We'll Miss You, Snooper Remembering Grays Ferry To Get Makeover The only person who didn’t know he had long been found out as the Snooper was Frank Talent. He had sworn us to secrecy when we asked he cover City Hall and the Courts for us in his inimitable fashion. We would often get calls by City workers “to tell Frank” to put their item in his column. We would, without mentioning to him how it got to us. Frank was never successful in keeping his other identities a secret. He could be found at charity fundraisers donating his time in costume as the Shadow and as Batman. But most of time his voice gave him away; it was uniquely identifiable. He was happiest refereeing boxing, wrestling matches, and coaching and refereeing sandlot teams in the Northeast.\ As unsuccessful as he was in keeping his identity a secret, so successful was he at making people happy, at being a true public servant, at being a total giver. Go to your reward with our prayers, Snooper. You’ll find many of those you helped waiting for you in heaven.
Frank Talent by Maria Merlino It was the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Sep. 8, when my phone rang. I thought it was my friend Sister Paula bringing me good news about the Blessed Mother. But it wasn’t Sister Paula, it was mobile disc jockey, “Sneaker Pete“ Thompson. His voice sounded heavy as he greeted me. “I have some sad news to tell you: Frank Talent died.” For those unfamiliar with Talent, he lived three quarters of a century and in his 75 years on earth, made a (Cont. Page 2)
The Grays Ferry community will unite on Saturday to clean up some of the vacant lots in the area. Members of the Miracle Temple of Christ, volunteers and leaders from community organizations will join State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson at a Grays Ferry Beautification Cleanup. The City has an estimated 40,000 vacant properties in the city. Grays Ferry has long been plagued with blighted vacant lots. It’ll be on Saturday, September 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cleanup will begin at the corner of 27th & Earp Streets. “The problem of blight in the region could best be resolved by having the entire community work to-
gether,” Johnson said. “This effort is an immediate response to rectify the issue of blighted properties in the area.” In a direct response to Johnson’s Summer Nights Constituent Block Meetings, a unique series of community meetings taking place throughout South and Southwest (Cont. Page 2)
Panepinto
Jewelers
700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980
www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds
Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD.
Vol. V No. 36 (Issue 205)
The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South Philly The Way It Deserves
Sep. 15, 2011
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000 JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com
Praying For A Compromise Catholic High School Teachers Continue Strike; Negotiations With Archdiocese by Rory G. McGlasson Toni Galdi has been teaching foreign languages at Neumann-Goretti for 39 years. She can speak Italian, French and Spanish fluently; she has helped thousands of children master a second language. However, the veteran Catholic school teacher is worried she will be saying “Arrivederci” to her class this year unless the Archdiocese changes its new contract with the Catholic-school teachers. Galdi was one of 30 Neumann-Goretti teachers hitting the bricks this week in a strike, who joined 711 Catholic teachers across the five-county region. “It’s not about money, “ said Bill Belovitz, president of Catholic Teachers Union Local 1776. “Those that think this is all about money have the wrong perception on what is really going on.” Belovitz joined Neumann-Goretti teachers in a rally on Monday. He said, “The strike is simply about preserving the seniority and tenure, while providing each teacher with the security they deserve.” (Cont. Page 2)
INJURED AT WORK!
BILL BELOVITZ, president of Catholic Teachers Union Local 1776, joins Neumann-Goretti schoolteachers in a strike this week. They are Kevin Cassidy, a 20-year teacher; Kristin Jannelli nine years; Kim Gorski, two years; and Rachel Cammasa Cantz , five years. 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 successfully helped get money for thousands of injured workers over the last 30 years.
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South Philadelphia Business Association Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia – Chartered in 1897
The South Philadelphia Public Record • September 15, 2011
To join as a member of the SPBA, please call: (215)-336-1108
1904 S. 30th Street • Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215)-336-1108 (215)-336-1149 (fax) Executive Board: President- Daniel Olivieri Vice-President-Vince DeFino Esq. Secretary/TreasurerReggie Lozzi Past-President Louis Lozzi, Sr.
Marge Mariziani John Savarese Mark Rago
Jackie Fitzpatrick Vince Guisini Esq.
Catholic-School Teachers Hit The Bricks (Cont. From Page 1) The three-year contract proposed by the Archdioceses has been rejected by the Association of Catholic Teachers union because its seeks to eliminate a tenure clause, according to Belovitz. Teachers believe the proposed contract wipes away their years of service, retirement benefits and, according to those on strike, their jobs. The Archdiocese wants to introduce what it calls a
South Philly Father Wants Justice For Son A South Philadelphia father is trying to raise funds so his young son can receive justice in the Philadelphia Court system. That’s what Joseph Pultrone charges against the City’s Law Dept. who he claims, made clerical errors with regards his nine-yearold son’s domestic abuse case. “Last year the Dept. of Human Services found substantial evidence of child abuse,” charges Pultrone. “However, the accused ap(Cont. Page 13) www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
Board Members Denise D'Eletto Louis Galdo Dr. James Moylan
“21st-century” contract in a changing economic landscape. The Archdiocese criticized the union for a salary increase of 14.5% over three years. The archdiocese has proposed an average salary increase of 7.84% over the same period. Philadelphia President of the AFL-CIO Patrick Eiding had called for a mediation in contract talks earlier in the week. Eiding sent letters to representatives of the union urging members to reach a settlement. However, the mediation was rejected. At NeumannGoretti HS, its teachers have been taking it in shifts to rally outside of the school on 10th and 11th Streets since Monday morning. In packs of 10, teachers have been rallying in the morning, and afternoon and early evening. The children have been in class where administrators and members of the religious order have been teaching the children. For parents, some feel their children are being neglected by the teachers; however, the teachers at Neumann-Goretti believe
they are fighting on the kids’ behalf. If signed, the proposed contract will result in parttime teachers, and a slew of new graduates who have little experience to their children, according to one 29-year teacher. “We won’t work without a contract,” said Rachel Cammasa-Cantz. “The Archdiocese’s version of the contract will break the system. “They will be able to fire at will,” said the five-year teacher at Neumann-Goretti. “Nothing to do with money, it’s about job security. The Archdiocese wants to take tenure away, get rid of older teachers and replace full-time teachers with parttime teachers.” Mrs. Galdi graduated from St. Maria Goretti in 1970. She works alongside teachers who taught her. “At my stage of my career, I’m just pleased to have a job. “But if they don’t change the contract, I don’t know how long I will have a job for. “I have 38 years in the
215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com
FORMER SCHOOLTEACHER and Republican mayoral candidate Karen Brown stopped to discuss contract issues with concerned Catholic school teachers, including Kristin Jannelli. system, I was constricted this year,” she said. Galdi added, “I have heard the administrators are
using the time to test the kids inside, so they are using the time well, which is important.”
Grays Ferry Makeover (Cont. From Page 1) Philadelphia, Johnson will initiated a community clean-up specifically to address vacant lots in his District. Johnson said in the near future, he will host a train-
ing session for community members to educate them on SB 900, or the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation & Revitalization Act, and the impact this bill has on improving blight in their community.
Remembering A Real Good Philly Guy (Cont. From Page 1) difference in the lives of children, athletes, citizens of the city and animals. Thompson was a bit choked up as he talked to me, regaling tales about his experience with Frank Talent. “I met Frank back in the ’70s when we were doing
our show, and got to know him real well,” Thompson said. “He was an orphan. He didn’t have parents. He lived in an orphanage. “And when he came out he started many children’s programs. He would work benefits for kids to raise money for them. He would dress up as Batman and go
to hospitals and give gifts. He was also an umpire at different games. He was an announcer for wrestling. He was the Commissioner of Wrestling. If Frank had something on his mind, you would hear it, such as political wrong doings. He would write about it in his columns.
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
He also loved Frank Rizzo, according to Thompson. “Frankie Talent felt Rizzo did a lot for the people of Philadelphia,” Thompson added. “If he could help anybody, he would. If there was a cause, Frank Talent would be there. He never turned anybody down. He
was one of the very first reporters to write a story about me. “If you had to get a certificate done, he had beautiful calligraphy, and would hand write the names. Frank will be sorely missed. We lost two irreplaceable people this month, Joey Vento and Frank Talent.”
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.
of security desks on floors one and two on the northeast corner of City Hall. Karen Brown deserves a “chutzpah” medal for persisting. She was lucky the Mayor approved a one-on-one, faceto-face debate on Channel 29. One of the axioms in politics is to never give a challenger a chance to debate with you, thereby giving them media exposure they normally would not get. The old adage is, “Never give your challenger a chance to nail you at a debate or forum.” Nutter’s grasp of government, his long experience, and his constant appearances on television give him a decided edge.
Brian Sims, who has announced his candidacy. Sims also is well known as past chairman of the Gay & Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia, and a past member of the National Campaign Board of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. Whether his activities as a leader in the gay community will net him their support remains to be seen. Josephs has been a strong defender and
supporter of the gay community in her District and statewide. She has been challenged by formidable opponents in the past and easily survived them. Her website reveals she has supported raising the minimum wage, appropriating State funds for embryonic stem-cell research, finding a dedicated funding source for mass transit, and taxing all tobacco products,
not just cigarettes. She notes, “I have a proud history in the struggle to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, age, income, and disability.” She has earned dozens of awards, with several from the gay community including one from the Philadelphia Gay News as the Most Supportive Elected Official in 1986 and ’87 and the Pennsylvania Bar
Association Gay & Lesbian Rights Committee in 2008. What a payback! Would You Believe A Political Hip-Hopper?
Billed as political hip-hoppers, the Rebel Diaz is headlining a benefit for Green Party candidate Cheri Honkala. It will be held Sep. 14 at New Palladium in Kensington from 6 to 9 p.m. Donations are $25.
Mortgage Deadline Tomorrow
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
by Joe Shaheeli For now, those interested in viewing a debate between incumbent Democrat Mayor Michael Nutter and Republican challenger Karen Brown will only get to see the two together on one television debate. Both the Mayor and his challenger have agreed to one debate on Channel 29 on Oct. 7. It will have been taped three days earlier as dictated by the station executives, which means no in-house viewing audience. Hoping to have more debates were the folks at Norcom Community Center. Four years ago, they hosted a mayoral candidates forum featuring Nutter and Al Taubenberger before a capacity crowd. Karen Brown last Friday hand-delivered an invitation to the Mayor at City Hall to join her in giving voters a chance to see both of them at five debates. She suggested two sites – Southwark Public School in South Philadelphia and Boys Latin HS in West Philadelphia, with the Mayor asked to choose three other locations. She was invited in to meet the Mayor by Press Secretary Mark McDonald. On her way in or out, it isn’t clear, she was chided by security officers for having pictures taken
Page 3
We’ll Be Getting One Mayoral Debate
Babette Always A Primary Target
What is there about State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) that makes her a primary target? Of all the longtime incumbent legislative office-holders making up this city’s Harrisburg caucus, she has faced more primary opponents than any of the rest. This time, out early is 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
State Rep. Cherelle
Parker 200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker
Councilman Wm.
Greenlee
Room 580 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927
Please join me at my annual Senior Expo, Friday, September 23 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The senior expo will take place at The National Guard Armory located at 2700 Southampton Road at the intersection of Southampton Road and Roosevelt Boulevard. Many state, federal, and local agencies will attend as well as businesses. They will provide information and items to senior citizens. Refreshments will be provided. Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539 8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020
APPLICATIONS can be taken through Friday, Sep. 16, said State Rep. Jewell Williams, who emphasized State Reps can refer people who have their paperwork together to home counselors as late as that afternoon. R EPRESENTATIVE
A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE
3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you
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
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STATE SENATOR
NOW ONLY 24 hours remain, for people who risk losing their home from underemployment or sickness to apply for Emergency Homeowners Loan Program. State Reps. Mark Cohen, Louise Bishop, Babette Josephs and Jewell Williams held news conference in City Hall to get word out fast.
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Page 4
LABOR DAY was celebrated in communities by State Sen. Anthony Williams. Here he awards “Community Honors” to Jim Pratt, standing in for Ed Snider of Flyers and Ted Behr of S.W. Globe Times. MOVING souvenirs and memorabilia out were Sen. Williams’ assistants, seated, from left, Don Gordon, El Ali, and top road, Marlene Hendin, Ali Robinson and Mike Nixon.
GOP Factions Unite Around Karen
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
TAKING HIS campaign to the streets is City Commissioner Anthony Clark, seen here with Congressman Bob Brady and AFSCME 2187 member and Committeeman PARTYING at Phillips Seafood House was a school of big David Krain. political fishes who had swum out to back State Rep. Jewell Williams’ race for Sheriff. Among them were, from left, attorney Sharif Street, Congressman Bob Brady, labor leader Ryan Boyer, Williams and Charlie Choe.
Williams Hosts Cookout
Page 5
Out And About Celebrating
Big Names Crown Jewell’s Fundraiser
Early Oktoberfest
ENJOYING Karen Brown fundraiser were Eugene Fortunato, Jack Morley and Fred Druding, Jr.
SHARING big smiles are Bill Rubin, 10th Dist. Council Democrat candidate and GOP City Council-atLarge candidate Al Taubenberger taking this photo with frauleins Erika Shustack, Christina Brenner, Chelsea Parks and Julia Duffield at Octoberfest in Northeast.
56TH WARD LEADER John Sabatina, left, dropped by Phillips Seafood House to tender his respects to Sheriff candidate State Rep. Jewell Williams, here joined on right by Charlie Choe.
Job Hunger
Photo by Maria Merlino
Constituent Service Office
1610 S. Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 (215) 952-3378 State Representative
State Rep. Rosita C.
RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District
Youngblood
6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A
215-748-6712
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
Photo by Ron Allen
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Senator Tina
GOP
(215) 468-2300 STATE REP. JOHN
SABATINA JR. 174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204
Tartaglione State Senator
Larry Farnese First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121
1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.SenatorFarnese.com
2nd Dist. 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-291-4653
215-533-0440
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FIFTH WARD GOP Leader Michael Cibik tells mayoral STATE REP. John Taylor candidate Brown she will get assures GOP candidate a strong turnout in his ward Karen Brown full support. in November.
REAL JOBS FOR REAL PEOPLE was the theme. A collaboration of business partners, community partners and W. Phila. EARN Center came together last Thursday at HS of the Future with 50-plus employers to extend hope to jobless in town. Employers such as Drexel Univ., Shoprite, City Of Phila. and PGW had positions open. Pictured from left are Dennis Lee, Bob Martin, Roe Falcone, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, LaShawnna Reddy and Editus Addy.
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Page 6
Fresh Fruit At Your SEPTA Stop
GEN. MGR. Joseph Casey and a Mummers Trio welcome SEPTA riders to enjoy new farmers’ market, one of 10 now open around City under Get Healthy Philly, a federally funded program to help people slim down with fresh produce.
CITY COUNCILWOMAN Donna Reed Miller, Congressman Chaka Fattah, SEPTA Gen. Mgr. Joseph M. Casey and State Rep. Rosita Youngblood cut ribbon on SEPTA’s renovated Queen Lane Regional Rail station.
Women Vets Call Center Opens The Dept. of Veterans Affairs has embarked on a major initiative to reach out to women veterans in order to solicit their input on ways to enhance the health-care services VA provides to women veterans. Representatives at VA’s Health Resource Center are placing calls to women veterans nationwide, asking them
to share their experiences with VA and suggest potential enhancements that will further VA’s mission to provide the best care anywhere. Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the veteran population. Of the 22.7 million living Veterans, more than 1.8 million are women. They comprise nearly 8% of the total veteran popu-
lation and 6% of all veterans who use VA health-care services. VA estimates by 2020, women veterans will constitute 10% of the veteran population and 9.5% of VA patients. The HRC, which started placing calls on Jun. 1, is contacting women veterans who have enrolled, but have not begun using VA services.
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Everyone's Italian On Columbus Day! Join the Philadelphia Public Record as we honor this city's Italian Americans, active in the fields of politics, business, religion and community life. Our special Edition mark the 519th anniversary of the Great Explorer's Discovery of America.
Call 215-755-2000 To Participate
Coming Next Week September 22nd
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Page 7
Our Opinion ... Council’s District Plans
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Sep. 15- Senior Fair sponsored by State Rep. Brendan F. Boyle at Klein JCC, 1100 Jamison Ave., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. For info (215) 342-1700. Sep. 15- President John McNesby and FOP Lodge 5 host City Council candidates at 1336 Spring Garden St., 5:30 p.m. By invitation. Sep. 15- Mario Lanza Institute & Museum will be beneficiary of 3-tenor concert featuring Viktor Antipenko, Luigi Boccia and Maurice El Zein at Settlement Music Sch., 416 Queen St., 7 p.m. Ticket $25. For info (215) 238-9691. Sep. 16- 11th Ward Fish Fry at Lou & Choo’s, 21st & Hunting Pk. Ave., 5-9 p.m. Tickets $10. For info V. Tutie Edwards (215) 228-3134. Sep. 16- Fundraiser for Bill Rubin, Democrat candidate for City Council 10th Dist., at Ashburner Tavern, 8400 Torresdale Ave., 5-8 p.m. Tick-
ets $25. For info Ed McMullin (215) 510-0444. Sep. 17- Ward Leader John Sabatina hosts Fall Picnic, in conjunction with Democrat Wards 35, 53, 55, and 63 at Burholme Pk., Central Ave., from 1:30 p.m. $35 donation. Sep. 17- Autism Beef & Beer Fundraiser at EOM Club, 138 Moore St., 7-11 p.m. 50/50 raffles, silent auction. Tickets $30. Call Mina Deever (215) 427-1133 or email cjdever@aol.com. Sep. 18- Northeast HS 62nd Reunion Brunch for January/ June ’49 classes brunch at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Trevose, Pa., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info Jay Silver (215) 698-1556 or Phil Klear (856) 985-5811. Sep. 18- Korean Folk Festival for Children at John Russell Field, 7420 Penrose Ave., Elkins Pk., Pa. 1-5 p.m. Free. For info (215) 884-8443. Sep. 20- Republican S. Jersey Coalition hosts candidates forum Sep. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at N.E. Sheraton, 9461 Roosevelt Blvd. Confirmed candidates include Karen Brown for Mayor, Al Schmidt for City Commissioner and David Oh
for Council at Large. Free for members and $20 for “e-team and nonmembers”. For info (610) 667-1263. Sep. 22-24 Ch. of Epiphany of Our Lord annual Italian Festival 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday. Pasta Dinner reservations needed for Thursday Night pasta dinner. Call Mina (267) 240-1992. Sep. 22- Fundraiser for Council candidate Al Taubenberger at SmokeEaters Pub, Frankford & Sheffield Aves., 7-10 p.m. Live music with the Scattered Marbles, dinner buffet, beer and wine. $40/person, $75/couple. For info Lou (267) 505-2182 or feinberg08@aol.com. Sep. 25- Vendemmia Wine & Food Festival, Girard Park, 21st & Porter Sts., 2-7 p.m. supporting Students of Italian heritage in S. Phila. For info www.vendemmifoundation.org. Sep. 26- Spirit of Life Award Reception hosted by Tri State Labor & Mgmt. Council honor AFL-CIO President Richard W. Bloomingdale and Edward J. Radetich, Jr.,
CPA and Kyler Award honoree Penna. AFT President Ted Kirsch at Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd. & Dock St., 6-9 p.m. Sep. 27- Score Philadelphia, Counselors to Small Business, host free technology seminar to help small business grow at Penna. Convention Ctr., 13th & Arch. Seating limited, complimentary lunch. 8:00 a.m.4:15 pm. For details and to register www.scorephila.org. Sep. 28- Democratic Ward 39B Fundraiser at EOM Club, Front & Moore Sts., 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $50. For info Matt Myers (215) 467-4643. Sep. 30- Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco hosts “Party for the People” at H&H Banquet Hall, 2036 E. Haines St., (Haines & Limekiln Pk.), 8 a.m.-12 p.m. $35 in advance. Seating limited. BYOB cabaret style. For tickets (215) 437-3294, ext. 209. Oct. 1 - Fishtown Neighbors Association hosts RiverCity Festival at Penn Treaty Pk., Delaware & Columbia Aves., 12-5 p.m. Family fun. Oct. 2- St. Nicholas Ch. Italian Festival on 1700 block (Cont. Page 29)
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City Council is on the verge of producing a redistricting plan, on time, and within the constraints of the law, which is vastly better than the awful map which has governed City elections since the 2000 Census. Two plans – one designed by the official committee appointed by Council president Anna Verna and another proposed by Councilmen Jim Kenney and Frank DiCicco – differ in only a few areas; it’s possible Council will be able to decide on a final plan before the Sep. 22 deadline after which Council Members would stop getting paid. These new lines aren’t perfect. But they promise a continuing relationship between most constituents and their existing Council Member. At the same time, the most outrageous Districts – Maria Quiñones-Sánchez’s 7th, which looks like what happens to the mayonnaise when someone sits down on a sandwich, and Darrell Clarke’s 5th, which looks like it is about to eat the 7th – are much more shapely. For the most part, they unite recognizable communities of interest. They would be easier for Council Members to serve and easier for citizens to understand. They would preserve fair racial representation. The remaining differences bring to center stage the Northeast’s 56th Ward, whose Democrat Ward Leader John Sabatina punches above his weight, inspiring some politicians who wish to live with him and others who wish to live without him. The future of Philadelphia’s remaining Republican District Councilman Brian O’Neill could hang in the balance. If there is yet time to tweak the overall map, it would be good if the difference between most and least populous Districts can be reduced to less than 9%, by moving a few border Divisions around. Now let’s look at redistricting plans that won’t happen. These are the ideas submitted to a contest run by Azavea, a nonprofit mapping organization. Sponsored by arms of the daily newspapers, public broadcasting and the University of Pennsylvania, this contest drew hundreds of entrants who learned how to use Azavea’s mapping software. Last week, several winners in different categories were announced. The contest shows how different people, working with equally good ideas and goodwill, can produce strikingly different results. Redistricting is an art, not a science. Equality of population, contiguity, preservation of ward and community boundaries, all must be factored in. Some of the maps were impressive. However, the overall winner, submitted by John Attanasio, was a prime example of why non-politicians mustn’t call the shots on redistricting. Its revised 5th Dist. looks very tidy and logical. But it would put all Center City and its surrounding boom neighborhoods into one politician’s hands – funneling to a single Councilman most of the city’s top-dollar commercial development, growth areas, media hubs and major law firms…. Hey, why bother to have a Mayor then? It’s a good thing Azavea’s first contest was only a practice arena. In the meantime, either of City Council’s plans promise soon to improve Philadelphia political life for the next 10 years.
Page 8 The Public Record • September 15, 2011
gÉ TÄÄ `ç UÜÉà{xÜá tÇw f|áàxÜá \Ç g{x hÇ|ÉÇá Dear, Union Brothers and Sisters: I implore you to stand with me and fight for the life of our Unions! I am running for Mayor to do that very thing! Your leadership has decided that a non-endorsement helps me but it doesn’t. It helps Nutter! Nutter has not, and will not help you. He has proven over and over again that he is not union friendly. He will offer last-minute deals with all the unions, that will after his re-election, damages your union strength. Nutter has done that with the FOP by forcing them to agree to a 30-day furlough. Let your leadership know by calling them, writing them, and standing up and shouting during your next Union meeting that endorsing me is what you want for your future. As your candidate you’re getting four generations in the building trades; I belonged to District Council 33, District Council 47, and I am the Founder and President of The Union Brotherhood. I am one of you. Don't fall for Nutter’s games and don't let your leadership fall for them either! I need the financial support and the foot soldiers your unions can provide to end the union busting by Nutter! I will beat Nutter and those with me will always be with me! Let your union be one of them!
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Sincerely your Union Sister,
Karen Brown
Karen Brown For Mayor www.KarenBrownMayor.com • 215.279.7210 Paid For By Karen Brown For Mayor
Page 9
Rep. Brownlee Fetes Brady
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
STATE REP. Michelle Brownlee joins celebrants in a block party in honor of Congressman Bob Brady, held at 60th & Lansdowne Avenue. Overbrook Pharmacy sponsored event. Seen from left are Bill Dell, Fire Safety; Charlie Bernard, for the Congressman; Brownlee, Photo by Joe Stivala Dr. Uno of Pharmacy; Daddy Day Care and his daughter.
Eagles Honor Rep. Cruz State Rep. Angel Cruz (DKensington) is the Philadelphia Eagles’ chosen recipient of the 2011 NFL Hispanic Heritage Award. The awards recognize the contributions of Hispanic leaders in each NFL market. The NFL and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation have partnered to launch the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards, presented by Bud Light during celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
We Invite You To Capitalize On The 20 Years Of Experience And Skill Of Attorney
Deborah M. Truscello
Cruz was honored at the Eagles’ Aug. 25 Hispanic Heritage game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. “I am honored to have been chosen as a recipient for this award. Throughout my career I have strived to bring attention to issues that impact the lives of Latin Americans,” Cruz said. “This award has allowed me to emphasize those issues on a larger scale, and to support a cause that
provides education opportunities to Latino youth in our community.” Each award recipient may select an organization of their choice that serves the local Hispanic community to receive a $2,000 donation. Cruz has chosen the ASPIRA Association to receive this donation. ASPIRA is a national nonprofit organization devoted solely to the education and leadership development of Latino youth. Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board. Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.
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Page 10 The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Plaque Dedication Firefighters, Paramedics Lead 9/11 Salute of Heroes Honors Firefighter A Firefighter Hero Plaque will be dedicated honoring Firefighter Elmer Clothier of Engine 7, who died while on duty Jul. 20, 1968. The plaque will be installed in front of the station at Kensington & Castor. While working Engine 7, Clothier collapsed at the firehouse, dying from a heart attack while on duty. He was a 21-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Dept. who
also served in the US Army in World War II. The Clothier family lived in the Mayfair section of the city before moving to the Torresdale section. Firefighter Elmer Clothier was survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Susan and predeceased by a daughter Candice. A luncheon will follow at Engine 7’s firehouse immediately after the dedication.
Philadelphia’s firefighters and paramedics saluted their brothers and sisters on Sunday, Sep. 11 with a day of recognition. Local 22 honored its fallen heroes at a ceremony to unveil a permanent 9/11 Memorial at the Fire Fighters & Medics Union Hall. However, prior to the memorial dedication on Sunday, firefighters and paramedics joined police and City officials to march from the Fire-
man’s Hall Museum, 2nd & Quarry, to the Betsy Ross House at 3rd & Arch. The commemoration included a special flag-folding ceremony, a playing of “Taps” and a bell tolling in honor of fallen firefighters. After the Betsy Ross commemoration, firefighters marched back to 5th & Willow Streets to attend the 9’11 Memorial dedication. Hundreds of firefighters were on hand to salute their
heroes, many of which rec e i v e d awards from Local 22 President Bill Gault. Philadelphia’s “Rescue 1” received the “First Unit Recognition Award.” Rescue 1 was activated on Sep. 11, 2001 as part of the PennFIREFIGHTERS Local 22 honored their fallen sylvania heroes at a ceremony to unveil a permanent Task Force 9/11 Memorial at Fire Fighters & Medics 1 for rescue Union Hall. and recovto support a newly designed ery operations. Special Operations Chief permanent Memorial to fallen Fred Endrikat was honored Philadelphia firefighters and for service with the FEMA police officers in Franklin Command Staff at the World Square. For more information, and Trade Center. Endrikat is currently employed with FEMA to donate to the Memorial, please visit the website: in Washington, D.C. Gault also encouraged www.fallenheroesmemorialunion members and the public fund.org.
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Fattah Vows FEMA Disaster Resources Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Phila.), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued this statement after meeting with W. Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, on Capitol Hill: “I met with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, along with Congressman Meehan and about 40 other House colleagues from Pennsylvania and five other affected states, for a briefing on FEMA’s response – and its urgent needs – following Hurricane Irene and additional storms. I spoke with the Administrator about the severe flooding and infrastructure damage in Philadelphia from the overnight downpour that has hit our saturated watershed, and he is well aware of that situation. “FEMA has been doing an
excellent job. But it requires additional resources to respond to this series of storms and to replenish its reserves for the next unanticipated emergency. “It is the clear responsibility of the Congress, beyond politics, to provide the disaster relief resources required by FEMA to meet the critical needs of our citizens, businesses and communities in the wake of these storms. I told the Administrator that this is the least that Americans expect when disaster strikes. “I will continue to work with Congressman Brady, Congresswoman Schwartz and others in our hard-hit region on immediate and appropriate disaster relief efforts. On the national scale, I assured Administrator Fugate we are absolutely going to get FEMA the resources that it needs.”
tion and in discussions with stakeholder groups, including the Chambers of Commerce.” The legislation contains two main parts: (1) an exemption from the gross-receipts and net-income parts of the BPT for the first $100K of receipts of all businesses; and (2) putting in place “single sales factor apportionment,” meaning Philadelphia businesses would pay the high rate (6.45%) net income tax only on income derived from sales in Philadelphia. “This legislation proposes far more and far more targeted business-tax reduction than is currently in the FiveYear Plan,” Green remarked. “By focusing tax relief on Philadelphia businesses and small businesses – which are the heart of our local econ-
omy – this legislation is an important step on the path toward broader BPT reform, which we continue to believe is essential for removing the ‘profitability penalty’ businesses now face for locating in the City.” Further discussing the legislation, Sánchez noted the importance of extending the $100K exemption to both the gross receipts and the net income prongs of the BPT: “One of the key findings from
our analysis of BPT data over the past three years is that Philadelphia’s small businesses pay a disproportionately high share of the net income tax. Providing an exemption just on the gross receipts tax would do little to help these businesses, which we know are especially important to economic growth in post-recession periods.” Regarding “single sales factor apportionment,” Green explained the current appor-
tionment structure – whereby Philadelphia businesses with property and employees in the City pay net income tax on a portion of their non-City sales – is particularly burdensome for the City’s exporting industries, including manufacturing. “With the distressing news this week from Sunoco, this change, which helps level the playing field for Philadelphia businesses, gains ever more urgency. We must take bold action to at once main-
tain and grow our manufacturing sector and its familysustaining jobs.” While the legislation continues planned gradual reductions in the net income tax, Green and Sánchez remain committed to complete elimination of this tax. The legislation introduced today will provide over $50 million per year of tax relief targeted toward Philadelphiabased and small businesses, they claimed.
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
City Council Members Bill Green and Maria Quiñones Sánchez introduced new legislation providing significant tax relief for Philadelphiabased and small businesses, continuing their efforts to reform Philadelphia’s businessprivilege tax. “For three years, we have been working to further the goals of tax fairness; leveling the playing field for local businesses, including manufacturers; small business tax relief; and generating economic growth by removing some tax-related disincentives to locating and expanding a business in the City,” Sánchez explained. “This legislation is part and parcel of that ongoing work and is as close to a compromise as we were able to come with the Administra-
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Green, Sánchez Unveil Business-Privilege Tax Reform
Brady Honors CG Officer 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
Peggy Britton went ashore after serving as Commanding Officer of US Coast Guard Cutter Tate. Britton maintained and repaired all nautical buoys for mariner safety in our port, bay and ocean. A Well-Done certificate from Congressman Bob Brady was presented by Eileen Jenofski and George Perez of Congressional Office.
ROOFING
Photo by Joe Stivala
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Catholic Teachers Strike
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Mayor, CHOP Celebrate Expansion Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Dr. Steven Altschuler, CEO of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, elected officials, and representatives from Philadelphia’s business comMOTHERS IN CHARGE, organized by Dorothy Johnson munity celebrated the developSpeight, who lost her son at age 24 to street violence, brought ment of CHOP’s Ambulatory out several hundred to demand City officials work on solu- Care Center. Currently under tions to growing street crime. Meeting took place at Vare excavation, the 500,000square-foot development will Rec Center.
create more than 700 jobs comprised of direct and indirect construction jobs and is a component of CHOP’s ongoing $2.6 billion expansion of their campus since 2002. “CHOP is an internationally renowned pediatric hospital that has been directly serving Philadelphia’s children and improving their quality of life for
SOME of police recipients of Kal Rudman scholarships listen to scholarship details at right. In center, Lt. Brian Sprowal, a past scholarship recipient, gives Kal Rudman a thank-you memento as FOP President John McNesby looks on, and at right holding $12,000 check to fund this year’s scholarship program are Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Rudman, CCP President Stephen Curtis and FOP President John McNesby.
Rudmans Continue Police Scholarship Programs Kal & Lucille Rudman this week presented a $12,000 donation to Community College of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Police Commissioner to continue a program designed to afford scholarships to police and firemen. It is a program that has
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Staten, Heenan Honored The NAACP Bucks County Branch 2253 will honor Business Mgr. Robert “Bob” Heenan of Local 542 International Union of Operating Engineers, and Sam Staten, Sr., retired business manager of Local 332, at its 66th annual Freedom Fund Banquet, Oct. 22. The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 1492 Woodbourne Road, Levittown, Pa., from 6 to 10 p.m. Information can be had by calling Walter Bennett at (21) 852-0141 or Darlene Conyers at (215) 254-0443.
been in effect since 2002. As of this date, the Kal & Lucille Rudman Foundation has provided 376 police students with grants totaling $146,743. PCC has worked its educational programs to help police and other first responders better prepare for their careers in public service.
One of the earlier recipients of the Rudman scholarships was Lt. Brian Sprowal, who came across Rudman’s personnel home number and called to thank him for the opportunity that has him set firm in his career as a police officer. Sprowal graduated from College in 2009 with the high-
est honors and in October was promoted to Lieutenant. He is now platoon commander of the 16th Police District. Kal mentioned he was shocked at the call and pleased. He told Sprowal “You are the first and only one to ever call me to thank my wife and I.”
more than a century,” said the Mayor. “CHOP’s expansion not only brings jobs to skilled Philadelphians, but it will also allow CHOP to continue its life-saving research. This expansion will help to transform University City as an international destination for families seeking the best medical care available and to attract the best doctors and researchers from around the world.” Dr. Steven Altschuler, CHOP’s CEO, said, “The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s capital expansion is one of the largest hospital projects of its kind in any city in America, and is anticipated to create significant construction-related jobs, additional economic and community benefit to the City of Philadelphia, and most important – a higher level of care for children. “I am proud to announce an additional $2 billion of investment in the City of Philadelphia through 2017. We will continue to drive innovation through the care we deliver and the research we do. These capital investments, and our employees, will continue to secure CHOP’s position as the nation’s top ranked children’s hospital.” The newly opened Ruth & Tristram Colket, Jr. Translational Research Building, which overlooks the expansion site, is a $500 million facility,
which houses pediatric research labs for cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, blindness and hemophilia. This facility was dedicated in 2010 and has allowed CHOP to expand its research innovation to discover and lead the next generation of treatments. During the event, Livingston White, a contractor and Philadelphia resident, discussed working on CHOP’s expansion projects since 2000, “I feel very fortunate and thankful to have maintained employment during a time with so much economic pressure on society and unemployment at an all-time high,” he said. The City of Philadelphia, which possesses a strong lifesciences sector, graduates one of every five physicians in the United States. One out of every six jobs and 15% of all economic activity in the Greater Philadelphia region can be traced to this sector. With 13,000 employees, CHOP is Pennsylvania’s 21st largest employer and Philadelphia’s 5th largest employer. The Hospital’s expansion is ranked among the largest of its type in the United States. The Hospital has more than one million patient encounters each year, and is growing thanks in part to a new international medicine program that attracts children and their families from over 26 countries.
Leo Holt Chairs Research Group by Andrew Gottlieb Leo A. Holt is the newly elected chairman of The Jackson Laboratory’s Board of Trustees, replacing New York investment executive Brian Wruble, who completed two terms as chairman. Holt is president of Holt Logistics Corp., a marine terminal and logistics systems developer and operator, with facilities in Philadelphia and Gloucester City, N.J. Holt has participated in the nonprofit biomedical research laboratory’s governance since 2004. He was elected to Jackson’s Board of Trustees in 2007 and became vice chair in February 2011. “Leo Holt is deeply com-
mitted to The Jackson Laboratory’s mission to improve human health,” says Jackson Executive Vice President and COO Chuck Hewett. “He is an established leader who will guide our institution to growth and national prominence.” An active member of the Philadelphia philanthropic community, Holt is a board member of Nazareth Mercy Hospital and the Philadelphia Beltline Railroad. He is a member of several international trade organizations, including the Chilean American Chamber of Commerce and the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce. In November 2010, he received the Chilean American
Leo Holt ...active for health Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia “Friend of Chile” award. He also serves on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board, which advises the US Agriculture Secretary.
Holt Logistics, like The Jackson Laboratory, was established in the 1920s. It has grown into an internationally recognized logistics enterprise that has helped develop the Port of Philadelphia into one of the most productive and modern ports in the world. Leo Holt is one of the thirdgeneration stewards of this legacy, with a fourth already involved in the family business. “Like The Jackson Laboratory, we rely on our people for creativity, innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence,” Holt said. “The successes we enjoy today are best safeguarded by never resting in this search, whether that is
for solutions to complex logistics issues, work opportunity for our employees or in the search for tomorrow’s cures at the Lab.” Holt holds a BS from Villanova University. The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution and National Cancer Institutedesignated Cancer Center with 1,344 employees in Bar Harbor, Me., Sacramento, Cal., and other US locations. Its mission is to discover the genetic basis for preventing, treating and curing human diseases, and to enable research and education for the global biomedical community.
STATE REP. Kenyata Johnson saluted a host of community leaders, presenting them with a citation for the work they do in commuinity. “I’m excited to have had this opportunity to bring the community together in unity and celebration,” Johnson said. “The day served as an opportunity for others to honor fellow community members, get useful information and just have fun.”
Justice For Son
STATE SEN. Anthony Williams is all smiles aonside Councilman Darrell Clarke COUNCIL PRESIDENT Anna Verna joins at Community Appreciation her colleague Councilman at Large Bill Day. Both gave rain-delayed Greenlee at rain-delayed Community Appre- Community Appreciation Day their thumbs up. ciation Day.
(Cont. From Page 2) pealed and won because the City Law Dept. neglected to notify the witness’s of the hearing -- they didn‘t even notify the caseworker from DHS.” Pultrone must hire a private counsel to fight the case and has already exhausted all his funds after multiple court dates in 2010. Pultrone of 1900 S. 30th Street said, “My son deserves protection, and any other father would fight for his son.” The Pultrone family will host a fundraiser at the Tavern on Broad, located at the Bellvue hotel Broad and Locust Sts on Oct. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 (267) 977-3776.
The South Philadelphia Public Record • September 15, 2011
APPRECIATING his community volunteers is State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, who hosted his 3rd Annual Community Appreciation Day on Saturday, Sep. 10. The event honored community members who have made positive contributions to the 186th Legislative Dist. More than 1,000 community members attended event at Point Breeze & 22nd Street.
STATE REP. Ron Waters was one of many special guest attending 3rd annual CommunityAppreciation Day in South Philadelphia.
STATE LAWMAKERS Babette Josephs and Kenyatta Johnson check out pony ride at Community Appreciation Day.
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Kenyatta Johnson Hosts Community Appreciation Day
So. Philly Firefighters Salute 9/11 Heroes www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
On the eve of 9/11, friends and volunteers put together a Firemen Appreciation Dinner and set it up at 4th & Snyder, the home of Engine 53 and Ladder 27. All food was donated by some of South Philly’s most famous names, including ShopRite, Tony Luke’s, Pat’s Steaks, John’s Pourhouse, Stock’s Bakery, Swiacki’s Meats, Waterfall Room, Gooey Louie’s, DiTommasso’s Pasticceria, Chickie’s Deli, Philly, Col- Keith Czaja, Widow and Mother, burn’s Deli, and Shack Pork Tina Curtin, Karen Brown, Mike House, among many more. Conroy
...Quran Polk, Karen Brown
...Felix Cancel and Mike Conroy
Thank-you cake donated by Shop Rite. Photos by Maria Merlino
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Republicans Toast To A Nifty November
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
MAYORAL candidate Karen Brown joins Ward Leader Bill Pettigrew and fellow members of GOP Riders motorcycle club, as well as her husband Lee Buchanan and tire provider Kazem Nabavi. TWO WISE old heads of City GOP, Councilmanic candidate Al Taubenberger, left, and Ward leader Vince Fenerty, assess success of this year’s premiere GOP fundraiser at Cannstatter in N.E. Phila.
COUNCILMANIC candidate Joe McColgan, right, congratulates effervescent Ward Leader Jimmy Dintino on strong turnout for Billy Meehan Clambake.
WEATHER was far from clammy this lovely Sunday afternoon as Traffic Court Administrator Judge Michael Sullivan, left, and judicial candidate Angelo Foglietta got a chance to meet GOP’s mayoral standard-bearer Karen Brown.
STRONG contingent from enjoyed friendly atmosphere at Cannstatter: from left, 24th Ward Leader Joe Samuel, Ronald Holt, 60th Ward Leader Michael Harvey, Harold Harvey, Ella Barter, Latesha Martin and Conrad Fuller.
HARD-CHARGING Councilmanic hopeful David Oh, whose signs were very much in evidence at Clambake, hosted a table of his own volunteers.
JUDICIAL aspirant Anne Marie Coyle gets fraternal at Billy Meehan Clambake with Doug Jamieson and Dave Dougherty.
LOTS OF top guns attended annual GOP Clambake, among them, from left, ward Leaders Andrew Gentsch and Bill Ivers, Councilman Jack Kelly, Peter Dacko and Party Counsel Mike Meehan.
Ringside With The Shadowboxer
Blackwell Boxing The 9th annual Lucien Blackwell Amateur Boxing Tournament kicks off next Wednesday, Sep. 21, at the Asylum Arena (Swanson & Ritner Streets) in South Philly and will last for three consecutive nights. Entrance fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Many people in Philadelphia remember Lucien “The Solution” Blackwell as a Union Leader, State Rep, Councilman, or Congressman. But those in the Philly boxing community remember Black-
well as one of their own. In 1949, Blackwell won the prestigious Diamond Belt Championship and would go on to be a lifelong boxing advocate. Young boxers from virtually every gym in the city are expected to compete and are hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of the tournament’s past participants. “All of the professional boxers in Philly today, all got their start competing in the Blackwell Tournament,” said ABC Recreation Center’s Fred Jenkins, who is serving as the tournament’s contact.
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HUNDREDS of enthusiastic Republicans packed beergarden Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and ABC Rec Center’s grounds of Cannstatter on Academy Road for election-sea- Fred Jenkins anticipate another successful amateur boxing son Republican funder. tournament honoring legacy of late Lucien Blackwell.
WARD LEADER Walt Vogler shared a delicious meal with Sheryl Perzel.
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The Public Record • September 15, 2011
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by: Joe Stivala
Senate MAJORITY LEADER DOMINIC PILEGGI is a genius. He has single-handedly figured out how to disenfranchise Pennsylvania’s Democratic voters. Republicans have long complained they are the real majority in Pennsylvania. After all, they have the Governor in TOM CORBETT, they are the majority in the State House and have the Speaker in SAM SMITH, and almost a Supermajority of 30-20 in the Senate. In addition, the majority of the Congressional seats belong to Republicans. So why should they lose the presidential election based on the winner-take-all tradition of electoral votes? Under the winner-take-all practice, if the Democrat or Republican presidential candidates win Pennsylvania by even 1 vote, they receive all of the electoral votes. But under Pileggi’s proposed legislation, Pennsylvania could change the game. Instead, the electoral votes would be awarded based on who wins the electoral district. Therefore, Philadelphia’s sizable clout in big races would be dramatically reduced. It’s an awesome idea if one likes the Republicans; it’s a disaster for the Democrats; and for the Party structure in Philadelphia … it’s even worse. The Mayor’s race has seemed to become the greater ambition of STATE SEN. ANTHONY WILLIAMS. It’s also the more-attainable one. The Minority Whip has already announced he would run for Auditor General. He also ran for Governor in 2010, finishing third behind AUDITOR GEN. JACK WAGNER and Allegheny Co. EXECUTIVE DAN ONORATO, both from the western part of the state. Apparently, Williams has lost interest in statewide endeavors … at least for now. Consummate insider MARTY WEINBERG is purported to be carrying the water for Williams by setting up meetings with political and financial VIPs. But don’t count out relentless DA SETH WILLIAMS, who has scheduled a large fundraiser for late September. Seth has been proactive on crime and brings credibility to the issue. African Americans are far more likely to be victims of crime in Philadelphia than any other group. Seth has been effective in fighting it. Either way, the chances are substantial that Philadelphia will have a Mayor Williams. However, COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN may beg to differ with this analysis and may push to get both Williamses in the race to split the vote. Green could win following an ED RENDELL 1987 paradigm. In that race, Rendell watched LUCIEN BLACKWELL, (Cont. Page 29)
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Yo! Here we go again and I hope that you “Bounce” this along. My mail carrier told me the US Postal Service sent out a message to all letter carriers to put a sheet of Bounce in their uniform pockets to keep yellowjackets away. The insects just veer around you. It will chase ants away when you lay a sheet near them. It also repels mice. It takes the odor out of books and photo albums that don’t get opened too often. It repels mosquitoes. Tie a sheet of Bounce through a belt loop when outdoors during mosquito season. Eliminate static electricity from your television (or computer) screen. Since Bounce is designed to help eliminate static cling, wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep dust from resettling. To dissolve soap scum from shower doors, clean them with a sheet of Bounce. To freshen the air in your home, place an individual sheet of Bounce in a drawer or hang in the closet. Put a Bounce sheet in vacuum cleaner. Prevent thread from tangling: Run a threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce before beginning to sew. Prevent musty suitcases by placing an individual sheet of Bounce inside empty luggage before storing. To freshen the air in your car, place a sheet of Bounce under the front seat. Clean bakedon foods from a cooking pan. Put a sheet in the pan, fill with water, let sit overnight, and sponge clean. The anti-static agent apparently weakens the bond between the food and the pan. Eliminate odors in wastebaskets. Place a sheet of Bounce at the bottom of the wastebasket. Collect cat hair: Rubbing the area with a sheet of Bounce will magnetically attract all the lose hairs. Wipe up sawdust from drilling or sandpapering. A used sheet of Bounce will collect sawdust like a tack cloth. Eliminate odors in dirty laundry. Place an individual sheet of Bounce at the bottom of a laundry bag or hamper. Deodorize shoes or sneakers. Place a sheet of Bounce in your shoes or sneakers overnight. Golfers put a Bounce sheet in their back pocket to keep the bees away. Put a Bounce sheet in your sleeping bag and tent before folding and storing them. It will keep them smelling fresh. Wet a Bounce sheet, hose down your car, and wipe love bugs off easily with the wet Bounce. Bounce this on! Nothing will happen if you don’t, but your friends will be glad to hear these hints! Oh, by the way – buy the store brand, it works just as well.
REDISTRICTING of City Council: The Council plan revealed, no matter how hard it is worked on, will still draw criticism from those who gain by knockng it. There is an alternative plan in Council. And some think the 1st Dist. should extend to the Navy Yard. The plan, by a long-shot Controller candidate, is for exact populations in Districts which could be divisive, even as it says other plans divide communities.… The new council is exciting, though, with new blood in the form of Bobby HENON, Mark SQUILLA and others. The battle for the presidency will be one of titans, with expected zaps at Marian Tasco for the DROP program. In the end, it looks like the GOP councilman will decide the winner as the Dems, at present, look even. Look for MC COLGAN to gain new support in the wake of the tipster who slowed the fast-moving David Oh.... HIGH WATER caused the change in State Committee’s meeting on delegates to the national convention. More time to consolidate votes. The Stephanie Singer swim party had to be canceled twice due to rain.... The floods on Main Street in Manayunk, year after year. What will the City do about it? Not to mention the floods in Ward 40A.... An article in the daily press seemed to blame City ASSESSORS for any assessment inequities. Assessors are Statecertified – though by law it is not required. They couldn’t assess for years while the $10m software program that was supposed to do it – failed miserably.... The Mayor, after he is reelected, will implement the AVI program. THE Actual Value Initiative will value your home at 100%, and hit (Cont. Page 29)
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Because the city’s newsrooms are kinda empty these days, there aren’t a whole lot of reporters covering community news. Newsrooms are stretched thin, especially around here. For example, if you walk into the newsroom of the Philadelphia Daily News, you could probably throw a rock from end to end … and not hit any people. Because of this, covering the happenings in the community, unless they involve crime or violence or some sort of malfeasance, don’t generally get a whole lot of love. Karin Phillips knew this all too well. She would get press releases for community events at her office at KYW NewsRadio and wonder, “Why isn’t this being covered?” After a while, she got tired of asking that question and did something about it. Phillips created a beat where all she did was cover community news. If there was an event going on like a health fair, a back-to-school night, or a community fair, she was either on the scene or interviewing the people involved for a pre-event story. She covered that beat and she covered it well, earning a reputation with all of the community leaders, nonprofit agencies and others that wouldn’t have gotten their day in the sun otherwise. So many folks were dismayed when they got the news on Tuesday night that Karin Phillips was dead. She was 53. During Tuesday’s meeting of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, members of the organization shared their remembrances of Phillips and the impact she had on them as a colleague. (Cont. Page 26)
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The annual Billy Meehan clambake was held last Saturday at Cannstatter in the Northeast. The fest was well attended despite the need to reschedule from Aug. 28 owing to Tropical Storm Irene. Most of the candidates for citywide offices this November were in attendance including those running for City Commissioner, AL SCHMIDT and JOE DUDA; Mayor, KAREN BROWN; and Register of Wills, LINDA BATEMAN. Also in attendance were our statewide judicial candidates, ANN COVEY for Commonwealth Court and VIC STABILE for Superior Court. Last year, most of those on the insurgent side of the Party boycotted the event. Most of Republicans on that side of the divide did not attend this year. DAVID OH, candidate for Council at Large, on his way to the clambake stopped by a fundraiser for LEW HARRIS, candidate for Traffic Court. The event was organized by the leader of the 40th Ward, ANNIE HAVEY, and it was held at home of former WARD LEADER LES RITTER. The fundraiser was a family-oriented event with pool activities for the children and dancing for the adults. Also in attendance were former WARD LEADER AL MEYERS and current leader of the 27th Ward, MATT WOLFE. JOE DeFELICE, leader of the 34th Ward, organized a candidates night and ward fundraiser at the home of committeeperson MARGIE MORRIS. Ward CHAIRPERSON CAROL HANDY was the master of ceremonies. Candidates were asked to speak for two minutes and to then take questions. Al Schmidt was probably the only candidate that kept his comments to the time limit. The herd understands politicians can be chatty. Mayoral candidate Karen Brown spoke to the crowd. Candidates for Council at Large JOE (Cont. Page 26)
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The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Page 24
‘Revolutionary’ newcomer on Market Street by Len Lear Foodies all over the Delaware Valley know the neon names Stephen Starr, Marc Vetri, José Garces and Georges Perrier, but one name that is not so well known despite being every bit as deserving of superstar status is that of Luca Sena. A modest, self-effacing entrepreneur who has not sought the spotlight and who routinely deflects praise onto those around him, Luca, 61, nevertheless has an immigrant success story that’s as inspirational as any in the Delaware Valley restaurant industry. Sena was born in Naples, Italy, as the son and grandson of restaurant owners. When he was nine years old, his first job was delivering coffee and espresso to neighborhood
offices in Naples. As he got older, Luca moved up the ladder to washing pots and chopping vegetables. All seven Sena sons and daughters helped out in the family restaurant, and Luca insists, “I did not mind doing any of the chores except for chopping onions. That was the job you got if you had done something wrong.” When he was 21, Luca came to the US with his father, Carlo. After two years here, the father and son had earned enough money to bring their mother and a brother and sister here from Italy. Luca’s dad worked as a chef at Geno’s Italian Restaurant, which at the time was one of the city’s best. Meanwhile, Luca tried a succession of other jobs — photographer’s assistant at the Bernard Aronson Photo Shop, teenage party producer in South
Philly, signage maker, construction worker and air conditioning installer and repairman. “When I came here, I did not speak a word of English,” said Luca. “I just thank God for the United Way because they offered very good classes in English. I also took English classes at Temple University and Southern HS. And fortunately, I love to read, so eventually I was able to learn English.” In 1973 Luca’s parents informed him they were planning to move back to Italy. “My dad always worked for himself in Italy, and he just could not get used to working for other people here. He was very independent. So he told us that the only way he would stay in this country would be if we opened a family restaurant here. As a result, we did decide to open a restaurant to keep dad and mom here. That was La Famiglia, which we opened at 8 S. Front Street.” (La Famiglia, which is still in
Len Lear business after 38 years, “is still the best Italian restaurant in the city,” according to a recent editorial by Philadelphia Magazine publisher Herb Lipson.) In 1990, the young man who could not speak a word of English when he came here opened the Penn’s View Hotel and Panorama Ristorante at Front & Market Streets. “I felt the only thing Center City was missing,” Luca explained, “was a small European-style hotel with a great casual restaurant — the kind of place you find when you
get lost in a town in Italy. This was an abandoned building at the time, and I had to borrow a lot of money to turn it into a hotel. Everybody thought I was crazy.” The boutique hotel started out with 27 rooms but now has 51. Another Sena family jewel that stays under the radar is Le Castagne, which serves contemporary Northern Italian cuisine at 1920 Chestnut Street. (“Delicious food on a par with ... La Famiglia,” according to the Zagat Dining Guide.) But in June of this year, Luca opened what might be his most ambitious project to date. He partnered with John Poulos, whose family owned the Snow White Diner at the southwest corner of 2nd & Market Streets for 60 years, spending 18 months and millions of dollars on a massive transformation of the diner property into Revolution House. The new restaurant can seat about 144 in several rooms, including a gorgeous second-floor out-
door patio with a great view of the Ben Franklin Bridge and Old Christ Church. Unlike the other Sena restaurants, which offer (Cont. Page 31)
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Public Officials,
Business Leaders, Union Leaders, Nonprofit Leaders, Community Leaders, Educators... all read the Philadelphia Public Record. So you’re in the right company!
apartments, landscaping and courtyards. “I see this as another great example of what happens when communities and government work together to revitalize an area,” said Hughes, whose senatorial district includes Mantua. “I am proud to have joined Councilwoman Blackwell and other city and business leaders in playing an integral role in changing Mantua for the better,” said Hughes. The 125 Mt. Vernon Manor apartments were built in 1980 and are encompassed by a nine-building, housing complex that is assisted by the federal Dept. of Housing & Urban Development. In
State Sen. Vincent Hughes ...driving force April, HUD awarded the Mt. Vernon Manor Apartments and the Mantua neighborhood one of 17 nationwide Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants for $250,000.
lier, PHFA supported the federal and city efforts by awarding $12 million in Low Income Housing tax credits to support the $15.6 million first phase renovation, which includes six of the nine existing buildings for a total of 75 apartments. Also joining Hughes at the award ceremony were Brian Hudson, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; Roy Diamond; RDA Executive Director John Carpenter; and David Aiken, among others.
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Politicians,
State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.) announced awards totaling almost $16 million for the Mt. Vernon Manor apartments as part of the reinvestment program in the Mantua section of Philadelphia designed to revitalize distressed neighborhoods in the city. “Mt. Vernon Manor is going to be transformed as a result of significant funding from a few different sources, and it is an incredible sign of collaboration and success during a challenging financial climate,” said Hughes. Mt. Vernon Manor, located at 33rd & Wallace Streets, is a complex renovated to include updated
The project was one of 119 applicants vying for the grant. The grant was a significant win for an area looking to improve, and opens the project up for the potential to receive an additional $20 million from HUD once the planning stage ends. An additional $3.7 million in funding for the redevelopment will be coming from the city of Philadelphia through its Neighborhood Stabilization Program. NSP identifies neighborhoods that are most in need of going from vacant, foreclosed properties to owner occupied dwellings. Mantua is a target area for the city’s investment from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as stimulus funding. Finally, as mentioned ear-
Page 25
Legislators,
Senator Hughes Announces Major Mantua Development
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Denmark Training Ship To Host Visitors Here
We now come out FIVE DAYS A WEEK! Visit our online
the Daily Record, at http://philadelphiadailyrecord.com for the latest word on public life!
launched in 1932 and trained cadets for the Danish merchant marine. At the outbreak of World War II, she was ordered to remain in US waters to avoid capture. After Pearl Harbor, her captain offered the ship to the USA as a training vessel. Hundreds of Coast Guard cadets trained aboard her. She was returned to Denmark in 1945 with a bronze appreciation plaque mounted on her.
She is fully-rigged with 26 sails, and has sailed around the world, training 80 cadets of many nations on each cruise. The Port of Philadelphia is fortunate to be visited by military and sailing ships, including the US Navy, throughout the year. Each welcomes aboard the city’s visitors for tours at no charge. So do come down to Penn's Landing to visit Danmark!
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daily edition,
by Joe Stivala Cadet Training ship Danmark will visit Penn's Landing Sep. 23-26 with 80 cadets and 15 officers. The 790-ton sail ship will be open for tours from 10-12:30 a.m. and 2-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, 24:30 p.m. on Sunday, and 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Monday. Her home port is Copenhagen, Denmark. Her visit will involve the Danish. Consulate and various events. Danmark was
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
Page 26
Out & About (Cont. From Page 23) I remember the first time I met her. I didn’t think she cared for me much, because I was a young reporter trying to figure things out and she wasn’t a big fan of folks who didn’t have their stuff together. But when she figured out the reason I didn’t have my stuff together was because I was so green I could be easily mistaken for Kermit the Frog, she gave me the pointers I needed to not be afraid to do my job. She also told me how
tough it was for her sometimes. There weren’t a lot of African American women at KYW NewsRadio. She had to fight for a lot of what she had managed to achieve, so Phillips was vociferous about enforcing her rights. But eventually, I grew on her, I guess. When she “friended” me on Facebook, I considered it an honor. Phillips was a graduate of Rutgers University-Camden, where she majored in English and Spanish and minored in journalism. She also got her Master’s at Rutgers-Camden and was teaching journalism
there. She was also named to Who’s Who in American College Students and was editor of her college newspaper. Before she came to KYW, Phillips was an anchor and producer for Express Traffic Services and a reporter for the Burlington County Times. Phillips was also active in her community. She was a member of the Philadelphia Flying Phoenix Dragon Boat Club, which raises money for breast cancer. She also helped cook meals for the Ronald McDonald House and helped provide food for food pantries through the Dragon Boat Club.
Phillips was also a member of the Christian Bell Choir of Burlington Co., which performs in neighborhood churches, senior centers and for prison inmates. Phillips was honored by the
Elephant Corner (Cont. From Page 23) McCOLGAN, David Oh and MICHAEL UNTERMEYER were also in attendance. While DENNY O’BRIEN was unable to be there, his campaign manager PHIL INNAMORATO came. Members of the Young Republicans, including
Philadelphia Human Relations Commission with the organization’s Human Rights for Arts and Culture award in 2009. The Philadelphia Council of Clergy, the largest multicultural religious organization in BARRY STATON and ERIC JACOBS, were in attendance. The Pennsylvania Republican Party will hold its fall meeting tomorrow and Saturday in Harrisburg at the Hilton Hotel. The speaker at tomorrow’s dinner will be the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, REINCE PRIEBUS. While any Republican can attend, some of the meetings are limited to State Committee members. Current members of State Committee were elected to these posts for four-year terms by their fellow Republicans. The Philadelphia delegation includes AGNES TILLEY, PEG RECUPIDO, SUZANNE COHEN, ANITA ZELEWSKI, THERESA TIERNEY, MICHAEL MEEHAN, JIM DINTINIO,
the city, honored her with its Outstanding Community Service award in 2004. Her mother and her brother survive Phillips. Funeral arrangements weren’t available at press time. WALETER VOGLER, CHRIS VOGLER, KEVIN KELLY and JOE DeFELICE. Meehan is the Chairman of the Southeast Caucus, which includes the five Philadelphia-area counties. Typically the Chairmen of each County’s Republican Party is also a member of State Committee. However, the Philadelphia seat is currently vacant. Last year committee member Kelly petitioned PAGOP to not seat long-time RCC Chairman Vito Canuso alleging rampant irregularities in Canuso’s most recent election to the post. After a review of the PAGOP’s credentials committee, PAGOP determined the election irregularities were in fact significant and the seat will remain vacant until a proper election is held.
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“TOXIC TOM” Corbett is unpopular with foes of fracking. They charge he’s enabling development of an industry that is unsafe. Plans are being laid to deal with some of its hazards – but are they enough?
bridges; water treatment; health, welfare and safety programs; and affordable housing. But the other 40% would fund State programs – specifically, mine reclamation, watershed protection, hazardous cleanup and State highways. SB1100 is missing some marks at this time, though. It does not allocate fee money to cover potential costs of State Forest degradation, or for potential damages to agriculture, logging or recreation industries that now thrive on these lands. “My constituents are very concerned about the environment,” says State Rep. Joseph Mirabito (D-Lycoming). “They want jobs from gas but also jobs from tourism. Some people have invested in that use of resources. We should not favor one industry over another.” Crucially, SB1100 does not spell out that these fees will pay for increased public management – data collection, inspection and research. An industry that may grow 30-fold will need many more cops on its beat, because accidents happen. And many fundamental scientific questions still haunt this energy “play,” which is less than 20 years old and which is still poorly understood. The public needs facts which belong to the public and are not proprietary secrets of gas companies.
There are those who doubt Scarnati’s and Corbett’s approach matches the job at hand. “The idea that localimpact fees will take care of all ills is mistaken,” comments State Rep. Tony Payton (D-Kensington). Public-health costs in particular pose major questions. People are getting sick right now around Marcellus wells and water has been contaminated by methane and by noxious minerals – some from deep underground, some, perhaps, from the chemicals used in fracking. If we don’t even know what’s going on yet, it’s hard to write laws now that will cover all the potential downstream costs of this industry in years to come. “Let’s learn from the history of the coal industry,” says Mirabito. State Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) echoes this concern. He’s calling for a State stewardship fund to plan in advance for unknown problems down the road that stem from gas drilling. “We have 5,000 miles of streams with no aquatic life, due to coal mining that wasn’t regulated so as to anticipate these costs,” says Sturla. “Today’s taxpayers are footing this bill. We can’t let this happen with gas.” Penn State University in State College has established a Marcellus Center for Re-
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and de facto national Party boss Grover Norquist never to raise the T-word. Since developing the Marcellus Shale requires State and local governments to spend more money for several reasons, that puts State Republicans in a bit of a pickle. They dealt with it shrewdly in SB 1100, by calling a gas-production tax a “fee” instead. Norquist permits fees. SB1100, as now written, calls for a flat $40,000 fee on the first year of production of any Marcellus Shale well. Over the next three years, that would drop to $10,000 per year, because gas production usually drops off fast after the first couple of years. Next year, Scarnati estimates this fee will yield $137 million, climbing to $185 million by 2015. By some estimates, only 3% of all eventual Marcellus wells have been drilled so far, so fee revenue could soar if production soars. Scarnati’s measure aims to compensate only “local impact”, also Corbett-speak. But it recognizes some “local” impacts occur outside the municipality or County where gas is produced. It does allocate 60% of fee revenue to County or municipal governments. These revenues would finance County conservation areas; local roads and
search & Outreach. It has begun to produce useful information which is independent of direct industry funding. But in the long run, State entities which are working on Marcellus issues need to get Marcellus revenues to support their work. And much more research is needed. Some Republicans are sensitive to these concerns. State Rep. Matt Baker (RTioga) has homed in on gas pipelines – a necessary part of gas-well development. He has introduced a rack of pipeline legislation. One of his measures would bring pipelines under the aegis of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission – one consequence of which, Baker says, would be the federal government will give the State more money to hire more pipeline inspectors with. Not all impacts are paid for by State mandate. Kathryn Klaber, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, said earlier this year her member companies had spent $411 million over the past three years to repave, rebuild and improve roadways and transportation infrastructure across Pennsylvania – fourfifths of it on State highways. “We must do everything to ensure that we leave these roads in better condition than when our operations started,” she said. Some impacts of naturalgas development are paid for by other existing taxes – the State income tax and gasoline tax, for instance. “Energy companies pay for State roads through the gasoline tax,” asserts Pat Creighton, a spokesman for the Marcellus Shale Coalition, which represents most Marcellus producers. And as people -- and companies -- make more money from natural gas, they pay more money in personal and corporate taxes. That’s how it works in theory, at least. Next week, we’ll look at how Marcellus money flows into the overall economy of Pennsulvania.
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
by Tony West Everybody in Pennsylvania agrees on three facts. One: There is a lot of money in the Marcellus Shale natural-gas reserves. Two: Getting at this money has damaging impacts, which push costs onto people who didn’t get money from the gas. Three: The money from gas production can be used to repair some of the damage and make good some of the costs. Now comes the hard part. Pennsylvania is struggling today to plan how we should get that remedial money from Point A, the wells, to Point B, the public costs. In many cases, there is no agreement even on what those costs are, much less how to prevent them or pay for them. Still, Senate Republicans, led by President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), have forged ahead on this subject and it’s their plan that will be passed, although many tweaks are guaranteed before the Governor’s pen descends. Scarnati’s western District is wall-to-wall Marcellus Shale, so count on our Pro-Tem to set monetary terms that, in his view, work for his constituents. Gov. Tom Corbett is orchestrating these decisions in Harrisburg. But much of the needed legislative work, like Scarnati’s, has already been laid out, so we can see the broad outlines of policies to come. They are not settled, though, and heated debates around the Commonwealth – both in its big cities and in the Marcellus Shale’s rural heartland – guarantee the General Assembly will worry its way through big issues like finance slowly and cautiously. It’s the Pennsylvania way. On May 16, Scarnati introduced SB 1100, which defines how the
Commonwealth would get revenues from “unconventional gas production” derived from fracking – deep wells which shoot many branches into the source rock, breaking it up with huge blasts of water. Its recommendations were carried into the debates of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission appointed by the Governor, and most of them emerged unscathed when that Committee reported on Jul. 22. So they’ll form the framework for how money will flow from the industry to the State government in the future. This is the bill that will advance in the Senate sometime after it reconvenes this coming Monday. It relies on what it calls “impact fees” to cover public costs of fracking. It has a competitor, though, in a bill introduced by State Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) which would impose a “severance tax” on Marcellus gas instead. Remarkably, Yudichak’s bill drew united support from Southeastern suburban Republican Senators. This is a sectional dispute masked as a philosophical dispute. For 62% of Pennsylvanians do not live on the Marcellus Shale. They’ll get no royalties. Understandably, they don’t want to incur any of its costs and would like to tap some of its benefits. Yudichak’s bill will be on hold until Gov. Tom Corbett changes his mind, though. Adam Pankake is executive director of the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), whose District is all Marcellus. Hers is the first committee SB 1100 must pass through and it’s where a lot of Marcellus shots will be called. “We won’t advance the Yudichak bill because Gov. Corbett has said he won’t sign it, because it’s a new tax,” Pankake explained. In 2010, Corbett signed a pledge by Republican activist
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Will Marcellus Revenues Cover Its Costs?
Page 28 The Public Record • September 15, 2011
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA Breastfeeding Keeps Kids Slim Philadelphia Gas Commission - Public Notice This is to inform the public that the Philadelphia Gas Commission will hold regular meetings during fiscal year 2011-2012 on the following dates: Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Tuesday, December 6, 201 Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Tuesday, June 12, 2012 These meetings will be held in the Commission’s hearing room, on the 18th Floor, 1515 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning at 10:00 A.M. Copies of the agenda to be considered at each meeting, will be available on request, prior to each meeting, at the Gas Commission office, 1515 Arch Street, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These meeings are open to the Public. Marian B. Tasco, Chairwoman
STIFFEL SHINING KNIGHTS
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To: Mark Squilla, Democratic Councilman Candidate, First District The Public Record’s August 11 front page headline, “HOW SQUILLA BECAME A BRIDGE BUILDER” coincided with the closing of the Stiffel Senior Center at Marshall & Porter Sts. It revealed you grew up around 6th & Porter Sts. near the Jewish Center. Because of your stellar reputation as a “bridge builder,” it is appropriate for a future public servant to pass the hat among charitable knights that can save the Center, and who make their living in South Philadelphia. Among them are JEFFREY LURIE (Eagles Owner), ED SNIDER (Flyers Owner), and BRIAN ROBERTS (Comcast Owner). At a flea market last May, you came wearing a “Comcast Cares” sweatshirt in front of South Philadelphia High School. As a bridge builder, please ask Messrs. Lurie, Snider, and Roberts to “chip in” in order to give new life to the 6th & Portet Street neighborhood, including the deposed seniors at Stiffel. It has been said, “Home is where the heart is.” With your help, and the aforementioned gentlemen who make their business home two miles from 6th and Porter Streets, South Philly can become a better home for all, including Stiffel’s senior citizens. Footnote: Mr. Lurie (who bought Walter Annenberg’s estate) recently gave Quarterback Michael Vick a $100 Million contract, Mr. Snider recently sold the Sixers for a reported price of $280 Million, while retaining a 10 per cent share of the team, and Mr. Roberts is the region’s best-paid CEO making $28.16 million in 2010. Philadelphia Inquirer, 8-14-11
—Nicola Argentina (c) 2011 “You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania”
Breastfeeding helps protect children from obesity. In the US, most mothers want – and try – to breastfeed. Unfortunately, even moms who want to breastfeed have a hard time without hospital support. The CDC Vital Signs report, Hospital Practices to Support Breastfeeding — United States, 2007 and 2009, shows 95% of hospitals lack maternity care policies fully support breastfeeding moms. The international BabyFriendly Hospital Initiative recognizes hospitals that follow the recommended 10
Steps to Successful Breastfeeding by designating them BabyFriendly. Some steps include: Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff. Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk, unless medically indicated. Practice “rooming in” – allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Is there a five-year plan imitation in a Chapter 11? Answer: Chapter 13 bankruptcy is usually a good fix for someone behind on their mortgage if a loan modification outside of bankruptcy is not possible and foreclosure is looming. However, there are times when a Chapter 13 will not work. I will mention three of these and then say a few additional words about the last. 1. You generally need to be
able to afford your mortgage payment plus an additional amount to pay to the trustee to cure your arrears. 2. You need to be under the Chapter 13 debt limits ($360,475 in unsecured debt and $1,081,400 in secured debt). 3. You must be able to complete your plan in no more than (5)five years. This last issue is one that I’ve been confronted several times when someone needs more time to pay back mortgage, or IRS/State tax arrears, over five years, Chapter 13 won’t work because five years is the maximum limit of a Chapter 13 plan. This limitation does not apply in Chapter 11 cases. Although individual Chapter 11 cases are more complex and expensive than Chapter 13 cases, sometimes they are the only way to get the job done. You could, for example, propose a plan that would cure your mortgage arrears over seven years in Chapter 13, leaving you sufficient funds to live. Although this is possible, the option does carry with it some costs. 1. Chapter 11 is far more complex and, therefore, expensive than Chapter 13 in terms of legal fees and costs. 2. Proposing a plan calling for payment over, say, 7-10 years could be challenged on feasibility grounds. It’s hard to say what will happen seven years in the future, and this can be a negative factor affecting plan confirmation chances. However, with a stable source of income and realistic projections, plan confirmation is possible. 3. Creditors must vote on a Chapter 11 plan. Even if you are attempting what is known as a cramdown plan, you must have at least one consenting class of claims. If the mortgagee controls your secured class and opposes your plan, this can create difficulties. However, most of the time Chapter 11 prompts creditors to act in their economic interest, including preferring a cure over a foreclosure. Next week’s question: Filing bankruptcy: Do I have to keep my condo, or can I surrender it?
Phone: 215-423-2223 Fax: 215-423-5937
BIG INEQUITY: It cost $35 to file an appeal for a moving violation and $189 to appeal parking tickets to Common Pleas court. This is a discouragement since the ticket
usually is less. It is not due process. It is time for administrative action to reduce the fee. It should not be an agency fee, but an appeal of a City Department action.
City Hall Sam
recently unveiled his plan to create a police reserve force to help with flash mobs. Kenney’s idea is outside the box and based on the Army Reserves. It’s pro-police, but the fiscal note might give a city in constant fiscal crisis pause. But wouldn’t safer streets lead to better city economy through jobs and tourism? The answer is yes.
(Cont. From Page 23) GEORGE BURRELL and JOHN WHITE split the African American vote. HEARN took the fringe vote, and Rendell won comfortably. COUNCILMAN JIM KENNEY could prevail in a similar scenario. Kenney continues to raise his profile. He
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graves on that one.... The SOUTHEAST POLICE CHIEFS had another top lunch meeting at the FOP. Mike Garvey, director of Forensic Science, spoke with his CIA background.... The FOP Building on Spring Garden has been sold for under $2m, with plans to relocate next to the 8th Dist. Police Station in NE Philly.... I AGREE with write John BAER of the Daily News on State Sen. Vince Fumo hype; enough already!!! Do not spend any more taxpayer money on prosecution, above millions already spent....
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
(Cont. From Page 7) S. 9th St., 12-5 p.m., with Procession of Saints from St. Nicholas Tolentine Ch. at 12:30 p.m. Family event. Admission free. Italian food, entertainment, games. Oct. 7- Mayfair Civic Ass’n hosts Autistic Endeavors Beef & Beer at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets $30. For info Barbara (215) 360-1569. Oct. 9- World Premier of modern opera “Adea” by Pennsylvania composer Cynthia Cozette at Lutheran Ch. of the Holy Communion, 2110 Chestnut St., 3 p.m., followed by reception. Freewill offering will be collected. For info (215) 567-3668. Oct. 11- Prevent A Child From Abuse fundraiser art at Tavern On Broad at Bellevue, Broad & Walnut Sts., 5:308:30 p.m. Sponsored by Joseph Pultrone. Tickets $50. For info, tickets, and other details Joe (267) 977-3776.
Oct. 15- W. Poplar NASC hosts Fall Fashion Show & Luncheon at Zoar United Methodist Ch., 1204 Melon St., 2 p.m. Donation $20. For info (215) 765-0960. Oct. 16-22 Mt. Zion Baptist Ch. hosts 97th annual Church Anniversary kickoff Concert at 50th & Woodland Ave., 3 p.m. Revival will be held Oct. 19-21, 7 p.m. All events free and open to public. For info (215) 724-0619. Oct. 22- Philly Cares Day targets South Philadelphia HS at Broad & Snyder Ave., 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. For info or to volunteer call Matthew Mumber (215) 564-4544. Oct. 27- Pre-Election celebration sponsored by Sean Dillon’s 66A Ward at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 11000 Roosevelt Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $35. For info (215) 637-6360. Nov. 12- Unions Fight For Life hosts Fight Night for Phila. Veterans Multi Service & Education Ctr. at Armory starting at 7 p.m. at Penna. Armory, Southampton Rd. & Roosevelt Blvd. Tickets $20. For info Doug Baron (267) 718-2472, Rich Mancini (610) 505-0842, Eric Howarth (215) 290-1370, Tom Dooley (267) 246-5512 or Ed Shaw (267) 992-2600.
more.... A PRESIDENT OBAMA birthday party was held on the 1300 block of Mifflin Street. Fifty attendees heard the President speak to them from Chicago.... JANNIE BLACKWELL supported an “Echos of Africa” weekend and an Asian Fest. She is everywhere, and would be a top choice for Council President.... SINCE THE STATE COURTS will permit, a few say why not merit judges? How they link the two is beyond me. The Founding Fathers would turn over in their
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(Cont. From Page 23) South Philly and Northeast hardest. Unless Council can lower the tax rate enough to make it almost revenue-neutral, and the income level for poor and seniors raised, AVI could depopulate the city and wreak havoc on commerce. Get ready!... The Administration plan to move EMS personnel around, when EMS personnel know their Districts well, could hurt life-saving. It is so unnecessary and does feel
mean-spirited.... With the expansion of the City IG office staff, they could run out of investigations. Then the DA hired a corruption investigator. Enough already! Unless one considers the City worker who said coworkers ate her Jello.... The touted Waterfront Plan is not all the super. Penn Praxis had a goal of bringing people to the river on foot, or by SEPTA – yet they want to tear down street extensions that bring Penn’s landing visitors directly to the front gate? And there is
Walk The Beat
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
The Public Record • September 15, 2011
RIP SNOOPER
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Middle Eastern dish of roasted smoked eggplant mashed with garlic, lemon and olive oil ($6); lasagna “cupcake,” a really innovative combination of mozzarella lasagna topped with a warm ricotta “icing” and very fresh-tasting
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The South Philadelphia Public Record • September 15, 2011
Franco’s in East Falls and on City Line Avenue. During our visit last week to Revolution House, the dishes that stood out the most for us were one of the better versions we’ve tasted of baba ganoush, a traditional
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(Cont. From P. 24) strictly Italian menus, Revolution House has a mid-scale combination of Mediterranean dishes, comfort food,
traditional American favorites, salads, sandwiches, Neopolitan pizzas, even some Asian fusion choices. The executive chef is Luca Sena, Jr., the owner’s handsome son who learned his craft at the family’s restaurants as well as at
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
The South Philadelphia Public Record • September 15, 2011
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