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

Vol. XIII. No. 7 (Issue 577)

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

A FIRED-UP City Council Majority Leader Marian Tasco (D) announced at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ in Oak Lane she would be a candidate for the 9th Dist. Council seat again this spring.

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MAYOR Michael Nutter is busy campaigning for others – when not circulating his own petitions.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA realtor Barbara Capozzi announced candidacy for City Council in 2nd Dist. at gala held at Galdo’s Catering on Tuesday night.

TOP COUNCIL-AT-LARGE COUNCILMAN Frank DiCicco vote-getter in 2007, Wilson (D) announces with support of COUNCIL candidate Damon Goode, Jr. (D) trades signatures JEFF HORNSTEIN up for 1st State Sen. Larry Farnese and Roberts works baby campaign with another candidate at a rally. Council Dist. challenge. trail.

Councilman Jim Kenney.

WITH TWO of her friends set to circulate her petition, Councilwoman Maria QuiñonesSánchez (D) expects to get on ballot with no fuss.

MAYBE a run for Mayor for Milton Street, seen here with Tommy Blackwell.

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COUNCILMAN Curtis Jones (D) has endorsement and is raring to campaign.

EYE PEELED for signers, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown (D) has her ballot petition in hand.

FIREFIGHTERS chief Bill Gault, right, endorsed Traffic ANDY TOY, smilCourt candidate Marnie Au- ing campaigner for ment-Loughrey.

Council at Large.

Missed Your Debut, Call 215-755-2000

Starting Page 8

PHA Finances Weather $torm Page 20

Primary Ballot A Big One Page 6

If We

LABORERS LEADER Sam Staten, Jr., tells it like it is!

“Whoever believes they can beat Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell needs to be running -- as far away from the 3rd Dist. as possible.”

February 17, 2011

MICHAEL U N T E R M E Y E R ready for GOP Council Primary.

GOP Dumps Frank Rizzo!

David Oh THE FACTS PROVE IT ALL! Wins Ward City Commissioners Leaders Prove Their Worth!

Vote

DANNY SAVAGE, left, announces his rematch with Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez (D) as former Controller Jonathan Saidel checks out his petition.

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

JUDICIAL candidate Jim DiVergilis with his mother at petition signing event held by GOP 5th Ward Leader Michael 2nd Council Dist. candidate Cibik welcomes his 1st Council Barbara Capozzi.

Dist. Candidate Lou Lanni.

Page 2

Page 4

Page 2 The Public Record • February 17, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com

City Commissioners Prove Their Worth!

by Joe Shaheeli The continued efforts by the Committee of 70 to smear the row offices of this city continue to feed the main media, which does little to check the facts.

One of the row offices maligned through these efforts is the efficiently managed City Commissioners’ office, under the chairmanship of Margaret Tartaglione.

Tartaglione, who marks her 78th birthday Feb. 28,

will be seeking election in the Democrat Primary for the office she has held since winning in November 1975. She knows full well the achievements of that office under her tenure and says, “Judge us by what we do, have done, and not by what uninformed people say about us.”

If the major media were to do what they are obliged to do, that is, present the facts, they would learn what is fact and what is fiction.

Take for instance, the hullabaloo raised by the Committee of 70 when it reports, “The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority suggests the City could save up to $6.2 million by eliminating the elected Commissioner positions altogether, instead professionalizing the Commission with appointees.”

Wrong! All PICA did was compare total expenditures, number of residents, and number of registered voters, then ranked the counties, arriving at mean and median costs, suggesting the City could save $6.2 million annually if the Commission costs were reduced to the median amongst the counties reviewed. PICA did not do any in-depth review of varying county demographics, file activity, county-specific cost factors, external cost influences, or specific expenditures by category. The fact PICA lists this on its website as an “issue paper” indicates its review was superficial and not an in-depth, comprehensive study.

Here’s why! The Commission’s total expenditures for fiscal year 2010 were $9 million. A simple review of the Commission’s known expenditures, together with some simple math, would show $6.2 million in savings from the existing $9 million General Fund budget is nothing but delusional.

A review of the following major, annually recurring, mandated expenses (poll official payroll and poll rent $2,000,000; voting-machine delivery - $350,000; Election Day contract techs $160,000; printing mandated election documents, forms, and notices - $325,000; Postage - $250,000; votingsystem software maintenance fee - $115,000; and supplies for ballot plotters and printers $45,000), totaling $3,245,000, far exceeds the $2.8 million PICA “suggests” Philadelphia should spend on elections. This includes no money at all for personnel or other for personnel or any other expenditures.

The City Commissioners

Chair Margaret Tartaglione “... we stand on the facts” are blamed for not giving poll workers a much-deserved pay raise. The statement promoted by detractors is, “Pollingplace officials are only paid $95 and the Commissioners’ response is, ‘We’ll get to it when we have time,’ and that they never get to it!”

This implies the Commissioners have not tried to obtain funds. That is totally inaccurate!

Critics need to be reminded the Commissioners do not have the authority to set their own funding levels.

Funding for the City Commissioners is through the same process for any other City department or row office. The Administration proposes a budget, City Council appropriates the funding (normally with little change) and the Administration retains the authority to deny expenditures or freeze appropriated funds.

On several separate occasions, the Commissioners or their representatives have testified at City Council budget hearings and requested funding to provide an increase in pay for polling-place officials.

The last request was in April 2008 during testimony for the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget, when the Commission requested $1,761,000 to substantially increase poll official pay and increase the stipend provided for attending training. This request was denied.

Given the financial condition of the City since 2008, the Commission has not yet

again requested this increase in funding and the pay has remained at $100 for the Judge and $95 for the other officials.

Another erroneous statement repeated by the press is, “There’s no interest [among the current commissioners] in rationalizing this election process. It’s been done the same way since the ’60s. It’s set up geographically located where Philadelphia’s population was in the ’60s.”

This statement displays an unbelievable lack of knowledge regarding the Commission, its operations, and its successful efforts to improve the systems and procedures used to administer voter registration and conduct elections.

There have been extraordinary changes in the administration of voter registration and elections during the past 15 years and the Commission has successfully administered the new mandates by improving its operations through the implementation of new computer and voting systems.

In 1997, the Commission designed and implemented a document-imaging system that allowed for elimination of the old binders containing original voter records in determining eligibility at the polls. This greatly eased the work of its personnel and poll

officials. The system substantially increased productivity in processing heavy workloads in peak elections and avoided hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs complying with the voter-removal programs of the National Voter Registration Act, which went into effect in 1997.

This productivity was proven in October 2004, when Commission personnel used the system to review, and provide access to 40,000 registration records over a three-week period for five Judges of Commonwealth Court hearing challenges to Ralph Nader’s nomination petitions.

In 2002, the Commission successfully implemented a new electronic-voting system citywide in all 1,680 voting districts. It conducted a massive voter-education program through public demonstrations, newspaper and radio advertisements. The Philadelphia Inquirer later called this work “near-flawless.”

This change provided extraordinary improvements in vote-count accuracy and eased the work of poll officials by eliminating the old manual vote-counting process. It provided extraordinary improvements in the time required to (Cont. Page 16)

State Sen.

Shirley M.

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

chance in the last 30 to break that three-decade lock held by Councilman Brian O’Neill on the District.

A lifetime resident of Northeast Philadelphia, the 44-year-old Rubin is a graduate of Father Judge HS and a long-time coach in baseball and football at Wissinoming Boys Club. He has served as athletic director and is now the assistant athletic director for St Albert’s C.Y.O., Head Varsity Basketball coach at St

Albert’s for the past seven years, and was a coach at Fox-Rok A.A. for many years. Bill is also a member of the AOH Division 25.

Married for 20 years to the former Dolores Grady, the couple has two children, Nicole and Billy. They are active members of St. Albert the Great Parish.

He is well known among City employees through his role as vice chairman and trustee of the Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement from 2004 until his resignation recently, to allow him time to run. Rubin was

Constituent Service Office

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

first elected to the Board at a time when the annual returns for the Fund were in the bottom 25% of all pension funds, with more than $1 billion in assets. When Rubin left to run for Council, the fund was ranked in the top 30%.

During his tenure with the City Commissioners, Rubin has been commended for his dedication to making sure every senior citizen and disabled voter who requires an absentee ballot was given the right to vote. He also conducted training sessions on the operations of the new voting machines to provide for a smooth transition from the old mechanical version to the new electronic models.

Rubin has been a member of AFSCME District Council 33, Local 696 since 1987. He held the position of parliamen-

Councilman Wm.

tarian for three years, shop steward for 14 years, and treasurer for 14 years and was instrumental, as the Local’s treasurer, in recovering over $27,000 in misappropriated funds from his predecessor.

Bill also computerized and modernized the financial policies and procedures that governed the Local’s expenditures. He currently serves as an advisor to the president of District Council 33 on pension-related issues.

BILL RUBIN ...resigns to challenge O’Neill O’Neill is not expected to have any opposition in the Republican primary.

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

The Democrat ward leaders in the 10th Council Dist. may have the answer to their prayers: a candidate who understands the political system and what it takes to be an effective candidate.

That candidate is Bill Rubin, who resigned Supervisor of Elections in the City Commissioners office this week to seek the Democrat nomination as the 10th Dist. candidate. He could be the challenger who has the best

Page 3

Bill Rubin Presents O’Neill With His Most Serious Challenge

R EPRESENTATIVE

A NGEL C RUZ

Greenlee

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

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

Staffed by :

Joe Evangelista Debbie Toro

Ready to Serve you

State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

Councilman Bill

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

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Republican Councilman At Large Frank Rizzo, the Minority Whip in City Council, is planning another run for the seat he has held since 1995.

The namesake of his famous father, Police Commissioner and then Mayor Frank Rizzo, he’s always been cast as a sure winner, since the Rizzo

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Page 4

Rizzo Loses City GOP Endorsement

Senator Tina

Tartaglione 2nd Dist.

127 W. Susquehanna Ave. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124

215-291-4653

215-533-0440

name has been magic.

But it is possible the fracturing of the Republican Party into two conflicting groups, may signal an end to the magic, with the result Rizzo is being targeted by some of his former supporters. A website has already been reserved in the internet domain named DropRizzo. Com. How effective that will be to marshal opinion away from Rizzo remains to be seen, since the group hasn’t come up with a volunteer webmaster to set up the site.

But the Republican City Committee’s decisions as to whom it will support indicates the website may not be put into play. The long-time Republican front -runner was not endorsed by the Republican City Committee.

Being

Traffic Court Candidate

blamed for that rebuff was his enrollment in the controversial DROP, for which he had signed up four years ago. He insists he will run.

Councilman Frank Rizzo said, “I know how Democrats feel; it’s exciting to have competition. I welcome the challenge. There are people all over this city who appreciate the work I’ve done for them in their communities, especially among the Republicans who have not had real leadership outside of myself and a few others.”

The Committee’s choices may not all survive the Republican primary May 17.

They include Attorney Malcolm Lazin, who will have the support of the city’s gay community; former US Justice Dept. attorney John Giordano, who headed the Corbett campaign in Southeastern

Democrat Marnie Aument-Loughrey

State Rep. Cherelle

May, 2011

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

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Parker

Pennsylvania and won for himself the admiration of many of the ward leaders; Al Taubenberger, former mayoral candidate; attorney David Oh won the ward leaders’ endorsement, though he wasn’t recomended by the policy committee and Joseph McColgan, former congressional candidate.

There was no endorsement for Mayor, with the GOP now fielding only John Featherman, who has the blessings of members of the Philadelphia Chapter of the State Republican party.

Army veteran and attorney David Oh, who was edged out

by Jack Kelly in 2007, has been waging a strong and early campaign to win one of the five at-Large seats for Council. This merited him the support of the republican ward leaders.

Not surprising was the turndown by the Party of State Rep. Dennis O’Brien’s (R-Northeast) bid to seek an at-Large seat. The popular former Speaker of the House has a strong following in the (Cont. Page 6)

State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

www.phillyrecord.com

2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 Always Hard Working .. . for You!

The (USPS PublicPP-109) Record Weekly Publication The Philadelphia Public Record (ISSN 1938-856X) February 10, 2011 Volume 13 Number 6, Published Weekly by The Philadelphia Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 Requested Publication ($30 per year Optional Subscription) Periodical Pending Paid at Philadelphia PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila. PA 19147 215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com

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.

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Page 6 The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Knox May Enter Democrat Primary For Mayor (Cont. From Page 4) Republican heartland in the Northeast.

Another expected to run for an at-Large seat is yet another Northeasterner, Tim Gerard.

In any event, what is remarkable about the Party’s selections are they lend themselves to a rare and spirited Primary campaign, unique for Republicans in this city. Republican 5th Ward Leader Attorney Mike Cibik commented, “This is one primary that will be fun!”

Knox Reported Entering Primary The Philadelphia Public Record has learned former mayoral contender Tom Knox has given the go-ahead to move his campaign team into the Democrat Primary for Mayor. Knox had earlier indicated he would run as independent for Mayor in the General Election.

This switch will be made official. It is also rumored he will have Sam Katz and John Street by his side when he

makes his announcement.

Look for confirmation, one way or the other, shortly.,

More Dems In Race To Replace Sheriff There could be as many as six in the Democrat primary running for Sheriff of Philadelphia to replace retired Sheriff John Green. Sheriff Barbara Deeley will not be one of them; she has pledged to just hold down the office until the end of the present term.

Those announcing include former chief deputy for four years under Green, Jacque Whaambush, activist Cheri Honkala, former Police Inspector Alan Kurtz, John Kramer and former Deputy Sheriff Mike Morella. Expected to announce shortly is State Rep. Jewell Williams (D-N. Phila.), with a history in law enforcement.

The worst thing that can happen to Cheri Honkala, veteran advocate for the poor and homeless, is for her to get elected to the office of Sheriff. She has announced she will run on a no-evictions

STATE SENATOR

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON

platform. Honkala says she is running in order to keep struggling Philadelphia families in their homes. What she doesn’t understand is one of the key roles in the Sheriff’s office, mandated by law, is the handling of evictions and sheriff sales. She’d be caught between a rock and a hard place. She has support of Ironworkers chief Joe Dougherty and Hospital Workers head Henry Nicholas.

Whaambush, former chief deputy for four years under Sheriff John Green, announced last night his intention to seek the seat at a rally at the Vespers Club. He resigned from the Sheriff’s office in 2007, based on a “difference in management style.” Now 53, he started with the Sheriff’s office in 1994.

Inspector Kurtz, retired from the Philadelphia Police Force, believes he can restore the core mandates of the Sheriff’s office, “not missing a beat from the moment he is sworn in.” He has been campaigning actively for several months. Pragmatically, Kurtz understands, “I expect this to be a long, tough fight.”

Also running actively for several months has been Michael Mormello, a long-

time police officer.

Kromer is running on a campaign to begin dissolving the office should he be elected.

Williams has for the past two years made it known to all who ask he will be seeking the office of Sheriff once it was vacated by John Green.

He is seen to be the most likely to have the support of the Democrat City Committee, since he is an active ward leader, with the majority already indicating they will vote for his endorsement when he commits to the race.

Tyner Stakes Her 8th District Claim Verna Tyner should be giving second thoughts to the many primary candidates who normally show up to contest the 8th Dist. Council seat.

Tyner, former Chief of Staff to the late At-Large Councilman David Cohen and At-Large Councilman Bill Greenlee, made her campaign official last week by announcing her candidacy at several locations on the same day.

She did so in Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown, West Oak Lane, and Nicetown, ending up in Tyner has the endorsements of Councilman Greenlee, State Sens.

DISTRICT OFFICE

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

]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ GOP

(215) 468-2300

www.senatorwashington.com

Charles Ehrlich www.phillyrecord.com

Candidate for Judge

Common Pleas Court - 2011 • 25 years trial experience with criminal, civil and family court cases.

• Former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney successfully prosecuted violent criminals.

• Worked to create Special Treatment Court Programs to help non-violent defendants with drug, alcohol and mental health problems.

STATE REP. JOHN

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

Shirley Kitchen (D-N. Phila.) and LeAnna Washington (DNorthwest), State Rep. Mark Cohen (D-N. Phila.), The Hon. Al Stewart, 9th Ward Leader John O’Connell, the 11th and 17th Wards and hundreds of residents across the 8th Dist.

Tyner launched her campaign with a series of news conferences in the communities of Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, Germantown, West Oak Lane and Nicetown before formally announcing her campaign this evening in Tioga, where Tyner has lived for 40 years.

“We also can’t let precious City dollars go to elected officials,” said Tyner. “I am not supportive of elected officials taking advantage of DROP. The program was designed for hard-working public workers and City efforts to anticipate their retirement. It is wrong, fiscally irresponsible and unethical for our elected officials to join DROP while running for another term.”

Tyner’s 16 years serving the residents of Philadelphia as a senior staff member in City Council have made her knowledgeable to City government and the neighborhoods it serves. To learn more about Tyner and her campaign, go to: www.tynerforcouncil.com.

Mayor Nutter Back To Basic Politics You can’t be a candidate without the prerequisite numState Representative

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

215-748-6712

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

ber of valid signatures on your petitions. That’s a lesson that even as seasoned a politician as is Mayor Michael Nutter realizes. So he’s back to basic Politics 101. He held a Petition Distribution Party at Relish on Ogontz Avenue in the Northwest and will do so again tonight at Lucky Strikes on Chestnut Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Near Record Number Entries In Primaries If you count in the incumbents who are filing for reelection in the Republican and Democrat Primary races this May 17, there should be well over 80 running for a nomination.

That doesn’t mean every polling machine will have a ballot with that many names, since the District Council races will be restricted to specific machines. But, whatever the count, it’s a classic high though not a record-setter.

Here is who has filed — as of earlier this week. Some are expected to withdraw once ballot positions are drawn.

1st Council Dist.- Democrats: Vern Anastasio, Karen Brown, incumbent Councilman Frank DiCicco, Jeff Hornstein and Mark Squilla.

Republican: Lou Lanni.

2nd Council Dist.- Democrats: Louis Borda, Barbara Capozzi and State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson.

3rd Council Dist.- Democrats: Incumbent Jannie Blackwell and Alicia Burbage.

4th Council Dist.- Democrat: Incumbent Curtis Jones.

5th Council Dist.- Democrats: Incumbent Darrell Clarke and Suzanne Carn.

6th Council Dist.- Democrats: Marty Bednarek and Bob Henon. RepublicanSandra Stewart.

7th Council Dist.- Democrats: Incumbent Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Daniel Savage.

8th Council Dist.- Democrats: Cindy Bass, William Durham, Anita Hamilton, Andrew Lofton, Verna Tyner and Faye Dawson.

(Cont. Page 25)

Page 7

Our Opinion ...

Enough With The DROP!

Another Opinion Penna. Mustn’t Be A Capital Of Hate

idation. The teen allegedly drew a swastika on a bathroom wall and wrote “KKK and White Power,” and left a threatening message with a racial slur on a 12-year-old boy’s cell phone. “I’m going to hang you and light you on fire,” was the alleged text to his classmate, who is Black.

And just days ago, a 12year-old boy, who is white, is alleged to have sent three threatening and racist text messages to a 12-year-old biracial girl while riding on a bus. According to the girl’s mother, who contacted the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus office, the boy called her a porch monkey in the first text message and a bitch in the second. Finally, after she ignored him, he reportedly texted, “I’m going to hang you” – showing he was serious and not going to give up.

Here is a boy who was barely a toddler at the start of

this decade, the second decade of the 21st century. Yet he is spewing hatred that was better left in the 20th century, or in centuries before.

I do not think the blame should rest solely with these children alone. After all, children do not pick up this behavior in a vacuum. People don’t come into the world thinking this way, filled with hate. They learn it at home from their parents, and from other adults in the community.

We are products of our environment, our experiences, and we act on what we learn. We must cultivate responsible citizens the way a gardener grows healthy plants. Both must be nurtured, given attention, constant care and the proper nourishment in order to flourish and become a source of pride.

Sadly, the incidents at Dover are not isolated. This is a statewide problem.

In August 2010, a 19-yearold Philipsburg man was charged with burning two crosses on the lawn of an 18year-old white woman in Clearfield County. The young man was reportedly angry that the woman had a Black friend visiting her house.

(Cont. Page 22)

Feb. 18- Fundraiser for Lou Lanni for City Council at SmokeEaters, 7681 Frankford Ave., 7-10 p.m., $40 includes draft and food. Checks payable to Lou Lanni for City Council, 914 Clinton St., Phila., PA 19107. RSVP (267) 815-1188.

Feb. 18- 5th Ward Democrat leader Mike Boyle hosts dinner fundraiser for 5th Ward committeepersons at Bella Cena, 1506 Spruce St., 7 p.m. Candidates invited, $50 fee.

Feb. 19- Several N.E. Democrat Wards host Meet & Greet for candidates and Petition Signing Event at Plumbers Union Local 690, Waterfall Rm., 2791 Southampton Rd., 4-8 p.m.

Free to all registered Democrats. Judicial candidates and incumbents only please contact Robert N. Dellavella (215) 335-4004.

Feb. 19- St. Valentine Party hoisted by 56th Ward Democrat leader John P. Sabatina, Sr. and State Rep. John P. Sabatina, Jr. at American Le-

gion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Rd. Tickets $50; at door, $60. For info (215) 342-5816.

Feb. 20- 61st Ward Fundraiser at Deja Vu, 5929 N. 5th St., 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Petitions welcome. Tickets $50. For info (215) 790-9570.

Feb. 22- 5th Ward GOP hosts meeting for all Republicans at St. Michael Orthodox Ch., 335 Fairmount Ave., 6:30-8:30 p.m. RSVP Nate Shrader (267) 519-2410.

Feb. 22- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen hosts free blood-pressure screenings at her District office, 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., 10 a.m.-12 m.

Feb. 24- State Rep. James Roebuck hosts birthday bash at Warmdaddy’s, Columbus Blvd. & Reed St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Great jazz, good food.

RSVP (215) 382-1268.

Feb. 24- Willie Jordan’s 44th Ward hosts Jazz Night at VFW Post, 4812 Fairmount Ave., 6-10 p.m. For info (215) 879-6630.

Feb. 25- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen hosts free blood-pressure screenings at her District office, 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., 2-4 p.m.

Feb. 25-26F r e e clothing and other items giveaway at Mt. Hebron Baptist

Ch., 1415 Wharton St. For info Pastor Richard J. Walter, Jr. (215) 336-8163.

Feb. 25- Donna Aument’s 33rd Ward Fundraiser Beef & Beer at Juniata G.C. For info Donna (215) 427-1645.

Feb. 28- Tea Party PatriotsSouth Meeting at Champs, 2100 S. Columbus Blvd. (near IKEA), 7 p.m. All welcome. Joe McColgan speaker.

Mar. 2- Petition party for Mayor Michael Nutter at W. Phila. YMCA, 5120 Chestnut St., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Mar. 3- Reception for Council candidate Verna Tyner and Councilman Bill Greenlee at Ceisler Media, 1525 Locust St., 6th fl., 5:307:30. For info (610) 2715365.

Mar. 10- South Philadelphia Business Association annual Scholarship gala, Galdo’s, from 6 to 10 a.m. Honoring DA Seth Williams, and Row Home Magazine’s Dawn Rhoades and Dorette Rota Joackson. For info and tickets call 215-336-1108.

Mar. 12- Nat’l Italian American PAC hosts Carnevale at Loews Hotel, 1200 Market St., 6 p.m-12 a.m. Honoring Risa Vetri Ferman, Marc Vetri, State Sen. Christine (Cont. Page 22)

www.phillyrecord.com

by State Rep. Ronald G. Waters Chairman, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus The wave of hate crimes and racially motivated incidents throughout Pennsylvania in recent months has left me shocked and saddened.

With the state and nation becoming more and more diverse, we should be celebrating our differences, the richness of cultures that make our society better. But some people are reacting to this diversity with anger, threats and acts of violence.

What’s even more disturbing is that many of these acts are being committed by young people.

In the Dover Area School District, York Co., there have been two incidents of ethnic intimidation in the past two months. In December, a 14year-old boy at Dover Intermediate School was charged with two cases of ethnic intim-

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Whether or not Councilman Frank DiCicco is successful in getting legislation passed to enable those Council Members committed to the DROP to opt out, it is time to move ahead in permitting all involved to campaign without further harassment.

Don’t set too much store by that study that claims DROP is costly. The “research” is acknowledged by friends and foes as being full of errors. People have been fed a lot of misinformation. What has been ignored, and needs to be retold, is the savings the City realizes when a DROP pension is collected, and an elected official then is returned to office by the electorate. The City no longer contributes to that official’s pension ... a sizable amount.

Also, time in office amounts to experience gained. We have seen good elected officials retire while they still had the vim and vigor to do their elected duties.

Now the Primary campaign is underway. Over 70 have already registered their intention to run for various offices.

This provides an excellent opportunity for the candidates and their constituents to interact in meaningful ways.

Pity the Philadelphians who refuse to involve themselves in these races. Look at the conditions of some of our other cities (Harrisburg makes a deplorable example), where lack of interest has delivered municipal governments that do not know how to add and subtract, let alone multiply and divide.

If you want to live in a well-run city – follow these races closely and choose your officials wisely.

Page 8 The Public Record • February 17, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com

Youth Perform To Promote Peace

Continuing the proud tradition of educating and encouraging dialogue through theatre, the New Freedom Theatre is poised to present one of its most noted original productions, Journey of a Gun. Students from the theatre’s Performing Arts Training Program and schools throughout the city depict the travel of a gun through multiple hands and multiple crimes. A straw purchase is made and a gun begins its journey down a path of uncertain destruction. Several characters have ‘real life’ decisions to make, influenced by the perceived need to possess and abuse the gun. The play is populated with local schoolchildren who have experienced violence and are considered at risk.

Sponsored by a grant from the United States Dept. of Justice through the Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah, the 90-minute youth production targets children 10 years old and

Joyce Griffen ....Authors Formerly Known As Sarah older, appropriate for 5th-12thgrade students. All performances will be held in the John E. Allen, Jr. Theatre, including a 20-minute post-show discussion between the cast and the audience, moderated by a professional facilitator. The first 10 groups to purchase 25 tickets or more receive a free workshop based on the play! Contact the New Freedom Theatre box office at (215) 978-8497 to reserve individual or group tickets, $10 per ticket.

Performances run from

Thursday, Feb. 24 through Saturday, Mar. 12 at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

New Freedom Theatre will also present a Black history month show highlighting America’s first female millionaire. Formerly Known As Sarah is a tribute to Madam C.J. Walker, exposing her life’s challenges, discoveries and triumphs from the viewpoint of the first celebrated, self-made female American millionaire.

In the one-act play directed by Passion, Joyce Griffen recounts Walker’s life including being dismissed by Booker T. Washington at the 1912 National Negro Business League’s convention, to being a forerunner of today’s successful businesswomen of color managing marital issues. By default through the techniques she used, the empress of beauty introduced the notion of ‘good or bad’ hair to the African American community.

1858, she refused to relinquish her (illegal) seat on a Philadelphia trolley car – this, 100 years before Rosa Parks Nor did she waver in her support of John Brown, staying with his wife, Mary Brown, during the weeks before John was executed.

She lived at 1008 Bainbridge Street in Philadelphia and associated with a group of like-minded people who did much to make Philadelphia and the world a better place ... and is related to the family of Chaka Fattah.

Caucus Marks Black History The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus celebrated Black History Month with its annual Black History Program in the Capitol Rotunda.

The program celebrated African Americans and the Civil War. Included in the celebration was a historical reenactment of Harriet Tubman by Dr. Daisy Century.

“African Americans comprised 10% of the entire Union Army during the Civil War,” PLBC chairman, State Rep.

Ronald G. Waters (D-W. Phila.) said. “The courage of these men, the sacrifices they made, and the hardships endured, deserves our unbridled gratitude.

The intent of today’s program was to offer a small token of thanks to the many African American soldiers and heroes of the American Civil War.” As part of the program, the Lincoln University Concert Choir presented both the Black National Anthem, as well as a musical selection. The Steelton

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Who was Frances Harper? Why did City Council pass a Resolution declaring February 20 to 27 Frances Harper Week?

They did so for good reason.

She was the best known African American poet of the 19th century, publishing her first book of poetry when she was 21 and her famous novel, Iola Leroy, when she was 67.

Harper used her art to promote causes she believed in such as abolitionism, women’s suffrage and temperance, continuing her public speaking until she was nearly eight. In

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100 Years Before Rosa Parks

Elks’ Steppers also were on hand to perform.

“I consider it a privilege to host the 2011 Black History program,” Waters said. “The men who fought in the Civil War helped to destroy slavery and inaugurate universal freedom in the United States. Through today’s event, we have helped to pay tribute to their everlasting contribution to our nation.”

Following the program, the PLBC held a luncheon for attendees.

Dr. Taylor Tale Of Early City Hero In Philadelphia, Black History Month will draw to a close commemorating Dr. John Baxter Taylor, Jr., a man who triumphed at a time when African Americans were no longer slaves, but not nearly free. From flying around the track at Central High, to being the first African American to win Olympic Gold at the 1908 Summer Games, and then

back to Philadelphia to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania as a doctor of veterinary medicine, it is a wonder how his heroic tale had gotten lost in time.

Local entrepreneur and author Craig T. Williams poignantly captures the story of this forgotten hero in The Olympian: An American Triumph. On Monday, Feb. 28,

Dr. Taylor will be honored at Conversation Hall, City Hall, from 1 to 4 p.m. Mayor Nutter will be attendance and give brief remarks at 2 p.m.

Additionally, the author is holding two book signings: at Black & Nobel, 1411 W. Erie Avenue, Friday, Feb. 25, 1-4 p.m., and at Horizon, 901 Market Street #25, Saturday, Feb. 26, 12-3 p.m.

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The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Page 10

us, even indirectly through friends and family. Rather than suffer through the heartache of a loss, which could happen to anyone, isn’t it better to prevent the virus?

Yes, there are medications that are helping many people with AIDS to live longer lives, but these drugs are expensive.”

Other speakers at the news conference included State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.); Janice Kopelman, deputy secretary for health promotion and disease prevention, Pennsylvania Dept. of Health; and Cindy Stewart, CEO, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania.

The policy roundtable discussed “Keeping our focus and attention on where we are as a Commonwealth as it relates to investing in effective strategies

and support in preventing, treating, and educating our citizens on HIV/AIDS: What can we do better and what are we doing that is working?”

Roundtable panelists include Payton, Hughes, Kopelman and: Anthony Anderson, F.A.I.T.H. Initiative coordinator, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force; Oladoyin Desalu, executive director, Southwestern Pennsylvania AIDS Planning Coalition; Albertha Graham-Ellison, VP and project director, Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS Inc.; Philip K. Goropoulos, president and CEO of Alder Health Services, formerly known as the AIDS Community Alliance of South Central Pennsylvania; and Tamara Allen-Wurst, AIDS coalition manager, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania.

by Ramona Risco Benson ExecutiveDirector African American Museum Black History Months gives us a time to focus on The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary!

I am so grateful to all of our members and other stakeholders who have made it possible for the Museum to reach this important milestone. Our theme, Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing Our Promise, has been developed with the spirit of Sankofa (from the Akan language of Ghana, meaning taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present) guiding our steps. AAMP has had a tremendous 34 years, hosting many greats in literature, art and music. We have created a year of celebration

like no other you have seen from this institution. Every month will have an anniversary focused program or exhibit, some reminiscent of our past, others giving an indication of our hope for the future.

Our 35th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Committee is being cochaired by Denis O’Brien, president & CEO of PECO; Harold Epps, president of PRWT Services; and Thomas Woodward, Pennsylvania Market president of Bank of America. Through their efforts, we plan to offer an exciting calendar of activities and programs in this coming year.

Patience to Raise the Sun opened our 35th nniversary, providing the artistry in textiles created by courageous and talented women of Haiti. I thank

Beverly Lomax, philanthropist and quilt artist, Evelyn Smalls of United Bank and Florcy Morrisett of Vivant Gallery for agreeing to serve as our honorary co-chairs for this exhibit.

Our Education Department continues to present incredible programming. What you will see with our calendar, especially the depth in this month’s programming, will appeal to all visitors. We are especially interested in reaching more families with children, young adults and members of the faith community. Our Family Fun Days scheduled over the weekends continue to amaze. February’s planning is no exception – especially the one scheduled this Saturday, Feb. 19 with Campbell’s Soup Day in the morning and AME Day in the afternoon.

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

State legislators and community leaders held a news conference and policy roundtable at the State Capitol to highlight National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness.

State Rep. Tony Payton (D-Kensington) said, “The AIDS crisis was not left behind in the ’80s and ’90s, and the statistics prove it. This is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, but the power to prevent it is in our hands. We need to do more to educate people about this terrible disease, encourage them to get tested, and to show tolerance and compassion for those who have been diagnosed.”

State Rep. Ronald G. Waters (D-W. Phila.), chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, said, “HIV/AIDS can affect all of

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Legislators Observe National Marking Black History At Black HIV/AIDS Awareness African American Museum

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Page 12 The Public Record • February 17, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com

New Black-Owned Businesses Triple National

From 2002 to 2007, the number of Black-owned businesses increased by 60.5% to 1.9 million, more than triple the national rate of 18.0%, according to the US Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners. Over the same period, receipts generated by Black-owned businesses increased 55.1% to $137.5 billion.

“Black-owned businesses continued to be one of the fastest-growing segments of our economy, showing rapid growth in both the number of businesses and total sales during this time period,” said Census Bureau Deputy Director Thomas Mesenbourg.

These new data come from the Survey of Business Owners: Black-Owned Businesses:

2007. The survey provides detailed information every five years for black-owned businesses, including the number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual payroll.

Data are presented by geographic area (nation, state, county, city and metro area), industry and size of business.

Preliminary national and state data were released in July 2010.

In 2007, nearly four in 10 Black-owned businesses operated in the health-care and social-assistance; and repair, maintenance, personal- and laundry-services sectors. The retail trade and health-care and social-assistance sectors accounted for 27.4% of Blackowned business revenue.

Among states, New York had 204,032 Black-owned businesses and accounted for 10.6% of the nation’s Blackowned businesses, followed by Georgia, with 183,874 Blackowned businesses (9.6%) and Florida, with 181,437 (9.4%).

Among counties, Cook, Ill., had the most Black-owned businesses, with 83,733, accounting for 4.4% of all the nation’s Black-owned businesses. Los Angeles followed with 59,680 (3.1%) and Kings, N.Y., with 52,705 businesses (2.7%).

Among cities, New York had the most Black-owned businesses, with 154,929 (8.1% of all the nation’s Black-owned businesses), followed by Chicago, with 58,631 (3.1%), Houston, with

33,062 (1.7%) and Detroit, with 32,490 (1.7%).

Other highlights: Of the 1.9 million Blackowned businesses in 2007, 106,824 had paid employees, an increase of 13.0% from 2002. These businesses employed 921,032 people, an increase of 22.2%; their payrolls totaled $23.9 billion, an increase of 36.3%. Receipts

from Black-owned employer businesses totaled $98.9 billion, an increase of 50.2% from 2002.

In 2007, 1.8 million Blackowned businesses had no paid employees, an increase of 64.5% from 2002. These nonemployer businesses’ receipts totaled $38.6 billion, an increase of 69.0%.

The number of Black-

owned businesses with receipts of $1 million or more increased by 35.4% to 14,507 between 2002 and 2007.

The Survey of Business Owners defines black-owned businesses as firms in which Blacks or African Americans own 51% or more of the equity, interest or stock of the business.

Author Inspires Black History At the age of 26, Farrah Gray has achieved more than many people achieve in a lifetime. Raised in the impoverished South Side of Chicago, Dr. Gray defied the odds and became history’s youngest selfmade millionaire, beyond the field of entertainment, by age 14. He was also the youngest person to have an office on Wall Street and the youngest to receive an honorary doctorate.

Now he is an inspiration to millions and an international bestselling author. Gray’s books, Reallionaire, Get Real Get Rich, and The Truth Shall Make You Rich, have been translated into Russian, Korean, Indonesian and Vietnamese with book sales in Africa, Australia, Europe, and Central and South America.

Gray has also been named as one of the CNN’s African American First History Makers and as one of the 20 Modern Black History Makers in the 20th anniversary issue of Upscale magazine. Chair of the Farrah Gray Foundation and spokesman for the National Coalition for Homeless, as well as the National Bone Marrow Donor Program, he has been invited to the White House eight times with President Clinton, President Bush and, most recently, with President Barack Obama.

Gray began his entrepreneurial, personal, and civic development as a stellar young citizen at six years of age, selling homemade body lotion and

his own hand-painted rocks as bookends door-to-door. At seven, he was carrying business cards reading “21st Century CEO.” At eight, Gray became co-founder of Urban Neighborhood Enterprise Economic Club on Chicago’s Southside.

UNEEC was the forerunner of New Early Entrepreneur Wonders, the flagship organization he opened on Wall Street.

NE2W enlisted, educated, and engaged “at-risk” youth by creating and developing legal ways for them to acquire additional income.

Between the ages of 12 and 16, Gray founded and operated business ventures that included KIDZTEL pre-paid phone cards, the One Stop Mail Boxes & More franchise, and The Teenscope “Youth AM/FM” interactive teen talk show. Gray was also executive producer of a comedy show on the Las Vegas Strip and owner of FarrOut Foods, “Way-Out Food with a Twist,” aimed at young people with the company’s first strawberry-vanilla syrup product. Farr-Out Foods generated orders exceeding $1.5 million.

As a pre-teen, Gray reached 12 million listeners and viewers every Saturday night as co-host of “Backstage Live,” a syndicated television and radio simulcast in Las Vegas. Gray’s inspirational spirit and grounded personality sparked speaking requests from organizations around the country.

Gray’s sense of social responsibility motivated him to create

the nonprofit organization, The Farrah Gray Foundation.

Among other programs and initiatives, his foundation focuses on inner city community-based entrepreneurship education and provides scholarship and grant assistance for students from atrisk backgrounds to attend HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

Gray donates his honorariums from speaking engagements (which can be upwards of $15,000) and the proceeds of his book to his foundation in what he refers to as his “selfimposed” youth tax. The Farrah Gray Foundation is also in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, launching entrepreneurship programs in innercity schools across the country.

Gray is currently the CEO of Farrah Gray Publishing, which is distributed by HCI Books, which published the world-famous New York Times, USA Today and Guinness Book of World Records, as well as the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

Chicken Soup for the Soul has sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages and total retail sales of Chicken Soup for the Soul branded merchandise have topped $1.3 billion.

Reallionaire, as well as other titles by Dr. Gray, is available online and in bookstores everywhere. Learn more about this inspiring figure at: www.FarrahGray.com.

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The Public Record • February 17, 2011

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Page 14 The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Ringside With The Shadowboxer

DEMOCRAT CITY Council candidate Karen Brown is flanked by recently elected FOP Director Carmen Scarduzio and his wife Lenora at Veteran Boxers Associations fundraiser in Port Richmond.

Boxers Get Bipartisan Support

DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES Vincent Johnson for CP Judge, Ivy Staten for City Commissioner and Karen Brown for City Council are welcomed to fundraiser by VBA’s Fred Druding, Jr. and President Charley Sgrillo.

FRED

MARI

COUNCIL PRESIDENT Anna C. Verna welcomes decision of Urban Outfitters, Inc., which relocated at Navy Yard, to continue its expansion from 600 to 1,500 employees. Urban Outfitters is marking its 30th year as a Phila.-based corporation.

HONORED by American Philosophical Society celebrating 305th birthday of Benjamin Franklin was Gov. Ed Rendell, who receives Franklin Found Bowl from Penn Nursing School Dean Afaf Meleis and Chairman of Celebration Committee Don Smith. Photo by

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Bonnie Squires

Paid for by Committee to Elect Fred Mari

A L I C I A BURBAGE, who has entered Democrat Primary for 3rd Council Dist., told gospel audience why she had been called to public service.

Verna Congratulates Urban Outfitters

Celebrating Ben Franklin’s 305th

• Endorsement List incomplete at present time • The only candidate with certification from the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvaia Courts to sit as a Traffic Court Judge • The only candidatate with true Traffic Court Experience

CITY COMMISSIONER candidate Ivy Staten proved her mettle in spiritual leadership as well at gospel rally in Kingsessing Rec Center, where she performed from her own book of inspirational verse Lifeline.

REPUBLICAN COUNCIL At-Large candidate Joe McColgan joined Vince Minniti, Gina DeGiovanni, Marjilyn Pakich and Christine Otto at VBA fundraiser.

For Traffic Court Judge

Endorsements • F.O.P. Lodge # 5 • District Council # 21 • Glaziers Local # 252 • Roofers Local # 30 • Plasterers Local # 8 • Iron Workers local # 401 • Operating Engineers . # 542 • Plumbers Local # 690 • Teamsters # 830 • Teamsters # 107 • Teamsters # 628 • Sprinkle Fitters Local # 692

Gospel Draws Campaigners

South Philadelphia Business Association Annual scholarship Gala will be honoring

'Persons of the Year' District Attorney

Seth Williams and Row Home Magazine Publishers

Dawn Rhoades and

Dorette Rota Jackson On Thursday March 10th, 2011

at Galdo's Caterers 20th & Moyamensing Ave. For more info and tickets Please call 215-336-1108

Roots of 9/11 Part 13 of 25

ROOTS: GLOBAL NEW WORLD ORDER POLICY “And this is where that money has been going to acquire control over these groups and institutions by buying up influence and control over the people who run them. That means that they are buying up politicians, political parties, television networks, cable networks, newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, wire services, motion picture studios, universities, labor unions, church organizations, trade associations, tax exempt foundations, multi-national corporations, boy scouts, girl scouts. You name it. Any group—any institution which exercises influence has been a target for control. And they have a lot of money to spend to acquire that control.”

--G. Edward Griffin, “The Creature from Jekyll Island; A Second Look at the Federal Reserve,” 1.800.595.6596

FRUITS: LOCAL NEW WORLD ORDER POLICY The owner and president of Review Publishing, which owns among others, the South Philadelphia Review and the Philadelphia Weekly (formerly, the Welcomat), is Anthony Clifton. A native Londoner, the chap has a lengthy background in finance. Generally unknown to the public, the gentleman is (coincidentally?) a brother-in-law to Brian Roberts, President of Comcast, Inc., the largest cable provider in the U.S.A. One former owner of a local weekly told me the Roberts family did not want Anthony Clifton to be directly involved in the family business so they bought for him Review Publishing from the Levin/Seiderman family.

Confirming the source, Mr. Dan Rottenberg, former writer for the Wall Street Journal and Welcomat editor told me he believes the Comcast and Review Publishing relationship is “a silent partnership.” I also believe there is a silent partnership, but am unable to confirm it. By reading a Comcast Annual Report, one will not find “Review Publishing” as a holding.

Meanwhile. U.S. News & World Report described South Philadelphia (home of the Review and Comcast monopolies), as “crumbling South Philly” in their May 31, 1999 issue. Rottenberg also wrote some some 12 years ago: “Thanks to this monopoly, the Spectum is said to generate annual profits of more than $6 million for Spectacor. Yet, Spectacor pays Philadelphia only $1,250 a month – and no real estate taxes – for the right to keep all the building's profits.”

Written in 1999, and distributed on Thursday, June 3, 1999 at Marconi Plaza during one of the South Philadelphia Review's “Summer Concert” series. The result was that all outdoor concerts sponsored by the Review shifted indoors to Chickie & Pete's Sports Bar, while the Review's “Rittenhouse Square Concerts” remain outdoors.

“You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania” Email: annamariexox3@aol.com

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

The Achievements of African Americans Who Contributed To

Page 15

Celebrating and Saluting

Robert Brady Congressman 1st District Paid for by Committee to Elect Bob Brady

Don’t Say You Didn’t Know!

The Philadelphia Public Record Newspapers Congratulate Our Selection As

It’s Also Our 12th Anniversary As The City’s Top Political and Labor Newspaper

Public Servant of The Year

Also!

Sam Staten, Jr.

Here’s Your Chance To Meet And Greet This Year’s Primary Candidates From

For 2011 Business Manager of

Laborers’ Local 332

March 17th, 2011

And! Join With Many Of Our Previous Public Servants Of The Year Honorees As We All Salute

50.00 Per Person $450.00 Table of 10

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2011 Public Servant Of The Year

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Make Your Reservation Now Call John David 215-755-2000

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As You All Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Galdo’s Catering 6-9 PM 20th & Moyamensing Phila., PA 19145

Both Parties!

Page 16 The Public Record • February 17, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com

Commissioners Diss Their Lying Detractors (Cont. From Page 2) report results. During the past nine years of use, this system also avoided millions of dollars in costs for mechanical parts and saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars in labor costs in reporting election-night results and conducting the Official Canvass of Returns.

In 2006, The Commission began use of the Commonwealth’s Statewide Uniform Registry of Voters,

a new computer system for processing and maintaining the accuracy and currency of voter-registration records. The system, mandated by the federal Help America Vote Act, provides for electronic processing of applications and change of address information from PennDOT and deceased notices from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Health.

The system also provides for electronic transfer of

records across the counties.

Commission personnel used this system to process an historic record of 300,000 paper voter-registration applications in the five months preceding the November 2008 Presidential General Election. The Commission continues use of the system which the Commonwealth upgraded in January 2009.

The false charge elections are set up geographically located as to where

Philadelphia’s population was in the ’60s is a failure to recognize or admit the facts. While the City’s Ward boundaries remain as enacted by City Council in 1967, the Commission does not have the responsibility or the authority to change Ward boundaries.

This statement fails to acknowledge there are many geographical changes that have been made and or implemented by the Commis-

sioners during the past 30 years. In 1988, Commission personnel completed a yearlong task of realigning the geographic boundaries of more than 1,100 voting districts or Divisions within their respective wards. This process involved reviewing all of the City’s then-1,795 voting Divisions, redrawing the boundaries and re-designating voter records in 1,100 voting Divisions so that all Divisions were between 550 and 900 registered voters.

The Commission eliminated 115 voting Divisions during this Divisional realignment. The sizing of voting Divisions so that they contain between 550 and 900 registered voters has insured polling places remain close to voters’ residences and lines at polling places have remained reasonable, so as to promote voter convenience and not disenfranchise the voter.

That statement also fails to recognize federal, State and County legislative boundaries are revised every 10 years based upon population figures compiled by the US Census Bureau. These legislative realignments require the Commissioners perform tasks associated with redesignating records, reformatting voting-system tables and validating legislative District maps. The last legislative boundary changes were in the early 2000s and the next are scheduled for 2012-2013.

One more lie has to be dealt with and that is the statement, “The office is just doing a fraction of the job it needs to do. It’s not just a job of running elections, it’s a job of encouraging people to vote and letting people know what the elections are about.”

The job of running elections is not just a fraction of the job of the Commissioners Office. Performance in complying with mandates and processing workloads to maintain the accuracy of the City’s files of eligible voters and maintaining and deploying durable, reliable,

accurate and user-friendly voting machines is the primary mission of the Commission.

Insuring all work is performed in compliance with federal and State laws, timely and accurately, so he City’s registered voters are able to vote conveniently, at a location near their homes, without suffering long lines, are the primary tasks in preventing disenfranchisement and encouraging people to vote. The job of running elections consumes all of the resources provided to the Commission by the City. The Commissioners have conducted voter-outreach and education programs each time funding was available.

Prior to the 2004, 2006, and 2008 federal General Elections, the Commission conducted massive votereducation programs through paid advertisements in both major daily newspapers, one major weekly and 27 community weekly newspapers in coordination with direct mailings to every registrant in the City. The programs included information on how to vote using the City’s electronic machines and voter-specific data including ID requirements, fail-safe voting rights, provisional ballot voting, and polling-place accessibility. The programs were possible because the City Commissioners decided to allocate more than $1.5 million in federal Help America Vote Grant funds to voter-education programs.

The Commission has also used mandated paid advertisements, press releases, announcements and information posted on the City’s Government access cable TV channel to educate voters. It has also provided and is still providing election information and voting-machine demonstrations at community meetings, senior citizens centers, disability organizations, schools, and health fairs, and politicalcommittee meetings upon request.

IMPRESSED with turnout were Dr. Joseph Toland and City Commissioner Joe Duda.

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

HUGE CROWD packed R2L Club to mark Republican City Committee’s tribute to inauguration of Gov. Tom Corbett and Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley. With Republican City Committee leaders Chairman Vito Canuso, left, and Counsel Michael Meehan, 3rd from left, were Ed COUNCIL AT LARGE candidate Michael Un& Marianne DiDonato, Mark Haas and Republican Council at Large candidate David Oh. termeyer and Jerry Aspite compare notes.

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Republican City Committee Marks Corbett-Cawley Win

SHARING a moment were Chris Wright, Jim Dintino, Council at-Large candidate Joe McColgan and State Rep. John Taylor.

UT O B A ASK ULL OUR F R A 30 YE TEE AN GUAR ARRIVING AT Republican City Committee gala were Fareed Ahmad, Ward Leader Kevin Pasquay and Andre Duggin.

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

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CITY WIDE SERVICE ALL TYPES OF

ROOFING 975

1

ON ROOFIN NI

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LABOR was much in evidence with Tom Clavin, Sprinklerfitters Wayne Miller, Walter Thackary, judicial candidate Fran Shields and Dennis Cowley.

U

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial 37ivtehrsary Ann

1

201

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

12260 Townsend Road

215-464-6425 JUDGE Kenneth J. Powell, Jr. and Ward Leader Walt Vogler, center, are flanked by Devyn Gehret and John Giordano.

215-725-8815

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

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

Page 18 The Public Record • February 17, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com

SNOOPER’S “SPECIAL EVENT”: I’m told, “THREE’S A CHARM”, and obviously they were right. The recent snowstorms had forced two cancellations of the recent “DAVID LAWRENCE FAREWELL PARTY”. Mr. Lawrence happened to be The Court Administrator for The 1st Judicial Dist., and on Feb. 16, he “RETIRED”. I was just informed by “The Judge”, and also ‘the promoter’ – HON. JOSEPH EVERS – they will now have this FAREWELL PARTY on FEB. 22 at SWAN CATERERS, and it will start at 6:00 p.m. promptly. Please call the following young ladies for any and all information: KRISTIN, “Fabulous” DEBBIE, BARBRA, or call “The Man’ himself at (215) 686-6651 or 686-7703. I suggest you do it NOW! SNOOPER’S ’TIS’ THE SEASON” DEPT. Now that we have all suffered through another disastrous football season, we can now turn our sports efforts to “The Game”. The Northeast Peanut League’s Sports Programs are about to get under way. FRANK SPATACCO, the C.E.O., informs us they are looking for young men and young women who would like to be UMPIRES! The Northeast Peanut Leagues will train you in becoming good officials in BASEBALL and SOFTBALL. The Northeast Peanut League has one of the biggest sports programs, and organizations in this City. They take care of over 10,000 BOYS and GIRLS in their various sports programs. FRANK CONNELLY, President, stated, “Here’s a great opportunity, for all those who want to become UMPIRES. Please call us at (215) 632-1078. Hurry!”

SNOOPER’S “AROUND TOWN” BUREAU: Got to see one of the great human beings of this City. My associate tells me he does plenty of TV SHOWS about Project H.O.M.E. This gentleman is very interested in THE HOMELESS PEOPLE of this City, and God knows, there are thousands of them all over Philadelphia. Most of them have serious ADDICTION PROBLEMS and we must do what we can for them. I found out for myself these HOMELESS PEOPLE, at least most of those I personally met, are not LAZY PEOPLE and they will work to get monies to better themselves. MONICA stated, “They also need affordable housing for their families too.”

SNOOPER’S “SUPER” SCOOP: South Philly pay attention, because this concerns all of you. I spoke with HON. RONALD DONATUCCI, also the Ward Leader of “the fighting 26th Ward (D); he told me, his Son RON JR. has no plans to run for any POLITICAL OFFICE. The rumor that was circulated around the 26th Ward was in error, because HON.MARIA DONATUCCI wants to be the State Representative for as long as her con(Cont. Page 19)

On Tuesday, someone sent me one of those videos you know is just plain wrong … but it’s too funny not to laugh at.

It was entitled “The Real Housewives of Civil Rights” and featured the women on the comedy troupe Elite Delta Force 3. Now, if you’ve ever watched any of the “Real Housewives” shows on Bravo, you know what kind of fighting, backbiting and all-around silliness you’re going to get as the women go through their day.

Now imagine if the women in question were Coretta Scott King (wife of Martin), Betty Shabazz, (wife of Malcolm), Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou and Marilyn Monroe (because this must be a multiracial grouping.) Add Wayne Brady as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and you get a video that will make you laugh … and feel real guilty as you do it.

Why do I bring this up? I was talking with some friends of mine about the upcoming City Council races and how soap-operatic they’ve become. It’s not even March and we already have enough intrigue, secret meetings, and endorsement drama to have our own reality show.

So, starting this week, I’ll be bringing you “The Real Housewives of City Council: the May Primary Edition”, a reality show that features some of the biggest egos in the City of Philadelphia vying for some of the city’s best-paying jobs and spending gobs and gobs of money to get there.

In this week’s episode, we start with the Republican City Committee’s endorsements.

While no one the Party is willing to endorse is running for Mayor (and the Party only has $3,000 on hand, so if anyone did they wouldn’t be much help), the Party was kind enough to endorse the last guy who tried, Al Taubenberger, for City Council At Large.

Also endorsed were Malcolm Lazin, executive director of the gay-rights organization Equality Forum, Joe McColgan, John Giordano and David Oh, who would become the first Asian on City Council should he win.

All eyes were on the committee when it came to Oh. I know mine were. If I were the Republican City Committee, I would make it my business to try and make a little positive history in this regard. Especially since he should be running for reelection and not for a first shot at the seat currently occupied by Councilman Jack Kelly.

But what was more interesting even than Oh getting the endorsement was who didn’t get one. Marie Delaney, director of Overington House, was a missed opportunity for the GOP. (Cont. Page 19)

Yo! Here we go again with this story about the Hills – Bob and his new wife Betty – who were vacationing in Europe, near Transylvania. They were driving in a rental car along a rather-deserted highway. It was late and raining very hard. Bob could barely see the road in front of the car. Suddenly, the car skids out of control, swerves and smashes into a tree.

Moments later, Bob shakes his head to clear the fog. Dazed, he looks over at the passenger seat and sees his wife unconscious, with her head bleeding! Despite the rain and unfamiliar countryside, Bob knows he has to get her medical assistance.

Bob carefully picks his wife up and begins trudging down the road. After a short while, he sees a light coming from a large, old house. He approaches the door and knocks.

A minute passes. A small, hunched man opens the door. Bob immediately blurts, “Hello, my name is Bob Hill, and this is my wife Betty. We’ve been in a terrible accident, and my wife has been seriously hurt. Can I please use your phone?”

“I’m sorry,” replied the hunchback, “but we don’t have a phone. My master is a doctor; come in, and I will get him!” Bob brings his wife in.

An older man comes down the stairs. “I’m afraid my assistant may have misled you. I am not a medical doctor; I am a scientist. However, it is many miles to the nearest clinic, and I have had a basic medical training. I will see what I can do. Igor, bring them down to the laboratory.”

With that, Igor picks up Betty and carries her downstairs, with Bob following closely. Igor places Betty on a table in the lab. Bob collapses from exhaustion and his own injuries, so Igor places Bob on an adjoining table.

After a brief examination, Igor’s master looks worried. “Things are serious, Igor. Prepare a transfusion.” Igor and his master work feverishly, but to no avail. Bob and Betty Hill are no more.

The Hills’ deaths upset Igor’s master greatly. Wearily, he climbs the steps to his conservatory, which houses his grand piano. For it is here that he has always found solace. He begins to play, and a stirring, almost haunting melody fills the house.

Meanwhile, Igor is still in the lab tidying up. His eyes catch movement, and he notices the fingers on Betty’s hand twitch, keeping time to the haunting piano music. Stunned, he (Cont. Page 19)

DR. JOE TOLAND celebrated his 80th birthday with a brunch at the Buck Hotel. Among the guests were retired JUDGE JEROME ZALESKI and the Republican Ward Leader of the 61st Ward Bill Ivers and many of his friends. Joe is the Republican chairman of the 61st Ward and has served as such for over 20 years. When the President Judge of the Philadelphia Traffic Court JOHN PATRICK WALSH departed this life, Joe gave the eulogy at Saint Helena’s Church. He reminded the congregation of the precise use of English that the Judge was famous for: He made the distinction between “adjusted” and “fixed”. He always pointed out that flats are fixed and tickets at Traffic Court are adjusted. Ivers serenaded the group with a series of songs from the 1950s and ’60s.

The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is holding the annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance at the Union League of Philadelphia, on Mar. 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and a dinner at 7:00 p.m. Dress is formal and tickets are $150. It is nice to see the Friendly Sons return to the Union League. For a number of years, they have been nomads with their St. Patrick’s Day Party.

STATE REP. DENN Y O’BRIEN has announced he will be a candidate for Councilman at Large on the Republican ticket. Philadelphia Home Rule charter requires the minority party, in this case Republicans, must receive two of the seven seats in the Councilman at Large races. Usually COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO is guaranteed a seat because of the high regard his father has been held among many Philadelphians, so for effective purposes there will be only one vacancy. The group that will be seeking this seat is quite impressive and should result in a spirited campaign in the primary.

The year 2011 is already noteworthy for the number of continuous days that there has been snow on the ground.

STATE SEN. MIKE O’PAKE, whose untimely death occurred last month, left $2 million to Saint Joseph’s University. He was a St. Joe’s graduate and for a number of years served on the Board of Directors for the University.

The commission which defines the dimensions of the different Districts for the State Legislature, Senate and Congress is composed of five members – one selected by the majority in the House and one selected by the minority in the House, another selected by the majority (Cont. Page 19)

Out & About (Cont. From Page 18) Since the folks in the national party seem content to create as many additional homeless people as possible, having a Councilperson who works to help homeless women might have been a big plus. State Rep. Denny O’Brien was also passed over in the endorsement race.

But the one that really stood out, in terms of the un-

City Hall Sam (Cont. From Page 18) in the Senate and the fourth selected by the minority in the Senate. The fifth member, in the event members cannot agree on a fifth person, is appointed by the Supreme Court. In redistricting, the Democrats should not expect the present situation to improve. As it stands now, with one million more Democrats than Republicans, the State Senate is composed of 20 Democrats and 30 Republicans.

It is unlikely, whatever the

there to make sure everything went well. We knew how important this event was; after all, MATT O’DONNELL of ABC TV-6 showed up to do the story for “ACTION NEWS”. He was definitely impressed too.

SNOOPER’S RADIO NEWS DEPT.: Remember MARVIN BARRISH? He recently had a Radio Show on WNJC RADIO in which he interviewed Judges, Politicians and also “wannabees”. I was just informed H-E I-S BA-C-K once again on the RA-D-I-O! He now can be heard on WIFI 1460 AM and you just know he’ll be back bigger than ever with all kinds of people, including his favorites, the many Politicians.

endorsed, was Councilman Frank Rizzo, Jr. My guess is, the folks who run the City Committee don’t want to be in the crosshairs of Stu Bykofsky and others who would focus on the Deferred Option Retirement Program, because to focus on the fact we’re crawling in housing with 10-yeartax abatements on it would make too much sense.

However, DROP doesn’t matter as much to people as having a City Councilman

who will do what you need him to do when you need him to do it. Like I said in a previous column, constituent service is what’s going to get Councilman Rizzo reelected.

Not an endorsement.

Well, that’s this week’s episode of the “Real Housewives of City Council: The May Primary Edition.” Next week, the 2nd Dist. Council race may be coming into focus.… Or then again, it may not be. Stay tuned!

commission comes up with, that the courts will order any changes.

Recent polls among Republicans who are eligible to vote put MITT ROMNEY at the top, followed closely by MIKE HUCKABEE. Surprisingly, SARAH PALIN was sixth on the list, receiving less that 10% of the votes cast.

JOE ZAZYCZNY, who is a former City Councilman and former Secretary of the Commonwealth, is recovering nicely following an operation to replace his kidney. The re-

placement was donated by one of his lovely daughters.

Waffleman (Cont. From Page 18) watches as Bob’s arm begins to rise, marking the beat! He is further amazed as Betty and Bob both sit up straight!

Unable to contain himself, he dashes up the stairs to the conservatory. He bursts in and shouts to his master: “Master, Master! The Hills are alive, with the sound of music.”

I am so sorry ... but you really should’ve seen that one coming.

Meeting At Liberty City

Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography

Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant TO: The Unknown Heirs of Rudolph Harry Benson, Deceased, MORTGAGOR AND REAL OWNER, DEFENDANT(S), whose last known address is 6009 Irving Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139.

THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT OWED TO OUR CLIENT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM YOU WILL BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING THE DEBT. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 101104454, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 6009 Irving Street Philadelphia, PA 19139, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia County.

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

YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES, INC. Law Center North Central 3638 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 215-227-2400 or 215-981-3700 PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104 215-238-6333 Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff Goldbeck McCafferty & McKeever, P.C. Suite 5000, Mellon Independence Center 701 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19106-1532 215-627-1322

www.phillyrecord.com

JUDICIAL hopeful Carolyn Nichols, Micah Mahjoubian and labor leader John Dougherty were among those at Liberty City LGBT Democrats panel discussion. Dougherty was a panelist.

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY CIVIL ACTION - LAW No. 101104454 NOTICE OF ACTION IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Rudolph Harry Benson, Deceased

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

(Cont. From Page 18) stituents want her. She was officially sworn in on Tuesday and she is ready to do the same job her beloved husband HON. ROBERT DONATUCCI did for all of us.

We congratulate her on her tremendous victory in that recent “Special Election” and she can’t wait to run for a “FULL TERM”. More to come! We apologize for any misunderstanding resulting from we were told, we’re sorry!

SNOOPER “UPDATE”: “The 10th Annual Valentine’s Day Weddings” in COURT were tremendous successes, and we can thank HON.

HOLLY FORD, who was the coordinator for this special event. President Judge Hon. Pamela Pryor DEMBE, as well as President Judge HON. MARSHA NEIFIELD, both gave opening speeches to all those (45) who showed up in Courtroom 653 to get married. Judges from CP Court volunteered to perform all these weddings and they were tremendous. HON. GUY SABIELLI, C.E.O. of the Marriage License Bureau, along with his professionals MIKE VIGGIANO and his ‘partner’ JUSTIN GRAHAM were responsible for getting the courtroom ready, and they did quite a remarkable job. The Register of Wills HON. ROBERT DONATUCCI was

Page 19

Snooper

Page 20* The Public Record • February 17, 2011

PHA Finances Weather The $torm Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services says despite the storm revolving around Philadelphia Housing Authority’s change in executive leadership, the agency remains a well-managed organization worthy of an investment grade rating. In fact, at “AA-,” PHA

enjoys the highest rating of any governmental agency in Philadelphia.

“The rating reflects our opinion of a trend of overall operational performance and portfolio quality,” stated the S&P report. “PHA continues to demonstrate, in our view,

Lt. Gov. Cawley Keynotes 122nd Germantown Republican Club Lincoln Day Dinner

LT. GOV. Jim Cawley, seated at right, was keynote speaker at 122nd annual Germantown Republican Club Lincoln Day Dinner at Union League. Joining him at head table were Commissioner Joseph Duda, seated left, and standing, Rev. R.T. Jones, Frank Hendrie, emcee David Richards and Republican City Committee Chairman Vito Canuso.

strong management performance, excellent operational benchmarks and improving financial ratios.”

S&P cites the current transitional state of executive leadership as a weakness; however, the report also notes that the agency is now headed by an interim director with “broad and long-term industry experience.” PHA Interim Executive Director Michael P. Kelly is currently on loan from the New York City Housing

Authority. He has over 30 years of public housing experience and was chosen by HUD to lead PHA during its transition period.

“My hope is that this evaluation reassures the residents who depend on PHA that we remain a strong, stable and well-managed agency. We have been through some turbulent times over the past several months – and we are acting quickly to bring respect and transparency back to our busi-

ness practices - but this report underscores the fact that our mission and service capability has not been affected,” said Director Kelly.

Among the findings by S&P: PHA has low debt levels compared to growth of unrestricted assets; has shown improved financial performance including growth in profitability; has experienced a steady decline in the past five years in maintenance costs compared to total revenues – the result of rebuilding and rehabilitating the portfolio.

The “AA-” rating means PHA can continue to borrow

money at favorable rates. In its outlook, S&P says, “key to maintaining the rating will be PHA’s ability to maintain its organizational infrastructure in a manner that continues implementation of its financial management, fiscal oversight and performance strategic goals.”

“We believe that with our newly established internal audit and compliance procedures, we will increase accountability and oversight of the organization – and restore public confidence in PHA’s ability to deliver its essential product and services,” Director Kelly said.

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Page 21 The Public Record • February 17, 2011

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Page 22 The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Served By Heroes 6 RECIPIENTS of National Medals of Honor were treated to a sumptuous luncheon at Tír na Nóg restaurant in Center City by owner Dan Keating. These heroes tended bar around the region as part of a charity fundraiser.

Realtors Honor Performances

PRUDENTIAL Fox & Roach, REALTORSc honored Center City sales associates for their sales performance at Breakfast of Champions. Seated from left were Mike McCann, Society Hill; Jody Dimitruk, 1800 Rittenhouse; Steven Ferguson, Society Hill; and standing, Ginny McCuen, Senior VP and manager; Travis Rodgers, Rittenhouse Hotel; George Maynes, Art Museum; Cathy Shepherd, Trident Insurance and Joan Docktor, Executive Vice President of sales. Honored but not pictured were Katrina Mink, Society Hill and John Portland, Rittenhouse Hotel.

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Waters Speaks Against Acts Of Hate Statewide (Cont. From Page 7) That same month, the US Dept. of Justice indicted three men for burning a six-foot cross outside the home of a white family in a Pittsburgh suburb. The family has a Black foster child who plays football for the local high school.

Last October, the William Penn Senior HS marching band of York was attacked while marching at the Manheim Farm Show in Lancaster Co. The band members, who were Black, white and Latino, were the victims of racial epithets and derogatory comments by the predominantly white crowd of spectators observing the parade. Spectators also threw rocks at the William Penn students and sprayed them with soda.

In April 2009, a Pittsburgh man was charged with murder-

ing three police officers and wounding two others following a domestic dispute outside his mother’s house. The man, who is alleged to harbor racist views and whose writings appeared on a white-power website, reportedly believed President Obama would ban guns.

And in 2009, an all-white Schuylkill Co. jury acquitted two white youths of all serious charges in the July 2008 beating death of Mexican immigrant Luís Ramírez. This came despite strong evidence that the teens had murdered the man, including claims by witnesses that racial epithets were used during the violent assault. The teens were later indicted on federal hate-crimes charges and convicted by a federal jury last October. Last month, two police officers were convicted for attempting to cover up the

crime.

James Carville once said, “Pennsylvania is Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in between.” Unfortunately, his statement rings true today.

Pennsylvania needs to be a leader in job growth and education, not a capital of hate and racial intolerance. During this Black History Month, we should strive to do better. We cannot afford to become the new “Old South” of the North.

At a time when we have an African American president, first lady and family, that should serve as an indication the country is moving forward.

However, we wonder what some people mean when we they say they want to “take our country back.”

It’s time Pennsylvanians stand up and condemn hate crimes.

(Cont. From Page 7) Tartaglione, and Richard Kryzanowski.

Event cochairs Donna M. Fluehr, Barbara Augustine, and An-

thony DiSandro, Sr., Hon. Amato Berardi, PAC Chairman.

Mar. 17- Judge Jimmy Lynn’s Salute to St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast at Plough & Stars, 2nd & Chestnut, 7:3011 a.m. Tickets at door $25.

Mar. 25- Gov. Tom Corbett addresses 82nd Airborne

Phila. Chapter All American Dinner & Awards Ceremony at Iron Workers Union Hall, 11600 Norcom Rd., 7-11 p.m. Tickets $35. For tickets Eunice Lee at elee@zarwin/com or (215) 569-2800, ext. 1179, or David Oh, chairman, ext.

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Page 23

Every 20 seconds, somewhere in the world, a child dies from pneumonia. Many of these deaths are preventable through vaccination and appropriate treatment.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

Globally, pneumonia causes more deaths than any other infectious disease. However, it can often be prevented with vaccines and can usually be treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs.

In 2007, 1.2 million people

in the US were hospitalized with pneumonia and more than 52,000 people died from the disease.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Signs of pneumonia can include coughing, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, chills, or chest pain.

Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia. This includes adults 65 years of age or older and children less than five years of

by Michael A. Cibik, Esquire American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: What happens to my tax refund if I file bankruptcy?

Answer: If you file any time other than Jan. 1, and have not received your tax refund for the previous year, or years; then that yet-to-be-paid refund is an asset that must be listed, and claimed exempt, or

you may lose it to the trustee.

Many courts have held if you leave off an asset, such as a tax refund, you cannot amend later to keep it from the trustee, even though the Bankruptcy Code says the debtor has a right to amend the bankruptcy schedules at any time to claim an exemption.

Next week’s question: Can you sell your house in a Chapter 13?

age. People up through 64 years of age who have underlying medical conditions (like diabetes or HIV/AIDS) and people 19 through 64 who smoke cigarettes or have asthma are also at increased risk for getting pneumonia.

Encourage friends and loved ones with certain health conditions, like diabetes and asthma, to get vaccinated against the flu and bacterial pneumonia.

When bacteria, viruses or, rarely, fungi living in your nose, mouth, sinuses, or the environment spread to your lungs, you can develop pneumonia or other infections.

You can catch the bacteria or viruses from people who are infected with them, whether they are sick or not.

You may have heard of community-acquired pneumonia. When someone who hasn’t recently been in the hospital or another healthcare facility develops pneumonia, it’s called community-acquired.

Pneumonia is associated with health care when someone gets the infection during or following a stay in a healthcare facility (like hospitals, long-term care facilities, and

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dialysis centers). These infections are labeled healthcareassociated pneumonias, which includes healthcare-associated pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia or ventilator-associated pneumonia.

In the US, the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and the most common viral causes are influenza, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial viruses. In children less than 1 year of age, respiratory syncytial virus is the most common cause of pneumonia. Other common bacterial and viral causes of pneumonia include Staphylococcus aureus and adenovirus. Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii, is a common cause of pneumonia in patients with AIDS. Good hygiene practices can also help prevent respiratory infections. This includes washing your hands regularly, cleaning hard surfaces that are touched often (like doorknobs and countertops), and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow or sleeve.

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The Public Record • February 17, 2011

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Page 24 The Public Record • February 17, 2011

Inside Your Computer Rogueware: Fake Antivirus Programs

by Peter Radatti President, CyberSoft Inc. Today I am writing about a specific type of rogueware: fake antivirus programs. This is a serious problem.

An attack of this type happens in few ways. First, a computer user searches the internet for an antivirus program. If they find and decide to download a fake antivirus program, that is one way of getting caught. The cyber crooks might even make a website that looks like they are selling a wellknown antivirus program, when what is actually downloaded is their fake program.

Of course, auction websites also have this problem. Finally, many of this type of program reach the victim by way of unsolicited bulk email.

The crooks may make use of real, known problems like

describing a slow computer or a computer that crashes often as potentially infected. If you download the fake antivirus program, it will “find” serious virus infections on your computer. Of course, it’s not finding anything. It is not a real antivirus program, so it just tells you any lie that is necessary to get you to buy the program. Once you buy it, they got your identity. Even if you don’t buy it, the program is on your computer and monitoring your activity.

Why is this problem increasing so rapidly? It has been estimated rogueware authors make over $34 million a month, which works out to $408 million a year.

Rogueware names are generally intended to try to further hide their true identity.

Some rogueware names are System Guard The Association of Research 2009, MS Anand Enlightenment (A.R.E) tiSpyware Edgar Cayce’s Foundation, 2009, Malrequested a Psychic program that did not just talk about psychic ability, but actually makes it possible to create it ware Doctor, on demand. This program has been 20 years in the mak- AntiMalware ing, and is now being made available by a few certified Doctor, Aninstructors to the public. tivirus Pro Join me at one of two locations where this special Intuitive 2010, Security Heart training designed by Edgar Cayce’s Institute for Intuitive Studies will be held.

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The presence of a file with one of these names does not mean you are infected, since you might have a real program of a similar name installed. There is only one way to know if you are infected with rogueware and that is to install a known good, real antivirus program.

I recommend you download the Windows antivirus demo from CyberSoft Operating Corp. It is a real antivirus program and the demo version is free. www.cyber.com.

Raditti Warned Power Of Stuxnet In Column Peter Radatti several months ago explained how the computer virus Stuxnet was used to infect Iran’s uraniumenrichment complex, taking 1,000 gas centrifuges offline.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. A non-refundable fee for each set of bid documents is as scheduled. The School District will only accept bids from companies that have been placed on its current Pre Qualified Contractors List as shown at psit.org.

All School District Project require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications.

BUDGET FEE B-033 (C) of 2010/11 General Contract Widener Memorial School $1,000,000.00 $ 500.00 Toilet Room Modernization 1450 West Olney Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on February 16, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

FEE BUDGET B-034 (C) of 2010/11 Plumbing Contract Widener Memorial School $500,000.00 $500.00 Toilet Room Modernization 1450 West Olney Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on February 16, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

BUDGET FEE B-035 (C) of 2010/11 Electrical Contract Widener Memorial School $100,000.00 $ 500.00 Toilet Room Modernization 1450 West Olney Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on February 16, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

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

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

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

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA The School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Capital Programs is currently accepting Prequalification Applications for the following: Prime Construction Contractors All prime construction contractors are required to be pre-qualified with the Office of Capital Programs in order to pursue Capital Improvement work (excluding emergency work) with the School District.

The application process is an open enrollment; however, formal School Reform Commission approval occurs every six months.

The current application due date is as follows: Prime Construction Contractor Prequalification Application Submittal Deadline – 6/17/11 by 2:00 P.M. SRC Approval Date – 9/17/11* * Prequalification approval typically occurs three months after the scheduled due date. Firms must receive written approval from the School District prior to pursuing work with the School District’s Office of Capital Programs.

To obtain a Prequalification application go to the following website and click on appropriate application http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/psit/prequal.html If you have any questions regarding the pre-qualification process, please contact Gerald C. Thompson, Contracts Manager, Office of Capital Programs at gcthompson@philasd.org Please Note – The above Prequalification Process applies to Prime Construction Contractors wishing to pursue Capital Improvement work with The School District of Philadelphia, Office of Capital Programs. Vendors wishing to provide goods and other services to the School District should visit The School District of Philadelphia, Office of Procurement’s website at: http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/procurement/

automatic loaders, which never got off the ground.

The grant, if approved by Gov. Tom Corbett at the request of Manny Stamatakis, chairman of the Philadelphia Shipyard Development Council, will go to Akers, which has two more ships scheduled to be built. The shipyard has promised to begin again cutting steel for the first of these, entitled “Ship 17”, which it had stopped prior to the union agreement.

The biggest disappointment, states Gaydosh, is, “Most of the jobs created have gone to the foreign nationals, and not the well-qualified members of our unions.

The Swedish shipbuilder says it brought them in as consultants, though they were not needed. Our men and women have done the job and done so better.”

In 2000, then-State Auditor General Robert P. Casey, Jr. unveiled a highly critical audit of the Kvaerner operation, which preceded Akers, and the Ridge Administration’s “investment” of tax

dollars in the operation.

Casey’s audit concluded, less than two years into the operation, taxpayers paid for wasteful and extravagant spending by Kvaerner management. Kvaerner managers had to repay some of the money they used for personal luxuries, including new homes, landscaping, cars and toys for their children.

The economic free-wheeling of Kvaerner managers might be understood in light of the fact the Swedish multi-

national company was verging on bankruptcy at the time and had, in 1999, announced it was divesting itself of its shipbuilding operations.

Casey’s audit also showed the firm had violated tenants of its agreement by ignoring contracting with minority and women-owned companies. It also questioned whether the Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corp., the funnel for tax dollars to the private business, had “exercised due diligence in assuring that the

million in public funds, but Gov. Tom Ridge had turned them down, causing considerable political blowback on himself.

Over its 12 years of operation, the Kvaerner-Aker operation has built and sold 12 ships, tankers and cargo ships. Now, there are no buyers for a new ship on the horizon. When Kvaerner ran into trouble in 1999, its CEO, Kjell Armstrong said, “There are simply no orders. It’s a little difficult to maintain a shipyard in a situation where we have no orders.”

The Public Record • February 17, 2011

No matter what happens at the Akers Shipyard in South Philadelphia, its Norwegian and German workers will still get higher pays and preference on the job than their Philadelphia counterparts who are just as well trained.

That’s the sad state of affairs for Gary J. Gaydosh, head of the Philadelphia Metal Trades Council, which makes up the various Building Trade Union workers employed by the shipyard.

He announced Akers Philadelphia, which has been threatening to close, did receive the union concessions it had been demanding. The new four-year contract includes no first-year pay raise and minimal raises for the next three. Union members also now have to pay more for their health insurance.

Now hanging in the balance to insure its future over those four years is Akers’ attempt to pick up the $42 million that had been assigned by the State for the FastShip project, which intended to build very fast freighters with

shipyard would ultimately benefit Pennsylvania businesses and workers.”

It took until 2005 before the shipbuilding facility was named Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Aker had been a ship building division of Kvaerner before the pending bankruptcy and hostile takeover of the financially troubled parent allowed Aker to finally assume the Philadelphia project.

Meyer-Werft, a German shipbuilder, had offered to take over the vacant shipyard in 1995 in exchange for $167

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Union Concessions Help Ailing Akers

Near-Record Candidates thony Clark, Stefanie Singer and Ivy Staten. Republicans: Incumbent Joseph Duda, Michael Guglielmelli and Al Schmidt.

Sheriff — Democrats: Cheri Honkala, John Kromer, Alan Kurtz and Michael Mormello.

Judicial candidates: Court of Common Pleas — Democrats: Sayde Ladov, Daine Gray, Michael Medway. Republican — Anne Marie Coyle. Traffic Court — Democrats: Marni Aument-Loughrey, Frederick C. Mari, Jr., and Omar Sabir.

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(Cont. From Page 6) 9th Council Dist. — Democrats: Incumbent Marian Tasco.

10th Council Dist. — Democrat: Bill Rubin and Phil Hughes. Republican: Incumbent Brian O’Neill.

In the Council at Large Races: Democrats — Ralph Blakney, Louis Borda, Karen Brown, Lawrence Clark, Aaron Finney, Incumbent W. Wilson Goode, Jr., Incumbent William Green, Incumbent William Greenlee, Christopher Hayes, Incumbent James Kenney, Darryl LaFountain, Donna Gentile O’Donnell, Incumbent Blondell Reynolds Brown and Andrew Toy. Republicans — Marie Delany, Tim Gerard, John Giordano, Malcolm Lazin, Joseph McColgan, State Rep. Dennis O’Brien, David Oh, Incumbent Frank Rizzo and Alfred Taubenberger.

Mayor — Democrat: Incumbent Mayor Michael Nutter.

Republican: John Featherman.

Register of Wills — Democrat: Ron Donatucci.

City Commissioners — Democrats: Incumbent Margaret Tartaglione, Incumbent An-

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The Public Record • February 17, 2011

ICE D L O C S R CA

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The Public Record • February 17, 2011

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The Public Record • February 17, 2011

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