Panepinto Jewelers
Ron Panepinto Karen Panepinto-Minarcik 700 Sansom St. • Phila., PA 19106 Tel: 215-923-1980 email: info@panepintojewelers.com www.PanepintoJewelers.com
Vol. VII No. 2 (Issue 327)
Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000 PhillyRecord.com
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Frills, Chills At Mummers Parade
January 9, 2014
Opera Singer Also Preaches To The Choir by Tony West
Choirs of angels will not be singing at Franco & Luigi’s High Note Café this coming Wednesday. But music lovers will be able to enjoy the next-best thing: a priest belting out the lead in grand opera. When but a boy, James Vincent Johnson, Jr. set his sights on an interesting career. (Cont. Page 2)
Passionate Sculpting on E. Passyunk
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See Page 8, and @ www.phillyrecord.com Photo by Rory McGlasson
Emergency Call-Back Consultations Available Around the Clock Seven Days Per Week
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TRI-STATE MALL • CLAYMONT, DE 19703 MINUTES FROM PHILLY! • NEXT TO K-MART AT THE PA/DEL BORDER
302-798-7079 15 minutes from South Philly. 5 Minutes from Commodore Barry Bridge. From the North, take I-95 South towards Delaware, as you approach Delaware, bear Right on I-495, go 500 feet, and take first exit on Right, which is Naamans Rd. (rt. 920 Bear left at fork on ramp and make a Left at light next to K-Mart.
Page 2 The South Philadelphia Public Record • January 9, 2014
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
P. O. Box 31425• Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215)-336-1108 (215)-336-1149 (fax) Executive Board- President: Daniel Olivieri Treasurer: Jackie Fitzpatrick
Vice-President: Vince DeFino Esq. Secretary: Gaeton Tavella
Board Members John Savarese Mark Rago
Louis Galdo Dr. Jim Moylan Vince Giusini Bill Ciampitti
Operatic Pastor Raises Angelic Voice To Passion (Cont. From Page 1) “I decided I wanted to be a minister and an opera singer,” he relates. “And I’ve done both.” Job one: The Baltimore native attended Westminster Theological Seminary in Glenside, Pa., was ordained, and settled in with his grandmother in Overbrook. He now ministers to All Saints Anglican Church in Lancaster. Job two: He began voice lessons at the Little Lyric Opera Theater at Broad & Tasker Streets, where he still trains with Antonio Conte Pugliese.
This week’s outing is Rev. Johnson’s debut with impresario Ralph Tedesco’s Amici Opera Co., a remarkable troupe of professionals and amateurs who perform throughout the Delaware Valley, giving audiences a chance to hear glorious music at affordable prices. “All of us have a great love of the music and we love to perform,” Rev. Johnson explains with a broad smile. The opera company is an all-volunteer operation known for its willingness to tackle great operas on a shoestring. Rev. Johnson, a tenor, will
be singing the lead, Ricardo, in Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera (“A Masked Ball”) at the High Note, 1547 S. 13th Street, on Wednesday, and at the Broad Street Ministry, 315 S. Broad Street, on the following Saturday. This is my first time singing this part, for several reasons,” Rev. Johnson says. “I am finally old enough to sing it. It takes a while for a proper operatic voice to mature and this is a mature role. “Secondly, the music is glorious. It is a role I have wanted to sing since I was a kid. It’s almost a dream come true.”
This opera is full of famous music that everyone has heard, even if they don’t realize it. Un Ballo in Maschera is a romantic tale of doomed love, concealed identities, witchcraft, loyalty and betrayal. It was quite a political scandal when Verdi composed it. Originally retelling the actual assassination of a Swedish king at a masked ball, Verdi triggered diplomatic grief with Sweden and had to rewrite the story, changing the lead to the English “Count of Warwick” and setting it, goofily, in colonial Boston.
“This is a character I really identify with,” says Rev. Johnson. “It’s a complex opera because it goes from being buffo and comic to very serious in the first act.” Ricardo is in love with his chief of staff’s wife, so he decides to put on a masquerade ball to which she will be invited. Then …. well, go find out! Rest assured, though, that as in any great opera, one outcome is assured. “I will be killed on stage, singing as I go down,” promises Rev. Johnson. “I’ve got a 5-minute aria while I die.”
DeChristopher Brothers: A Monumental Success Story abria, Italy and went to work on the infrastructure of Philadelphia. They were stonecutters and their first stop
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
by Maria Merlino In 1906, two brothers, Carmine and Leopoldo De Cristofero, left Reggio, Cal-
SCULPTER Joe Ricci, manager of DeChristopher Bros., 1627 E. Passyunk Avenue, shows a laser-cut head of Christ Photo by Maria Merlino on a black piece of granite.
was a quarry in Holmesburg where they cut boulders to make the many stone bridges that are still seen today. They built up a good reputation and soon people would ask them to make little head stones for graves. By the 1920s they started their own business of carving tombstones. Using just a mallet and chisel, the marble they used yielded to their tools. But marble, a type of limestone, was not durable. By the 1950s it went out of fashion due to the deterioration of the lettering. They turned to a much-harder stone, granite. “My grandfather and uncle had to change the way they carved,” tells 3rd-generation stonecarver, Charles DeChristopher. “Pneumatic hammers were invented and took the tedium of hand-working the stone. But by then, my great Uncle Carmine died of the marble-dust inhalation. Back then, safety measures
were not as they are today. “During the depression, my grandfather was just hanging on by his fingertips to keep the business alive but after WWII, it picked up again. My father helped to salvage the business by implementing younger ideas and being a go-getter. In order to compete, our last name was Americanized. It just goes to show you how hard it was to assimilate. In the early days, most of the carving was done by Quakers and Germans, but there are still a lot of Italian guys.” Changes in monument sizes were made in 1958. Cemeteries now wanted flat stones on single graves and no more than four feet high on family plots. “Today most work is done by sandblasting, with deeper cuts made by more pressure on the nozzle,” says De Christopher. “We do hand carving on the 3-D images for big sculptures and mausoleums. The newest
technique is laser imaging. You can get a true dimensional picture. You can also have a photo made into a ceramic tile that can be attached to the stone.” Granite comes from all over the world including Vermont, India, Africa and China. “Laser images look best on the black granite.” DeChristopher also has donated many military monuments and designed the Battle of the Bulge Memorial at the Valley Forge Military Academy. “I probably have around a dozen military memorials up and down the East Coast.” Now in the fourth generation, six of his children are in the business. “We have the original business, DeChristopher Bros. Inc and the business I started with my kids, DeChristopher Memorials Inc. We’ve been at our 1627 E. Passyunk Avenue location for 19 years and we hope we can continue the friendships.”
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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. ©1999-2014 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.
PHL Local Gaming Sponsors Mummers Museum Children’s Art Contest
The Public Record • January 9, 2014
Q U E E N M O T H E R Falaka & David Fattah wave to “Old Heads” as they host 40thyear reunion of gang leaders who signed “Imani Pledge” with House Of Umoja to end gang wars BABY JOHN Johnson, left, with other gang lead- CONGRESSMAN Chaka Fattah prevalent in city ers listens as they are honored for keeping to their thanks gang members for making it MEMBERS of “Bottom Gang” were among back then. possible to end needless street strife. many attending New Year’s Day gathering. commitment to end gang warfare in W. Phila.
Page 3
Umoja Marks 40th Year Pact
TARA CARRASCO, production manager, Procacci Bros. Sales Corp., holds drawing by young participant in PHL Local Gaming’s “Draw Me a Mummer” contest, at recent 2nd JOSEPH G. PROCACCI, right, CEO/Chairannual Golden Ladle Soup even at Mummers man, PHL Local Gaming, stands with Joseph Museum. PHL Local Gaming, LLC, one of Howlett, Saints Brigade, Mummers Associafive bidders for city’s available Category 2 tion; Patty Nelson, Secretary-Treasurer, gaming license, sponsored event and gave Mummers Museum; and Richard Lazer, VP, away door prizes, including tickets to Flyers’ Whitman Council, Inc., at Golden Ladle game, fruit baskets, and gift bags. Soup Contest.
Comedians Mooney And Gregory To Perform clude upcoming singers from the Philadelphia area, vendors from the community, and the screening of a trailer entitled “The GroundBreaker”. The City Of Philadelphia will be giving comedians citations by Councilman Curtis Jones and Councilwoman Jan-
nie Blackwell. Visit the website for the show, www.paulmooneyphilly.com and to order tickets, www.paulmooneyphilly.eventbrite.com. The organization’s website is www.ciskillscenter.com.
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
Legendary Godfathers of comedy Mr. Paul Mooney and Mr. Dick Gregory will be performing at the 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market Street, on Jan. 17. The doors open up at 5:30 and the screening of the trailer begins at 6:30. Live entertainment will in-
The Public Record • January 9, 2014
Page 4
Butkovitz Has Ideas Befitting A Mayor by Joe Shaheeli In an inaugural address marking the beginning of his third term, City Controller Alan Butkovitz put out the kind of ideas one would expect from a potential mayoral candidate ... getting our local educational institutions to spend some of their budgets with city businesses. He told the crowd attending the inauguration of a new term for 22 judges, the District Attorney and himself on Monday at the Academy of Music he’s eyeing the purchasing power of the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, numerous health systems, SEPTA and the School District of Philadelphia. “Our anchor institutions all have major physical plants State Representative
and identities that are tied to our city and region,” said Butkovitz. “We need to connect our historical strength in making things to those large entities that purchase things.” He estimated Philadelphia’s higher-education and health-care institutions are exporting over $2 billion a year to buy the goods and services they need to operate. “If we can persuade the anchors to shift just 25% of these purchases to Philadelphia vendors, we would create more than 5,000 new jobs,” said Butkovitz. “These new job-holders would produce wage-tax revenues and more importantly they would spend money locally and create even more local jobs.” According to Butkovitz, Philadelphia’s policy discussions have been too narrowly focused and not enough attention has been paid to innova-
W. Curtis Thomas 530 W. Girard Avenue Phila., PA 19123 P: 215-560-3261 F: 215-560-2152 Getting Results for the People! www.pahouse.com/Thomas
Rep.Maria P.
Donatucci
D-185th District 2115 W. Oregon Ave. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164
State Rep. Cherelle
]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ GOP (215) 468-2300
Parker 200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
STATE REP. JOHN
SABATINA JR. 174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204
CEDAR PARK real-estate developer Algernong Allen presses his candidacy for 188th Legislative Dist. at meet-and-greet with young families CHALLENGER Jared Solomon greets in his W. Phila. neighborhood. From left, hosts 202nd Dist. voter Morton Flashner, 94, in Sarah & Andy Lochrie, Allen, Campaign Mgr. IN 179TH DIST., Jacob 1100 block of Tyson Avenue. Flashner said Donyale Reavis, Cedar Park Neighbors Board Dawkins is challenging he didn’t mind cold weather, since he figured Member David Hinscher with wife Mara and James Clay in May primary. See more info in this column. daughter Lucy. candidate didn’t. tive strategies for creating jobs if they are a panacea for direcin the City, although he noted, tion,” Butkovitz said. “Philacareful not to step on their delphia’s unorthodox blend of toes, the efforts of Council taxes is a least partially rePresident Darrell Clarke’s sponsible for the City’s aneJobs Commission and Coun- mic growth, but initiatives like cilman Bobby Henon’s Manu- these will really change the facturing Task Force, noting conversation.” “they have taken large steps in His office will be the one the right direction.” to watch for more innovative PLANNING serious effort to take 2nd Councilmanic Dist. “The debate has been cen- ideas as well as calls for in- seat a year from now in May 2015 is real-estate developer tered on tax policy changes as vestigations into some of the Ori Feibush, who held successful fundraiser in Fairmount city’s offices. State Representative last month. From left are Lavette Willis, boxing Champion District Attorney Seth Bernard Hopkins, Armond James, Feibush, Ella Butcher, Stephen Kinsey Williams was introduced by Ed Jenkins, Conrad Fuller and Byron Johnson. 201st Legislative District 5537 Germantown Ave State Sen. Anthony Hardy consider Seth has given the office, its gains, and the reducPhila PA 19144 Williams (D-W. Phila.), no Senator his endorsement. tion of the city’s homicide rate Phone: 215-849-6592 relative, but definitely a canThe District Attorney, in to the lowest level in 47 years, Fax: 215-560-1824 www.pahouse.com/Kinsey didate for Mayor. One can his speech, concentrated on his with the promise of working to keep it going downward. He Councilman made it clear his goal is to A veterans’ services coordinator is now Mark make Philadelphia a truly safe available by appointment at my office at (Cont. Next Page)
8016 Bustleton Ave. to assist with various veterans issues, including housing for homeless vets, access to medical services, obtaining medals for surviving families and more. To make an appointment, please call 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
6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A
215-748-6712
COMMISSIONER
AL SCHMIDT ROOM 134
City Hall 215-686-3464
State Senator
Larry Farnese First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121 1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.SenatorFarnese.com
Squilla 1st District City Hall Room 332
215-686-3458/59
Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT
190th Legislative District
Rep. Rosita
Youngblood District 198th District 310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148 1435 N. 52nd St. Phila. PA 19131
P: 215-849-6426
(215) 879-6615 State Rep.
State Rep.
Brendan F.
Boyle 170th Dist. 14230 Bustleton Ave. Phila., PA 19116
215-676-0300 R EPRESENTATIVE
Open Mon. - Fri. 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Representative
Vanessa Lowery Brown
A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE
3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you
Mark B.
COHEN 215-342-6340 202nd Legislative District
7012 Castor Ave., 1st Fl. Philadelphia PA 19149 State Rep.
Kevin J.
Boyle 172nd Dist. 7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136
215-331-2600
State Sen. Daylin Leach (DMontgomery), State Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Northeast) and Dr. Val Arkoosh will face off at a forum in the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, Pa. on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 1:30 p.m. The hour-and-a-half event is limited to registered Democrats. For info reach out to Bev Hahn at connect2han@comcast.net. Challenger Announces In 179th District Primary
Jason Dawkins has announced his candidacy for the 179th Dist. seat of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Jason is seeking the Democratic nomination for State Representative of the District encompassing the Frankford, Feltonville, Olney,
Republicans Seek Growth Opportunity
Joe DeFelice, Executive Director of the Republican City Committee, says his party is recruiting to create an “‘A-Team’ to begin turning the city around with smart, fiscally prudent vision. In the coming year, there
State Rep.
William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
215-271-9190
Are You Planning Run For Committeeperson?
A nonpartisan seminar is being offered for anyone interested in running for committeeperson in any of the parties listed by the Commonwealth and which appear on the ballot this coming primary. Speakers at the “How To Run For Committeeperson” in this primary are City CommisState Rep.
John
Taylor (R) 177th Dist. 4725 Richmond St. Phila., PA 19137
215-744-2600
Councilman Wm.
Greenlee
Room 506 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927
Senator Tina
Tartaglione 2nd Dist. 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19122
1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-291-4653
215-533-0440
Kitchen 3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave. Suite 104 Phila., PA 19132
215-227-6161
www.senatorkitchen.com
Dems See Opportunity With Gerlach Retiring
News makes for a lot of conjecture after Congressman Jim Gerlach’s (R-Montgomery) announcement he will not seek reelection to his far-suburban 6th
Dist. seat. It’s obvious Gerlach had a lock on the seat. Dems found it easy to split for him, giving him safe margins. The seat still leans to Republicans. Fortunately for Gov. Tom Corbett, Gerlach doesn’t see himself entering the Republican primary for that seat. Who knows? Only Jim knows and he’s not saying if he has any plans for a political future. It’s Breakfast With Brownlee Tomorrow
State Rep. Michelle Brownlee will host Breakfast with Brownlee from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. tomorrow at her 2839 W. Girard Ave. constituent services office. District residents are invited to a complimentary continental breakfast, during which Brownlee will discuss legislative priorities for 2014 .
STATE SENATOR
LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE
1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538 WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com
Always Hard At Work for You! State Senator
Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District
2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 • Fax: (215) 492-2990
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
State Sen. Shirley M.
sioner Stephanie Singer and her Deputy Tracey Gordon. The event will be held at 1606 Walnut Street Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Another session is scheduled on Feb. 18 at same place and time. Men are invited even though the event is sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for Women and the Philadelphia Chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women. The first day to circulate nominating petitions for any office open in the primary is Feb. 18.
The Public Record • January 9, 2014
13th Dist. Candidates Debate In Montco
TOO young to vote, but a vote getter is baby Abigail Morgan born to Rep. and Mrs. Brendan Boyle this week. Oxford Circle, Mayfair and Wissinoming neighborhoods. He served as senior legislative aide for Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez. Incumbent State Rep. James Clay (D-Kensington) is already preparing his own campaign, saying, “I am very confident because of my strong efforts serving my constituents.” Dawkins’ campaign will host an Announcement Rally on Saturday, Jan. 18, 12-2 p.m., at the Frankford Boys & Girls Club, 1709 Kinsey Street.
long intraparty struggle left its ward-level committee authority confused, so it is looking for the spring election to clarify matters. At least three fights for ward control are expected in the Northeast. In South Philadelphia, look for the Republicans to split the 36th Ward into two separate committees, following the pattern set by successful Democrats in several wards long ago.
Page 5*
(Cont. From Prev. Page) city. Such an achievement would open the doors for an easy win of the State Attorney General’s seat. As we see it, the mayor’s race seems to hold a great deal of local political interest even though it is the gubernatorial election primary on the immediate calendar, May 20.
are currently roughly 30 offices on the ballot for US Congress, State Senate and State Representative in Philadelphia along with over 3,000 committeeperson slots. These individuals with be the coordinated grassroots arm of the Republican Party who can best articulate a message of change and reform for the GOP in the city rather than allowing the national media and local Democrats to frame our Party. “If someone is interested in joining our movement, and becoming the A-Team that Philadelphia so desperately needs, please contact Republican City Committee and ask how one can make a difference on their own block, in their own neighborhood to help Philadelphia realize its full potential. We can be reached at (215) 5610650, via email at josephjdefelice@phillygop.com or visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PhillyGOP,” DeFelice stated. The May 2014 primary is a crucial event for RCC’s longterm reorganizing efforts. The
NOW BA CK
Page 6
NORTH BRO N O A
TRAINED SKILLS
TREET DS
The Public Record • January 9, 2014
UNION LABOR
Union Labor…Building it right for a better and stronger community And promoting renaissance of North Broad St. Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and vicinity is comprised of four unions:
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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.
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
LiUNA!
The Laborers Employers Cooperation and Education Trust 665 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 Telephone: 215-922-6139 Fax: 215-922-6109 Web: www.ldc-phila-vic.org Juan F. Ramos Administrator
by Michael P. Boyle, Esq. Glenn Sklar, Deputy Commissioner of SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication & Review, testified recently before a House subcommittee that oversees the Social Security program. Sklar reminded the subcommittee that the Social Security Act mandates “a strict standard of disability” and does not allow for short-term or partial disability benefits. Sklar emphasized SSA requires objective medical evi-
dence that would “reasonably be expected to produce the pain or other symptoms alleged.” Sklar told the subcommittee that, on average, a worker found to qualify for Social Security disability benefits in December 2012 received a little over $1,100 per month, “barely above the current poverty income level of $13,000 per year.” He noted the Chief Actuary for SSA “explained that long-term DI program growth Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board. Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.
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was predicted many years ago and is driven ... by the aging of the baby-boom generation and the fact more women have joined the labor force and have become eligible for benefits.” Sklar testified that new judges hired by SSA undergo extensive training and orientation before taking the bench, and receive ongoing continuing legal education. Sklar warned that improvements in reducing common errors could erode due to a loss of ALJs and staff. He rebutted claims that SSA granted too many cases. Sklar noted over 96% of ALJs in fiscal year 2013 fell within the middle group in terms of allowance. He defined this as granting between 21% to 84% of the cases before them. (I don’t consider an ALJ who grants only 21% of claims as someone I’m eager to have hear my client’s case). Sklar described extensive efforts being made by the Appeals Council to improve ALJ decision-making and to help ALJs avoid common legal errors. He told the subcommittee that SSA has given ALJs a range of 500-700 “legally sufficient” decisions a year as a “reasonable expectation.” Notice is hereby given that Proposals will be accepted by the Philadelphia Housing Authority for Solicitation No. P-004338 - Master Contract for Construction Management Services no later than 11:00 a.m. 1/28/14 at 3100 Penrose Ferry Phila., PA 19145. Late proposals will not be considered. The solicitation is available on our website at PHA.PHILA.GOV and click on Business Opportunity for more details. PHA encourages minority, woman-owned and Section 3 businesses to submit bids and participate in joint ventures.
Page 7 * The Public Record • January 9, 2014
Our Opinion Global Warming, Huh!
Jan. 9- Former Md. Gov. Bob Ehrlich holds book-signing for “Hope For Change” at law offices of Linda A. Kerns, 1420 Locust St., Suite 200, 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 9- C o u n c i l w o m a n Cindy Bass hosts Expungement Information Clinic at Triumph Baptist Ch., Germantown & Hunting Park Aves., 6-8 p.m. Jan. 9- State Rep. Curtis Thomas hosts Affordable Health Care Enrollment Workshop at African American United Fund Conference Center, 2231 N. Broad St., 6 p.m. Staff can enroll people onsite. For this you must bring Social Security nos. (or document nos. for legal immigrants), employer and income information for every member of household who needs coverage, policy nos. for any current health-insurance plans. Space is limited. To be enrolled at workshop contact
sioner Stephanie Singer and her Deputy Tracey Gordon at 1606 Walnut St., 5:30-7 p.m. Another session is scheduled on Feb. 18, same place and time. Jan. 15- Free community dinner with Jared Solomon, candidate for 202nd Legislative Dist., at Casa Brazil, 6222 Bustleton Ave., 6:30-8 p.m. For info George Matysik (215) 803-6676. Jan. 30- Phila. Republican City Committee hosts Recep-
New Judicial Conduct Code
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has approved a new Code of Judicial Conduct. Among notable changes from the prior code is the adoption of provisions dealing with nepotism and service on commercial boards, including the issues of recusal and disqualification. It goes into effect on Jul. 1, 2014. “For courts in western democracies to effectively render independent and impartial decisions, the public’s confidence in the integrity of the judicial system and its judges is essential,” Chief Justice
Ronald D. Castille said. “The Code of Judicial Conduct is designed to foster that confidence by assisting judges in their adherence to the highest judicial and personal conduct standards. It also establishes a basis for disciplinary agencies to regulate judges’ conduct.” The new code in both style and content is based upon the model code promulgated by the American Bar Association in 2007, but it also reflects the experience of Pennsylvania and the provisions that best (Cont. Page 11)
tion honoring Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, Stratus Rooftop Lounge, Monaco Hotel, 5th & Chestnut Sts., 5:30-7 p.m. Tickets $500 per person. For info (215) 561-0650. Jan. 31-Feb. 1.- Republican State Committee Endorsement Mtg. at Hershey Lodge, Hershey, Pa. Feb. 2-4- Phila. AFL-CIO Annual Planning Leadership Conference at Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. For sponsorship info Joni Bernard (215) 665-9800, ext. 206. Feb. 7-8 Democratic State Committee Endorsement Mtg. at Hershey Hotel, Hershey, Pa. Feb. 18- Anyone interested in “How To Run For Committeeperson” in this primary is invited to attend a seminar with speakers City Commissioner Stephanie Singer and her Deputy Tracey Gordon at 1606 Walnut St., 5:30-7 p.m. Mar. 14- 57th Ward Democrats host St. Patrick’s Day Beef & Beer, at Paddy Whacks Pub, 9241 Roosevelt Blvd., Welsh Rd., 7-11 p.m.
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Ask any Philadelphian today if he thought the Good Earth was in danger of warming up and he’d swear you were nuts for asking that question. Since we are plagued by at least 15 minutes of weather in the half hour of news we get on our local stations, we have learned to study and record for ourselves when they show dates in which the coldest or hottest weather records were set. We’ve concluded, based on those records, the Earth keeps on doing what it does, setting weather records every 50 years or so … in no specific order. Then again, before we can align ourselves to being pro- or anti- global warming, we noted some snowy white owls have been seen in Florida, a state they have never flown down to in recorded history. The same with lobsters: the kind caught up in Maine is producing more than ever, but this time in the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream. Do we blame global warming, or global chilling? In any event, what needs to be warmed up for sure is voter interest in our elections. We know some of the reasons, but we blame them on the lack of voter education. Remember, when that was a course we all took in public schools back when, but it hasn’t been on education front burners for a long, long time. So we call attention to the fact City Commissioner Stephanie Singer is opening a two-hour seminar on how to run for committee person. Details are in our Calendar of Events. That’s a start in the right direction.
Natalie Davis (215) 560-3261. Jan. 13 Pete Lyde Hosts 70th Birthday Celebration for Champion Joe Frazier at The Enterprise Ctr., 4548 Market St., 5-8 p.m. For info Pete (267) 303-3203 or Petesoreal@aol.com; or Jacquelyn F r a z i e r - L y d e Frazierlyde@Aol.Com. Jan. 14- Anyone interested in “How To Run For Committeeperson” in this primary is invited to attend a seminar with speakers City Commis-
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The Public Record • January 9, 2014
Page 8
Politicos Made Merry On New Year’s Day
MEETING up to exchange New Year’s greetings out- WAFFLEMAN, Joe Sbaraglia, left, with his side Public Record offices on S. Broad Street were Ken son, right, and grandson in coach hiding from STRUTTING in all his finery with Froggy DAD and son, Jim Harrity, Jr., and Jim Adams; Jim Tayoun; Maria Merlino; Congressman cold, continue three generations of marching Carr was Republican City Committee II, in costume on Broad Street New Bob Brady, who led String Band contingent up Broad with clown brigade up Broad Street from S. Year’s Day. Exec. Dir. Joe DeFelice. Phila. Street; and Carpenters Union’s Guy Squilliaciotti. Annie Bernard, 4, and her dad Detective Bernard are congratulated by grandpop Charles Bernard, aide to Democratic Chairman Bob Brady, after long march 25th ANNUAL Mummers Mass was held with Pirates Club. early New Year’s Eve at Our Lady of Mt. Both resumed Carmel Church, 3rd & Wolf streets. Officimarching to joy of ating was Edward McBride, seen here with Annie and weary fa- THIRD & Ritner Hair Designs proprietor Fathers Chanlis Chacko and Francis. J. ther. Photo by Joe Stivala Tricia Lassiter teamed up once again with WECCACOE Exec. Dir. Fred Druding, Sr. Cauterucci, pastor. Weccacoe CDC Community Liaison Fred welcomes Kevin Kinkel of famed James Druding, Jr. in presenting the “Two Street “Froggy” Carr Wench Brigade to Two Mummers Judges Stand”. Street Mummers Judges Stand.
Two Street Had Its Own Parade To Judge
FLANKING Fred Druding, Jr. are Two Street Judges Colleen Baillie and Jennifer McConaghie. Judges awarded “Two Street” 1st-Places to Happy Tappers in Comics, Froggy Carr in Wench’s, Pennsport in String Bands and Jokers in Fancy Division.
ERIC’S EPIC NYA debuted in 2014 Mummers Parade, as President John Sullivan and Captain Robert Heller formed club in honor of “Two Streeter” Eric Heller who was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident at young age of 31.
Ringside With The Shadowboxer Jennings vs. Rosado Bryant Jennings and Gabriel Rosado won’t be fighting each other, after all; one is a Jr. Middleweight and the other a Heavyweight; but the two Philly boxers will be going against each other in the ongoing struggle for boxing supremacy between HBO and SHOWTIME.
On Jan. 25, in New York, Bryant Jennings gets the biggest fight of his career when he takes on Artur Szpilka at Madison Square Garden on a card televised by HBO. That same evening, in Washington at the DC Armory, Gabriel Rosado will take on Jermell Charlo on a card televised by rival SHOW-
TIME in the same time slot. So unfortunately for Philly boxing fans, a choice will have to be made as to what bout to watch live. For SHADOWBOXER, the choice would be hard to make, so planning on making sure the batteries are charged in my remote and I’ll be flipping back and forth hoping for an all Philly sweep, regardless of who wins the ratings battle between the networks.
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Tracy A. Forray Secretary Board of Pardons
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COMM. Of PA BOARD OF PARDONS The following applications of the persons convicted in Philadelphia County will be heard by the Board of Pardons at its regular session in the Supreme Court Courtroom, Room 437, Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA. Thursday, January 16, 2014 – Convening at 9:00 A.M. Andre R. Armour: Robbery Calvin F. Edwards: Firearm Carried Without a License, Carrying Firearms in Philadelphia Yvonne M. Florence: Violation Public Welfare Code (2 Cts.) Joseph A. Gricco: Receiving Stolen Property
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Celebrating Martin Luther King’s Day
dard form for all Chapter 13 plans in the country, but it’s still in the “talking” stage. My guess is it will still be interpreted differently depending on district. The rule here is obvious: If you’re going to file bankruptcy, hire someone in your area who knows the local customs. It’s far easier to walk into a bankruptcy hearing (even the first meeting of creditors) with someone who knows the bankruptcy trustee and is familiar with him, than to go into the hearing with a representative who, like you, has never been there before. Next Week’s Question: Bankruptcy basics: What is an adversary proceeding?
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by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Bankruptcy: Don’t get “home-towned”. Answer: The US Constitution grants Congress the power to establish uniform laws on bankruptcy. Our bankruptcy law is a federal law administered by the US courts. But does that make it the same from state to state? It certainly does not. Although the main framework of the law applies across the country, the specifics of many provisions vary greatly from state to state, and even from district to district within a state. Some states are more pro-Chapter 13 than others; and vice versa. Each court seems to have its share of local customs. These can include the following: 1. specifics for how the general bankruptcy law is interpreted; 2. what the role of the trustee in the bankruptcy process is; and 3. how the US Bankruptcy Rules are actually administered. Many districts have their own form of Chapter 13 plan. There is a move to use a stan-
Answer: Dear reader, There are many factors that play into the safety of a vehicle. Some things to note are: Something that has four doors is cheaper to insure.
quite safe and the Mazda3, Ford Fusion, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Elantra in particular earned 2014 IIHS “Top Safety Pick” awards. If you have any further questions, contact us anytime at (215) 492-1700. 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.
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by Tom Flynn and Rocco DeGregorio Question: My daughter is about to turn 16 and is begging for a car. What would be the safest car to get her?
Also, the car should be very substantial and have some heavy duty bumpers. Some prefer to choose used cars for their child. If it had a few dings and dents that would be ok because it’s likely to get banged up a bit anyway. There are various reports widely available these days about the safety of vehicles to help you make your decision. If you are looking into a new many of our vehicles are
Page 10 The Public Record • January 9, 2014 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
On Monday, Philadelphia DA SETH WILLIAMS and City CONTROLLER ALAN BUTKOVITZ, along with newly elected and retained Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court judges, were sworn in at a gala event at the Academy of Music. Unfortunately, the attendance at the swearing was all too similar to the low turnout in November when these officials and judges were elected. The highlight of the morning for the herd was the swearing in of Anne Marie Coyle to the Court of Common Pleas. She won in part owing to her superior ballot position on the Democratic primary. Judges are allowed to file on both Republican and Democratic ballots. However, her ability to survive the primary despite serious opposition from many Democratic Party bosses was due to hard work and solid relationships with people who cared that she would be a good judge and not about her political affiliation. Coyle was granted the ability to choose a vice chairman for the Gala and appointed Republican Party of Philadelphia EXEC. DIR. JOE DeFELICE, an honor city Elephants rarely enjoy in modern times. Both Seth Williams and Butkovitz had been rumored as interested in running for Mayor in 2015. Seth Williams recently has said he was not interested in mayoral role in 2015, but interestingly he was introduced to the audience on Monday by a good friend and potential 2015 mayoral candidate STATE SEN. TONY WILLIAMS. Seth Williams spoke of the need to show “people who [are] black and brown” that the criminal-justice system can be fair. He noted that now (Cont. Page 13)
In case you missed it on Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles lost their round-one NFL playoff game against the New Orleans Saints. It was a decent game, which the home team lost 26-24. The city made the stadium look nice, and no snowballs were thrown as far as we know. But someone did get spat upon. According to the sports website Deadspin.com, a Saints fan, happy that his team was now headed to Seattle to take on the number one seeded Seahawks, was told by a disgruntled Eagles fan that he was going to spit in the Saints fan’s face. He then proceeded to do it. Now, I’m bringing this up because Eagles fans were miffed at Times-Picayune Saints beat writer Jeff Duncan when he wrote the same column that every, and I do mean every, opposing team’s beat writer puts together about Philly’s crazy and boorish fans. These columns talk about all of the usual stuff: throwing snowballs at Santa; cheering as Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin lay injured on the Veterans Stadium turf; throwing batteries at opposing fans; and a Phillies fan throwing up on a little girl. Fans in Eagle land went nuts. How dare you bring up this old stuff? Fans in other cities do worse. You never bring that stuff up. And then someone spits on a Saints fan. On video. And it goes out everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, I understand as sports fans that see(Cont. Page 11)
Yo! Here we go again with this heart-warming story sent to me by Paul K. At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. He told the following story: Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys were playing baseball. Shay asked, “Do you think they’ll let me play?” I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team but I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, “We’re losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.” Shay struggled over to the team’s bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt... I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. He was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay’s team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat. Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. As Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman’s head, out of reach of all teammates. (Cont. Page 11)
The radio blared a City effort to TICKET TAXPAYERS who had not cleared their sidewalks (though the reasons vary). WHO tickets the City for poor snow and ice removal from our streets? Mayor John STREET always did a fine job, and with no stories of ice adhering to asphalt. Could it be PENNYPINCHING in a city of the FIRST CLASS?... The rumors of NUTTER wanting the 1st Dist. Congressional seat persist. A good choice for legislator would be Mike DRISCOLL for the McGeehan seat. The Fire Dept. AGAIN reduced fire fatalities in 2013. Over 279,000 Emergency Medical Service calls were answered. There are alarms from the time an EMS worker reports for duty until they end their shift. HATS OFF to Commissioner Lloyd AYERS and his Firefighter-EMS Team.... The outburst by the DA over the Archdiocese’s posting of bail for Msgr. LYNN saw him take on his own faith. It is curious since he is an Army Reserve soldier. He took the same oath I did, to preserve, protect and defend – the rights of others. He must not be too upset since he did not quit the religion. An appeals person in the DA’s Office said the Lynn case showed the DA could take on the church. But they were always able to do that, right? The long-running New Year’s Eve FIREWORKS at Penn’s Landing FINALLY made the news BIG TIME in 2013. It was good to see Meryl LEVITZ and Monica SANTORO working hard on the event.... The “Two Street” New Year’s Day is (Cont. Page 11)
The cold temperatures and rain didn’t dampen the spirits or accomplishments of two of Philadelphia’s finest public servants during Monday’s swearing-in ceremonies. DISTRICT ATTORNEY SETH WILLIAMS gave a great speech at his inauguration at the Academy of Music. ALAN BUTKOVITZ, the City Controller, also thanked the citizens of Philadelphia for returning him to the position of fiscal watchdog. JOHN DOUGHERTY and COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON looked on approvingly from the front row. So DID STATE SEN. MIKE STACK along with former STATE SEN. BOB ROVNER. MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER was also on hand at the ceremony and appeared more relaxed than usual. Many judges were sworn in for the first time including GIOVANNI CAMPBELL, ANNE MARIE COYLE, JOE FERNANDES, TIMIKA LANE, DAN McCAFFERY, SCOTT O’KEEFE and SIERRA THOMAS, formerly Sierra Street. Among the judges who were retained were JACKIE ALLEN, GENECE BRINKLEY, REMY DJERASSI, HOLLY FORD, JOEL JOHNSON and Federica MASSIAH-JACKSON, just to name a few from the Common Pleas Court bench. Among the newly elected Municipal Court judges are MARTY COLEMAN, FRAN SHIELDS and HENRY LEWANDOWSKI III. One of the most popular municipal court judges, FAYE STACK, served on the bench for the final time on New Year’s Eve. Judge Stack served on the municipal court with distinction for 24 years. She has always received accolades from both the prosecution and defense for her fairness and willingness to let the witness and the lawyers tell their story. Congratulations to Judge Stack. STATE SENS. LARRY FARNESE, DAYLIN LEACH and Mike Stack convened a press conference at the Mayor’s Reception Room to advocate for LGBT equality in both work and marriage. The three Senators are now calling on GOV. TOM CORBETT to step up his advocacy for equality. Now is the time for him to call on Republican leaders in the house to move legislation so that he can sign it into law.
Waffleman (Cont. From Page 10) Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, “Shay, run to first!” Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, “Run to second, run to second!” Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base. By the time
ident of Women in Government!!! YEAH! Governor “Corporate” finally gave up the push to sell our lottery. But DO NOT FORGET it!... His Medicaid Expansion had a hearing of sorts in Philly. Few attended in the aftermath of the storm, and no questions were allowed. Commissioner, WHAT KIND of HEARING was that?? The plan reportedly asks high premiums to multi-trillion-dollar insurance companies. The new PHA apprentice program seems not to consider tough economic times when many union workers had no work. Not enough locals are represented in it.... Two
Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher’s intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third baseman’s head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, “Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay.” Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in
the direction of third base, and shouted, “Shay, run to third!” As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, “Shay, run home! Run home!” Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.
Shay didn’t make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day! A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats its least fortunate amongst them. May your day, be a Shay Day.
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Matt... Mary STRYKOWSKI, daughter of the late State Sen. Frank LYNCH, is gone from us. Her pleasantness leaves Northeast Philly for Heaven. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Charles FIELDS, President of Heart to Heart in King of Prussia. And to Kensington resident Lynn FARRELL, who does a super job at St. Boniface.... Also Kennedyesque Councilman BOBBY HENON. His first 100 days were innovative, and continue to be so!... Roseanne PAUCIELLO, leader of Ward 39, has a birthday next week. She is a new Philly MENSA. To ALL: Happy, Healthy New Year!
Out & About
ment in the game should only go as far as maybe crying in your beer and buffalo wings or sitting in a dark room burning green candles. It shouldn’t include spitting in someone’s face. And if it does – don’t complain when someone brings it up.
(Cont. From Page 10) ing your team in the post season is a big deal. You want to see them go as far as possible. But unless you’re getting a check signed by Jeffrey Lurie, your emotional invest-
New Judicial Conduct Code
(Cont. From Page 7) apply to the state judiciary. It updates the version that was initially adopted by the court in 1973. The updated code includes an anti-nepotism provision (Rule 2.13), which states that in making administrative appointments and hiring decisions a judge shall be impartial, base hiring on merit and avoid nepotism, favoritism and unnecessary appointments. Another major change in the code says that service on commercial boards is now prohibited and all judges who hold such positions have until Jul. 1, 2015, to resign from those seats (Rule 3.11). Prior limitations on personal financial activities remain in force to avoid conflicts of interest and disqualifications from judicial matters, but the new code allows judges to place personal investments into a blind trust rather than relinquishing those investments. The new code also contains provisions dealing with bias,
prejudice and harassment (Rule 2.3) and a ban on judges holding membership in any organization that practices invidious discrimination. (Rule 3.6) In 2011, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania established a work group, chaired by Superior Court Judge Anne E. Lazarus, to recommend proposed revisions to the Pennsylvania Code of Judicial Conduct. The work group, which included judges, lawyers and academicians, reviewed the 2007 American Bar Association Model Code of Judicial Conduct and codes from other states in making its recommendations. The new code adopted today reflects the work of that committee. Others collaborating with the work group on the proposed revisions were the Pennsylvania Bar Association under the leadership of Bar President Forest N. Myers and the Philadelphia Bar Association under the leadership of Chancellor Kathleen Wilkinson.
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newspapers want clemency for Edward SNOWDEN. Why – so they can get exclusives? HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Charles and “Reds” BERNARD. Two lovebirds in timeless romance. Dr. Andy WASKIE and lovely wife, of Temple University, celebrated their 10th anniversary with a Florida trip planned. Passed away is Gus PEDICONE, a public official years back, and a Downtown GOP leader, who owned an airfreight business.... Mike BRIGHT passed on New Year’s Eve Downtown, just as his life was headed in a good direction. Perfect Peace to him from his best friend
The Public Record • January 9, 2014
(Cont. From Page 10) Philly’s secret. A family environment. A Mardi Gras in the cold. Units continue to march up and down past the Mummer’s Museum Reviewing stand and PIRATES’, Johnny DOC, Charles BERNARD, SULLIVAN and WECCACOE reviewing areas. Judge Henry LEWANDOWSKI (Pirates) marched on 2 Street. Last Monday was the SWEARING-IN service of 2013 General Election winners. Controller Alan BUTKOVITZ (underestimated by opponents) was a big winner, since he really
12/14/14 is the last day of work for Justice CASTILLE, Judge HERRON and Judge GLASER (who reportedly married)? Is this true? Why did we spend all that money to elect Castille for so short a time? If this date is correct, I will save a bottle of Irish Crème for that day. In old files, I found a photo of what looks like Judge Glaser in the DEMOCRATIC WOMEN Fashion Show. I will seek corroboration. The first Saint Patrick’s party was announced by Ward 57 Leader Pat PARKINSON for March 14!... State Rep. Vanessa BROWN did it again. She is creating opportunities for women as new State Pres-
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Walking
works hard to help the 99%.... Our new Common Pleas judges are the best of the lot, displaying voter awareness. Congrats to Judges Anne Marie COYLE; Timika LANE; Joe FERNANDES; Daniel McCAFFERY, Giovanni CAMPBELL, Sierra THOMAS and Scott O’KEEFE. Municipal Court winners are Martin COLEMAN, Henry LEWANDOWSKI and Fran SHIELDS. There can be nothing but PROFOUND, professional respect for these jurists. CONGRATS to Justice Max BAER on his retention in the State Supreme Court. He could soon be second highest in seniority.... I was told
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The Public Record • January 9, 2014
Page 12
District Attorney, City Controller, Judges Sworn In Mayor Michael A. Nutter presented official greetings and City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., emcee and Majority Leader, provided the introduction at the City’s inauguration of Controller Alan Butkovitz, District Attorney R. Seth Williams and more than 20 judges of the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court in Philadelphia today at the Academy of Music in Center City. The ceremony is part of the City’s formal inaugural that traditionally takes place in January following the general elections held in the fall. “The women and men who were sworn in to office today represent an impressive group of elected officials committed to city government and judicial service,” said the Mayor. “Congratulations to District Attorney Seth Williams, City Controller Alan Butkovitz, and all of the incumbent and newly elected judges of the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, as they embark on the next chapter of service to the citizens of Philadelphia. I know they will work with city government, our partners at the State and Federal level, and the City’s many communities to improve the quality of life and address critical law enforcement, financial and judicial issues for the City of Philadelphia.” Court of Common Pleas Judge Mark I. Bernstein (1st Judicial Dist. of Pennsylvania) formally administered the oath of office to Butkovitz, who is now serving his third term. Butkovitz’s brother Edward and his wife Theresa also took part in the ceremonies. Court of Common Pleas Judge Rose Marie DeFinoNastasi inducted Williams, who is now serving his second term. Williams is the first African American DA in the City’s modern history.
Williams was joined by his children Taylor and Hope Williams and State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams (D-W. Phila.), who is no relation. Administering the formal oaths of office for all of the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court judges was the Hon. Ronald D. Castille, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and former District Attorney of Philadelphia. Chief Justice Castille presided over the inductions for the following: Court of Common Pleas Newly Elected Judges: The Hon. Anne Marie Bridget Coyle, Timika Lane, Joe Fernandes, Daniel D. McCaffery, Giovanni Campbell, Sierra Thomas and J. Scott O’Keefe. Court of Common Pleas Retention Judges: The Hon. Remy I. Djerassi, Lori A. Dumas, Holly J. Ford. Joel S. Johnson, Frederica A. Massiah-Jackson, Jeffery P. Minehart, Paula A. Patrick, Allan L.Tereshko and Nina Wright Padilla. Municipal Court Newly Elected Judges: The Hon. T. Francis Shields, Henry Lewandowski III and Martin S. Coleman. Municipal Court Retention Judges: the Hon. Teresa Carr Deni, Jacquelyn FrazierLyde and Joseph J. O’Neill. In addition to the induction ceremony, some highlights of the event were spiritual blessings delivered by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput (who delivered the invocation), Bishop Rev. Marshall Mitchell of Salem Baptist Church (who delivered a prayer) and the Rev. Terrence Griffith of 1st African Baptist Church (who delivered the benediction). The Philadelphia Boys Choir performed the National Anthem and Franz Schubert’s operatic classic “Ave Maria”, and the Philadelphia Fire & Police Honor Guard provided the ceremonial Presentation of Colors.
CHIEF JUSTICE Ron Castille, left, greets Judge Jeffrey Minehart and his daughter Jen, who carried Bible for her father to swear on at his retention.
JUDGE Lori Dumas and daughter Milan chat with Mayor Michael Nutter backstage at Academy of Music before her retention swearing-in.
MULTI-TASKING Mayor Michael Nutter shares conversation with State Sen. Tony Williams and Councilman Curtis Jones in one ear, cellphone in another.
RETENTION JUDGE Holly Ford with her son Raymond Cobb.
WITH her Bible holder, Mayor of W. Chester Dr. Clifford DeBaptiste, is Judge Frederica Massiah-Jackson.
CONTROLLER & Mrs. Alan Butkovitz prior to swearing in.
LONG and the short of it, say Sabir Hameen and Pete Lyde, is that Timika Lane is now a judge and they aren’t.
PENNA. Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Castille and Judge Mark I. Bernstein prior to attending to swearing-in duties.
PROUD family and wife of Judge Giovanni Campbell.
PETE LYDE, right, congratulates NEWLY elected Judge Anne Marie Coyle Judge Robert Coleman on his elec- shares proud moment with Laborers activist DA Seth Williams with his smiling daughters, Taylor and Hope. Pete Lyde and her father Bill Coyle. tion.
Photo by Bonnie Squires Advertisement
Library Murder "In free governments, the rulers are the servants, and the people their superiors and sovereigns." --Benjamin Franklin Part 148/150
The first woman to serve as President and Director the Free Library of Philadelphia is SIOBHAN REARDON. Employed since 2008, the former New Yorker is making a huge, and significant impact at the SOUTH PHILADELPHIA BRANCH. This winter, it is to he demolished, rebuilt, and scheduled to reopened in 2016, along with Health SIOBHAN REARDON President & Director Center II. In its place will be a $30 million Free Library of Philadelphia dollar—multi-level complex housing (a) Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, (b)South Philadelphia branch library, (c) Health Center II. Here are questions that CHOP and the Free Library have publicly failed to address. There should be no problem to place “full page ads” in all South Philly newspapers with the backing of the $30 million donation: 1. Please advise how the architects are going to resolve the “diversity issue,” re: “YOU DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS INTO ONE BASKET,” i.e., converging all human traffic (Children’s Hospital, Public Library, and City Health Center) into one entrance/exit way and still keep the character of “row home South Philadelphia?” 2. What is the reason, or reasons for using a one entrance/exit way for perhaps five hundred to one thousand people using all three facilities in one day?
4. Please explain these issues: (a) How will library patrons be “better off” after the two year wait until this branch reopens?, (b) Why does the President & Director, and Library board want to violate these principles: (1) “KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID,” and (2) “IF ITS NOT BROKE, WHY FIX IT?” Please give pros and cons. 5. What are the Free Library’s principles for closing the South Phila branch library? If it is “the money,” would the end result be the same? Footnote: A librarian at central offered this incite by suggesting the donor may ultimately want a “vaulted glass dome” (a la Kimmel Center) on top of the new edifice.
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3. What is the motivation behind “the mysterious donor’s gift of $30 million,” whereby, (a) forcing this regional library to close for two years, (b) transforming the South Phila branch site into an industrial complex—with “one entrance/exit way,” when (c) the system’s 53 other libraries deserve a share of the $30 million pie, and (cl) according to the library’s “Development Office” (215-567-7710), the total amount of the 54 branch foundation (or endowment) is $26 million, or $4 million less than the $30 million to be given by “Donor X.”
(Cont. From Page 10) 43% of misdemeanor cases are “resolved through diversionary programs” designed to given small-time offenders a second chance. He believes programs like these give his staff more time address serious and violent felons. Butkovitz’s speech did not really address his job as auditor of the City’s numerous departments but was rather a precursor of what we are going to hear over the next year and half as he campaigns for Mayor. Perhaps he did not speak of his last two terms as City Controller as he woefully behind in his audits. I find it fascinating that someone who had done a mediocre job as City Controller wants to run for an even more demanding office. But then again, this is Philadelphia, where having word “Democrat” at the top of the column means that you are a shoo-in. We Republicans need to do something about this. Some noted that Butkovitz’s speech was taken out of BILL DeBLASIO’S playbook. DeBlasio, who was sworn in as Mayor of New York City on Jan. 1, ran on campaign promises to reduce economic inequality through higher taxes on families making $500,000 or more. New Jersey in the Corzine administration increased taxes on millionaires, only to see overall tax revenues from the rich decline as these financially flexible people moved from the state or spent more time in homes outside the state to avoid being deemed Jersey residents. Butkovitz, at least as of yet, has not discussed taxing the rich, but rather on economicgrowth programs that would lead to more jobs for the poor. He appeared to downplay if not actually dismiss reforming the City’s tax structure as a way to bring businesses back to the city. Perhaps he should take a ride out the Schuylkill Expressway and look at the massive development in Conshohocken that started just about the time the city wage tax went into ef-
fect and which was further fueled by other Philadelphia business taxes and regulations. Butkovitz, I assume, realizing that the business tax base has shrunk, decided we need to look for another stone from which to draw blood. He said he would pursue programs that would encourage our “anchor” institutions, namely hospitals and universities, to support job growth by inducing them to “buy it in Philly”. I really would like to know how he is going to get not-forprofits to use more Philadelphiabased vendors. I would assume that if a Philadelphia vendor offers a competitive price, the school or hospital would prefer to buy from them. As they are nonprofit, tax incentives are probably not options. Is he going to pass laws to force them to “buy Philly”? He should take a walk down S. Broad Street and note how many storefronts have nonprofit tenants. They are in this prime commercial real estate because for-profit businesses moved the suburbs. Does he want the nonprofits and their employees to move there also?
The Public Record • January 9, 2014
TANYA REGLI, executive director of The Arc of Phila., joins Laura Princiotta, CEO of SpArc Phila., in congratulating Ken Oakes, outgoing president of Arc board, for his many years of service. Oakes has been elected board chair of Disability Rights Network of Penna.
Elephant
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Arc Prexy Honored
State Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) on Tuesday was reelected by the full Senate as Senate President Pro Tem, a position he has held since first being elected to it in 2006. “In 2014 it is my pledge to continue to work with my Senate colleagues to make decisions that will
strengthen our communities, provide for family sustaining jobs and ensure Pennsylvania will remain a strong Commonwealth for future generations,” said Scarnati. His goal, he stated, was to see the state budget balanced “in a responsible manner, while working hard
to find a solution that will allow us to increase funding for our public schools, institutions of higher education and programs that help the elderly and our most needy citizens.” He commented, “The choices we make will be many, but the largest cost impacting our budget in the
coming years will be that of pensions – an issue that must be addressed by this body.” Scarnati continued. “Pennsylvania residents have spoken and have clearly shown that they expect us to move our state pension system in line with DELAWARE Co. Councilman Dave White, center, learns how comthat of the private sector.”
Fewer Homeless Veterans On Streets The Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the Dept. of Housing & Urban Development today announced that a new national report shows a 24% reduction in homeless-
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ness among veterans since 2010. The report also showed an 8% reduction between January 2012 and January 2013. The decline keeps the Obama administration on track to meet the goal of ending veterans’ homelessness in 2015. “We are on the right track in the fight to end homelessness among veterans. While this trend is encouraging news, we know that there is more work to
do,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “As President Obama said, we’re not going to rest until every Veteran who has fought for America has a home in America. The results in the latest report are a credit to the effort given by our dedicated staff, and our federal, state, and community partners who are committed to ending veterans’ homelessness.” “We’re making real and significant progress to re-
Inside “SEPTA” Nerve Center
duce homelessness in this country and now is not the time to retreat from doing what we know works,” said US Housing & Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. The 2013 Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness, prepared by HUD, estimates there were 57,849 homeless veterans on a single night in January in the United States, an 8% decline since 2012 and a 24% decline since 2010.
plicated is work at SEPTA Control Center. Often referred to as SEPTA’s “nerve center”, center houses dispatchers for all SEPTA’s modes of transportation as well as SEPTA police. With him are SEPTA Board Member Thomas E. Babcock of Delaware Co. and Ronald Hopkins, SEPTA’s assistant general manager of operations.
Readying Somerset Dedication MONICA SANTORO, Penn’s Landing ship coordinator and marina director, stands by historic tugboat Jupiter. Monica has assembled volunteer crew to aid with its restoration and operations. She also is hostess to visiting military ships. Her big task is to oversea commissioning ceremonies of 600-foot USS Somerset in March 2014, named for Penna. town of Somerset, where Photo by Joe Stivala one 9-11 flight crashed.
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Not Responsible For Printer’s Errors
The Public Record • January 9, 2014
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Scarnati Reelected President Pro Tem
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The South Philadelphia Public Record • January 9, 2014
HELP WANTED Heavy Equipment Operator Training! Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. 3 Weeks Hands On Program. Local Job Placement Assistance. National Certifications. GI Bill Benefits Eligible. 1-866-3626497 TEACHER RECRUITMENT FAIR to fill 2014-15 Vacancies in 17 Virginia school divisions. Friday, Jan 31, 2014-4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. & Sat, Feb
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The South Philadelphia Public Record • January 9, 2014
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