PR-622-S by The Public Record

Vol. V No. 52 (Issue 221) The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South Philly The Way It Deserves December 29, 2011

From Afghanistan To 2-Street, Can Luko Choreograph A Winning Brigade?

Ready To Serve Broad Street Diner Reopens; Creates 65 Jobs

by Maria Merlino Former Satin Slipper Captain Timothy Luko did not let deployment hinder his Mummers devotion. He

by Rory McGlasson The new Broad Street Diner -- closed since 2007 -- has reopened and its new employees are ready to serve.

choreographed an entire Mummers routine for the Satin Slippers Fancy Brigade while stationed in Afghanistan, completing his first sketch of the routine on his return flight in October. On Tuesday night, Luko was putting the finishing touches of the strut at a Convention Center rehearsal. It’s been quite a year for Satin Slippers’ wandering Luko. (Cont. Page 9)

The 65-member staff will pour coffee and serve pancakes in the morning, and serve the traditional ribs late-night. Gone is the old banquet hall and rusty facade that once blighted the building at 1135 S. Broad Street. In comes a new red, white and blue interior piant job, new counter tops, (Cont. Page 2)

Mummers Parade Route Lineup & Schedule

Page 2

TV NEWS ANCHOR MARIA Papadakis, 1st Dist. City Councilman-Elect Mark Squilla, Mayor Michael Nutter and Michael’s Family Restaurants owner Michael Petrogiannis joined community leaders to reopen Broad Street Diner at 1135 S. Broad Photo by McGlasson Photography Street (Broad & Ellsworth Streets) on Tuesday.

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South Philadelphia Business Association Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia – Chartered in 1897 To join as a member of the SPBA, please call: (215)-336-1108

The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 29, 2011

1904 S. 30th Street • Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215)-336-1108 (215)-336-1149 (fax) Executive Board: President- Daniel Olivieri Treasurer: Jackie Fitzpatrick

Vice-President-Vince DeFino Esq. Secretary: Gaeton Tavella

After Four Years, Broad Street Diner Reopens For 2012

(Cont. From Page 1) big screen plasma televisions, and a giant marquee sign that lights up Broad & Ellsworth Streets. “One of my top priorities in this district is to see the South Philly business corridor come alive,” said 1st Dist. Councilman-Elect Mark Squilla, who helped cut a ribbon to officially reopen the diner on Tuesday. “S. Broad Street is where the first and 2nd Councilmanic Dists. meet,” said Squilla. “That’s why it’s important 2nd Dist. Councilman-Elect Kenyatta Johnson and I work together so small businesses such as this diner can be successful.” Michael Petrogiannis, the owner of Michael’s Family Restaurants, will run the new diner. Petrogiannis owns 11 restaurants across the Delaware Valley. Greek-born Petrogiannis

BROAD STREET DINER owner Michael Petrogiannis.

is no stranger to South Philadelphia; he owns and operates the Melrose Diner. The old Broad Street Diner opened in 1964 and closed in 2007. “Most business people I spoke with thought it was too expensive and risky,” he said. “My family and I believe it is a risk worth taking, though. “We understand what South Philadelphia is all about, and we look forward to serving everyone for years to come.” As well as a new facade and marquee sign, there is a

Mummers Parade Route 2012

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Board Members John Savarese Louis Galdo Mark Rago Vince Giusini Bill Ciampitti

This year’s Mummers Parade, expected to feature 10,000 participants, will strut off at 9:45 a.m. at Broad Street and Washington Avenue. It will showcase four divisions -- the comics, fancies, fancy brigades and string bands. The extravaganza of talent and feathery showmanship kicks off with the Comics Division (Broad & Washington), followed by the Fancy Division (at 10:30 a.m. at Broad Street & Passyunk Avenue); the String Bands (at 10 a.m. at Broad & Shunk Streets) and the Fancy Brigades (at 12:40 p.m. at Broad Street & Oregon Avenue). The Fancy Brigades are scheduled to march, from Oregon to Washington Avenues, and will be judged at one of their indoor shows (rain or shine), while

the remaining three Mummers’ divisions will end their competitive performances at the City Hall judging area in Center City. 2012 Mummers lineup and marching positions: COMIC 1. Goodtimers 2. Landi 3. Murray WENCHES 1. Riverfront 2. Oregon 3. O’Malley 4. Cara Liom 5. Bryson 6. Pirates 7. Saints 8. Froggy Carr FANCY 1. Hog Island 2. Golden Sunrise STRING BAND 1. Duffy 2. Fralinger

new handicapped-accessible dining area inside. The diner also remains open 24 hours a day. Mayor Michael Nutter joined civic leaders, members of the Avalon String Band and a Ben Franklin impersonator at the ribbon cutting on Tuesday morning. Nutter thanked Petrogiannis for reopening a “South Philadelphia tradition,” and also for providing much-needed jobs.

215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com

AVALON STRING BAND entertained diners at new Broad Street Diner reopening on Tuesday morning.

THE staff at new Broad Street Diner are ready to serve you. 3. Broomall 4. Aqua 5. South Philadelphia 6. Polish American 7. Uptown 8. Ferko 9. Quaker City 10. Avalon 11. Greater Kensington 12. Greater Overbrook 13. Trilby 14. Pennsport 15. Durning 16. Hegeman 17. Woodland FANCY BRIGADE 1. Downtowners 2. Saturnalians 3. Avenuers 4. South Philly Vikings 5. Golden Crown 6. Jokers 7. Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars 8. 2nd Street Shooters 9. Satin Slipper 10. Clevemore

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

Photos by McGlasson Photography

Teaching Kids To Take A Bow

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.

DANCERS FROM St. Nicholas of Tolentine and Annunciation BVM compete in semi-finals at Dancing Classrooms Philly. Ballroom dancers from around the City took part in dance-off at St. Richard’s School.

ethnics, parties, geography, religions, and on and on. Until then, spoils go to the victors as they have done for generations.

197th Primary Seen Likely When State Rep. and now Sheriff Jewell Williams indicated he would run for the Sheriff’s office, LDC’s Ken Washington began seeking support for the vacated 197th Legislative Dist. seat. But with the District’s new map, he’s decided to throw his support instead to Ms. Jewel Williams, who will be seeking the 197th, who has the full support of her dad, Sheriff Williams. Also interested in the primary and special election to fill the seat in April is the husband of Councilwoman María Quiñones Sánchez, Tomas. He was chief of staff for Councilman Juan Ramos.

186th Already Primary Hotbed Kenyatta Johnson’s suc-

ED NESMITH ...expects to file

JORDAN HARRIS ...Sen. Williams’ protégé

cessful run for 2nd Dist. City Council has created a vacuum in the 186th Dist. strong enough to draw two and possibly four or more into the primary and special election. Early out front was attorney Damon Roberts, who has developed a website which he

is now using go gather up volunteers, money, and general support. Going for him is the fact he knows the district well since he ran unsuccessfully for it, followed by a run for the 2nd Dist. Council seat, which covers the district. He is a committeeman in

the 36th Ward. Next is Jordan Harris, who just resigned as the executive director of the Youth Commission. He has the backing of State Sen. Anthony Williams and Councilman Johnson, whose districts include the 186th. Eyeing the seat are Albert Singletary of the 48th Ward and Ed Nesmith, leader of the 2nd Ward. There may be more. All know they will be in a two election match up primary day Apr. 24. The first is the special election to win the seat for the remainder of the term which ends that Dec. 31, 2012. The real winner will be who wins the Democrat nomination through a primary victory. Candidates need to concentrate on the primary election, but a win in (Cont. Page 4)

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maps are ignoring the fact there is little chance for any successful court challenge because of the huge margins by which the redistricting passed in the Senate and House. Thirty-six Democrats voted for the redistricting plan in the Pennsylvania House, while eight Republicans voted no. Philadelphia’s three congressional members were not unhappy over their new districts. Democrat CongressmanJason Altmire, who felt good about the way the GOP plan drew the 12th Dist., sent a letter to his Democrat colleagues stating he wanted them to vote for the plan because “I believe all the Western Pennsylvania districts, including the new 12th, are drawn in a fair and contiguous way.” The Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee announced it believes the redistricting plan makes four Republican congressmen vulnerable, based on the results of the Obama election in 2008. These are the districts presently held by Republicans Mike Fitzpatrick (Bucks), Jim Gerlach (Chester), Pat Meehan (Delaware) and Charles Dent (Lehigh). Philadelphians, who consider themselves pragmatic and realistic politicians, know the Democrat-dominated City Council redrew the maps to confine one district to the Republicans and insure the other nine would be Democrats. Despite the bleating of those outside the arena to the contrary, no matter how much input was amassed by City Council redistricting hearings, it would go unnoticed and unheeded, since each incumbent was the key player determining how his or her district needed to be redrawn. Those disappointed by their lack of input with the General Assembly and City Council have 10 years in which to get their acts together and try to have incorporated into legislation a more-popular way to achieve redistricting incorporating

The Public Record • December 29, 2011

by Joe Shaheeli Those Democrats jumping up and down claiming the Pennsylvania redistricting plans approved by the General Assembly were “misrepresentations, frauds, unfair to voters, etc. etc.,” should go back to sleep and leave the emails and newsprint to those who truly understand the system. They were all alerted prior to the 2010 statewide general election to be aware of the big prize at stake: control of the redistricting plan which was mandated to be changed by the Census. In this city, Democrat City Committee chairman Congressman Bob Brady kept telling his ward leaders of the critical need to insure a big turnout for Democrats in order to win majorities in both chambers of the State General Assembly. They nodded their heads, but the results were disappointing. The city’s majority was not big enough to stave off a Republican victory and control. Every 10 years the Constitution mandates a census be taken. This last time it was launched with great fanfare. In this city, Mayor Michael Nutter promoted its importance. Several thousand census takers made the rounds and did a yeoman’s job and their efforts resulted in Philadelphia returning to the title it had held 10 years earlier as “the country’s fourthlargest city.” It also showed Philadelphians and Pennsylvania Democrats had ever-increasing registration margins. Though the registration odds were against them, the Republicans took the Office of Governor and with them control of the State House and State Senate. So when it came time to redraw the districting maps, it was expected they would lean toward increasing Republican majorities where possible and dumping heavy Democrat election districts, adding them to already overwhelming Democrat districts not changeable otherwise. Those bemoaning the new

Page 3

Dems Need To Blame Selves For GOP Redistricting

Page 4 The Public Record • December 29, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Simon Says: Back Stack (Cont. From Page 3) the special election would give them a full term’s seniority over freshman legislators entering the General Assembly as a result of Nov. 6, 2012 victories. Key the nomination of the Democrat Party in primary races is retiring Council President Anna Verna, whose 36th Ward has the most divisions of any of the other wards in that district.

Sam Rohrer Believes He Can Beat Casey With a popular name and a strong history in Pennsylvania politics, Sam Rohrer has begun to mount an offensive as the key conservative Republican to challenge Sen. Bob Casey for the US Senate seat. He has sent emails out seeking support, citing his good showing in the first nahir debate among his peer contenders. He stated, though, polls aren’t the “be all and end all. Of course, we’ve seen some encouraging signs so far. In a poll of Republican primary voters taken just before Thanksgiving, our campaign was in first place by 10 points. On top of that, the polls showed I came closer to defeating Sen. Casey than any other Republican.”

McGeehan Battles For Camera Share When a Philadelphian pays a $100 fine for passing a red light where cameras are in place, half of that money gets funneled to roadway improvements in transportation pronjects in other municipalities in the state. Over $15 million has gone to those municipalities since 2005 when the program was initiated. Since the program started in 2005, some $15 million raised in Philly has gone elsewhere. That’s because, by law, 50% goes to Philly, the other half to farflung municipalities. Efforts by Rep. Michael McGeehan to amend the law to allow Philadelphia to keep all the revenue have so-far failed.

Iowa Newspaper Endorses Santorum

The Iowa Oskaloosa News has endorsed Rick Santorum for President. In the endorsement, the News cites Rick Santorum’s depth of knowledge, commitment to Iowa, and his tireless work ethic as reasons why he is the best Republican presidential hopeful. The editors said their “discussion was lengthy, and our opinion was based upon multiple visits with most of the

The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program is December 31. The PTRR program provides eligible Pennsylvanians with rebates up to $650 based on property taxes or rent paid the previous year. The program is open to residents 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people 18 or older who have a disability. The income limit is $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters; only half of Social Security income is counted. To apply for the program, please visit www.revenue.state.pa.us, visit the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, or call toll-free 1-888-222-9190. Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539 8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020 Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM

Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT

FUNDRAISER at offices of investment firm Simon Friedman for State Sen. Michael Stack, right, was attended by Polonia banker Anthony Szusczewicz and 6th Dist. CouncilPhoto by Kevin Sidella man-Elect Bob Henon. candidates over the past six months, with the exception of Mitt Romney, as he’s appeared to be a ghost in Iowa.” But Santorum campaign failed to make the presidential primary ballot for his home state: Virginia. The former Pennsylvania Senator was unable to acquire the 10,000 signatures required to compete in the state’s Mar. 6 primary.Santorum was born in Winchester, Va. and moved to Butler Co., Pa. as a child. He officially changed his residency to Virginia after leaving office. In his 2006 Senate reelection campaign, he lost votes due to the fact his children

were using Pennsylvania funding to attend for a cyberschool even though the family resided in Virginia.

JOINING State Sen. Michael Stack, center, at fundraiser were Alan Gulko and Simon Friedman. Photo by Kevin Sidella

Youth Art On Display

Philly’s Cong. Members Holding ‘Ultra-Safe’ Seats Philadelphia’s three congressional members have been labeled as “ultra-safe” by political pundits, no matter who are how well financed would be primary challenges. The same goes for 120 House seats, and 25 Senate districts. House District 127 is now a Latino district with over 50% of that voting bloc in the changed district.

State Sen. Shirley M.

Kitchen

STATE REP. Tim Briggs held open house for constituents and students from Upper Merion elementary schools whose art work were chosen for display in his district office. Here he is seen with Maureen Loncar and some of her students. Photo by Bonnie Squires Councilman Bill

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The Public Record • December 29, 2011

WITH TOYS piled high behind them, Kerry Pacifico, Sr., Georgina Wigand, Tom Flynn, Marie Pacifico, Kerry, Jr. and Rocco DeGregorio get ready to welcome REMINDING Kerry Pacifico, Sr. needy youngsters from neighborhood schools to Paci- he’s still her only Santa Claus is his wife Francine. fico’s 20th annual Christmas Party.

Page 5

Pacifico’s Brings Santa To Town

In Memoriam: James N. Harper, Sr. Union pioneer James N. Harper, Sr., 70, died Monday, Dec. 19. He was among the early movers in the growth of the Laborers Union movement and was co-founder, along with Sam Staten, Sr., of the Laborers Training School in Exton, Pa. He was also business manager of Local 413, out of Chester, Pa. Among many union positions he held was that of secretary/treasurer of Laborers Dis-

trict Council 332. Services were held yesterday at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church in Chester. Jim attained the rank of Captain and received several decorations overseas. He then returned to a teaching position at Penn State and rejoined Laborers’ Local 413 in 1974. He is survived by his children James Harper, Jr. and daughter Terria Harper.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Page 6 The Public Record • December 29, 2011

Laborers Celebrate Holiday Spirit

ENJOYING LDC’s celebration of season were SheriffElect Jewell Williams, State Rep. Ron Waters, State Sen. Shirley Kitchen, Local 135 Business Mgr. Daniel “Tiger” Woodall and PHA Executive Director Mike Kelly.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

BUILDING TRADES President Pat Gillespie, Bob Bergman, Joe Barilotti and Bob Poulson share a moment at LDC gala.

BOB POULSON is very happy to find himself flanked by Congressman Bob Brady and Laborers Local 332 Business Mgr. Sam Staten, Jr.

MEETING up with her Ward Leader State Sen. Anthony Williams at LDC holiday party was JudgeElect Carolyn Nichols, a 3rd Ward Photo by Joe Stivala resident.

SHARING moment with Local 332 Business Mgr./CoChairman Sam Staten, Jr., 3rd from left, were Sheriff-Elect Jewell Williams, State Rep. Louise Bishop and LECET Administrator Juan Ramos.

FLANKING J u d g e Jacqueline Frazier-Lyde were Council President D a r r e l l Clarke and host Sam Staten, Jr.

Page 7

Our Opinion ...

Traffic Court Has A Problem

The Public Record • December 29, 2011

It is obvious from details leaking out of the federal investigation at Traffic Court, more is at stake than whether or not its judges honored requests for leniency from third parties. Not part of the investigation is the most recent charge of sexual harassment against the court’s youngest judge, William Singletary, resulting in his immediate removal from judicial duties and a call he face upper-court sanctions. The first flurry of reorganization, resulting in the change of administrative duties to a Common Pleas judge, should not be considered final. The Feds have the wherewithal to be plodders in investigations that seem never to go anywhere, and to publicly appear as though they have lost interest. Instead, they usually disappear under the radar only to come up with a flurry under the unsuspecting noses of suspects.

So Does the School District Unfortunately, the windfall days, when Democrats controlled purse strings in Pennsylvania and gave to the Philadelphia School District almost all the millions of dollars it needed, are now gone. Despite a cut in 141 teachers, which occurred near month’s end, the School District faces a gap of more than $20 million. The gloom didn’t settle on those laid off; it flowed elsewhere, since the teacher layoffs were based on seniority, creating a ripple that effectively will force transfers of other teachers. We have heard the next pool of layoffs will include, secretaries, supportive services and nonteaching assistants, and a number of support personnel. There will be a push by the City Administration to close whatever budget gap remains, but whether the City Council will support any move to do so by increasing taxes and/or fees remains to be seen. We see a rough road for the School District through to, and including, its next budget.

For the Rest of Us.... We hope the New Year will not repeat the problems each of us experienced during the old year, but will repeat the good things we did experience. A better New Year to all of you from

Letters • Letters

printed and delivered from a local post office? I still can’t believe junk mail is subsidized off the backs of those who send regular mail. The ability of Americans to mail letters is almost as important as the right to vote and justice. If we as a society can subsidize airports, commuter busses and trains, surely we can do what is necessary to guarantee a bare minimum of postal service. Joseph DuPont I Was A Victim Back in the 1970s thru 1980, I was a victim of sexual molestation by pedophile Ed “Fast Eddie” Savitz. Back during that era, this (Cont. Page 23)

No Voter ID

by State Rep. Ronald G. Waters, 191st Legislative District Chairman, Penna. Legislative Black Caucus As a legislator, I have come across pieces of legislation, commentary from public figures and news stories I believe are discriminatory in nature. They have caused me to think the more things change, the more they stay the same. While great strides have been made in civil rights and equality, this country still faces varying levels of discrimination and prejudices. I am concerned about a measure the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed that aims to limit one of the duties and liberties many have fought and died for: a citizen’s right to vote. The voter ID legislation, if passed, will silence many minority, low-income and senior voters throughout the Commonwealth. These groups are

more likely than any other to lack an acceptable form of identification at the polls. This measure is an attempt at disenfranchising voters whose needs may not fall in line with the Republican majority in the Commonwealth. Over the last decade, out of an estimated 20 million ballots, we’ve only seen four cases of voter fraud. Relatively speaking, if only four out of 20 million students failed in school, we would consider that outstanding. If only four out of 20 million were unemployed, we would consider that full employment. If only four out of 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer, we would consider that a medical victory. But for some reason, the proponents of mandatory voter ID think four out of 20 million people committing voter fraud is a major problem. Those that support this measure are trying to pre-

Mark Your Calendar

Dec. 29- Friends of Council Majority Leader-Elect Curtis Jones hosts “Black Out Party” at 4130 Main St., next to Manayunk Brewery, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dress in black. VIP Cocktail 68 p.m. $1,000 host, $500 sponsor, $250 VIP, $50 general admission, guest. For info Dorian Stanley (732) 642-2163. Dec. 30- Kwanzaa Dinner & Show fundraiser to send 50 students to Africa at Imhotep Charter HS, 6201 N. 21st St.,7-11 p.m. Tickets $40; seniors and children under 12, $30. For info Maisha Sullivan (215) 385-0214. Jan. 2- Inaugural celebration for Jewell Williams, Sheriff of Phila., at Horizons Rooftop Ballrm., Sheraton Hotel, 17th & Race Sts. Attire: boots and denim, and party gear. RSVP JewellWilliams2011@gmail.c om. Jan. 3- S. Phila. Tea Party meeting at Prudential Savings Bank, entrance from parking lot in rear, 1834 Oregon Ave., 7 p.m. Guest speaker. All invited.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Dumbed Down PO! The recent dismantling of our US Postal Service seems in line with a continuing plot to destroy the entire fabric of our society. Yes, business models change, but the ability of delivering mail is one of the hallmarks of successful society. The post office could offer the service, for an additional fee, of printing out letters for us from files to send to aunts and friends that don’t have computers. This would allow people from Europe or opposite sides of our continent to reach family and friends quicker and more efficiently. Why use jet fuel to rush a letter to your aunt 3,000 miles away, when it could be

Another Opinion

vent a problem that is nearly non-existent. This is a solution in search of a problem. We should not create barriers to people expressing their constitutional right to vote. We should encourage voter turnout and seek ways to increase participation. “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” These words, spoken by Abraham Lincoln, are being violated daily. Conservatives throughout this country have failed to treat all men equally. They have made every effort to contradict the values behind this statement and infringe upon civil liberties and discriminate against minorities, the poor, mentally challenged and senior citizens. Such efforts have been made at all levels from government to religious institutions. These institutions should be the pillars of our communities and the very sources that exemplify equality, liberty and justice for all.

Page 8 The Public Record • December 29, 2011 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The year 2011 has been an eventful one for the Republican Party in Philadelphia and the State. In the November Philadelphia municipal elections, the only Republican candidate that had a real election against a Democrat was District City COUNCILMAN BRIAN O’NEILL. O’Neill handily beat Democrat BOB RUBIN by roughly 20 points in a district that has a Democratic edge in registrations. We did elect two new Republican City Councilmen at Large, STATE REP. DENNY O’BRIEN and attorney DAVID OH, as well as a new City Commissioner, AL SCHMIDT. However, in these races the real competitors were other Republicans as these seats are those reserved by City Charter for the minority party. These elections were of interest, as O’Brien and Schmidt were not endorsed by the Meehan faction of the Party. Oh was endorsed, but ever so reluctantly. Statewide, the Republican Party has had a good year. Republicans now control 52 of the state’s 67 county commissions. This was a net a net gain of 12. The notable loss was Montgomery Co. Republicans maintain control of the commissions in Delaware, Chester and Bucks Cos., however. Bucks Co. attorney ANNE COVEY won statewide election to a vacancy on Commonwealth Court. Enough of 2011. What do we have in store for 2012? We have three Philadelphia area Republicans up for reelection to the US House of Representatives, PATRICK MEEHAN (7th Dist.), JIM GERLACH (6th) and MIKE FITZPATRICK (8th). While no election can be truly predicted at this time, the chances for all three of these fellows to win in November look good. Recent realignment of their respective districts made the 7th and 8th safer for Republicans. (Cont. Page 26)

It seems no other legislative seat, open or occupied, has garnered as much interest and intrigue as the one formerly held by STATE REP. JEWELL WILLIAMS. The latest reported entrant into what Lucky refers to as “the Amazing Race” is the husband of COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES SANCHEZ. Although he has a significant amount of support through his wife and a record of accomplishment of his own, we wonder if he has the street connections needed to pull off a victory. Another contender, EMILIO VAZQUEZ, has his boots on the ground. But will he be haunted once again by sloppy petitions and being tossed off the ballot, a la 2006’s race for State Representative that left TONY PAYTON the last man standing (aka, the only one that seemed to know how to do paperwork)? Will STATE REP. ANGEL CRUZ be facing scrutiny and a challenge? Rumors are swirling the Representative will now face payback for some unsettling moves and alliances that have worked against the best interests of his City and his district. We expect to see several challengers surfacing, some names you’ve heard before, some you haven’t, but all interesting! Lucky has also been told STATE REP. ROSITA YOUNGBLOOD should keep an eye not on MALIK BOYD, who ran a strong race last time but was cut out of her district through reapportionment -- but instead on some former allies. The current and a former ward leader of one of her wards have particular interests and ambitions. The former ward leader is known as a perennial candidate for a municipal office and is known to have “issues”. Once an ally, he now knows his former candidacies were a farce and it’s time to change directions to something else, as in a State Representative seat. The current ward leader has visions of grandeur and self-importance.

Yo! Here we go again with these New Year thoughts. This will boggle your mind! In the year 1911: The average life expectancy for men was 47 years. Fuel for this car was sold mainly in drug stores. Only 14% of the homes had a bathtub. Only 8% of the homes had a telephone. There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower! The average US wage in 1910 was 22 cents per hour. The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year. A competent accountant could expect to earn $2,000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year. More than 95% of all births took place at home. Ninety percent of all doctors had no college education! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and the government as “substandard.” Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound. Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo. Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason. The five leading causes of death were: 1. Pneumonia and influenza 2. Tuberculosis 3. Diarrhea 4. Heart disease 5. Stroke. The American flag had 45 stars. The population of Las Vegas, Nev., was only 30 persons! Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and iced tea hadn’t been invented yet. There was neither a Mother’s Day nor a Father’s Day. Two out of every 10 adults couldn’t read or write and only 6% of all Americans had graduated from high school. Marijuana, heroin and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, “Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health!” Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help. There were about 230 reported murders in the entire USA! If this was an email, I could send this to someone else without typing it myself. From there, it could be sent to others all over the world – all in a matter of seconds! Now try to imagine what things may be like in another 100 years.

While the year 2011 for a lot of us was something we’d rather forget, from a news standpoint, it left us with a lot of interesting memories. With that, let us begin our two-part look back at 2011: A Year That Can’t End Fast Enough… A lot of things changed here in Philly in 2011. One of the biggest changes came from School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, who was bought out of her contract to the tune of $900,000 by the time she went back to her grandchildren in New Mexico. Because of a deficit of $600 million plus, she was asked to leave … and filed for unemployment shortly afterward. Another set of changes came from City Council, as a lot of longtime council persons decided to retire rather than be DROPed due to their enrollment in the Deferred Retirement Option Program. Council President Anna Verna, Councilwomen Joan Krajewski and Donna Reed Miller, and Councilmen Jack Kelly and Frank DiCicco retired. In DiCicco’s case, he decided to leave after twisting himself into every uncomfortable contortion imaginable to try and appease the anti-DROP crowd. It wasn’t working … so he left. Two other famous DROPers, Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr., decided to run for reelection anyway and had mixed results. Tasco won handily, while Rizzo was kicked to the curb, proving constituent service and a famous name won’t do what it used to. Some new, yet familiar faces will be replacing those who left: Cindy Bass, a legislative aide to Congressman Chaka Fattah will be the new 8th District Council Member, State (Cont. Page 26)

VETERANS, there is free college help from Wharton School at Penn. Check their website.... CAIN FOR PRESIDENT: Were the women who came forward to denounce CAIN in his presidential bid PATRIOTS? Did they do it for the national good? Will they sue or write a book? There is too much of this – and it could give the defense side of a case an unfair disadvantage. NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION for the Parking Authority Adjudication Branch (the part run by the City FINANCE Dept.): more cognitive reasoning.... GOV. CHRISTIE and former Gov. CODY have been in battle over judicial and Christie appointments. Is Christie a bully? Cody was one of the most-productive Governors in the state’s history and not even elected (acting Governor twice). BRENDAN BYRNE saved the Pinelands and Gov. Mark Mc Greevey saved the Highlands water supply from development. I believe Christie is raising all that cash for Romney to run for Vice President. MANY NOW THINK closing local refineries is unnecessary nd a plan to drive gas up to $4 a gallon.... BIRTHDAYS: Congrats to Capricorn birthday folks: JUDGE JOYCE EUBANKS, a good jurist! KEVIN PRICE at DRPA, a class guy with a future. CAPT. RUSS SCHULZ, US Navy, retired. Also Drew Aldinger, Marian Miziorko, Peter Kallitsopoulos, Dr. Mark Watkins and Rick Docimo. SAD NOTE: Harry Parkinson passed away. He was Pat PARKINSON’S father. John MOONEY sent Pat a fine poem on Facebook: “Merry Christmas” from heaven. Harry liked to hear “Danny Boy” sung.... SAD LOSS with the passing of JOE COUGHLIN. Joe was business manager of Teamsters Local 500. Joe had been appointed by Gov. Rendell to the Unemployment Compensation Board. Joe served proudly in Vietnam. FORCING JUDGES TO EXPLAIN decisions – a Newt Gingrich idea – is silly. Again the Founding Fathers turning over in their graves. Still Gingrich has a rapid-fire brain on data, and would make the toughest debate opponent. My old pal Gene Davey is the only person I know with a faster brain.... BRAVO to Local 234 Transport Workers union on the pact they signed with management of The Hyumdai Rotem Railcar Co. This is an advance for unionism at a time when the GOP is attacking them. NOLLAIG SHONA DUIT are the proper Gaelic words to describe the very successful food-distribution drive by the Hibernian Hunger Project. It went off flawlessly!!! The key (Cont. Page 26)

parade and it’s great being back in the swing. To be with my friends and family doing what I love is awesome!” The Mummers are therapeutic to Luko. “Being involved to such a degree as I am, helped me acclimate and get back to normal as quickly as possible.” The Satin Slippers had a late start, too. “We had our first drill in November. They were 3-4 hour drills. Every-

one knew my situation. I didn’t get back from Afghanistan until late October. Normally, drill rehearsals take 2-3 months, usually starting in September, so we had to do a double time. Everyone put in an extra effort to get the moves. We came together and did it.” Captain Tim “Terk” Gindville was also astonished by the rapid progress the club made. “I’m surprised in a way as to how well everything turned out, since we had such

a short time to do this, but I’m not surprised also because our club was 100% dedicated and committed to overcoming the time constraints we faced.” Rival club Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars Co-Captain Chalie Kapusniak put it this way: “This is a way of life for us. We grew up in this. We have a strong work ethic and dedication. Seeing everyone coming together gives us the incentive to put out our best, HELPING Santa Claus, aka David Waz, who is swarmed by no matter what the circum- youngsters, are Georgina Wigan, Kerry Pacifico, Sr. and his daughter Marie. (More Pics Page 5) stances.”

The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 29, 2011

(Cont. From Page 1) After his return from Afghanistan, TSgt. Tim Luko once again got into action. This time he wasn’t surrounded by the intensity of combat, but by the intensity of ship-shaping his beloved Satin Slippers Club into the choreographed artistic expression of complex moves in different combinations. “I’ve never missed one

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Tim Luko Leads Last-Minute Drills For Satin Sippers Pacifico’s 20th Year Of Giving

“Two Street Parade” Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars behind a huge head prop, Chris Short, Bryan Adams, Co-Capt. Chalie Kapusniak and 3rd-generation Mummer Dan McIntyre. Photo by Maria Merlino

Farnese Gifts Bikes To Kids

Attention All Mummers! WECCACOE CDC Will Sponsor A Judges Stand On New Year’s Day (3:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

At The Corner Of 3rd & Ritner (Between Our Lady Of Mt. Carmel And Coley’s Bar)

All Divisions Will Be Judged

Weccacoe Community Liaison STATE SEN. Larry Farnese and CH2M HILL Phila. surprised 40 area children with new bikes for Christmas. This is the second consecutive year Farnese and CH2M HILL have partnered to give new bikes to children participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Senator is joined by Principal Brianna Dunn of Laura W. Waring School and students. Children who received the new bikes were selected by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Fred Druding, Jr. at

(215) 221-2374

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of millions of dollars. She didn’t hesitate a minute. Immediately after being sworn in by Justice Timothy Savage, she began issuing orders that culminated in the firing of contractors and staff members. She hired a forensic accounting firm and Joseph Vignola, who had earned a reputation at PICA as a fiscal watchdog. Not six months into her administration, she was able to return millions of dollars from various accounts held by the office for years to the City and the State. Not satisfied with just that, she initiated and has implemented a special task force within the Sheriff’s office which is successfully returning unclaimed monies to previous

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homeowners who lost their properties at the Sheriff sales. She said, “It was imperative we do this. We discovered a host of people had developed a business of finding what money was owed property owners. They would then go to those people and assure them they could get them money due them quickly and charging them fees up to 50%.” “We also found some of our in house staff had been responsible for allowing this tactic to become prevalent.” During her years with the

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eration with the office of the City Controller and other City and State officials, “as well as insuring the fullest cooperation with law agencies.” She also said her signing of a “Memorandum of Understanding” with Mayor Michael Nutter and President of 1st Judicial Dist. Pamela

Dembe “ensured we were all on the same page.” Another initiative was the creation of a Sheriff’s Advisory Board, which has come up with a number of procedures benefiting the operation of the Sheriff’s sales division.

The Family Court of the State of Delaware, In and For New Castle. Notice of Termination of Parental Rights Action. To: Unknown Father “Octavio”, From: Confidential Clerk of Family Court Adoptions from the Heart, Petitioner, has brought a civil action (Petition number 11-37421) against you to terminate your parental rights of your minor female child, born: 10/27/2011. A hearing has been scheduled at the Family Court, 500 N. King Street, Wilmington Delaware, on 1/27/2012 at 9:30 a.m. If you do not appear at the hearing, the Court may terminate your parental rights without your appearance. If you wish to be represented by an attorney in this matter but cannot afford one, you my be entitled to have the court appoint an attorney to represent you for free. For more information, please contact the confidential clerk at family court, (302) 255-0244. Superior Court of Arizona In Maricopa County - Case# JS 506837 In the matter of Jaylee Jenai Davis-Wallace. Notice of initial Hearing on petition for termination of parent-child relationship. Notice is hereby given that the petitioner Rena A. Wallace has filed a Petition for Termination of Parent-Child Relationship with the Juvenile Court in Maricopa County regarding the above named child or children and Rachanna Davis & John Doe. An initial hearing has been set to consider the petition on February 7, 2012 at 9:00 a. m. before Judge David K. Udall at the Maricopa County Court located at: Southeast Facility; 1810 S. Lewis Street; Mesa, AZ 85210. • You have a right to appear as a party in this proceeding. • Request for reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities must be made to the office of the Judge or commissioner assigned to the case, at least ten (10) days before your scheduled court date. • The failure of a parent to appear at the initial Hearing, the Pretrial Conference, the Status Conference or the Termination Adjudication Hearing may result in a court order terminating the parent-child relationship of that parent. • Failure to appear at the Initial Hearing, Pretrial Conference, Status Conference or Termination Adjudication Hearing, without good cause, may result in a finding that the parent, guardian or Indian custodian has waived legal rights and is deemed to have admitted the allegations in the Petition. • The hearings may go forward in the absence of the parent, guardian or Indian custodian and may result in the termination of parental rights based upon the record and evidence presented

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SHERIFF BARBARA DEELEY ....a record-setter!

Sheriff’s office, Deeley became an expert in the handling of every facet of the administrative chores belonging to that office. She accepted the appointment as Sheriff with her condition she not be asked to run when the term expired. She welcomed the news State Rep. Jewell Williams (D-N. Phila.) was entertaining the idea of running for the vacancy that would occur after her retirement. “I knew Jewell would be the perfect successor because of his law-enforcement background, his knowledge of State politics and his constant appearances at the Sheriff’s office seeking to help constituents and others caught up in mortgage foreclosures,” says Deeley. Since Williams’ election in November, she has spent countless hours with the incoming Sheriff to insure he has the “fullest possible grasp of all the ramifications that result from the many responsibilities inherent in the office.” She knows “he will not miss a beat from the day he is sworn in as my successor.” Deeley has no immediate plans to continue in public service, though she has received offers to continue to do so. A resident of Rhawnhurst, she earned her street sense and political acumen in South Philadelphia, helping political leaders in their campaigns. She has long been a factor in the 56th Ward. “I have found those who are in constant touch with their constituents, usually make the best public servants,” she said. “Jewell Williams is one of those, growing up to become a legend in North Philadelphia, where he has initiated a number of community events, such as the Susquehanna Street festival which unites diverse communities in that area.” Some of the other changes she has made in Sheriff’s office was insuring full coop-

The Public Record • December 29, 2011

Barbara Ann Deeley, a very young 63 with the vitality of a teenager, can look back on a career that spans three decades in public service, the last year, setting a record as Pennsylvania and Philadelphia’s first female Sheriff. She didn’t move up to that post without having a background of 23 years working in that office, climbing up the ladder from deputy sheriff to director of constituent services to chief of staff, then chief deputy sheriff, and finally Sheriff. With such a seasoned background, it was obvious to her she needed to make immediate changes in that office, which had been besieged and battered by the major media for its handling

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City’s First Female Sheriff Hangs Up Her Spurs

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Johnson House Hosts Kwanzaa HISTORIC Johnson House at 6308 Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy, hosted its annual Kwanzaa celebration with storyteller Serita Johnson and Temple Univ. drummers. Overall theme of event was to guide youth to adopt the principles of Kwanzaa in order for them to live a life with a positive Purpose (Nia).

Black Professionals Network

Ringside With The Shadowboxer

Cool Gets Gravestone

DUCKY BIRTS, aide to Congressman Bob Brady, center, encourages Black Professionals at their fundraiser at African Photo by Donald Terry American Museum. Boxing Historian John DiSanto of the pugilistic website PhillyBoxingHistory.com continues to make sure those in the Philly Boxing community who may be gone, are not forgotten. Eddie Cool was one of the best boxers to ever come out of Philly. He competed in one of the great eras of the sport, and complied an outstanding 95-29-15 record against the very best. Never heard of Cool? Sadly, you would think that considering his tremendous record, everything he did in the ring, the level of opposition he faced, and his overall story, that he’d be a household name in Philly boxing circles. Perhaps he was too good for his own good. In 1936, lightweight champ Lou Am-

bers came to Philly to face Cool in a non-title bout at the Arena in West Philly. Cool beat the champ, but was never given the opportunity to repeat the feat in a title fight. Despite all these accomplishments, Cool has spent the last 64 years in an unmarked grave at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia. But, thanks to DiSanto, a headstone was placed on Cool’s grave, ensuring that his final resting place will be remembered. Cool’s headstone is the fourth such tribute DiSanto has mounted, with the generous donations of Philly boxing fans to the Philly Boxing History Gravestone Fund. Previous recipients include Tyrone Everett, Gypsy Joe Harris, and Garnet “Sugar” Hart.

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plunks their card down with the announcement that they don’t really intend to pay the issuer, courts have had to find ways to infer what’s in your head when you make that purchase with plastic. The legal fiction that has grown up is that when you present your plastic to pay for a purchase, you make a

representation that you intend to pay the issuer. If that weren’t so, the entire credit-card industry collapses. Credit-card issuers, then, are looking for evidence the bankruptcy debtor didn’t intend to pay. They look to the facts that appear on the card statement and ask

records and use to form a conclusion the debt wasn’t incurred with an intention to repay. In the mean time, if you are considering filing bankruptcy, remember your use of your credit cards, even within the card limits, is subject to scrutiny in your bankruptcy case. If proven fraudulent, those charges may be with you for the New Year and beyond. Next Week’s Question: Should you prepare to pay if you forget to take the financial-management course?

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(Cont. From Page 7) city’s law enforcement practiced a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy regarding pedophile-related crimes and unfortunately considered it a gay-related sexual crime, which it is not! My crime was covered up in the name of internal politics and preserving reputations of all involved. There are thousands of kids who are now adults who have to live with this dark secret as I have. Recently I have decided to tell my horrible story in healing myself and helping others who have lived with this dark secret in letting them know they are not alone and help is out there if they want it.

courts to infer from those facts the debtor’s state of mind. What triggers the assumption the use was fraudulent? • Dramatic run up in account balance shortly before bankruptcy filing • Purchase of non essentials • No payments after significant purchases • Going over limit • Continuing use right up to bankruptcy This list isn’t exhaustive, but it touches the things the creditor can see from its

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Letters

Page 24 The Public Record • December 29, 2011

Auctions Raise $10 million For PHA The second sale of 100 underutilized Philadelphia Housing Authority properties at auction by Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Co. has brought the total sold to date up to $10 million. The auction is another example of moves in the Sheriff’s Office to tighten its fiscal procedures. The latest properties included lots, three-story townhomes and brick homes in the Temple Area, Fairmount, Spring Garden, University City and West Philadelphia areas. More than 500 people and 250 bidders filled the 1st Dist. Plaza Conference Center with properties ranging from $8,000 to $325,000. Within two hours, all 100 properties were sold to individuals. That auction generated $4.2

million for the Philadelphia Housing Authority. “This is a great step for Max Spann and PHA,” said Bob Dann, executive VP & COO of Max Spann. “We have now held two very successful auctions and raised more than $10 million. We are looking forward to working with the PHA in the future.” The auction follows a successful Max Spann auction in November in which 400 Philadelphia Housing Authority properties were sold in less than three hours, both individually and in bundles of up to 25. The auction generated $6.4 million for the Housing Authority. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the results of the two auctions,” said PHA Executive Director Michael

Kelly. “The sale of these 500 properties benefits both the City and new property-owners. Our partnership with Max Spann has worked extremely well in providing the public an opportunity to invest in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.” “The properties we sold are now in the hands of individuals who will be able to return them to productivity,” said Max Spann, president and CEO of the auction house. “These auctions make it extremely easy for Philadelphians to purchase property at an affordable price and participate in the rebuilding of a great American city.” For more information about Max Spann’s auctions, visit maxspann.com, or follow Max Spann on Facebook/MaxSpann and Twitter/MaxSpann.

RONY FILL THIS

Tony Williams Hosts Christmas Party

AMONG families attending State Sen. Anthony Williams’ Gifts for the Holidays party at Simeone Auto Museum was Thomas family. Here Denean Thomas, in wheelchair, is joined by his siblings as he awaits arrival of Santa.

JORDAN HARRIS, of Lincoln Day Educational Center, and candidate for 186th Legislative Dist. Seat, checks over lists of those who were arriving at Williams’ Gift For the Holidays Party.

Local 98 Distributed Turkeys And Toys

IBEW Local 98 volunteers pack trucks with turkeys, food and toys for needy of Phila. prior to Christmas Day. VolLOADING Local 98 Toys for kids of needy unteers, who worked for week distributing the Christmas families are Ed McBride, Turkeys and Toys baskets, included those in photo above: Hasan Buffalo, Director; Michael Neil; Sandy De Muro; and Bob Gormley, Bobby Hamilton, Ed Kirlin, Brandon Mc Photos by Joe Stivala Laughlin and Brian Young. Marissa Moylan.

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Police Fete Children

WAFFLEMAN, aka Joe Sbaraglia, gives Santa Claus earful of what to expect as 3rd and 4th Police Dists. held annual Christmas Party for over 200 youngsters.

LAPDOG WATCHDOG Part 55/60 September 27, 1984 Dear Mr. Argentina: Thank you for your letter and for the copy of the Strom Thurmond letter. Unfortunately I do not see any value in publishing it at this time. Sincerely, Zachary Stalberg Editor

Zachary Stalberg "Nobody would say anything Critical on the record... That is why I'm here." Guardian struck chord.

Former Daily News editor Monopoly town gatekeeper Under ice berg's tip Top down, sound sleeper.

"The town needed an organization With a little backbone." A thirty-four year cover up artist Zack missed the strike zone.

"There were a lot of stories I couldn't put in the paper." From oboe sound black-out To President O-boe-ma sound shaper.

As top city watchdog Stalberg now claims a bark Paid $248,000 in '08 Spineless editor missed the mark.

(12.4.09)

service are unsurpassed by any other Latino-influenced restaurant in the Delaware Valley. Among other things from chef Claudio Soto, my wife and I both felt the velvety guacamole and pristine black bean soup were the best we have ever tasted. An appetizer of queso fundido ($9.95) was impeccably moist, anointed with chorizo and inflected with poblano peppers in melted Chihuahua cheese. Salsa Tequila’s is a classic entree orchestrated with tequila and fused with butter, garlic and lime juice, perfuming each other with their flavors, with either a whole red snapper, grouper fillet or jumbo shrimp ($21.95 to $$25.75). More information (215) 5460181 or www.tequilasphilly.com •Village Belle at 757 S. Front Street, an American restaurant with Italian and Mediterranean influences in Queen Village, has been on an upward trajectory for its owners, South Philly brothers Lou and Joey Campanaro. Set in an unusual stand-alone building, the lively bistro offers a beautiful bar and casual dining room with wraparound picture windows. Many of the dishes on the menu were first learned by Lou and Joey from their Italian grandmother during their childhood on Queen Street, just around the corner from the restaurant. The brothers’ menu at Village Belle includes sausage ravioli with robiola, lemon and turnip tops; duck confit with mandarin, fennel and celery root; codfish with escarole, white beans and pancetta; and capellini with

lettuce, carrots, crushed peanuts and ramekins of two sauces that can all be mixed and matched and packed into thin-as-air rice paper to form sandwich wraps. The two of us could not come close to finishing the food ($26.95 for

two) and had plenty to take home. The quantity and quality are truly memorable. More information at (215) 592-1163 (Vietnam) or (215) 729-0260 (Vietnam Café) or www.eatatvietnam.com. TO BE CONTINUED

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CITY OF PHILADELPHIA The City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, is requesting PROPOSALS for “ON CALL PROJECT/CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT”. All proposals are to be submitted to www.phila.gov/contracts/ by 5pm JANUARY 20, 2012 and also as directed in the REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Interested firms are invited to download the rfp directly from http://www.phila.gov/contracts/ (click under “eContract Philly”) or request the RFP by email to rfp@phl.org .

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Philadelphia's Committee of Seventy Government watchdog group President Zachary Stalberg Newspaper scoop.

Len Lear

frutti di mare and light saffron broth. The menu ranges in price from $8 to $14 for appetizers; all entrees are under $25, and there’s not a joker in the deck. Check any of the restaurant blogs, and you’ll see customers are raving about this one-year-old treasure. More information at (267) 639-5359 or www.thevillagebelle.com. •Vietnam Café, the large, airy, beautifully decorated gem that opened in November 2009, at 816 S. 47th Street in West Philadelphia/University City, has one of the city’s best bargains in its signature barbecue platter. The menu lists the barbecue platter under “Specials,” but it is a permanent fixture of the menu, as it has been for many years at Vietnam, the Lai family’s other restaurant. Vietnam has been a Chinatown institution for 27 years at 221 N. 11th Street The dish is a huge, colorful platter filled chockablock with several crispy spring rolls, 12 beef-stuffed grape leaves, a substantial quantity of char-grilled chicken, grilled “meat balls” (that are actually more cylindrical than round), fluffy rice vermicelli,

The Public Record • December 29, 2011

by Len Lear The end of the year is traditionally a time for newspaper columnists to sum up their selections for “best” books, movies, TV shows, etc., of the year, so here are my choices for our best restaurant experiences of 2011: •Dandelion, an upscale British pub at 124 S. 18th Street (at Sansom): We’ve been in London, England, five times and visited numerous pubs, and believe me, they were as different from Dandelion as lightning bugs are from lightning. Dandelion is like a pub for the exclusive use of the royal family. There are wood-burning fireplaces, beautiful reclaimed banisters and bar-top globe lights, banquettes, sofas, Victoriana, cushions, chandeliers, rich mahogany, dog-themed memorabilia, etc. The food and drinks are right up there with the elegance and charm of the Dandelion ambience, and the rustic flavors are just as authentic and inviting as the sounds of happy customers that fill the room. Risotto with

porcini mushrooms and cipollini onions ($14), had a satiny, impeccably moist consistency. Soft and creamy, the center of each grain of rice retained the firm tooth that is the hallmark of an outstanding risotto. And zephyr-light beer-battered, blushing codfish and chips ($19.50) was light-years ahead of this staple that’s served at most English-style pubs. Cumberland sausages with a frisson of onion gravy and creamy mashed potatoes was also elevated above the standards of this ordinarily pedestrian dish ($15). Customers at Dandelion are cosseted by an armada of attentive servers (like Natalie, who waited on us) and runners. More information at (215) 558-2500 or www.thedandelionpub.com. •Tequilas was opened 25 years ago by David SuroPinero at 1511 Locust Street and then moved to larger quarters at 1602 Locust Street 10 years ago. Tequilas does not get as much press as certain other upscale South-ofthe-Border-cuisine restaurants despite its longevity, but its food, cocktails, ambience and

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One reviewer’s top restaurants of 2011

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

The Public Record • December 29, 2011

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Pacifico Ford

Elephant Corner (Cont. From Page 8) On the Senate side, the race looks very murky at this point. Recent polls have SEN. BOB CASEY beating any of the possible Republican candidates by at least 10 points. However, Casey’s approval rating, according to a Public Policy poll, is only 40%, which is not solid ground for an incumbent. He has also voted 98% of the time with PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA’S agenda and

Walk The Beat

6700 Essington Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19153 ______________________ 215.492.1700 www.pacificocars.com Rocky has been in the auto business since 1994. He has been recognized by Ford Motor Company with numerous achievements including Master Certified in car and trucks. He’ll use his experience to help you maximize your benefits and reduce your expenses!

(Cont. From Page 8) to success were the fine AOH team and the ultimate coordinator, BOB GESSLER!... DIDN’T THEY GET THE MESSAGE? Did we not read a letter to the daily press from the Delaware River Port Authority Chairman, saying that DRPA had learned their lesson on giving millions to various groups? Now they are under attack for wanting to do it again? Will you just use your revenue to repair the bridges? STATE REP. MICHELLE BROWNLEE sponsored a fine

Obama has a disapproval rating in Pennsylvania of 57% according to recent poll by Quinnipiac. Casey is beatable, if we Republicans can put up a wining candidate. In this elephant’s opinion, name recognition is important in Pennsylvania. Having the same name as his popular father and Pennsylvania Governor helped Casey get elected six years ago. While the herd believes we have some great people interested in replacing Casey, the only one with any holiday brunch for her constituents at her Girard Avenue office.... TRUTH FINALLY! After all the denunciations of City Commissioner Marge Tartaglione, I read a great paragraph in the Inquirer: “By all accounts, Tartaglione assembled and maintained a strong cast of civil-service employees who pulled off elections without significant problems, year after year, for nearly four decades.” To that I add, “VERY TRUE.” We will miss her, and her colorful years, which were years of accomplishment. Thank you for your service. Continue as a ward leader. Bravo Marge!

Out & About

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(Cont. From Page 8) Rep. Kenyatta Johnson will become Councilman Johnson in January, taking over the 2nd Dist. seat; Mark Squilla will be the new 1st Dist. Council Member; and Bob Henon will be the new Councilman in the 6th Dist. The two new Republican at-Large seat holders will be former Speaker of the House Denny O’Brien and David Oh, who should have had this seat instead of Jack Kelly a long time ago. Tasco ran for Council President, but lost to Councilman Darrell Clarke for the office.

real name recognition at this time is SAM ROHRER, who ran in the primary in 2010 against GOV. TOM CORBETT. Other Republicans who have thrown their hats in the ring for Senate include Philadelphia-area businessmen STEVE WELCH and DAVID CHRISTIAN, as well as Armstrong Co. businessman TOM SMITH; former Santorum staffer MARC SCARINGI; and Central Pennsylvania businessman TED BURNS. If no one else enters the fray, this elephant believes we Republicans will be choosing between Rohrer, Smith and Welch. Rohrer is on our short list owing to his name recognition. Smith and Welch have already sunk serious resources into the race, and both men are very wealthy and capable of financing an expensive campaign. The herd expects the candidate will probably need to raise at least $20 million to be competitive against Casey. At this time, the herd doubts that the State Party will endorse a senatorial candidate prior to primary. All

three of the herd’s current front-runners share similar policy goals of reduced regulation, lower taxes and responsible spending. Thus, the primary may well be about the men themselves. While the pay raise was not an issue in Philadelphia four years ago, this elephant has heard from some party officials in the central part of the state that is still a sore subject there. This could hurt Rohrer, who voted for the pay raise. Also there are some elephants who think Rohrer should have been a better sport when he lost the primary to Corbett. Smith and Welch may be questioned about the fact that they were once Democrats. Smith was a Democratic committeeman at one time. The local party pushed him out when he supported Republicans. Welch, after being a lifelong Republican, became a Democrat in 2005 but switched back in 2008. However, he did not reregister as a Republican until after the primary in which he voted for Obama. He did vote for McCain in the general election.

Another thing that changed in Philly this year is we lost our Third Rail of African American Politics. Mumia Abu Jamal, the former journalist who was convicted of murdering a Philadelphia police officer, and has since become the Fraternal Order of Police’s favorite cudgel to use to keep African American politicians in line, had his sentence commuted to life in prison due to a federal judge’s order last year. District Attorney Seth Williams decided not to appeal the decision. So Mumia’s gonna continue to exist. I just wonder what leverage will be used to try and keep folks from straying off the reserva-

tion and addressing such things as police brutality now that our Third Rail has been removed…. But the more certain things change, the more that they stay the same here in Pennsylvania. For one thing, when Republicans find their way into the Statehouse, cuts in school funding and taxes, more regulation aimed at curtailing a woman’s right to choose, and other silliness becomes the norm. Added to this stuff is the staunch refusal on the part of Gov. Tom Corbett, a man who is possibly the best argument for moving out of the city I love, to make the folks drilling the Marcellus Shale for natural gas pay so much as a fee for the damage they create. It’s that whole stupid, nobasis-in-fact “Don’t tax the job creators” argument. Too bad that the so-called job creators are only creating those jobs in foreign lands. See you next week … and may 2012 bring you all of the joy, success, and love you deserve. Happy New Year!

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K & A Auto Salvage Inc. 2160-66 E. Somerset - Phila., PA 19134 215-423-4255 Fax: 215-423-4256 In accordance with chapter 73 of the vehicle Code Authorization of the department of Transportation the Following vehicles is located @ K&A Auto salvage Inc. 2160 E Somerset AVC

Make

Year

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Suzuki

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Transport.com Driver: Dry and Refrigerated. Single source dispatch. No tractor older than 3 years. Daily Pay! Various hometime options! CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience. 800-414-9569. www.driveknight.com Attn: Exp. Reefer Drivers: GREAT PAY /Freight Lanes from Presque Isle, ME, BostonLehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com Driver- NEW CAREER FOR THE NEW YEAR! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! No credit check! Top Industry pay / quality training, 100% Paid CDL Training 800-326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com Drivers - CDL-A. DRIVE WITH PRIDE. Up to $3,000 Sign-On Bonus for Qualified Drivers! CDL & 6mo. OTR exp. REQ'D. USA TRUCK 877-521-5775 www.usatruck.jobs Top Pay On Excellent Runs! Regional Runs, Steady Miles, Frequent Hometime, New

Equipment. Automatic Detention Pay! CDL-A, 6mo. Experience required. EEOE/AAP 8 6 6 - 3 2 2 - 4 0 3 9 www.Drive4Marten.com Owner/Operator's $5,000 SignOn Bonus! Tons of warm, prosperous South TX runs! Frac Sand Hauling. Must have tractor, pneumatic trailers, blower. 1-800-397-2672 CDL-A Drivers - Steady Miles, New Equipment, Regular Hometime. Dry Van and Flatbed ($500 Sign-On for Flatbed). Benefits after 30 days! CDL GRADUATES NEEDED. 888-801-5295 MISCELLANEOUS AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715 EARN COLLEGE DEGREE ONLINE. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job place-

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ment assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV Certified. Call 888-220-3984. www.CenturaOnline.com HELP WANTED DRIVER **EAST REGION ONLY: CDL drivers wanted to deliver Semi and Box Trucks throughout the NE Region. Tow Vehicle is beneficial. Call 866-764-1601 or www.qualitydriveaway.com

Wanted Late Model Cars & Trucks in need of repair. Up to $5,000. in cash. Same day pick-up

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The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 29, 2011

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Public Record Classifieds: small ADS BIG Deals

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The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 29, 2011

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