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Serving Citywide Political, Labor, Legal and School Communities of Philadelphia

Vol. XII. No. 1 (Issue 519)

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

Value 50¢

January 7, 2010

STANDING IN for Gov. Ed Rendell was his Policy Secretary Donna Cooper, flanked here by Congressman Bob Brady and Councilman Jim Kenney.

POLITICAL LEADERS Congressman Bob Brady, Councilmen Frank DiCicco and Jim Kenney, along with Geno’s owner Joey Vento, raised over $125,000 to enable Mummers to march up Broad Street. At left are Quaker City’s Bob Shannon, columnist Maria Merlino, Brady, Kenny Adams, Steve Schatzman and Kenney. Center: which one of these Mummers is Councilman Frank DiCicco? Clue: He’s standing next to Jim Harrity. In photo at right, Brigade leaders included Bill Wickert and State Rep. Bill Keller.

BRT Employee Challenges Nutter Takeover In Court

The Board of Revision of Taxes may not be history after all. One of its longtime employees, Democratic Ward Leader Donna Aument is filing a class action law suit calling for an injunction in Commonwealth Court to stop the City’s takeover of that agency. Attorney Sam Stretton filed the brief calling for relief of

END OF ERA, end of policies mark this kissing exchange between newly elected DA Seth Williams and his veteran predecessor Lynne Abraham.

Councilwoman Marian Tasco applauds friendly gesture.

Photo by Harry Leech

Mayor Michael Nutter’s takeover of the agency Tuesday morning in Commonwealth Court.

The suit contends the City’s takeover was unconstitutional. It charges the BRT is a State-created agency under the jurisdiction of the

28 Judges, City Controller, DA Sworn In Twenty-eight judges, a City Controller and a District Attorney were sworn into office Monday in ceremonies at the Kimmel Center.

The Judges represented the Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Court and Traffic Court.

In the Court of Common Pleas, nine were returned on the retention ballot. They included Judges Sandy

Byrd, Ida Chen, Pamela Dembe, Richard Gordon, Jr., Glynnis Hill, Benjamin Lerner, Annette Rizzo, Karen Shreeves-Johns and Sheila A. Woods-Skipper.

Elected as new Judges to the same Court were Dan Anders, Adam Beloff, Robert Coleman, Roxanne Covington, Angeles Roca, Diane Thompson and Donna Woelpper.

Mike Fera Public Servant Of The Year 2010 Come celebrate with us our Public Servant of the Year 2010. We will be honoring Cement Masons Local 592 President/Business Manager MIKE FERA. A Celebratory Supplement and dinner will be Feb. 4th, 2010. For more information call John David:

215-755-2000 or John@PhillyRecord.com

Retention Judges returning to Municipal Court were Frank Brady, Barbara Gilbert, Lydia Kirkland, Gerald Kosinski, Marsha Neifield and Craig Washington. Newly elected to the same Court were Patrick Dugan, Charles Hayden, Dawn Segal and Joseph C. Waters, Jr. Returning to Traffic Court via retention were Bernice A. DeAngelis and Earlene Green.

Majority Leader of City Council Marian B. Tasco was the mistress of ceremonies. Bishop Audrey Bronson gave the invocation. Former Speaker Robert O’Donnell made introductions, followed by Judge Mark Bernstein, who administered the oath of (Cont. Page 13)

Board of Judges, comprised of all the Judges making up the various courts in the 1st Judicial Dist., which is Philadelphia.

Aument said, “I do not see nor believe the Board of Judges would or could give away their authority. It was not the Board of Judges who gave up the BRT. It was, instead, a unilateral agreement between the Mayor and the six members of the BRT Board.”

She added, “Despite the overall record of competence and fairness of the BRT’s hundreds of thousands of decisions over the years, the BRT (Cont. Page 2)

Brady Brings Key Funding To Uptown With House and Senate passage of the FY2010 Omnibus Appropriation Act, over $3.7 million in requested funding by Congressman Robert Brady is set to flow into Philadelphia and Delaware Cos. Congressman Brady was successful in winning critically-needed funding to improve North Philadelphia’s (Cont. Page 2)

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Page 2 The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

Mayor’s BRT Takeover Gets Court Challenges (Cont. From Page 1) was shanghaied by the Inquirer series pointing to some of our problems.

“For instance”, she noted, “contrary to the Inquirer se-

ries, political-patronage employees were never involved in assessment decisions.

Those were made, and only made, by the assessors, all of whom are civil-service em-

ployees. Picked on by the Inquirer were the 78 patronage employees, all of whom only do clerk’s work: phone-call followups, entering data into computers and filing.”

Aument, in a letter sent to her fellow ward leaders, said, “We BRT employees have been informed we would all have to take a civil-service test and give up our political

Brady Brings In More Funds (Cont. From Page 1) historic Uptown Theater, job training by the Urban League and better transportation for the Philadelphia Art Museum, in which he was joined by Congressman Chaka Fattah.

Brady also won nearly $1 million in violence-prevention funding. And, on the heels of tensions at South Philadelphia HS, he secured $100,000 for the Main Line Chinese Culture Center for after-school and weekend programs at the Russell Byers Charter School.

The funding allocations also include a Dept. of Justice gun-

shot-location system, which will place networked sensors at specific coordinates on buildings and telephone poles to accurately detect and locate the origin of weapon fire, and an ophthalmic pediatric outreach program at Wills Eye Hospital.

“I remain committed to ensuring that my District receives its fair share of Federal dollars to benefit a wide-cross section of the 1st Congressional Dist.,” the Congressman said.

The total FY2010 Omnibus allocations for the 1st Congressional Dist. are: $500,000 – Dept. of Justice

SEN. Vincent Hughes promotes AIDS awareness and need for testing at recent “Breaking The Silence” conference.

Community-Oriented Policing; Services Technology Program –Gunshot Location System; $200,000 – Widener University Delaware Co. Violence Prevention Collaborative; $200,000 – St. Joseph’s Institute for Violence Research and Prevention; $100,000 – Preparing Philadelphia’s Future Global Leaders Program; $150,000 – Urban League of

Philadelphia Entrepreneurship Center; $800,000 – Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; $150,000 – Wills Eye Health System Opthalmic Pediatric Outreach; $750,000 – Philadelphia Museum of Art Transportation Improvement; $500,000 – Pennsylvania Turnpike I-95 Interchange; and $350,000 – Uptown Theater Renovation Project.

activities. Not only are we losing our jobs, but once we take the test, we are not guaranteed we will be rehired. If we are rehired, we lose all seniority. The Mayor has already stated he needs another cut in civil-service jobs to balance the budget. We will also lose our accumulated sick and vacation time.”

Another dilemma facing BRT employees, she writes, is, “We have no answers about our pensions. We are left in the dark.”

She warned ward leaders who are City Council members need “to realize the legislation Council is contemplating to accomplish the Mayor’s takeover will place too much

power in the Mayor’s hands, leading to a great deal of damage that will be inflicted on property owners when the assessments are raised.”

She ended her letter stating, “When the Mayor is done with the BRT, where will he go next? Sheriff’s Office, Register of Wills, Clerk of Quarter Sessions or City Commissioners? I feel the only action left for us is to take our cause to court.”

The Mayor has asked City Council to prepare legislation that will permit voters to decide by ballot in May the future of the BRT. He has appointed Richard Negrin, in the meantime, to oversee the Board’s daily operations.

Hundreds Protest Global Warming

OFF THE INTERNET, these snowmen and women have a stake in efforts to un-warm the earth. Photo from looku.com

www.phillyrecord.com

Sen. Hughes Pushes Fight Against HIV/AIDS by: Sheryl Lee Ralph and State Sen. Vincent Hughes On HIV/AIDS, the silence is deafening. On a disease that kills millions on every continent in the world, the quiet hush breaks our eardrums and works to end our resolve.

We have been vocal advocates and policy drivers on the issue of HIV/AIDS for over two decades. Our concern for this health-care epidemic existed prior to our meeting one another and has only been strengthened since we became a couple seven years ago.

We have spoken out in almost every forum conceivable, throughout this nation and around the world. From small community meetings to large church groups. From the neighborhood block captain to

wide-eyed high-school students, to heads of state – people of all types have either wanted to listen to our message or been forced to hear our words.

In some cases, there have been some positive developments – more communities are moving toward rapid testing of HIV/AIDS, where you can know your status in 20 minutes, as opposed to having to wait a week for results through the traditional testing method. More women are battling to take control of their lives and their sexual health. Thankfully, more churches and places of worship are getting the word that a sensible health ministry is in good keeping with the basic tenants of their faith.

But in too many cases, there remains a deafening silence and consequently the appropriate public policy remains longing for a response that is consistent with the scourge of this disease. Television and radio production people have stopped discussing the issue.

Recently, the Fox affiliate in Los Angeles refused to run a public-service announcement about HIV. We even got a response from a television show producer who said HIV/AIDS is "just not sexy anymore." We wondered whether it is HIV/ AIDS that is not sexy (or worthy of discussion) or are the people now getting HIV/AIDS in alarming numbers – black and brown women and children – "not sexy anymore?"

If you look at the map of

the spread of HIV/AIDS, it is breaking out in continents where there is a large number of poor women and children who have been marginalized and stigmatized. Most of these countries, including the USA, have deficient systems of delivering health services to this population. In far too many cases, the women of these nations are not viewed as equals to the men, and not deserving of high-quality health care for any disease, let alone HIV/AIDS. In fact, the age-old fear of addressing any disease that implies people are having sex, has led to a fairly recent study by the Centers for Disease Control that indicates one in four young women of all races and colors is already infected with some

sort of sexually-transmitted infection.

Twenty-five years ago, when Dreamgirls opened on Broadway, people found it easy to disown and abandon their sick and dying children, who were suffering from this disease that no one could explain. Twenty-five years later, as a new version of Dreamgirls begins its national tour, every time the show is performed the Dreamgirls cast represents two of the fastest-growing groups of people in America to become infected with HIV: young men and young women. But it appears they aren't sexy and worthy of discussion.

They also don't seem to be worthy of a strong public policy response. As Cities and

States face difficult funding decisions due to the national recession, and tight budgets get slashed even further to come into balance, HIV education, prevention, and treatment programs become vulnerable. While we fight to protect their funding, the focus must shift to Washington, D.C .for the help necessary to deal with this epidemic. But the national response has not met the medical demand for action.

Except for President Obama's historic march toward the reinvention of the American health-care system by driving high quality and preventive health care services to those who desperately need it, the action in Washington, does not meet the health care demand.

Page 2 The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

Mayor’s BRT Takeover Gets Court Challenges (Cont. From Page 1) was shanghaied by the Inquirer series pointing to some of our problems.

“For instance”, she noted, “contrary to the Inquirer se-

ries, political-patronage employees were never involved in assessment decisions.

Those were made, and only made, by the assessors, all of whom are civil-service em-

ployees. Picked on by the Inquirer were the 78 patronage employees, all of whom only do clerk’s work: phone-call followups, entering data into computers and filing.”

Aument, in a letter sent to her fellow ward leaders, said, “We BRT employees have been informed we would all have to take a civil-service test and give up our political

Brady Brings In More Funds (Cont. From Page 1) historic Uptown Theater, job training by the Urban League and better transportation for the Philadelphia Art Museum, in which he was joined by Congressman Chaka Fattah.

Brady also won nearly $1 million in violence-prevention funding. And, on the heels of tensions at South Philadelphia HS, he secured $100,000 for the Main Line Chinese Culture Center for after-school and weekend programs at the Russell Byers Charter School.

The funding allocations also include a Dept. of Justice gun-

shot-location system, which will place networked sensors at specific coordinates on buildings and telephone poles to accurately detect and locate the origin of weapon fire, and an ophthalmic pediatric outreach program at Wills Eye Hospital.

“I remain committed to ensuring that my District receives its fair share of Federal dollars to benefit a wide-cross section of the 1st Congressional Dist.,” the Congressman said.

The total FY2010 Omnibus allocations for the 1st Congressional Dist. are: $500,000 – Dept. of Justice

SEN. Vincent Hughes promotes AIDS awareness and need for testing at recent “Breaking The Silence” conference.

Community-Oriented Policing; Services Technology Program –Gunshot Location System; $200,000 – Widener University Delaware Co. Violence Prevention Collaborative; $200,000 – St. Joseph’s Institute for Violence Research and Prevention; $100,000 – Preparing Philadelphia’s Future Global Leaders Program; $150,000 – Urban League of

Philadelphia Entrepreneurship Center; $800,000 – Thomas Jefferson University Hospital; $150,000 – Wills Eye Health System Opthalmic Pediatric Outreach; $750,000 – Philadelphia Museum of Art Transportation Improvement; $500,000 – Pennsylvania Turnpike I-95 Interchange; and $350,000 – Uptown Theater Renovation Project.

activities. Not only are we losing our jobs, but once we take the test, we are not guaranteed we will be rehired. If we are rehired, we lose all seniority. The Mayor has already stated he needs another cut in civil-service jobs to balance the budget. We will also lose our accumulated sick and vacation time.”

Another dilemma facing BRT employees, she writes, is, “We have no answers about our pensions. We are left in the dark.”

She warned ward leaders who are City Council members need “to realize the legislation Council is contemplating to accomplish the Mayor’s takeover will place too much

power in the Mayor’s hands, leading to a great deal of damage that will be inflicted on property owners when the assessments are raised.”

She ended her letter stating, “When the Mayor is done with the BRT, where will he go next? Sheriff’s Office, Register of Wills, Clerk of Quarter Sessions or City Commissioners? I feel the only action left for us is to take our cause to court.”

The Mayor has asked City Council to prepare legislation that will permit voters to decide by ballot in May the future of the BRT. He has appointed Richard Negrin, in the meantime, to oversee the Board’s daily operations.

Hundreds Protest Global Warming

OFF THE INTERNET, these snowmen and women have a stake in efforts to un-warm the earth. Photo from looku.com

www.phillyrecord.com

Sen. Hughes Pushes Fight Against HIV/AIDS by: Sheryl Lee Ralph and State Sen. Vincent Hughes On HIV/AIDS, the silence is deafening. On a disease that kills millions on every continent in the world, the quiet hush breaks our eardrums and works to end our resolve.

We have been vocal advocates and policy drivers on the issue of HIV/AIDS for over two decades. Our concern for this health-care epidemic existed prior to our meeting one another and has only been strengthened since we became a couple seven years ago.

We have spoken out in almost every forum conceivable, throughout this nation and around the world. From small community meetings to large church groups. From the neighborhood block captain to

wide-eyed high-school students, to heads of state – people of all types have either wanted to listen to our message or been forced to hear our words.

In some cases, there have been some positive developments – more communities are moving toward rapid testing of HIV/AIDS, where you can know your status in 20 minutes, as opposed to having to wait a week for results through the traditional testing method. More women are battling to take control of their lives and their sexual health. Thankfully, more churches and places of worship are getting the word that a sensible health ministry is in good keeping with the basic tenants of their faith.

But in too many cases, there remains a deafening silence and consequently the appropriate public policy remains longing for a response that is consistent with the scourge of this disease. Television and radio production people have stopped discussing the issue.

Recently, the Fox affiliate in Los Angeles refused to run a public-service announcement about HIV. We even got a response from a television show producer who said HIV/AIDS is "just not sexy anymore." We wondered whether it is HIV/ AIDS that is not sexy (or worthy of discussion) or are the people now getting HIV/AIDS in alarming numbers – black and brown women and children – "not sexy anymore?"

If you look at the map of

the spread of HIV/AIDS, it is breaking out in continents where there is a large number of poor women and children who have been marginalized and stigmatized. Most of these countries, including the USA, have deficient systems of delivering health services to this population. In far too many cases, the women of these nations are not viewed as equals to the men, and not deserving of high-quality health care for any disease, let alone HIV/AIDS. In fact, the age-old fear of addressing any disease that implies people are having sex, has led to a fairly recent study by the Centers for Disease Control that indicates one in four young women of all races and colors is already infected with some

sort of sexually-transmitted infection.

Twenty-five years ago, when Dreamgirls opened on Broadway, people found it easy to disown and abandon their sick and dying children, who were suffering from this disease that no one could explain. Twenty-five years later, as a new version of Dreamgirls begins its national tour, every time the show is performed the Dreamgirls cast represents two of the fastest-growing groups of people in America to become infected with HIV: young men and young women. But it appears they aren't sexy and worthy of discussion.

They also don't seem to be worthy of a strong public policy response. As Cities and

States face difficult funding decisions due to the national recession, and tight budgets get slashed even further to come into balance, HIV education, prevention, and treatment programs become vulnerable. While we fight to protect their funding, the focus must shift to Washington, D.C .for the help necessary to deal with this epidemic. But the national response has not met the medical demand for action.

Except for President Obama's historic march toward the reinvention of the American health-care system by driving high quality and preventive health care services to those who desperately need it, the action in Washington, does not meet the health care demand.

Page 3

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The Public Record • January 7, 2010

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Page 4 The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

Open Races May Spark Regional Wars

by Joe Shaheeli Nominating petitions haven’t been filed, but the word is out. Both major parties in this state may field open gubernatorial primaries. This battle isnot unusual for Democrats, but for Republicans, it will be a relatively new confrontation.

The stakes are high. For the Democrats, it is whether they

can continue to dominate the Capitol and at least one chamber of the General Assembly.

For the Republicans, it’s do-orfade-into-oblivion as a major contender for a decade or more. The GOP may be able to hang onto the Senate this goaround, but if they allow continued Democratic control of the Governor’s office, it could

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

Step 2:

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

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

Step 4:

www.phillyrecord.com

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

easily see that whittled away in redistricting.

Both parties will decide in February on a candidate – or deadlock themselves into declaring an open primary. The chances the latter may happen grow with each passing day.

The Democrats hold their State Committee meeting on the 5th and 6th of February, with the Republicans scheduled for the 12th and 13th.

The Democrats have five announced contenders: Philadelphia’s Tom Knox, Montgomery Co.’s Joe Hoeffel, Auditor General Jack Wagner, Scranton’s Mayor Chris Doherty and Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Co. Executive Dan Onorato.

The Republicans, so far, have three: Attorney General Tom Corbett from Southwestern Pennsylvania, Congressman Jim Gerlach from Montgomery Co. and Berks Co. State Rep. Sam Rohrer.

Another quandary for both parties is what to do with the half-dozen or more in each party seeking the Lieutenant Governor’s office. No matter how the State Committees vote, several have announced their intentions to stay the course.

Regional loyalty may play a crucial role in these primary races, more so than policy preferences. And it’s no laughing matter to many cash-

strapped local political leaders who compete with each other for scarce State support.

Every Governor tends to make sure his home base gets a good shake from Harrisburg.

Gov. Ed Rendell has continued that tradition.

Knox would be expected to continue it for Philadelphia. As of now, he has Democratic Party Chairman, Congressman Bob Brady, “leaning” toward endorsing him. At the opposite end of the state, Onorato is in his second term as head of a County of 1.2 million people.

He is totally committed in word and deed to Allegheny and Westmoreland Cos. Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty believes his neck of the woods will deliver him enough votes even without State Committee’s endorsement. US Sen. Bob Casey is expected to throw his weight behind Doherty. If he wins, he will look out for his economically hard-pressed base.

Former Congressman Joe Hoeffel could play a key role in the State Committee endorsement, since he is a Montgomery Co. Commissioner, has run statewide and, moving within the political gravity of Philadelphia Co., can pull votes from Northeast Philadelphia, which was part of his Congressional District. He could win Philly support to try

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

to break a State Committee deadlock.

Knox, who came in second in the City’s last mayoral race, is more guarded now in spending his own money. He used up millions in running that campaign. This time around, he is not actively seeking State Delegate pledges. He has a good voting base in Philadelphia and has become a recognized name in the seven counties hit by local television channels. Reports are circulating he may not enter the primary. However, these run contrary to what his team is now busy at: reaching out to major vote-getters.

Wagner is another Pittsburgh native. Like former Auditor Generals Bob Casey, Sr. and Jr., he believes the Auditor General’s post is a ladder up to either the Governorship or the US Senate. He has nothing to lose and can brag he beat Obama in statewide vote totals by 60,000.

All or most of the above will likely stay in the race, forcing State Committee to declare an open primary.

Regional partisanship is not so much a problem with the GOP, but Republicans face different challenges.

Heavy favorite at this time is Corbett. He already has the backing of Bob Asher, whose prowess as a fundraiser is well appreciated. He also can brag he’s gotten more votes than any other Republican in GOP history. But he has a problem within his own party: his handling of “Bonusgate”, which changed the tradition by which the General Assembly has been handling patronage for generations. His indictment of its high-ranking members will cost him some delegate support and votes in the primary.

The spoiler that may push the GOP into an open primary is Rohrer. He believes his conservative message will resound around the state. He’s confident he has Tea Party support.

Gerlach has given every indication he plans to stay in the race, announcing he would not seek a fifth term for his congressional seat.

The Commonwealth’s voters may then face a unique and exciting opportunity in an open primary on May 18.

The Public Record (USPS PP 109) Weekly Publication Published by:

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The Germantown Republican Club has announced Attorney General Tom Corbett will be its guest speaker for their Feb. 10 dinner at the Union League. This will certainly pose an interesting situation just days before the Republican State Committee meets on Feb. 13 in Harrisburg to consider which candidates to endorse for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and US Senate for the May 18 primary election.

While Corbett could greatly use the support of embattled Chairman Vito Canuso

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

Ready to Serve you

Reform leader Russ Diamond has launched his campaign to win the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.

His platform includes a plan for a citizens’ constitutional convention, the elimination of property taxes and defending Pennsylvania from Federal intrusion.

“Pennsylvania needs a strong advocate for reform in the executive branch,” Diamond said. “It’s easy to talk about reform but there’s really only one way to get it – a constitutional convention. But if we want to hold a convention, we need a specific plan to make it happen. I am the State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

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

215-748-6712

State Rep. Cherelle

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

Supreme Court Weighs In On Obama

Justice Antonin Scalia has announced the Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments concerning Obama’s legal eligibility to serve as President in a case brought by Leo Donofrio of New Jersey.

This lawsuit claims Obama’s dual citizenship disqualified him from serving as President. Donofrio’s case is just one of 18 suits brought by citizens demanding proof of Obama’s citizenship or qualification to serve as President.

Seth Fans Cheer His Win GREETING ebull i e n t supporters at Park Avenue in Parkside after his inauguration is new DA Seth Williams.

POLITICAL kingmaker Marion Wimbush, right, chews the fat with Ralph Lewis at Seth Williams’ affair in W. Phila.

State Rep.

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

215-684-3738 STATE SENATOR

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE

1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538 WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com

STATE REP. Vanessa Lowery Brown, standing, dined that evening with National Congress Of Black Women members Jacqueline DeShields, Brenda McCleary and Madeline Dunn, who turned out in show of support for Seth Williams.

I am hosting with the Philadelphia Flag Day Association the second Presidential Idol Contest. Students in grades K-8 attending schools in Senate District 5 are invited to submit a poster for Presidents Day. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in a public speaking contest. For more information about this contest, please visit my website at www.senatorstack.com or call Mike Axelrod at 215-333-8604.

State Rep.

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

1809 Oregon Ave, Phila., PA 19145

8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020

ROBERT C. DONATUCCI 185th District 215-468-1515

Councilman Wm.

JOHN SABATINA JR.

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

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

Greenlee

State Representative

of Representatives. The pay raise was repealed as a direct result of public outrage and electoral pressure provided by the organization. The group was also instrumental in Pennsylvania’s first ever nonretention of a Supreme Court Justice.

State Senator

REP. BRENDAN F. BOYLE 7215 B. Rising Sun Ave.

Larry Farnese First Senate District

Phila. PA 19111 • P (215)-342-1700

Tel. 215-952-3121

14230 Bustleton Ave.

1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145

Phila.PA 19116 • P (215) 676-0300

www.SenatorFarnese.com

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

Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT

www.phillyrecord.com

Joe Evangelista • Debbie Toro

Russ Diamond Seeks GOP Nod For Lt. Guv

only Statewide candidate with a legitimate, workable plan in hand.”

In 2007, Diamond authored legislation calling for a citizens’ constitutional convention and submitted it to the Senate State Government Committee. It was introduced as SB 1290 and HB 2723 in 2008. The bill was re-introduced with bipartisan support during the current legislative session as SB 340 and HB 1929.

In response to a recent study published by the Commonwealth Foundation, Common Cause/Pennsylvania, DemocracyRisingPA and the League of Women Voters, Diamond has improved the plan and is asking the cosponsors of SB 340 and HB 1929 to amend them accordingly or introduce it as a new bill. The proposed language is posted on his campaign website.

Diamond, 46, founded PACleanSweep in July 2005 in response to that summer’s legislative pay-raise. The organization recruited over 110 candidates for legislative seats and assisted over 40% of the challengers during the historic 2006 primary election. Thirteen individuals who signed the group’s candidate declaration were elected to the House

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

Corbett’s Appearance Here, A Healer For Republicans?

and longtime party boss Michael Meehan in securing Philadelphia State Committee votes on Feb. 13, his campaign would also like to have the support of the younger, more enthusiastic Loyal Opposition organization moving forward into the May primary.

Corbett’s challenge is obvious: to make sure the Loyal Opposition understands the need to row in unison with GOP Leaders Vito Canuso and Michael Meehan. If Corbett is successful, he could easily breeze along on his way toward an endorsement, while making sure he gets a major GOP turnout in this City and a lot of Corbett button-wearers at the Union League.

Page 5

Former Philadelphia City Controller and Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jonathan Saidel is certainly not shy about standing by his friends.

While other local Democratic candidates entering Statewide races will worry about how to handle the antiPhiladelphia bias in counties outside of the Delaware Valley, Saidel appears to be content with letting his home banner fly.

His campaign webpage features photos with Saidel arm-in-arm with ex-State Sen. Vince Fumo and Congressman/Party Chair Bob Brady, as well as with former Mayor John Street and sitting City Controller Alan Butkovitz.

These high-profile City officials won’t get Saidel votes in places like Meadville, Coudersport and Johnstown. Voters in the hinterlands tend to be cautious of the Philadelphia Democratic Machine and are generally suspicious of Philly politics.

Saidel Proudly Flies City’s Colors

The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

Page 6

Pacifico Makes It Christmas E L D E R STATESMAN of Pacifico Ford, Kerry Pacifico, Sr. enjoys going around with Santa Claus to chat with kids from S.W. Phila. at his dealership’s toy giveaway.

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, Walt Higgins 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.

www.phillyrecord.com

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, Juan Ramos

MORE THAN 40 youths from different community agencies referred good kids to Pacifico Ford for holiday party, complete with present for each guest.

“Fast” E d d i e Chambers celebrates after win that gives h i m chance to become Philly’s f i r s t heavyweight champ in 24 years.

ANNOUNCEMENT Dear Friends of the Public Record;

Page 7

Philly’s Next Heavyweight Champ?

Thanks to your support, we are celebrating our 11th year as the dominant print media reporting Political and Labor news in the Commonwealth and Philadelphia.

Our gala will be held at Galdo’s Caterers on the 4th of February, from 6 to 9 p.m. It’s always a fun event, and has proven to be definitely the city’s major attraction for VIPs from all political parties and candidates planning primary runs.

It’s been 24 years since Philadelphia has produced a heavyweight boxing champion. Yes, a very long time since “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon held the WBA Heavyweight Championship in 1986.

Now, after his 12-round decision over Alexander Dimitrenko, Philadelphia’s “Fast” Eddie Chambers (381 with 18 KOs) is the mandatory #1 contender by the World Boxing Organization.

In addition to the elimination win over Dimitrenko, he also defeated rugged Sam Peter in

2009 to catapult to the top of the rankings.

“Fast Eddie” will have to return to Germany, the site of the Dimitrenko win, for the biggest and most difficult fight of his career when he takes on Wladimir Klitschko (53-3 with 47 KOs), who will defend his IBF, WBO and IBO belts that evening for the eighth time. The fight will take place on Mar. 20 in Germany at a venue to be determined.

SHADOWBOXER won’t tell you Chambers isn’t going to enter the fight against the

massive Klitschko as an underdog, because he will.

Wladimir, along with his brother Vitali, are considered the cream of the crop in the heavyweight division today.

However, just as in the Sam Peter fight, Eddie showed he could hang with a big puncher. Chambers’ speed and movement has the potential to give the more methodical Klitschko some problems. So 2010 could be the year where boxing’s most premier prize returns to the City of Brotherly Love.

Since it’s a non-political event, those of you, normally restricted from attending political functions, will be able to attend and meet up again with your supporters.

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

We are pleased to announce we will again host our Anniversary Party, this year honoring Mike Fera, President/Business Manager of Cement Masons Local 592, as The Public Servant of the Year for 2010.

Tickets are $50 each for the excellent buffet and open bar served by Galdo’s. A table of ten can be had for $450.

We also will distribute that day 50,000 copies of our special edition dedicated to the man with the big heart, Mike Fera, our Public Servant of the Year for 2010.

On the other side of this letter is an order form and details for ticket purchases and/or salutary advertisements on behalf of Mr. Fera. Looking forward to your support, I am

CALL JOHN DAVID 215-755-2000 FOR TICKET INFO. As Always, Jim Tayoun, Editor and Publisher

John David, Advertising Director

IT'S A NEW DAY IN YEADON!

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Page 8 The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

MEDICAL RECORD

CBO Cites Need For Tort Reform Thanks to the Congres-

sional Budget Office, personal-injury lawyers are not sure they will be able to shape the Obama health bill in their image.

That’s because the possibility still exists in the House side of Congress tort reform will be included in the bill’s final form.

Reason for such hope is the Congressional Budget Office issued a public letter in response to challenges made

by Congressman Bruce Braley regarding CBO’s analysis of the budgetary effects of tort reform. This analysis was outlined in an earlier letter to Sen. Orrin Hatch, which demonstrated how tort reform can reduce health-care costs.

Braley’s challenge demonstrates trial lawyers are not taking their recent victory in the Senate for granted. They clearly understand the dynamics are far different in the US House. With recent, wide-

Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board.

Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.

We are a debt-relief agency 1500 Walnut Street • Suite 900 Philadelphia, PA 19102

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

Phone: 302-475-4040 888-554-INTO Email: SubtleEnergy@IntoIntuition.com

Psychic Nora Truscello is a psychic consultant, lecturing and teaching in the paranormal field. Integrity is Key to my reputation.

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Learn How to Transform Uncontrollable Psychic Energy into a Blessing Clearing & Cleansing Negativity Speech – January 18, 2010

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Admission: $7.00 Time: doors open at 7:30

www.phillyrecord.com

Lecture at 8:00 P.M. Knowing if a person is angry and not showing it can have a profound affect on you personally, even if this anger is not directed at you.

Learn how to sense these energies so you are not taken by surprise.

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spread calls to include medical-liability lawsuit-abuse reform in the current reform legislation, the trial lawyers are calling the politicians they own to arms. But there are many in the Congress whom the lawyers do not own – and that has them concerned.

Long-term tort reform would give physicians relief from high medical-liability insurance costs and from the hostile litigious environment under which most are forced to practice. Short term, trial lawyers will continue to ratchet up their attacks against doctors through frivolous lawsuits as they know this could be their last, best chance to do so.

Presently, states without tort reform, especially Pennsylvania, are showing continued drops in medical-school enrollments.

In Philadelphia, stats indicate graduates from the City’s

medical schools are electing to begin their medical careers

in other states where tort reform is a reality.

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: I can only keep one car if I file bankruptcy, right?

Answer: Wrong. Often you can keep several cars when you file bankruptcy. Exactly what you can save and what you can’t keep depends on two factors: the type of bankruptcy you file and the kind of exemptions you can claim.

In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can keep as many cars as appropriate. That usually means two, but if the vehicles are paid for, or if you can show the trustee a good reason for making payments on the cars, you get to keep them if you want. Sometimes,

the Chapter 13 trustee will wonder if you should be making payments on three or more vehicles when you are not paying all of the debts to your unsecured creditors.

Whether you can convince her it is reasonable for you to do so or not depends on your circumstances.

In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you can keep any property that is exempt. Therefore, you may be able to keep one car up to a value of $3300, or as many vehicles as you want by using the “catch all” or “wild card” exemption up to $21,825!

Next week’s question: Why is “current monthly income” not current or monthly in bankruptcy?

Nursing School Licensed St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing has been granted a full license by Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

This permits the School to continue to train, grant, and accredit registered nurses.

The School is not affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital, although many of its

students train there. It is located at 801 W. Girard Avenue.

The Board's chairwoman, Dr. A. O'Sullivan, congratulated the School on achieving full compliance with all Board regulations and the dramatic growth in the School’s RN pass rate which was 100% for the 2009 class.

so many unique arts programs that deserve support and recognition,” Stack said. “I’m pleased that the State is helping to foster the arts in our neighborhoods, especially these three programs.”

Dance Affiliates, located at

4701 Bath Street, received a $24,506 grant; Kardon Institute for Arts Therapy, located at 10700 Knights Road, received a $21,959 grant; and Three Aksha, located at 740 Red Lion Road, received a

$5,000 grant.

The funding was distributed by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. There were 171 grants totaling $3.7 million to support arts programs throughout Philadelphia.

We Invite You To Capitalize On The 20 Years Of Experience And Skill Of Attorney

Deborah M. Truscello

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

Photo by Bonnie Squires

State Sen. Mike Stack has announced three local programs received State funding to support their efforts to promote and maintain the arts in their community.

“Northeast Philadelphia has

Page 9

Art For Arc’s Sake Stack Aids NE Arts Groups, Programs EAGLES linebacker Chris Gocong and his wife Mandy helped distribute gifts at The Arc of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corp. Holiday Open House.

Pamela Zimlin Baker, Esq. and Lisa Furey cochaired fundraiser and toy donation at Ambler Theater.

They presented a check for $1300 to Bruce Hulick, executive director of The Arc of Phila. and PDDC, along with hundreds of toys and games. Dwayne Boone, a client of PDDC, presented a portrait he had painted of the Gocongs.

In return, Gocong surprised Boone with an official Eagles jersey, complete with "Boone" on back.

Call and schedule a free initial consultation.

Practice Areas: Workers Compensation Divorce and Family Law Personal Injury Social Security Disability www.TruscelloLaw.com 206 West State Street Media PA 19063

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Page 10 The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com

CyberSoft Operating Corporation CyberSoft Operating Corporation is one of the oldest Unix-Linux anti-virus software companies in the world. We are a Pennsylvania based company located in Conshohocken Pa. Our company operates under the principals of Quality, Service and Cost Effectiveness. We stand by these values of providing very high quality at a lower price which equates to continued standards of excellence under a not so good economy.

Just recently, a new international teaming agreement between CyberSoft Operating Corporation and the very famous AhnLab of South Korea took place in Philadelphia. We wanted to partner with a company that would enable us to continue our quality and low pricing for all computer system needs not just the UnixLinux market. When you can’t increase income you have to cut cost, it is better to cut things instead of people. Better yet is to get high quality at a lower price that saves jobs.

CyberSoft Operating Corporation specializes in anti-virus software for all non Microsoft computers; AhnLab an international company centered in Asia with Corporate headquarters in Seoul, South Korea specializes in anti-virus

1958 Butler Pike, Suite 100 Conshohocken, PA 19428 Office: 1 610.825.4748 Fax: 1 610.82567858 www.cybersoft.com frank@cybersoft.com software for all Microsoft computers. Main reason we did this, we are unhappy seeing people getting laid off because of the bad economy, computer security products are overpriced and by providing high quality with lower priced products we can save hundreds of jobs maybe even thousands of jobs.

Here is a simple example, say you have 400 licenses (unix-linux), first of all you can use as many users as you want on a single license. If you are paying $2,500,000.00 for your UnixLinux needs at 400 licenses and you get pulled into a minimum only contract whereas, no matter how little or how much you really need you are still stuck paying $2,500,000.00. Use CyberSoft with the same 400 licenses and you can use our VSTK at $1,195.00 x 400 = $478,000.00, and if you use our VSTK TURBO at $1595.00 x 400 = $638,000.00 and if you use our VSTK PROFESSIONAL at

$2,195.00 x 400 = $878,000.00, you get better products, better quality, better service and best of all better price. The math speaks for itself! Let’s take this a step further, for example, if the average city worker is making $30,000.00 a year and the city spends $20,000,000.00 a year on anti-virus and computer security needs but because of this teaming agreement can spend $10,000,000.00, therefore that equates to 330 plus jobs saved for that one scenario, multiply this by the number of companies in our region and that equals possibly thousands of jobs saved. ** THESE EXAMPLES AND DOLLAR AMOUNTS ARE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEMONSTRATION ONLY AND ARE NOT INTENDED TO MISLEAD IN ANYWAY! Sincerely, The CyberSoft Operating Corporation

Page 11

Our Opinion ...

Right-Sizing Government

by State Rep. GregVitali With Pennsylvania facing the prospect of boarding 2,000 inmates in other states because our prisons are full, the time has come to take a hard look at how we sentence convicted offenders, particularly through mandatory minimum sentences, to save money.

Mandatory minimum sentences require Judges, by law, to impose minimum prison terms for certain crimes. Judges are not permitted to consider lesser sentences under these laws, regardless of the circumstances unique to the crime

or defendant in each case.

I authored legislation, HR 12, and served on the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission Advisory Committee my legislation created that studied the use and impact of mandatory minimum sentences.

The result was a 490-page report suggesting some smart changes in mandatory minimum sentences that I believe can save the State money without jeopardizing public safety.

One key suggestion was eliminating the mandatory minimum sentence of two years for selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. Unfortunately, the drug-free schoolzone law is not written in a

Jan. 18- American Legion Henry Hill #385 hosts 15th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day of Service at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church, 1226 Point Breeze Ave., 9:30 a.m.

Honoring community leaders.

Jan. 21- Symbolic Ringing of Liberty Bell, sponsored by Phila.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Ass’n for Nonviolence Inc. at Liberty Bell Pavilion, 5th & Market Sts., 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Feb. 1- Tom Johnson hosts Brady Bunch Winter “Ski” Party at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 6-9 p.m.

Feb. 10- Germantown Republican Club hosts Attorney General Tom Corbett as guest of honor at 121st annual dinner at Union League, 6 p.m.

Tickets $65. For info Jack Morley (215) 389-1768.

Feb. 20- Annual National Italian American-PAC Carnevale

at Loews Phila. Hotel, 1200 Market St., 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Honorees Sal Patti, Anthony Cagano, Lorraine Ranalli and Donna M. Fluehr.

Mar. 4- 1st Annual, 82nd Airborne All American Dinner and Award Ceremony, location TBA, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

David H. Oh, Esq., Chairman, Hajdak-Mokan Chapter, 82nd Airborne Association. For info (215) 569-2800, ext. 1157.

ANOTHER OPINION

Sentence Smarter To Stop Prison Crowding way that attacks people who sell drugs to a minor.

For example, if one person transfers a small amount of marijuana to another person in an apartment that happens to be in a drug-free school zone, they would face two years in prison. They could be people with no prior record who hold a steady job.

A long prison term would do no good because they would probably be better helped through treatment.

Drug-free school zones cover big parts of metropolitan areas, so the law does not effectively target sales to minors. For example, my Harrisburg office is in three drug-free school zones. Besides, there’s already a law in place that mandates a oneyear sentence for the sale of drugs to a minor.

The report also suggests allowing punishment short of full confinement for a portion of nonviolent offenders’ mandatory minimum sentence, coupled with drug, alcohol and mental-health treatment to reduce recidivism. Studies have shown people who serve long sen-

tences are more likely to commit other crimes. If they get the proper treatment, they are less likely to commit other crimes.

Pennsylvania Corrections Secretary Jeffrey Beard has repeatedly called for nonviolent offenders to be placed in non-prison settings.

Finally, the report suggests raising the threshold needed to trigger mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking cocaine from 2 to 5 grams.

That would target tougher penalties to people who traffic cocaine as a business, instead of people who are selling smaller quantities of the drug to support a habit that can be broken with treatment.

I understand and support long sentences for people who pose a danger to society, but the reality is we have a limited amount of prison cells and a limited amount of money for our correction system. We want to make sure we use it smart; use it in the right way.

State Rep. Greg Vitali serves on the House Judiciary Committee.

www.phillyrecord.com

Jan. 2- Vaird Fdn. Hosts Read & Lead at P.O. Vaird Boys & Girls Club, 4800 Whitaker Ave., 12 p.m.

Jan. 4- DA Seth Williams’s, Controller Alan Butkovitz’s and newly elected Judges’ swearing-in at Kimmel Ctr., 300 S. Broad St., 10 a.m.

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

One dismal prediction can safely be made about the year ahead: Philadelphia’s government will have to do more with less.

Mayor Michael Nutter has been consistent in warning there is no good fiscal news glimmering just beyond the horizon in 2010. Even if the economy starts to rebound (something we can place no bets on today), tax receipts will stay down; help from Harrisburg and Washington, though welcome, will be limited; and some monstrous fixed obligations for pensions and health care will keep ballooning. That means our government must look for ways to tighten its belt yet another notch.

The easiest way – as in “politically easiest” – for the City administration would be to cut by an equal percentage across the board in all departments. “Share the pain, diminish the resistence” is a time-honored strategy. We hope tsuch a path won’t be followed in this year’s budget cuts. Government can be made smaller, leaner and more efficient – but only by making hard choices. Some departments will need to face substantial cuts while others need to be maintained. In some cases, the best way to drive overall costs down, now and in the future, is actually to spend more in some areas.

Police and fire budgets can be driven down some without disaster, as the recent improvement in crime statistics shows. Its not how many Police you have, it’s how you use them. The Court budget is poorly understood, but it’s reasonable to look for economies here as well. Prison costs can be reduced if incarceration can be reduced.

To achieve these goals, fairly minor investments in increased parole monitoring and adjustment programs for offenders in the community are smart. Properly run, they can drive down police and prison costs at the same time that they increase wage-tax receipts.

Of the two elephants in Finance Director Rob Dubow’s bedroom, one will prove less intractable than the other.

Health coverage is a national disaster which no mere City can fully rein in. Pension costs, although painful, must be restrained. Some promises or expectations made long ago cannot be fully honored.

However, Police and Fire pensions are different from those of other City workers, because their work is inherently hard on one’s health and because their careers tend to be shorter. These plans should be evaluated differently.

Turning to education – any intervention that can reduce high-school dropout rates is well worth funding. We all know the dreaded costs they seek to avert!

By contrast, scattered throughout the City budget are numerous small offices and programs our society can live entirely without -- for a while, at least. The Mayor should prepare a “mothball list” of such entities that can be placed in cold storage until happy days return.

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

Page 12

wishers and political and labor leaders lent enthusiastic support to the ceremonies.

Providing them with entertainment were the Philadelphia HS for Creative and Performing Arts, the Philadelphia Fire Dept. Color Guard and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra Brass Quintet.

The 11 newly elected Judges will bring some respite to those judges who

TURNED OUT in force to honor newly inaugurated public servants was a host of city’s legal elite. Among them, from left, were State Rep. Ron Waters; Cathryn Irvis, widow of former Speaker Leroy Irvis; and Judge Glynnis Hill.

have been working shorthanded.

An easy transition was obvious as Controller Alan Butkovitz returned to his office. For him it was business as usual.

Newly elected DA Seth Williams has been spending much of his time since his November election making changes to the office, which he says will “get running as of now.”

COUNCIL MAJORITY LEADER Marian Tasco joins Justice Castille and Philadelphia Common Pleas Administrative Judge Pamela Pryor Dembe on stage at Kimmel Center.

KICKING OFF New Year for public business, Majority Leader Marian Tasco leads inauguration of City Controller, District Attorney and Judges at Kimmel Center Monday.

TICKET LEADERS of last November, new DA Seth Williams and Controller Alan Butkovitz greet dawn of New Year at Kimmel Center before their inaugurations.

IN FOREFRONT was Ken Shmukler, Congressman Bob Brady, 3rd from left, with Maria Brady and Committee of 70’s Zach Stalberg.

NORTHEAST Phila. in review! These include Bill Dolbow, Sean Dillon, Bob Dellavella, Councilman Bill Green and Matt McIntyre on their way to Kimmel Center inauguration.

PROTONOTARY Joe Evers was among court officials at Kimmel Center swearingin. Flanking him are the Joe Hoffmans, Sr. and Jr.

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

(Cont. From Page 1) office to City Controller Alan Butkovitz, returning to his second term. Judge Frederica Massiah Jackson administered the oath to newly-elected District Attorney Seth Williams, who replaces DA Lynne Abraham who spent four terms in that office.

Rabbi Solomon Isaacson concluded the ceremonies with a benediction.

A packed house of well-

Page 13

DA Controller Sworn In

JUDGE ANGELES Roca, right, had best LABORERS LOCAL 332’s Ryan Boyer and wishes from her husband, left, and family Sam Staten, Jr. flank Tina Banks at Kimmel Center. members.

STATE SEN. Anthony Williams, right, and Rodney Little were among those showing TRIO at swearing-in included Marina Kats, Barbara Deeley and Tommy Blackwell. their support for newly elected officials. www.phillyrecord.com

CONGRATULATING newly elected Judge Dawn Segal, right, and DA Seth Williams, 2nd from right, are JUDGE JOSEPH WATERS is joined by his family, Judge Karen Shreeves-Johns and at- Brian, Marijo, Erin, Joe & Thomas, outside Kimmel Center Monday morning. torney Wayne Johns.

UNION LEADERS and political figures were in abundance as noted here with Bill Dolbow, Ken Washington, Jon Saidel, Joe Ashdale, Lisa Deeley and Bob Henon. (More Pics Page 16)

Page 14 The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com

With the New Year comes a new election cycle. There are several races to watch if you’re a Philly Elephant. Trunk Man is going to be so bold as to make a couple of too-early predictions which mean absolutely nothing. This week, I’ll talk about federal races where each Philadelphian will be voting in a United States Senate race as well as numerous congressional races.

The race for the US Senate consists of a primary between incumbent Elephant-turned-Donkey ARLEN SPECTER and liberal Navy Admiral, CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK of Delaware Co. Specter, the consummate politician, has shown a strong ability to survive tough races against all odds. One needs only look to his election as a Republican to the Philly District Attorney’s office in 1966. In 2006, Sestak took on Delaware Co. powerhouse CURT WELDON and won a seat in Congress. Sestak is basing his race on the fact Arlen’s political stances have been all over the spectrum over the past several years. While the grassroots seem to be supporting the good Congressman, it seems as if the power team of OBAMA-BIDEN-CASEY-RENDELL will carry the day and help Specter win this primary to face former conservative CONGRESSMAN PAT TOOMEY. The General Election will be watched by everyone from a political neophyte in Alaska to the pundits in D.C. Recent polls show the incumbent tied to or trailing Toomey in a head-tohead matchup. While Toomey is from the RICK SANTORUM wing of the GOP – a wing the state recently rejected – he is running a fiscally focused campaign to which, in this time of tax-and-spend liberalism, most Pennsylvanian’s can relate. Trunk man’s prediction: Toomey wins.

(Cont. Page 17)

Yay! It’s 2010!

While I’m usually happy about the New Year because it gives me an excuse to drink champagne, hang out with friends and otherwise enjoy myself, I’m especially happy about this New Year because it means 2009 has come to an end. Finally.

I know there are folks who are even more anxious than I that this year is coming to an end. I can’t say that I’ve had a worse year than Vince Fumo, who rung in the New Year at a federal correctional facility in Kentucky, or that I’ve had a worse year than Jose Carrasquillo, who learned if you’re the suspect in the rape of an 11-year-old, you can’t go home again, especially if home is Kensington and there’s a mob waiting to beat you down.

But 2009 was a pretty nasty year and I’m happy to see it in my rearview mirror.

Here’s a rundown of why 2009 might be one that we want to forget.

Locally Grown Hands down, the biggest story in Philly’s political world was the conviction of Sen. Vince Fumo on 137 counts that included defrauding a charity, defrauding the Senate, defrauding a museum and destroying evidence.

It was bad enough he did something that stupid. But what made it worse was what the Judge did in sentencing Fumo to just over four years in federal prison, a sentence he justified by saying the media had taken bringing down Fumo as its personal cause.

If I were Corey Kemp or Rick Mariano, two politicos who (Cont. Page 18)

Yo! Here we go again with these military truisms from the internet for my military readers.

Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons / You’ve never been lost until you’ve been lost at Mach 3 / The only time you have too much fuel is when you’re on fire.

Blue-water Navy truism: There are more planes in the ocean than submarines in the sky / When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane, you always have enough power left to get you to the scene of the crash / Without ammunition, the USAF would be just another expensive flying club.

What is the similarity between air-traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, the pilot dies / Never trade luck for skill / The three most common expressions (or famous last words) in aviation are: Why is it doing that?

Where are we? and Oh, S_ _ _! / Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers / Progress in airline flying: Now a flight attendant can get a pilot pregnant / Airspeed, altitude and brains – two are always needed to successfully complete the flight / I remember when sex was safe and flying was dangerous.

Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there! / Flashlights are tubular metal containers kept in a flight bag for the purpose of storing dead batteries / Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground who is incapable of understanding or being able doing anything about it / When a flight is proceeding incredibly well, something was forgotten / Just remember: If you crash because of weather, your funeral will be held on a sunny day / A pilot who doesn’t have any fear probably isn’t flying his plane to its maximum.

There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peacetime / If something hasn’t broken on your helicopter, it’s about to / You know your landing gear is up and locked when it takes full power to taxi to the terminal.

As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives, the rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks, “What happened?” The pilot’s reply: “I don’t know, I just got here myself!”

SNOOPER’S COMMENTS: Where did the year 2009 get to? Can you believe it’s the year 2010 already? I wonder what this NEW YEAR will have in store for all of us. Last year saw so many of our celebrities get in some kind of serious trouble, and we definitely can expect more. The insane “WAR” will still continue, and it seems there will be no end in sight.

Philadelphia will probably see more problems and, naturally, a few more “SCANDALS”. I sincerely hope 2010 will be a lot better; after all, what was worse than 2009?

SNOOPER “THE PROPHET”: Write the following down, because it’s going to be very important in 2010. Philadelphia POLITICS will never be the same and you’re going to see all kinds of new faces in the political circus. Forget MR. WILSON GOODE, JR.; he is nothing like his beloved Father, HON. WILSON GOODE, one of Philadelphia’s better Mayors. Yes, MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER will win his reelection and there will be no surprise here. CITY COUNCIL will see new faces before 2010 is over; in fact, there’ll be ‘major changes’ there. THE B.R.T. will be changed, but it seems everyone has forgotten YOU, as a voter, will decide its fate.

Don’t let them sell you a lot false rumors and false statements concerning THE B.R.T. There will definitely be a REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR, because The Democrats can’t win!

SPECIAL NOTE: Get ready, THE SNOOPER WILL WIN A MAJOR LOTTERY; watch!

SNOOPER’S CONGRATULATIONS BUREAU: How about the MUMMERS’ PARADE? Everyone is still talking about it. I thought it was one of THE BEST and, I might add, the shortest yet. Congratulations are in order for THE MUR(Cont. Page 18)

JIM EISENHOWER, who in the past has run unsuccessfully for Attorney General in Pennsylvania, is on the short list of lawyers being considered for appointment as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Also on the list are HUNTLEY PALMER and SHERYL KRAUSE. The two Democratic Senators from Pennsylvania, BOB CASEY and ARLEN SPECTER, were unable to agree on a single name and reportedly have submitted a short list to the White House.

BOB BRADY, the Congressman from West Philadelphia and South Philadelphia, has several feathers in his cap. He can claim credit for keeping the Dad Vail Regatta, which has been a fixture on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. He also was strongly instrumental in raising the money for this year’s Mummer’s Parade. He also is to be praised for persuading former COUNCILMAN RICK MARIANO to return to City Hall where he had been threatening to jump from one of the City Hall windows.

Brady is a big, energetic guy who maintains a crushing schedule. He is the Chairman of the Democratic Party, leader of the 34th Ward in West Philadelphia, Congressman from the 1st Congressional Dist., active with the Carpenter’s Union and a successful trouble-shooter for resolving various problems around the city.

Any of these jobs would be a full-time job for an ordinary person. Brady manages all of them well while at the same time maintaining an unflappable composure. He also has a great sense of humor, which he expresses publicly on occasion while making speeches.

The swearing-in ceremony of the officials who were elected or re-elected in last November’s election went pretty much according to the book. Oaths of office were taken by SETH WILLIAMS for District Attorney and by ALAN BUTKOVITZ on his reelection as Controller.

JUDGE ADAM M. BELOFF was guest of honor at a dinner celebration given by CHRISTINE M. BELOFF, his wife. It was at McCormick’s & Schmidt’s across the street from City Hall and just up Broad Street from the Kimmel Center. Among those in attendance were JUDGE FAY STACK and her husband MIKE; MIKE MEEHAN, General Counsel to the Republican Party; and VITO CANUSO, chairman of the Republican Party. Warm speeches of congratulations were given by JIM DONELLY and CONNIE ROGERS. Among others in attendance were Municipal Court JUDGE JOE WATERS and Common (Cont. Page 17)

We Can Build In 2010 we’ve seen a double-digit decline in violent crime, including a more than 20% drop in homicides since I took office.

By targeting resources to higher-crime areas, the Police Dept. is also solving crimes more quickly. That will allow us to build on our success as we remove violent offenders from the neighborhoods.”

The bursting of the housing bubble had a much less-severe impact on Philadelphia than elsewhere. The Mayor took advantage of the New Year to remind city residents they had something to be thankful for when it came to the comfort of their homes.

“The national housing slowdown that triggered a record number of mortgage foreclosures has not impacted our City to the same degree experienced in other cities,”

Nutter pointed out. “Working with the Philadelphia court system, we successfully launched a homeowner-protection strategy that provided the opportunity for homeowners to renegotiate mortgage loans with banks. Our program drew national attention as an innovative plan to prevent foreclosures.

The Mayor turned to his environmental policies as an important source of public goodwill. “We’re also making great strides toward my goal of making Philadelphia a greener city,” he said. “Our Greenworks Philadelphia program merges the goals of environmental progress with economic benefit. Using federal stimulus funds, we're training workers and putting them back to work in new green-collar jobs.”

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

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

John H. Estey, Esq. Chairman

James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director

Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

John F. Dempsey

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In a public letter to the citizens of Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter stressed the good news of his first two years in office and vowed to produce more as the City gets back to work after the holiday season.

“The effects of the global financial crisis and ongoing recession made this year extremely challenging for all of us, but I’m incredibly proud of the way that Philadelphians have come together, made tough choices and worked to improve our city,” the Mayor stated.

“With the help of City Council, Gov. Rendell and our legislators in Harrisburg, we maintained these important principles for managing the City budget: • “Selected cuts in the budget minimized disruption in essential City service delivery; • “Held the line against increases in the City Wage Tax and Business Privilege Tax; and • “Imposed a 1% increase in the sales-tax rate as the most-progressive means of raising revenue to cover an unprecedented budget deficit.”

When long-simmering concerns over Philadelphia’s unequal real-estate tax assessments boiled over, the Mayor seized an opportunity to don a white hat. “We ended the City Council session this year with a consensus bill to reform the way property values are set for real-estate tax purposes,” he summarized.

“Even in the face of budgetary challenges, we moved forward on a number of my key agenda items.”

Of late, crime rates have been falling in Philadelphia as elsewhere across the country.

Public confidence in its Police Dept. and its leadership is soaring. Nutter was swift to claim this gain. “When I ran for Mayor, I repeatedly said that public safety would be my highest priority. Now, two years after taking office, Philadelphia is a much safer city. Thanks to the work of Commissioner Charles Ramsey and the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Dept.,

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Nutter:

Page 16 The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

At The Kimmel Ctr.

JUDGE Frederica Massiah Jackson, standing left, swore in DA Seth Williams after this photo was taken. With them are Seth’s daughter Taylor and his mother Imelda.

BRIGHT morning sunshine illuminated this photo of newly elected Judges who were to be sworn in by Justice Ron Castille, 3rd from left. New Judges were Alan Beloff, Roxanne Covington and Diane Thompson.

JUDGE ROBERT COLEMAN is escorted by his family, Megan, Marty and Patrick, to swearing-in.

CONGRATULATIONS are in order to both Controller Alan Butkovitz and Judge Pat Dugan.

MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER and former DA Lynne Abraham talk politics. Could former DA reenter Philadelphia politics sooner rather than later?

MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER welcomes in “New Day, New DA” as Seth Williams seizes reins of City’s top prosecutor’s job.

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(Cont. From Page 14) Pleas Court JUDGE DIANE THOMPSON; Traffic Court JUDGES MIKE LOWRY and MICHAEL SULLIVAN; a longtime friend of Christine, Common Pleas JUDGE ROSEMARY DeFINO; and HARRY CITRINO, his wife ROSE and their son ROCKY and his wife. Also present were Adam’s brother JOEL, who flew in from Seattle for the occasion; CHARLES PERUTO, JR.; well-known trial lawyer MICHAEL DIAMONDSTEIN; Christine’s mother KITTY HOPE; and ROSEMARIE RETACCO and her daughter. Rosemarie is the widow of the late LOU

RETACCO, Municipal Court Judge of happy memory. The fare included a choice of salmon, chicken marsala or prime rib and a devilish dessert of milk chocolate pie.

The Somerton Civic Association is accepting nominations to fill the office of president caused by the untimely death of its longtime PRESIDENT MARY JANE HAZELL. Among those considered to be in the hunt are DELORES BARBERI, DIANE CARUSO, JANE BYRNE and DOMINIC RAGUCCI. Tom Knox has emerged as the only serious candidate for Governor from the eastern part of the state. Tom is remembered for running a credible campaign for Mayor.

happy and a dozen unhappy.

Locally, Republicans met Tuesday to start to interview candidates for Congress, State Senate, State House and State Committee. With four State House incumbents (JOHN PERZEL, JOHN TAYLOR, DENNY O’BRIEN and THOMAS MURT) and all State Committee members seeking reelection, leaders have been meetingfor weeks with potential challengers for the remaining positions.

Challengers to Ward Leaders and State Committee members are also organizing and announcing their inter-

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

City Hall Sam

REP. TOM KILLION, County COMMISSIONERS CAROL AICHELE (Chester), JIM CAWLEY (Bucks) and BRUCE CASTOR (Montgomery), to name just the Southeast candidates, and United States Senator (Toomey and PEG LUKSIK). Who would have thought Fort Indiantown Gap, home to the Lieutenant Governor’s Mansion, would attract the most interest?

New Southeast Caucus Chair MIKE MEEHAN says Southeast leaders are being forced to choose between friends – and to make one

Then comes Election Day, and 60%-40% sounds good.

Trunk man’s prediction: Schwartz wins.

Pennsylvanian Republicans start the process of selecting statewide candidates this week. Regional caucuses begin gathering this weekend to meet candidates for Governor (ATTORNEY GENERAL TOM CORBETT, CONGRESSMAN JIM GERLACH and STATE REP. SAM ROHRER), Lieutenant Governor (COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO, Fox personality JOE WATKINS, STATE

Page 17

(Cont. From Page 14) Let’s shoot right to the 8th Congressional Dist. This District, centered in Bucks Co. with a sizeable chunk of Northeast Philadelphia, is currently represented by Blue Dog Democrat PATRICK MURPHY. Murphy, the first Iraq War veteran elected to Congress, upset popular freshman CONGRESSMAN MIKE FITZPATRICK in the Democratic wave of 2006.

He subsequently won reelection in 2008 quite handily.

Murphy has been working his District quite hard, in addition to his high-profile role on the Hill. That said, Trunk Man was surprised to see over five candidates lining up to take on this likeable incumbent. None of those rumored or announced seemed to be top-tier candidates – that was, until the Pennsylvania Society in New York City, when Trunk Man overheard the name of Mike Fitzpatrick bruited about. Could this rematch throw this safe-incumbent seat up in the air? Probably. If the year is right and Fitzpatrick can outraise Murphy, he just may have a chance at reclaiming his old seat. While Murphy is a member of the Blue Dogs, he has stuck his neck out on putting an end to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and on supporting President Obama’s health-care plan.

These points, in addition to the incumbent’s strong support of the stimulus bills,

might send Fitzpatrick back to Washington. Trunk Man’s prediction: Murphy wins by a hair.

Finally, onto the 13th Congressional Dist. in Montgomery Co. and Northeast Philadelphia. The fact incumbent ALLYSON SCHWARTZ was supported by the blue-collar families of the Northeast has always puzzled Trunk Man. Why would these moderate folks support the likes of a pro-choice liberal who entered politics on an abortion-rights agenda? Well, I don’t know, but apparently she is doing something right.

She easily beat DR. MELISSA BROWN to take the seat in 2004. From then, she has won by large margins despite no apparent sign of her campaigning for reelection. Again, there is quite a long bench of would-be GOP opponents. From Montgomery Co., we have dentist DR. DAMIEN DACHOWSKI, attorney JOSH QUINTER and businessman DEE ADCOCK. From the Northeast, we have fireman and local barowner BRIAN HAUGHTON. Considering the geographical breakdown of the primary, Trunk Man sees Haughton winning this primary, assuming he gets the support of the Philly GOP. From there, he will come to understand the Hell-on-Earth experience of running against Schwartz. He will work so hard and think he’s making progress because there is no sign of the Congresswoman.

U

Elephant Corner

The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

Page 18

Out & About (Cont. From Page 14) were convicted on fewer charges, I’d be kinda mad.

They each got 10 years for their convictions.

We also learned this year just how much Arlen Specter likes being called Senator.

He likes it so much, he switched parties. He knew he’d get smacked around in the Republican primary and would probably have to get a real job, so he latched onto a Democratic Party desperate enough to take him in despite his working his hardest over the past eight years to help create a lot of the problems that President Barack Obama has had to solve in his first year in office.

Just as it did the entire

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Snooper (Cont. From Page 14) RAY CLUB, THE FRALINGER STRING BAND (8th year in a row) and how about our man, KEVIN BACON, actually marching in the parade? GEORGE BADEY, III, Special Counsel for THE MUMMERS’S ASSOCIATION, stated, “I personally want to thank CONGRESSMAN BRADY and JOEY VENTO (Geno’s Steaks) for making this year’s Mummers’ Parade happen. With your help and contributions, this tradition will go on for many more years to come.

Again, we can’t thank THE BACON BROHERS enough for all they did for us MUMMERS.” See them all in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Convention Center, THE SHOW OF SHOWS, Saturday, Feb. 27. Two shows!

SNOOPER’S POLICE BLOTTER: I was invited to POLICE OFFICER LAURETHA VAIRD’S “A Celebration of Life” held at The Vaird Girls & Boys Club.

They had a lot of Police Officers, Captains, Inspectors and also Chief Inspectors, along with a few Deputy Commissioners. Yes, both Police Commissioners were on hand: Sylvester Johnson, who came up from Delaware, and, of course, CHARLES RAMSEY. It was a tremendous event and I personally congratulate all those who put together this beautiful affair.

Denise Clay’s Year In Review

country, the economy smacked Philadelphia around a bit in 2009. The only difference is few places have the types of contentious municipal-worker negotiations that Philadelphia has. The City is still negotiating with DC 33 and DC 47, but the Philadelphia Police won a decent deal for themselves via arbitration.

But while those contract negotiations have the potential of being really nasty, they weren’t as nasty as the negotiations between SEPTA and Transportation Workers Union 234. TWU went out on strike for six days while its President Willie Brown ended up alienating everyone HON. SETH WILLIAMS, our new District Attorney, gave a tremendous speech, along with JOHN McNESBY, head of The FOP. The Roman Catholic Basketball Team played a special game against some very good Police Officers. Thank you, John Gonzales, for allowing me to join all of you. State Rep. TONY PAYTON met Vaird’s Son and two Grandchildren. Hey, TONY PAYTON, you came late, but the fact you came was important.

Whoops! Heading back home out Whitaker Avenue, when there goes FRANK TALENT headed up the same street! He told me he’ll be refereeing a BASKETBALL GAME up at Whitaker & Loudon Streets.

Here comes that Channel 6Action News wagon again.

SNOOPER’S EMAIL DEPT: This one comes from CHARLIE McMENAMIN, who, wants to THANK YOU, all of you who were so kind as to come to ST. TIMOTHY’S CHURCH, to pay your respects to his lovely wife AUDREY MC MENAMIN who left this World to be with her “Maker” and is definitely in a better and more peaceful place. “I will not forget any of you,” he writes. “I wanted to let you know you made our suffering a lot easier, and seeing all of you really brought us great comfort. May God bring you all PEACE and HAPPINESS!”

from Mayor Michael Nutter to Gov. Ed Rendell to Congressman Bob Brady to patrons wondering how they’d get to work in the process.

Also this year, workers at the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News found out what happens when someone overpays for a newspaper.

The owners are currently in federal bankruptcy court trying to hold on to them, something that’s not guaranteed.

But even though the papers were laying people off, Inquirer management still found time to give President Brian Tierney a huge bonus, and to fight with sports columnist Stephen A. Smith.

Gotta give them points for their ability to multitask.

National Stuff The Devil was on ice skates to start the year due to the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

I mean, it had to be frozen in Hell for that to happen, right? A Black dude and his family in the big White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? That had to be enough to make Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and all of their ilk go absolutely nuts, right? (That’s kinda what happened if I’m not mistaken.)

But unfortunately, the President’s office came with a bunch of problems that needed solving. Former President George W. Bush left President Obama with a couple of wars and an economy in free-fall.

He tried to fix the economy with a $787 million bailout; tried to fix the two wars by announcing an end date for the war in Iraq and sending more folks to fight the war in Afghanistan; and even tried to fix the healthcare system by trying to get Congress to pass a healthcare bill he could sign. He even tried to engage Republicans, something those of us who have observed the current Republican Party could have told him was going to be pointless.

The bailout got passed, the troops are on their way to Afghanistan and, unfortunately, we have a health-care

bill. It sucks. It doesn’t include a public option. It doesn’t actually benefit adults without insurance until 2014, and the Republicans did exactly what everyone expected them to do, which was to focus more on returning to power than on fixing up the country.

President Obama’s year ended with an attempted terrorist attack on an airplane bound for Detroit on Christmas Day. The terrorist had more to fear from the folks in Detroit than he did from the passengers on the plane or even the Dept. of Homeland Security. I know I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of folks from Detroit.

This year also featured more of the emergence of one Sarah Palin. The former VP candidate released a book, fought with her daughter’s babydaddy, left her position as Governor of Alaska, and even spent some time with Oprah.

The Year In Freak We learned a new meaning for the phrase “hiking the Appalachian Trail” in 2009 when South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford left his State ungoverned for a few days while hanging out with his Argentinian jump-off.

(That’s a chick on the side, for those of you who may not know.)

Nevada Sen. John Ensign not only got busted with his hand in the cookie jar, it was revealed his parents were the ones handing out cookies.

Ensign’s parents gave the family of a woman Ensign was messing around with (a woman who also happened to be the wife of his legislative liaison in Washington) a gang of money. They called it being helpful, but most folks called it trying to clean up your son’s latest mess.

(That Ensign and Sanford are members of a group of so-called political Christians in D.C. is more than a little ironic.)

Unfortunately, we also learned being a freak can be hazardous to your health.

Former Tennessee Titans quarterback and National Football League co-MVP

Steve McNair and his family found that out when the Other Woman in his life shot and killed him before turning the gun on herself.

However, none of these men could top Tiger Woods as this year’s top freak. With 16 women and counting (and we’re not including his soon to be ex-wife Elin), the question becomes, “How in the heck did he find time to golf?”

Included in this group of model wannabees, Perkins Pancake House waitresses, reality show contestants and porn stars (!), is an ex-girlfriend of New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter and that leads into....

The Year In Sports The Philadelphia Eagles were a couple of plays away from making the 2009 Super Bowl an all-Pennsylvania affair. Unfortunately, the Arizona Cardinals had other ideas.

The Philadelphia 76ers got back some of its Answers when Allen Iverson (and his sign-waving mama) returned to the team this year. Of course, this was after he was cut from the Memphis Grizzlies and had announced his retirement, but that’s something we don’t have to get into.

But two things battled for biggest story on the Sports Scene. One was the Flyers’ signing Ray Emery, one of only two Black goalies in professional hockey.

The other, of course, was the return of the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series.

They played the New York Yankees, and the Yankees won. But then again, when you pay the GNP of several Third World nations for two of your pitchers, the first baseman, the third baseman and your left fielder, you’re supposed to win the World Series.

But for the first time in a while, Phillies fans got the chance to see what a true ace pitcher looks like. Cliff Lee came to us from the Cleveland Indians for some magic beans and a cheesesteak sandwich. Unfortunately, we traded him and went out and got the pitcher that everyone

was clamoring for in the first place, the former Toronto Blue Jay Roy Halliday.

(Here’s a helpful hint, Ruben Amaro: When you have a shot at keeping two aces, don’t let something like an artificial budgetary constraint keep you from doing it. That’s why the Yankees have the World Series trophy and the Phillies no longer do.)

But I look on the bright side: Lee ended up in Seattle, home of my other favorite baseball team, the Seattle Mariners.

In Memoriam We lost a lot of really great (and some not-sogreat) people in 2009.

Here’s a partial list: Sen. Ted Kennedy, the patron saint of Health Care Reform; Walter Cronkite, the most-trusted man in news (and probably the only person who will ever have that title); Don Hewitt, the father of “60 Minutes”; William Safire, who managed to have a great career despite being President Nixon’s speechwriter; Robert Novak, conservative commentator and exposer of CIA operatives; and Robert McNamara, the Donald Rumsfeld of Vietnam.

Also gone now are Patrick Swayze, who gave the world permission to do some “Dirty Dancing”; Harry Kalas, a man who will forever own the phrase “World Champions of Baseball”; Jack Franklin, who chronicled the African American experience with his camera; Ed McMahon, a man who was responsible for many careers, including Johnny Carson’s; Mary Travers, one of the premier voices of 1960s folk music; Les Paul, the original “Guitar Hero”; Farrah Fawcett, an actress whose last role was showed the world cancer is no joke; and Michael Jackson, whose rise from child star to adult musical icon took us to some places we would rather not have seen.

Here’s hoping your 2010 is a great one. I know I’m looking forward to a year that isn’t 2009.

I walked through the door, I knew this was the right place,” said Peter. At the time, there was a huge Dalmatian sign on the building promoting a nightclub across the street. It has since been painted over.

You might say the dog has been replaced by a cat, since “La Minette” is a French term of endearment that literally means “pussycat.” (It’s also the nickname of Peter’s sisterin-law.) And “Bistrot” is not a typo. It is the spelling one finds more often in France, although it’s almost always seen as “Bistro” in the US. The dining room really does feel très French. There is a new wood floor, small bar, pressed tin ceiling, red banquettes lining one wall and marble-topped tables; fluted iron pillars, copper pots, linen-lined breadbaskets, a 17foot table in a private dining room that was made from the building’s original floor joists, etc. All combine to give the place real warmth, personality and charm.

Len Lear Ordinarily there is no way I would order an egg dish for dinner, but I had heard the oeuf du pêcheur was an amazing appetizer ($11). It is a poached egg served with mussels, not a combination I had seen before, but as it turned out, the dish has so much balance, it could be an Olympic gymnast. And the accompanying tarragon cream sauce was an absolute gastro indulgence.

Another appetizer bloggers have raved about is the salmon tartare with lentils and a blood orange vinaigrette ($14). The rosy fish and its partners offered flavors that sang in true harmony. And the picturesque

presentation reminded me of a painting by Cézanne. An entrée we thought sublime was the seared duck breast with white asparagus, lentils and a divine black-currant sauce ($27). Desserts are Woolsey’s specialty since he started out as a pastry chef, and his zephyr-light caramelized puff pastry with vanilla pastry cream and fresh raspberries ($8) is an architectural marvel as well as a taste sensation.

Bistrot La Minette has an all-French wine list, cocktails and some very good bottled beers, but you can also order a ceramic pitcher containing a half-bottle of wine for just $12. I sampled the red table wine, and while it will not win any awards, it was quite drinkable and a bargain for the price.

In addition to its regular menu, Bistrot La Minette offers, for the budget-conscious, one of the city’s best bargains. If seated by 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, you can get a three-course

dinner for just $25 per person and wine pairings with each course for just $10 extra.

For more information, call (215) 925-8000 or visit www.bistrotlaminette.com

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

by Len Lear Trying to open a restaurant in Philadelphia can definitely be a nightmare. The liquor license, the zoning, forms and permits, unanticipated expenses and bureaucratic snafus can cause the would-be restaurateur to do more shuffling than a blackjack dealer.

In the case of Bistrot La Minette, the charming French twist at 623 S. 6th Street in Queen Village, owner/chef Peter Woolsey, 32, survived a two-year obstacle course. The restaurant opened on Aug. 25, 2008, one month after the date Peter had trumpeted to friends, family and the culinary world, because an electrician had faxed the necessary forms to the wrong phone number.

And one month after the opening, the national economy

collapsed, and Woolsey’s nest egg was beginning to look more like a nest omelette.

“It’s been an adventure, to say the least,” said Peter with emerald clarity. Woolsey was raised in West Philly and then Lower Merion before moving to France at age 21 to study cooking at the famed Le Cordon Bleu. He then worked for two years at the three-star, Michelin-rated restaurant, Lucas Carton. A confirmed Francophile, Peter married a French-born photographer, Peggy Baud (whose photos of French scenes adorn the walls of the restaurant), and decided he would return to Philly and eventually open an authentic French bistro here.

First, though, Peterworked for Georges Perrier at Le Mas Perrier and for Stephen Starr at Striped Bass and Washington Square. In 2006 he discovered a former warehouse at 623 S. 6th Street. “As soon as

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Bistrot may achieve purr-fection any Minette now

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The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

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Beloff Gives Thanks To Friends

UNION LEADERS came out to celebrate with Judge Adam Beloff – among them, NEW JUDGES Dan Anders, Diane Woelp- from left, Joe Dougherty from Ironworkers per, Diane Thompson, Joe Waters and Local 401, Danny Grace from Teamsters InDawn Segal join host Judge Adam Beloff at ternational and Jimmy McBride from TWU. McCormick & Schmick’s Monday night.

Photos by Lee Buchanan

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 191304015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. 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.

FEE BUDGET B-029 (C) of 2009/10 Mechanical Service Contract $200,000.00 $25.00 Boiler Refractory Repairs - Various Locations

B-028 (C) of 2009/10

Mechanical Service Contract Boiler Repairs Various Locations

Specifically, Stack was dissatisfied there was no measure in the bill prohibiting lobbyists and licensed gaming-entity representatives from having a financial interest in a licensed gaming entity.

“Legislators and their immediate families are banned from having an interest in casinos, but lobbyists should also be banned. They can influence legislation, which could produce a financial benefit for them or a family member,” Stack said. “If we’re going to talk about reform, this is a key reform element that is missing from the bill.”

The Senator said he also believes that Foxwoods should not get another extension to build a casino along the Delaware riverfront under the legislation. The developer missed the Dec. 1, 2009 deadline for submitting drawing and architectural plans.

“Foxwoods has had plenty of time to come up with a feasible plan, and it’s time for them to play their cards or fold. If Foxwoods does not

have the financing or operational resources to start building a casino, then the Gaming Control Board should revoke their license and give it to someone that can.” Stack said. “The Gaming Control Board may issue a ruling on their request for an extension this week. The Gaming Control Board should be allowed to do their job.”

SB 711 also authorizes that the table games local share goes directly to the City of Philadelphia. Stack said the legislation should include money for communities directly impacted by the casinos as well as language requiring the city to disclose how it

2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

spends the money.

“The City should submit timely reports to the legislature and post this information on a public website. This would ensure accountability and would be an all-around good government move,” Stack said. “Additionally, there is no language in the bill and no guarantee that the communities most impacted by the casinos will receive money. The bill needs to specify where this money will go.”

Acknowledging the probable passage of SB 711 into law, Stack said he plans to propose stand-alone bills that address his concerns.

The Public Record • January 7, 2010

DRESSED as Santa and his helpers, dozens of PPA employees delivered hundreds of toys and clothes to 65 struggling Philadelphia families and children in group homes this holiday season. From left, Nicole Von Whitaker, Kevin Vaughn, Bernadette Lewis and Margaret Blount pose with Kaylyn & Thomas from Izzard family of N. Phila. after delivering toys and clothes just in time for Christmas.

State Sen. Mike Stack was disappointed that so-called gaming-reform legislation passed this evening without addressing several key reform issues.

The Senate voted 28-22 in favor of the SB 711, which would reform the gaming industry and authorize table games in Pennsylvania casinos. Stack voted against the bill.

“This legislation is touted as a gaming reform bill, but it needs to go further than the bill in its current form,” Stack said. “Table games will surely bring more money to the state, but there needs to be more accountability.”

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No Tix From Santa Stack Vows To Press Fight For Casino Reforms

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

LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 5PM (Preview 3PM) LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY SATURDAY AT 11AM (Preview 9AM) LIVE INTERNET AUCTION EVERY SATURDAY AT 4PM AT:

www.capitalautoauctions.com To Register & To Bid 3 BIG SALES WEEKLY

FEE BUDGET $200,000.00 $25.00

Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-4005225. 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.

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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.

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The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

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The Public Record • Januray 7, 2010

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