month period, “A lot of art galleries this size would love to do that well.” For more information or reservations, call (215) 483-0444 or visit www.jakesrestaurant.com.

Baltimore Ave. Gets Lit

It’s Gillison

PARTICIPATING in WE ALL BELONG! student arts and literature contest awards ceremony were, from left, Kathy Sykes of Phila. MR Services; John Blunt, NBC 10 news anchor; and State Rep. Jim Roebuck, Chairman of House EdPhoto by Bonnie Squires ucation Committee.

ELEGANT new streetlamps now grace Baltimore Avenue business district in University City, thanks to grants overseen by State Rep. Jim Roebuck and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.

GENERAL AUTO REPAIRS STATE INSPECTION LUBRICATION

BODY AND FENDER REPAIR TIRE SERVICE SIMONIZING

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

IN THE Jul. 16 issue in the item “From Prisoners To Paralegals”, the gentleman in the photo is Everett Gillison, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, and not Keith Ellis.

Gillison was in attendance at the ceremony to congratulate graduates from Eastern University’s Paralegal Diploma Program.

Page 23

They All Belong

A.C. AUTO REPAIRS 24 HOUR TOWING & ROAD SERVICE 2300 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILA., PA 19125

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Walk In’s Welcomed A.J. Sbaraglia & Toni

We Gladly Accept Food Coupons

MAYOR Michael Nutter gets plaque commemorating new lighting from Lewis Wendell, outgoing executive director of University City District that organized project.

2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

Carl Jeff & Barbara

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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

by Michael A. Cibik, Esquire American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: If the person you won a small-claims case

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, August 15th, 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.

B- 059 G of 2008/09* Electrical Service Contract Elevator Repair Service

John Bartram High School 2401 South 67th Street

BUDGET $300,000.00

FEE $25.00

* A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location on July 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 NOON

Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-400-5225. 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 the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.

www.phillyrecord.com

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.

judgment against has filed for bankruptcy, do you have any options?

Answer: Not really. You could ask the court to dismiss the bankruptcy. You’d have to pay a filing fee, and it is highly unlikely you would be successful in dismissing the bankruptcy case. There are probably many creditors with much higher claims. One thing people who sue (and get sued) usually don’t understand is how difficult it is to collect on a judgment. Over 90% of judgments are “no assets” judgments. That means the person sued has no way to pay the debt, because the exemptions covered the assets.

Therefore, creditors lose their money and court fees spent for the filing.

Next week’s question: Is it possible to keep a vehicle that has post-arrears payments still due once a Chapter 13 has been discharged?

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

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

page 24

America’s Got Talent: Elisabeth Stevens GERMANTOWN SOPRANO Elisabeth Stevens (center) is congratulated by her peers in Italy as she won Giovani Cantanti Lirici Ricardo Zandonai title – a prestigious award in the music world.

by Sam Brenner A Philadelphia soprano has rocked the world by beating scores of singers at an international competition.

Elisabeth Stevens is the toast of Germantown after bringing home the Giovani Cantanti Lirici Ricardo Zandonai title – a prestigious award in the music world.

Stevens is another successful Marian Anderson graduate.

Armed with her training, the secret to her success, she says is, “practice, practice, and more practice!”

Stevens has been practicing since she was a little girl in Clevleand, Ohio..

“God gave me a gift, and I

have the responsibility to use that gift,” said Stevens.

The multitalented musicologist has already wowed people locally.

She sang at the inauguration of Governor Ed Rendell, and has performed for the ambassadors at the U.S. Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. “Elisabeth is one of our outstanding successes,” said Blanche Burton Lyles, Executive Director of the Marian Anderson Society. ”We are all so proud of her success.

She has a voice of an angel.”

To listen to a sample of Steven’s vocal prowess, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v =B-wWoRMI8gY.

Page 25

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

www.phillyrecord.com

page 26 The Public Record • July 23, 2009

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Dominic Pileggi … a shadow Governor.

Washington pointed to “the thousands of jobs that will be lost and the State employees whose paychecks are threatened.”

Democratic complaints fell on deaf ears – in the Senate at least. They may have gotten a more-sympathetic hearing in the House, which is controlled by Democrats.

With their smaller, moreintimate Districts, State Representatives tend to be more attuned than Senators to pressures from constituents who are worried by the threat of lost services or jobs as a result of government cutbacks. That includes House Republicans.

In earlier rounds of budget debate, they had opposed their Democratic colleagues’ plan, offering instead hangtough, proposals that sounded like the Republican battlecries in the Senate. But their actual allegiance to small-government tactics was much softer.

That’s why about 40 GOP State Reps – almost half their caucus – swiftly voted alongside the unanimous Democrats to reject the Senate

Republican budget. In effect now, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party on Capitol Hill have morphed, for a brief moment, into a “Senate Party” and “House Party”. And the rules require these two camps find some way to split the difference between their positions.

In conference committee, momentum may now shift to some Democratic budget priorities. While that committee will not be appointed until this coming Monday, unofficial negotiations began yesterday.

State Rep. Mark Cohen noted, “It is possible that Monday will be the close of negotiations instead of the beginning.

The budget process has dragged on way too long already, but the end is in sight.”

In this end game, outside interests will lobby furiously to put pressure on Senate Republicans to relent on particular chunks of public spending.

The most-effective pressure will be channeled through business interests.

The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, for example, is pushing to restore the $17 million Senate Republicans want to cut from the budget.

"Despite the long and documented record showing that state investment in housing pays large dividends, our elected representatives are choosing to disinvest. This deep recession can be better combated through more spending on housing, not less," said HAP Executive Director Liz Hersh. A lot of

Toomey In Town For Fundraiser

Public Record Correction (Cont. From Page 1) submitted it to the Public Record as an Airport report.

So while all the agencies in the article did do business with the City in 2009, these contracts were not with the Airport.

It is never pleasant to be in the wrong, but we were this time. We wish all the agencies involved the best in their reputable dealings with the City of Philadelphia, in 2009, 2010 and beyond.

www.phillyrecord.com

GOP SENATORIAL candidate Pat Toomey was in Center City this week at the Academy House in Center City for fundraiser hosted at the law firm of Linda Kearns, Esq.

contractors vote Republican.

Teachers unions are no friend of the GOP. But the Pennsylvania State Education Association hopes to rile upfor-grabs voters by predicting cuts in kindergarten and preschool programs if the Senate budget version stands.

By the same token, Republican Senators normally care not a whit for the fiscal woes of Philadelphia, for the simple reason their own constituents don’t care. However, earlier this week Mayor Michael Nutter made an ominous announcement it has started to delay reimbursement to vendors and will not pay them until the City gets what it wants out of the budget deal – a temporary sales-tax increase and pension reforms. Nutter is looking for a total of $700 million in State relief for his own budget deficit. In addition, the budget impasse threatens another $100 million of already-budgeted State reimbursements for City services like juvenile detention and child welfare.

Vendors tend to be businesses and businesses tend not to like new taxes in the long run. In the short run, though, they like getting stiffed for services rendered even less.

Their prayers will surely be heard by the Senate Republicans that sit on the conference committee.

Follow carefully, then, the outcome of next week’s budget negotiations. It should begin to shape the battlefield for the 2010 election.

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

(Cont. From Page 1) Higher education is another State obligation that requires sensitive handling. Here, in something of a role reversal, House Democrats had proposed balancing the budget without taxes by slashing at key State-funded universities while Senate Republicans sustained their funding instead.

One problem is such a move required more accounting trickery and would thus be less likely to survive the eventual reconciliation process.

In the delicate minuet of lawmaking, Senate Democrats railed against their Republican colleagues’ work.

State Sen. LeAnna M. Washington spoke for many when she charged the Republican budget would “cut deeper into public services, education, community and economic development, health care and job creation.

“Government is supposed to help people. Government is supposed to be the safety net that ensures that we operate as a humane society,” Washington said. “Instead, in times of crisis, the conversations starts, not with how we work to resolve our troubled financial situation without hurting the least vulnerable, but instead, with looking to their services to cut first.”

“It’s shameful. We have an obligation to the people of Pennsylvania to deliver them a budget that works for them and is on time and we are failing on both fronts."

Like other Democrats,

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BUDGET: Who Will Rule Pa.?

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • July 23, 2009

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