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Serving Citywide Political, Labor, Legal and School Communities of Philadelphia
Vol. XIII. No. 2 (Issue 572)
“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”
Value 50¢
January 13, 2011
Pages 13-20
Their Home Aflame
Big Investment! . . . Little Return?
FIRE TORE THROUGH large apartment building in University City Tuesday afternoon, leaving more than 100 people homeless and casting a pall of thick, acrid smoke a mile downwind. Traffic on Walnut and Chestnut Streets was closed for hours, clogging traffic in W. Phila. during rush hour.
We Three Kings…
PHILADELPHIA's Largest port facility, Packer Terminal, is locked up for half a century by the Holt family corporations. See Page 3.
School Vouchers Sheriff Deeley Coming Soon? Moves Quickly! Page 29 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
Page 12
COUNCILWOMAN Maria Quiñones Sánchez joined with Centro Musical near 5th & Lehigh Saturday to celebrate Puerto Rican tradition of Three Kings Day, when children leave cookies and milk for three Wise Men, hay and water for their camels. In return, the Three Kings give presents to children, like this lucky lad.
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Page 2 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
Appropriations Committee Limited Seth Wins Rodel Fellowship
by Darwyyn Deyo Special from the Pennsylvania Independent — The first act of the new State House was to pass a resolution which included a rule restricting the power of the Appropriations Committee. Chaired by State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-N. Phila.), the Appropriations Committee was often used in the last session as a way for the House leadership to change amendments after the second consideration by the House. Steve Miskin, spokesperson for House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), said the goal of HR 1 was to restrict the Appropriations Committee review of a bill to its fiscal impact. Now, if a bill is sent to the Appropriations Committee after the second consideration, the only changes
made to the bill will be to its fiscal power or appropriateness. “During the last session, if a bill was changed not to the [Democrat] leaders’ liking, they basically sent it to the Appropriations Committee, and they amended it substantially, and they sent it back unalterable for a floor vote,” said Miskin. Passed unanimously by the State House, the resolution states the Appropriations Committee shall be limited in its review of a bill which has received second consideration to “the fiscal aspects of the bill and shall not consider the substantive merits of the bill nor refuse to report any such bill from committee for reasons other than fiscal aspects.” Bills go through three considerations in the House before the final vote occurs,
and when the Appropriations Committee would amend a bill after the second consideration, the House could not re-amend it. Instead, they were faced with voting on it as-is or voting against it. “It ultimately comes to the Appropriations Committee anyway,” said Evans last September. “There is not a piece of legislation in the House that does not come to the House Appropriations Committee.” Mike Stoll, spokesperson for State Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware), the majority chair of the Appropriations Committee, said the resolution was a bipartisan effort. He said it would not create problems for Adolph, who has supported restricting the powers of the Appropriations Committee.
SPEAKER SAM SMITH:
www.phillyrecord.com
A 23-Year House Member After 23 years of serving in the state House of Representatives, Rep. Samuel H. Smith (R-Jefferson) is now its Speaker. After accepting the gavel from his father and former State Rep. Eugene Smith, Sam Smith said the House must work together as a body, referencing a Biblical letter from Paul to the Corinthians and warned against moving to the extreme tyrannical end of “rulers’ law,” cautioning the House to function under the “people’s law.” “Fourteen percent of
our body is sitting here for the first time,” said Smith. “The advice I give is don’t read your own news releases and be mindful of why you wanted to be here and why the voters elected you. We’re not just a body of Republicans and Democrats; we’re a reflection of 12 and a half million Pennsylvanians.” Twenty-nine new Republican representatives were sworn into office Tuesday, along with the eight new Democrat representatives.
PATCO Station Down
The 9th/Locust Street Station will be closed all day this Sunday, beginning at 12:15 a.m. Customers should use either 8th/Market Street Station or
12th/13th/Locust Street Station as an alternate. The Station is scheduled to reopen on Monday morning, Jan. 17 at 4:45 a.m.
The new House Republican leadership is: Mike Turzai, majority leader; Sandra Major, majority caucus chair; Stan Saylor, majority whip; Mike Vereb, caucus secretary; Dave Reed, policy chairman; Dick Stevenson, caucus administer; and William Adolph, majority chairman of the Appropriations Committee. The new Democrat House leadership is: Dan Frankel, minority caucus Chair; Frank Dermody, minority caucus leader; Michael Hanna, caucus whip; Jennifer Mann, caucus secretary; Michael Sturla, policy chairman; Ron Buxton, caucus administrator; and Joseph Markosek, minority chairman of the Appropriations Committee.
District Attorney Seth Williams has been selected for the prestigious Aspen Institute – Rodel Fellowship Program for Public Leadership. The program is only open to 24 US political leaders – 12 Democratic and 12 Republican – deemed as “rising stars” in their communities. The Rodel Fellows are nominated by their peers. Former Congressman Mickey Edwards, a vice president of the Aspen Institute, explains the DA was awarded a seat in the class, after selection officials consulted with local leaders and journalists, who consider him a promising young political leader. “We really search the entire country and put a lot of effort into selecting the Rodel Fellows,” Edwards said. “Philadelphians should take a lot of pride that Mr. Williams stood out for his intellect, thoughtfulness, and a bipartisan approach to governing.” “I am honored to be part of
such a distinguished group of political leaders,” Williams said. “I intend to use this experience to add to my ability to fulfill my commitment to serve all of the people of Philadelphia fairly and ethically, and grow personally and professionally.” The Aspen-Rodel Fellowship Class of 2010 also includes Minnesota State Rep. Sarah Anderson, Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, Massachusetts State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Arkansas State Rep. Steve Harrelson, Memphis School Board President Tomeka Hart, Alexandria (Va.) Councilwoman Alicia Hughes, Colorado State Sen. Mike Johnston, Kansas State Representative Jeff King, Oregon State Rep. Tina Kotek, Delaware State Rep. Tom Kovach, Oregon Attorney General John Kroger, Oklahoma State Sen. Todd
Lamb, George State Rep. Alisha Morgan, New Orleans Council Member Kristin Palmer, Washington State Rep. Kevin Parker, Maine State Sen. Kevin Raye, Arizona State Rep. Michelle Reagan, New Jersey State Sen. Teresa Ruiz and Florida State Rep. Juan Zapata. The two-year fellowship is designed to briefly break down partisan barriers and provide officeholders with an opportunity to step back from their daily responsibilities to consider broader questions of good governance. “We do not teach anything per se,” Edwards said. “These are moderated conversations, covering everything from Aristotle to Virginia Wolfe to Martin Luther King, Jr.” Conferences, seminars and policy programs seek to facilitate roundtable discussions on how to make a good society and how elected officials can do a better job to get to that point, Edwards added.
Waters Announces Scholarships Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman, state Rep. Ronald Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, said the PLBC will continue its scholarship program for seniors graduating from Pennsylvania schools in the spring of 2011. Waters said the scholarship program supports the PLBC’s mission to help minorities achieve their educational and career goals. “It is important that we, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, encourage our children and young adults to pursue college and graduate degrees,” Waters said. “Education is vital to one’s success and our children are our future. We must invest in them.” The scholarship will be awarded to 10 minority students in the amount of $1,000 each. The program is open to college-bound high-school seniors who plan to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or
career school full time. To qualify, students must have a 3.0 grade-point average, display leadership and commitment to their community, and exhibit financial need. Applicants are also expected to submit an essay stating their career and personal goals. Waters also said he encourages teachers and School District officials to help identify students who meet the above criteria to apply. Applicants can download an application from the PLBC website. Completed applications, along with a current and complete transcript of grades, must be mailed to the Scholarship Management Services, One Scholarship Way, St. Peter, MN 56082. Only the first 250 applicants will be considered and the application postmark deadline is Feb. 18. The selected students
will be awarded their scholarships on May 10 in the Main Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. The PLBC Scholarship Program is administered by Scholarship Management Services, a division of Scholarship America. Scholarship Management Services is the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. The scholarship program is funded by corporate donations and through the PLBC foundation, a nonprofit organization founded exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, to serve underprivileged communities across Pennsylvania. More information is available on the PLBC website or you can call the office at (717) 772-6955.
(First In A Series)
the largest of the stevedore unions, knows the Holts and their many corporate fronts as union-busters. It points to Holt’s successful effort to get a long-time fruit shipper to relocate from a union-controlled pier to Gloucester Terminal, where the company controls the manpower.
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Students in grades K-12 are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Third Annual Presidential Idol Art and Public Speaking Contests. The awards ceremony is on President's Day, Monday, February 21 at Franklin Towne Charter High School. At the award's ceremony, each winner will receive a savings bond, certificate of achievement, a flag desk set, and breakfast will be given to the winner from each grade, their family, teachers, and principal. Please visit my website at www.senatorstack.com for contest rules and details or call my office at 215-281-2539 or 215-695-1020.
Fresh Del Monte Produce broke its long-term contract with Delaware River Stevedores and the ILA, moving that shipper’s fruit ships from
See ‘Del Monte’ Page 11 the Broadway Terminal in Camden, owned by the New Jersey Port Corp., and where stevedores belonged to Local 1291. Holt’s economic muscleflexing prevailed. Even though Local 1291 agreed to Fresh Del Monte Produce’s demand for $5 million in cost reductions, the company moved anyway, purportedly to take advantage of a promised terminal modernization. Port stakeholders are reportedly urging Gov. Tom Corbett, who is not yet familiar with the demands facing the Port of Philadelphia, to revisit the highly favorable 50-year contract enjoyed by the Holts at the Port’s largest terminal, Packer. This contract has been revised several times, often with the aim of sparing the Holts from terms imposed on other terminal operators. A look at the revenues the contract limits the well-run Philadelphia Regional Port Authority to at Packer, could point the way for the State to
seek a bigger share. Another example is the fact the lease has ignored the general approach for capital improvements in terminal contracts, which calls for operators to share in additional capital improvements when they are made to its facility by PRPA. But Packer, which is leased by the Holts, received two Panamax cranes valued at $15 million to speed up container unloading and loading. In Feb. 2004, they
were added to the terminal lease – without any added cost to the Holt-run corporations. For now, the Holt family literally controls the throttle that drives the Port through its acknowledged close relations to former Gov. Ed Rendell. Whether that hold gets challenged will depend on who has greater dibs with the new Governor, the Holts or the Port’s other stakeholders.
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
by Joe Shaheeli Say the name “Holt” to anyone who understands the economic power of the Port, and they will answer, “the family that controls the Ports of Philadelphia and Camden.” To some, the name con-
jures up the image of a business that has undergone more bankruptcies and survived, possibly setting a national record. For others, it means this is a family that understands how to use the political system to increase its hold on Port terminals. Local 1291, of the ILA,
Page 3
Will Corbett Challenge Holt’s Grasp On Port?
State Sen.
Shirley M.
Kitchen
Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539
Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM
Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT
3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave.Ste 104 Philadelphia, PA 19132 215-227-6161 www.senatorkitchen.com
www.phillyrecord.com
8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
Page 4
Posters A‘blooming!
(USPS PP 109) Weekly Publication Published by:
Odds Against Sen. Williams Entering Mayoral Primary Reports State Sen. Anthony Williams may be flirting with a run in the Democrat primary this May don’t make sense. Though popular in his 8th Senatorial Dist., his base of support goes into Delaware Co., eliminating his ability to draw on that area for voters in the City primary. Definitely standing in his way is his commitment to run for the State’s Attorney General seat now being vacated by Gov. Tom Corbett who gets sworn in on Tuesday. He did so in an elaborate press conference several months ago. Also, it is easy to sense the growing strength seen for Mayor Michael Nutter. DA
Seth Williams, Controller Alan Butkovitz and Congress Members Bob Brady, head of the Democrat City Committee, Chaka Fattah, and Allyson Schwartz have indicated they are supporting Nutter. Also hurting his viability is the fact a growing number of African American political leaders believe his entry into the race would only serve to take votes away from the incumbent Nutter, making him possibly vulnerable to talkedabout candidates Councilman Bill Green or Tom Knox. The Senator has moved his Southwest office from Lindbergh Boulevard to 2901 Island Avenue, Suite 100. The office telephone number re-
The Phila. Public Record The South Phila Public Record
mains (215) 492-2990. Philly Registrations Down By 50,000
It took an act of Congress, but it finally happened, that over 50,000 names have been stricken from the voter-registration rolls in this city. To get eliminated, a voter must not have voted in the 2008 and 2010 elections, which involved federal offices. After that, a two-and-a-half to three-year absence from the rolls must also be noticed before the City Commissioners can eliminate the voter. The City registration roll
THIS POSTER, located at Margaret-Orthodox El Stop, is one of more than a dozen going up around city promoting candidacy of Marnie Aument-Loughrey for Traffic Court in Democrat primary. shows a little over a million would make it “a federal crime voters, but is expected to go to use language or symbols up with this Primary Election, that could be perceived as which involves the City’s en- threatening or inciting violence against a federal official or tire elected slate. Brady Seeks Legislation member of Congress.” To Reduce Hate Crimes Brady believes antiCongressman Bob Brady, elected-official rhetoric over incensed at the wanton attack the past decade has grown imagainst Arizona Congress- mensely on websites. These woman Gabrielle Giffords, are read by thousands, as well which left six dead, is planning as millions more who view to introduce legislation which television shows harping on the actions of some or all federally elected officials. Senate Democratic Chairs Appointed
State Senator
Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District
2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 Always Hard Working .. . for You!
GETTING CROWDED is 1st and 2nd Council Dist. Primary field. Announced candidates made their first appearances at forum at Tritone Bar. Included were Joe Grace, Damon Roberts, Jeff Hornstein, Karen Brown, Andrew Toy and Gregory Walker, standing in for Michael Boyle. Councilman Frank DiCicco did not attend, but welcomes competition. R EPRESENTATIVE
Traffic Court Candidate
Democrat Marnie Aument-Loughrey May, 2011 Paid for by Candidate
A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE 2749 N. 5th St. • 215-291-5643 Staffed by :
Joe Evangelista Debbie Toro
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) announced the appointment of the Democratic chairs of the State Senate’s standing committees for the 2011-2012 legislative session. “As we begin a new session, Senate Democrats are poised to move forward on plans to create jobs, improve education and make govern(Cont. Page 8) Councilman Bill
Green Room 599 City Hall P. 215.686.3420/21 F. 215.686.1930
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William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
215-271-9190
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 Dan Sickman: Veteran Affairs Correspondent: 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.
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The Public Record • January 13, 2011
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Page 6 The Public Record • January 13, 2011
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Page 7
Our Opinion ...
In Defense Of City Council
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
All the clamor against City Council, induced mostly by editorial attacks and errant columns by biased and unlearned observers, is a true case of the blind leading the blind. We state, without fear of challenge, there is not an editorial writer on any of the dailies or any weeklies or on any television news program who has a clear understanding of how City Council and its elected members operate. They complain of the DROP program, when evidence exists those who have served after accepting the DROP, are actually saving the City money, since it no longer has to make contributions to their individual pensions. They fail to understand City Council has a very vibrant committee process, as do all legislative bodies. These are where the public opinion and testimony take front stage. Anyone can make a permanent public record by testifying before those committees. It is the committee recommendations which are normally followed and voted upon by the Council as a whole at its general meeting. So when the dallies publish guest columnists complaining City Council members are busy talking to each other, or on the phones, or chatting with aides, during which legislation is being voted upon, they do a disservice. Council Members already know what is on the agenda, the pros and cons of each piece of legislation, and, for the most part, have made known their intentions on how to vote. To chide them for doing additional tasks, other than staring in silence at a clerk as he reads off the various legislative reports, etc., is simply ignorance in action.
Another Opinion
Why I Am A Republican
Letters • Letters • Letters Switch From PECO
Philadelphia Republican while my neighbors are minority National Democrats. This distinction, although the general public does not realize it, originates simply from an individual’s governing principles or an individual’s subscription to the perceived Black Power movement. I hope, sincerely and truly, this commentary helps to elucidate the political standings of many fellow community members who, if made aware, would choose otherwise. Philadelphia was once a
bustling town where many of its citizens and patriots worked. They worked and built the middle class. They participated in sports conversations and attended art galleries. Philadelphians exemplified the stories told that began with, “When I was your age…” and “My parents migrated from.…” While members of one ethnic group rarely ventured to neighborhoods of others, when they did so, they met warm courtesies. Philadelphia was a place (Cont. Page 24)
Jan. 14- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Breakfast Mtg. with seniors at Sayre HS, 5800 Walnut St., 9 a.m.-12 m. Jan. 14- Lunch with Judge Jimmy Lynn at Vesper Club, 216 S. Sydenham St., 12:30 p.m. Jan. 14- Fundraiser Recep-
tion for Council candidate Lawrence Clark at Chart House, 555 S. Columbus Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $15. Jan. 15- Democrat 2nd Ward Leader Ed Nesmith hosts People & Candidates Breakfast celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at St. Maron’s Ch. Hall, 1009 Ellsworth St., 8-11 a.m. RSVP (215) 992-9273. Jan. 17- MLK Day of Service Community Cleanup & March at Bartram Village
Community Ctr., PHA, 5404 Gibson Dr. Jan. 17- MLK Celebration & Awards by American Legion Henry Hill Post 385 and McDonald’s at Grays Ferry, at Mtg. Zion Pentecostal Ch., 1226-28 Point Breeze Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Commander William Denny host. Jan. 17- State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop will host free musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at St. Joseph’s Univ. Field House,
54th & City Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info (215) 879-6625. Jan. 17- Martin Luther King Association for Nonviolence hosts annual Noon Day banquet at Sheraton City Center, 201 N. 17th St., 12:30-3 p.m., preceded by ringing of Liberty Bell at noon. Jan. 17- Michael Cibik, Esq., will host Asian American Dinners Club at 334 S. Front St., from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Jan. 18- Fundraiser for GOP mayoral candidate John “the
their electricity through the Energy Cooperative Association of PA, we will reach a critical mass of customers and be able to command even lower prices than now for “green” electricity and regular (dirty) electricity. Gregory Beau Paulmier Germantown
get along for the betterment of everyone, Democrats and Republicans, society in its entirety! Killing our elected officials just spreads the Hate! Show your anger in the polling booths. We fought for the right to vote, now exercise it! Karen Brown
Why The Crazies? Time to Educate
Why violence? Why are we killing our elected officials? Is our hatred for each other that radical? I’ve been a Democrat since the Carter administration but I have very close friends who are Republicans. I don’t hate them. We agreed to disagree and try to
As President of the Philadelphia Young Democrats, I represent our Executive Board and our membership, when I say we condemn the acts that occurred this past weekend, and (Cont. Page 23)
Better Man” Featherman at home of 5th Ward Leader Michael A. Cibik, Esq., 334 S. Front Street, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For info (215) 735-1060. Jan. 19- Reception for GOP 1st Council Dist. candidate Lou Lanni at home of 5th Ward Leader Michael A. Cibik, Esq., 334 S. Front Street, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For info (215) 735-1060. Jan. 20- Republican City Committee celebrates inauguration of Tom Corbett & Jim
Cawley at R2L, 50 S. 16th St., 37th fl., 5:30-7:30 p.m. $500/person, $750/couple. RSVP by Jan. 14. Business attire. For info (215) 561-0650. Jan. 21- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Breakfast Mtg. with seniors at Sarah Allen Sr. Ho., 4035 Parrish St., 9 a.m.-12 m. Jan. 24- Phila. Tea Party Patriots NW meeting at Kendrick Rec Ctr., 5800 block Ridge Ave. by Roxbor(Cont. Page 23)
www.phillyrecord.com
by Jerry Brown 17th Ward Republican Committeeperson I am a Philadelphian Republican while my neighbors are National Democrats. Whether their affiliation results from an aggressive advertising campaign by our city officials, predictive lower voter versatility due to political subjugation or simply misguided party loyalty, Philadelphia’s potential suffers from this continued party monotony. Incidentally, I am an African American
I recommend all Peco electric customers switch from Peco to the Energy Cooperative of PA for the generation of your electricity. I chose the Energy Cooperative Association of PA’s “green” electricity because the price is lower than Peco’s and it is better for our environment. In addition, the customers are the owners of the Energy Cooperative of PA. Like our credit unions, housing cooperatives and Weaver’s Way Food Co-op, the Energy Cooperative Association of PA is customerowned. When more people buy
Page 8 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
More Council Races Being Announced (Cont. From Page 4) ment more effective and efficient even while dealing with budget difficulties,” Costa said. “We are fortunate to have Democratic senators who possess experience, unique skills and abilities to help guide committees, provide insight and produce solutions. “I am pleased to make these appointments and I look forward to working with my colleagues because they will do quality work,” Costa said. Costa announced the following appointments: Aging & Youth - LeAnna Washington; Agriculture & Rural Affairs Lisa Boscola; Appropriations Vincent Hughes; Banking & Insurance - Michael Stack; Communications & Technology Larry Farnese; Community, Economic & Recreational De-
velopment - Wayne Fontana; Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure - Lisa Boscola; Education - Andy Dinniman. Environmental Resources & Energy - John Yudichak; Finance - John Wozniak; Game & Fisheries - Richard Kasunic; Intergovernmental Operations - John Blake; Judiciary - Daylin Leach; Labor & Industry - Christine Tartaglione; Law & Justice - Jim Ferlo; Local Government John Blake; Public Health & Welfare - Shirley Kitchen; Rules & Executive Nominations - Jay Costa; State Government - Anthony Williams; Transportation - John Wozniak ; Urban Affairs & Housing - Jim Brewster; and Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness - Tim Solobay. State Representative
RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District 215-748-6712 STATE REP. JOHN
174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204
Former City Councilwoman Happy Fernandez is back in the political fray, but not as a candidate this time around. Instead, she will be the campaign chair for John Kromer who is seeking the Democrat primary seat for Sheriff. Unlike the other contenders for the office, Kromer wants to dismantle the Sheriff’s office, “reassign its responsibilities to other units of government ... and then close the office and resign.” Kromer held a fundraiser last Sunday. Prosecutors Seek More Time For Fumo
Federal prosecutors, pushing for additional prison time for State Sen. Vincent Fumo, presented a 204-page brief, in their fight to have Fumo hauled back into court to face a resentencing in his 2009 corruption conviction. Bob Henon Will Seek 6th Council Seat
6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A
SABATINA JR.
Happy Out Of Retirement?
]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ GOP (215) 468-2300
Robert Henon, considered Local 98’s top political coordinator, is expected to announce his intention to seek the 6th Dist. Council seat in the Democrat Primary. His entry comes on the heels of an announcement by State Rep.
Michael McGeehan (DNortheast) he has aborted his plans to replace retiring Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, who has been the long-time occupant of that seat. Announcing earlier his plan to enter the race was former School Reform Commissioner and local banker Martin Bednarek. He has been a major activist in that District for years, and has brought it needed schools and programs. Elmer Looking For More Money
Stewart Announces Run In The 6th
TACONY BUSINESSWOMAN Sandra Stewart announces candidacy for City Council in 6th Dist. on Monday. Stewart, who is flanked here by many ward leaders and other Republican leaders, will look to beat out either 32-year incumbent Joan Krajewski or any of likely Democratic contenders looking to succeed long-term Councilwoman in Primary.
Roberts Runs For Council
Complaining Republican Council Members “offer no alternatives to the Democrat policies in City Council,” Elmer Money is urging registered Republicans to look at him as the “alternative Republican” as he files for an atLarge Republican seat in the primary. He has formed a new political action committee, The STATE REP. Tony Payton came down to S. Phila. to enFriends of Elmer Money, to dorse Damon K. Roberts , who will seek Democrat nominaraise the funds and recruit the tion for 2nd Dist. Council seat in May Primary. people he needs, claiming his Photo by Vincent Thompson experience in health-care administration has given him “the insight and knowledge to improve the way Philadelphia Part 8 of 25 serves its citizens while savReaching out to Walter Pater’s aestheticism, “All art asing taxpayers money.” pires to the condition of music,” First Lady Hillary Clinton
Why 9/11?
said: “They forget the prescient words of John Adams: “I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music...” * ** --The New York Times, June 21, 1995
State Senator
Larry Farnese
REP. BRENDAN F. BOYLE
First Senate District
7215 B. Rising Sun Ave.
Tel. 215-952-3121
Phila. PA 19111 • P (215)-342-1700
1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.SenatorFarnese.com
14230 Bustleton Ave. Phila.PA 19116 • P (215) 676-0300
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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
*Three weeks after her husband was sworn in as the 42nd President of the United States, the First Lady debuted “the initial fact-finding phase” of the Administration’s Health Care Initiative at St. Agnes Hospital in South Philadelphia on February 12, 1993, or three city blocks from The Philadelphia Oboe Sound System. A woman’s nature reached out to a representative of truth. **American Hospital Association: In 1993, there were 6,467 hospitals located within the United States. Not a random choice for Mrs. Clinton when the New York Times wrote the oboe sound system saying the Philadelphia Orchestra’s trip to China was because of Mr. Ormandy’s request, and hubby Bill blows the saxophone. Today, there are 5,795 U.S. hospitals.
The Philadelphia Oboe Sound System
EMail: AnnaMarieXOX3@AOL.COM
Page 9 The Public Record • January 13, 2011
PA Labor Leader Bill George congratulates Representative Michael McGeehan
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Page 10 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com
This week, DAVID OH and SANDY STEWART both announced their candidacies for City Council at Large and 6th Dist. respectively. Oh has been a candidate for this office for the past two cycles and is expected to make his most significant go at the seat in 2011. Stewart, a first-time candidate, is expected to take on Democrat MARTY BEDNAREK, BOB HENON or MIKE DRISCOLL in the November General Election to replace COUNCILWOMAN JOAN KRAJEWSKI. Also expected to make a late entrance to the fray for Council at Large is Northeast STATE REP. DENNY O’BRIEN. O’Brien is said to be receiving encouragement from Republicans old and new as well as Democrats. In addition, ADAM LANG, ELMER MONEY, MARIE DELANEY, AL TAUBENBERGER, MIKE UNTERMEYER and TIM GERARD are expected to join the race. Of course, COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO is widely known as making a run to keep his seat. One would expect the establishment to back Rizzo and O’Brien. An O’Brien candidacy is seen by many insiders, albeit reluctantly, as a link between the two factions in the GOP which can lead to a rebirth. AL SCHMIDT is going to take on COMMISSIONER JOE DUDA for the minority position on the Board of Commissioners. 55TH WARD LEADER CHRIS VOGLER is going to be Duda’s running mate, with the hopes a strong Primary can keep Schmidt out of the General Election, in which Vogler would defer to the incumbent. We still do not have a serious contender for Mayor. While well intentioned, announced candidate JOHN FEATHERMAN appears more intent on taking on the City GOP than the actual incumbent MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER.
I’m going to start this off by saying I think David Oh is one of the smartest guys ever. That’s because he did the one thing that all but assured him of my presence at his campaign announcement: He held it at the National Constitution Center. In my impassioned opinion, the National Constitution Center is the bestest museum everrr! (Yes, I know I sound like an eight-year-old. It’s intentional. The National Constitution Center brings my inner eight-year-old out every time I go there.) So you’re all but guaranteed I’ll cover your event if it’s held at the NCC. This building celebrates the guidepost for our democracy that gives us all a chance to look, and look hard at what it means for us as individuals to identify ourselves as Americans. At his announcement, Oh took advantage of that concept. His was a multicultural and multipartisan gathering that allowed everyone to give heartfelt testimonials about why they believed that a Philadelphia City Council with him in it would be one that could help move the city forward. From firefighters to police officers to parochial-school officials (you can never go wrong with an endorsement from a nun) to members of the immigrant-services community and other leaders, a steady stream of testimonials to Oh’s love and concern for the city and its people came forth. By the time that the candidate came to the stage, he tied the venue he had chosen to the point he wanted to make. “On the walls of this building, it says, ‘We the People,’ he said. “That’s the concept that makes this country great. It’s one person, one vote. Your vote counts as much as a (Cont. Page 30)
Yo! Here we go again with this image of snow. I hear it every time it snows, from so many people, how beautiful it is to see those lovely flakes of snow drifting down — to see that cover of fresh, clean, fluffy snow to cover all the dirty streets, pavements of the city. Actually, it is really nice to see two or more inches of snow accumulating. However, when six to eight inches of snow or more falls, it is still very nice, but there is also the thought of what that snow cover will bring. There will be the declaration of a snow emergency, the incessant television news shows, with about a million snow-related stories and the dread of digging one’s auto out – trying to reserve that space with a lawn chair or some other contrivance, hoping that it deters someone else parking in the space that was cleared to the brink of a heart attack. Last year, the weather was more than just a nice soft snowfall. It was a blizzard – the blizzards of 2010, which not only set records but caused problems that were not dreamed of by anyone. Imagine that six to eight inches snow fall mounting up to over 28 inches – in one snowfall. Oh my! And then the following week’s additional snowfalls amounting to a recordbreaking more than 78 inches of snow for the season. But then again, it was still lovely to look out – if one didn’t have to brave the challenge of having to go to work or get one’s bread, milk and other necessities. To see the mounds – nay, mountains – of plowed snow piled along streets, parking lots and on any vacant space available. They piled the snow as high as possible – sometimes 20 feet or more. Well, we survived, even though we were terribly unconvinced by the lovely snow and then, weeks later, we were looking at those 20-foot mountains of snow that have melted away to six-foot mounds of black snow. Even with temperatures of close to 60 degrees, those piles won’t melt away. And speaking of that – when they do finally disappear, there remains an accumulation of dirt outlining the pile that once stood there. Who is going to clean up that mess? I guess it is going to be you and me. And where did all of those many inches of snow and thousands of tons of salt go? Into the rivers and streams, of course – there to be a possible flood threat. And those who thought the snow was beautiful are wondering how all this misery and apprehension could be caused by the snow. So when one says to you the snowfall is beautiful, remind them of the after-effects of a record-breaking winter might caused – and remind them we still have a many weeks of winter to go.
SNOOPER’S NEW YEAR’S NEWS: Here we go with another, hopefully, a good year, and there will be a lot of changes to be made. THE REPUBLICANS are now “THE BIG GUNS” and they’ll have ‘the power’ to do it. PRESIDENT BARRACK OBAMA will have to make a lot of choices, mend a lot of fences, and learn to negotiate, and this will take some doing. HEALTH INSURANCE will be his big stumbling block and somehow he must now come up with a way to appease “both sides” of the aisle. THE REPUBLICANS must do what they have promised all of us when they ran in the previous elections. This year is going to be one we will always remember, even make history. Sit back, relax, watch, and take notes! SNOOPER’S “POLICE BLOTTER”: They still haven’t found this “KENSINGTON STRANGLER” and hopefully, someone out there will ‘give him up’. Personally, I do believe this scumbum lives in this neighborhood, and I can tell all of you this killer will be caught, just a matter of time. The POLICE COMMISSIONER and all his PROFESSIONALS are just waiting for this scumbag to make one fatal mistake; he will. Watch it. REMEMBER THIS FACT: Do not try to apprehend him by yourself, he is DANGEROUS. SNOOPER SCOOPER: THE D.R.O.P. PROGRAM cannot be voted on by the City Council. Reason one: FIVE OF THEM ARE PARTICIPATING IN IT. The Mayor has not given us all the facts concerning his investigations into this program. Telling all of us this program is costing The City millions of dollars is confusing. All those City Employees who are participating in this program will tell you, it’s a FOUR(Cont. Page 23)
The reaction of CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY to the dreadful events in the State of Arizona resulting in the death of six people and the critical injury of CONGRESSWOMAN GABBY GIFFORDS is admirable. He is a tower of strength in assuring his constituency his continuing 24/7 availability. Brady also said he does not need stepped-up security for the safety of his person. Of course, Brady has enormous energy and has been doing a first-class job, not only for his District but also for the people of the City of Philadelphia. The ballot for the Spring Primary of 2011 sounds like it will be a record-setter for the number of candidates filing for office. Already the municipal offices have brought forth a record number for City Council and row offices. No filing has yet occurred for the judges, but it is believed that there are as many as 11 vacancies. Former Chancellor of the Bar Association SAYDE JOY LADOV has indicated that she will be filing for Common Pleas Court. JUDGE JIMMY LYNN has already indicated he will be making a run for the Appellate Branch this spring. The past president of the Brehon Law Society, JOHN O’MALLEY, announced the Jan. 19 meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Vesper Club will be open to the public. The speaker is Philadelphia news reporter David Murphy, who covers the Phillies beat and writes the baseball blog High Cheese. Murph will talk about the Phillies off season, including the acquisition of CLIFF LEE and the loss of JAYSON WERTH. JOE KELLEY, JR., the president of the Brehon Law Society, has organized a fundraiser scheduled for Jan. 7, 2011 in response to a tragedy that has fallen on FELIX ACEVEDO, who is the Brehons’ bartender at the Vesper Club. Christmas morning, a fire destroyed the family-owned home. Felix, his wife and children thankfully survived the fire. A beef-and-beer is scheduled, this benefit is to be held at the Vesper Club as mentioned above starting at 5:30 p.m.; all donations to the fund will be presented to Felix and his family. A modest donation of $25 per person gets you admission to a nice buffet and beer. Kelley also announced the Brehon Law Society will hold a symposium for May 11-13 at Westport in Co. Mayo, Ireland. This symposium will include the subject of doing business in the US/Ireland/Europe – critical legal issues for US and Irish Companies. For lawyers there will be CLE Credit. For more information, please call John O’Malley at (215) 5686400. The symposium is presented in partnership with Temple University Beasley School of Law, Western Development Commission and Mayo Co. Council.
ing-room was featured in an interior-design magazine. ElNaffy tends to shun the limelight. An investment observer said of el-Naffy his “Mafia don-type management style strikes fear into all that work with him, yet supports and covers his superior’s mistakes constantly. He does so much more than his title depicts … I am wary of his impending early retirement and beware of the stock losses when he does.” Both Abu-Ghazaleh and elNaffy are involved in a mare’s nest of other international business ventures revolving around either food or shipping. Wearing another hat, for instance, that of National Poultry PLC, Abu-Ghazaleh is the Frank Perdue of Jordan. Most of these operations are privately held and analysts consider even Fresh Del Monte opaque to outsiders. Abu Ghazaleh stresses close control of operations and has moved everywhere to acquire vertical ownership of production as well as shipping, processing and marketing. In an often-cutthroat industry, Abu Ghazaleh has a reputation for hard bargaining and ruthless dealing. While he has scored points for environmental awareness, he drives relentlessly to cut labor costs to the
bone. Several international observers have criticized the company for child labor in Ecuador and intimidation of union organizers in Guatemala. Fresh Del Monte will can a union operation in the blink of an eye. In 2007, a Fresh Del Monte plant in Oregon was raided by immigration agents, who netted 167 illegal immigrants. However, the company escaped liability because the
workers had been hired through a middleman. This is a standard tactic for the company, which has been sued for it in other jurisdictions. Also in 2007, the company was accused of paying off rightwing paramilitary forces in Colombia, where union leaders on banana plantations on banana plantations have been murdered. Fresh Del Monte has denied such payments.
Accusations of political corruption also coil around Fresh Del Monte. After Abu-Ghazaleh bought the company, some minority shareholders sued him in Miami, charging he had paid a $321,000 bribe to a Mexican government official to force the sale at half its true value. That official, Eduardo Bours, later became Governor of the Mexican State of Sonora, which abuts the Arizona border. The payment was proven, but the
lawsuit failed. However, Marvin Bush – brother of then-President George W. Bush and thenGov. of Florida Jeb Bush – resigned from the Board of Directors of Fresh Del Monte after the lawsuit was filed, for personal reasons. Hardball players in a tough industry, both in business and in politics, the Abu Ghazalehs and the Holts share a common outlook.
UT O B A ASK ULL OUR F R A 30 YE TEE AN GUAR
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
by Tony West Appearances to the contrary, Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. shares nothing more than a brand name any more with Del Monte Foods, the historic California food packer. This tropical-fruit operation was spun off as a separate company in 1990, winding up first with Cypriot, then with Mexican owners. The company soon foundered and fell into the hands of the Mexican government. In 1996, Fresh Del Monte was bought by a Palestinian émigré, Mohammad AbuGhazaleh, who had made a fortune importing bananas to the Middle East. He turned it around and built it into the largest fresh-produce company in the world. Today, Fresh Del Monte is headquartered in Miami, where 68-year-old CEO AbuGhazaleh lives, along with his COO, Hani el-Naffy, who was born in Lebanon. However, the company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, a Caribbean tax haven. The Abu-Ghazaleh family owns a majority share of the company, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. It last reported $145 million in profits on $3.5 billion in revenue. Abu-Ghazaleh is a prominent Miami socialite; his liv-
Page 11
FRESH DEL MONTE: Tough In Cutthroat Trade
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Page 12 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
Deeley Acts Swiftly, Changes Sheriff Staff Philadelphia Sheriff Barbara Deeley on Friday placed the following senior staff members on immediate leave with pay pending their separation on Feb. 7, 2011: Tyrone Bynum, director of finance and compliance; Edward Chew, solicitor; and Crystal Stewart, real-estate supervisor. The Sheriff has reassigned Darrell Stewart, director of real estate, outside of the Real Estate Division effective immediately. In addition, Sheriff Deeley has terminated all agreements and business relationships with Reach Communications and RCS Searchers and all title companies currently doing business with the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff has appointed former City Controller Joe Vignola to the newly-created position of Chief Deputy for Finance and Accountability. Vignola’s first task will be to review all agreements and
contracts signed by the Real Estate Division of the Sheriff’s Office and spearhead an internal accounting of all Real Estate Division transactions. In light of the impact these moves will have on the ability of the Sheriff’s Office to conduct real-estate sales, Deeley has issued a 50-day moratorium on all sheriff sales effective immediately. Deeley said, “My actions today have been taken in full consultation with President Judge Pamela Dembe. I intend to work closely with Judge Dembe in the coming weeks to restructure the Real Estate Division of the Sheriff’s Office.” Deeley continued, “These steps have been taken in full cognizance of the important work done by City Controller Alan Butkovitz in auditing the Sheriff’s Office. The findings in his report are, in large part, the impetus for the actions I have taken today.”
Deeley concluded, “My actions are in no way a reflection on the integrity and work ethic of the men and women who continue to work in the Sheriff’s Office. These men and women, some of whom risk their lives every day, continue to have my full confidence and respect.”
Don’t Raise Tuitions
Talk by the state’s public colleges of raising tuition rates received a loud and critical “no” from State Rep. James R. Roebuck (D-W. Phila.), a leader on Pennsylvania’s House Education Committee. He was quoted in the Wall Street Journal reacting to a story about a push from statefunded colleges and universities to increase tuitions because of declining financial support from their State governments.
SAYDE JOY
LADOV DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR JUDGE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY
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• • • •
Past Chancellor, Philadelphia Bar Association Private Practitioner Serving the Legal Needs of all Philadelphians for 28 Years Resident of Northern Liberties Former Assistant District Attorney, Bronx, NY "Paid for by Committee to Elect Sayde Ladov Common Pleas Judge"
Page 13
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King’s birthday, Jan. 15. This year we mark his birthday on Jan. 17. The Rev. King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil-rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and State law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. At first, some States resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. The idea of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday was promoted by labor unions in contract negotiations. After King’s death, Congressman John Conyers (a Democrat from Michigan) introduced a bill in Congress to make King’s birthday a national holiday. The bill first came to a vote in the US House of
Representatives in 1979. However, it fell five votes short of the number needed for passage. Two of the main arguments mentioned by opponents were that a paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive, and that a holiday to honor a private citizen would be contrary to longstanding tradition (King had never held public office). Soon after, the King Center turned to support from the corporate community and the general public. The success of this strategy was cemented when musician Stevie Wonder released the single “Happy Birthday” to popularize the campaign in 1980 and hosted the Rally for Peace Press Conference in 1981. Six million signatures were collected for a petition to Congress to pass the law, termed by a 2006 article in The Nation as “the largest petition in favor of an issue in US history.” At the White House Rose Garden on Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill, proposed by Congresswoman Katie Hall of Indiana, creating a federal holiday to honor King. It was observed for the first time on Jan. 20, 1986. The bill established the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission to oversee
observance of the holiday, and Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s wife, was made a member of this commission for life by President George H. W. Bush in May 1989. Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) led opposition to the bill and questioned whether King was important enough to receive such an honor. He also criticized King’s opposition to the Vietnam War and accused him of espousing “action-oriented Marxism.” President Ronald Reagan was also at first opposed to the holiday, citing cost concerns. He signed the measure only after Congress passed it with an overwhelming veto-proof majority (338 to 90 in the House of Representatives and 78 to 22 in the Senate). Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) voted against the creation of the holiday to honor King, and later defended Arizona Republican Gov. Evan Mecham’s rescission of the State holiday in honor of King created by his Democratic predecessor. After his opposition grew increasingly untenable, McCain reversed his position, and encouraged his home state of Arizona to recognize the holiday despite opposition from Mecham. Former Gov. Bruce Babbitt, a Democrat,
created the holiday by executive order just before he left office in 1986; but Mecham, armed with an Attorney General’s opinion that Babbitt’s order was illegal, rescinded it days after he took office. Mecham subsequently issued his own executive order, setting aside the third Sunday in January as an unpaid holiday to honor King, but it never was recognized by supporters of a paid holiday. Mecham was impeached and removed from office for unrelated actions in 1988. In 1990, Arizonans were given the opportunity to vote to observe an MLK holiday. McCain successfully appealed to former President Reagan to support the holiday. Prior to that date, New Hampshire and Arizona had not observed the day. Throughout the 1990s, this was heavily criticized. Following the failure of the 1990 proposition to recognize the holiday in Arizona, the National Football League moved Super Bowl XXVII from Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Cal. The hip-hop group Public Enemy recorded a song titled “By The Time I Get To Arizona” on their (Cont. Page 14)
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
Unions Early Promoter of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
I am proud to celebrate the legend of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With all my constituents!
ROBERT BRADY
www.phillyrecord.com
Congressman
Page 14 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
Reagan Signing Made MLK Day National Holiday (Cont. From Page 13) 1991 album Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black, in which they describe assassinating the then-Governor of Arizona Fife Symington III for his opposition to the holiday. In 1991, the New Hampshire legislature created “Civil Rights Day” and abolished “Fast Day”. In 1999, “Civil Rights Day” was officially changed to “Martin Luther King Day”, making it the last
state to have a holiday named after Dr. King. On May 2, 2000, South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges signed a bill to make Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday an official state holiday. South Carolina was the last State to recognize the day as a paid holiday for all State employees. Prior to this, employees could choose between celebrating Martin Luther King Day or one of three Confederate holidays.
Overall, in 2007, 33% of employers gave employees the day off, a 2% increase over the previous year. There was little difference in observance by large and small employers: 33% for firms with over 1,000 employees; and, 32% for firms with under 1,000 employees. The observance is most popular amongst nonprofit organizations and least popular among factories and manufacturers. The reasons for this have varied,
Celebrating the Achievements and Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. May We Take His Example in the Service of our communities
STATE SENATOR
CHRISTINE M. TARTAGLIONE
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1061 Bridge St Phila. PA 19124 215-533-0440
Norris Square 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. Phila. PA 19122 215-291-4653
ranging from the recent addition of the holiday, to its occurrence just two weeks after the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, when many businesses are closed for part or sometimes all of the week. Additionally, many schools and places of higher education are closed for classes; others remain open but may hold seminars or celebrations of King’s message. Some factories and manufacturers used MLK Day as a floating or movable holiday. While all States now observe the holiday, some did not name the day after King. In Utah, the holiday was known as “Human Rights Day” until the year 2000, when the Utah State Legislature voted to change the name of the holiday from Human Rights Day to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In that same year, Gov. Michael O. Leavitt signed the bill officially naming the holiday “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day”. In Virginia, it was known as Lee-Jackson-King Day. The incongruous nature of the holiday, which simultaneously celebrated the lives of Confederate Army generals and a civil
Ronald Reagan and Coretta Scott King at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day signing ceremony rights icon, did not escape the equal importance is in the notice of Virginia lawmakers. Japanese city of Hiroshima In 2000, a Martin Luther under Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba, King Day was established in who holds a special banquet at Virginia. However, Mississippi the Mayor’s office as an act of still shares this co-celebration of unifying his city’s call for peace Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth- with King’s message of human day and Robert E. Lee’s birth- rights. day on the third Monday of The City of Toronto is anJanuary. In Arizona Martin other city that observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is known Luther King Jr. Day. as ”Martin Luther King, Since the death of Martin Jr./Civil Rights Day”, while in Luther King Jr., memorial New Hampshire, its official stamps have been issue in his name is “Martin Luther King, honor worldwide. The first Jr. Civil Rights Day”. postage stamp to honor the inThe national Martin Luther ternationally known civil rights King Day of Service was started leader was issued by Ras Al by former Pennsylvania Sen. Khaima, an Arabian state, on Harris Wofford and Atlanta May 25, 1968. Other places Congressman John Lewis, who have also issued stamps such as co-authored the King Holiday Cameroon, Mali, Sharjah, and Service Act. The federal Mexico, India, Liberia, legislation challenges Ameri- Rwanda, and the Virgin Iscans to transform the King Hol- lands. More recently, other iday into a day of citizen action states have issued stamps and volunteer service in honor of postal souvenir sheets in Dr. Dr. King. The federal legisla- King’s honor. Today, the civiltion was signed into law by rights leader has had more President Bill Clinton on Aug. postage stamps issued in his 23, 1994. Since 1996, the an- honor than any other Black nual Greater Philadelphia King American. Day of Service has been the On Jan. 13, 1979, the largest event in the nation hon- United States Postal Service unoring Dr. King. veiled a 15-cent commemoraSeveral other universities tive stamp as a memorial to and organizations around the Martin Luther King, Jr. during US, such as Arizona State Uni- ceremonies at the Ebenezer versity and Greater DC Cares, Baptist Church in Atlanta. It participate in the Dr. Martin was the 10th stamp in honor a Luther King, Jr. Day of Serv- Black American and the second ice. In honor of MLK, volun- stamp issued in the Black Herteers across the country donate itage USA Series, which recogtheir time to make a difference nizes the contributions of Black on this day. Americans to the development One place outside the United of the United States. USPS has States where Martin Luther issued 166,435,000 King King Jr. Day is observed with stamps.
Page 15
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
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Page 16 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com
Martin Luther King, Jr. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement. He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. King is often presented as a heroic leader in the history of modern American liberalism. A Baptist minister, King became a civil-rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president. King’s efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. There, he expanded American values to include the vision of a color-blind society, and established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history.
In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. By the time of his death in 1968, he had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a US federal holiday in 1986. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Ga., the middle child of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King. King’s father was born “Michael King”, and Martin Luther King, Jr., was originally named “Michael King, Jr.,” until the family traveled to Europe in 1934 and visited Germany. His father soon changed
both of their names to Martin Luther in honor of the German Protestant leader Martin Luther. King, Jr. had an older sister, Willie Christine King, and a younger brother, Alfred Daniel Williams King. King sang with his church choir at the 1939 Atlanta premiere of the movie Gone with the Wind. Growing up in Atlanta, King attended Booker T. Washington HS. A precocious student, he skipped both the 9th and the 12th grade and entered Morehouse College at age 15 without formally graduating from high school. In 1948, he graduated from Morehouse with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology, and enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary. King married Coretta Scott, on Jun. 18, 1953, on the lawn of her parents’ house in her hometown of Heiberger, Ala. They had four children: Yolanda King, Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott King, and Bernice King. King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church
in Montgomery, Ala. when he was 25 years old in 1954. King then began doctoral studies in systematic theology at Boston University and received his Doctor of Philosophy on Jun. 5, 1955, with a dissertation on “A Comparison of the Conceptions of God in the Thinking of Paul Tillich and Henry Nelson Wieman”. In 1957, King, Ralph Abernathy, and other civil-rights activists founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The group was created to harness the moral authority and organizing power of Black churches to conduct non-violent protests in the service of civil rights reform. King led the SCLC until his death. On Sep. 20, 1958, while signing copies of his book Stride Toward Freedom in Blumstein’s department store on 125th Street, in Harlem, King was stabbed in the chest by Izola Curry, a deranged Black woman with a letter opener, and narrowly escaped death. King applied nonviolent philosophy to the protests organized by the SCLC. In 1959, he wrote The Measure of A Man, from which the piece “What Is Man?”, an attempt to sketch the optimal political, social, and economic structure of society, is derived. The FBI, under directive from Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, began telephone tapping King in the fall of 1963. Concerned that allegations (of Communists in the SCLC), if made public, would derail the Administration’s civil rights initiatives, Kennedy warned King to discontinue the suspect associations, and later felt compelled to issue the written directive authorizing the FBI to wiretap King and other leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. J. Edgar Hoover feared Communists were trying to infiltrate the civil-rights movement, but when no such evidence emerged, the bureau used the incidental details caught on tape over the next five years in attempts to force King out of the preeminent leadership position. King believed organized, nonviolent protest against the
(Jan. 15, 1929 – Apr. 4, 1968) system of Southern segregation known as Jim Crow laws would lead to extensive media coverage of the struggle for Black equality and voting rights. Journalistic accounts and televised footage of the daily deprivation and indignities suffered by Southern Blacks, and of segregationist violence and harassment of civil-rights workers and marchers, produced a wave of sympathetic public opinion that convinced the majority of Americans the civil-rights movement was the most important issue in American politics in the early 1960s. King organized and led marches for Blacks’ right to vote, desegregation, labor rights and other basic civil rights. Most of these rights were successfully enacted into the law of the United States with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. On Mar. 29, 1968, King went to Memphis, Tenn. in support of the Black sanitary publicworks employees, represented by AFSCME Local 1733, who had been on strike since Mar. 12 for higher wages and better treatment. In one incident, Black street repairmen received pay for two hours when they were sent home because of bad weather, but white employees were paid for the full day. On Apr. 3, King addressed a rally and delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address at Mason Temple, the world headquarters of the Church of God in Christ. King’s flight to Memphis had been delayed by a bomb threat against his plane. In the close of the last speech of his career, in reference to the bomb threat, King said the following: “And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.
Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.“ King was booked in room 306 at the Lorraine Motel, owned by Walter Bailey, in Memphis. The Rev. Ralph Abernathy, King’s close friend and colleague who was present at the assassination, swore under oath to the US House Select Committee on Assassinations that King and his entourage stayed at room 306 at the Lorraine Motel so often it was known as the “King-Abernathy suite.” According to Jesse Jackson, who was present, King’s last words on the balcony prior to his assassination were spoken to musician Ben Branch, who was scheduled to perform that night at an event King was attending: “Ben, make sure you play ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’ in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty.” Then, at 6:01 p.m., Apr. 4, 1968, a shot rang out as King stood on the motel’s second-floor balcony. The bullet entered through his right cheek, smashing his jaw, then traveled down his spinal cord before lodging in his shoulder. Abernathy heard the shot from inside the motel room and ran to the balcony to find King on the floor. The events following the shooting have been disputed, as some people have accused Jackson of exaggerating his response. After emergency chest surgery, King was pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Hospital at 7:05 p.m. According to biographer Taylor Branch, King’s autopsy revealed that though only 39 years old, he had the heart of a 60-year-old man, perhaps a result of the stress of 13 years in the civilrights movement.
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The Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc., founded by the Late Dr. C. DeLores Tucker and a group of local leaders in 1983, will hold its annual celebration of King’s Holiday with a bell ringing at the Liberty Bell at 12 noon, followed by a banquet at the Sheraton Hotel, 17th & Race. Dr. King’s widow, the Late Coretta Scott King, knew Philadelphia held a special place in her late husband’s heart and thought it fitting to have a permanent organization dedicated to his ideals of peace and freedom in the City of Brotherly Love. The Association is the only affiliate commissioned by Mrs. King and the Martin Luther King Center for Non-
violent Social Change, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Philadelphia has and continues to enjoy a unique and historic role in the life of Dr. King and his memory through the programs of the Association. The mission of the King Association is to preserve and advance the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through educating, interpreting, advocating and promoting nonviolent theory and philosophy. The Association works with schools, colleges and universities, with corporations and business organizations, with religious and community groups as well as the general public. In 1985, Gov. Richard Thornburgh designated the Association as a resource center in Pennsylvania to develop
leadership to develop leadership in working toward “nonviolent social change” in all walks of life. This chapter has helped coordinate the hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, who will serve in several hundred service projects in the annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service this Monday. Sixteen years ago, the first King Day of Service stared in Philadelphia with 1,000 participants. This year, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, are involved in events also organized through Global Citizenwww.global citizen.us.com. What started as a project in 1996 has turned into a growing national move-
ment. The national King Day of Service was created in 1994 through federal legislation coauthored by former Pennsylvania US Sen. Harris Wofford and Georgia Congressman John Lewis, both veterans of the Civil Rights movement with Dr. King. The act called for the transformation of the King federal holiday from simply a “day off” into a “day on” of active citizenship and service. A diverse group of volunteers will participate in the King Day of Service, including students from city and suburban, public, private and parochial schools, colleges and universities, AmeriCorps national-service members, senior citizens, corporate
teams, members of community, civic and religious organizations, elected officials and families. Brown’s ShopRite volunteers will take part as they have in the past. There were projects scheduled at dozens of Philadelphia public schools and hundreds of other schools throughout the region. Volunteers will beautify city several recreation centers. Other King Day volunteers prepared food at homeless shelters and distributed meals to homebound seniors, organized health fairs and legal clinic and performed plays about Dr. King and his principles of nonviolent social change.
Philadelphia Daily Record Salutes The Memory and Legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And Reminds You To Read It Daily at PhiladelphiaDailyRecord.com
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
Association For Nonviolence Rings Bell, Hosts Banquet
Honoring All Who Serve Others And The Great Legacy of
Martin Luther King Jr.
City Council President 215-686-3412
www.phillyrecord.com
Anna C. Verna
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Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced plans for the 16th annual Martin Luther King Day of Service that will take place on Jan. 17. More than 75,000 volunteers are expected to participate in 1,200 community-service projects throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The Mayor also presented the Philadelphia Fire Dept. with the 13th annual Harris Wofford Active Citizenship Award for its extensive, year-round community-outreach efforts and fire-prevention education programs. In addition, a mural painted by students from six local schools and led by the Philadelphia Mural Arts program has been unveiled. Volunteers will paint a second civil rights mural on Kind Day at Girard College. “Throughout the year, more than 2,100 Philadelphia Fire Dept. personnel, led by Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, put their lives on the line serving our city and citizens,” said the Mayor. “The men
and women of the Philadelphia Fire Dept. are also engaged in year-round outreach efforts to educate and inform our residents about safety and fire prevention. These committed public servants are deserving of this special honor and will lead thousands of volunteers in giving back on King Day.” Social media and digital inclusion tools will be utilized to increase awareness and participation in this year’s King Day of Service. Facebook – facebook.com/ phillykingday and Twitter-twitter.com/mlkdayofservice – are being used to increase awareness and volunteer participation. PhillyKingDay, a free King Day of Service iPhone application that was developed by the Freedom Rings Partnership and Drexel University lists more than 100 King Day of Service project opportunities, along with links to Facebook and Twitter so volunteers can update their friends on their King Day of Service experiences.
“If Dr. King were alive, he’d see an explosion in technology, which provides new opportunities to connect and create a greater sense of community,” said Todd Bernstein, president of Global Citizen and Director of MLK Day of Service/ MLK365. “But he’d also see 41% of Philadelphians do not have broadband Internet access. He’d see a growing digital divide, which is shutting out many, particularly people of color and low-income populations. Affordable access to the internet using updated computers, smart phones, Facebook, Twitter, and other means isn’t just a popular fad. It is becoming a civil-rights issue around access to potentially life-saving information, education, employment and promoting civic engagement.” Some of the volunteer initiatives announced are as follows: Girard College will serve as the region’s signature project site, with an expected 3,000 volunteers participating in some 150 service projects,
State Rep. Tony Payton (DKensington) said several local opportunities are available to Philadelphians who want to participate in the upcoming Martin Luther King Day of Service. Payton said on Jan. 17, the 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Day will be observed and people across the county will join in community service projects to honor King’s memory. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the lives of generations of Americans and now the best way we can honor his memory is to serve our community,” Payton said. “Jan. 17 is a great day to start that commitment, or at least devote one day to helping others. I hope you will find an hour or two of your time to contribute to one of the many projects taking place in our community.” Payton said that from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., volun-
teers will clean up and maintain the Hunting Park playground, flower beds, and walkways around the 9th &Hunting Park entrance. Volunteers from Esperanza Health will lead the effort with Hunting Park United. In addition, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will gather at the Ayuda Community Center for a day of service. Details of the project will be announced soon. “These are just two of the projects taking place in our area,” Payton added. “If you have a MLK project in the 179th Dist., please let my office know. We’ll help get volunteers to your site.” People interested in volunteering at either project are asked to call Payton’s constituent service office at (215) 744-7901. Payton said a breakfast celebration of Dr. King is also
scheduled the same day in Frankford. The free event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School at 4256 Paul Street. Breakfast will be served to all and will include youth performances from the Frankford ROTC, Sankofa Freedom Academy, Northeast Boys & Girls Club, Campbell AME Church and Frankford Friends School. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item for the local food banks. The 179th Dist. includes the following neighborhoods: Hunting Park, Frankford, Olney, Oxford Circle, and Feltonville. A listing of other projects taking place in Philadelphia is available at www.mlkdayofservice.org. More information about the Martin Luther King Day of Service and additional volunteer opportunities are posted to Payton’s website, www.pahouse.com/Payton.
workshops and presentations. The Freedom Rings Partnership, a new initiative led by the Urban Affairs Coalition, the City of Philadelphia and Drexel University. This multi-year campaign will provide broadband internet access and training to low-income residents. GPUAC will collect donated computers that will be refurbished by volunteers and distributed to community organizations in need throughout the City. All fire stations and more than 500 Philadelphia Fire Dept. personnel will lead thousands of volunteers in projects that include coat drives, CPR training, smoke-detector installation, emergency-preparedness education seminars. Neighborhood outreach projects on fire safety will be offered at all 63 fire stations. The Graduation Coach
Campaign, an initiative of the Mayor’s Office of Education to equip and empower adults to support the young people in their lives to succeed academically and professionally. On King Day, 200 new graduation coaches will be trained in workshops across the City. Upon completion of the workshop, these volunteers will pledge to dedicate their time to making sure that the young people in their families and communities have the information and support they need to set and achieve their educational goals. For more information, visit: www.phillygradcoach.org. The Conversation of Kings: From Dream to Sacrifice toward a More Perfect Union, a discussion that will be led by New Conversation on Race and Ethnicity, in partnership with the Penn
Project for Civic Engagement, Global Citizen and the School District of Philadelphia. On King Day, two conversations will take place at Girard College and at South Philadelphia HS. Dozens of volunteer projects at Philadelphia public schools and other schools throughout the region. Volunteers will beautify 25 recreation centers across Philadelphia. Habitat for Humanity volunteers will renovate houses throughout the region. Volunteers will prepare food at homeless shelters and distribute meals to residents. To learn more about the Jan. 17 Martin Luther King Day of Service and year-round volunteer opportunities, visit www.mlkdayofservice.org or call the King Day of Service headquarters at (215) 665-2475.
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
Mayor Announces MLK Service Day Plans
Payton Urges MLK Volunteers
--Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rep. Jim Roebuck Salutes the life and legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
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The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
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fur to protect them in winter. Here in the frigid north, to
by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: 7 tips to help in loan modifications – 4th tip. Answer: Many loan modification programs do not require you to be in default on your mortgage. Some deals may require you to be current. So think carefully when the lender says to stop paying the loan in order to get a modification. And if you do stop paying in order to negotiate a deal – keep the money aside, and in-
clude late fees in your savings. If the deal falls through – and there is no deal until everything is signed – you will be contractually obligated to pay all the missed payments and late fees. You may be on the hook for a couple thousand dollars of legal fees if the delinquency has been sent to a foreclosure attorney too. So don’t spend the mortgage money, no matter what. Next week’s question: 7 tips to help in loan modifications—5th tip.
protect our skin from drying and our lips from chapping, we need an oil-based, rather than a water-based, moisturizer. The oil creates a protective layer on your skin that retains more moisture than regular creams or lotions. While many oil-based moisturizers work for your hands, they can clog the pores on your face. Try to find a
“non-clogging” oil, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Lotions containing humectants (glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) are also good for winter because they attract moisture to your skin. Your lips don’t have glands that produce oil, so they can’t protect themselves from dry winter weather and
indoor heat. Licking your lips only makes it worse, so you need a good balm. Once again, look for an oil-based product or moisturizing lip balm that contains petroleum or beeswax. Avoid using products that contain ingredients like camphor, menthol or phenol. Tingling is fun, but those products could dry your lips even more.
Constant hand washing may leave your hands cracked and itchy. Go with warm water rather than hot. When possible, use moisturizing soaps and hand sanitizers. When you’re out and about in the world of harsh public restroom soaps, bring some moisturizer with you. And try wearing gloves to protect your hands from the elements.
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
Humans aren’t lucky enough to have a nice coat of
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Skin And Lips Are Vulnerable To Cold
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Page 22 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
At The Swearing In...
PENNA. Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille’s Chambers were scene for swearing-in of Superior Court Judge Correale Stevens, cenGRANDNIECE Samantha kept State ter, as Superior Court President Judge for a fiveSen. Christine M. Tartaglione company year term by Chief Justice Castille. His daughter at her 5th consecutive swearing-in to Brittany Stevens holds Bible for her father. Penna. Senate.
Waters Sworn In For 2nd PLBC Term
FROM LEFT are PLBC chair Hon. Ronald G. Waters, Carolyn H. Nichols, Esq. and Hon. Thaddeus Kirkland, past chair of PLBC. Penna. Legislative Black Caucus serves as an information and advocacy vehicle to advance the interest of African American, Latino and all other minority citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
AT FORUM BUILDING in Harrisburg, Presiding Judge Hon. James M. DeLeon III, pictured here swearing in PLBC Chair, Hon. Ronald G. Waters. Also sworn into the PLBC from right, were officers Hon. Vanessa Lowery Brown, vice chair; Hon. Michelle Brownlee, secretary; and Kenyatta Johnson, treasurer. Photos by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography.
Eagles Help ARC CORA Honors Champions For Children
THE ARC OF Phila. and Phila. Developmental Disabilities Corp. held fundraiser at Chickie’s & Pete’s Play 2 in S. Phila. Supporters Brent Celek, Michael Barkann and several other Eagles players, including Branden Graham, Tra Thomas, and alumnus Bill Bergey, were there to mingle with about 200 guests. Seen here are Brian Laurinaitis, of Johnson Kendall Insurance Co., a sponsor; Laura Princiotta, COO of PDDC; Brent Celek; and Nofre Vaquer, director of Photo by Bonnie Squires The Arc of Phila.
CORA Services, N.E. Philly Children’s agency, held annual Champions for Children event at Union League last week. Pictured from left are Joe & Stephanie Watkins, co-chairs of dinner; Judge Kevin Dougherty, Civic Champion; Victoria Griffin of Frankford HS, Classroom Champion; Gerard P. Cuddy, president of Beneficial Bank, Corporate Champion for Children; John Mitkus, chair of CORA Corporate Board; and Jim Harron, president of CORA Services.
Omega Omega Doing Services
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Controller Okays Mayor
MAYOR MICHAEL Nutter, right, seems to have passed City Controller’s personal audit. He finds himself the only mayoral candidate Alan Butkovitz will endorse. Butkovitz calls Mayor “honest, open, and willing to work together.”
OMEGA OMEGA Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, established here in 1926, celebrated its founders at a breakfast event with more than 200 members. Pictured here on bottom are, from left, Evelyn Sample Oates, international region director; Susan Simms Marsh, international secretary; Janet H. Ryder, president; Constance Pizarro, North Atlantic region director; Jamila Hall, undergraduate member at large; Anessa Howell, North Atlantic rep to international nominating committee. Top row: former Omega Omega presidents Ruby Body, Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography Lily Holloway, Elizabeth Trulear, Valerie Ward, Bessie W. Session and Sherilynn Kimble.
Snooper
Why Tea Party Looking over the past 23 months (2009-2010), the growth of the grassroots American movement known as Tea Party Patriots with 3,000plus affiliate groups and its 15 million “Tea Party movement” supporters as of January 2011, have impacted, stemmed and/or stopped policies that are not in the best interest of Americans on a whole and taxpayers, specifically. We, Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots and its 10 local coordinator groups are active affiliates of Tea Party Patriots. I must let RORY McGLASSON know he told me nothing has changed, and he wanted us to know the same “bullying tactics” are going on at BEN FRANKLIN H.S. Question: Why can’t these schools be like THE PENN TREATY M.S.? You may remember, I spent some time there and I couldn’t believe how great the students are and, I might add, how well behaved. The quality of teachers there is phenomenal. I wonder what it will take to STOP THE BULLYING. I think, educating them will help, and I was told, look out for THOMAS EDISON H.S. – it is NEXT! SNOOPER’S GOOD NEWS DEPT: Look out City Hall, “THE BIONIIC MAN” has returned. Yes, it’s true, HON. GERALD KOSINSKI, Municipal Court Judge, has come back. The Judge was
Our next meeting will be held Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Call (609) 634-4584for location or visit www.PhilaTeaPartyPatriots.com. Diana Reimer
Obviously Biased The Committee of 70 says it “is a nonprofit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or party affiliation. Seventy does not lobby or support, endorse or oppose candidates for office.” Given this commitment to the public, please explain – in writing – how the Committee of 70 is now able to oppose out on a ‘medical leave’ to have his KNEES replaced, and he looks great. You may recall I also told you about THE JUDGE getting his HIPS replaced too. Now I’m really curious what will be replaced next. JUDGE KOSINSKI is also one of our hardest-working Judges, and he also happens to be Philly’s original “TRIVIA KING”! We want to WELCOME him back. SNOOPER’S SIGHTINGS: I actually ran into this gentleman, who told me he worked for the Philadelphia Municipal Court. He mentioned Joe & Patty McDermott, John Joyce, also Dick Simpson. His name is SAM CASSIDY, and he looked great. Here he comes, an old friend, TONY “The Karaoke King” Carman. He was telling me about one of his good friends, DAVE
Barbara Deeley’s appointment as Interim Philadelphia Co. Sheriff? Have the organization’s rules been amended recently? Has the mission of the organization changed recently? If this is the case, shouldn’t that information be made available to contributors, donors and media who read its website? Also, kindly please explain how the Committee of 70, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is able to oppose Sheriff Deeley when the IRS expressly forbids 501(c)(3) organizations from supporting or opposing any candidate for office? Linda S Wallace My FAIR PHILLY “Buzz” GRAVES, a famous Philadelphia plumber. I stopped over to the ABANDONED CAR UNIT, and I got to meet KATHY ALLEN and SGT. SPIESER. Chief, this is really an “elite” Police Unit and they really keep themselves busy. Yes, they’re coming to your neighborhoods; make sure your cars have everything it’s supposed to have on it. Please, be sure you have an up-to-date INSPECTION, INSURANCE and good TAGS! SNOOPER’S “BEST OF THE MONTH”: Chief, what we have here is a “NO(Cont. Page 30)
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(Cont. From Page 7) ough Mem. Hosp. at 7 p.m. Speakers are Commissioner candidate Al Schmidt and 6th Dist. Council candidate Sandy Stewart. For info Mike Lodise (2115) 487-0118 or Pat Haraburda (215) 482-7991, or teapartynw@comcast.net. Jan. 24- Rally to reelect Mayor Michael Nutter at Metropolitan Carpenters Union, 1812 Spring Garden St., 2nd fl. Jan. 25- Traffic Club of Phila.’s annual dinner honors James T. McDermott’s Phila. Regional Port Authority as company of year and Jeffrey L. Sustch, Pres. SMS Rail Lines, as Person of Year at Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Penn’s Landing, 6 p.m. For info www.tcphila.org. Jan. 27- Edward J. Lowry,
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TO UNKNOWN FATHER OF A BABY BLACKSTONE A Petition has been filed asking the court to put an end to all rights you have to your child Baby Boy Blackstone Harris who was born on 11/19/10 at Einstein Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, as well as any rights J.B. has to Baby Boy Blackstone. The court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your child. That hearing will be held on February 3, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at Courtroom 14, One Montgomery Plaza, Orphan’s Court Division, Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19404 before Judge Ott. You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your children as well as the rights of J.B. to that child may be ended by the court without your being present. You have a right to be represented at the the hearing by a lawyer. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below to find out where you can get legal help. You are also warned that if you fail to file either an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2503 (d) relating to acknowledgement and claim of paternity, and fail to either appear at a hearing to object to the termination of your rights or file a written objection to such termination with the court prior to the hearing, your rights may be terminated under Pa.C.S.A. 2503(d) and 2504(c) of the Adoption Act. LAWYER REFERRAL AND INFORMATION SERVICE 100 West Airy Street, P.O. Box 268, Norristown, PA 19404 (610) 279-LAW1
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(Cont. From Page 10) YEAR PROGRAM and it is their PENSION MONIES that are held by The Board of Pension. Those who do get into this program must agree, after the four years, they become RETIRED and cannot come back to the respective jobs they have retired from (City Controller, pay attention), and you have NO AUTHORITY to change their rules; only A JUDGE can do it, and you know it! SNOOPER’S “BIG EVENT”: Chief I can tell you now, this event will see one of the largest crowd of JUDGES, OFFICIALS, and of course, his many friends. HON. JOSEPH EVERS, the Prothonotary, has informed us they plan to have a ROAST and also a FAREWELL PARTY for a true “ICON: of The 1st Judicial Dist. We’re referring to HON. DAVID LAWRENCE, Court Administrator. This event will be held – where else? – at THE WATERFALL ROOM on Wednesday JAN. 26 from 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. Call (215) 686-6652. I would strongly suggest you get your tickets NOW; after all, this gentleman has earned it! SNOOPER’S “INVESTIGATIVE” BUREAU: I was given the opportunity to speak with one of the ASIAN STUDENTS at the SOUTH PHILADELPHIA H.S. Boss,
of our communities. Malik Boyd Pres. Young Democrats
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
(Cont. From Page 7) we take an aggressive stance against violence not only in (general, but especially when politically charged. For the next six months, the Philadelphia Young Democrats will set up educational sessions across this city with the goal in mind to empower citizens with the tools of financial literacy, legal literacy, and knowledge of the political process. It is our heartfelt belief that these tools will assist in empowering individuals to help create change through proper and productive means, for not only for our political sake, but for the betterment of themselves and the vibrancy
founder of Phila. Veterans MultiService & Education Ctr., has retirement party at Waterfall Rm. in Plumbers Local 690 Union Hall, 2791 Southampton Rd., cocktails 68 p.m., followed by Tribute Program. Tickets $65. Order by phone (215) 238-8050. Event Chair Ed Keenan, Board Chair Jim McNesby and Exec. Dir. Marsha Four. Jan. 28- S w e a r i n g - i n Fundraiser for State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., 6-9 p.m. RSVP (215) 820-7308. Jan. 31- C o n g r e s s w o m a n Allyson Schwartz’s “Thank You For Your Support” reception at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5- Phila. Branch NAACP celebrates 100th anniversary at luncheon at HERO Ctr., 3439 N. 17th St., 12-4 p.m. Tickets $40. For info Renee (215) 439-0988 or Lynne (267) 481-5857.
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Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters
Page 24
Why I Am A Republican
The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
(Cont. From Page 7) to start a family, and a small business, amidst the neighborly feel. Philadelphia was. National Democrats have taken local offices and applied their governing economics without consideration of locality. A Philadelphia Republican, through sincerity, would not. It is impractical to apply national economic theories to local municipalities. National governing economics are that: national. Our city’s elected National Democrats have taken this stance of doing so in defiance of local voter protest. Is it because they are minority National Democrats governing a city of African Americans, thus they feel that what happens in Washington, D.C. stays in Philadelphia? The national approach cannot work in a city of 1.5 million with 24% of its population in poverty. Unintelligible it is, to levy a higher-than-normal City wage
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tax atop our State wage tax, atop our national income tax. (In contrast, and absolutely inexcusable, is that I can reach, via telephone, an agency’s customer service at National and State but I cannot at City. A little off topic – pardon me.) The National Democrats in our City Hall have also levied a requirement that any small business must demonstrate it hasn’t owned slaves at any point in its history. In a city of African Americans? Bruh, please. An African American Philadelphia Republican would not tolerate such a small-business deterrent. A minority National Democrat indiscriminately supports such a measure. Our neighborly minority National Democrats, possibly for the reasons I mentioned in the beginning, haven’t grasped that their local choices, economically, are not the same nationally. Philadelphia Republicans do grasp our local choices, eco-
nomically. Thus, being one, I champion any sensible approach benefiting the needs of the city without furthering a national agenda. Additionally, Philadelphia Republicans, don’t address national social issues because our national laws already protect us … but our National Democratic Mayor wished to levy soda tax, because he thinks our mothers are fat.
Owl Alumni At Dunbar Temple University Alumni are invited to volunteer on MLK Day to clean up Paul L. Dunbar School, at 2 p.m. at the school, 1750 N. 12th Street. The College of Education, the Office of Sustainability and the Temple University Black Alumni Alliance are joining forces to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of service. All alumni are invited to lend a helping hand.
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Page 25 The Public Record • January 13, 2011
The Tri-State Area’s New Radio Talk Show At 3:00 PM On Radio 1540 AM
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The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
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she knows how to handle customers who do not respond to her charm offensive.) Managing partner Adam Solomon, one of three partners in Kokopelli, is a Bucks Co. native who has been in the restaurant business “since before I could walk.” His grandfather, Bob Zuckerman, was one of the creators of the Seafood Shanty chain of restaurants. After establishing a series of nightclubs, Adam began scouting for a restaurant of his own. “The ‘old school’ way of treating customers has gotten lost,” said Adam, who schmoozes with all his customers. “Many restaurant owners have gotten so caught up with fancy décor and other externals they have forgotten about the personal touch with customers, which is what everybody wants.” Rodriguez has taken lots of familiar dishes and put a novel spin on them: for example, crispy quail with cayenne honey instead of fried chicken; or sliders with bison meat instead of ground beef.
“What we are going for is to have every dish healthy and lean,” said Solomon. “Nothing mass-produced. People are becoming more adventurous with protein, for example, and they will put their toe in the water, but they won’t jump in with their whole body. In other words, if we offered bison steak, no one would order it, but they will order the bison sliders because there is more familiarity with it.” The complex flavors here are just as genuine and inviting as our server, Leanne Bell, who is also the marketing manager. Dishes we would highly recommend are the corn bisque with grilled prawn, although it was not served hot ($6), a divine grilled Caesar salad ($6), wonderful crab cakes with candied orange and coconut salad ($15), fiery garlic chiliglazed prawns, which we loved but which would be too incendiary for some folks ($9), spectacular chorizo mac and cheese ($6) and a sublime
Len Lear flan caramel custard from Gina’s family recipe. Beef tamales ($10) were just so-so. Small plates range from $4 to $17, and the average diner
might eat three. More than 50 varieties of tequila are available for a wide variety of prices, as well as nine commercial beers. There is a bar that seats 18 as well as a second-floor private dining space. A small wine list is comprised of Spanish selections for about $8 a glass. A Budini Chardonnay from Argentina was flavor-challenged and had no aftertaste. Specialty cocktails are very good and very pricey, from $10.50 to $13.50. For more information, call (215) 557-7510 or visit www.kokopelliphilly.com.
The Public Record • January 13, 2011
by Len Lear I’m going to make a New Year’s prediction: The new Center City restaurant that will have all the foodies buzzing is the one with a Southwestern flair, a charming female chef, a funny name and a variety of small plates that will make all your efforts at dieting go to waist. Customers will be vacuuming up lots of food on those small plates. It’s Kokopelli, which opened last month at 1904 Chestnut Street, which formerly housed Pearl and, before that, Little Pete’s. “Kokopelli” is the name of a fertility god and its symbol, a hunch-backed, flute-playing Casanova, is carved into many rock walls throughout the Southwestern US. You This fertility god is now impregnating the 1900 block of
Chestnut Street with sexy food. According to archeologists, some of the Kokopelli carvings are 3,000 years old. It is a sacred figure to many Southwestern Native Americans, and some of the dishes of Kokopelli’s chef Gina Rodriguez just may be regarded as sacred by customers. If there is no statute of limitation on fawning, then I will be tooting her whistle for a while. Gina, who told us shortly after Kokopelli’s Dec. 2 debut she had just seen snow for the first time in her life, was previously chef de cuisine at the LaCosta Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Cal. Prior to tha,t she was the first female chef at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz., when its restaurant became one of only 57 in the country to win the AAA Five-Diamond Award. (Gina also has a degree in psychology, so
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All diets at Kokopelli could go to waist
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Page 28 The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
185th Special Election Called Waste Of Money The move to insure a Feb. 1 date for a special election to fill the seat vacated by the death of State Rep. Robert Donatucci was labeled “a farce and a waste of time” by Michael Meehan, counsel to the Republican City Committee. Meehan said, “That seat could have easily been filled by calling for the special election in the May Primary.“ Meehan explained, “In a time when the Commonwealth faces a major budget crisis, it
is foolish to saddle this City and the State with the unnecessary and costly expense of holding a special election to fill the vacancy in the 185th Dist.” He said it would be impossible now to ask the new Republican leadership in the House to roll the clock back. “Had they been in the majority when the request was made, no doubt they would have set the primary date to fill the seat.” Meehan added, “Everyone
knows the Democrat majority in that District makes it extremely difficult for a Republican candidate to wage an effective campaign. There is so little time.” City Commissioner Joseph Duda indicated the City Commissioners will find it difficult to find sites to replace those garages and other unheated facilities normally used for polling places. The expense for the election, he noted, will be picked up eventually by the State
Quizzo Fight Night
David Oh Announces His Council For Candidacy
HUNDRED people turned out at Zarwin Baum offices in Center City to chip into fundraiser for its partner David Oh, on launch of his campaign for City Council at large in Republican Primary.
CANDIDATE David Oh is flanked here by Al Schmidt, right, who is himself running for City Commissioner, and Glenn Devitt of Northeast United Neighbors.
Commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day of Celebration
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when it gets a bill from the City for the number of polling places, election officers, and other incidentals raised by the need to prepare the polls for the special election. Observers believe the special election will set a record for the lowest amount of votes cast to fill a vacated seat.The Democrats have endorsed Marie Patelmo Donatucci to fill her late husband’s seat. The Republicans have endorsed Lewis Harris.
Ringside With The Shadowboxer
REPUBLICAN Ward leaders lined up behind their colleague Oh included, from left, Mike Cibik of 5th, Suzanne Haney of 2nd and Matt Wolfe of 27th.
RETIRED Operating Engineer Danny Sullivan and his wife Helene, Margie Renzi aka “Smartypants“, Fred Druding, Jr., and Louis “Luigi” Borda were among those who came out to support “Quizzo with Smartypants” fundraiser for Veteran Boxers Association.
Court Seeks Collection Attorneys
Officials of the Philadelphia Court system (the 1st Judicial Dist. of Pennsylvania) announced they are seeking attorneys who are specialists in collections practice to execute, and collect, on court judgments for outstanding fines, fees, costs, restitution, and bail judgments owed to the City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and victims of crime. The Court is actively seeking payment on 400,000 accounts with outstanding balances totaling $1.5 billion (this includes $1 billion in bail judgments). Those who do not voluntarily make payments to bring their payment plans up to date by Feb. 28, 2011, will face substantial collection costs and interest on top of the balance already owed, execution and sale of their property by the Sheriff, and a warrant for their arrest for failure to comply with a court order. To make arrangements for payment of court-ordered financial obligations, email the court accounting unit at payment.inquiries@courts.phila.go v , or call (215) 683-1482. Emails are preferred.
Also attending VBA fundraiser was Democratic City Council at-Large aspirant Andy Toy, who knows he’ll be in fight this spring, so who better to have in his corner than Veteran Boxers Association members Charley Sgrillo, Fred Druding, Jr. and Johnny Pawlowski?
Free Training At CCP State Rep. Angel Cruz said job training in the green manufacturing field is available to local residents through the Community College of Philadelphia. The college and its partners will provide education and training to qualified veterans, unemployed workers, ex-offenders and other residents who live in portions of North Philadelphia, Kensington and Port Richmond for entry-level jobs in the green manufacturing and weatherization industries. CareerLink is providing informational sessions about this training at the following times and locations throughout
Philadelphia: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18 at Northwest CareerLink, 235 Chelten Avenue; 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 at Suburban Station CareerLink, 1617 JFK Boulevard, 2nd Floor; and 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31 at Northeast CareerLink, 3210 Red Lion Road. Be 18 years of age or older, unemployed or employed but low income. Be able to pass a drug test. Complete background checks; exoffenders are eligible pending interview/verification. Be authorized to work in the United States. For more information, call (215) 496-6158 or email greenjrtp@ccp.edu.
public-school supporters and local and state teachers unions. The establishment of charter schools was the first step away from public school-district controls and helped ease off the demand for a voucher system. Now the supporters of vouchers believe their time has come, since both Gov. Tom Corbett and the Republican leadership in the General Assembly have indicated their support for the program. A voucher program was a dead issue as far as Gov. Ed Rendell was concerned, and though former Gov. Tom Ridge supported it, it failed to pass the State House three times. Vouchers will be available in the first year to students from a failing school under State standards; in the second year to students in a failing school district; and in the third year to any low-income student, he said. The bill doesn’t include oversights for private schools to account for how the money is spent, Williams said.
The plan calls for a threeyear phase-in, stated Piccola. In the first year, only low-income students currently attending persistently failing schools would be eligible for a grant. In the second year, low-income students residing within the attendance boundary of those schools, but currently attending private schools, would be eligible; and in the third year, all lowincome students regardless of school district would be eligible. “Let’s give parents who are trapped an exit strategy,” Piccola said. The Senate Education Committee held a 10-hour hearing on school choice in October, featuring testimony from proponents such as the REACH Alliance, the Philadelphia Black Alliance for Educational Options, and the Black Clergy of Philadelphia, and from opponents, such as the teachers’ unions and the Southeastern Pennsylvania School Districts Education Coalition. Another
hearing is slated for mid-February. Piccola and Williams said by phasing in the plan, the financial impact can be spread out over time, allowing State revenues to rebound as the recession fades and the deficit is addressed. “In the end, school choice has the power to save taxpayers money because it has traditionally cost less to educate children in a nonpublic setting,” Piccola said. School choice was debated during the Ridge Administration in the late ’90s in the form of bills known as “KIDS I” and “KIDS II.” Corbett is pushing for the availability of students at failing schools to get vouchers to attend the school of their choice. Public-school officials and teacher unions believe charter, private and parochial schools do not have the accountability they have and fear the voucher money will be skimmed from the money directed to the public schools.
Fattah At Mastery Charter HS The Public Record • January 13, 2011 CONGRESSMAN CHAKA FATTAH encourages students at Mastery Charter School to keep focus on studies so each individual student can reach their college or university of choice after they graduate. Fattah visited Germantown school Tuesday, and told students of legislation he helped pass in Congress that will offer them unique opportunities to go to college.
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School vouchers may soon be a matter of choice for Pennsylvanians. Senate Democrat and Republican leaders are moving in that direction. If State Sens. Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin), chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and Anthony Williams (D-W. Phila.) get the consensus of both chambers of the General Assembly, they expect, their tuition-voucher program will give parents the right to use the money to send their child to a public, parochial or private school of their choice. “Anyone who is currently sending their child to a school they know is not performing well academically or where their child may not be safe, but don’t have financial means to provide the best for their child, will be relieved of that,” Williams said. “Standing in the way of school choice for needy kids in failing urban schools is like Gov. George Wallace standing in the doorway of a classroom to continue the segregation of the ’60s,” Williams added. “Why would we block access to great schools for children in need? All kids deserve access to a great education – regardless of race, income or zip code. Let’s open the doors to freedom and opportunity.” “Our education system is the last public monopoly in America. Taxpayers can no longer subsidize, support or ignore failure,” continued Williams. “Too many children are trapped by their zip code in schools that are not making the grade. We are robbing our kids of a fundamental right.” The plan would give a voucher of $8,000 to families with an annual income of no more than 130% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, the income limit would be $28,665. This will be the first time, since efforts began to bring a voucher system to the state, the chances seem favorable. First started in the mid-’80s, with 12 states having adopted it, the voucher program has met with stiff resistance from
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School Vouchers On The Horizon?
Good Credit • Bad Credit No Credit • Don’t Sweat it!
The Public Record • Januray 13, 2011
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Out & About (Cont. From Page 10) Nobel Laureate’s. You are always right when it comes to your City government. But is it acting like it? Is it performing to your expectations? We have to do better.” Oh promised to give his all as a candidate and a City Councilman to make the
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(Cont. From Page 23) BRAINER”. Without a doubt, here are “THE BEST”, and you tell me, they are great choices. 1) THE MAYOR. I must admit, he is right on top of many of our problems, particularly, the recent SNOWSTORMS, and how quickly, everyone responded. 2) All the Mayor’s other great professionals, and what a tremendous job done by all of them. My favorite, The Police Commissioner, CHARLES RAMSEY. Yes, there’s not enough you can say about him and
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city the best it can be for its people, for commerce and for all concerned. Having talked to him more than once, he strikes me as sincere. But to get one of the two seats on City Council reserved for Republicans at large, it appears Oh is going to have to work even harder than he did during his last bid, when he came this his POLICE DEPT.; they are definitely doing their job. 3) THE STREETS DEPT. and COMMISSIONER TOLSON. They are truly “THE BEST” and just look at the job they did on the recent SNOWSTORMS – absolutely tremendous. We are fortunate to have these!
close to beating incumbent Jack Kelly. That’s because just about every Republican in the city is running for City Council at-Large. Some of the bigger names in the race include Oh, former mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger, former District Attorney candidate Michael Unter-
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meyer and former Speaker of the House Denny O’Brien. My sources tell me the Republican City Committee is thinking about pairing Taubenberger and Rizzo for the primaries. We’ll be keeping an eye on this one. Should be interesting.
Phone: 215-423-2223 Fax: 215-423-5937
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HOLIDAY Recipe Writing Contest Winners Mevin Ellis and Darrah Hewlett, center, receive $100 Visa Gift Cards from Communities In Schools of Phila. for writing, developing and executing their recipe: Chocolate Brownies Mini Mountains with Soft Peppermint Snow. In photo are contest judges Marshall White, RN; Patrick Baez, Communities In School Chef Training Coordinator, center, and Valerie Costanzo, School District Culinary Coordinator.
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