PR-566-P

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Jim Stevenson

700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980

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

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

Vol. XII. No. 48 (Issue 566)

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

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On Thanksgiving Day With Sacharee Rhodes

December 2, 2010

Evans Seeks Constitutional Changes Page 4

A 23-YEAR tradition saw activist Sacharee Rhodes once again back in her favorite Thanksgiving Day role, feeding hundreds of needy on plaza of Municipal Services Building. She trusts to God to help her and it's obvious she has been heard, since she relies on people’s goodwill to come forward Thanksgiving morning with donations of food, clothing and other needs for poor. At left, she impishly smiles, trying to duck camera, as she supervises holiday tradition.

Sen. Tartaglione Blasts Guv Over Fire Bill Veto Page 6 Will Council OK BPT Changes?

The People’s Champion Retires After 37 Years Of Service Over 500 jammed the Chateau in Bridesburg to honor State Rep. Frank Oliver at a retirement marking the end of 37 years of service in the State House. He was the oldest serving member in the General Assembly and long-time dean of the Philadelphia caucus. He is seen here being congratulated by his successor to the 195th Legislative Dist., former aide Michelle Brownlee. Oliver will be honored in a special edition of the Philadelphia Public Record on Dec. 23. For details, call John David at (215) 755-2000.

Do you have An IPhone, an IPod, an ITouch, Or any other Media-Enabled Device?

Then read our Daily Mobile Edition at: m.philadelphiadailyrecord.com

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Traffic Court Funds New Police Ticketing Page 18

State Liquor Stores May Go Private Page 6

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Page 2 The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Sen. Hughes Comments on Appropriations Chair State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.), elected as the Democrat Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, commented this week on his election to that post: “During our caucus leadership elections, my colleagues elected me to serve as the Democratic Chairman of the State Senate Appropriations Committee for this session.

“The powerful Appropriations Committee is responsible for determining how State

State Sen. Vincent Hughes ... Minority Appropriations Chair

dollars are budgeted and spent. In our struggling economy, there will be excruciatingly difficult funding decisions to be made when we start mulling over the new Governor’s budget. One thing is clear: Our main priority will be finding ways to create jobs and spur economic development.

“It is no secret we are facing serious budget shortfalls, a fragile economy and huge job losses across the state.

“As Democratic Chair-

dren are receiving a quality education; and we need to continue to invest in the programs and services our friends and neighbors rely on.

“The legislature, and more specifically the Appropriations Committee, will be faced with a number of formidable challenges before a responsible State spending plan is settled on before Jun. 30, 2011. As the new Democratic Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I am prepared

to meet these challenges.

“It is imperative that the legislature work relentlessly in the coming months to bring jobs back to Pennsylvania and find creative and cutting-edge solutions to grow our State revenues and revive our economy.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve my caucus in this vital leadership role. I know this will be a difficult job, but I also know we were not elected to take the easy way out.”

Board Of Judges Fills BRT Vacancies The Common Pleas Court Board of Judges elected two new Board of Revision of Taxes Board Members recently during a meeting of jurists called to fill vacancies.

Several candidates were interviewed and approved by a judicial selection committee to be placed before entire Board of Judges to fill the two vacancies.

Three rounds of voting were required to choose the selectees of a Board which had become involved in a

tug-of-war between the City Administration and Board members.

Those selected serve for a six-year term with a salary as yet unclear.

According to reports, the first-round winners were Barbara Capozzi, real-estate broker, and Joseph Russo, 31-year BRT assessor and five-year BRT Board Member.

As a result of the first round, Capozzi was selected.

It is unknown why Russo (with the second-most votes)

was not selected. Russo again ran strongly in the second round of balloting. No selection was made.

Before the third ballot, Russo charges, Chairperson President Judge Pamela Dembe made a statement concerning the Russo candidacy. He did not relate what she said.

He believes, as a result, support for his candidacy declined in the third round of voting.

Russo stated, “It appears the statement may have hurt

PGW Reduces Natural Gas Rates

www.phillyrecord.com

man, I am ready to meet these tough decisions head on. When budgets are tight, at home or here in the government, it is imperative that we prioritize.

“Leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties need to come together and find the ways to best stretch the money in next year’s budget.

“We need to create wellpaying and sustainable jobs; we need to invest in our future and make sure our chil-

The Philadelphia Gas Works has become the Santa Claus of Utility Bills. It will decrease what residential customers pay for natural gas.

The average-residential heating customer will pay about $14.69 less per month for the next three months.

The new cost for gas will change from $1.60 per ccf to $1.50 per ccf. Residential heating customers will pay $1.50 per 100 cubic feet (ccf) of natural gas beginning Dec. 1. The price for PGW’s commercial, industrial and municipal customers will also decrease on that date.

“PGW’s storage and contracting practices allow us to purchase the most economically priced natural gas we can for our customers, and even though prices are decreasing there are ways for customers to save even more,” said Craig White, ex-

ecutive VP and acting COO for PGW. “Visit www.pgworks.com for energy-saving tips and rebate information.

You can also access assistance information. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is now available, but funds are limited so customers should apply now before the money is gone.”

The company anticipates its rates should remain stable through the spring, based on current market projections, producing savings for all of the company’s customers compared to recent years.

PGW’s residential naturalgas rates are made up of two main components: a supply charge and delivery charge.

The supply charge is the part of the bill that reflects the amount of gas used by the customer. This charge is what PGW pays for the gas and is

passed on to the customer without markup. The delivery charge includes the cost of delivering natural gas to the customer’s meter, distribution system maintenance and customer billing costs, as well as weather adjustments.

The rate will stay in effect through Mar. 1, 2011, when PGW will determine, based on market conditions, whether or not the rate should change.

Founded in 1836, PGW is owned by the City of Philadelphia and is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the country. It manages a distribution system of approximately 6,000 miles of gas mains and service pipes supplying approximately 500,000 customers. PGW’s operations are managed by a non-profit corporation, the Philadelphia Facilities Management Corp., which is appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia.

my vote. I would not mind the outcome if I had been given a due-process hearing when the judge received a letter from the Mayor to dismiss me contrary to Section 7, Article 4 of the State Constitution.”

Eugene Davey, a former Assessor, and then BRT Department head for over 30 years, was selected in the third round. Davey first ap-

plied for the board position when the City Administration was selecting nominees.

He, and others who had retired through the DROP Program, were not selected by the City panel.

The BRT was the subject of an Inquirer series that attacked alleged non-uniform assessments, in an era when the Realware Assessment operating program was to re-

assess properties in a twoyear period at a $7 million cost.

After many more years, and more costs, the program could not be made to work.

In a move said to be wise for taxpayers, and to get reassessment moving, the new BRT Dept. head, Richard Negrin, terminated the program. Negrin is now City Managing Director.

African American Firm Expands PK Financial Group, LLC, a Pennsylvania-based insurance and benefits company in Broomall, has acquired the assets of West Insurance Group, one of the largest AfricanAmerican-owned risk management, brokerage and financial services firms in the United States.

According to Samuel J. Patterson, CEO, and a principal owner of PK Financial, the West firm had been established in 1991, maintained offices in Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia, and had managed a portfolio with gross premiums written estimated at $120 million.

Established in 2009, PK Financial Group, also AfricanAmerican-owned and licensed in 38 states across the country, maintains offices in Annapolis, Md.and New Orleans, La., in addition to Broomall.

Patterson said the West Insurance acquisition will enable PK Financial to significantly expand the company’s services to large, privately held and publicly traded corporations,

to large not-for-profit firms and to faith-based institutions.

“With its deep reservoir of top-level industry talent and experience,” said Patterson, “PK Financial has established, in a relatively brief period of time, a strong, professional reputation in the industry. With the acquisition of West, we are, both, growing our portfolio substantially, and sending a clear message that we’re now positioned to compete with any

Carpenters Urge Boycott In an appeal to the general public, the Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters is urging a boycott against the newly established Kimberly Romm Catering Hall, located in the Arts Condominium building at 1324 Locust Street.

Romm has been using Nespo Developers as its contractors, a non-union operative whose employees receive wages substantially less than those rates earned by Carpenters.

insurance and benefits consultants in the nation.”

PK Financial’s corporate and institutional client list includes Union Packaging, Veridyne and the Philadelphia Tribune, among others.

Offering a broad range of institutional and personal insurance and financial services, PK Financial provides homeowner’s, disability, medical, life and auto insurance through its long-standing relationships with a cross-section of the nation’s most significant underwriters.

A significant majority of PK Financial’s equity is owned by Patterson and by his business partner, Cleosie Kirkland, who serves as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Prior to joining PK Financial, Kirkland had served as president of AV International, Inc., one of America’s largest minorityowned insurance brokerages.

Patterson and Kirkland first met when both were MBA students at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

30 Foster Youths Adopted

North Philly’s Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins has already secured his place in boxing history as a future Hall of Famer. But before the two-division world champion is done with his remarkable career, he will attempt to get into the boxing record books again by becoming the oldest fighter in the history of boxing to win a world title at the age of 45.

To do so, “The Executioner” will challenge WBC Light-Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal on Saturday, Dec. 18, in a bout to be televised on SHOWTIME. The fight will take place in what is expected to be a sold out crowd at the 16,333-seat Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Canada.

Pascal boasts an impressive 26-1 record with 16 KOs and has become one of Canada’s most-popular box-

ers. The emerging superstar is coming off his biggest win against Chad Dawson, who most boxing experts considered to be the best lightheavyweight in the world.

Pascal will not only have a raucous hometown crowd behind him, he’ll also enter the bout with an enormous youth advantage. Consider the fact the 28-year-old Pascal was just five years old when Hopkins turned pro in 1988.

Of course, the ageless wonder Hopkins has been defying the odds for years.

In an unbelievable 22-year career, Hopkins created a dynasty in the boxing game by defending his middleweight championship 20 times and holds signature wins over some of the biggest names in boxing, including Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya.

STUDENTS from Penn Treaty MS, along with their teacher Steve Fleisher, were special Guests of Public Record and Chikaro Pro Wrestling. Fleisher is seen here in the middle with 13 of his outstanding students. Frank Talent coordinated event.

www.phillyrecord.com

The adoptions of 30 foster youth were finalized at a ceremony and celebration recognizing National Adoption Day. The event was sponsored by the Philadelphia Dept. of Human Services and Family Court.

According to Family Court Administrative Judge Kevin Dougherty, this year, for the first time, all six Family Court judges participated in the event.

“Finalizing an adoption, and helping a foster child become part of a loving permanent family, is perhaps the most gratifying work we do in Family Court,” said Dougherty. “I’m thrilled that all six judges were able to participate in this joyous event.”

According to DHS Commissioner Anne Marie Ambrose, DHS has improved child-permanency rates and reduced the amount of time children spend in placement.

In 2009, DHS finalized 566 adoptions, an increase of 67% over 2008. The average time a child spends in placement before adoption has decreased 38% since 2003.

Ambrose notes that much of the credit for these positive outcomes are the result of the strong partnership between DHS and Family Court.

who hasn’t thrown an interception,” Waters said. “A few weeks ago, I spoke about the time to forgive, and a man who had made such great strides to win back his credibility. Now he outdid himself and went from number three to number one among starting quarterbacks.”

PLBC member State Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-N. Phila.) said there is a time to forgive and give a person a second chance. “Michael Vick is a perfect example of what people can get from a second chance. More people are benefiting through jobs and general support based on Vick’s second chance.”

State Rep. Tony Payton (DKensington), another PLBC member, said, “The story of Michael Vick is one of redemption. He has paid his debt to society and should be able to play football at the highest level as his talent demands.”

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chairman State Rep. Ronald G. Waters (D-W. Phila.) said his caucus members commend Philadelphia Eagles player Michael Vick for his rise to the top-ranked quarterback in the NFL. This comes weeks after the caucus publicly supported the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to make Vick their starting quarterback in spite of his previous involvement with a dog fighting operation.

“Michael Vick is now the number-one quarterback, and the only starting quarterback

At The Wrestling Matches

Page 3

Eagles Vick Gets PLBC Blessings Age-Defying Ringside With The Shadowboxer

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Page 4

Evans Seeks Constitutional Pa. Citizens’ Commission

With a new legislative session on the horizon, State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-N. Phila.) has indicated he will be focusing his energies on some key issues which he has championed in the past. His leadoff pitch will be for the seating of a citizens’ commission to review the Pennsylvania Constitution in advance of a constitutional convention, as the State has done historically.

Evans proposed this idea in HB 1179 in 2007. The measure was rejected by the House by a vote of 83 to 118.

Speaker-Designee Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) recently made some positive comments with regard to reform measures, including reducing the size of the legislature. It’s Dwight’s hope Smith will use

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee

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

the bully pulpit of the Speaker’s office to raise awareness of the need to review the State Constitution.

In addition, newly elected Majority Leader Mike Turzai, in his former role as minority policy chairman, was a central figure in discussions about revising the State Constitution. Evans hopes he too, will use his new position to advance the idea of preparing for a convention by seating a citizens’ commission.

Evans wrote Smith congratulating him on his election as Speaker Designee, and indicating he was “gratified several Republican and Democrat members of the Policy Committee had indicated they wanted to revisit the idea to seat a study commission in advance of a convention.

“The public supports the idea of constitutional reform,” Evans said. “The statewide media too have long called for the legislature to modernize the constitution and the way Councilman Bill

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

government operates. The Pennsylvania Bar Association has debated the issue intensively, and Gov.-Elect Corbett has been quite clear in his position about the need to review State government.

“I believe seating a citizens’ commission is a reasonable, measured approach and history supports my position.

In the last 100 years, no constitutional convention has occurred without the benefit of such a commission.”

Sen. Farnese Won’t Take His Pay Raise

State Sen. Larry Farnese will not keep the automatic 1.7% cost-of-living adjustment that went into effect yesterday.

“Given today’s economy, I don’t think this is the right time for a salary increase,” said the Senator. “Many people are out of work, retirees have gone two years without a cost-of-living increase, and Pennsylvania is facing a projected $4 billion to $5 billion budget deficit next year.”

Farnese will return the pay increase to the State Treasurer as he did in 2008. Lawmakers did not receive a cost-ofliving increase last year.

All elected officials are being encouraged by Gov.elect Tom Corbett to forego the raise.

Renee Tartaglione Matos Resigns

Renee Tartaglione Matos has retired from her role as chief deputy commissioner of the City Commissioners Office after 27 years.

She is doing so for personal reasons, many having to do with her growing family responsibilities.

Young Dems Taking Their Body Count

Chris Benson, corresponding secretary of Pennsylvania Young Democrats, has emailed his members to get ready for 2012 the “task of reelecting President Obama” by asking them to give him internal tallies on how many doors Young Dems knocked on

State Rep.

across Pennsylvania.

He is asking all young Democrats, “If you were out there hitting the pavement, can you do us a quick favor and give us an idea of how many votes you reached?” His email is chris.payd@gmail.com.

Calvin Tucker Replaces Finestone In 22nd GOP

Calvin Tucker has been appointed the Republican leader of the 22nd Ward, filling out the remaining term of attorney Aaron Finestone.

Tucker is a seasoned hand at being a ward leader. He served from 1979 to 1983 as the leader of the 50th Ward.

Very active on the community front, Tucker is a board member of at last a dozen organizations in the Northwest and Western areas of this city.

Gov. Rendell’s Three-Bill Veto Unchallenged

Both the leadership of the State House and The State Senate have indicated they (Cont. Page 6) R EPRESENTATIVE

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www.SenatorFarnese.com

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Page 5

INJURED AT WORK! CALL FOR YOUR FREE HANDBOOK

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

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The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Page 6

Tartaglione Blasts Guv’s Firefighter Veto No Challenge To Vetoes (Cont. From Page 4) will not be returning to the Capital in an attempt to override vetoes handed down by Gov. Ed Rendell as he is about to leave office.

Having to go through the gauntlet again is HB 1926 – the Castle Doctrine – which would extend legal protections to individuals who use deadly force in defense of life or property. It would eliminate the obligation for an individual to retreat before using deadly force and was included in a bill which expanded Megan’s Law requirements for sex offenders.

Rendell also vetoed a bill to establish a presumption that any cancer diagnosis in a paid or volunteer firefighter was the result of firefighting activities and a county-code bill which would limit the public availability of coroner records. State Sen. Christine Tartaglione promises to push the former bill through in the next session.

Major unions, including the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters’ Union, supported the bill.

State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione blasted Gov. Ed Rendell on his refusal to sign into law a bill which would have protected firefighters and their families from the unseen risks of a firefighting career.

HB 1231, which passed the House and Senate overwhelmingly, specifically added cancer to the Workers’ Compensation Act as a workrelated illness if no other obvious cause for the disease is

present. The bill had been the subject of concern for many legislators over the past 20 years and had many sponsors in those 10 sessions. This was the closest it had come to being law.

“Of the many lessons we learned in the wake of the World Trade Center disaster, the unselfish courage of firefighters and the unseen risks they face are two of the most important,” Tartaglione said.

“It’s not enough to say we are grateful for their service. We must act to protect them with the same quickness with which we expect them to protect us.”

The bill would have amended the law to include cancer suffered by firefighters and caused by a group of known carcinogens recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

A 2006 University of

firefighters experience on the job and their increased risk for cancer.”

“Knowing what we know about the increased cancer risk faced by firefighters, it is unthinkable to allow their families to face the disease without recognition the risk was associated with their service,” Tartaglione said.

HB 1231 passed the House 196-0 after passing the Senate in October 45-4.

State Liquor Stores Face Privatization Drive The State liquor-store system, which supervises the import and distribution of alcoholic beverages throughout the Commonwealth, is back as a target for privatization.

The drive to realize an estimated $2 billion in revenue from the sale of all stores, as well as the warehousing and

other facilities used by the State Liquor Control Board, has gotten new impetus.

State Rep. Michael Turzai (R-Allegheny), who will be Majority Leader in the next term of the State House, has been pushing the concept. He will have the support of Gov.Elect Mike Corbett, who has a desire to privatize the Com-

Computers Below $275 Volunteers have been working hard to make available over 500 computers to give to individuals, families, or organizations in need of them. What is required is for those individuals and groups to write a letter to TeamChildren, 960 Rittenhouse Road, Audubon, PA 19403.

They must also volunteer

The deadline to apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebates is Dec. 31. The rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians who are 65 and older, people with disabilities 18 and older, and widows and widowers 50 and older you meet income requirements. To obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000), information, and to check the status of already filed claims go online to www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com, call 1-888-222-9190, or call my office.

two hours at TeamChildren, helping out in the huge warehouse making computers ready for shipment. Prices range from $50 to $275.

Over 10,000 computers have been distributed since TeamChildren was first organized by Bob Toporek. For information call (484) 744-1868.

monwealth’s 621 stores.

Though the State system has been a cash cow for the State Treasury since its inception, the estimated sale is seen as one way to close a $5 billion budget facing the incoming Governor.

Turzai had introduced legislation, HB 2350, last year which would have privatized the stores by auctioning 750 retail licenses and 100 wholesale licenses to the highest bidder.

His reasoning is the PLCB only “transfers $909 million in profits yearly to the state’s Gen-

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eral Fund. The best approach for long-term revenue growth and consumer satisfaction is to take government out of the liquor business altogether.”

Despite total Republican control of the General Assembly and the Administration, expect strong union opposition, led by UFMC Local 1776. They are ready to show the legislature the “folly of selling of millions of dollars in annual revenue for a quick fix,” a spokesman said.

The PLCB discounts

Turzai’s statements. It announced a return of nearly $500 to the general fund, of which Turzai claims $400 million comes from taxes.

With a Republican-controlled Legislature and a privatization-minded Governor-Elect, the move to privatize the LCB may be the most serious since Tom Ridge was Governor 14 years ago.

Then State finances were in much better shape, without the need to find additional quick revenue solutions.

State Representative

Traffic Court Candidate

Democrat Marnie Aument-Loughrey May, 2011 Paid for by Candidate

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

www.phillyrecord.com

Cincinnati study found firefighters are twice as likely to develop testicular cancer and have significantly higher rates of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate cancer than nonfirefighters. The researchers also confirmed previous findings that firefighters are at greater risk for multiple myeloma.

The researchers said there was “a direct correlation between the chemical exposures

State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

6630 Lindbergh Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19142 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 Always Hard Working .. . for You!

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

(215) 468-2300

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STATE REP. JOHN

State Rep.

SABATINA JR.

Frank Oliver

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

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

215-684-3738

Cause of 9/11 Part 3 of 25

The final report of "The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States" wrapped up its conclusions by its Chair, Thomas H. Kean, and Vice Chair, Lee H. Hamilton, with these words: "Our aim has been to provide the fullest possible account of the events surrounding 9/11, and to identify lessons learned." The report's conclusions and recommendations only focused on "the effect," and not "the cause."

Roots of 9/11 lie buried in order to protect the reputations of U.S. Presidents since 1978.

The Commission failed to identify and learn about "the roots of 9/11. The 428 pages of fruits were mere window dressing.

--The Philadelphia Oboe Sound System

ments have met with opposition from the Mayor and the City Controller.

Mayor Michael Nutter says the City cannot afford to lose approximately $23 million in annual revenue which would be caused by Council’s adopting the GreenQuiñones amendments, while Controller Alan Butkovitz considers the proposals could destabilize the already-precarious City budget.

The BPT picks at the pockets of businesses in two weeks, tagging businesses on their gross receipts and then again on the net income arrived at after factoring in all expenses.

Many local businesses, such as car dealers, provisions wholesalers and major distributors, have incessantly complained they often have to sell below non-Philadelphia-based companies to stay in competition, since those companies don’t have to pay on the gross receipts of the

sale in question.

The proposed amendments would increase the taxes on gross profits gradually to .53% by 2015, eliminating the tax on net profits by then as well.

For several years, starting with the Street administration, the BPT’s tax rate was gradually reduced by the City Council, a program that called for small reductions through to 2017 when it would be phased out totally.

The Tax Reform Commission recommended phasing out the BPT by 2015 because of its negative effect on businesses. The Commission indicated what taxes would be lost could be made up cutting government waste.

In 2009, Nutter’s Task Force on Tax Policy & Economic Competitiveness proposed gradually lowering the .1415% tax on revenues starting in 2012 and dropping the 6.45% tax on profits to 6%, also by 2025.

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

When Mayor John Street was a Councilman, he became that body’s maven on the City budget. During that period, he managed to have City Council rename the old “mercantile tax”, which businesses had to acquire before starting up, the “Business Privilege Tax”.

It’s been a pain to most businesses, especially those who sold their products nationally, and brings in a huge part of the City’s tax income.

The tax brought in $365 million in the last fiscal year.

City Council is now deliberating some changes, believed needed by some and feared by others, in the BPT suggested by Council Members Bill Green and Maria Quiñones Sánchez.

The tax is one of several which businesses are required to pay, not including the oddball licenses required of them with ever-escalating fees.

The proposed amend-

Page 7

Will Council OK BPT Changes?

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Page 8 The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Honey Good For Kids’ Coughs 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

Government research has found removing cough and cold medicines for very young children from store shelves led to a big decline in emergency room visits for bad reactions to the drugs. However, the removal of these medicines may have parents wondering how

they can help relieve their children’s cold symptoms.

For an all-natural relief of irritating throat symptoms, the National Honey Board suggests trying a spoonful of honey to soothe and coat the throat for children over the age of one year. A study by a

Disparities Conference

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

OVER 200 health-care officials, community activists and elected officials came from across country for National Conference on Health Disparities in Phila. Organizer Dr. David Rivers and Amerihealth Mercy Family of Cos. CEO Michael A. Rashid were pleased by outcome of conference at Constitution Center. From left are Rashid; Congresswoman Donna Christensen; Tracee Hunt; Amy Githens; Congressman Chaka Fattah; State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson; and H. Ray Welch Jr. of Mercy Health Systems.

Photo by Ron Allen

Penn State College of Medicine research team found honey may offer an effective and safe alternative to overthe-counter cough medicine.

The study also found a small dose of buckwheat honey given

before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or dextromethorphan (DM), the cough-suppressant in many over-the counter cold medications.

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Bankruptcy planning – 8th dumb thing NOT to do.

Answer: Don’t wait until the wolves are at the door before seeking help. This one is easier said than done, and often it is the folks who are trying the hardest who are the worst offenders.

I recently met with a couple who told me they had been struggling with the decision to seek help for three years. During that time, they lost their home and two investment properties to foreclosure, closed their business, and

practically everything. Ironically, they knew more than most about what they could do, and should do, but were so engaged in the struggle that they ignored the advice they would have given anyone else.

Seeking help early can be invaluable, can help you avoid the worst mistakes, can help you preserve assets, and may help you avoid bankruptcy – exactly the things you are trying to do on your own. Seeking help is not an admission of defeat, it’s a way to fight better.

Next week’s question: Bankruptcy planning – 9th dumb thing NOT to do.

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Beware Of Skimmers!

Since the crooks need to collect the skimmers in order to get their ill-gotten information, the skimmer has to be installed in such a way as to not fall off but be quick and easy to remove. That normally means two-sided tape.

What I do when I suspect a problem is grab the card reader with my hand and give a tug -- not hard enough to damage the real thing, but hard enough to dislodge a skimmer.

If a skimmer ever comes off in your hands, call the police. Sometimes they can use the skimmer to set up a sting operation and catch the crook.

One other defense is to hide your pin number when you enter it with your other hand.

They may still have your card information, but not your PIN. For an ATM, that is a big help.

For credit-card purchases, your liability is limited to $50 by law.

Residents can gain a basic understanding of the best and most cost-effective ways to reduce their energy usage at upcoming free Energy Conservation Workshops, sponsored by State Sen. Shirley Kitchen and the Energy Coordinating Agency.

The workshops will take place on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at CORA, 8540 Verree Road (co-hosted by the Fox Chase Homeowners Association) and on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Greater Brewerytown Community Development Corp.,

3000 W. Master Street (cohosted by the Greater Brewerytown CDC).

These are the last few opportunities to participate in a workshop this winter.

“PECO energy rate caps will be expiring on Dec. 31, which means everyone’s bills will be increasing during the coldest months,” Kitchen said. “These energy workshops provide free, inexpensive and important tips for keeping your energy costs under control. We can all benefit from these workshops, so I urge everyone to attend.”

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

by Peter Radatti, CEO of CyberSoft, Inc. Skimmers are not just for pools. Skimmers are also a clever electronic device used to steal your credit card or ATM card information. ATM machines are the richest targets for skimmers since once they have your info they can gain access to cash. Gas pumps are also rich because there are so many of them and people use them often.

Generally a skimmer comes in one or two parts. They are designed to look just like the ATM or gas pump that the crook intends on attacking. If you look carefully at your ATM or gas pump and it look different, then suspect a skimmer might be in place. A skimmer is placed over the area where your credit or debit card is inserted into a machine; it reads your card as it is passing it along to the real machine.

Somewhere, either as part of the card reader or as part of something else attached to the target system is a small pinhole camera and recorder. The skimmer records your card number and the camera records your pin number. The crook comes by every once in a while and collects the information.

This is also their weakness.

Kitchen Offers Energy Classes

Page 9

Inside Your Computer

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Page 10 The Public Record • December 2, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com

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Page 11 The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Our Opinion ...

What Holidays Are We Greeting?

Kudos To One Of Our Own Peter Radatti is the busy president of the international Cyber-

Kudos To Traffic Court Thanks to the initiative of Traffic Court’s Administrative Judge Bernice DeAngelis and President Judge Thomasine Tynes, a new ticket-writing program is being gifted to the Police Dept. at no expense to the taxpayers. The money is coming from the late fees motorists pay for failing to pay their fines on time.

Now underway in the 7th Police Dist., patrol vehicles are being equipped with software that will immediately give an officer a full picture of the vehicle he has stopped, especially noting if the owner might be wanted or is a scofflaw, or is just an average, law-abiding citizen. If the former, then the police officer will be alerted this stop could spell trouble and they will be on the alert.

It will also eliminate errors in ticket writing, and speed up the process, since the ticket printed up by the printer in the auto goes directly to a data base and to the Traffic Court. The officers need not have to go back to the District to write up the incident, accident and other reports. It’s a win-win for all, from offender to taxpayer to the police.

Dec. 2- Loyal Opposition panel, A House Divided? What Path Forward for the Philly GOP? at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 7-9 a.m. Business attire. Free.

Dec. 2- Fundraiser for Alan Kurtz for Sheriff at Marathon Grill, 1818 Market St., 5:307:30 p.m. Tickets $125. For info (215) 266-9578.

Dec. 3- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen hosts Older Adults Appreciation Luncheon, at Lenfast PAL Center, 10th & Pike Sts., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dec. 3- Phila. FIGHT marks 20th anniversary gala at Ritz Carlton. For ticket and other info (215) 525-8628.

Dec. 3- Local 98’s annual Toys & Turkeys Fundraiser at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 7-11 p.m. Tickets $30.

Dec. 4- Bob Dellavella hosts 55th Ward Democrats at Johnnie’s Fine Italian Cuisine, 4201 Comly St., 2-6 p.m. Bottled beverages and buffet. Tickets

$35. For info (215) 335-4004.

Dec. 5- 73rd annual Rev. George Feider Memorial Communication Breakfast hosted by Millay Club alumni of Gorretti-Neumann HS at Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., 9 a.m.

Honored will be Penna. State Secretary Basil Merenda and others. Tickets $30. For info (215) 389-0925.

Dec. 8- Fire Fighters Local 22 and Police FOP Lodge 5 host plaque dedication honoring 100th anniversary of largest loss of life which killed 13 firefighters, one police officer and two fire horses at Plaza Complex on 2nd St. south of Girard Ave., 11 a.m. For info Jerry Kots (267) 549-6326.

Dec. 9- Holiday Breakfast with DA Seth Williams at Vesper Club, 223 S. Sydenham St., 7:30-10 a.m. Friend $100, Supporter $250, Patron $500, payable to Friends of Seth Williams. RSVP Zeli@friendsofsethwilliams.com or (610) 804-0552.

Dec. 14- Portrait presentation of Hon. Sheldon C. Jelin at City Hall, Room 653, 4 p.m.

Reception following in Conversation Hall.

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How much more stupid can we get as we run away from our values? Now we are allowing the elimination of “Christmas” from advertisements, salutatory greetings, and everywhere the word is otherwise applicable as we get closer to the birth of Jesus Christ.

The City’s latest concession to secularism was to take down the word “Christmas” from the huge sign at the entrance to Christmas Village, which now welcomes visitors to City Hall’s Dilworth Plaza.

The holiday season commemorated by the majority of Americans is the one honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians do make merry on and leading up to Christmas, to commemorate the birth that freed them from the captivity of the Original Sin levied on them for generations and generations.

Now, wherever we look, we see, instead of “Christmas Greetings” or “Merry Christmas” and a “Happy New Year”, marking two seasons, “Happy Holidays”, “Season’s Greetings”, or some similar generic salutation.

So when someone calls out to us, “Happy Holidays,” we ask, “Which holidays are you commemorating?”

Have we totally lost our values to the point where we are now so ashamed of commemorating the true meaning of Christmas? What has happened that has made us so willingly and quietly to cave in to the demands of those who wish nothing better than to get God out of our lives totally? Why are we allowing them to vest their unhappiness with the Godly upon us?

Soft Corp., which offers security protection from internet invasion to corporations needing to protect its privacy. The US Government is one of his clients.

Despite his busy schedule, he has committed to writing columns for our readers on how to protect their own computers, what to beware of for users, and how hacking affects the individual and the world of computers worldwide.

Not only is he doing it well, but he has scooped all the US dailies with his recent column detailing how the Israelis had created a worm to wreak havoc on the computers that run the Iranian nuclear facilities. This week, several weeks after his column was seen by our readers, the Wall Street Journal published an “exclusive” report the Iranians admit to being attacked by an Israeli-Russian worm, which did some damage to its nuclear programs.

Page 12 The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Urban Affairs Has Gala URBAN AFFAIRS COALITION chief Sharmain Matlock-Turner, left, welcomes Lisa Nutter, a former UAC honoree, to gala breakfast and award ceremony in Crystal Tea Room this morning. More than 600 people, including Lisa’s husband mayor Michael Nutter, attended affair to note UAC’s 41 years of history (and also learn it is no longer to be called “Greater Phila.

Urban Affairs Coalition”).

LEROY EDWARDS received Edward G. Rendell “Doer” Award. Nine years ago, Edwards received his first job through UAC’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

Today, at 23, he runs his own business, Abstract Screen Printing – and employs high-school students through SYEP himself.

Proud of him are his wife Laverne Towns-Edwards, son Cash and mother Kathy Edwards.

CITY COUNCIL Majority Leader Marian Tasco joined full-throated crowd to hail State Rep. Dwight Evans for his service to this city. Evans sponsors UAC’s Living Legacy Award, which was given to family of late Charles W. Bowser, Sr.

CONSIDERED a premiere social event for Phila.’s elite, UAC anniversary breakfast drew throng of distinguished civic leaders, among them, from left, Lawrence Dibor of Adcon, Jacqui Smalley, British Honorary Consul Oliver Franklin, and Breakfast Co-Chair Bernard Smalley, Esq. of Annapol Schwartz. Last year, more than $300,000 was raised to support UAC’s community work.

Brady Hosts Students

BRIDGE Educational Foundation awarded $30,771 in EITC scholarships to Phila. families at Our Mother of Sorrows School. In photo, back row, are, from left, Father Jeffrey Stecz; Joe Gerdes, Bridge Foundation; Bobby Keyes, Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Chuck Matthews, RBC Capital Markets; Heather Cianfrocco, AmeriChoice/Unison Health Plans; State Sen. Vincent Hughes; Rick Wooten, Malady & Wooten; Sheree Foster; and Sister Owen Patricia Bonner. School’s 6th-graders make up front row. BEF is an organization established under Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. It partners families and schools with Penna. businesses to provide scholarship opportunities.

INSIDE C-9 PLANE at Willow Grove Airbase are 8th-graders from Feltonville School of Arts and Sciences. They are Joseph Mason, Maleek Hand, Andre Boseman and Maria Cardovi, 13, who are meeting Aviation Warfare Flight Engineer Jacob Hittinger. Thanks to Congressman Bob Brady, 7th- to 9thgrade students interested in military life were hosted tour of Willow Grove Airbase in Montgomery Co.

PENROSE MS 7th-grade student Nicholas Steptoe, Jr., 12, meets Lt. Commander David Kurtz, a Military Fellow in Office of Congressman Bob Brady.

Going International

Celebrating Legislation

ATTENDING first International Market held on Roosevelt Boulevard were Capt. Raymond Convery, Deputy Commissioner Gittens, Ward Leader Bob Dellavella, Tom CaPhoto by Harry Leech vanaugh and David Oh.

CELEBRATING passage of the Pennsylvania Adult Protective Services Act at Phila. offices of Vision for Equality, are, from left, Audrey (Dee) Coccia, executive director of Vision for Equality, who presented award to State Rep. Babette Josephs for her leadership in championing bill in State House of Representatives; and Kathy Sykes, director of Phila. Intellectual Disability Services (formerly Mental Retardation Photo by Bonnie Squires Services).

Adding to Logan NAC

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Thanksgiving Check To Jenkintown Nursery MEMBERSHIP of Logan Neighborhood Advisory Committee elected 10 local residents to serve on its NAC board at its quarterly meeting. They are Marcus Ashanti, Veronica Norris, Carolyn Avent, Nicole Hines, Gail Blackwell, Rev. Kennith Fuller, Sherita Glenn, Dorine Sanders, Robert Glenn, Jr. and Claudia Gale. In photo, from left, are Cicely Peterson Mangum, executive director Logan CDC; Robert Glenn, rear; Fuller; Norris, rear; Avent, red hat; Sanders, rear; Charing Ball, Logan NAC community organizer; Hines; Gale; Ashanti.

LABORERS District Council’s Perry Blackmann presents $20,000 check to Jenkintown Day Nursery Executive Director Kim Jones.

Money raised by LDC from various charity events will be used as scholarships by Nursery.

FOUR-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS, teachers, administrative staff and parents of Jenkintown Nursery celebrate $20,000 donation to center from Laborers Local 332.

REY RAMSEY, who grew up in Richard Allen Homes, founded One Economy, which runs after-school program that teaches young people in N. Phila. about broadband technologies. Now his program will be rolled out in more than 50 locations across United States by end of year.

‘Dignitaries Flocked To ‘Friends Of Labor’

SPRINKLER FITTERS Local 692 Business Mgr. Wayne Miller and Penna. Convention Center Authority President Ahmeenah Young received tributes at Friends of Labor gala at Sheraton City Center Hotel.

AMONG HUNDREDS of leaders who appeared for Friends of Labor banquet were, from left, Laborers Local 332 Business Mgr. Sam Staten, Jr., Juan Ramos of Laborers and Controller Alan Butkovitz.

STATE SEN. Tina Tartaglione and Laborers’ political guru Ken Washington were glad to turn out for affair at Sheraton City Center Hotel.

COUNCILMAN Darrell Clarke and Comcast’s Sheila Willard were proud to turn out for Project H.O.M.E.’s graduation ceremony at Honickman Center for Digital Connectors, program funded by a nearly $5 million commitment from Comcast and Comcast Foundation. People’s Emergency Center in W. Phila. also runs this program.

Flower Show Around The Corner

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

KATHLEEN SULLIVAN of Comcast welcomes her Executive VP David Cohen to podium at Honickman Center in North Central, where 43 young people are learning digital-literacy skills, such as how to network computer labs, connect wireless access points and create video documentaries.

Students then volunteer their time at various organizations in their communities, teaching them leadership skills and importance of giving back.

Digitally Connected Youth

Page 13

‘Around Town With The Public Record’

THEME of 2011 Phila. International Flower Show, “Springtime in Paris”, was unveiled at Sofitel Hotel. Enjoying preview are, from left, Drew Becher, president of Penna. Horticultural Society; Martine Chauvet, executive director of Alliance Française de Philadelphie; Daniele Thomas Easton, former Honorary French Consul; Diana Regan, president of Alliance Française; and Ed Kozmor, VP of Media Relations of PNC Bank. Flower Show will throw world spotlight on Philadelphia Mar. 5-13.

Photo by Bonnie Squires

Coalition Hosts Scholarship Banquet Tri-State Labor Council Boosts City Of Hope

GOV.-ELECT Tom Corbett and wife Susan attended Law Enforcement Coalition Scholarship Formal Gala here.

Coalition consists of several African American law-enforcement groups from across country. Organization’s President Rochelle Bilal is also President of Phila. Guardian Civic League. From left are Corbett, his wife Susan, keynote speaker Roland Martin, Bilal and Rodney Little, president of Fraternal Order of Housing Police. Below: Attending scholarship gala were Donald “Ducky” Birts, Rodney Little and State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams.

TRI STATE Labor & Management Council raised funds for City of Hope with its annual Spirit of Life Award Reception at Hyatt Regency as it honored Larry Christenson and Attorney Ralph J. Teti. With honoree Ralph Teti, 3rd from right, in photo at left, are Deborah Willig, Rosemary Teti and AFT President Ted Kirsch. In photo at right are honorees Larry Christenson, AFT President Ted Kirsch, Ralph Teti and ILA Local 1291 President Boise Butler.

Roebuck Honors 30th Film Festival Anniversary

Photo by Bonnie Squires

Singing For Health

CHOIR entertains N. Philadelphians at Health Fair sponsored by State Sen. Shirley Kitchen at Deliverance Evangelistic Church on Lehigh Avenue.

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BONNIE SQUIRES, longtime vice-chair of Phila. Jewish Film Festival and co-chair of its 30th anniversary celebration, receives citation from State Rep. Jim Roebuck, chairman of Penna. House Education Committee, on behalf of State House. Roebuck also served on Honorary Committee for celebration at Gershman Y, along with State Rep. Babette Josephs, Gov. Ed Rendell, Sen. Bob Casey, Mayor Michael Nutter, Congressman Bob Brady and other VIPs.

Page 14 The Public Record • December 2, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com

It amazes Lucky some people have not just the nine lives of a cat, but more like 10, 11 or 12 lives! Take, for example, the political operative that everyone loves to hate. He’s been connected to several different camps that now will have nothing to do with him, has been accused of stealing from an educational conference fund (think: taking candy from a baby) and still is seen every cycle with this or that candidate for judge, City Council, etc. He’s known for ‘starting stuff’ as much as for his Napoleon complex that speaks to an insecurity that lies just beneath the surface. Although now connected to a much-respected labor union, Lucky’s word to future candidates: Beware!

The fallout continues in the DWIGHT EVANS affair.

Who voted for him? Who didn’t? The questions continue circulating, as inquiring minds want to know! Some of the same State Representatives who were doing a lot of big, bad talk moments after the vote are backing up now as the stuff has hit the fan! Lucky can name at least two Reps who said they didn’t, but now they say they did! Only STATE REP. ANGEL CRUZ is standing firm and speaking out about his vote, but is anyone listening? Should we hear what he’s saying to learn, as his problem of not getting funding is now our problem! Maybe when we wrestle control back in two years, legislators will think about the process of doling out dollars and consequences! Meanwhile, the bull’s-eye on Cruz’s back is getting larger, but that’s nothing new to him!

An operative/Chief of Staff has returned to City Hall after this election debacle, much to the chagrin of colleagues and coworkers. Should be an interesting primary for him, too!

(Cont. Page 22)

Whenever Time magazine does its list of most dangerous cities in the country, there’s only one city in the Delaware Valley that consistently makes the top two. That’s Camden, N.J. Camden has been a mess for quite some time. Between crime, violence, and the occasional Mischief Night bonfire, the city is constantly dangling at the end of a precipice. Even the stuff that was supposed to help, stuff like the Susquehanna Bank Center, Campbell’s Field and the New Jersey Aquarium, tends to help everyone but Camden’s beleaguered citizenry.

I mean heck, the City itself was taken over by the State years ago. That hasn’t even helped it much.

And now, things are about to get exponentially worse.

Due to budget cuts and a lack of resources, the City of Camden is about to lay off 383 city workers, including 180 police officers. No, I’m not kidding. A city that doesn’t have enough cops even on its best day is about to lay off 180 police officers.

Somewhere, the drug dealers, murderers and other miscreants are popping bottles of champagne. But from what I understand, some of those miscreants are, well, cops.

I’ve actually managed to hang out in Camden a few times, despite my parent’s entreaties to stay the heck out. I knew some Camden City lawmakers and saw they were at least making an effort to try and turn their city around.

But it’s kind of hard to get people to invest, thus creating businesses, jobs and rebuilding the city’s much needed tax base, when they’re afraid that their employees are going to end up harassed, mugged, or worse yet, murdered.

(Cont. Page 23)

Yo! Here we go again with this legend from the Teng Dynasty about secret messages that were sent hundreds of years ago by a pastry chef who was in love with the daughter of the Lotus Queen. He slipped her rice-paper love notes in baked wontons. Sounds like the origin of the fortune cookie, right? Wrong. It’s a romantic idea, but fortune cookies are actually American, not Chinese They were invented in 1916 by George Jung, a Los Angeles noodle maker. He gave them to his customers at his Hong Kong Noodle Co. to distract them while they waited for their orders.

Fortune cookies start with rice flour and other ingredients. These are made into a dough, which is then made into little pancakes. When they were cooked, they are taken off the grill and while still pliable they are folded around a paper fortune by hand. That was until 1967, when Edward Louie, the owner of the Lotus Fortune Cookie Co., invented a machine that automatically inserts the fortunes as the cookies are folded.

Why are these cookies so popular? Edward Louie once said nobody can resist reading their fortune, no matter how corny it is. Most fortunes are sayings from Confucius, Ben Franklin, etc.

In 1989, an entrepreneur in Hong Kong began importing fortune cookies and selling the as luxury items. They were offered as “Genuine American Fortune Cookies.”

In 1992, an American company signed an agreement to build a fortune-cookie plant in mainland China. The cookies had never been sold there before!

Some fortunes have numbers on the other side. Believe it or not, two people in McAllen, Tex. played their fortune-cookie numbers and won $814,000 each. In Dallas, Tex. on the same day, another person got the same numbers in his fortune cookie. He played them and also won $814,000.

I once got a fortune that read, “Help, I am being held captive in a fortune cookie factory.”

I could not help him and spent a restless night wondering if that was a genuine message.

There was a company in New England that put “dismal forebodings” in their fortune cookies and you know what happened to their company – they went out of business.

Now, I don’t know about you but I believe in the fortunes in fortune cookies. No matter how corny they are – why take chances?

SNOOPER SCOOPER: Hey BOSS, I was snooping around here in the 26th Ward in SOUTH PHILADELPHIA and you wouldn’t believe what they were telling me down here. Yes, we all know MARIA DONATUCCI, the lovely wife, of the late and great State Representative, HON. ROBERT DONATUCCI, will fill in the expired term of her late husband, and it’s deservedly so, no questions about it. Once she has completed her husband’s term, I’m now told, she will not run for his SEAT come the SPECIAL ELECTION. The Ward Leader of the 26th Ward, HON. RON DONATUCCI, the Register of Wills, will put up his son to run for his brother’s seat. I spoke to quite a few committeepersons who told me they have NO PROBLEMS with it.

SNOOPER’S “GOOD NEWS” DEPT: Well it happened, as I told you last week, and I can tell you all the students of PENN TREATY M.S. are still talking about him. STEVE FLEISHER, one of its great teachers, clued me in as to what was happening at his school. FRANK TALENT, Municipal Court, was coming to give a ‘Special Speech’ to his class. He came, they heard, and he conquered. He told them all about how an orphan boy never gave up and he was delighted to let them all know, with the help of his many friends, he made something of himself. He told them, if he had to do it all over, he would NOT CHANGE A THING, even today. He spoke out about BULLYING, DRUGS, and DRIVING DRUNK. The kids really enjoyed him and he’s been asked to RETURN! SNOOPER’S “MEMO”: This one is very special, especially in lieu of what’s happening down at The Airport. I have been informed, by a very reliable source, they plan to get rid of (Cont. Page 22)

HARVEY RICE, a long-time Deputy Commissioner of Elections to JUDGE EUGENE MAIER when the Judge was City Commissioner, has departed this life after a long illness.

On his retirement from the city he moved to North Wildwood and was elected to the North Wildwood City Council. He was the first Democrat to be elected to that office. He was very much involved in the wars between MAYOR FRANK RIZZO and Democratic City CHAIRMAN PETE CAMIEL. He is survived by his wife DOTTIE and his sons HARVEY, KENNETH and LARRY and his daughter ALLISON. Incidentally, son Harvey lost a close battle for the Pennsylvania State Senate. The funeral service was celebrated at St. Ann’s Parish in Wildwood, N.J. Among the viewers were his long-time friend Maier and his wife LANA. STATE REP. FRANK OLIVER from the Girard College area, who is retiring, was the guest of honor at a reception at the Château. Frank is the ward leader in the 29th Ward and is the Treasurer of the Democratic City Committee. He is succeeded by his chief of staff.

Among the guests were JERRY MONDESIRE; LOU FARINELLA; CHARLIE BERNARD; Chairman of the Democratic Party CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY; JOHN DOUGHERTY; STATE REPS. MIKE McGEEHAN, LOUISE BISHOP, JIM ROEBUCK and JEWELL WILLIAMS (who is also a candidate for Sheriff); STATE SEN. SHIRLEY KITCHEN; Common Pleas JUDGE JOHN YOUNGE; former Speaker of the House WILLIAM DeWEESE; and CONTROLLER ALAN BUTKOVITZ. A very nice congratulatory letter from US SEN. ARLEN SPECTER was presented. From City Council, COUNCILMEN DARRELL CLARKE and BILL GREENLEE were also present.

An unconfirmed rumor is the building at 1421 Walnut Street where Democratic City Committee is located has been sold.

The American Ireland Fund-Philadelphia will present its Philadelphia Leadership award to former Police COMMISSIONER JOHN TIMONEY at a reception on Dec. 7 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the College of Physicians, 19 S. 22nd Street. Timoney is the author of an autobiography entitled Beat Cop to Top Cop. NORBERT McGETTIGAN and his wife DOREEN are the luncheon advisors along with MARK O’CONNOR and JOHN GORDON. MARCEL THONET, chief of surgery at Northeastern Hospital for 32 years, has departed this life after a short illness. He fought with the Belgium White Brigade during WWII, (Cont. Page 23)

early scenes, featuring the energetic acting that occurs throughout, plant the seeds for an overall theme of the challenge of having something stirring and original to say – in this case via blog or screenplay – in our jaded, lessshockable era.

Canuso emphasizes, in the show’s program notes, the complications of modern amorousness: “There was a time when relationships were a lot easier to understand.

Now we are bombarded by so many conflicting images of what it means to be a male or a female in today’s society.

We are simultaneously attracted to and repulsed by provocative images.”

Theatre Exile refers to itself as “Philadelphia’s dependably unpredictable theatre company.” Given the appearances, as the show proceeds, of “Jane Fonda” (Amy Smith) and the character “Owen” (Allen Radway) in a dress,

one is not inclined to argue to with that self-billing. What occurs on stage is frequently vulgar, certainly a far cry from the Christ Church activities that would have once been recognizable to one-time congregants Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross. And at times the show almost seems as if it’s trying to embody a Michael Savage-type strawman parody of dubious taxpayer-via-NEA funding.

This reviewer agrees, for

better or for worse, with what the show’s dramaturgist, Sally Ollove, writes in the program notes: “Sometimes That Pretty Pretty feels almost Dadist in its non sequiturs ….

Just as soon as you’ve grabbed onto the thread of story, it slips away.” Thus, when That Pretty Pretty appeared to leave many audience members confused and either disturbed or seminumb, that apparently was the point.

KEYSTONE HOSPICE executives were among those congratulating Gov. Ed Rendell for three decades of public service, at tribute reception in his honor at Kimmel Center, hosted by Greater Phila. Chamber of Commerce. Seen here are, from left, Gail Inderwies, founder of Hospice; and Caroline Estey King and Susan Segal, staff members. (The wrong photo was run in last week’s Public Record; we regret the error.)

12 REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS FOR DECEMBER

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

by Adam Taxin Theatergoers with tastes for provocative and/or experimental theater in particular may want to attend Theatre Exile’s That Pretty Pretty: or, the Rape Play before it closes its four-week run at Christ Church Neighborhood House in Old City this coming Sunday.

Written by Sheila Callaghan, a writer on the Showtime series The United States of Tara, and directed

by Joe Canuso, director of and actor in many of Theatre Exile’s plays, the 95-minute production evolves in unpredictable ways.

The initial scenes, taking place in a hotel room, include two veteran-but-not-yet-overthe-hill prostitutes (Charlotte Ford as more authoritative “Agnes” and Christie Parker as dimmer “Valerie”), as well as Jered McLenigan as an illfated “neocon” pro-lifeconventioneer john. These

Ed-ifying Error

Page 15

Oh, ‘That Pretty Pretty’

CHARLOTTE FORD and Christie Parker in Theatre Exile’s That Pretty Pretty: or, the Rape Play.

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www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Page 16

Simon says great steaks no gamble at A.C. Hilton

by Len Lear It seems as if every three months, when financial figures are released by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, we learn gambling revenues have continued to dip at Atlantic City casinos.

Apparently when it comes to table games and slot machines, that ship has sailed from A.C., and it’s not coming back. Almost every time you sneeze, another slots parlor is opening up in a nearby state, choking everyone in sight with cigarette smoke and prompting some gambling addicts to become so fixated that they forget they left their children in the parking lot.

It might seem counterintuitive, therefore, for Atlantic City to be investing millions in new restaurants (the A.C.

Hilton opened four new restaurants last summer, for example), and construction workers are still building new shopping outlet stores; but it just may be their salvation. Many casino executives (and Gov. Christie) feel the one area where no non-A.C. casino or slots parlor can compete with them is in upscale restaurants with celebrity chefs, boldface entertainers and shopping outlets. (Las Vegas, for example, is still thriving by bringing in more than 250,000 conventioneers per month, in large part because of the great restaurants and entertainment.) So why not play that strong hand?

According to the latest figures, several casino-hotels in A.C. showed big losses for the third quarter of 2010, but on the other hand, non-gambling revenue — in other words, restaurants, entertain-

ment and shopping — was up 9.8% for the first nine months of this year.

This is where Kerry Simon comes in. If you’re a foodie, then you already know who Kerry Simon is. If you’re not, here’s the nickel history: Simon, 53, who grew up in Philadelphia, has achieved cult status with his restaurants in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, his appearances on The Food Network, his victory over acclaimed chef Cat Cora on “Iron Chef America” and his being anointed “One of America’s Greatest Chefs”

by Rolling Stone magazine.

A.C. Hilton’s CEO, Nick Ribis, always loved Simon’s cooking when he was executive chef at Trump Plaza in New York, so Ribis persuaded Simon to open Simon Prime Steaks & Martinis on the second floor of the casinohotel in June of this year.

Simon Prime is not your grandfather’s steak house.

There are no clubby mahogany walls, no candles on

tables, no linen tablecloths, no thick carpets or tuxedoed waiters. Instead there are hardwood tables and floors, modernistic chandeliers, walls covered in quartz and fabric and a diverse collection of furniture including tables, leather sofas and cowhide banquettes.

There is definitely no dress code. During our visit last Thursday night, one customer with a big mouth and a bigger belly, yakking so loud on his cell phone that we could hear every word several tables away, was wearing a white tshirt and sandals. And I could swear I saw a “Hot Pocket” hanging out of his pocket.

Appetizers range in price from $8 to $21; raw bar $19 to $72; soups and salads $9 to $21; seafood entrees $29 to $32; steaks $42 to $85; meats and poultry entrees $28 to $46; sides $7 to $9; desserts $9. There might be high stakes in the casino, but the steaks at Simon Prime can get you high (and at least you

Len Lear know you’re getting something for your money). My 16-ounce prime rib with a green peppercorn cognac sauce was sheer heaven — muscular, tender and explosively flavorful. And side dishes of truffled mac and cheese with a parmesan crust and sauteed wild mushrooms with lemon and thyme were both so ambrosial, I would scoop them off a flip-flop.

Some other plusses: The servers are not unemployed actors and musicians; they are career professionals who

know their stuff. All staffers are friendly but not intrusive.

If you order a glass of wine, you actually get a glass of wine, not just a couple ounces on the bottom, which has been the case in several restaurants recently. And the desserts are sublime.

The other new A.C. Hilton restaurants are also worth checking out: Ono Pan Asian Bistro & Bar, an Asian fusion restaurant (especially the three-course dinner for $35 on Fridays); Nick’s Burger Bar, an upscale burger joint with a selection of craft beers (on Tuesdays and Thursdays there are $2 shots, $3 domestic and imported beers and appetizer specials); and The Coffee Shop, a 24-hour cafe.

And Cappuccino’s Coffee & Espresso Bar has some of the greatest desserts, salads and sandwiches, reasonably priced, that you will find anywhere.

For more information, call (609) 347-7111 or visit www.hiltonac.com.

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The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Within Our Area: River to River - Washington Ave to Pattison Ave.

Page 17

Dec. 1 to Dec. 15

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Page 18 The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Electronic Traffic Tickets Enhance Police Safety Starting this week, Philadelphia police will begin using an Electronic Citation Program, beginning with several of its sector cars in the 7th Police Dist. in the Far Northeast.

Initiated by the Philadelphia Traffic Court, which is footing the bill of approximately $700 per unit, the program immediately allows an officer to determine if the car or its owner has a scofflaw history, or is

wanted in an open case in the criminal-justice system.

The officer can issue a citation electronically from his vehicle which goes directly to a server. There it is stored and made immediately available to the Traffic Court. A printer in the vehicle then prints out a copy of the citation to be handed to the driver.

According to Traffic Court Administrative Judge Bernice DeAngelis, the pro-

gram has long been in use by the State Police, which now patrols the interstate-highway system within the city’s boundaries. It was the State Police who suggested its adoption by the Philadelphia Police and Traffic Court.

Working together to insure its full advantages are State and City Police as well as the Philadelphia Court System and Traffic Court.

The program, DeAngelis added, will eliminate the

possibilities of tickets being written with errors and of being lost in the system. She said, “The Court has devised the template to be used by the officers, which ensures a complete report is recorded.”

She noted the cost of approximately $700 for the software and printer for each police unit will be paid for by the Philadelphia Traffic Court. DeAngelis, together with Court President Thoma-

sine Tynes, is pleased to report no tax dollars are being used. “Funding the project,” explained DeAngelis, “is the money accumulated from the late fines levied against motorists who failed to pay their tickets on time.”

Paramount is the project affords a safety margin not now enjoyed by City Police, she indicated. “A policeman can sit in the safety of his vehicle after stopping the offender and immediately get the full history of the vehicle and its owner, including court records. If there could be a problem from the driver, the officer will be forearmed and forewarned.”

So far, the program has been operating flawlessly, DeAngelis noted, since it began to be used by the State Police over a year ago and has gone without any hitches.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey viewed the newly installed equipment in the first 7th Police Dist. car and is looking forward to its installation in more vehicles.

Another 17 printers have been ordered for installation

in the 7th Dist.

The use of the Electronic Citation Program will become a major time-saver for the Police Dept. Officers using the system will be able to file accident and incident reports directly as well without having to return to the station to write out the reports.

DeAngelis believes full integration into the system will save time and money.

St. Paul’s Church Marks 120th Year In N. Liberties St. Paul’s Baptist Church, located in the heart of the Northern Liberties section of the city at 10th & Wallace Streets, is celebrating its 120th anniversary.

Established in 1890, St. Paul’s Baptist Church has remained one of the most vital and dynamic religious institutions in Philadelphia. The church is under the leadership of Rev. Callahan, the first female elected as pastor, installed as the fifth pastor in September 2009.

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Bailey Keynotes Dr. Hofman

MORE THAN 90 people attended kickoff of campaign for reelection of Montgomery Co. Coroner Walter I. Hofman, MD, who is first board-certified forensic pathologist elected to post. Seen here are Montco officials, from left, seated, Diane Morgan, Controller; Hofman; and F. Lee Bailey, who was keynote speaker; and, standing, Mark Levy, Prothonotary; Marcel Groen, Montco Democratic Committee Chairman; and Joe Hoeffel, Vice Chairman of Montco Board of Photo by Bonnie Squires Commissioners.

Lee Tolbert, president and CEO of WPCNB, said, “We welcome the chance to make recommendations regarding programs, to provide feedback to juvenile-justice officials and to apply for funding to implement innovative strategies.”

The Coalition has offered a list of recommendations to the City, which it will now consider.

The cooperative structure was made official with a “charter”-signing ceremony at St. Ignatius Nursing Home at 4401 Haverford Avenue. The Coalition will now be the conduit for issues identified by the community to be presented to the City.

ATTENDING charter signing between City and W. Phila.

Coalition of Neighborhoods & Businesses were Rajan Muhammad, Andrea Lewis, Lee Tolbert, Jr., and Lee B. Tolbert, Sr., State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown and Joan Williams.

PLEASED AT settling of disputes between community and City over Youth Study Center were Hon. Tommy Blackwell, Lee B. Tolbert, Sr., State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown and Rev. Dr. Andrew Jenkins.

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Turning a lemon into lemonade is what the West Philadelphia Coalition of Neighborhoods & Businesses did, as it signed an agreement with the City giving it bargaining rights in how the new Youth Study Center will relate to that community.

Now under construction at 48th & Haverford, the Youth Study Center has been a matter of serious consternation to the community. According to Joan Williams, who is chair of the Youth Center Community Advisory Committee, “It is a major victory for the community, now the City has signed on enabling us to provide input into the development of the Center.”

Page 19

W. Philly Neighbors Hails Pact With YSC

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Page 20 The Public Record • December 2, 2010

ARC Fetes Church On Charity Every year, Bishop Kermit L. Newkirk, of the Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church in Logan, and his wife Cindy Newkirk, along group of 75 volunteers, cook dozens of turkeys and prepare a Thanksgiving luncheon for 900 members of their community.

The Arc of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corp., serving people with intellectual disabilities, brought several hundred people to the luncheon. This is the 12th year that Bishop Newkirk has been hosting The Arc and PDDC. He also invites police officers from the 35th Police Dist., children who attend class at the church, and people from the community who would not otherwise have a turkey dinner.

BISHOP & Mrs. Kermit Newkirk, of Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church in Logan, receive a commendaOFFICERS Ron Jackson and Tracye Turk, from the 35th Police Dist., tion and thank-you from Bruce Hulick, executive director joined with people who receive services from PDDC to enjoy church's of The Arc of Phila., for hosting hundreds of people who receive services from The Arc and PDDC. annual Thanksgiving luncheon.

Manderino Bill Changes Rules The State House has joined the Senate in passing legislation sponsored by State Rep. Kathy Manderino (D-Northwest) that makes large improvements to the system for determining and monitoring child-custody cases.

Manderino, who acknowledged the hard work over the past decade of State Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) and a variety of groups, said the legislation (HB 1639) will eliminate many of the inefficiencies and inequalities inherent in the current system for

determining child custody in cases of separation or divorce.

“The ultimate goal of our child-custody system should be the best interest of the child,” Manderino said. “The system cannot guarantee that unless both parents are treated equally, and – when possible and appropriate – parents continue to share responsibility for raising a child.”

To that end, the legislation prohibits courts from assuming custody should be awarded to a particular parent based solely on gender. Likewise,

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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, December 21, 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-063 (C) of 2009/10 Electrical Contract Russell A. Conwell $220,000.00 $ 100.00 Fire Alarm 3072 Emerald Street *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on December 3, 2010 at 12:30 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.

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the bill requires gender-neutrality in contempt issues for willful violation of custody orders by either parent. Courts will have to consider a comprehensive list of factors, including which parent is more likely to encourage and permit frequent contact with the other parent; the parental duties of each parent; the need for stability and continuity in the child’s education, family life and community life; and access to siblings and other extended family.

All these factors will be considered, with particular attention paid to protecting victims of domestic violence. For the first time in Pennsylvania, Manderino said, courts will also be required to provide to families an explanation.

speaker will have 3 minutes. However, the Council President reserves the right based on circumstances to establish a different time limit. The Council President may also

limit repetitious comments in order to enable Council to conduct its meeting.

• About what: Speakers may comment on any of the bills or resolutions that are on Council’s Calendar (also known as the

Agenda) for possible action at that day’s Council session, even if those items are not actually called up for a vote. This consists of any items on the “Final Passage” and “Second Reading and Final Passage” sections of the Calendar.

To see the Calendar, one may (1) pick up a copy from the Chief Clerk’s Office (Room 402 City Hall), (2) ask the Chief Clerk to add your e-mail address to a weekly distribution list so that you receive it automatically in the future, or (3) look on the internet at the following address: go to http://legislation.phila.gov/c alendar (do not type “www”); then scroll down and click on the Agenda for the next meeting of City Council. The Calendar is usually available by the Friday or Monday that precedes the next Thursday session of Council.

“I want to emphasize that

Asian Law Students Hosted

SALVATORE M. DeBUNDA, Archer & Greiner Phila. office co-managing partner, 2nd from left, and Jeffrey M. Kolansky, Archer & Greiner Phila. office co-managing partner, right, host Asian Pacific American Law Students Association members. They are, from left, Richard Ramones, Stella M. Tsai, Yoonjee Kim and Deborah Hong.

Council has long been committed to receiving public testimony,” Council President Verna noted. “For more than half a century, Council – as required by the Home Rule Charter – has referred every bill to a committee of Council, and any and all persons wishing to testify on

that bill have done so at a publicly advertised public hearing. The new public comment opportunity that we announce today supplements that fundamental commitment. My colleagues join me in welcoming those who wish to be heard in this new forum.”

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

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

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Philadelphia Regional Port Authority A Promising Future

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

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Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

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Council President Anna C. Verna invites citizens to speak at City Council meetings and has announced the procedures giving one an opportunity for public comment at the next session of Council, to be held today and every stated meeting in Room 400 of City Hall, beginning at 10 a.m.

These measures implement the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Nov. 17 holding that the Sunshine Act requires that the full Council provide an opportunity for public comment at its public sessions.

The Court reversed two lower-court opinions holding that Council’s longstanding practice of receiving public comment at its committee meetings met the requirements of the law.

“The procedures I announce today are temporary,” President Verna explained.

“Consistent with the spirit of the Court’s ruling, they will remain temporary at least until the public has had an opportunity to comment on them at our Dec. 9 session.”

• Who may speak: Comments may be offered by Philadelphia residents or taxpayers. No proof of eligibility will be required.

• In what order: The Chief Clerk of Council will maintain a list of those wishing to speak, and speakers will be heard in the order in which they sign up. To add your name, call the Chief Clerk’s office at 215 (686) 3410 or 215 (686) 3411. If you have not called to sign up by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before the Council session, you should sign up in Room 400 City Hall before the Council session starts.

However, no one will be denied the opportunity to provide public comment because they have not signed up in advance.

• When: There will be a single public comment period, which will occur immediately before Council votes on bills and resolutions.

• For how long: Each

Page 21

How To Get Your Say In City Council

Good Credit • Bad Credit No Credit • Don’t Sweat it!

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

Page 22

Pacifico Ford

Snooper (Cont. From Page 14) THE T.S.A. because of numerous complaints regarding their scannings of those passengers who are there to board various planes. I spoke to a young lady who really didn’t appreciate being ‘fondled’, especially around her breast areas. How about the gentleman who complained vigorously about their fondling ‘his junk’? We say, NO WAY. SNOOPER’S “SPECIAL” EMAIL MESSAGE: This one comes from CHARLES FULLER of the 58TH WARD. I read his message and I decided to pass it on to

all of you; after all, it’s your safety we are all concerned about, especially at this time of year. Charlie was very concerned about all you females who travel around this City with your pocketbooks strapped over your shoulders; A BAD MOVE! He personally suggested you carry your pocketbooks inside your coats; this, he stated, “IS A SAFER MOVE TO MAKE.” SNOOPER’S “HOT LINE” NEWS DEPT: This is one we are still trying to figure out – WHAT HAPPENED? Here’s the story as related to us by our great friend LARRY HANEY. Many of you, I’m sure, have heard about him

6700 Essington Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19153 ______________________ 215.492.1700 www.pacificocars.com 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.

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and his “SHOOTER SHOP” regarding his 1st Amendment challenge, which, by the way, HE WON! Larry gets a call, at 3:00 a.m., to advise him his store has been a part of an awful accident. He quickly goes to his store, located at 2001 E. ALLEGHENY AVENUE, and what he saw really mystified him. A POLICE CAR had crashed into his gun shop, and it appeared as if he now has a “DRIVE-IN” store.

Haney told us, along with JEFF LITTLE, thank God this Officer is OK! He stated, “Hopefully THE CITY will settle this matter so I can fix up my store.”

SNOOPER’S “HOLIDAY

SPECIAL”: Philadelphians, get ready for FREE PARKING anywhere you can find a METER. Yes, it’s true, and The Mayor, HON. MICHAEL NUTTER, said so. This FREE PARKING SPECIAL, naturally, will be a limited one. This “SPECIAL” starts right now and will go to the end of DECEMBER, so all of you take advantage of it; after all, how often has this happen in this City. The Public Record applauds THE MAYOR and also The Parking Authority for getting together, and giving all of us this ‘one-time’ SP - E - C - I - A - L P-R-E-S-E-N-T.

Lucky Glenwood

City Committee Holiday party? Who’s going to be wearing a lampshade at this year’s Pennsylvania Society in N.Y.C. (not to mention at parties in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.)? What ‘hook-ups’ will take place by going much further than the mistletoe suggests and therefore put happy homes in jeopardy? Read here … much more to come!

(Cont. From Page 14) Lucky hopes everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and joins you all in looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. There will be dozens of political parties and events, and plenty of alcohol, which, when combined with gossip, which makes for darn good reading in this column!

Who will duke it out at the

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(Cont. From Page 14) participating in the rescue of pilots who were forced to parachute from damaged aircrafts over occupied Belgium.

His good friend, JUDGE JEROME ZALESKI, carried his ashes back to his birthplace in Belgium.

RUDOLPH GARCIA has been elected 84th Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. A reception will take place in the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt at the Bellevue on Wednesday, Jan. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

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(Cont. From Page 14) And don’t even get me started on how the State has treated this City. It rivals how the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has treated the School District of Philadelphia, meaning that while it controls the City’s pocketbook and all of its important functions, it is the ultimate Absentee Landlord. Also, like the School District, there has been no talk of giving the City its independence.

Meanwhile, this city, the capital of Camden County, continues to go further and further downhill. It’s kind of painful to watch.

But look at it this way: Due to the fact there’s going to be 180 fewer cops attempting to keep the peace, Camden

will go back to being Number One in something.

Now for a city we actually can help – our own. On Friday night, there’s an event going on at the NBC-10 Studios at City Line Avenue & Monument Road that will allow you to have the feeling of doing something good without (a) having to stand outside a Walmart ringing a bell in 25-degree weather or (b) having to write a story about it afterward.

That’s a Holiday Party co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society, the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and NBC-10 benefitting Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s annual Operation Warmth hat, mitten and scarf drive.

The party, which will be held at the

www.phillyrecord.com

The Public Record • December 2, 2010

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