PR-540-P

Ron Panepinto Jewelers 700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980

www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds

Serving Citywide Political, Labor, Legal and School Communities of Philadelphia Vol. XII. No. 22 (Issue 540)

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

Holiday Is Over, But Not The Sad Remembrances Revolutionary War

Korean War Memorial

60 YEARS ON, a veteran returns to DAUGHTERS & Sons Of American Revolution gather at Washington greet his memories at Korean War Square to lay wreath on Tomb Of Unknown Soldier Of Revolutionary War. Photo by Harry Leech Memorial.

Vietnam War

In Somerton...

ON PARADE line in Somerton for Memorial Day were Jenny Boyle, Alex Coccrino, Commander of Post 6617 Jay Silver, and Photo by Harry Leech State Rep. Brendan Boyle.

In Port Richmond

FLAGS OF Ireland, Italy and Poland flutter beside Stars And Stripes in this lady’s tribute to her community’s rich ethnic heritage. More pics pages 13 & 15

June 3, 2010

Bad News

Good News

Pew Reports We’re Knee Deep In Taxes

Live-In Charter School?

Page 2

Page 7

State Budget In Crisis Again...

PHA Brings Class To Spring Garden

Page 2

Page 6

PICA Watchdog OK Needed For City Budget!

MAYOR Michael Nutter salutes Flag Presentation at Vietnam Memorial ceremonies attended by over 300.

In Bridesburg

Value 50¢

Page 2

HOG ISLAND Fancy Division brings a bit of country life to city streets for Port Richmond’s parade.

PGW Bucks Trend, Lowers Rates To You! Page 15

TOBACCO EXPRESS

Brag About Our

Claymont, Delaware

TRI-STATE MALL

Port

(302) 798-7079 5 Minutes from Comm. Barry Bridge, Naaman’s Rd, Turn Left, Next to K-Mart

Marlboro

th

Special Issue June, 10

Call John David 215-755-2000

$

.79

52

Carton

Kool

$

Camel

$

51.79

Carton

.29

52

Carton

Newport

$

52.69

Carton

Winston

$

Salem

49.29

Carton

Monarch

$

47.49

Carton

$

54.29

Liggett $ 45.15

Carton

(Prices Subject to Change) • SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks To Your Health

Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000 JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com

Page 2 The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Pew Report Paints Bleak Tax Picture As of late May, Philadelphia was alone among the 13 cities in increasing broad-based tax increases for a second year in a row, adding a two-year property tax hike beginning in fiscal year 2011 on top of a five-year sales tax increase that began in fiscal 2010, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts Philadelphia Research Initiative report.

But all the cities are scrambling for additional revenue streams. Most intend to boost a variety of fees and taxes. Several are looking at selling or leasing assets like parking garages. Four are discussing new or expanded casino gambling for fiscal 2011 or beyond.

“Cities are not out of the woods from the recession,” said Thomas Ginsberg, PRI project manager and author of the review. “Unlike the Federal government, they have to balance their budgets. That has led most of the cities we reviewed to raise taxes or impose new fees.

And municipal employees who keep their jobs are receiving fewer and costlier benefits.”

The review is the third by PRI in the past year. Like the

first two, this one examines Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Columbus (Ohio), Detroit, Kansas City (Mo.), Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Pittsburgh and Seattle, in addition to Philadelphia.

The four cities looking at higher taxes or fees are Baltimore (nonprofit hospitals and universities), Kansas City (property tax), Los Angeles (a rate increase for city-owned utilities) and Philadelphia (property and other taxes).

Five other cities and Philadelphia raised broad-based taxes for the current fiscal year.

Nine of the 13 cities have raised or will raise tax rates to cope with the recession.

All nine of the cities that have presented budget plans for fiscal 2011 propose job cuts, in addition to benefit or pay reductions. Many cities planned to close some library branches, recreation centers or firehouses.

However, two cities that had raised taxes this year, Columbus and Phoenix, are reopening previously closed community centers and restoring previously discontinued trash pickup.

State Budget in Crisis

by Sen. Vincent Hughes Pennsylvania is in a crisis.

As our revenues continue to come in far less than expected and the budget deficit continues to swell, the time is now to educate our citizens on what this may mean for many of the programs they’ve depended upon for years.

We are at a critical juncture.

According to the Governor’s office, the current revenue deficit is in excess of $1.1 billion and could grow to as much as $1.5 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

Our fiscal situation is dire, especially now we have used much of our reserve funds to balance last year’s State budget, including the Rainy Day Fund, HCPRA Fund, Tobacco Endowment, Tobacco Cessation, Oil and Gas, State Stores and Auto CAT fund. By transferring all of the funds to address last year’s nearly $2 billion shortfall, there are few reserve funds remaining.

In light of huge revenue losses that seemingly get worse each month, it is time for the legislature to take a serious look

at what can be done to stop the hemorrhaging of dollars from the State coffers and preserve the programs important to our vulnerable citizens.

Where we stand: We are facing a shortfall of over $1 billion with little to no funds to offset this deficit.

The State fiscal stabilization (stimulus) and enhanced FMAP funds will expire in 2011. The expiration of these funds alone creates a $2.3 billion gap that will need to be closed through service efficiencies, program cuts and increased State revenue.

Medical Assistance payments — due to health-care inflation — continue to consume large portions of our State budget.

The pension crisis is spiraling out of control, which could potentially cripple our alreadydire fiscal situation.

With the Federal government’s rejection of tolling I-80, our crumbling infrastructure will continue to suffer from a loss of an estimated $472 million that tolling would have generated and masstransit systems such as SEPTA will be grossly underfunded.

In February, Gov. Ed Rendell proposed a $29 billion State spending plan. This plan was a good first step even in the midst of severe revenue shortfalls. Yet because of declining revenues, additional calls have been made to slash the budget even more.

The $1.1 billion revenue shortfall means without additional taxes, more programs will have to be cut.

Protecting the most vulnerable: Last year, the Senate Republicans cut the Governor’s budget drastically when they offered up their own spending plan (SB 850).

This proposal gave us a glimpse of a draconian spending plan. If passed, their plan would have been devastating to Pennsylvania’s hospitals and healthcare programs, ruined economic development in the state and sent property taxes through the roof for most school districts. The same thing could happen this year.

Pennsylvanians need to understand the dire situation we face this year. The fact is more than 90% of the State’s spending

plan is formula driven or established as a part of a pre-determined State/Federal funding mix.

101 Days Late Last Year, This Year -- ?????

It took 101 extra days to pass the State budget last year, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of all the humanservice agencies, schools and State workers. They seem to be on the same path this session for the next budget, due to kick in Jul. 1.

But so far the lawmakers and the Governor are 29 days away from the Jun. 30 deadline for the 2010-11 budget. They are no closer to a deal this year than they were at this point last year.

Republican and Democratic leaders from the House and Senate all say getting a budget done on time is their top priority.... But!

www.phillyrecord.com

Is PICA Okay Needed For City Budget?

That’s the key question behind the Committee of 70’s review of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Agency released last week.

If PICA makes a move, it means it will dictate terms to both the Mayor and City Council.

The Mayor could accept Council’s version of the budget, decide to fight for more taxes or reductions. Also hanging like a cloud, ready to rain on his parade, is the property-tax hike just passed in the new budget. Court appeals may end up with a Judge finding that hike illegal at present.

The Committee of 70 reports, “Whichever path he chooses, he knows he has to answer to five unelected members of a State agency, picked by leaders in Harrisburg, that monitors and approves the City’s budget plan. The board, usually called ‘PICA’, has make-or-break power over the

City’s budget – it can force the Mayor and City Council to make dramatic changes, even to the point of forcing them to raise new taxes or make deep spending cuts.”

PICA goes back to 1991, when Philadelphia was verging on bankruptcy because of many years of high spending and bad budgeting. The State didn’t want to see the City go broke, but also didn’t want State taxpayers paying for Philly’s mess. The City’s credit was worthless, however, so it couldn’t borrow money to save itself. The State set up PICA as an independent way to raise money to fix the mess.

PICA does this by selling bonds – in effect taking out loans – in its own name and giving the money to the City.

The bonds are guaranteed by giving PICA control of a portion of the City’s wage tax money every year. The State gave PICA sweeping power to

review City budgets as a way to assure the people who bought the bonds the City wouldn’t bumble its way into another mess and be unable to pay back the loans.

PICA has continued in office and authority since State law says PICA will be around as long as it takes to pay off those bonds. Of the $1.1 billion PICA borrowed to save the City, about $530 million is still left to be paid off. That will happen in 2023. PICA then has six months to shut down.

Though normally a behindthe-scenes agency, the Committee of 70 reports the agency’s chairman is being unusually vocal about his doubts about Council’s budget plan, which suggests that this may be one of the few times in history that PICA uses its considerable power to force the City to change course.

It says Chairman James Eisenhower has been telling re-

porters he’s worried about two things. Most seriously, he says, the property-tax hike passed by council might be subject to a court challenge. He’s also worried Council might not have built in enough money to deal with emergencies. Every budget needs some extra money built in for unpredictable crises – like a series of surprise snowstorms, or another economic downturn that hurts tax revenue. The chairman of PICA, and the Mayor and his financial staff, are worried the $42 million “extra” in Council’s budget won’t be enough for unexpected costs.

Experts say a city of Philadelphia’s size should keep a cushion of at least $200 million. The Mayor lobbied to keep about $64 million in the bank, but City Council refused to let him tax sugary drinks, which would have raised more than $20 million. Now the Mayor has proposed about $20

million in service cuts to bring the total cushion back up, but it’s not clear yet whether it will be enough to satisfy PICA. Since the City is still working on contracts with three unions that represent City employees, the Committee of 70 believes more money is needed. Last year, a Statemandated arbitration panel forced the City to give police officers raises in their new contract, so it is possible the remaining three unions may get the same deal. All that extra money would have to come out of the City’s reserve.

PICA will not act one way or another on the budget until 30 days after the Jun. 30 deadline. PICA rejected last year’s budget plan after the General Assembly held up two pieces of legislation the City needed in order to balance that budget.

The Mayor ordered cuts, but was rescued by the September passage of the needed legisla-

tion by the General Assembly.

According to Committee of 70, if PICA rejects the proposed budget, the City has 20 days to come up with a new budget plan, figuring out a way to come up with enough spending cuts or new revenue to meet PICA’s objections. So if PICA decides the property-tax increase is too risky, or if a court blocks the tax hike before PICA acts, the City will have to raise or cut at least $88 million to replace the loss of that anticipated revenue.

Even should it approve the budget plan, PICA reviews the City’s finances at least once per quarter – every three months. If tax revenues or spending looks like they will be way out of line with the official budget, PICA can force the City to make immediate changes, either by cutting spending or finding new ways to raise revenue as it did in mid-2009.

Page 3

INJURED AT WORK! CALL FOR YOUR FREE HANDBOOK

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

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

You have the right to pick your own doctor to treat your work injury.

If you’re not seeing your own doctor you need our advice.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS

The Law Firm of

.

Steiner, Segal, Muller & Donan

1-800-804-0770

ALSO OFFICES IN PHILADLPHIA, MEDIA, READING, LANCASTER

Do you want your claim settled for Maximum Value?

Are you being bullied by your employer and need the real facts about your rights?

REPRESENTING INJURED WORKERS IN PA FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

www.phillyrecord.com

www.disabledatwork.com

Page 4 The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Perzel Trial Seen Starting In 2011 Former House Speaker John Perzel and eight other Republicans will go on trial ... but not until next year.

District Judge William Wenner last week ruled there was enough evidence to try the defendants in Common Pleas Court. Lawyers say a trial isn’t likely until 2011.

In the race for Governor, that decision is seen as a positive break for Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett, who would have had to prosecute the case while campaigning. The news from an ongoing trial of such importance would have eclipsed his chances.

Wenner dismissed four charges each against former House GOP counsel Brett Feese and his former legislative aide, Jill Seaman. The dismissed charges are for obstruction of justice. Other ob-

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

Joe Evangelista • Debbie Toro Ready to Serve you

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee

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

struction charges remain against Feese.

Defense lawyers argued prosecutors showed no evidence their clients knew about certain activities or intended to commit crimes.

Wenner held a 10th defendant, John Zimmerman, for trial on charges of obstructing justice. Zimmerman, the former open records officer for House Republicans, is accused of concealing evidence.

Perzel, 60, faces 82 criminal charges accusing him of spending $10 million in taxpayers’ money for sophisticated computer programs and software designed to give Republicans an advantage in elections. He maintains his innocence.

Voters in his District this primary nominated him to serve another term, despite the charges. Elected to the House in 1979, Perzel has Councilman Bill

Green Room 599 City Hall P. 215.686.3420/21 F. 215.686.1930

State Rep.

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

215-468-1515

been a powerful force in getting legislation approved — including the 2004 law legalizing slot machines and a 2003 income tax increase that Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell pushed.

Prosecutors allege Republican staffers did campaign work on State time and with State resources.

The Republicans are among 26 lawmakers, former legislators and staffers charged as a result of a threeyear public corruption investigation by the attorney general’s office. Ten Democrats have been convicted, and two were acquitted.

Two former top aides of Perzel’s were also held for trial: ex-chief of staff Atty, Brian Preski, a former Philadelphia assistant district attorney; and Brett Feese, a former Lackawanna Co. District Attorney and ex-House member.

Others facing trial include Jill Seama; Paul Towhey, Perzel’s current chief of staff; Samuel “Buzz” Stokes, Perzel’s brother-in-law and a former legislative aide; Elmer

“Al” Bowman, a GOP communications staffer; Perzel’s former campaign aide Don McClintock; and Eric Ruth, Perzel’s nephew and the former deputy director of information technology.

Perzel’s attorney Brian McMonagle told Wenner that Perzel committed no crime.

In fact, he had a policy to move aides off staff when they worked on campaigns.

McMonagle said Perzel wants a trial before the November general election, to clear his name. But he said he doubted it will happen this year, largely because of the logistics in coordinating the schedules of 12 defense attorneys for the 10 defendants.

“It’s my belief that the only conspiracy they proved is that good people engaged in hard work and did not profit from the people’s money,” McMonagle said.

William Winning, Preski’s attorney, said there isn’t evidence Preski personally benefitted.

“There certainly is no evidence of intent to commit a criminal act,” Winning said.

Saidel Cedes Race, Taxpayer’s Half Million Former City Controller Jonathan Saidel has saved the State an estimated $500,000 by canceling an automatic recount that would have taken place as a result of the closeness of his second-place finish for Lieutenant Governor. Saidel trailed by fewer than 4,000 votes out of 900,000 cast.

Pennsylvania Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortes said last week he had waived an automatic recount in the race at the request of Jonathan Saidel. That makes State Rep. Scott Conklin of Centre Co. the Democrat nominee.

Cortes lauded Saidel’s decision not to press for a recount saving taxpayers money.

Saidel’s campaign manager Marty Marks said, “It was pretty clear we would not have enough votes to win.”

Conklin becomes Al(Cont. Page 5)

State Rep.

William Keller 184th District

Constituent Service Office

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

1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

State Senator

Larry Farnese First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121 1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145

www.phillyrecord.com

www.SenatorFarnese.com

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. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124

215-291-4653

215-533-0440

REP. BRENDAN F. BOYLE 7215 B. Rising Sun Ave. Phila. PA 19111 • P (215)-342-1700

14230 Bustleton Ave. Phila.PA 19116 • P (215) 676-0300

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

The Phila. Public Record The South Phila Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 ISSN 1938-8551 (Application to Mail At Periodicals Postage Rates Is Pending At Philadelphia PA and Bellmawr NJ) Postmaster: send address change to: The Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila. PA 19147 215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com Subscription Rate: $ 30.00/Year EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Associate Editor: Rory G. McGlasson Medical Editor: Paul Tayoun M.D. CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Correspondent: Nathan R. Shrader Nathaniel Lee Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: Ron Taylor Photographers: Donald Terry Harry Leech Steven Philips Production Manager: William J. Hanna Bookkeeping: Haifa Hanna Webmaster: Sana Muaddi-Dows Advert. Director: John David Controller: John David Circulation: Steve Marsico The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community.

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

(C) 1999-2010 by the Philadelphia Public Record. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. The Philadelphia Public Record will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.

O’Brien, Boyle Pay Tribute to Firefighters State Reps. Dennis O’Brien and Brendan Boyle introduced two resolutions last week in the House of Representatives in honor of firefighters who have lost their lives and their survivors.

A resolution declaring the week of Jun. 6-12 as “Fallen Firefighters Survivors Week” in Pennsylvania and Jun. 12 as “Fallen Firefighters Survivors Day” was passed unanimously.

“Firefighters bravely put their lives at risk with each response to duty,” said O’Brien.

“We can honor those who made such a tremendous sacrifice by recognizing their courage and supporting those they have left behind.”

“These resolutions are meant to honor fallen first responders and their families,” Boyle said. “We are forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made in order to serve and protect us all.”

Also passing unanimously was a condolence resolution introduced by O’Brien to honor Capt. Lawrence J. McDonald. McDonald was a retired captain of the Philadelphia Fire Dept. who

tragically passed away in April.

“Lawrence McDonald served the City of Philadelphia for 31 years,” said O’Brien. “The list of his accomplishments with the department is endless and it is a privilege to bring recognition to his life.”

“Larry suffered a heartbreaking tragedy when his son, police Sgt. Patrick McDonald, was killed in the line of duty. But Larry took his personal tragedy and turned it into a cause,” Boyle said. “He fought passionately to reform our parole laws and make our streets safer.”

Capt. McDonald was a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War and a member of Firefighters Local 22, AOH Division 39 and the Elks of North Wildwood. He is survived by his wife Patricia and their daughter Megan.

Rep. Waters Awards 3 Essayists State Rep. Ronald G. Waters, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and a member of the House Judiciary Committee, acknowledged the winners of his “There Ought to be a Law” essay contest on the House floor week.

Waters said the purpose of the contest is to allow students in Philadelphia schools to express their views on issues they feel lawmakers should consider addressing through legislation.

The winner, Jazmine STATE REP. JOHN

SABATINA JR. 174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204

Mitchell, and first runner-up, Kian Pulliam, are both from William C. Bryant School.

Mitchell advocated for the immediate removal and protection of children from the homes of foster care parents who the children say have abused them. In Pulliam’s essay, he said it should be illegal for parents to leave children younger than 14 at home alone.

Second runner-up, Jada Blanche DuBose, and third runner-up, Yarnell Kamokai, both attend South West Leadership Academy Charter School. DuBose said she believes Pennsylvania should make it easier for ex-convicts to obtain jobs upon their release from prison by requiring one month’s supervision of that individual on his job. She says this would help to deter them from returning to a life of crime. Kamokai advocated for a law that would prohibit strip clubs and bars from locating within school zones.

“I consider it a privilege to hold this contest. We must educate our children about the legislative process at a young age. This will help to give them a better understanding of our government and the important role it plays in our society,” Waters said.

Getting Government Fingers Out Of Pie Good news for the sponsors everywhere of cake and

pie sales.

The Pie Bill is expected to become law in Pennsylvania.

It’s a bill designed to keep government bureaucrats’ fingers out of the community pie and cake sales that bloom up this time of year.

State Sen. Elder Vogel’s legislation barring the State from citing community groups for selling home-made baked goods received final legislative approval in the Senate and Gov. Ed Rendell is expected to sign the measure into law.

SB 828, known as the “Pie Bill”, will eliminate the ability of the Dept. of Agriculture to cite nonprofit community groups such as volunteer fire companies, churches, and school booster clubs for selling non-hazardous homebaked food at fundraisers.

“This is especially timely as we enter into the summer fair and carnival season,” said Vogel. “I am pleased that my colleagues approved this bill.

It’s a bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation and I hope the Governor will quickly sign it into law.”

Vogel introduced the bill after the Dept. of Agriculture cited a local church for selling

6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A

215-748-6712

State Rep.

State Rep. Cherelle

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

215-684-3738

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

Sheriff Green’s Important Steps to Saving Your Home

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON

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

www.senatorwashington.com

Sestak Draws Fire Over Job Offer Democrat Senate hopeful Joe Sestak is hoping the drumbeats don’t grow louder over his refusal to tell about the job offer he received from the Obama Administration, and who offered it.

Joining the drumbeaters were Democrats US Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin , Pennsylvania Democrat Gov. Ed Rendell, and Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine.

Step 2:

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

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

The Pennsylvania Tax Amnesty Program is available to all individuals, businesses and other entities with Pennsylvania tax delinquencies as of June 30, 2009. The program is accepting applications until June 18. Taxpayers can access the Tax Amnesty application at www.PATaxPayUp.com For more information, call 1-877-34-PAYUP (1-877-347-2987) from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays June 5 and June 12.

Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539 8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020 Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM

Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT

www.phillyrecord.com

Assemble your current financial information, and call your lender.

WEB SITE

A State grand jury investigating the “Bonusgate” scandal recommends the dismantling of the entrenched party caucus system that runs the Legislature. The 23-member grand jury calls for a wide range of reforms to the legislative branch, including reverting to the part-time body it was four decades ago and ending per diem payments for lawmakers that don’t require receipts.

But the anonymous members of the grand jury leveled their harshest criticism in a

RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District

STATE SENATOR

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

Grand Jury Disses Caucus System

34-page report against the legislative caucuses, which they said exist “in the shadows of the law,” as the years go, by eating up more and more taxpayer resources with little or no tangible benefit to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.

State Representative

Step 1:

DISTRICT OFFICE

homemade baked goods prepared by ladies of the church at a Lenten fish fry.

It may be time for the City’s health inspectors to take heed as well.

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

(Cont. From Page 4) legheny Co. Executive Dan Onorato’s running mate against Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett for Governor and Bucks Co. Commissioner Jim Cawley for lieutenant governor.

Page 5

Fallen Firefighters Honored By Legislators

Page 6 The Public Record • June 3, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com

PHA Returns ‘Class’ To Spring Garden The Philadelphia Housing Authority has a reputation for imploding antiquated highrise housing and replacing it with modern, community-enhancing homes. But this Tuesday, PHA and its partners – the Spring Garden Community Development Corporation and Michaels Development – unveiled 58 historically restored homes in the Spring Garden National Register Historic District.

These 58 affordable homes were dilapidated rowhouses only a short time ago. Today their facades reflect their Victorian-era roots, when Spring Garden was a fashionable, upper-class neighborhood. Inside, they contain the modern amenities today’s families require.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to create a mixedincome neighborhood and transform a historic community,” said Carl R. Greene, PHA executive director.

“When you walk down these streets, you can’t tell which is a PHA house and

CHANGING Mt. Vernon Street into a classy historic district with PHA renovation is marked by ribbon-cutting. In photo, from left, are Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Robert Greer of Michaels, Nellie Reynolds, State Rep. Babette Josephs, Councilman Darrell Clarke, Patricia Freeland, Congressman Chaka Fattah and PHA Executive Director Carl R. Greene. which is a private-market standing around on the corners house. This design provides an selling drugs. We have a impetus for community peaceful kingdom where the unity.” affordable homes look as good Patricia Freeland, president as the market rate homes.” of Spring Garden CDC, who "Michaels Development is first approached Greene 10 so proud to have played a part years ago with the idea of reha- in the revitalization of this imbilitating the PHA housing in portant urban neighborhood, the Spring Garden district; be- which showcases not only the lieves the entire character of value of preserving historithe neighborhood has changed. cally significant properties, “People are proud of but is also a testament to the where they live, proud of commitment of the PHA and what their homes look like,” the Spring Garden CDC to said Freeland. save the last remaining af“People are walking their fordable housing in this dogs at night. They feel safe. area,” said Robert Greer, There are no more people Michaels’ president.

PHA Executive Director Carl Greene showed plans for PHA’s “Promise Neighborhood” to School Reform Commission. lion; and establish and operate both Martha Washington ES and the former Sulzberger MS building, initially as contract schools and later as charter schools. Sulzberger would become a high school.

“When we planned the development in the late 1990s, we focused on replacing homes for families and seniors. But these additional facilities will enable families to truly thrive. We look forward to working with the School District to make this tremendous plan a reality,” said PHA Executive Director Carl

Greene.

The District and PHA reached tentative agreement on the community center in 2007 with funding commitments from both organizations, but two changes in the District’s administration have caused a delay implementing the plan. The proposal for the boarding charter school – similar to the SEED School in Washington, D.C. – was added later. A team of PHA officials, led by Greene, visited the school last year and came away inspired..

“The development of the community center and dormitory – along with the City of Philadelphia’s investment of $2 million in improvements to an adjacent park – will create a pedestrian-safe campus,” Greene told the SRC. A Promise Neighborhood aligns educational, housing and recreational resources in a community, resulting in an uplifting of the overall community’s economic and social conditions. Blackwell would be Philadelphia’s first experience with the concept.

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has introduced a ground-breaking educational proposal before the School Reform Commission – a “Promise Neighborhood” in West Philadelphia, including two charter schools, one of which would be a boarding school.

Over the past decade, PHA has invested upwards of $175 million rebuilding the Lucien E. Blackwell community, which covers a 12-block area stretching from 40th to 48th Streets and bounded by Haverford, Lancaster and Westminster Avenues.

To date, PHA has built or completely rehabbed nearly 700 homes in the neighborhood, replacing vacant lots and crumbling structures. The Promise Neighborhood plan calls for three significant components to add to the housing. They are to develop a 22,500-square-foot recreation, education and training facility called the Lucien E. Blackwell Community Center at an estimated cost of $10,500,000; develop a 46,000square-foot boarding dormitory at an estimated cost of $16 mil-

Page 7

PHA Proposes Charter Boarding School

Sgt. Mark C. Endy 1-172 Cav. Somewhere in Afghanistan. Mark is a huge Philly Sports fan and wanted to show everyone he is rooting for the Phillies.

Born in Philadelphia, but raised all over the world, for being an army brat. His parents are originally from Philadelphia and his father is retired from the army and now resides in Va.

www.IntoIntuition.com Phone: 302-475-4040 Email: SubtleEnergy@IntoIntuition.com

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

“How to Tap into Your Intuition” classes Upon completion of these 4 classes,you will be able to Tap Into Your own Intuition.

You will: Sense, feel and read energy around a person’s body (scanning the aura).

Read energy off an object (psychometry) Exploration at a distance (remote viewing) Trust your instincts and find ways to use these gifts in your daily life Given the intensity of these classes the size is limited to 8 people.

My home is within 5 minutes of I-95 and Naamans Road To Register call 302-475-4040 or email SubtleEnergy@IntoIntuition.com Provide your name, contact number and a brief description of why you are interested in taking these classes. I meditate upon all applicants names before making a decision on who should participate. This helps to insure those most ready for this experience are chosen.

All important decisions are best done with meditation.

www.phillyrecord.com

Four Thursdays in June 7:00-8:30 PM join me, in my Wilmington DE home, for a basic down to earth training that will leave you understanding and being able to use your own psychic ability. Tuition: $95.00

Page 8 The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Bedbugs Are Back With Vengeance Pest-control companies throughout Pennsylvania have undergone intensive training to become uniquely qualified to treat bedbugs as the insect’s population continues to increase and local companies report the number of bedbug services they provide doubles every year.

Bedbugs are small wing-

less insects that feed on the blood of mammals. Their bites often create allergic reactions that result in unsightly and itchy welts that can occur over entire body. According to Lois Rossi of the Environmental Protection Agency, bedbugs have undergone a massive resurgence nationally.

Because the bedbug resurgence is a relatively new problem, the pest has proven difficult to control. To ensure effective treatments are administered, local pest-control companies have joined bedbugFREE, a national network of companies that share established bedbug-treatment guidelines and philosophies.

The criteria for membership to the bedbugFREE network were developed by research entomologists at BedBug Central. The BedBug Central website (www.bedbugcentral.com) was created by concerned entomologists that saw the need to provide the public and pest-control professionals with access to

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

LICE N INSU SED REGI RED STER FR ED ROO EE ESTIM FIN AT E RTIF S ICAT E

G CE

CITY WIDE SERVICE ALL TYPES OF

ROOFING U

www.phillyrecord.com

G

5 197

N

36ivtehrsary Ann

• New Roofs • Repairs • Hot Asphalt • Rubber & Modified Systems • Shingles • Slate & Tile • Skylights • Siding • Gutters & Downspouts

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

Deborah M. Truscello 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

610-892-4940 Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board.

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

215-735-1060

EMER GEN REPA CY I 24 HO RS UR A DAY S

12260 Townsend Road

215-464-6425

Trying to avoid debt collectors? Avoid social media.

1500 Walnut Street • Suite 900 Philadelphia, PA 19102

0

201

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: When is my first Chapter 13 payment due?

Answer: Under the Bankruptcy Code, your first payment is due “not later than 30 days after the date of the filing of the plan or the order for relief.” Your attorney will instruct you where to send the payments.

Often the question will come up, “I don’t have to make my payment until I go to court, right?” Wrong!

Many times your Chapter 13 Meeting of Creditors will take place after your first payment will be due. It is very important that you make your Chapter 13 payment on time as stated above even if your have not “gone to court” for your bankruptcy case. If you do not make the payment, the Chapter 13 trustee may file a Motion to Dismiss your case.

Next week’s question:

We are a debt-relief agency

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial ROOFIN ION

accurate information concerning bedbugs.

MEDICAL RECORD

ccpc@ccpclaw.com

WANTED SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA

215-725-8815

FAX # 215-624-9263 www.unionroofing.net WE DO OUR OWN WORK • NO SUBCONTRACTORS

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

Page 9

Our Opinion ...

State Budget Crisis Chapter 2

ANOTHER OPINION Legislating Is Full-Time Work date for Governor or other office to glean votes by pandering to those who think only people who are corrupt or stupid could make decisions they disagree with.

That said, it is important to say the overwhelming majority of Pennsylvania’s legislators, on both sides of the aisle, are extremely smart, hard-working, completely honest people who are doing their level best to make Pennsylvania a better place. The notion legislators are corrupt in any way is (with a few rare exceptions) plain false. Thus, any “reforms” based on this notion are ill-grounded.

The Grand Jury spent months investigating the criminal conduct of a few legislators. It is understandable that with this as their focus, they became cynical. They didn’t spend a great deal of time

talking to the 99% of lawmakers not accused of a crime.

Why would they? But because the Grand Jury’s methodology was incomplete, given its selfappointed role as the reinventors of government, its factual findings were often inaccurate. And given that, the recommendations based upon those findings were, for the most part, ill-conceived.

In one example of sloppiness, the report says the “overwhelming majority” of legislators care more about serving themselves than serving their constituents. No support is offered for such a mind-reading claim and after eight years as a legislator, I know it simply isn’t true.

They also say being a Pennsylvania legislator is not fulltime work. Wrong again.

Most legislators spend 70-80 hours per week at their jobs and still struggle to keep up.

Inaccurate information leads to poor recommendations.

Some technical suggestions, such as consolidating House printing offices, have merit, but their broad policy suggestions would do great harm to our state if implemented.

A part-time legislature is a terrible idea. We make deci-

sions affecting tens of billions of dollars in transportation, health care, criminal justice and economic development.

In some matters, such as abortion, the death penalty, and access to medical care, our decisions are literally life and death. Do you really want people making these decisions who just dropped by on their way to take a deposition or after their shift at Macy’s?

Some of the Grand Jury recommendations don’t even make sense on their own terms. They bemoan the fact House members have to run for reelection every two years and suggest extending their terms to four years. But then, “to limit the damage they can do,” they suggest allowing a recall of legislators – which means House members will be running not every two years, but every day, as those who didn’t vote for the member in the first place constantly put recall questions on the ballot.

Similarly, the Grand Jury recommends legislators forfeit pay if the budget is not passed on time. This is the awfulest idea of all. The Grand Jury wants lawmakers to think about their constituents and not themselves,

and then suggests a scheme that will force the exact opposite. If a budget is bad for my constituents, I should feel free to vote “No” on that budget without worrying I won’t be able to feed my family. We would literally be giving legislators money if they vote Yes on a bill and not giving them money if they vote No. Usually this is called bribery,

which doesn’t sound like the best reform idea.

While legislature-bashing may be good fun, it ceases to be harmless when it results in pernicious policies. It may not be popular to stand up for the good people doing important work in Harrisburg. But if more of us don’t do it, it is the people of our Commonwealth who will suffer.

Jun. 10- Tribute to Carol Ann Campbell at Penn’s Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd., dinner to benefit Edgar & Carol Ann Campbell Foundation. $125 per ticket. Full table of 10 $1,000. Entertainment by Amazing Grace. For info http://eccampbellfoundation.org.

Jun. 12- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen teams up with Fox Chase Cancer Center to offer free mammograms in parking lot of Deliverance Evangelistic Ch. at 2001 W. Lehigh Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Women ages 40 and older eligible. By appointment only.

No insurance is necessary but a doctor’s note is required.

Space is limited. Call Debra Resnick for appointment at (215) 214-1682.

Jun. 14- Kal Rudman presents scholarships to Health Tech students at DiGeorge Teaching Ctr., St. Christopher’s Hosp., 3601 A St., 10 a.m.

Jun. 15- Benefit for Phila.

Public School Notebook at University Of The Arts, Hamilton Hall, 32 S. Broad St. For info (215) 951-0330, ext. 2160.

Jun. 15- Variety - The Children’s Charity, together with Phila. Section PGA hosts Tournament Of Champions Pro-Am at Whitemarsh Valley C.C., Lafayette Hills, Pa. For info Michelle Conron (215) 806-5930 or Eric Perry (215) 735-0803.

www.phillyrecord.com

by State Sen. Daylin Leach Recently, the Bonusgate Grand Jury issued a splashy report which had nothing to do with the criminal charges against specific individuals it had investigated. This report was an extremely rare supplemental grand pronouncement on the state of our government, along with numerous recommendations for restructuring the entire legislature. Because I believe the methodology, the conclusions and recommendations of the report are, in many respects, dead wrong, I felt compelled to comment.

Bashing the legislature is easy. Like any profession, we have our bad apples and it is lazy but effortless to generalize their conduct to everyone.

Further, because virtually every citizen is unhappy with some of our policy decisions, it’s not difficult for a candi-

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

All signs point to more taxes being levied on the Commonwealth’s citizenry by at least half a dozen initiatives if the State budget, now before the General Assembly, is to pass in time.

However, at least 20 members are in what can be considered “swing-District seats” in the House and possibly as many as four in the Senate. Sensing the mood of the voters, who could possibly focus their ire on these solons by withdrawing their support regardless of party affiliation, this group will not support legislation calling for new taxes that directly pick the pockets of taxpayers. That will further delay a budget with such provisions in it.

Even if the leadership of both Chambers decided to empty into the general fund their own rainy-day fund treasuries, there will still be a shortfall, insuring difficulty coming up with a balanced budget in time to placate the voters.

It now looks as if last year’s scenario, when the budget impasse ran 101 days past the deadline, will take place again. Protest rallies are sure to ensue. While citizens voice their objections, the cities of the Commonwealth also need to lobby strongly in Harrisburg. Otherwise, they could see the State place on cities the cost of services Harrisburg now picks up.

Page 10

Judge Pat Dugan, Mayor Michael Nutter and DA Seth Williams gather at Korean War Memorial on Dock Street to honor ultimate public service.

Brewerytown Rededicates Veterans Memorial

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Photo by John J. Kline

W. JAMES Kernaghan III, retired US Army Master Sergeant and Republican candidate for 195th Legislative Dist., was key planner for Brewerytown Veterans Memorial rededication Memorial Day weekend. Here ROTC Overbrook HS Color Guard parades colors.

JOYCE HILL, block captain of Harper Street, reviews agenda of Veterans Memorial on her block with James Kernaghan.

www.phillyrecord.com

ASST. DA Patrick Doyle, who successfully prosecuted teenagers who had desecrated Vietnam MeSTATE SEN. and Army Capt. Mike morial, Jim Moran, DA Seth Williams, Judge Pat Stack waves to crowds lining annual Dugan, and Judge John Braxton attended VietSomerton Parade in honor of Memorial nam Memorial services.

Photo by John J. Kline Photo by Harry Leech Day.

m ch Ha a E 1 ese e h C And Lb

6 - 9 Lbs Avg. 6 SMITHFIELD BACON $5.00 2- 1Lb Pkgs WHOLE BONELESS PORK LOINS $1.99 PHILLY SANDWICH STEAKS

$ .99 Lb

Frozen 10 Lb

$

28.00

19.00

TAVERN HAM VIRGINIA BAKED HAM CORN BEEF COOKED ROAST BEEF

6

$ .00 Gal

90% Vegetable / 10% Olive Oil

3 $3.99 Lb $ .99 Lb

4

$ .99 Lb

5

$ .99 Lb

ROSA CRUSHED TOMATOES $1.49 28 Oz

Not responsible for printer’s errors

www.phillyrecord.com

RITA BRAND Blended Oil

$

tal o T 5

8 $ .9

Lb

BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST 10 Lb Bag

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

MEATS WHOLE FILET MIGNON

Page 11

June 3rd 2024 S. 10th St. 215-468-5363 to June 10th We Accept Food Stamps - Free Delivery!

Store Hours: Mon-Sat: 10-5, Closed: Sun.

Page 12 The Public Record • June 3, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com

In another one of those indicators we’re not quite done with the Political Silly Season yet, a legislator from Michigan is proposing something that has everyone talking.

If Sen. Bruce Patterson of Michigan gets his way, journalists will have to get a license similar to that of a hairdresser or a paralegal to practice their craft within that state. Among the requirements that reporters will have to meet to get these licenses are: They must have “good moral character” and demonstrate they have industry “ethics standards” acceptable to a board the State will choose.

Reporters will have to have a degree in journalism or its equivalent, so it might be a little tougher to pass yourself off as a journalist if you have a political blog, but your day job is laying carpet in Michigan.

Reporters will have to have no less than three years experience as a reporter, so newbies are going to have to wait to be considered “licensed” journalists.

You’d have to present any journalism awards or recognition related to being a reporter to get the license, along with three or more writing samples.

And journalists will have to pay an application and registration fee.

Sen. Patterson says the reason he’s proposed a licensing system for journalists is because he wants to make sure the public is getting good information from people who know what they’re doing and the best way to do this, in his opinion, is to give the public a centralized location to check them out. He compares his idea to the vetting process expert witnesses go through before they testify in court.

Now, Sen. Patterson knows that his bill isn’t going anywhere. He’s the only sponsor for it and the first news organization that he talked to about it is Fox News, which is all most people need to know to totally dismiss it.

But the problem that he brings up is a legitimate one: Who is a journalist, and how does that question impact the news you get and whether or not to trust it? Who’s doing the actual information gathering and who’s twisting what others have done to suit their own ends?

While everyone can basically be a reporter these days thanks to the blogosphere, not all the information you get from sites like Daily Kos, FreeRepublic.com and other websites is correct. And because of this “I can be a reporter too” attitude, and the fact everyone seems (Cont. Page 18)

SNOOPER’S “BIG STORY”: Who else, Chief? DAVID COHEN, ESQ. This fine gentleman happens to be the Executive Vice President for COMCAST CORP. David explained exactly what he does as the Executive Vice President, and it is a threefold process. (1): Strategic issues and strategy. (2): External Affairs, dealing with all sorts of communication matters, and other assorted Public Relations work. (3): Administrative responsibilities. Dave stated, when asked where he’s from, “I’m from NEW YORK; however, I work and live in the CITY of PHILADELPHIA.” He also stated, “The two important issues of today are THE ECONOMY and JOBS. These are very important and make no mistake about it.” Mr. Cohen was the former CHIEF of STAFF for MAYOR ED RENDELL. Yes, Mr. Cohen said he will never forget this great experience with The Mayor.

SNOOPER’S “BLOOPER” FILES: Oh I hate to tell you, but JOE SESTAK, Senatorial candidate, has already made a HUGE MISTAKE. He wants all terrorists tried here in Pennsylvania’s CIVIL COURTS – absolutely crazy. Yes, this one alone will be his ultimate downfall. HON. PAT TOOMEY, his opponent, stated, and rightly so, “These terrorists must be tried in MILITARY COURTS.” What’s so unbelievable is the fact, HE was a former ADMIRAL in the Service of this Country, and he makes a statement like this one. Now we have NATIONAL FALLOUT and MORE TO COME! SNOOPER’S “SPECIAL MEMO”: I was sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful young lady named MARGARET “Peggy” GREENLEE who was the Mother of the HON. WILLIAM GREENLEE, a great CITY COUNCILMAN. “Peggy” leaves behind a SON, a Brother JAMES GREENLEE, and of course, ELLEN GREENLEE, Chief Public Defender.

This young LADY was truly ‘The Matriarch’ of The Greenlee family. She had many friends, and you’ll be able to show your respects this THURSDAY EVENING from 7 p.m. till 9 p.m., also FRIDAY MORNING from 8 a.m. till 9 a.m. at the DINAN FUNERAL HOME, 1921 Spring Garden Street. Call them at (215) 563-3655 for any and all information, as well as all your directions!

SNOOPER’S “POINT OF INFORMATION”: We have all seen the Dept. of Revenue’s recent commercial with regard to owing BACK TAXES. Yes, they even state at the end of this ‘mistaken’ commercial, YOU ARE A CRIMINAL if YOU don’t pay up. I checked THE (Cont. Page 18)

Yo! Here we go again with this information on China. Here are some interesting facts you may or may not know, but you should know. Most products that we use in America are made in China – about 85% to 90 %. Try this – look at almost any article in your home, office or at a restaurant. You will probably find it was made in China. I’m talking about things like stereos, plastic toys, cups, belts, TVs, shoes, t-shirts, backpacks, telephones, coffeemakers, toasters and computers.

China produces more clothes that any other country. China is the largest producer of steel in the world. The world’s six largest producers of American flags are all based in China. Most religious merchandise (like Virgin Mary statues, rosaries and Buddha figurines) sold in the United States is made in China – a country with little religious freedom.

Not too amazing, is it? But some of the things that you might assume come from China probably don’t. For example, most fine china plates are bone china, which is high-quality porcelain that is made in England, Italy and the United States.

Not for all the tea in China isn’t a big deal, for a third of the entire world’s black tea comes from India – China produces only 10%.

The British smuggled opium into China from India. China is not the world’s largest exporter of rice, which is closely associated with Chinese food. Thailand shipped 7.5 million tons of rice in 2002 – China exported only 2 million. There are 73 Chinese-food restaurants in Beijing – China’s capital. In New York City, there are more than 300.

China dolls were never made in China. Germany, France and Denmark began making these porcelain dolls in the 1840s. Chinese checkers aren’t Chinese, nor are they checkers.

This popular board game is based on Halma, an earlier game played using marbles and holes on a square board. Pressman Brothers created the familiar star-shaped game board in 1928 and called it Chinese Checkers to capitalize on the popularity of another Chinese game, mah-jongg – which really is a Chinese game.

Here is in one that is sure to get your attention. Fortune cookies were invented in 1914 at San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden. While there are now fortune-cookie factories in China, most are made by the Wonton Food Co. in New York. They create 2.5 million fortune cookies daily.

So when you think of retail goods, think Chinese – unless, of course, you are in China.

It’s never too early to talk about City Council and who will be the next President of this most prestigious body. Is Anna Verna staying or leaving? If she stays, will she be able to get the support of her colleagues; and if yes, which ones? I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I still would place my bet on her winning if she chooses to go for another term.

What about Marian Tasco? The rumor is she wants to lead, but does she have the votes?

Will her Northwest Alliance be able to be of assistance, or should she put some moderate distance between her and it to let the entire city know that they won’t be left out? She’s certainly an affable lady, but some folks in the Northwest and elsewhere are tiring of a click the boasts, boasts, boasts, and the limited results…. Anyone looked around the Northwest lately? All of the Northwest elected officials have either been in office or worked with the elected’s in the area, thus, they’ve been responsible for more than 25 years. The area used to be a crown jewel. Time for something different….

But anyway, back to the Councilwoman. Does she have the votes? The rumor is she has Mayor Nutter’s support (which counts for nothing, since he doesn’t cast a vote and his influence is waning) and Donna Miller’s. Wow; that’s an all-star lineup! She’s the best choice for President for: The Northwest Alliance.

How about Jannie Blackwell? Jannie was once an ant’s half-step away from the presidency, but after the last Council election found herself further and further on the outs. Jannie’s reputation as a tough, no-nonsense brawler that fights for the little guy first (but the campaign contributing developers second) will certainly be needed for her to climb back up to the top.

She’s the best choice for President for: The Little Guy. Darrell Clarke? That might be an interesting change. The Councilman recently came under fire for giving up a much-needed recreation site to a developer, but overall, the biggest issue many have with him is that after all these years in council, he is still somewhat undefined.

He’s the best choice for President for: The Unknown ... X marks the spot.

Curtis Jones? Too new. Although this has been an impressive start, we need to see more.

As one of the most outspoken members we’ve seen in some time, it is refreshing to catch him in action. Let’s wait and see. He’s the best choice for President for: people without patience.

Bill Green? Nah. Wants to be Mayor; no secret about that. He’s the best choice for Pres(Cont. Page 18)

Page 13

Ringside With The Shadowboxer

Legend’s Son To Top Philly Card Community College in Ohio, still he had boxing in his blood.

In 1999, he started boxing under the tutelage of his legendary father and quickly advanced in the sport, winning the 2003 Cincinnati Golden Gloves.

Deciding he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and turn professional, he knew there was only one place to go.

Under the watchful eye of Hall Of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward in Detroit, the onetime trainer of his father, he honed his craft in the worldrenowned Kronk Gym. Aaron Pryor, Sr., who will

forever share a bond with Alexis Arguello for their epic bouts, will accompany his son to the match.

Speaking of Arguello, who was elected Mayor of Managua, Nicaragua after his boxing career, SHADOWBOXER joins the rest of the boxing community in congratulating Philippine Congressman-Elect Manny Pacquiao, who won a landslide victory.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM Iron Workers Local 401 lay a wreath at Vietnam Memorial to honor some of their members who were lost in Viet conflict.

LAYING memorial wreath from Richard Vaux Ivanhoe Lodge 384 F&AM, were David Oh, Esq., John J. Kline, Joseph Stivala, Vincent S. Fatiga and Charles Halloway.

Photo by John J. Kline

Photo by John J. Kline

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Boxing legend Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor’s son will be coming to Philadelphia. Supper-Middleweight Aaron Pryor, Jr. will headline a rare Sunday-afternoon card of boxing on Jun. 13 at the Hyatt Regency on Columbus Boulevard at 2 p.m.

The action-packed card also has seven other bouts, including popular female professional boxer Elizabeth Sherman, and is being promoted by Joey Eye Boxing.

Pryor, Jr. at 6’4½” was a natural basketball player in high school. Receiving a basketball scholarship from Edison

GOV. ED RENDELL, Judge Pat Dugan and Mayor Michael Nutter were among VIPs at Korean War Memorial. Over 200 attended, among them Councilman Bill Green and attorney David Oh. Photo by John J. Kline

GIVE THE GIFT OF NOSTALGIA Give the 5 Waffleman Books Memories they’ll always Cherish.

They will remember you everytime they read them!

Call: Joe “Bag-A Donuts”

215-463-2632

PAT & ANNA SCIOLI

1744 E. Passyunk Ave. • 215-334-0990

www.phillyrecord.com

Top of The Line Suits from Italy Tailored to your fit.

Page 14 The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Oak Lane Diner

FREE FREE G PA N Since 1944 P A R K I The Land Mark of Philadelphia R K I N G 6528 N. Broad St. • Philadelphia, PA • 215-424-1026 Breakfast Served all Day! PRIVATE MEETING ROOM FOR 40 PEOPLE, PARTIES - BUSINESS - PRESENTATIONS

2 Eggs Home Fries or Grits, Toast & Coffee $ .95

2

Mon.-Thurs. www.phillyrecord.com

(Exp. 6/30/2010)

$ .00

2

OFF

Any Breakfast or lunch over $10.00 or more Mon. - Thurs.

Valid 7 am - 4 pm

99 ¢ Dessert When you spend $10.00 or more. Mon. - Fri.

Free Soup or House Salad When you spend $10.00 or more. M.- F.

(Not to be combined with any other offers One coupon per check)

(Not to be combined with any other offers One coupon per check)

20%OFF

FREE COFFEE

Your Bill Valid After 4 pm Mon. - Thurs.

7AM to 3 PM With any breakfast Platter

Mon. - Thurs.

He noted, “The bus will help to ensure that people who often go without critical health services will have access to them, right in their own neighborhoods. Quality eye care, provided by one of the top rated eye hospitals in the nation, and the ability to bring services directly to those who need them most will make such a difference. I applaud Wills

DRPA Wins Transportation Award cent public hearings have shown the people of South Jersey stand behind this project. It is gratifying to see the DVRPC is not only supporting the proposal, but also believes the Glassboro-Camden Line will provide significant benefits to the region.” Service on the GCL could also begin in 2016.

PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT SINCE 1990

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority A Promising Future

By Championing the Channel-Deepening Project And Substantial Port Expansion

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

John H. Estey, Esq. Chairman

James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director

Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

John F. Dempsey

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

www.phillyrecord.com

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is honoring DRPA/PATCO with its 9th annual “Regional Transportation Program of the Year” award at its Annual Celebration of Regional Excellence today.

The award recognizes the efforts by the DRPA and PATCO to develop two regional light-rail services in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. One system would enhance the connection between Center City Philadelphia with the Delaware River waterfront while the other would provide service between Glassboro and Camden in Southern New Jersey.

Board Chairman John Estey says, “The DRPA and PATCO are honored by our selection and recognition by the DVRPC.” Estey adds, “I would also like to thank our partners including the City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. and others for assisting us with the Philadelphia Project.” DRPA/PATCO anticipates the Philadelphia Waterfront Transit Expansion Project will begin operating in 2016. According to Estey, “the ultimate goal is to implement a world-class transit asset that Philadelphians and visitors will be proud to use.”

The New Jersey Project involves an 18-mile corridor from Glassboro to Camden, primarily along existing Conrail right of way. Board Vice Chair Jeff Nash says, “Re-

CONGRESSMAN Bob Brady joins, from left, Michael Meehan and Ron Donatucci, members of Board of Directors of City Trusts; Joseph P. Bilson, executive director, Wills Eye Institute; and Julia Haller, ophthalmologist-in-chief, Wills Eye Institute, at ribbon-cutting for Wills Eye Bus. Eye for its creative thinking technologically sophisticated and its commitment to com- diagnostic equipment. These munity. This project will not devices can be deployed to only improve access to care, examine patients and transmit but also lower health care their studies for interpretation costs through early diagnosis by ophthalmologists at Wills and treatment.”

Eye Institute. The images, enJoseph P. Bilson, execu- crypted to safeguard patient tive director, Wills Eye Insti- privacy, will allow doctors to tute said, “Building upon our provide real-time evaluation rich history of service and and diagnosis. charity, we are passionate The bus will reach chilabout making eye care acces- dren by visiting schools and sible to our community and day care centers. “By identieducating people about the fying problems early, we can importance of eye health.” prevent future vision loss and A highly trained ophthal- reverse potentially blinding mologic team will examine conditions. It’s that simple,” children and seniors in the said Dr. Julia Haller, ophthalbus, which is custom-fitted mologist-in-chief, Wills Eye with the latest generation of Institute.

municipal customers will also decrease on Jun. 1, 2010.

“Thanks to PGW’s storage and contracting practices, which allows us to purchase the most economically priced natural gas we can for our customers, we are able to decrease the price,” said Thomas E. Knudsen, president and CEO of PGW. “And even though customers will be using less gas for the next several months, it is never too early to start thinking about how to become more energy efficient and how to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program.” To learn more, visit www.pgworks.com.

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Congressman Bob Brady is lauding Wills Eye Institute for making available to Philadelphia's underserved population of seniors and children a mobile state-of-the-art diagnostic unit.

“Lack of access to quality health care is one of the most significant issues facing our country,” said the Congressman as he joined others at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

With prices going up all over, especially with electric rates, the Philadelphia Gas Works is bucking that trend.

It has announced it will decrease what residential customers pay for natural gas.

The average residential customer will pay about $2.37 less per month for the next three months, which is a 5% decrease. The cost PGW pays for natural gas is passed on to the customer without markup.

Residential heating customers will pay $1.49 per 100 cubic feet of natural gas beginning Jun. 1, 2010. The new cost for gas will change from $1.59 per Ccf to $1.49 per Ccf. The price for PGW’s commercial, industrial and

Page 15

Brady Praises New Wills Eye Mobile Lab

PGW Bucks Trend, Lowers Its Rates

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Page 16

37 years of great food and generosity

by Len Lear I will admit Ralph Berarducci is one of my all-time favorite people because of all the charity work he does. At Thanksgiving and Christmas time every year, he probably feeds as many poor and homeless people as the Salvation Army, all at his own expense.

Ralph is the owner of Portofino, an Italian restaurant

that has been at 1227 Walnut Street for 37 years.

The odds of a Center City restaurant lasting for 37 years are not quite as great as the odds that I will be playing quarterback for the Eagles next season, but they’re close. Yet Ralph Berarducci, who came to Philadelphia in 1963 in his mid20s from Italy’s Abruzzi region, has made a career of defying the odds.

After a brief stint at Geno’s on Walnut Street, Ralph began to work as a breakfast waiter at the Barclay Hotel, working tire-

lessly to prove he was qualified to work lunches. After one year, his travel visa was running out and his father pleaded with him to return home to Italy, but instead Ralph walked out on the high wire and opened his own restaurant, Pinocchio’s, at 15th & Latimer Streets.

After rave reviews, Berarducci suddenly found lines outside the door waiting to fill his 65 seats and sample his sophisticated Northern Italian cuisine.

(Remember, this was before the city’s restaurant renaissance, when Italian restaurants were almost all of the red-gravy-andcheckerboard-tablecloth variety.)

Tiring of turning away customers because of his limited seating, Ralph sold the six-yearold Pinocchio’s in 1971 and opened Portofino (named for a region of Italy that holds happy memories for him) in 1973 at 1227 Walnut Street, in a building that once housed a brothel. Here he could accommodate twice as many customers. Recently it has seen an extensive interior makeover.

In a business where success often has the longevity of a flea’s adolescence, Portofino has con-

Len Lear sistently offered fine food and service at reasonable prices.

His executive chef, Giuseppe Falconio, was one of Italy’s most acclaimed chefs when he came here from Abruzzi 30 years ago.

And there is probably no better deal in Center City than Portofino’s three-course dinner for $29 Sunday through Thursday. And on Sunday and Monday evenings, you can also bring your own wine. Ralph also offers a 20% discount on gift certificates and 20% off every food bill with a theater, concert or sporting event ticket from that same day or night.

Valet parking is averaging about $16 to $18 in Center City

these days, but Berarducci has arranged a deal with Parkway Parking, 1211 Walnut Street, a half-block away from Portofino, that offers his customers a muchdiscounted $6 fee with a stamped ticket.

Interestingly, there are no seafood entrees on the menu, but several are always offered as daily specials. A crab cake martini appetizer ($10), for example, was sublime during a recent visit, with pan-seared jumbo lump crab meat served with lemon capers, garlic and olive oil. During another visit we had a grilled swordfish with capers, pine nuts and sun-dried tomato relish ($21); and grilled salmon with seared sea scallops and a saffron tomato cream sauce ($20). Both were glorious. And the wine markups are modest by Center City standards.

As I mentioned earlier, Ralph also has one of the biggest hearts in the Delaware Valley. For 20 years he has been providing hundreds of free turkey dinners at Thanksgiving time to the city’s most-destitute individuals. At Christmastime he provides free dinners to area nuns.

Portofino is open for dinner

seven nights a week and lunch Monday to Friday. For more information, call (215) 923-8208 or visit www.portofino1227walnut.com.

Page 17 The Public Record • June 3, 2010

TIOGA EMPOUNDING LOT 3201 N. DELAWARE AVE.

ALL AUCTIONS START @ 12 NOON

www.phillyrecord.com

SWANSON EMPOUNDING LOT ESSINGTON EMPOUNDING LOT 2535 S. SWANSON ST. 6801 ESSINGTON AVENUE

Page 18 The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Snooper

Out & About

(Cont. From Page 12) CONSTITUTION and there’s a part that clearly states, “THERE SHALL BE NO DEBTOR’S PRISONS.” Now, unless I am mistaken, owing any kinds of monies is considered to be a debt. COMMISSIONER RICHARDSON, please look into this matter, because TO OWE is a DEBT, and it’s not CRIMINAL! Remember, our Traffic Court tried it, even put people in jail, only to be DECRIMINALIZED and they are no longer criminal; instead, they’re now C-I-V-I-L C-O-U-RT-S!

(Cont. From Page 12) to think only through embracing the internet can you maintain your legitimacy as a reporter, everyone who asks questions like the one Sen. Patterson is asking is perceived as a “hater”.

I’m not hating. I just have a problem with people being misinformed on purpose.

Don’t get me wrong. I like the internet. I have a blog myself. But it’s a blog on which I do some reporting, and that’s not something that most bloggers know how to do ... or even want to know how to do. There are a lot of folks blogging who believe the rules of journalism shouldn’t apply to them, but when you’re doing the electronic equivalent of my job, they should. You’ll find that out the first time you’re brought into court on a libel or slander suit, something that I predict will happen any day now.

I guess that’s why Sen. Patterson is proposing

Lucky

Rocky has been in the auto business since 1994. He has been recognized by Ford Motor Company with numerous achievements including Master Certified in car and trucks.

He’ll use his experience to help you maximize your benefits and reduce your expenses!

(Cont. From Page 12) ident for: People that want him to be Mayor.

Council President Verna, you sure do have your work cut out for you. Although I’m not running, please know Lucky Glenwood is the best choice for President for: All of the believers in luck!

this bill. He wants to make sure the information you get is good information.

However, he might want to take a Law and Ethics of Mass Communication class, because he seems to have overlooked the fact that the Constitution makes his bill illegal.

Under the 1st Amendment, Congress ain’t allowed to make no laws constraining freedom of speech or freedom of the press. If Congress can’t do it, and they’re the Federal government, what makes you think that you can make reporters be licensed in your state, Sen. Patterson?

In other words, no law

2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

means just that, no law. I emphasize this because I know some Pennsylvania political will read this column and think, “That sounds like a good idea” and get a legislative aide on it right away. You can’t do it. It’s unconstitutional and the Pennsylvania Press Association will have you for dinner.

But folks like Sen. Patterson can take heart. The St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Poynter Institute for Journalism Education and the Ford Foundation are doing some research on the topic of the so-called “Fifth Estate” and its impact. It’ll be interesting to see what they find out.

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 Brighten Your Car’s Colors For The Holidays

PAINT SERVICE www.phillyrecord.com

STARTING AT . . .

95

$129.

MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF ESTIMATE. HURRY...OFFER EXPIRES June 30, 2010

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

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

3 BIG SALES WEEKLY

OTR drivers and Teams. Consistent Miles, Excellent Health Benefits. 6 mo. OTR exp. & current CDL 888-463-3962 www.usatruck.jobs EOE M/F/H/V CDL-A Drivers: Our Freight Needs You! Over The Road Flatbed & Dry Van. Professional Equipment. High Miles.

Good Driving Record Required.

Drivers:

We accept your long form and medical card. Western Express. Call Nancy: 888-8015295 CRST Malone is Now Hiring Owner Operators & Fleet Owners! No Flatbed exp. required.

888-880-5912

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA Public Hearing Notice The Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing Monday, June 7, 2010, at 1:00 PM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following items: 090708

An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into a license agreement between PECO Energy Company as Licensor and the City of Philadelphia as Licensee for a certain strip of land located near the intersection of Nixon Street and Port Royal Avenue to be used as a connector for the Schuylkill River recreational trail.

100361

An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, on behalf of The City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation for the purpose of operating certain programs at the Scanlon Ice Rink, the Laura Sims Skatehouse at Cobbs Creek, the rink at the Simons Recreation and Teen Access Center, the Rizzo Ice Rink and the Tarken Ice Rink, under certain terms and conditions.

100363

An Ordinance authorizing the amendment of certain agreements between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (“PAID”) relating to an area surrounded by Pattison Avenue, 11th Street, Terminal Avenue and Broad Street (the “Wachovia and Arena Parcels”), to revise lot lines and make other technical changes; authorizing amendments to certain subleases for the Wachovia and Arena Parcels; and authorizing the grant to PAID of an easement over certain portions of FDR Park, all under certain terms and conditions.

100372

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed items.

Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

Michael A. Decker Chief Clerk

must be wrong with it!” See for yourself! It’s the best Investment in land in NYS! Christmas & Associates Call us at 800229-7843 or visit www.LandandCamps.com Find us on Facebook!

Public Hearing Notice The Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and The Homeless of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing Monday, June 7, 2010, at 10:00 AM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following items: 100159

An Ordinance amending Chapter 21-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Community Development,” by amending Section 21-1108, entitled “Economic Development,” to increase the percentage of funds that must be allocated to economic development, all under certain terms and conditions.

100160

An Ordinance amending Chapter 21-1100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Community Development,” by amending Section 21-1105, entitled “City Council Oversight and Plan Approval,” all under certain terms and conditions.

100379

Resolution calling for Public Hearings before the City Council Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless to Examine the Roles of the Redevelopment Authority and Department of Public Property in Improving Housing in the City of Philadelphia.

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and The Homeless, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed items.

Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

Michael A. Decker Chief Clerk

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, June 29, 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.

BUDGETFEE B-023(C) of 2009/10* Electrical Contract Alexander Wilson ES $400,000 $ 100 Elevator Alterations 1300 S. 46th Street *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on June 11, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.

B-024(C) of 2009/10* Electrical Contract Elevator Alterations

Edward Heston ES 1621 N. 54th Street

$300,000 $ 100

*A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on June 11, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.

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

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

The School Reform Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.

www.phillyrecord.com

An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to lease property bounded generally by Catharine, 12th, Clymer and Fawn Streets from the Philadelphia Housing Authority, and placing it in the Fairmount Park System, managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, under certain terms and conditions.

Strong, Stable & Safe Short Positions also available. 1 Year OTR experience required www.veriha.com 800-333-9291 LAND FOR SALE 5 ACRES w/ CAMP $19,995! “I Can’t Believe it!” “Something

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

Home Weekends.

Lots of Miles up to $.54/mile Excellent Benefits. 401k, Pd Vac CDL-A 2yrs Exp.

Lowest Lease Purchase Program! Call 866-945-2778 www.joinmalone.com $.42/mile to Start in Milton, PA! Professional OTR Class-A CDL Drivers Needed! Practical Mile Pay. Guaranteed Home-Time.

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ALL CASH VENDING! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy All for $9,995. 1-800-460-4027 FINANCIAL CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866SETTLEMENT (1-866-7388536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

HELP WANTED DRIVER REGIONAL DRIVERS NEEDED! MORE HOMETIME! TOP PAY! Newer Equipment!

Up to $.43/mile company drivers! 12 months OTR required.

HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1800-441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com Driver-COMPANY Experienced

Page 19

Public Record Classifieds: small ADS BIG Deals

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • June 3, 2010

Page 20