PR-599-p

Panepinto

Jewelers

Jim Stevenson

700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980

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

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

Vol. XIII. No. 29 (Issue 599)

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

Feeding 3,000 Poor On Her Birthday

COUNCILWOMAN Jannie Blackwell thanks those who helped mark her birthday last Friday as she used the occasion to mark her 14th annual celebration by feeding and providing medical tests for close to 3,000 at City Hall's Dilworth Plaza. Listening for moment were these youngsters who were enjoying lunch and a bunch of goodies.

Photos by Martin Regustes, Leaping Lion Photography.

More Pictures Page 4

www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds

Value 50¢

Here's Your Chance To Become A Movie Producer Page 20

Students Can Sign Up For Promise Schools Page 6

Controller Worried Over City Finance Reporting Page 8

Sagging Economy Suspends Sea Star Service Page 20

City Charter Change Drive Launched.. P. 6

Is Ethics Board Protecting Commissioner Candidate? Page 2

SEPTA Pushes Feds For Union Helps Under City Hall Repairs Bring Museum

To Olde City VOLUNTEER Union Carpenters can be seen in front of building at 3rd and Quarry which will soon join the city's famous museums and tourist attraction as they labor to complete "The Center For Art In Wood", due for fall opening in Olde City.

Story Page 5

FACING diminishing support from Feds, SEPTA GM Joseph M. Casey; stresses need for additional funds with U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey Jr.; Transport Workers Union Local 234 President John Johnson; Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter; and FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff as SEPTA Chief Engineer and Assistant GM Jeffrey Knueppel discusses infrastructure issues of City Hall Station.

July 21, 2011

INJURED AT WORK! If you have been injured on the DOCKS, PIERS, or SHIPS doing loading or repairing work. You need our free advice....We fight for your right to benefits and we never ask you to pay a fee.... We have ALSO OFFICES IN PHILADLEPHIA, successfully helped get money for thouMEDIA, READING, LANCASTER sands of injured workers over the last 30 years. www.disabledatwork.com

Do you want your claim settled for Maximum Value?

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

Page 2 The Public Record • July 21, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Campaign Finance

Report

by David Lynn Does the City Board of Ethics have a stake in Stephanie Singer’s campaign for City Commissioner? There is cause for wondering.

On July 7, 2011, this newspaper published a story by this reporter that said the following: There are no supporting schedules for 2010 cycle 7 for Friends of Stephanie Singer on the City’s website, and there appear to be no digital filings either for the period.

Until very recently, neither the Singer campaign nor the City Board of Ethics has contacted The Philadelphia Public Record or this reporter to challenge this assertion, and, to our knowledge, neither has chosen to raise the issue publicly. This reporter stands by his story.

Text files for Friends of Stephanie Singer 2010 cycle 7 have appeared on the City board of Ethics search site, but a number of things don’t make sense.

FTP subfolders for Friends of Stephanie Singer 2010 cycle 7 have appeared in the following FTP folders on the city’s search site: 2010 Cycle 7 as of 02-02-2011 2010 Cycle 7 as of 02-07-11 2010 Cycle 7 as of 02-21-11 The subfolders containing Friends of Stephanie Singer filings, as well as the four folders just listed, are showing a modification date of June 30, 2011. It should be noted that the contents of the four folders listed show earlier modification dates. For

example, all of the subfolders in the folder labeled 2010 Cycle 7 (with the exception of Friends of Stephanie Singer) are dated February 1, 2011. All of the folders in 2010 Cycle 7 as of 02-022011 (with the exception of Friends of Stephanie Singer) are dated February 2, 2011.

All of the folders in 2010 Cycle 7 as of 02-07-11 (with the exception of Friends of Stephanie Singer) are dated February 7, 2011. And finally, all of the folders in 2010 Cycle 7 as of 02-21-11 (again, with the exception of Friends of Stephanie Singer) are dated February 21, 2011.

Under normal circumstances, the City Board of Ethics uses a very arcane wisdom to post electronic filings on its FTP site. As far as this reporter can tell, the City Board of Ethics will post a number of filings for a period in a folder. When more filings arrive, the City Board of Ethics creates a new folder and posts both the new filings and the old filings in the new folder. When even more filings arrive for a period, a third folder is created, and the new filings, as well as the filings from the first and second period are inserted into the new folder. It can be maddening to keep up with this system if one is a database programmer downloading files into a database like this reporter is.

We point this out because no new FTP subfolder was created for Friends of Stephanie Singer even though, if we are to believe the City Board of Ethics FTP

Feds Offer Mortgage Help Need help paying your mortgage? Then call 1 (800) 522-4171. It’s your way to begin an application for a loan from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

The agency taps into a federal foreclosure-prevention program designed to help homeowners who are

at least three months in arrears on their mortgage payments.

Applications must be approved by Sep. 30.

Homeowners qualify if their gross income is at least 15% lower than when the property went into foreclosure.

Does Ethics Board Have A Thing For Stephanie? site, the files were posted on June 30, 2011. Instead, the electronic filings were placed in all four existing folders for 2010 cycle 7 on the City Board of Ethics. Apparently, the files for Friends of Stephanie Singer are getting special handling.

What’s going on here?

Did the City Board of Ethics have these files tucked away in a corner and suddenly decide to share them with the general public?

Did the Singer campaign file their 2010 cycle 7 text files six months late? Or did something else occur, and if so, what?

Note: Although the files for Friends of Stephanie Singer 2010 cycle 7 are showing a date last modified of June 30, 2011, The Philadelphia Public Record is unable to verify the date these files were actually placed on the City Board of Ethics FTP site, and again, this reporter stands by his story.

We contacted the City Board of Ethics about outstanding fines related to the Singer campaign, and were told that the Board of Ethics could not comment on any potential enforcement actions. In addition, unlike the City Commissioner’s office, the City Board of Ethics does not automatically impose fines for lateness. Apparently, enforcement staff must make a case for a fine or fines to the Board or a Judge in Common Pleas Court for action to be taken against a candidate or committee.

One final note: The text files for Friends of Stephanie Singer 2010 cycle 7 that have mysteriously appeared on the City Board of Ethics website claim that Friends of Stephanie Singer began 2010 cycle 7 with an opening balance of $15,700.00 and received no contributions for the period.

This is simply false, according to the long form of the annual report that Friends of Stephanie Singer filed.

Dr. Stephanie Singer signed a DSEB-501 authorizing Friends of Stephanie Singer to receive money on her behalf on December 26, 2010. This was received by the City of Philadelphia on December 28, 2010. The committee began its political life like most committees do — with an opening balance of $0.00 Friends of Stephanie Singer received $15,700.00 from twelve individuals between December 28, 2010 and December 31, 2010 (five of them giving the maximum allowed, $2,600.00.) However, as was noted in the story filed July 7, 2011, Friends of Stephanie Singer filed the short form, DSEB503, and the long form, DSEB-502, when they filed their annual report for 2010 cycle 7. It appears as though the City Board of Ethics accepted the short form and published it on its website.

The short form is only used if, among other things, a candidate or committee receives less than $250.00 in contributions. Dr. Singer, a math professor, should know that $15,700 is more than $250.00. Given that this was the committee’s first filing, it is difficult to understand how the Singer campaign believes it could have started with an opening balance of $15,700.00.

None of this seems to bother the City Board of Ethics, however. Apparently, any candidate or committee wishing to avoid the laborious task of filing electronically with the City Board of Ethics may do so simply by filing both the short form and the long form for their campaign finance reports on paper, and report total receipts as their opening balance in their Filer.txt file.

They can then pretend that they did not recieve contributions, and filing electronically under these circumstances is much easier than it is otherwise.

If it works that way for the next City Commissioner, why shouldn’t it work that way for everybody else?

A request by the Philadelphia Public Record to get copies of Singer’s 24 Hour reports from the Philadelphia County Board of Elections could not be granted due to the fact that Singer is still in violation of the 24 Hour Reporting requirement, under the Pennsylvania State Campaign Finance Laws. The reports are still outstanding, and late fees assessed in the amount of $2790.00 have not been paid.

According to Tim Dowling, election finance and document specialist, if this candidate continues to violate PA State Campaign Finance Laws and has outstanding reports and outstanding fines, should she win in November, under PA State Campaign Finance Laws, she would not be certified as compliant by the County Board of Elections Supervisor who oversees the Campaign Finance Unit,. She would not be allowed to be sworn in to office, or collect her pay until she comes into compliance as notated in PA Statutes annotates 25 PS 3252, paragraphs (a) and (b).

Furthermore, enforcement of these violations rest with the district attorney once this matter is referred for enforcement, as required by PA Statutes Annotated 25 PS 3259 (7).

The Public Record has also learned the District Attorney’s office has received two cases from the Commissioners‘ Offices indicating the need for investigation and enforcement. One of those cases involves the Committee of ‘70.

David Lynn maintains an SQL Server database with approximately 12,000,000 campaign finance records.

He also provides free software to run political campaigns.

Email him at David@DAL-Services.com

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($30 per year Optional Subscription) The Philadelphia Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 Periodical Postage 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 Columnist: Hon. Charles Hammock Dan Sickman: Veteran Affairs Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: Ron Taylor Campaign Finance Reporter : David Lynn 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 Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary.

The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. ©1999-2011 by the Philadelphia Public Record. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. The Philadelphia Public Record will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.

Who Says Dems Don’t Get Along?

The three announced Democrat aspirants for the Attorney General’s seat are taking time off from their campaigns to push a $250 event August 3rd at the Comcast Center in Philadelphia for Democrat candidate for Commonwealth Court Kathy Boockvar. The three are Lackawanna CXounty assistant DA Kathleen Kane, former assistant DA in Philadelphia Dan McCaffery and former congressman Pataick Murphy.

McCaffery has been traveling the state picking up chits and support. He said he is “overwhelmed at his reception.”

Low Man Keeps On Chuggin’ Along

Though the nation’s well intentioned gurus have already counted out Rick Santorum’s chances of being a front runner for the Republican nomination for President, the former US Senator continues to plod along the campaign trail, moving slowly, but surely.

His campaign team announced he has raised over a $1 million to date, and hopes to do more during the summer according to his finance director Amanda Kornegay. His political director, Mike Biundo, says Santorum has “picked up significant endorsements in the early voting starts of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.”

Candidates Lining Up For Jewell’s 197th Dist.

Since most of the political world and the electorate see Rep. Jewell Williams as the next Sheriff of Philadelphia, it is no wonder potential aspirants to his 197th Legislative District seat are surfacing. In the front and campaigning Councilman Bill

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

State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

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

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE

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

tern Daniel Hernandez, United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts and Wisconsin State Senator Chris Larson. Check out www.yda2011.org for more details.

Capozzi Election Challenges In Court

ENJOYING weekend cookout hosted by Judicial candidate Vincent L. Johnson were, from left, 61st Ward Leader Sharon Williams Losier, Peter Lyde, ajohnson and Dr. Ruth Perry. Photo by Mr. Lee's Photo Finish, Inc. since before the last primary is Laborers District Council Political Coordinator Ken Washington. He’s touch many bases and some of them twice.

Rumored now to be announcing closer to the general election are Al Spivey, a political operative, and from the School District Guibila Devine. More may join!

State Rep. Cherelle

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

Young Dems Meet At Nat’l Convention

Young Democrats around the US will meet at their organization’s National YDA Convention in Louisville, Ky. from Wednesday July 27 to Saturday , July 30.

President Rod Snyder reports Keynote speakers will be Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Gabby Giffords’ in-

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee

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

Before you leave for the shore, a Phillies game, or another destination, check www.511pa.com. This website provides a variety of helpful travel information from traffic conditions to carpooling information to route planning. It's a one-stop-shop that provides live video of traffic conditions, construction information, and traffic speeds. The website helps you plan the best route to reach your destination.

Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539 8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020

The charges of many irregularities in the 2nd District Council Democrat Primary are now being viewed by the Commonwealth Court. It is believed a decision as to whether or not the charges bear merit will be made by Monday.

Capozzi, who lost by 40 votes to Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, has listed a series of election transgressions which she believes led to her losing votes which would have otherwise been hers.

Among charges were divisions where another candidate, Damon Roberts, had his name covered over, despite Court orders not to do so.

Chris Friend Laments Pennsylvania’s Plight

In his blog column called Friendly Fire, Chris Friend reports “In what amounted to a R EPRESENTATIVE

A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE

3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you

complete non-surprise, Pennsylvania was just ranked near the economic bottom of the nation. Forty-third, to be exact...and dead last in labor climate.... the resulting exodus is nothing new, as the state has seen at least two electoral votes disappear in every census since 1960...... yet Texas, while similar to PA in many ways, is booming. Its economy, nearly $1.3 trillion in output, ranks 13th —- in the world. Forbes Magazine’s ranks Texas cities at the top for best big, mid-size and small cities. And nearly 40 percent of all jobs created in the current “recovery” are in Texas...But in PA, through the politicians people keep electing, we seem to be satisfied with mediocrity. And it shows...”

Non Profits Media Lacks A Balance

In case candidates wonder why some of them get coverage and others don’t on nonprofit run news sits, the Pew Research Center’s Project For Excellence in Journalism has the answer.

(Cont. Page 5) State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

State Sen. Shirley M.

Kitchen 3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave. Suite 104 Phila., PA 19132

215-227-6161

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

Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT

www.senatorkitchen.com

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

STATE SENATOR

Enjoying Judicial Cookout

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

The Montgomery County Commissioners race, which directly affects 800,000 souls, and indirectly Philadelphians, especially its lawyers and lobbyists, will be among those out of city races closely watched by many of us.

Democrat in the race are Abington’s Rep. Josh Shapiro and Whitemarsh Township’s Leslie Richards. Republicans are incumbent Commissioner Bruce Castor and Jenny Brown, Lower Merion Township Commissioner.

This will have all the resemblance of one of our own nasty fights.... no holds barred.

Page 3

MontCo Commissioner Race In Main Arena

Page 4 The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Blackwell Shares Birthday With Homeless

COUNCILWOMAN Jannie Blackwell is known as one of Philadelphia’s most-compassionate defenders of its citizens who are BY 12 NOON, line was already 400 people long, homeless. For her birthday last Friday, wrapping around City Hall. she threw a mammoth party – not for herself, but for the homeless too. Joining here is her son, former Rep. Thomas Blackwell.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

VOLUNTEERS help ply homeless Philadelphians with grilled burgers, hot dogs and sides at Jannie Blackwell's birthday party.

JUDICIAL CANDIDATES Angelo Foglietta and Jonathan Levine join hostess, birthday girl Jannie Blackwell at her annual party for homeless.

Tartagione Praises Festival Agreement State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione praised the city’s Latino leaders for coming to agreement on the handling of this year’s “Puerto Rican Festival.”

“For many years, leaders in the Latino community have worked to create an environ-

(Cont. From Page 3) In a report on the state of journalism it examined 46 national and state nonprofit news sites and analyzed 1200 stories and found the more ideological sites tended to be funded mostly or entirely by one parent organization. These sets tended to produce less content and be less transparent about who they are and where their funding comes from.

State Rep. Rosita C.

Youngblood 198 th Leg. District 208 W. Chelten Ave, 1st Fl. Phila, PA 19144

P: 215-849-6426 F: 215-849-5479 facebook.com/repyoungblood twitter.com/repyoungblood

]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ GOP (215) 468-2300 State Representative

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

State Senator

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

www.SenatorFarnese.com

STATE REP. JOHN

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

Public Record Classifieds Work!

Call: 215-755-2000

Senator Tina

Tartaglione 2nd Dist.

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

215-291-4653

215-533-0440

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

ALBERT LECOFF, founder and president of The Center AMONG Union Carpenters donating time and talent to creFor Art In Wood, left, goes over next steps in turning vacant ation of new Wood Center Museum are Mark Loughrey, Nick Del Ciotto, an Pat O’Donnell. space into new museum, with Carpenter Pat O’Donnell.

Though Coryell indicates the Wood Turning Center, ter to an area more conducive hosting the 16th annual Inter“Plans for what eventually which changed its name to fit for tourists and pedestrian national Turning Exchange will become a museum of car- the new location and to prop- traffic, we were able to pur- with a Forum and Spirit Expentry and its contributions to erly record its role to the chase our new site at141 N. hibition at the Philadelphia the American way of life, are “Center for Art In Wood”. 3rd Street in the heart of the Art Alliance August 5. The still being formulated”, the He noted, “This center, Olde City Arts District.” new Center is scheduled to be Carpenters Union has found founded by Albert LeCoff, is He added, “It was obvious open October 7th. itself donating services and dedicated to and houses a his- our first step was to alert Mr. The Philadelphia Chapter material to the Wood Turning tory of the creation of every Coryell of our plans and he of the United Carpenters and Center, which is moving its conceivable use found for immediately pledged material Joiners of American, said location from 5th and Vine to wood. It is a study of the con- and labor to help us move in.” LeCoff, was one of the earli3rd and Quarry, just one tinual evolvement of carpenApprentices have been est supporters of the Center’s block from its neighbor the try and the use of wood.” busy at the Carpenters Train- John Grass effort to preserve John Grass Building.

LeCoff said, “Following ing Center on Decatur Road the history and contributions Coryell has long supported the decision to move our cen- in the Northeast building of carpentry to the American cases to house many of the way of life. Through the efprecious artifacts owned by forts of Walter Palmer, Jr., the Center for Art In Wood. former Board Member of the The building is presently Center and officers of the ment of harmony and under- groups.” standing in Philadelphia’s The Committee to Res- bustling with union carpenters Center and Lou and Marcia neighborhoods,” Tartaglione cue Our Puerto Rican Her- who have donated their time Bower, former owners of the said. “Putting an end to the itage and Council of Spanish and talent to refurbishing the John Grass building, the Carcontroversy surrounding the Speaking Organizations (Con- building into, what all beannual Puerto Rican Festival cilio) have both announced lieve, will become a major atshows that they can apply the that the city’s annual Puerto traction in this historical party same values to the relationship Rican Festival will retain that of the city.

Both Coryell and LeCoff among the various advocacy name for this year’s activities.

The festival is a celebration share similar visions. They and exposition of Puerto both see the Center and the Rican and other Latino cul- Grass Building as a way to Sites with a more balanced tures in Philadelphia over the demonstrate the history of political perspective tended to coming months, peaking with carpentry and the use of wood have multiple funders, and the Puerto Rican Day Parade as both a functional and artiswere more transparent and on Sept. 25 along Benjamin tic medium.

The Center For Art In Franklin Parkway. carried more content.

Wood, in the meantime, is

penters Union, was able to first acquire the existing machinery, tools and all other contents. Having secured the machinery, the Carpenters Union entered into negotiations with the owners, aided by the Center, and successfully acquired the building.

The John Grass Wood Turning Company is a fullyfunctional wood shop, founded in 1863 in Philadelphia, when the city was known as The Workshop of the World. It is considered an historic time-capsule containing wood working machinery and ephemera from 150+ years of operation as a production wood turning shop.

Items produced at the John Grass shop included replacement balustrades for Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and Christ Church, and night sticks for the Philadelphia Police Department. Frank Rizzo’s famous night stick were among those produced

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Many of the wooden artifacts found in the city’s rich legacy of historical home sites came out of a family run business named after its founder John Grass, which at the turn of the century produced all sorts of wooden artifacts from flag poles to spindles to police bully clubs.

As his business grew, he moved to a larger space at 146 N. 2nd Street.

Today, the building and its wood turning equipment have been saved for posterity by the Metropolitan Carpenters of Philadelphia, led by Business Manager/Treasurer Edward Coryell, Sr. Ed Coryell said “We moved to purchase the factory as soon as we heard it had become a candidate for condo developers. It was an irreplaceable a part of Philadelphia history. To us, the Grass factory is a major part of the history of carpentry and its use of wood turning, which lead to many uses from the beginning of our industrial age. It was a history we needed to save.”

Page 5

Union Carpenters Donate To Historical Wood Museum Move

Page 6 The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Universal Now Recruiting Students City Charter Change Sought There is no reason to travel outside of the Grays Ferry, Point Breeze neighborhood to get a great education.

Audenried High School and Vare Middle School, formerly public schools, have been converted to Promise Neighborhood charter schools.

“Students who attend our schools will notice significant differences from what they may be used to. The most obvious will be smaller class

sizes so we can devote more attention to each student and a longer school day,” said Dr. Janis Butler, Universal’s Executive Vice President of Education.

Universal Audenried will offer five specialized areas of study including college prep, culinary arts, healthcare, construction and art and music. The school’s mission is to dramatically raise achievement levels and prepare students for post second-

ary programs.

Universal Vare will specialize in the unique needs of students in grades 5 through 8. Like Audenried, Vare will offer students free uniforms, a unique feature among charter schools. Both schools will also feature a Saturday enrichment program.

The opening of the two charter schools is the centerpiece of the Promise Neighborhood initiative, a federal program.

The drive is on to change the Philadelphia City Charter.

With 20,000 registered electors signatures required to place a Government Study Commission on the November 8 ballot, organizers claim they have 7,500 signatures to date.

Their goal is 30,000 which they believe will insure enough proper signatures are validated.

The Pentecostal Clergy Political Action Committee has pledged to raise 10,000 signatures. Houses of worship are

fully authorized by the Internal Revenue Code to participate in supporting or opposing ballot initiatives or referenda. The Tea Party Patriots are also involved.

Two major petition signing drives are reportedly planned to gain the signatures and file them by August 9 deadline.

They are the “Save Our City canvass” from July 28 through August 6 and the Holy Experiment, Sunday, July 31, with many Philadelphia churches expected to take part.

The ballot question will create a Government Study Commission, whose members “shall study the “form of government of the municipality to compare it with other available forms under the laws of this Commonwealth and determine whether or not in its judgment

the government could be strengthened or made more clearly responsible or accountable to the people or whether its operation could become more economical or efficient under a changed form of government.” —Act of December 19, 1996, P.L. 1158, No. 177, The Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law, 53 Pa.C.S. § 2918“.

The Government Study Commission is the municipal equivalent of a Constitutional Convention.

A court petition has been filed to invalidate the ability of the City Council president and the Mayor to name the Commission members, citing another law that effectively allows for an election of Commission members by the people.

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

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

G CE

CITY WIDE SERVICE ALL TYPES OF

ROOFING U

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

1

G

975

37ivtehrsary Ann

1 201

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

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

12260 Townsend Road

215-464-6425

we sought someone above reproach and one with a track record of developing and implementing policies across a broad range of issues. We have found that person in Barbara Adams," said PHA Administrative Receiver Michael Kelly. "We were fortunate enough to attract tremendously high caliber applicants for this position, and Barbara stood out as the most qualified."

WANTED SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial ON ROOFIN NI

Barbara Adams, with 33 years' experience, including managing a staff of more than 500 attorneys at the Office of General Counsel of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for nearly six years under Governor Ed Rendell., is the Philadelphia Housing Authority's new General Counsel.

"In selecting a general counsel capable of helping PHA regain the public's trust,

215-725-8815

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

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

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

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

215-735-1060 ccpc@ccpclaw.com

Page 7

Our Opinion Not In My Backyard

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

WORKING together to rid the neighborhood of a methadone clinic located directly across from a school and a Church were GOP’s Joe DeFelice and Democrats Bob Henon and Rep. Kevin Boyle.

Jul. 23- Brady Bunch get-together at Keenan’s at 113 Old New Jersey Av., North Wildwood, N.J., 4-8 p.m.

Tickets $35. For info Tommy (215) 423-9027 or Charlie (215) 241-7804.

Jul. 23- State Sen. Anthony Williams hosts seminar on Building Financial Wealth by Improving Your Credit Score at 10 a.m. in Bossone Bldg.

Atrium, 3200 Market St., 10 a.m. Parking available at 31st & Ludlow. For info Desaree K. Jones or Don Cave (215) 492-2980.

Jul. 23- Rep. John Taylor’s annual Beach Ball at Coconut Cove in Angelsea, North Wildwood. 2 pm.

Jul. 30- DC 21 Glaziers annual Summer Get-Together at Keenan’s in Angelsea, N.

Wildwood, N.J., 2 p.m. on.

Jul. 30- Mt. Zion Baptist Church and pastor Rev. Cedric Hughes Jones, Jr. host “You and The Law”Seminar from 9 am to 1 p.m.1411 S. 50th st.(at Woodland Av.).

For info call 215-724-0619.

Aug. 2- Friends of Ron Donatucci hosts cruise on Delaware aboard Phila. Belle at Penns Landing Pier 3, between Market and Chestnut Sts., 6-10 p.m. Boat sails at 7 p.m. $145 per person.

Aug. 5- Swedish Museum hosts Summer Crayfish Party in FDR Park at 1900 Pattison Ave. Tickets $50. Call (215) 389-1776 for details. Reservations end Jul. 29.

Aug. 6- Friends of Bill Rubin present District Council 33 Members Night with Camden Riversharks (vs. Road Warriors at 5:35 p.m. at Camden’s Campbell Field) as DC 33 members work 3rd and 1st Base concession stands. Tickets $12. Proceeds to Bill Rubin. For info contact Joan Gallagher at (267) 438-6998, Irene Snyder, (215) 582-8611

or Sylvia Bullock (215) 4716469.

Aug. 6- Johnson House, 6306 Germantown, will host 11th annual Jazz In The Garden summer benefit, 4 to 7 p.m. feauring John Blake, Jr., Jazz violinist, and the Alan Segl QWuartet. Admissions from 30. For info call 215-4381768.

Aug. 13- 20th Celebration of reunion of IBEW Local 98 retirees and active members at Keenan’s in Anglesea, N. Wildwood, N.J. Starts 4 p.m.

Aug. 18- Stu Bykofsky’s 21st Candidates Comedy Night at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $75. Order by calling Variety (215) 735-0803.

Aug. 26- Golf Outing fundraiser for Democrat candidate for 10th Dist. Council candidate Bill Rubin at Juniata Golf Course, 1392 E. Cayuga St., registration 12:30, shotgun start 1 p.m. $80 includes green fees, cart, refreshments and barbecue. For info Tom Dooley (267) 246-5512.

Aug. 27- Ward Leader

George Brooks hosts annual Crab & Shrimp Feast to Baltimore Inner Harbor. Bus leaves Progress Plaza, Broad & Oxford Sts., at 1 p.m. $150 package includes bus ride, 4hour crab and shrimp fest, plus buffet, music and dancing, and open bar. For details call George Brooks (267) 9715703 or Harvey Blanton (215) 232-1142, (215) 833-7085.

Aug. 27- Fundraiser for Joe McCloskey Memorial Fund at Quaker City Yacht Club, 7101 N. Delaware Ave., 3-7 p.m. Soda, beer, food, music, door prizes. Tickets $25. For info Michael Sullivan (856) 461-7720 or John L. Sullivan (215) 332-4873 or www.goople27thpal.com.

Aug. 27- Ironworkers 401 hosts Summer Festival at Keenan’s in N. Wildwood, N.J., 3 p.m.

Sep. 5- Tri State Labor Committee and Philadelphia AFLCIO annual Labor Day Parade & Family Fun Day, starting at Sheet Metal Workers, Columbus Blvd. & Washington Ave., 9 a.m.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Northeast residents, led by their elected officials, came out en masse to protest a methadone clinic approved by the State and the City in the 7900 block of Frankford, across from a day care, a middle school. and a Church. Leading the rally were Democrats State Representatives Kevin Boyle and Michael McGeehan and Bobby Henon, candidate for City Council’s 6th District, and Republican leaders Joe DeFelice and Ward leader Cris Vogler. Councilwoman Joan Krajewski was represented as was Sen. Mike Stack, through his aide Ken Bode. It was an oddity and a pleasure to see the local leaders of both parties working in tandem.

The crowd of 200 listened as Milton Martelack introduced the leaders who have already contacted the State Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs to withhold the license from the protested site at 7900 Frankford Avenue. They justifiably voiced their anger and dismay at the lack of transparency regarding the process used to determine the end-use of this vacant property. They are pressuring the state not to approve its licensing.

Over the years, such efforts by the communities around this city have proven in vain, since where ever you look there are not only methadone clinics, but half way houses dotting the landscape. The city continues to use several, less organized, neighborhoods to distribute free needles to junkies in a proven failed effort to stop the transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus.

Junkies, instead of using the new sterile needles gifted them by that city program, which happens to be in violation of state law, keep on using the old, contaminated needles. They’ve sold the new needles to fellow junkies who have not yet bottomed out to where it doesn’t matter what they get, as long as it is the fix.

This effort by the community will succeed. It is obvious Mayor Nutter should have had a spokesman there assuring the crowd the necessary city permits would be withdrawn. That has been the mayors prerogative since way back when.

Sen. Stack has demanded a state hearing and the community, rallying next Tuesday, July 26, at Lincoln High School, will demand no less.

The company, which has a slew of clinics to its credit, knew the location would be easily accessible from various transportation hubs, since few, if any, junkies have the means to own their own transportation. But they did not respect the fact they were located across from the Holmesburg Baptist Church and its Christian Academy nor its principal Linda Lewis, with whom they did not confer ahead of time.

We know the community will succeed. It’s one small victory.

But we are losing the community spirit that once marshaled many neighborhoods around the city. We wonder what it will take to get that spirit back into this city’s neighborhoods.

Page 8 The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Controller’s Worried Over City’s Finance Reporting City Controller Alan Butkovitz is worried he can‘t get a good handle on the City’s financial situation because the city, itself, has a “material weakness over the City’s ability to properly report its finances“ In audits, a material weakness is determined to exist when there is a “reasonable possibility” the process used to prepare a financial report will not prevent or detect and correct mistakes in the report on a timely basis.

“Our Office is required by auditing standards to report material weaknesses so management can take corrective action and ensure investors and bond rating agencies of timely, accurate, and reliable financial information created the material : Continued staff turnover and reductions in the city’s Finance Office, compromising the process necessary for preparing an accurate CAFR; Poor procedures to ensure accurate reporting of city receiv-

ables; Lack of procedures for preparing the deposits and investments footnote, which led to numerous misclassified or omitted deposit and investment accounts; Insufficient procedures to make certain the City’s Water Fund is accurately reported; Failure to obtain timely financial statements from component units included in the CAFR; Inadequate accountability over departmental custodial accounts; and Failure to automate the year-end closing process for the city’s Aviation Fund to decrease the risk for financial statement errors.

According to Butkovitz, over the past decade, the Accounting Bureau’s staff size has been reduced from 64 positions in fiscal year 2000 to 45 in fiscal year 2010, which is a 30 percent reduction.

“As a result, top managers are now being forced to prepare significant sections of the CAFR, eliminating their independent review of CAFR

work that would normally be performed by subordinates — and in turn reviewed by them in their supervisory role,” said Butkovitz. “Consequently there was, and still remains, an increased risk of errors in financial reporting.”

“During the course of this audit my staff found $1.1 billion in errors which were ultimately corrected by the City,” said Butkovitz. “While I understand the budget constraints facing all city departments, it is imperative for the Finance Office to have the appropriate number of staff to ensure that the financial statements and information presented are accurate.”

Along with the material weakness, another finding included the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) ongoing failure to submit quarterly reports of expenditures for reimbursements within the required 45 days of the end of reach quarter.

Do You Have a Family Member, a Friend or are You Yourself Suffering From a Drug or Alcohol Problem?

Help is Just a Phone Call Away!

. c n I t n e m e v o M ram

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

p l g e o r H P f l l Se and Alcoho Drug

Robert N. Dellavella Esq., CEO Dr. Joseph F. Ruggiero, Founder & CEO Emeritus

For Help or Someone To Talk To Confidentially: Call or Text:Advocates John Cooper / Tom Campion, or Carmelo Benjamin at:

267-482-0778

2600 Southampton Rd. • Phila. PA, 19116

Page 9

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Page 10

Page 11

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Page 12

Page 13

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Page 14

Page 15

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Page 16

Gilbert finds his sweet spot with new Gemelli

by Len Lear We first met Clark Gilbert in 1999 when he was executive chef at Square Bar, the hot-as-lava restaurant when it opened at the Sheraton Rittenhouse Square Hotel. Like so many center city fooderies, however, Square Bar went from sizzle to fizzle after a while, but it certainly wasn’t because of the food. I can still recall two fabulous dishes of

his that blew us away: linguini with sundried tomato, goat cheese and black olives; and a grilled vegetable sandwich with buffalo mozzarella, pesto and salmon involtini.

Over the years, Clark has been behind the stoves at some of the Philly area’s best restaurants, such as the Fountain Room at the Four Seasons Hotel, the Saloon, Avalon in West Chester and La Terrasse in University City, as well as two Michelinstarred restaurants in Paris,

but the restaurant business can be tougher than a Marine drill sergeant. Gilbert was once so burned out that he made an 18-month detour as a patient liaison worker at a physical rehabilitation facility in South Philadelphia. “It was unchallenging,” said Gilbert, 44, a native of Wynnewood.

“If I had any doubts about a career with food, that ended the doubts. That’s when I finally decided to get serious about cooking.”

In July of 2008, Gilbert left Restaurant Taquet in Wayne on the Main Line, where he was executive chef.

Two months later he opened

Mayor Rizzo Remembered!

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

WATCHING crowd as it gathered to honor death of former Mayor Frank Rizzo at his statue at Municipal Services Building were family and old friends, including Councilman Frank Rizzo, Jr., who were part of his administration.

REPUBLICAN ward leader Bill Pettigrew, president of GOP Motor Cycle Club, whose members joined in salute to memory of former Mayor Frank Rizzo, addresses the crowd.

Mio Pomodoro, a mid-price Italian restaurant, in a cavernous building (3000 square feet and 220 seats) in the Jenkintown Train Station, previously occupied by Jonathan’s American Grille, Station Grill, Stazi Milano and Greenwood Grille.

But Clark shadowed all of the other chefs who had lasted a little longer than a hiccup at the Jenkintown Train Station.

Less than a year after opening, Clark hopped a ride on the train, you might say, and left the station. Not too long after that (September, 2009), he finally opened his own restaurant, Gemelli, a 46-seat Italian BYOB at 232 Woodbine Ave. in Narberth.

Gemelli (meaning “twins” in Italian), named for Clark’s twin children, Riley and Dylan, 13, developed a loyal clientele, but when the opportunity for a bigger property that could support a liquor license opened up, Gilbert grabbed it. Therefore, he left the Narberth restaurant and reopened Gemelli just a few weeks ago (late June) at 4161 Main St. in Manayunk, recently vacated by Mango Moon, a Thai restaurant.

Chef Gilbert’s menu at the new restaurant combines sophisticated Italian dishes with some French punctuation, representing Clark’s extensive background with both cuisines. The 72-seat new kid

Len Lear on the block includes a small second-floor dining area and a stunning second-story bar that overlooks Main Street.

The dishes at Gemelli are pricey (appetizers $9 to $16; entrees $19 to $30, and desserts $9), beautifully presented and not as large as most restaurant portions these days, but the food is in the three-bell stratosphere. We kept remarking to each other that each bite of each dish was different from the others, and each one was more ethereal than the last. We highly recommend an appetizer special of white anchovies; an appetizer of arancini — fried risotto balls, Gorgonzola cheese and Romesco sauce; and entrees of salmon with eggplant puree, green tomato jam and saba; and barramundi, a mild bass-like fish from Australia, with curried tomato jus and ratatouille; and dessert of flourless chocolate

cake.

A cocktail called Honeysuckle ($10), rum-infused pineapple with a kiss of honey, was mega-refreshing, but if you are going to order wine, I urge you to order a bottle, not by the glass. It’s bad enough that most upscale restaurants now charge 300 percent or more over their own cost for a bottle of wine, but I think that Mothers Against Drunk Driving must be behind Gemelli’s by-theglass portions, which are the smallest I have ever seen. The two glasses of Sean Miner Chardonnay I had were wonderfully rich and fruity, but the $13 price for what could not have been more than three or four ounces, filling only the very bottom of the glass, was truly ridiculous. The dining room is also extremely noisy.

Dinner is served seven days a week at Gemelli and lunch on weekends. Parking can be a major headache in Manayunk, but diners at Gemelli can park in the Lock Street (Manayunk Development Corp.) parking lot across from the restaurant.

It’s $12, but if you show your parking stub, the restaurant will take $10 off your check.

More information at 215-4871230 or www.gemellionmain.com.

tion and be highly suspicious of anyone that makes an offer that is too good to be true.

In the past I spoke about the FBI taking down a botnet server used to control thousands of computers under the control of criminals. Here is a little more information about that historic event. The executive assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber Response and Services Branch, Shawn Henry is quoted as saying, “Botnets and the cyber criminals who deploy them jeopardize the economic security of the United States and the dependability of the nation’s information infrastructure.”

The FBI credits a Connecticut based company who realized that hundreds of computers on its network were infected with the Coreflood Trojan. The FBI started their investigation in April 2009 and made their announcement in April 2011.

A civil complaint was filed in Connecticut against 13 John Doe defendants alleging

that they were engaged in wire fraud, bank fraud and illegal interception of electronic communications.

Search warrants were obtained for the command and control servers in Arizona, Georgia, Texas, Ohio and California. In addition, 29 Internet domains were identified as being used by the thieves.

Next are more Facebook security problems. There is a new Facebook email virus going around that claims to

tell you who is visiting your Facebook page. It is a virus and actually does not work.

It is not possible to know who visited your Facebook page and this virus just fakes you in order to send messages to all your friends and try to trap you and your friends into giving up financial information.

In Britain this specific virus even attempts to switch you to an expensive cell phone service that costs $7 per week.

Another attack is a new

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

by Peter V. Radatti CEO and President of CyberSoft Operating Corporation www.cybersoft.com A recent FBI Internet crime trends report made note of several scams that have been hitting people.

One is fake delinquent payday loan notices. This may come in the form of a phone call. Another scam is online apartment, house rental and real estate scams that can cost folks thousands of dollars.

Fake emails seeking donations to disaster relief efforts is something that we spoke about multiple times and it has now made the FBI trends report.

The FBI states that there are too many Internet scams to report on all of them so they suggest that you practice good security including making sure your computer is setup with the latest security software, protect your personal identification informa-

Too Many Scams

friend didn’t send it. You must ignore any messages that ask you to like something then copy a string of code and paste it into your browser address line. Just take all the standard precautions that you would normally use when in a bad place because until Facebook gets smart and cleans up it’s security act, it is a dangerous place. If you do get caught by one of these Facebook viruses don’t feel ashamed. Lots of people get caught, even people that know better.

I rate Facebook 4 thumbs down for security and 4 thumbs up for social fun with friends.

A very bad combination.

Page 17

Inside Your Computer

Facebook feature called DISLIKE. This is supposed to be similar to the Facebook LIKE button except that it is the opposite. It does not exist.

There is no way to dislike anyone or anything on Facebook other than to drop them as a friend. This is just another virus out to steal from you and your friends.

Facebook is too useful for people to just drop out but it is also one of the most dangerous places you can visit on the Internet. When using Facebook you should ignore all messages about new features from friends.

There is a good chance your

St. Edmond Church All Proceeds Benefit The Church

Celebreating Centennial Year

Fish Fry Thursday August 11,2011 5:00 - 8:00 P.M.

St. Edmond Church Hall 21st Street & Snyder Ave.

Tickets: $10.00 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

(Adults & Children) Includes Dinner & Entertainment You Can Eat In or Take Out!

Page 18 The Public Record • July 21, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Yo! Here we go again. I recently came across an old saying – “Laugh and the world laughs with you – snore and you sleep alone.” Interesting saying. I laugh a lot – but I don’t snore – do you? But as much as one half of all the world’s population snores – even some animals snore too.

So just what is snoring? When you lie down to go to sleep, the soft tissues in you mouth begins to relax. The deeper you sleep – the more they relax and soon they begin to obstruct your airway. Air flowing in and out of your mouth that makes these relaxed tissues vibrate – ta da – you are now snoring.

You and I don’t snore though – right – but about 950 million Americans do. Men over 60 lead the “snore chorus.” And if you are a tad overweight, you are three times more likely to snore than a “slim Jim.” Why? Poor flesh tone and, believe it or not, overweight people actually gain weight in their mouths – so more tissue in the mouth – more snoring.

Anything that stops up the nose can cause snoring like colds, allergies, nasal infections etc., because the sufferer has to breathe through their mouth. It is a fact that depressant medications relax – and if you take them, you will probably snore due to all that relaxation.

Smoking, of course, ain’t a plus but it sure isn’t good for snorers.

Can snoring be cured – nope. But there are a few quick fixes. Don’t sleep on your back.

During the Revolutionary War barracks soldiers who snored were forced to sew small cannonballs into a small sack on the back of their nightshirts to keep them from sleeping on their backs. Today one can get a “snore ball” – a tennis ball in a sock to attach to the back of their pajama tops. Tennis balls are used because cannonballs are not too easy to find.

Try this – raise the head end if your bed about four inches with bricks or phone books under the legs. Do not use extra pillows; it won’t help and it might worsen snoring by bending your body at the neck or waist, which can increase snoring. There are other high tech solutions – including surgery.

Snoring can be fatal. Most chronic snorers suffer from sleep apnea. In these people the airway becomes totally blocked cutting off oxygen to the brain. Most people usually wake up – clear their airway and return to sleep. However, about 2,500 sleep-apnea sufferers die annually from cardiac arrest.

To be fair – snoring can also save lives. According to a news story Rose, an 85-year-old senior citizen was being prepared for burial. The undertaker, to his surprise, heard Rose was snoring. He could not believe it. She had been pronounced dead by the doctor using normal breathing and heart tests, but here she was snoring. She was sent to the hospital and was responding quite well – for a dead person. She is much improved and is still snoring without any guilt.

Last Saturday there were a series of events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the death of Mayor Frank Rizzo. At 11 on Saturday, a number of police officers along with the GOP Riders lead by Republican ward leader Bill Pettigrew (34th and 54th wards) met at the gravesite of Mayor Rizzo at Holy Sepulchral Cemetery. The bikers continued on to the Municipal Services building with the Mayor’s son. The crowd included Republican candidates for City Council-at-Large, Al Taubenberger and Joe McColgan. Republican activist Beth Hegedus came in from Montgomery County for the event.

The memorial service moved to South Philadelphia where at 5pm a Mass was said for the Mayor at St. Monica’s.

Last Thursday Mike Meehan hosted a fundraiser at the Vesper Club for Brown’s campaign for mayor. The $250 per person event was well attended. Former Senator and former Republican, Arlen Spector, stopped in to say hello Elephants in the room included a number of ward leaders including Walt Vogler (21st Ward), Kevin Pasquay (45th Ward) and Matt Wolfe (27th Ward).

Wolfe was the only attendee from the insurgent side of the party. Do not take this as an indication that he has switch sides. Rumor among the herd is that he has caught flack from other insurgents for supporting Brown, but they acknowledge that he still vehemently contends that change in leadership Republican City Committee is needed. Although he supported John Featherman in the primary, he has been heard to say that the Republican voters have spoken - Brown is our candidate.

An invitation was sent out last week for a fundraiser for Al Schmidt to be held at the United Republican Club on July 28th. The host committee includes State Representative John Taylor and ward leaders Kevin Pasquay, Walt Vogler, Bill Pettigrew and as well as former Candidate for City Commissioner, Marie Delany. One does wonder how this host committee came about. Pasquay, Taylor and Pettigrew delivered their respective wards strongly for the Meehan endorsed ticket of Joseph Duda/Delany in the primary. Schmidt not only lost in these wards but was pummeled. Are they like Wolfe and decided to honor the decision of the Republican voters and support their candidate? Do these ward leaders think that Schmidt stands a very good chance of finishing first ahead of Duda in November and thus want to be on the winning side? Are they angry that they were good soldiers and delivered the Meehan endorsed ticket and that the candidate, Duda, could not do the same? Many in the herd believe Duda, the leader of the 66th ward cut Delany. Although His ward has the highest percentage of Republicans in the city, Delany still would have lost even if Duda had worked for her. Cutting her turned out to be not only pointless, but probably harmful to his campaign. This elephant has heard that his actions have alienated him from a number ward leaders.

Darlin’ you’ve got to let me know…. Should I stay or should I go?....

That’s the question that School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Arlene Ackerman is probably asking herself a lot these days.

Depending on to whom you talk, Ackerman is either negotiating a way out of her position (complete with golden parachute I suspect) or she’s getting ready to stand tall and fight to hold on to her Imagine 2014 vision.

At the center of the debate is the $629 million deficit facing the School District. Thanks to a combination of cuts in school funding from Harrisburg (yet another one of Gov. Tom Corbett’s campaign promises kept) and the use of Federal Stimulus monies, in a way that didn’t take into fact they were one-time expenditures into consideration, the district has had to lay off over 1,300 teachers, cut a whole lot of programs, and seriously clean out executive office staff.

Because Paul Vallas, the district’s first gift to us from the politicians in Harrisburg who took over our school district but refuse to fund it in a way that works, was pushed off the ledge over a $73 million deficit, similar calls for Ackerman’s resignation have been rising.

What’s the most notable about the calls for Ackerman’s resignation is not that they’re coming, but that she’s fighting alone. In most cases, the African American political class swings into action when one of their own is threatened. But in Ackerman’s case, the silence has been noticeable.

There are a bunch of reasons for this according to some of my sources. One, she has communication issues. She doesn’t talk well with people and tends to barrel through people to do what she feels is best.

In fact, those communication issues reared their ugly head most recently when Ackerman made the decision to use Title I-School-wide Project funds to maintain full-day kindergarten without consulting Mayor Michael Nutter, who was expending political capital he doesn’t have to try and get a sugary drinks tax through City Council to help the school district.

Secondly, she didn’t make connections to this class until she found herself behind the Eight Ball for a variety of things.

But thirdly, and this is probably the biggest reason for the silence, the African American Political Class here in Philly no longer has the clout that it used to in Harrisburg. Rep. Dwight Evans is no longer Appropriations Committee chair. The legislature is firmly in Republican hands. Gov. Corbett is, well, Gov. Corbett.

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Bankruptcy Basics: What is a “Cram-down”?

Answer: The attorney discusses a chapter 13 and says that you can “cram-down” your car in a chapter 13 case. Cram what!? I like the thought of cramming something somewhere for a particular creditor but what exactly is a “cram-down”? Under chapter 13, a debtor may “modify the rights of holders of se-

cured claims. This means we can change the terms of the contract, that is, “modify” the deal between you and the creditor (typically a car creditor) in your chapter 13 bankruptcy case.

For example, as we all know, as soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it loses quite a bit of value. So, unless you put a big down payment on a car, as soon as you drive off the lot, you are now “upside down” on the car. That is, you owe more on the car than what it is worth.

Ringside With The Shadowboxer

Super Decision

Last week‘s Friday Night Fights saw commentator Brian Kenny err when he reported former professional boxer Aaron “Superman” Davis was now the NJ Boxing Commissioner. Kenny was reporting Davis had indefinitely suspended all three of the boxing judges who scored the recent Paul Williams debacle. That

was not correct, it’s not the same Aaron Davis. However, the NJ Boxing Commissioner‘s actions were indeed “Super” and he should be hailed.

Most fans and pundits were befuddled by the horrendous scoring in the recent Paul Williams vs. Erislandy Lara bout in Atlantic City. Lara clearly won the bout, but Williams was awarded the victory by the judges. Fair scoring

In a chapter 13 bankruptcy case, we are going to split the car creditor’s claim into two different components. We will first determine the value of the car through standard value guides and call that a “secured claim.” Then, if the value of the car is less than what is owed, the remaining difference between what is owed and the value of the car will be called an “unsecured claim.”

We call this process “bifurcation” because we are dividing the claim into two separate components. Next week‘s question: Can My Chapter 13 Plan Be Changed If Something Happens? in boxing is necessary to maintain the public trust and decisions like this have turned so many fans away in recent years.

The three judges responsible for the controversial scoring that has sparked outrage in the boxing world are; Donald Givens, Hilton Whitaker Jr., and Al Bennett. SHADOWBOXER has obtained a copy of one letter that was sent to Davis that in addition to claiming the three judges were incompetent, even suggested possible corruption.

(Cont. Page 21)

Page 19

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Page 20 The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Want To Join In Making A Movie? ”A Rose on Ninth Street“ is the title of a novel and now, soon to be a motion picture if its author, Dr. Joseph Ruggiero has his way.

Dr. Ruggiero, who founded and led SELF HELP, a facility with an extremely high rate of returning alcohol and drug addicts to mainstream society and with a very low recidivism rate, has written several books and dozens of plays.

Of them all, A Rose on Ninth Street has the attention of film makers.

David Wilkins, a noted writer, director, producer liked it and teamed up earlier with Ruggiero to produce a documentary film about the SELFHELP Movement, located in the Greater North-

east, and long one of the major institutions working to cure and keep addicts in the main stream.

The successful documentary resulted in Wilkins and Ruggiero forming W&R Productions, LLC in February of this year, together Attorney and Democrat ward leader Bob Dellavella and financial specialist Leo Medwi, for the purpose of bringing “A Rose On Ninth Street“ to the motion picture screen.

The movie is set in South Philadelphia, the time is now, and the story which features a young adult, deep in a life of petty crime who is sent on a mission by a mob office to steal a closely guarded ledger from a Gro-

Ship Service Suspended

ENJOYING screening of trailer of new motion picture in the making “A Rose on Ninth Street” are Judge Jerome Zalewski, Dr. Josedph Ruggiero, and “bad man” Tamin Yurcaba. cer. His first mistake is falling in love with the grocer’s daughter. Both face emotional and psychological turmoil that builds into a shocking tragedy.

Scenes will be shot in Bristol and throughout Philadelphia. The film company will be shooting the full film starting August and into September.

Over 60 likely contributors attended the screening of a trailer of the motion picture at Bristol Restaurant.

STARS in the show, seen here with Dr. Ruggiero, are Connie Romano, Ruggiero, Ray Mamtrack, the young criminal, Kim Carson, and Director Dwight Wilkins.

Ruggiero said to them “The company is open to accepting additional financial support. Open are executive or associate producer slots for those willing to sponsor parts of the budget. General investors are in for a return on their investment depending on the motion picture’s revenue. Others may invest and receive acknowledgement in the credits of the completed film. Investors will receive a return on their investment of the film “.

Ruggerio added “The financial goal is to reach $100,000 in contributions to insure the completion of filming” and invites those interested in investing to reach out to Dwight at 215-284-7493 or Joe at 215-4989271.Wand R Productions is located at 3200 Magee Avenue, Philadelphia, 19149.

The cast is star studded with actors who have appeared in Law and Order, All My Children, and Boardwalk Empire.

3320 South 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19145

(215) 551-5100 (215) 551-5230 Fax bc@capozzirealestate.com

Please check out our Website for a Current List of all AVAILABLE Properties for SALE OR RENT

www.CapozziRealEstate.com www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

You can also call our office for more details, we are happy to assist you.

New Construction

Last Villa - $299,990. – Corner Bilevel Home Two Bedrooms – 2.5 baths – large garage & extra off street parking / 10 yr tax abatement. No Dog Community / Ready to Move In

Villa Re-Sale

3211 DaVinci Drive / THREE BEDROOM LOFT – 2.5 baths – Garage & Driveway / Many Upgrades Tax Abatement - $374,990.

Variety of Rentals – from efficiencies to large homes

Call for Details Two Reserve Re – Sales / Large homes w/BIG Yards Call for Details or go to www.CapozziRealEstate.com

215 551 5100

A unique catch for the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority and Delaware River Stevedores, operators of the Port’s famous fruit pier, Tioga Terminal, the weekly run by Sea Star Line has been suspended due to worsening economic conditions.

Sea Star officials told PRPA senior executive director Robert Blackburn a combination of insufficient volume and rising fuel costs had forced the shipper to suspend service, adding if the economy improve they will review their decision.

The decision affects both DRS and approximately close to 100 stevedores of ILA, Local 1291, who were assigned to service the Sea Star ships, which traveled to and from this city and Puerto Rico. Another similar number of jobs involving truckers and suppliers have been lost as well.

Robert Palaima, president of DRS, had earlier in the spring hosted a first year birthday party for the Sea Star line which in March marked its first year of service from San Juan to Philadelphia. The line’s officials were pleased with the teamwork offered them by the PRPA, DR$, and the ILA union stevedores. saying they were “enjoying a winning combination”.

That ended with the continuing decline in the economy, both here and in Puerto Rico.

Health Partners Fights Obesity

ing 2,500 body mass index (BMI) screenings to underserved residents throughout the region. Riding the momentum of this successful campaign, the organization is heading back into the community, this time with the goal of reaching 5,000 screenings in 2011.

Shadowboxer

ing decision, the aftermath was much different. Instead of a commissioner offering excuses as, “well we all have bad nights”, Davis took action and hopefully will set a precedent for any questionable decisions in the future.

As stated, the NJ Boxing Commissioner is not the former world champion Aaron “Superman” Davis, but Commissioner Aaron Davis, is the “Superman” of boxing commissioners.

SHADOWBOXER would like to take this moment to praise and thank Commissioner Davis for the actions he took.

(Cont. From Page 18) It should be acknowledged that after conducting a full review, Davis concluded that there was “no evidence of bias, fraud, corruption or incapacity on the part of any of the judges”. However, he was “unsatisfied with the scoring of the contest, even after hearing explanations from the judges”, and that in addition to the suspension, the three will be required to undergo additional training prior to their return to professional boxing.

Although, this is not the first time we have had a shock-

2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

“Addressing obesity is one of the most critical healthcare issues facing our country today. Fitness and nutrition programs are key components of our comprehensive healthcare approach,” says William S. George, president and CEO, Health Partners. “Offering these BMI screenings to the community continues our 25-year history of improving health outcomes and is a way for us to bring more

attention to this issue.”

Obesity is one of the leading and most preventable causes of death worldwide. It can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and osteoarthritis. The first step in addressing obesity is knowing your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measuring tool doctors use to determine if your weight is

within a healthy range.

Health Partners will be participating in health fairs and festivals throughout 2011, providing screenings, health education and “I KNOW” (my BMI) T-shirts to participants, while supplies last. For a complete list of locations, visit www.healthpart.com and click on the BMI Know it, Control it link on the bottom right side of the home page or call 215-967-4514.

BMI is a measuring tool doctors use to determine if your weight is within healthy range. Health Partners will be offering BMI screenings as shown in this photo at various locations throughout the city. Photo by K.S.N. Images

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Health Partners, one of the few hospital-owned health plans in the country, is doubling its efforts to help community members in the fight against obesity.

Last year, the award winning health plan celebrated its 25 year anniversary by provid-

Page 21

MEDICAL RECORD

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

SUFFOCATING STIFFEL SENIORS

©

“You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Part 32/40 In October, 2010, the "Pennsylvania Friend" received two invitations "to become a Founding Member of the National Museum of American Jewish History", and to "ensure that your name is permanently inscribed in this important Museum... Join us as we explore and celebrate the inspiring history and life of Jews in America."

In early Spring, 2011, the Stiffel Senior Center was given a two month notice that its doors would forever close because of a $200,000 deficit. The building is owned by the Jewish Federation.

Contrarily, the Jewish owners of Comcast and Spectacor make their money in South Philadelphia. Comcast recently bought 51% of NBC Universal, Inc. for $6.5 Billion.

Someone should advise the Roberts (Comcast) and Snider (Spectacor) families that charity begins at home, and to visit the Jacob and Esther Stiffel Senior Center at 604 Porter Street for an appraisal of the facility.

A recent evening dinner at Comcast Executive David L. Cohen's house brought in more than $100,000 for the Obama campaign. Dave would be regarded as "an angel" if he could do the same for the seniors at the Stiffel South Philadelphia Senior Center. —Nicola Argentina 2011 Note: Last week, Sixers owner, Ed Snider, sold the franchise for a reported price of $280 million, but retained a 10% share of the team.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Page 22

Work from anywhere 24/7. Up to $1,500 Part Time to $7,500/mo Full Time. Training Provided. www.workservices25.com HEALTH/NOTICES IF YOU USED THE ANTIBIOTIC DRUG LEVAQUIN AND SUFFERED A TENDON RUPTURE, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-5355727 Help Wanted Driver Attn: TANKER Independent Contractors! Great Equipment No Money Down- No Credit Check. Guaranteed to Earn $115K/100,000 miles (HHG).

Fuel Surcharge & Great Bene-

fits!

800-277-0212 www.primeinc.com Driver: Drive KNIGHT in 2011!

Daily or Weekly Pay, Top Equipment, 27 Service Centers, Van and Refrigerated. CDL-A w/3 mos OTR experience. 800-4149569. www.driveknight.com Driver-CDL-A: Experienced OTR Drivers. Regional Lanes.

HOME MOST WEEKENDS! Up to $3000 BONUS. Up to $.50 Per Mile. 888-463-3962.

6mo.OTR exp. & CDL Req’d. www.usatruck.jobs Drivers- Pyle Transport needs OWNER OPERATORS & COMPANY DRIVERS! Regional Truckload Operations. HOME EVERY WEEKEND! O/O Average $1.78/Mile. Steady, Year-

Round Work. Requires CDL-A, 2 Years Experience. 888-3015855. www.DriveforPyle.com Get All You Need To Succeed!

Van and Flatbed Divisions.

Great Starting Pay! Plus Lots of Extras. $500 Sign-On for Flatbed. CDL-A, 6mo. OTR. 888-801-5295 LAND FOR SALE New York Land for Sale 68 Acres- Foothills of the Adirondack’s. Minutes to canoe access on a major Adirondack river. Direct access to trail systems. Excellent hunting & fishing. All for $69,995. Call 800-229-7843 or visit www.LandandCamps.com

MISCELLANEOUS AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715 ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Computers, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com SAWMILLS from only $3997MAKE MONEY & SAVE

MONEY with your own bandmillCut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE info& DVD:www.NorwoodSawmills.co m/300N 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily.

Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-6382102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com HELP WANTED DRIVER $2000 Sign-On Driver, 43.7 Per Mile. $7500 Sign-On Teams, 51.3 Per Mile. With Only 1 Year

of OTR. CDL-A HazMat. 1-877628-3748 VACATION RENTALS N. Wildwood Motel, 2 room eff., pool, sundeck, BBQ, parking, large fridge, microwave, maid service, etc. Call for mid week and weekend specials: -609522-1260 WANTED BUYING COINS- Gold, Silver & ALL Coins, Stamps, Paper Money, Entire Collections worth $5,000 or more. Travel to your home. CASH paid. Call Marc 1800-488-4175 HELP WANTED DRIVER Student Drivers Wanted. Millis

Transfer is now offering Student CDL Training! All levels experience welcome. Low Cost - Immediate Openings. Call Today!

800-937-0880 www.millistransfer.com MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE HOMEOWNERS WANTED !!!

Kayak Pools is looking for demo homesites to display our maintenance-free Kayak pools. Save thousands of $$$ with our YearEnd Clearance! CALL NOW! 800-315-2925 kayakpoolsmidwest.com Discount Code: 952L16

Where the Real Bargains Are!

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

ADOPTION PERSONALS UNIQUE ADOPTIONS. Let us help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial assistance, housing relocation and more.

Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us first! 1888-637-8200 24-hours hotline.

AUTOMOTIVE AAAA** Donation. Donate Your Car, Boat, or Real Estate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free PickUp/Tow. Any Model/Condition.

Help Under Privileged Children Outreach Center. 1-800-5978311 BUSINESS OPPORT. ATTN: COMPUTER WORK.

Page 23

Public Record Classifieds: small ADS BIG Deals

Free • Free Free Software To Run your Campaign Email David@DAL-Services.com

Or Call

2000 chevy monte carlo SS- 99K low miles, fully equipped, must see & drive to appreciate! $6,500 cash or O.B.O. www.driveinphilly.com 267-342-3930

1993 Ford E-150 conversion van- fully loaded & extra clean, captain chairs & sofa bed etc. $3,900 cash or O.B.O www.driveinphilly.com 267-342-3930

2004 pontiac grand prix GT- 6cyl., auto., ac, 143,673 miles, $4,200. cash or O.B.O. www.driveinphilly.com 267-342-3930

484-383-0099

FOR RENT Six-Car Garage.

BARRY FISHER LICENSED ELECTRICIAN Over 42yrs experience low prices, fast service 100-amp Circuit breakers $65+ ceiling fans $25+ • Outlets $6+ AC/WD Lines $10+ lic/ins* FHA/VA Cert

215-927-0234

2001 pontiac grand prix GT- full power, fully loaded, very clean, 92k miles, $6,900. O.B.O. www.driveinphilly.com 267-342-3930

1995 honda accord LX2 door,auto., ac, full power, tilt, cc, cd, extra clean. $2,850.

215-512-0835

1996 pontiac grand am GT- 2 door, 6 cyl.,auto., ac ,ps, pb, tilt, cc, cd, rear wing, alloys, extra clean. $2,150. O.B.O. 215-512-0835

Clean • Bathroom 1320 S. Juniper St

$

900 per month

Call 215-868-0532 or 215-755-6298 www.PhillyFuel.com

2000 mercury sable LS station wagon- premium edition- 3rd row seating, all powers, fully equipped. $4,900. cash or O.B.O. www.driveinphilly.com 267-342-3930

Truck For Sale 2004 International VIN# 1HTMPAFM54H673079 AUCTION Mon, July 25, 2011

5590 James St. Phila. PA 19135

215-743-9060

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR JUNK CARS 1997 jeep wrangler soft top- 4x4, auto., ps, pb, tilt, cd, alloys, new pa. state inspection, excellent condition. $3,900.

215-743-8873

NO KEYS- NO TITLE NO PROBLEM!!!!! call-215-715-9316

2005 chevrolet equinox A.W.D. 6cyl., ac, full power, tilt, cd, alloys, excellent condition. $5,000.

215-743-8873

2003 pontiac grand am SE- 4 door, auto.,ac, full power, tilt, cc, cd, alloys, rear wing, silver, extra clean, $3,250.

215-743-8873

2000 lincoln navigator4x4, V8, ac, all powers, tilt, cc, cass., leather, 3rd row seating, alloys, running boards, tow package,excellent condition. $3,995.

215-743-8873

2005 chevrolet 1500 silverado pickup- 4x4, auto., ps, pb, am/fm, tow package, reading utility body, ladder racks, excellent condition. $5,000.

215-743-8873

1995 chevrolet 3500 cheyenne 14ft. dually stake body truckdiesel, auto., ac, ps,pb, am/fm, radar detector, excellent condition. $3,500. 215-743-8873

2000 GMC Yukon4x4, V8, auto.,ac,tilt, cass./cd, chrome wheels, running boards, tow package,leather, all powers, excellent condition. $3,995.

215-743-8873

$300 Cash Paid.

Guaranteed Free Towing Same Day Service

267-229-1970

R & R MOTORS 215-915-9150 4800 wingate st. bldg.5 NE Phila.19136 267-249-7776 2 Warehouses full of Quality Used Cars ALWAYS for UNDER $1,5OO. Ready To Go!

2003 jaguar x- type all wheel drive- 63,638 miles, fully equipped with every available option,granite grey,like new,must see ,showroom clean, $9895.

215-288-2080

2006 ford freestar luxury-65,730 miles,coffee, fully equipped luxury Ford Freestar still has factory plastic on the floors, must see to believe, call for wholesale price!

215-288-2080

1997 subaru legacy outback- A.W.D. blue/tan, full power, fully loaded, HEAT NOW- SNOW LATER!!! $2,395.

215-288-2080

Reach Thousands of Readers With The Public Record Classifieds.

Call 215-755-2000

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

We Buy Junk Cars

1993 ford E-150 custom handicap conversion van- wheelchair lift, captain chairs, sofa bed, V8, auto.,cass., excellent condition. $2,450.

215-743-8873

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • July 21, 2011

Page 24