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A Saintly Crew? READY TO DRIVE snakes away, should any show up for St. Patrick’s Day parade, were, from left, Councilmen Bill Green, Bill Greenlee and, in rear, Curtis Jones with Mayor Michael Nutter. See other pictures page 9 Photo by Rory McGlasson
WELL-KNOWN leaders, above, gathered at Democrat City Committee this week as Policy Committee heard candidates seeking Party’s endorsement for May 21 primary. In photo below, Edgar “Sonny” Campbell, Chairman of Democratic Ward Leaders of Color, is joined by State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams to announce group has endorsed Joe Waters for Superior Court, Allan Butkovitz for City Controller and Seth Williams for District Attorney. At right is Ben Miller, representing Williams. Photo by Joe Stivala See Page 4.
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Laborers’ District Council Honors Juan Bacote by Marvetta Coleman In an industry described as “among the most dangerous in the country,” Juan Bacote, the recently retired director of the Laborers’ District Council Health & Safety Fund, is clear about the mission he advocated during his tenure: “Teaching our members to perform their jobs safely.” And now, as the Laborers 332 veteran transitions from the position he’s held for more than a decade, he can take some measure of pride in that, through his role, he helped to ensure a focus on safety – by both members and employers – that decreased risks to the lives and livelihoods of union members, and contributed to safer sites and productivity for contractors. It’s been 30 years since Bacote, 65, first joined the union. After graduating from West Philadelphia HS, he spent five years as a medic with the US Air Force. Bacote then returned to Philadelphia and enrolled in Temple University where he earned a BA degree in social work. A sense of the pragmatic tinged with humor was evident as he recalled his motivation for pursuing the degree. “While I was in the military, I met a guy who was a lieutenant, who I thought was one of the dumbest individuals I’d ever met, but he had a college degree. I decided then a degree was not out of reach for me.” Following graduation, he began working for the Dept. of Public Welfare. However, he soon concluded that the job was more about paperwork and
2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134
CONGRATULATING Juan Bacote, 2nd from left, on his decades of service toward advancement of dignity of laborers, were Damien Lavelle, employer trustee, Delta/BJDS, Inc; Local 135 Business Mgr. Daniel L. Woodall, Jr.; and Laborers District Council Business Mgr. Ryan N. Boyer. less about social work. Feeling Juan spoke about how he felt that helping others should be the increased attention to safety more than a job’s by-product, was further prompted by an onBacote began to look for other the-job death of a member. employment options. “Up until then, while safety It was his brother who sug- was a concern, I think stronger gested he consider construc- safety controls and a move totion. “My brother was an wards a zero-tolerance policy agent for Local 332, I had were reinforced by his death.” bills to pay, and I needed a He noted, “(At the time), while job,” besides, “Being a la- OSHA’s regulations were borer carried a certain amount taught, enforcement on the job of status. Everyone knew you wasn’t always rigorous,” conworked for a living and people tinuing, “What I wanted (was) liked construction guys.” He for all of those on the sites to walked through the doors of be able to go home to their 332 and never looked back. families at the end of the day.” Thirteen years in the field He also stressed how better helped to prepare him for the safety practices also benefited 17 years he would spend in contractors: “The safer the job two operations for the labor- site, the less the down time, ers. The first came in 1995, and the better the insurance when he was asked to serve as costs are contained.” the first administrator for a In talking about his contrinewly created fund, the La- butions, Bacote’s humility was borers’ Employers Coopera- evident as he insisted, “I was tion & Education Trust or just a soldier,” preferring inLECET Philadelphia. Six stead to give credit to retired years later, he helped to em- labor leader Sam Staten, Sr., phasize the unions’ focus on whom he considers to be one of safety, becoming the first and, the main reasons for the shift in up until his retirement, only, elevating the issue of safety. director for the organization’s “The way he led made everyHealth & Safety Fund. body feel important and he brought the Laborers’ District Council together. Because of his leadership, ours is one of the strongest (unions) in the country.” When asked about his plans, he laughed. “I’m looking forward to continuing to enjoy life.” An avid cycler for nearly 40 years, the father of a son and daughter, and Phone: 215-423-2223 grandfather of two, is as trim Fax: 215-423-5937 as many men half his age.
Bowling for most of the past 35 years, Juan noted that he may add another league to the three in which he already bowls. Conference attendance throughout the country helped him to expand his horizons and enjoyment of travel, so already there is a trip on the horizon – the running of the bulls in July in Pamplona, Spain. While he won’t be a part of the running frenzy, he plans to fully enjoy the celebration of the fiestas. In addi-
tion to overseas travel, “there’ll be time just spent driving across the country.” And he’ll continue volunteering to assist those preparing for parole, something he’s done for the last dozen years. Another way to help save lives – a different group with different needs, yet a role that works towards aiding individuals in returning home to their families. It’s fitting that, even in retirement, Juan Bacote continues a journey focused on helping others.
Video Proves Benefits Of Red-Light Cameras The PPA has released an instructional video that explains how red-light cameras work, and how the cameras are changing driver behavior and saving lives here in Philadelphia. Since 2005, when the General Assembly authorized the Philadelphia Parking Authority to establish a red-light camera program in the city of Philadelphia, the PPA has equipped 24 intersections (over 100 cameras) throughout the city with cameras that monitor traffic and automatically photograph vehicles that drive into an intersection after the light has turned red. Vincent Fenerty, executive irector of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, stated, “I would like to thank everyone who helped put this important instructional video together. The red light camera program in Philadelphia has reduced red light running substantially, and is saving lives. This video will be used to increase public awareness to the dangers of running red lights.” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey was all for them, commenting, “Red-light cameras really cause people to do is think about what they are doing to make sure they don’t get that citation. It is not a revenue-
maker, since overtime revenue will actually drop because people are more compliant with the law, which is what you want to see. This is about saving lives.” Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers added, “When we can educate our public red-light running is dangerous,causing accidents, and loss of lives, they understand the reason for the cameras.” State Rep. John Taylor (RKensington) is a big supporter. He said, “The red-light cameras at Aramingo Avenue & York Street was at an important intersection for us where pedestrians were getting hurt ... the fact these red-light cameras are there helped save pedestrian lives and reduce accidents.” State Rep. Ronald G. Waters (D-W. Phila.) added, “Each ticket costs drivers $100. The main goal of this program is to promote public safety. Revenue from the program goes to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation, which then distributes the money evenly between the City of Philadelphia and the state through grants for transportation projects.” To view this film, view http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=xvIF79I4DDY&feature=youtu.be.
The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($30 per year Optional Subscription) The Philadelphia Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila. PA 19147 215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Associate Editor: Rory G. McGlasson Social Media Director: Rory G. McGlasson Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Dan Sickman: Veteran Affairs Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: Ron Taylor Photographers: Harry Leech Kate Clarke Leona Dixon `Harry Leech 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 Yousef Maaddi 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.
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Page 4
ers in the city, announced major endorsements for the spring primary elections. Both incumbent Philadelphia District Attorney R. Seth Williams and City Controller Alan Butkovitz earned nods from the 18-member organiza-
The Public Record • March 14, 2013
It’s the time for endorsements and they were being deliberated by Democrats this past week, but not yet by the Republicans. The United Democratic Ward Leaders of Color, which represents some 200,000 vot-
UDWLC, DCC Interview, Endorse Candidates tion largely due to their commitment to the city, said Sonny Campbell, the group’s chair. “We think they’ve done credible jobs,” said Campbell, who leads the 4th Ward in West Philadelphia. “We look forward to them continuing to do so.” The announcement for these top-of-the-ballot endorsements came at a candidate reception at the 1st District Plaza in West Philadelphia. The United Democratic Ward Leaders of Color represent some of the city’s most-consistent voting blocs. Judicial endorsements for the May 21 municipal primary will be announced shortly after candidate interviews conclude, Campbell said. Following that event, this past Monday, the Democrat City Committee’s Policy Committee met judicial candidates seeking the endorsement of the Party. Since its Chairman and Congressman Bob Brady’s rule “incumbents, doing a good job, get endorsed”, it is obvious DA Seth Williams and Controller Alan Butkovitz will be endorsed by that body as well.
AMONG VIPs seen at Democratic City Committee’s endorsement interviews were El Amor Brawne Ali, Margaret THIS BEVY of ward leaders and candidates was and Renee Tartaglione, and City Com- among many attending United Democratic Ward Leaders of Color gathering at 3801 Market Street. mittee’s Lou Farinella. Judicial endorsements will fol- positions of judge of Election mitting petitions. low after ballot positions are and Inspector of Election, acDemocrat incumbent Concounted for most of that num- troller Alan Butkovitz will drawn. ber. face Republican challenger A Record Number Filing first was Donna Tracy Terrence in the general For Traffic Court Laws, followed by Michelle election, but he needs to overWhen the Registration Cook, Wayne Dorsey, Omar come challenges from Brett Commission closed its doors Sabir and Marnie Aument Mandel, Mark Zecca and at 5 p.m. Tuesday, the dead- Loughrey. The last to file on Michael Williams in the priline for filing, a record was the Dem side was Fareeda mary. Philadelphians trekked to set in the fact 38 Democrats Brewington. That is not their ballot positions; those follow Harrisburg to file in big numfiled for the three Traffic Court vacancies in the spring when they pull numbers from bers for three Municipal and primary and only two Repub- a can this coming week. Ella six Common Pleas Court vaButcher and Chris Vogler cancies. licans filed petitions. Filing as Dems were Handling well over 3,000 filled two of the three RepubFrank Bennett for both courts, petitions flawlessly was the lican seats. There is no primary fight Shoshana Bricklin for both seasoned staff of the Elections for the DA seat. Dem incum- courts, Giovanni Campbell, under the supervision of Tim Dowling. The record number bent Seth Williams and GOP Deborah Cianfrani, Derrick of Democrat and Republican challenger Daniel Alvarez Coker, Martin Coleman for petitions for election board were the only candidates re- both courts, Conor Corcoran for both courts, Anne Marie Rep. Rosita Coyle for both parties for STATE SENATOR Common Pleas, James C. Youngblood Crumlish, Jr., Michael FanDistrict 198th District 310 W. Chelten Ave. ning for both courts, Joe FerPhila PA 19148 nandes for both courts, Abbe P: 215-849-6426 (Cont. Next Page) DISTRICT OFFICE
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LEANNA M. WASHINGTON
1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538 WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com
Rep.Maria P.
Donatucci
D-185th District 2115 W. Oregon Ave. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164
State Senator
Senator Tina
Tartaglione 2nd Dist. 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-291-4653
215-533-0440
Kevin J.
Boyle 172nd Dist. 7518 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136
215-331-2600
State Rep. Cherelle
Parker
Anthony Hardy Williams
200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker
8th Senatorial District
2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 Always Hard Working .. . for You!
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State Rep.
William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
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Butkovitz Will Debate His Opponents 4 Times City Controller Alan Butkovitz feels comfortable enough about his reelection chances, he has announced he will take on all challengers in four public debates before the May 21 primary election. But to make sure he knows he isn’t taking those challengers lightly, he filed nominating petitions with the City Commissioners’ office earlier than expected, following them up with an extra pile of petitions Tuesday. Though he,
Kenyatta
Johnson 2nd Dist. City Hall Room 580 Phila., PA 19107
215-686-3412
along with District Attorney Seth Williams, will be the official endorsed candidates of Democratic City Committee and has already won the endorsement of the powerful United Democratic Ward Leaders of Color, Butkovitz said, “We are running a strong grassroots campaign, and it shows.” As for the debates, he said, “With all the issues affecting Philadelphians, we have worked out a schedule with major news-media outlets to give voters a chance to hear more about the work we have done for Philadelphia.” He and his challengers will appear before the Center City Residents Association, Larry Kane’s “Voice of Reason” on the Comcast Network, WHYY/Young Involved STATE REP. JOHN
SABATINA JR. 174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204 State Rep.
1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.SenatorFarnese.com
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R EPRESENTATIVE
]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ GOP (215) 468-2300
197th Dist. 2243 W. Allegheny Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19132
A Harper Poll shows Montgomery Co. Commis-
215-676-0300
State Senator
Miranda 215-978-2540
170th Dist. 14230 Bustleton Ave. Phila., PA 19116
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Rep. J. P.
Corbett Loses Ground To Castor In Harper Poll
Boyle
(R) 177th Dist. 4725 Richmond St. Phila., PA 19137
Tel. 215-952-3121
SEPTA’s Fran Kelly and his wife had long scheduled a trip to Rome and, of course, the Vatican for an arrival on Holy Thursday to share some time with cousin Father John Kelly, who has been there on sabbatical. Yes, it is the same Father John Kelly who has become the biggest go-to expert for the American media covering the election of the successor to Pope Benedict XVI. He’s been seen answering questions and giving history on all the main media television outlets. Fran says he hopes they’ll have elected a Pope before Holy Thursday, “So I can have some free time with my cousin.”
Brendan F.
Taylor
First Senate District
The Kelly Connection To And From Vatican
State Rep.
John
Larry Farnese
Philadelphia and Women’s League of Voters on 6 ABC. Dates will be announced shortly.
A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE
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It’s Plain Money Talks In Elections
Look over millions of dol-
lars to be raised and spent in the gubernatorial primaries. The same will hold through in serious challenges for congress MapLight, a nonprofit dedicated to investigating money in politics, conducted an analysis of money raised by members of the 113th Congress who won election in 2012. It found House members, on average, each raised $1,689,580, an average of $2,315 every day during the 2012 cycle. Senators, on average, each raised $10,476,451, an average of $14,351 every day during the 2012 cycle. Just remember money talks and everything else walks.
Seeking Petition Signatures
THESE lucky judicial aspirants get Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell’s coveted signature on their nominating petitions. With Jannie, signing, from left, are Christine Hope, Daine Grey and Katie Scrivner, all Common Pleas Court hopefuls who attended an event hosted by Kevin Price. Photo by Joe Stivala
Pennsylvania vehicle owners can show their support for our veterans through a new license plate. The plate is inscribed with the phrase “Honoring Our Veterans” and features an image of the American flag and a bald eagle. The cost is $35, of which $15 goes to the Veterans Trust Fund. This fund is used to support and assist Pennsylvania veterans and their families. To learn more about this plate or to set up an appointment with Veterans Services Coordinator Joe Buckley, please call my office at 215-695-1020. Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539
State Representative
RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District
8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020
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Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT
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Councilman
CITY COMMISSIONERS’ Tim Dowling, seated, and his staff at Registration Commission check over thousands of petitions after office doors closed at 5 p.m. deadline Tuesday. By 5:15, they were able to get information out to press as to who filed for citywide elections locally.
go-around signal the end of the Pennsylvania election tradition which has seen Governors elected to two terms with parties switching control of that office at the conclusion of the second term? Interest in the Democrat primary for Governor has brought top names to the arena. Expressing interest are State Sen. Mike Stack (D-Northeast), former Congressman Joe Sestak, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-Phila.), Treasurer Rob McCord, Tom Knox, John Hanger and Tom Wolf.
The Public Record • March 14, 2013
(Cont. From Prev.Page 4) Fletman, Paul Gambone, Vince Giusini for both Courts, Judge Roger Gordon, Daine A. Grey, Jr., for both Courts, Christine Hope for both courts, Leon King, Robert Kline, Timika Lane, Henry Lewandowski for both courts, Daniel McCaffery, Rania Major, Chris Mallios for both courts, Jon Marshall, Vincent Melchiorre, John O’Connor, Jr., for both Courts, J. Scott O’Keefe for both courts. Kenneth Powell, Jr. filed for both parties and both courts, Tracy Roman for both courts, Stephanie Sawyer, Katie Scrivner, Fran Shields for both courts, Sean Stevens, Sierra Thomas Street for both courts, and Dawn Tancredi. Mike Tinari filed as a Democrat in Municipal Court.
sioner Bruce Castor with a net 12-point gain against Gov. Tom Corbett in a hypothetical primary race. More importantly, Gov. Corbett is now below the critical 50% threshold, which political experts universally agree is a troubling sign for an incumbent. Earlier polling had shown Corbett with a 51% lead to Castor’s 11%. This has changed. He’s now at 49 % to Castor’s 21%. “Without officially declaring entry into the race and without spending a nickel, Commissioner Castor has climbed by a significant margin against Gov. Corbett,” said Castor spokesman Joe Sterns. “Republicans are growing less and less comfortable with the thought of making Tom Corbett our nominee rather than a credible, articulate conservative who has a shot at defeating a tough Democrat.” For an incumbent Governor facing the guarantee of a tough general-election fight, it’s unwelcome news. The findings of this poll match those of a January Quinnipiac survey found only 49% of Republicans thought Corbett deserves re-election. His approval rating was 41% among Republicans according to a February Franklin & Marshall Poll. It’s the second poll of the GOP primary. Could this gubernatorial
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Accepting Petitions
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In the Heart of Philadelphia’s Italian Market • 1031 South 9th Street (215) 925-9059 • 1037 South 9th Street (215) 629-1796
President Clarke Sees Greater Outreach For Council
by Joe Shaheeli It helps to have a President of City Council who was literally weaned on the job through the tumultuous administrations of Mayors Goode, Street and now Nutter. In the case of Council President Darrell Clarke, who is also the 5th Dist. Councilman, he’s seen it all and can antici-
pate crises before they occur. That was easily observable at a meeting he held with community-newspaper editors this week. He showed he had a handle on the priorities coming before City Council. One of those is AVI, the initiative by Mayor Michael Nutter to bring a semblance of order
and equality to property assessments in this city. It’s raised a furor from property owners, be they poor, middleclass, or wealthy, and Council Members are taking the brunt of the uncertainty generated by the Mayor’s move. According to Clarke, that is the reason he sees as one of his own initiatives “getting out to the community more and more. Our voters will be seeing us in their communities more often, whether it will be holding hearings, Council sessions, or just one on one information sessions.” He points to the fact District Council Members are already meeting with constituents almost daily, at AVI information meetings. He noted census statistics show a boost in the city’s population, and “unfortunately, a dramatic shift of Philadelphians from some sections of the city to others.” The obvious reasons, he says, behind those relocations are the chronic problems facing Philadelphians: crime, schools and taxes. He said, “Our population is on the move, but it from one neighborhood to a safer neigh-
President Darrell Clarke ...knows the problems borhood, from one school to a community with better schools, and now it’s property taxes which could propel the next move, either within or to the suburbs. “The quality of schools is of utmost concern. We need to support the efforts of our public-school administrators to increase the quality of education in all the schools. Council’s priorities are to support every effort made in the community and by our public guardians to stave the crime problem hitting every neighborhood. And taxes, both business and property, need to be kept as low as possible.”
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In The Holy Land
CAUGHT outside Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem were brother State Reps. Brendan and Kevin Boyle on a visit to Israel. Both concurred it was appropriate to see sacred sites during Lenten season.
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Our Opinion... AVI ‘s Bottom Line
The Public Record • March 14, 2013
The more we learn about AVI, the tax initiative to equal the property-tax burden across the board, the more we learn the following: It will not pass City Council as presently programmed; it may not pass court challenges should they be filed; and in the end, when all the hubbub settles, concerned citizen taxpayers will be paying, over all, more in real-estate taxes then they have been. Efforts to spread information to the taxpayers on what to file, how to file and when are going a long way toward easing the concerns of homeowners. The Mayor, District Council members and labor leaders are continuing to host those town meetings and seminars. It will become law, joining a bunch of other nuisance taxes that were supposed to go away, but have not and are now taking ever-larger bites from us. Sadly, despite all the good we can say about Philadelphia, what remains bad is we are stuck with the title of living in one of the most-taxing cities in the United States.
Editorial Warning!! Letters from an unidentified informant without any contact information cannot be considered for publication, no matter how valid their contents. Plough & Stars. For info (215) 588-0046. Mar. 18- Mayfair Civic Association invites all to Candidates Night at Mayfair Community Ctr., 2990 St. Vincent St., 7 p.m. Mar. 18- Phila. Tea Party Patriots hold combined S. Philly/C.C. Mtg. at Prudential Bank Bldg., 1834 W. Oregon Ave., 7 p.m. Parking & entrance in back. Mar. 19- Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell hosts Community Forum on AVI at YMCA, 52nd & Chestnut Sts., 6-8 p.m. Mar. 20- Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell hosts Community Forum on AVI at McMichael Sch., 36th & Fairmount Ave., 6-8 p.m. Mar. 20- 12th & 13th Ward Democrats host Candidates Night at Champagne, 6-8 pm. Candidates $75, sponsors $500. Mar. 21- Phila. Public Record
will hold 12th annual Public Servant of the Year Award gala at Galdo’s Catering, 20th & Moyamensing Ave., 6:3010 p.m. Open bar, cocktail hors d’oeuvres, sumptuous buffet, honoring State Sen. Anthony Williams. Tickets $50; table of 10, $450. Special Supplement will be published in our Mar. 21 issue and distributed that evening as well. For ad and ticket info John David (215) 755-2000 or email John@phillyrecord.com. Mar. 22- 82nd Airborne Div. Ass’n hosts All-American Dinner Awards at Iron Workers Ha., 11600 Norcom Rd., 6:30-11 p.m. Keynoter Gen. Wesley Craig, MC Vai Sikahema. Tickets $35 in advance, $40 at door. For info Don Tippett (215) 686-3452. Mar. 23- Elevator Constructors’ Dinner Dance honoring 2012 Retirees at new Mechanics Rm. at 12273 Townsend
Rd. Dinner chair Henry J. Sloan. For info (215) 676-2555. Mar. 23- United Republican Club hosts Shrimp Night at 3156 Frankford Ave. Tickets $25, payable at door. Mar. 26- Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell hosts Community Forum on AVI at Kingsessing Rec Ctr., 4901 Kingsessing Ave., 6-8 p.m. Mar. 28- Hon. Tim O’Brien hosts Salute to Gov. Tom Corbett at FOP Ha., 11630 Caroline Rd., 6-8 p.m. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, buffet. Business attire. Tickets $250. For info Kristie (267) 235-0905. Mar. 28- State Sen. Larry Farnese hosts Senior Expo at S. Phila. HS, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Seating limited. RSVP by Mar. 22 (215) 952-3121. Mar. 30- Harrowgate Boxing Club’s 40th Anniversary Celebration at Glaziers Ha., 2980 Southampton Rd., 7-11 p.m. Tickets $30 Dollars. For info
Fred Druding, Jr. (215) 2212374. Apr. 2- Matt Myers hosts 39B Ward Spring Fundraiser at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 1526 Packer Ave., 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $50. For info Matt Myers (215) 467-4643. Apr. 4- Friends of Marian B. Tasco hosts Reception at Estia, 1405 Locust St., 5:30 p.m. Host $1,000; Friend $500; Patron $250; Young Professional $100. RSVP by Mar. 27 (215) 437-3294, ext. 209. Apr. 4- Commissioner Al Schmidt hosts Big Al’s BowlA-Rama at North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd St., 5:50-7:30 p.m. Contributions $100. Apr. 4- 8th Ward Leader Larry Farnese hosts election Fundraiser at Corner Foodery, 1710 Sansom St., 7 p.m. Donation $75, payable to 8th Ward Democratic Executive Committee. For info Ted@8thwardphilly@gmail.com.
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Mar. 14- City Administration hosts AVI Information Session at Archbishop Ryan HS, 11201 Academy Rd., 6-9 p.m. Mar. 15- Pat Parkinson hosts St. Patrick’s Day Beef & Beer at Paddy Whacks, 9241 Roosevelt Blvd., 7-11 p.m. Music – and special dispensation! Tickets $35. Checks payable to Friends of 57th Ward (no corporate checks). For info (267) 773-3251. Mar. 15- State Reps. Tom Murt and Brendan and Kevin Boyle, together with Montgomery Co. officials announce formation of bipartisan legislative coalition for Montco and Northeast at Pine Road Sch., 337 Pine Rd., Huntingdon Valley, Pa., 11:30 a.m.
Mar. 16- Mayor’s Office of Reintegration Services for ExOffenders hosts free forum and workshop at True Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Ch., 1601 Mifflin St., 9 a.m.12 m. RSVP Tyrone Ward (215) 683-3370. Mar. 16- City Administration hosts AVI Information Session at Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave., and at Francisville Rec Ctr., 1737 Francis St., both 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mar. 16- 58th Ward Leader State Sen. Mike Stack hosts St. Patrick’s Day Party at Bricklayers Local 1, Black Lake Rm., 2706 Black Lake Pl., 6-10 p.m. For info Rosemary Rubino (215) 964-3140. Mar. 17- Judge Jimmy Lynn hosts St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast at Plough & Stars, 1st block S. 2nd St., 8 a.m. Admission $25, Students $20, Youngsters under 12 free. Checks made payable to
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Kenney Walk Hosts St. Patrick Gala
Union Labor…
39B WARD LEADER Matty Myers, State Sen. Anthony H. Williams and former Congressman Michael Myers were among guests.
Building it right for a better and stronger community! Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and vicinity is comprised of four unions: Local 332, Samuel Staten, Jr., Vincent Primavera, Jr. Business Manager/Co-Chairman L.E.C.E.T. Co-Chairman Local 135, Daniel L. Woodall, Jr., Damian Lavelle Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 413, James Harper, Jr., Fred Chiarlanza Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 57, Walt Higgins Harry Hopkins Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Laborers District Council, Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager.
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STAGE CENTER, in blue shirt, Councilman Jim Kenney is surrounded by 2nd Street Irish Society. A hush came over the room while they were playing traditional songs of St. All photos by Maria Merlino Patrick’s Day.
Laborers’ District Council promotes a safe work environment, jobs completed on time and on budget, and represents union members, who are well trained, productive, professional, and take pride in their work. Union labor…building better and safer communities in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. This ad is presented by LECET The Laborers Employers Cooperation and Education Trust 319 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Telephone: 215-922-6139 Fax: 215-922-6109 Web: www.ldc-phila-vic.org Juan F. Ramos Administrator
JUDICIAL candidate for Common Pleas Kenneth Powell, Jr. and 2nd Street Irish Society member Bill Weichert.
2ND DIST. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and judicial candidate for PROUD PARENTS were Common Pleas Marty Coleman flank dad James Kenney and Kenney. Jimmy’s mom Barbara.
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POLITICAL veteran former State Rep. Dave Shadding greets Kenney. LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on February 27, 2013, Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance, a nonprofit cooperative corporation organized under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, for the purpose of promoting the interests of cooperatives for educational and charitable purposes.
Photo by Joe McStivala
PARADE PARTICIPANTS in Phila.’s annual Parade honoring St. Patrick were Joseph Fox, Councilman David Oh and Judge James Lynn.
ELECTED OFFICIALS in parade included Councilmen Robert Henon and William Green, Controller Allen Butkovitz and Councilman David Oh.
Photo by John J. Kline
Photo by John J. Kline
JUDGE Kevin Dougherty, right, and his dad John J. Dougherty, Sr., flank children Katie and Sean as they took their marching post in St. Patrick’s Day PaPhoto by John J. Kline rade.
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MAYOR Michael O’Nutter officially declared St. Patrick’s Month in City Hall ceremonies with St. Patrick’s Observance Association and St. Patrick’s Day Parade coordinators.
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Many Events Paid Respects To Ireland’s Patron, St. Patrick
Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board. Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.
We are a debt-relief agency CATCHING up to Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley at midpoint in St. Patrick’s Parade found him escorted by Bridie McCafferty, Observance Assn. Board member, and Father Jon Brady of St. Anne’s Church. Photo by Joe Stivala
AFTER OFFICIAL St. Patrick’s Day Mass, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput congratulates Judge Kevin Dougherty WITH Local IBEW 98 Business Mgr. on his stewardship as President Judge of John J Dougherty, Jr., are Madison and Photo by John J. Kline Photo by Joe Stivala Aidan Owens. Family Court.
1500 Walnut Street • Suite 900 Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-735-1060 ccpc@ccpclaw.com
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SEPTA's Surveillance System Impresses Bass
SEPTA Transit Police Chief Thomas Nestel III, Phila. City Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Ron Hopkins, SEPTA Assistant General Manager of Operations tour SEPTA’s Control Center and its surveillance camera program.
Following Council Committee hearing on how SEPTA fights crime and insures passenger safety, City Councilwoman Cindy Bass visited SEPTA to check out its high-tech surveillance camera program. SEPTA officials had provided details of the Authority’s expansive camera program, and the cooperative effort between the SEPTA Transit Police and the Philadelphia Police Dept. to investigate crimes both on and off the SEPTA system utilizing
this video. Bass was shown how SEPTA’s cameras work during her tour of the Authority’s Control Center last week. She found “This to be a fantastic system. SEPTA has provides a great resource for the City of Philadelphia with this program.” She added, “SEPTA has the best camera program going. This is resulting in great cooperative efforts enhancing safety for SEPTA customers and other Philadelphia residents.”
SEPTA has over 12,000 cameras system-wide, including at transit stations and on subway cars, trolleys and rail cars. That number will continue to grow as SEPTA retrofits some buses in its fleet with cameras. The cameras at stations are directly linked with the Philadelphia Police Dept.’s 24-hour Real Time Crime Center. SEPTA’s cameras provide approximately 90% of the video feeds available to city police. In addition, the video from vehicles can be
quickly downloaded and shared with SEPTA’s law enforcement partners. “We’re trying to look at areas that have been historic problem areas and use our resources to improve those situations,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Thomas Nestel III. “In addition to police officers on the ground, the surveillance cameras provide an invaluable tool that allows us to keep on top of what’s happening at these locations.”
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Have you ever envisioned a school that housed students ranging in age from Kindergarten to 12th Grade? No? Me neither. But since the School District of Philadelphia is home to some of the most-intense experiments in urban public education, why not go there while we’re at it? This bit of sarcasm comes to you after sitting through last Thursday night’s meeting of the School Reform Commission, a body whose name is becoming more and more of a joke every year. During the meeting, the district managed to close 23 schools with a series of votes that led those in the audience to come really close to grabbing pitchforks and torches and visiting SRC members at home. They had originally planned to close 27 schools, but four schools, Taylor and T.M. Pierce ESs in North Philadelphia, Paul Robeson HS in Southwest Philly, and Roosevelt MS in Germantown managed to beat the Reaper. Among the schools that got hit with a hatchet were Germantown HS, which was to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, Bok Technical HS in South Philadelphia, and Vaux High School. Because these are all high schools, and their closings will probably lead to tense situations in the places where these kids will wind up going, I see the population at the alternative high school I teach in going up by leaps and bounds next year. For those of us who have been following the antics that created the SRC in the first place, that the District closed so many schools based on a report from an outside consulting firm that took no input from parents and other stakeholders (Cont. Page 18)
What were JONATHAN SAIDEL and STATE SENS. MIKE STACK and ANTHONY WILLIAMS discussing at RABBI SOLOMON ISAACSON’S annual Benevolent Association dinner last week? Williams wants to be Mayor and now former City Controller Saidel has indicated he wants to run for Congress. The congressional district he is interested in is held by ALLYSON SCHWARTZ, who is strongly considering running for Governor. She has said she will not run for her congressional seat if she does run for Governor. Stack has also publicly expressed interest in running for Governor. Could the three of them be hatching some kind of mutual-support pack? Stay tuned… The Rabbi’s event was once again a great success. Also in attendance were COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL, COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON and DAWN CHAVOUS, the Councilman’s lovely wife and an advocate of educational choice. Williams’ mother, the lovely MRS. CAROL GREEN, and Williams’ brother and sisters attended to support their sibling. Williams was honored as Man of the Year by the Benevolent Association. He received many laughs when he stated, “you may not know this, but I am not a Russian Jew.” However, Williams has been a consistent supporter of the Russian Orthodox Jewish community and Rabbi Isaacson, and that’s why he was named Man of the Year. Also attending the event was Northeast 56TH WARD LEADER JOHN SABATINA and his son STATE REP. JOHN SABATINA, JR. Northeast Philadelphia will be a significant area of needed support for Williams, in order to become Mayor of Philadelphia. At the dais was also the legendary MARTY WEINBERG. On hand were Republican attorney KEN BRONSKY and “casino magnate” hopeful BART BLATSTEIN, who was seated next to influential businessman HOWARD HONIGMAN. The City Committee policy committee assembled to make endorsements in the hotly contested races for Municipal Court and Common Pleas Court. The committee is a compilation of Chairman Brady’s most trusted advisors in democratic politics. All of them are ward leaders. The policy committee consists of 1st Ward Leader and powerful labor leader JOHN DOUGHERTY, former President of City Council ANNA VERNA, long time State Rep and Democratic Party Treasurer FRANK OLIVER, BOBBY DELLAVELLA, RON DONATUCCI, SHIRLEY GREGORY, (Cont. Page 21)
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I have a tale to tell about a poor Scottish farmer by the name of Fleming. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. “I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.” “No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel. “Is that your son?” the nobleman asked. “Yes,” the farmer replied proudly. “I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy and if the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.” And that he did. Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill. Someone once said: What goes around comes around – so work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching. Sing like nobody’s listening. Live like it’s Heaven on Earth. Pass this on, and brighten someone’s day. So much for Scotland. Now for the other Celts! Here is an Irish friendship wish: I hope it works for you. May there always be work for your hands to do; may your purse always hold a coin or two; may the sun always shine on your windowpane; may a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; may the hand of a friend always be near you; may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you; and may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you’re dead.
EVER HEAR OF THE little-known State Tax Equalization Board (STEB)? It sets the ratio of assessment to market values for each county (each year) after a review of submitted sales by the county. LAST YEAR STEB noted that the City ratio should have been 18% — not 32%. Use of 18% would have meant MUCHdecreased revenue for the City. STEB gave the City another chance, and ended with about 25%. But legislation last year gave the City authority to CIRCUMVENT S.T.E.B. for ONE YEAR. During that year. AVI could be implemented with NO S.T.E.B. SCRUTINY.... That is WHY A.V.I .should be implemented over four years at 25% a year. STEB would be able to again follow sales. Taxpayers could prepare for it better, and not sell their home (or lose it in a time when foreclosures are diminishing in the nation), and also file an APPEAL to the Board of Revision. The BRT/OPA did have a plan for a TWO-YEAR or a FOUR-YEAR A.V.I .introduction. Two or four years takes AVI out of the vampire shadows into the light of day. The OPA talks of “REFINING” G.M.A.s next year. NO! If they change a G.M.A.’s shape (any way they want to), it could bring in HIGHER assessments – so the promise of a lower assessment is with no HARD EVIDENCE.... The great story that Nelson DIAZ may enter the mayoral race was happy news. DIAZ is a Central HIGH grad (smart and human). Happy Birthday to ANNIE BERNARD, 4. Her parents and grandpop CHARLIE gave her a gala party with Big Bird, to unwind after her ski trip. SADLY the same family saw the passing of lovely Catherine VEASEY.... When I heard the Governor (Cont. Page 18)
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Philadelphia City Council is expected to vote on the Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Law today. Last week, Council’s Public Health & Human Services committee held a hearing on the bill. COUNCILMAN BILL GREENLEE, is sponsoring an essentially identical bill to one passed in 2011 which was vetoed by Mayor Nutter. Greenlee needs 12 votes to forestall a veto by Nutter this time around. At publication we understand that he has 10 votes and Greenlee has stated that he is confident he can get two more. According to the current draft of the bill businesses with six to 20 workers will have to provide four sick days, and larger businesses would have to offer seven days. Interns, part-time and other non-regular employees as well as state and federal employees are to be excluded. The Nutter Administration remains opposed to the bill. Wisely Deputy MAYOR ALAN GREENBERGER noted, “When (a regulation such as this bill) is imposed at a municipal level as opposed to a state or national level, it would create a significant disadvantage for Philadelphia businesses and the competitiveness of our city’s economy.” While this elephant agrees wholeheartedly with Greenberger, I wonder why he does not apply the same logic to the City’s other Byzantine regulations of businesses, let alone its onerous tax structure. At the committee hearing last week, roughly a dozen people testified in support of the bill with almost three times as many witnesses appearing in protest. Supporters included an ex-city health commissioner, two labor economists and union officials. Opponents were represented by members of the Philadelphia business community, including small restaurant owners, (Cont. Page 23)
Perzel, were kind enough to give our school district to the state in the first place. Might want to remember that come election time … I’m just sayin’….
Walking
any decision was influenced! Can we get Gov. CORBETT a good job – a judgeship?... How about the Delaware River Port Authority wanting to spend up to $3.7 MILLION on an extended walkway ramp in Camden? KEEP repairing our bridges instead? Hear that economic times are tough out here?
(Cont. From Page 17) “had to reinstate care dollars to the poor,” I could only say YAHOO! God Bless Judge Pellegrini for ordering it. The more than $11k in gifts to the GUV should be PAID BACK, but we need to know if
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phia, Philadelphians, or whether or not Philly’s kids get a good education. I mean hey, two of our own representatives, State Reps. Dwight Evans and John
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town HS is at capacity. This doesn’t make sense. Nobody asked community anything about this before it was already done. How many times do we have to tell you this? People aren’t going to respect you if you don’t put the community first.” And there’s the rub. The community doesn’t really figure in when it comes to the SRC because it was largely selected by the Commonwealth, a legislative body that, if we’re honest with ourselves, could care less about Philadel-
(Cont. From Page 17) comes as no real surprise. But watching 23 schools get closed in one shot, schools that will graduate their last classes and work with their last students in June, is still kind of jarring. You don’t expect to see that. And parents were not amused. “Fulton Elementary is at capacity,” said Orlando Acosta, one of the parents that packed the SRC Meeting. “German-
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Out & About
Remember - Do It Right , Do It Safe, Do It Union.
OUT B A K AS 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
TO ALL THOSE WHO SIGNED MY PETITIONS NOMINATING ME FOR JUDGE: THANK YOU. YOUR NAMES ON MY PETITIONS MEAN MORE TO ME THAN MY NAME WITH THE WORD JUDGE IN FRONT OF IT. AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL!!!
VOTE MAY 21ST. (PAID FOR BY VINCE GIUSINI FOR JUDGE COMMITTEE)
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by Tom Flynn and Rocco DeGregorio Question: I have been getting my car serviced at the dealership I purchased it at because it has been under warranty. Since it is nearing the end of my warranty, I have been thinking about taking it somewhere else because service seems more expensive at the dealer. What would be the benefits of continuing to take it to the dealer? Answer: We hear people talking about this all the time! Great question! There is a huge benefit to taking your car to the dealer … nobody knows the cars better than the technicians at the dealership (except maybe the people who built them). By taking your car to, say, a Ford dealer, you know the technicians there are dealing mainly with your car brand all day and have specific brand certifications. Dealers have to charge more because of their overhead. A few things to remember are dealers have certain expensive software and tools and use manufacturer parts and are rigorously trained to deal with your vehicle make. If you are worried about the ex-
pense, dealers like us, often run specials on their websites and many manufacturers have coupons on their sites as well. Tom has been serving automotive customers in the Philadelphia area for over 20 years as a salesman and then General Manager of Pacifico Auto Group. Rocco is a top automotive consultant.
An important option may be available to you under Act 101 of PA Law that allows for an enforceable voluntary agreement for continuing contact following an adoption between an adoptive parent, a child, a birth parent and/or a birth relative of the child, if all parties agree and the voluntary agreement is approved by the court. The agreement must be signed and approved by the court to be legally binding. You are also warned that if you fail to file either an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2503 (d) relating to acknowledgement and claim of paternity, and fail to either appear at a hearing to object to the termination of your rights or file a written objection to such termination with the court prior to the hearing, your rights may be terminated under Pa.C.S.A. 2503(d) or 2504(c) of the adoption act. LAWYER REFERRAL AND INFORMATION SERVICE 100 West Airy Street P.O. Box 268 Norristown, PA 19404 (610) 279-LAW1
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS SERVICES Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received by the School District of Philadelphia from firms interested in providing Professional Financial Controls Services for the School District’s Capital Improvement Program. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 pm, Thursday, March 28, 2013. The RFP document and all additional project information published as part of the RFP document may be obtained at Office of Capital Programs website at www.psit.org. Click “What’s New”, then “Current Opportunities”, then “RFP’s, RPQ’s and Transfer Packages”. All questions must be submitted in writing via Email to Stuart Perrone, Director, Capital Financial Management, sperrone@philasd.org. . The Deadline for all questions is 2:00 pm, Friday, March 22, 2013.
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In The Court of Common Pleas Philadelphia County Civil Action – Law No. 121202786 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., Plaintiff vs. Unknown Heirs of Ruth Williams, Deceased & Joyce Craig-Murray, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Ruth Williams, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: Unknown Heirs of Ruth Williams, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 5313 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143. This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client. Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 121202786, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 5313 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia County. Notice: You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a Lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. Community Legal Services, Inc., Law Center North Central, 3638 N. Broad St., Phila., PA 19140, 215-227-2400 or 215981-3700. Phila Bar Assoc., One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104, 215-238-6333. Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106-1532, 215.627.1322.
T0: Shawn Wilson A Petition has been filed asking the court to put an end to all rights you have to your child Baby Girl White who was born on 1/12/13 at Einstein Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, as well as any rights T.W. has to Baby Girl White. The court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your child. That hearing will be held on March 28, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. at Court Room 14, One Montgomery Plaza, Orphan's Court Division, Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19404 before ]udge Ott. You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your child as well as the rights of T.W. to that child may be ended by the court without your being present. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below to find outwhere you can get legal help.
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credit. The information contained in your credit report is important and that information must be accurate. Credit reporting agencies such as Experian, Equifax and Transunion are the gatekeepers between you and potential lenders. A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission finding the credit data collected by the three major credit-reporting
ting credit, but at less than favorable terms, such as a higher interest rate; being rejected for an apartment lease; being rejected for employment; being rejected for insurance or having to pay higher premiums for insurance; losing a security clearance. The CRAs were required a number of years ago to set up a website where you can go to obtain a free credit report from each of the big three each year. This site is known as annualcreditreport.com. While you can get all three reports at once, you might want to consider getting one report from a different CRA every four months, since all three credit-reporting agencies generally have the same basic information. Also, remember if you apply for credit and are rejected, you are entitled to receive a free credit report from the CRA that was used to deny credit. Next Week’s Question: Why are unlisted debts not discharged in 1st Circuit?
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by Michael A. Cibik, Esquire American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: What credit report errors cause consumers higher interest rates? Answer: After filing bankruptcy, people are often interested in trying to rebuild their credit, and a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy can be a good first step to repairing your
agencies (CRAs), Experian, Equifax and Transunion, have an error rate of 5%. In the study, participants used the dispute process set forth in the Fair Credit Reporting Act to resolve errors in their creditreport errors. The FTC study revealed the following: 1 in 4 consumers found errors on their credit reports; 1 in 5 consumers had an error that was corrected by a CRA after it was disputed; 4 out of 5 consumers who filed disputes had some aspect of their credit report modified; about 1 in 10 consumers saw a change in their credit score after the CRAs modified their credit report; approximately 1 in 20 consumers had a maximum score change of 25 points or more; and, 1 in 250 consumers had a maximum score change of more than 100 points. Errors on a credit report can have a major adverse impact on a consumer. Some of the known adverse effects are: being rejected for credit; get-
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c n o G i t
City Hall Sam (Cont. From Page 17) MIKE McALEER and others. Thirty-five judicial candidates were interviewed. Candidates had two minutes to make their case. Among them were LGBTbacked ABBE FLETMAN, JIM CRUMLISH of the famous Crumlish family, CHRISTINE HOPE and JOE FERNANDES. The Brehon Law Society held its St. Patrick’s Day Party at McGillin’s Old Ale House. The well-attended party for the Irish lawyers posted an impressive guest list including JUDGE JOE WATERS, who hopes to be elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
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the claimant, supporting his determination); Gunder v. Astrue, 2012 WL 511936*15 (M.D. Pa 2012) (“Bare medical records without expert medical interpretation are rarely enough to establish a claimant’s residual functional capacity” citing to Schmidt v. Sullivan, 914 F.2d 117, 118 (7th Cir. 1990)). This means the ALJ must rely on medical opinion from examining or treating medical sources, or from a review by a nonexamining state agency physician or psychologist. Your best bet to convince an ALJ you lack the physical or mental capacity to work full time is to persuade your treating medical source (a physician or psychologist) to complete an assessment listing your physical or mental limitations. Keep in mind that SSA does not consider physician’s assistants, chiropractors, nurse practitioners, and licensed clinical social workers or mental health
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by Michael P. Boyle, Esq. As I have noted in prior columns, one of the key decisions an ALJ must make in deciding if you are disabled is assessing your “residual functional capacity” (RFC). This represents your maximum ability to perform the physical and mental demands of work on a full-time basis (eight hours a day, five days a week) when considering the combination of all of your impairments. Medical opinion must support an ALJ’s RFC assessment that a claimant can perform functions consistent with the definition of work set forth in SSA regulations. Doak v. Heckler, 790 F.2d 26, 29 (3d Cir. 1986); see Shedden v. Astrue, 2012 WL 760632, at *1011 (M.D. Pa. 2012) (an ALJ cannot speculate as to claimant’s RFC but must have medical evidence, and generally a medical opinion regarding the functional capabilities of
therapists to qualify as “acceptable medical sources”. See 20 C.F.R. sections 404.1513 (a), (d), 416.913 (a), (d). This means SSA will generally accord greater weight to limitations imposed by a licensed physician or psychologist. As I will discuss next week, SSA must still accord some weight to treating nonphysician source opinion.
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AVISO DE NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECCIONES PRIMARIAS PRIMARY ELECTION GENERALES
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The Public Record • March 14, 2013
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013 THE FOLLOWING POLITICAL PARTIES ARE ELIGIBLE TO NOMINATE THEIR CANDIDATES REPUBLICAN PARTY • DEMOCRATIC PARTY Between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. in all election districts and divisions in the City and County of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania there will be nominated by the voters of the City and County of Philadelphia persons to fill the following offices, as certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Philadelphia County Board of Elections.
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE OF COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGE OF MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE OF TRAFFIC COURT OFFICE OF THE CITY CONTROLLER OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY JUDGE OF ELECTIONS INSPECTOR OF ELECTIONS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS Anthony Clark Chair, City Commissioners Al Schmidt Vice Chair, City Commissioners
Stephanie F. Singer City Commissioner Tim Dowling Acting Supervisor of Elections
MARTES, 21 DE MAYO DE 2013 LOS PARTIDOS POLÍTICOS SIGUIENTES SON ELEGIBLES PARA NOMINAR SUS CANDIDATOS PARTIDO REPUBLICANO • PARTIDO DEMOCRÁTA Entre las 7:00 a. m. y 8:00 p. m. en todos los distritos y las divisiones electorales en la ciudad y el condado de Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, los votantes de la ciudad y del condado de Philadelphia nominarán personas para cubrir los siguientes cargos según lo certifica el Secretario de la Mancomunidad y el Consejo electoral del condado de Philadelphia.
JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL SUPERIOR JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL DE CAUSAS COMUNES JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL MUNICIPAL JUEZ DEL TRIBUNAL DE TRÁNSITO OFICINA DEL CONTRALOR DE LA CIUDAD FISCALÍA DEL DISTRITO JUEZ DE ELECCIONES INSPECTOR DE ELECCIONES CONSEJO ELECTORAL DEL CONDADO DE PHILADELPHIA Anthony Clark Presidente, Comisionados Municipales
Stephanie F. Singer Comisionado Municipal
Al Schmidt Vicepresidente, Comisionados Municipales
Tim Dowling Supervisor Interino de Elecciones
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(Cont. From Page 17) income-tax professionals and retailers, as well as five local chambers of commerce. As in 2011, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce opposes mandatory paid sick leave because of the bill’s potential negative impact on local businesses. The Chamber’s opposition is supported by a 2011 study done by Temple University Professor and the Chief Economist of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, WILLIAM DUNKELBERG. Dunkelberg estimated the 2011 bill would cost at least $350 million and eliminate 4,000 jobs. While the Chamber noted the current bill is somewhat different than the 2011 version, the changes were not enough to materially change Dunkelberg’s conclusions. Petitions for municipal and judicial positions were due on Tuesday this week. Former Assistant District Attorney DANIEL ALVAREZ and retail executive TERRY TRACY filled petition to run for District Attorney and City Controller respectively. JUDGE KENNETH POWELL cross-filed both as a Democrat and Republican for open positions on Common Pleas and Municipal Court. Attorney ANNE MARIE COYLE cross-filed for Common Pleas, but only filed on the Democratic side for Municipal Court. Executive Director of the
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New Majority Council ELLA BUTCHER cross-filed for Traffic Court. WARD LEADER CHRIS VOGLER only filed Republican petitions for Traffic Court. The only statewide position on the ballot this year is for Superior Court. The Pennsylvania Republican has endorsed Dilworth Paxson partner VIC STABILE. Allegheny Co. Magisterial JUDGE RON WYDA also filed petitions for Superior Court on Tuesday. The Democrats have endorsed Philadelphia Municipal Court JUDGE JOSEPH WATERS for Superior Court. Today, STATE SEN. JAKE CORMAN will be the Keynote speaker at a Commonwealth Club Luncheon at Marriott Courtyard in Philadelphia. The Commonwealth Club is a fundraising group for the PAGOP. Next Thursday, the Philadelphia Republican Leadership Council will be hosting its third installment of its in “A Red State of Mind” breakfast speaker series. The speaker will be Philadelphia-area native and St. Joseph’s University graduate GENE BARR. Barr is the president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry, the state’s largest broad-based business advocacy association. Previously he worked for BP America and the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania. He also served as a local elected official in the Philadelphia area for almost 10 years.
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The Public Record • March 14, 2013
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The Public Record • March 14, 2013
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