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. 49 3 (Issue (Issue328) 374)
Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILA., PA 19114
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Mummers Cut Their South Broad Street Roots! First In 3-Part Series String Bands Called For Route Change by Maria Merlino We got a good cultural shock this week when it was announced the 114th Mummer’s Day Parade would not parade through the heart of South Philly, but instead would go widdershins (translation: going backwards) on us and begin on 15th & Market streets in front of Dilworth Plaza and end at Washington Avenue, normally the parade’s pit stop. Mummers marching in South Philadelphia tris a long tradition that traces. . . (Cont. Page 2)
December January4,16, 2014 2014
IT WAS Congressman Bob Brady who ensured Mummers Parade would survive financial costs imposed on it by City, raising funds and garnering support of business community so it could continue tradition of marching up Broad Street. But now Mummers have, by their own choosing, tweaked New Year’s Mummers Parade enough to have it parade outside S. Phila. At previous Mummers parade are SugarHouse’s Wendy Hamilton, Congressman Brady and Mayor Michael Nutter.
See Story Page 2 6915 Essington Ave.
800-791-2572 Best Warranty & Service! EVEN Mayor Nutter tried learning famous Mummers’ Strut. He will do so again in Center City.
Page 2 The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 4, 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
Board Members
Vice-President: Vince DeFino Esq. Secretary: Gaeton Tavella
John Savarese Mark Rago
Louis Galdo Dr. Jim Moylan Vince Giusini Bill Ciampitti
Mummers Desert South Philadelphia And They Blame It On You!! (Cont. From Page 1) its roots to the time of William Penn, when the ungoverned group of early settlers carried on the tradition of Boxing Day, or Second Christmas, by visiting neighbors and having a few cocktails. Philadelphia tried to outlaw these gatherings in the 1800s when they grew riotous, but soon realized it was better to join them. By 1901, the first official Mummers Parade was celebrated on Broad Street.
Gone is the tradition that saw these groups march north from Hog Island up S. Broad Street firing guns and rifles into the air, earning the name “Shooters”. Then came costumes, and organization, and music – evolving into what should be considered one of America’s legendary national folk events. It draws thousands of out-oftowners to our hotels in Center City. Why this major decision to
cut its roots from South Philadelphia? Here are some of the reasons the parade leaders mouth off: Because it’s our fault for not coming out in droves and watching the passing parade; because it’s Methodist’s Hospital’s fault for not putting up the grandstand anymore; because it’s the changing demographics of immigration. They don’t blame the fact in the City’s anxiety to save police and sanitation and other department overtime, it has cut the timing of the parade. They don’t blame the fact television broadcasting has resulted in almost half-hour gaps between the marching groups. Instead of marching, dancing and playing music up Broad Street, they quickly jam up into waiting and waiting, often in bitter cold weather – unhappy blocks of performers impatiently waiting for an OK to move on. Everything moves to the beat of the telecasts. Peter Zutter, President of the South Broad Street Association,
saw the writing on the wall. “It is unfortunate that it is no longer the daylong celebration that it once was, but things change,” he said. “It is sad to lose the whole parade, though. It looks like money and the cost of the parade have finally caught up and outweigh the old traditions. “On the other hand, it is a slow-moving parade with too much waiting. Ideas on a fix are only the same ones that have already been tried: faster pace and shorter route. I guess the shorter route is what cut us out! If it was done in three to four hours instead of eight or nine, it would work a lot better and might even attract the crowds that used to come.” Another board member, Greg Damis, has fond memories of the parade. “My wife Melody and I will miss having the parade pass our home on S. Broad Street. Ten years ago we purchased our home and threw a Mummers party before we had a chance to move in.
It’s been fun introducing family and friends to the Mummers. Many of them are Philly-born and-raised but didn’t attend the parade. This year we are already getting calls asking if we will have another celebration. It’s a shame the tradition will not be carried on.” Leo Dignam, Deputy Commissioner for Programs, said the change in route started back in March when the four heads of the parade asked for a meeting. “There was always a performance at Broad & Shunk Streets,” he began. “Then, three years ago, no business would allow us to put bleachers on the sidewalk. We had to move them to the school down the street. And we heard complaints.” He elaborated, “The Mummers are changing with the times. It’s not that the parade has never had the route changed. During the Rendell administration, the parade was moved to Market Street. He felt the hotels would have a good economic im-
pact. But it went back to Broad Street. The string bands want to protect tradition, but their philosophy is that Mummery is the tradition, not the route it takes. The parade is for the people that come down and celebrate, not for the people in the parade. We have the world’s record on the most hours for a parade, more than eight hours! We have the oldest Thanksgiving Day parade in the country and we can keep that on time to two hours. We can do that with all parades, but not the Mummers.” An argument that is heard over and over is that the demographics have changed and recent immigrants don’t care about the parade. This is a false argument, because in the 1940s Italian immigrants embraced the parade and had Italian American clubs. This insular mentality needs to be open-minded. True, the Mummers don’t proselytize, but ladies and gentleman, we have Mexican and Asian groups that would be perfect for the parade.
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Bartram’s Missing Voices Are Its Parents, Says Community by Tony West Plagued by episodes of violence over the past couple of years, the fate of Bartram HS in Southwest Philadelphia has become a flashpoint of community concerns. As the only neighborhood high school left in that part of town, its woes compound the
problems of poverty, poor employment and crime that afflict its homes and businesses. Second Dist. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson has held two meetings with a cross-spectrum of School District leaders and community activists to search for solutions to Bartram’s problems.
STAKEHOLDERS gathered around table to look for solutions to Bartram HS’ continuing disciplinary issues where teachers are targeted violently by students. From left are S.W. Phila. activist Mark Harrell, Principal Abdul-Mubdi Muhammad, convener Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and alumna Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. See Page two.
Three dozen people attended Monday’s meeting at the Health Annex on Woodland Avenue. A prominent presenter was Bartram’s new principal AbdulMubdi Muhammad, who took over this year from Ozzie Wright. Wright was a troubleshooter who had been brought in to quell rampant violence on campus after a student knocked out a teacher. Assaults are down so far this year, but under Muhammad’s administration the school has been seething with discontent among both students and teachers, each side claiming the other is failing to respect them. The biggest problem, Mr. Muhammad said, is these conversations have been playing out with little involvement by a crucial third party: the parents. “We have these students for months, for a few years. The
families have them for the rest of their lives,” he stated. Parental involvement is weak at Bartram. A typical homeschool meeting may draw 18 parents – for an enrollment of 1,000 children. A parental liaison at the school reported in frustration that her efforts at reaching out to parents – even with door-knocking – have not been yielding much fruit. She was not alone. Speaker after speaker said the culture of child-rearing has changed for the worse in their beleaguered part of town. Key problems are single mothers, or two parents both of whom work, leaving them scant time to monitor their children’s behavior and whereabouts on school days. They don’t have much time for after-school consultations either. “It isn’t like what it was in my
time,” one community activist lamented. “When I was young, if I messed up at school, my parents knew all about it by the time I got home and I would have to pay for it.” The result, said Mr. Muhammad, is a powerful minority of kids who cut school with impunity and don’t feel beholden to outside authorities. “They tell me, ‘I don’t have to listen to you, you’re not my mama,’” he related. Johnson implored everyone to speak up with ideas for interventions to change this unwholesome dynamic. Alumni, neighborhood CDCs, business leaders and School District workers made many suggestions. She is an alumna of the school and expressed her deep concern. She also chairs City Council’s Education Committee.
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GETTING into a fight requires training, cautions boxing legend Bernard Hopkins as he and 2nd Ward Leader Ed Nesmith attend an Ori Feibush fundraiser. Feibush is expected to challenge 2nd Dist. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.
Froggy Carr). Last are the String Bands. Afterwards, the option is to march south on Broad Street to Washington Avenue. The fifth element, The Fancy Brigades, will do a nooner at the Convention Center, then come out and march to Washington Avenue. They’ll regroup for the 5 p.m. show at the Convention Center, where they will be judged and taped for the 8 p.m. television audience. As far as the 2 Street “Unofficial Parade”, that is no fun for the people who live there with
the free-for-all attitude. Councilman Mark Squilla is putting some plans in action to tame the rowdies, I’m told. “Yes, there is risk,” says Dignam. “But also there is a reward: the survival of the Mummers. We will have seating areas, and have licensed vendors, shops restaurants and bakeries that will be open and the economic impact will be positive. It will be a more-condensed parade but with a crowd that is not subjected to cold, boring, empty stretches.”
The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 4, 2014
(Cont. From Page 2) Dignam said, “Back in the day, when there were spontaneous performances in front of crowds, it was usually the family and friends of the marchers.” If the families that live east and west of Broad Street don’t care, it’s because they are not involved. Let’s get more inclusion if we want to keep the parade as a neighborhood event. The route was hammered out last week. What’s going to happen is that the groups will be judged at 15th & Market, lining up on Market Street, JFK and the Parkway. The Fancies go first, since they only have one mother club. Next up are the Comics with their three mother clubs, Murray, Goodtimers and Landi. Murray also has a brigade. Third is the Wench Brigade (most-famous of all,
Train! Train! Train!
Page 3
Mummers Abandon S. Philly
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The Public Record • December 4, 2014
Page 4
Singer Faces Toughest Fight by Joe Shaheeli City Commissioner Stephanie Singer is deep into her reelection campaign, feverishly using her office to gain entry into a host of political events which have little to do with the responsibilities of her office. To her credit, she realizes she is facing the toughest hurdle of her political career this coming primary. To be seen, she hopes, is to be remembered and supported. So Singer has been working to build an army of voters who remember her, like her enthusiasm for removing all hurdles to voting, and see her as an elected official with whom they can communicate. Singer is now the target of
Rep. Rosita
Youngblood District 198th District 310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148
P: 215-849-6426
Lanni’s In For Council On GOP Ticket Good Carving À La Farnese
ANNOUNCING run for City Council at Large, Lou Lanni was flanked by veterans activist Joe Eastman and GOP 65th Ward GOP CHAIR State Rep. John Taylor, right, STATE SEN. Larry Farnese showed his skill as he cut one Leader Tom Matkowski at Tailhook Tavern joins others listening to Lou Lanni as he vows of turkeys to be served Thanksgiving Day to residents of a fight to reverse decades of decline in Phila. Jackson Place. in Mayfair. at high noon at 1800 N. 54th many of the Democratic ward money muscle from some of the blame for all that is wrong. Look For Record List She may have main media Street. Lee has been increasing leaders of this city, though not labor leaders which she enjoyed In At-Large Races of Democratic City Committee her first time out. Most impor- on her side, since their reporters his exposure with a series of The City Council at-Large which normally endorses all in- tantly, she doesn’t have an still don’t understand fully the town hall type meetings he has races are expected to draw a cumbents. She will not have the elected official that she could functioning of the office of City hosted the last two years. She might find a break in the record number of entries. Commissioners. State Rep. State Rep. Now she has read the hand- fact at least six will be in the We’ve lost track in keeping up Kevin J. William writing on the wall. One of her running for that office including with those who have already own deputies, Dennis Lee, has Commission Chairman An- expressed their intention to do Keller 172nd Dist. resigned to run for City Com- thony Clark, who enjoys the so. 184th District 7518 Frankford Ave. This is true for both 1531 S. 2nd Street missioner, and will announce support of the city Democratic Phila., PA 19136 (Cont. Next Page) 215-271-9190 215-331-2600 his campaign kickoff Saturday ward leaders.
Boyle
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Greenlee
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Parker
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200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker
January 20th, 2015 at High Noon On Steps Of Capitol In Harrisburg To Participate, Call John David 215-755-2000
Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District
2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 • Fax: (215) 492-2990
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Philadelphia Salutes Its Own Lt. Governor
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large on the Republican ticket. Among the Democrats, the list is growing. Pushing himself almost daily on email and internet is schoolteacher Isaiah Thomas, whose dedication to teaching in public schools will limit time he can spend on the campaign trail. George Matysik, who sharpened his teeth in the Jared Solomon campaign in a valiant failing effort to pry State Rep. Mark Cohen (DNortheast) from his seat, is announcing Dec. 10 at the Epicure Cafe in East Falls at 5:30 p.m. For those who wish to get their announcements before our readers, please communicate with us.
Tomlinson Proves He Has Political Class!
Republican candidate Mike Tomlinson wants this message to get to State Rep.-Elect Mike Driscoll, who defeated him in the general election: “I extend my congratulations to Rep.-Elect Mike Driscoll for being elected by the people to represent the 173rd Legislative
Dist. I view Mike as a friend and I commend Mike for his campaign. I support Mike Driscoll as our most-recent newly elected State Representative.”
Burns Recognizes Latino Power The Pennsylvania Demo(Cont. Page 10)
D.OLIVIERI
JEWELERS THE SOUTH PHILADELPHIA JEWELRY CENTER SINCE 1957
The Public Record • December 4, 2014
ing at Racquet Club brought out heavy hitters for University City Republican Ward Leader Matt Wolfe Tuesday night. Randy Robinson spent Tuesday lunch at the AFLCIO Christmas Party promoting his intention to run at
Page 5
(Cont. From Prev. Page) Democrats and Republicans. Among the Republicans, an early announcement came from Lou Lanni, who held his kickoff at the Tailhook Tav-
ern in Mayfair across from City Republican Committee headquarters. Though not an official candidate of that party yet, Chairman State Rep. John Taylor was among guests. Then an impressive gather-
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NORTH BRO N O A
TRAINED SKILLS
RICK FORMAN, founder and CEO of Forman Mills, hosted Gold family, Seth, Les and Ashley, stars of truTV’s hot reality show, “Hardcore Pawn”, at new Deptford, N.J, Forman Mills this week. Greeting crowd were, from left, Seth Gold, Rick Forman, Les Gold, Ashley Gold and Bonnie Squires, Public Record contributing editor. Les Gold playfully examined Bonnie’s diamond ring with his jeweler’s glass. Photo by Scott Weiner
Union Labor…Building it right for a better and stronger community And promoting renaissance of North Broad St.
Livengrin Foundation Celebrates 48 Years
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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Forman Mills Hosts ‘Hardcore Pawn’ Stars
TREET DS
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UNION LABOR
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
STATE REP. Steve Santarsiero and former US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner showed their support for LIVENGRIN Foundation for Addiction Recovery fundraiser which gathered $75,000 at its 48th anniversary gala for its program.
MAYOR OF BENSALEM Joe DiGirolamo and Scott Blacker, VP for development at the Livengrin Foundation, were pleased at turnout.
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MARCEL GROEN, chairman of the Montgomery Co. Democratic Party, and Scott Blacker, VP for development at the Livengrin Foundation, were among those at Foundation gala.
Bar Ly Hosts Homeless Vets Fundraiser Philadelphia’s veteran community in conjunction with Bar Ly Asian American Sports Bar, 101 N. 11th St., will host their 2nd annual Fundraiser to Benefit Homeless Veterans on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The fundraiser is accepting donations in the form of cash, food, and winter clothing for 10 organizations that serve Philadelphia’s homeless-veteran population. Heading the evening’s agenda will be keynote speaker Ralph Galati, former Air Force fighter pilot and Vietnam War POW and special guest Kelvin A. Jeremiah, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. A $20 entry donation includes food and happy-hour specials. Attendees will receive one free Corona Light for each donation of coats, hats, gloves, and canned food items. To donate, call Howard Pang at (215) 913-2135.
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It is great to get a head start on making sure your car is ready for colder weather. There are some specific things to make sure and get checked. We hope your friend sold you a car with most of these things all ready to go but just in case … make sure all your fluids are topped off (i.e., antifreeze, oil, windshield-washer fluid). Get your tires and battery checked to make sure they do not need to be
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this is based on expected income and expenses over the next few months based on information from the recent past. Above-median filers are “blessed” with having to pay the results of the Means Test, Form B22C. Both filers may adjust for virtually certain expected changes. The Bankruptcy Code has requirements for the distribution of the payments: Administrative expenses like the trustee and perhaps your attorney, and family support obligations, and recent taxes must be paid in full. Anything left over goes to the general creditors. There is no requirement that anything be left over. Next Week’s Question: Foreclosure scary: Can bankruptcy save my house?
by Tom Flynn and Rocco DeGregorio Question: This is my first time owning a car. I just bought it from a friend who says it runs well but with the cold weather is there anything I should be doing to make sure it runs well through the rest of fall and winter? Answer: You are smarter than the average bear already, reader.
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by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Does Chapter 13 bankruptcy have minimum payments for credit cards? Answer: Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings often require that a filer pay something every month to a trustee. The trustee distributes those payments according to a court-approved plan. Nothing in the Bankruptcy Code requires a minimum payment, a minimum dividend, to be paid to any general unsecured creditor such as like a credit card. They often get zero. The required payment to a trustee is based on a filer’s Projected Disposable Monthly Income. For a below-median filer,
“Purpose”, issued July 22, 2013, and subsequently revised Oct. 14, 2014 to apply to “instruments that allow for estimated GAF ratings” (AM-13066 REV). AM-13066 REV states that SSA will “consider a GAF rating as opinion evidence.” (Page 1 under “Purpose”). While noting various problems associated with the use of GAF scores, the Commissioner makes clear a GAF rating is a medical opinion as defined in SSA regulations 20 CFR sections 404.1527(a)(2) and 916.927(a)(2). Id., p. 3, 2nd para. under “E. Weighing GAF ratings as opinion evidence”. The Commissioner goes on to state that “[a]n adjudicator considers a GAF rating with all of the relevant evidence in the case file and weighs a GAF rating as
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by Michael P. Boyle, Esq. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). In the DSM-V, the APA discontinued the use of the GAF (global assessment of functioning) scale. The DSMIV stated GAF scores of 50 or below indicate serious symptoms, including serious impairment in social or occupational functioning. The Commissioner of Social Security, following the publication of the DSM-V, issued an administrative message that “provides guidance to all State and Federal adjudicators (including [ALJs]) on how to consider [GAF] ratings when assessing disability claims involving mental disorders.” AM-13066, page 1 under
required by” sections 20 CFR 404.1527(c), 416.927(c), and Social Security Ruling 06-03p. Id. While the Commissioner in AM-13066 and AM-13066 REV lists various caveats to adjudicators regarding drawing conclusions about a claimant’s functioning based solely on the use of GAF scores, there is no question that the Commissioner expects adjudicators, including ALJs, to consider GAF scores as opinion evidence and to discuss why he or she discounted GAF scores.
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Our Opinion Fighting For Christmas
Another Opinion
The Evil Good Men Do
why did he not spray him with his mace? Did he refuse to carry that also? Or would he need to be up close, to be effective with it? A situation he viewed as hazardous and not an option. To add insult to injury, the fact this officer came from a neighboring police department (Jennings, Mo.) that was disbanded by authorities, because of its corruption and the racial tension that existed there. The Jennings Police Dept. was a mainly white department (like Ferguson) mired in controversy that was notorious for its relationship (or lack thereof) with residents, especially the African American community (like Ferguson). Wilson, however, was warmly welcomed into Ferguson and continued his modus operandi there. So the question should be asked: Why do bad men continue to do bad things? Answer: Because good men continue to do nothing! What’s that, you say? How dare you label Wilson a bad man? OK, so why then do good men continue to do bad things?
Because other good men condone it! Because other good men cover for them. Because other good men don’t have the heart or the nerve to do the bad they see them do. Because other good men live vicariously through the bad that good men do. Now here is a very important point. A good person can never go through the motions of evil, for such would be evil in and of itself and therefore contrary to the principles of truth he holds dear. But a wicked person (Wilson) can mask himself in the disguise of goodness with little, if any, pangs of conscience. One more act of deceit is scarcely a bother for this kind of person. However, we must concede that it is possible for a “good” person to slip into a state of irrationality (i.e., become incapable of reasoning, hence, be mentally irresponsible) and thus do things he would never do under normal circumstances. The causes triggering such aberrant behavior may be varied and in some cases entirely unknown. If one has become irrational, and is therefore not morally culpable, while the act itself technically is “bad,” it is not so for the perpetrator, for he does not comprehend the nature of his act.
Some good people do bad things simply because they can. One of the marvelous gifts of God is the power of choice. What should concern us as much, if not more, is when good men sit idly by and not only watch good men do bad things, but make excuses for their bad acts/behaviors. The truth is, we may never discover why certain good people do bad things. However, the one good thing we do know is this: We have the ability to choose. The question is, will we choose to do good, or do devilishly? “The Devil made me do it” is not an alibi. He may have planted the seed, but you watered and gathered the harvest. There were a lot of bad decisions made in Ferguson (also Sanford and Jacksonville, Fla.) with the first being the decision made by good (white) men, to take the life of helpless, unarmed, Black kids. The second bad decision was when other good men decided to stand by and either watch, or protect the perpetrators. Finally, the decision of the prosecutor and the jury makes even Ray Charles wonder what in the world they were looking at. Therefore, we must constantly cultivate a passionate desire to make wise choices, to the glory of God.
Dec. 4- Fundraiser Cocktail Reception for City Commissioner Al Schmidt hosted by Mike Cibik and Monica Czapla at 334 S. Front St., 57 pm. Sponsored by US Sen. Pat Toomey, Bob Asher, Rob Gleason and State Rep. John Taylor. Suggested contribution $100. RSVP Mike Cibik (215) 735-1060. Dec. 4- David Simms hosts Ridge Ave. Christmas Lighting Ceremony on 2300 Block of Ridge Ave., 5-7 p.m. along with His Eatible Delights Catering and Fairmount CDC treat community. Attendees include Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. Dec. 5- Asian Federation of US hosts Banquet at Ocean City Restaurant, 234 N. 9th St., 6:30 p.m. RSVP Treasurer Shu Chuan Lin (215) 909-0936. Dec. 5- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel holds Benefit Concert for Homeless featuring Joe Schubert’s Mummers Chorus under direction of Charles Donnelly at 3rd & Ritner Sts., 7 p.m. Donation $5. Addi-
tional donations can be made by check payable to Project HOME, My Brother’s House or Phila. Catholic Workers. Dec. 7- St. Charles Borromeo Seminary holds Open House Tour 1-3 p.m., Christmas Concert 4 p.m. at 100 E. Wynnewood Rd., Wynnewood, Pa. Dec. 9- United Republican Cl. Hosts 134th Anniversary & Awards Ceremony at SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Ave., 5.30-7 p.m. William A. Meehan Public Service Award to Vincent Fenerty and Mary Tierney Public Service Award to Renee Amoore. Tickets $125 and up. Free parking. For info (215) 545-2244. Dec. 10- Fundraiser for George Matysik for City Council at Epicure Café, 3401 Conrad St., 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10- Phila. Republican Happy Hour, at Downey’s Pub, 526 S. Front St. (Front & South), 6-9 p.m. Admission free. Also free on-street parking after 6 p.m. Dec. 10- Bar Ly Chinatown hosts Fundraiser to Benefit Homeless Veterans at 101 N. 11th St., 6-8 p.m. For details, donations Howard Pang (215) 913-2135.
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by Ver’non D Brown Another case of, See! What happened was! I was afraid for my life! Now, where have we heard that one before? Oh yeah! Wasn’t that the Zimmerman guy in the Trayvon Martin case … or was it Michael Dunn in the Jordan Davis case? As we listened to Wilson’s reasons for killing Michael Brown, we finally heard him give as an excuse, “I was afraid for my life.” There’s that theme again! “Afraid of the demonic, Hulk Hogan-looking 18-yearold Black youth he’d confronted for no apparent reason (other than he was Black). This is what he said (Wilson) about his taser. “I refused to carry it, because it was too cumbersome and awkward to wear on my belt. Plus, it interfered with my ability to get in and out of my patrol car comfortably.” Is this not reason enough for him (Officer Wilson) to be charged with a homicide? Had he followed his departments regulations, he would have had his taser to subdue Michael, rather than being left with no choice but shooting him (six times) to death. And
The Public Record • December 4, 2014
Our beloved cartoonist, Ron Taylor, better known to you as RT, is on a mission to restore Christmas back to this holiday season, which for a bunch of stupid reasons is now labeled the holiday season. In years past, we have moaned and groaned over the growing encroachment of the holiday season in place of Christmas season. We wondered just what American holiday we are celebrating. We found 13, listed them and asked our readers to take their pick, but only Christmas brought with it the meaning of giving, love of family and the unfortunate, and is responsible for Black Friday, Giving Tuesday and all the other jazz. This is the first of three cartoons leading to Christmas Eve and our Christmas Day issue. We hope, by using his cartoons, to help in some way to win the battle to restore Christmas to its righteous season. For now, the Christmas Tree seems to be the last holdout. So dust off the decorations from the attic, hang the garland as we begin a Merry Christmas season to you!
Page 10 The Public Record • December 4, 2014 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
(Cont. From Page 5) cratic Party unveiled plans to increase political participation of the state’s Hispanics, who are Pennsylvania’s fastestgrowing major ethnic-linguistic community. Democratic Party Chairman James R. Burn announced the effort, stating the first step will involve the formation of a new Hispanic Caucus within the Democratic State Committee. “Recruiting more of Pennsylvania’s Hispanics as Democratic voters, workers and candidates is a cornerstone for future Democratic success,” said Burn. “Just as important is for the Democratic Party to be an effective vehicle to empower Pennsylvania’s Hispanic citizens and to address issues critical to their future.” The Chairman said this effort “is one element of a
broader strategy to enlist and engage the constituencies that are key to the Party’s future, particularly women, African Americans, Asian Americans and young voters, as well as Hispanics.” According to the 2010 Census, Pennsylvania’s Hispanic population nearly doubled in the previous decade to 720,000, or about 6% of the state, and that four counties, Lehigh, Berks, Monroe and Northampton, as well as Philadelphia, are each more than 10% Hispanic in makeup. “It’s clear the Hispanic community represents an enormous opportunity for Democratic Party growth, just as the Democratic Party represents an enormous opportunity for a new generation of Hispanic leadership to emerge,” Burn said. The Chairman explained the initiative begins with the formation of the Hispanic Caucus at State Committee, a process that will entail the collection of at least 30 signatures from State Committee mem-
bers, and the submission of by-laws for review and approval by the Committee's Executive Board. Burn said his goal is to get the petitions signed and by-laws submitted at the February meeting in Hershey, and to formally inaugurate the caucus at the June meeting in Allentown.
Will It Be Romney Vs. Clinton – Or Bush?
Republican voters nationwide want 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney back in the game, giving him the top position at 19% in an early look at the 2016 presidential race in the most recent Quinnipiac University national poll. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is next with 11%, followed by New Jersey Gov. Christopher Christie and Dr. Ben Carson at 8% each. No other Republican tops 6%, with 16% undecided. With Romney out of the race, Jeb Bush leads with 14%, followed by Christie at 11%, Carson at 9% and US Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky at 8%. (Cont. Page 13)
The Public Record • December 4, 2014
STATE SEN. Anthony Williams again distributed thank-you edibles to police and firefighters serving his 8th Senatorial Dist. In this photo he gifts 18th Police Dist. poPhotos by Jamar “Izzo” Izzard lice.
Page 11
Sen. Williams Thanks Police And Firefighters
OFFICERS greeting Sen. Anthony Williams at 12th Police Dist. for Thanksgiving, were, from left, Officers Casey, Joe Young, Logan, Mitchell, and community liaison Tim Stanley.
WITH firefighters at 6448 Woodland Avenue is Sen. Williams. From right, Richard Fath, Mike Cardona, Lawrence Cooper, ....AND AT 17th Police Dist., with Officers Williams, Russell Feery, Chris Whaley, Lt. Velez, Cox, Williams, Sgt. Coleman, Lt. Taylor and Tim Gallagher…. Richie and Officer Hagan.
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Page 12 The Public Record • December 4, 2014 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
There were two events over the past week for Republican candidates for City Council at Large. The first was last Friday, when LOU LANNI at the Tailhook Pub in Northeast Philadelphia announced his candidacy. Veterans’ advocate and retired Navy Commander Joe Eastman was the master of ceremonies. 65TH WARD LEADER TOM MATKOWSKI introduced Lanni. Lanni is a real-estate professional and former Philadelphia city police officer. He had a good crowd for his announcement with Republican City Committee CHAIRMAN STATE REP. JOHN TAYLOR and RCC EXEC. DIR. JOE DeFELICE in attendance. Lanni also announced DENNIS HUNTER would be his campaign manager. On Tuesday night there was a fundraiser for another City Council candidate, MATT WOLFE, at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. The guest speaker was LT. GOV. JIM CAWLEY. Cawley spoke about his Philadelphia roots and how important the City of Philadelphia is to the economy of Pennsylvania. He noted he first met Wolfe when Cawley was a College Republican at Temple University and Wolfe even then was the Republican leader of the 27th Ward. Cawley stated it is important to elect people like Wolfe to City Council who will have the best interest of the city in mind and will endeavor to improve the city’s economy to the benefit of all. Wolfe spoke of how he believes the people of the Philadelphia want the City to prosper and are open to change. Who would have thought eight years ago that reform-minded MICHAEL NUTTER would have beaten establishment Democrats including CONGRESSMEN BOB BRADY and (Cont. Page 16)
Did you know that there is an entire Wikipedia page devoted to misconduct in the Philadelphia Police Dept.? Well, there is. And man, is this database packed! From the police career of Mayor Frank Rizzo, to Mayor W. Wilson Goode’s decision to let the police drop a bomb on the MOVE compound in 1995 to the corruption that led to the Philadelphia Daily News’ Pulitzer Prize-winning “Tainted Justice” series and the thousands and thousands of dollars in settled police brutality lawsuits the reasons why the federal Dept. of Justice practically lived in our fair city for a bit, kind of scream at you. And it’s also why it makes a whole lot of sense that President Barack Obama has appointed Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey to co-chair the White House task force on 21st Century Policing that was kind of made necessary when Ferguson, Mo. burst into flames following a grand jury’s decision not to indict a Ferguson police officer for shooting an unarmed Black kid. (Or another unarmed Black kid. Or, maybe yet another Black kid. These things seem to come in bunches anymore.) Ramsey’s mandate is to take a look at the relationship between communities and the police departments that work to protect and serve them. Or at least that’s how it’s supposed to work. It doesn’t now and that’s why this task force has been formed. It’s already starting out as a good news/bad news thing. The good news is that Commissioner Ramsey is involved. From what I’ve seen, Ramsey has been trying to change the culture of policing around here despite being fought tooth and nail by the single strongest union in the City of Philadelphia, the Fraternal Order (Cont. Page 17)
Yo! Here we go again with these things that some of us old folks possibly do and what it is like to be living in 2014. 1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave. 2. You haven’t played solitaire with real cards in years. 3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your children. 4. You email the person who works at the desk next to you. 5. You don’t stay in touch with friends and family if they don’t have email addresses. 6. You go home after a long day at work you still answer the phone in a business manner. 7. You make phone calls from home; you accidentally dial “9” to get an outside line. 8. You’ve sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies. 10. You learn about your redundancy on the 11 o’clock news. 11. Your boss doesn’t have the ability to do your job. 12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home. 13. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of the screen. 14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn’t have the first 20 or 30 (or more) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you immediately turn around to go and get it. 15. You get up in the morning and go on-line before getting your coffee. 16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :-) 17. You’re reading this and nodding and laughing. 18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to tell about this column. 19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list. 20. You actually went back up to check that there is no #9 on this list and now you are laughing at yourself. Do you recognize yourself doing any of these things? Welcome to the senior-citizen world of today.
“FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON,” it is written in Ecclesiastes. We have entered a SENTENCING period in federal court. News writers and editors can be salivating at the thought of MANY JUICY stories (?). Also a trial of Local 401 officials begins soon. I couldn’t believe the words of an assistant US Attorney who told a judge that jail terms would be “a cautionary tale.” To me, it reads like CANTERBURY Tales. Do Judges need to be TOLD what to do? We elected them to JUDGE. More power to judges, less to prosecutors equalizes the balance between defense and prosecution (who have massive resources). ENOUGH of the mandatory-sentencing BALONEY. Let Judges be free to weigh all factors and DECIDE! GET OUT OF JAIL FREE – remember in Monopoly? I recall another way. A tale from the Jersey Pines uncovered by Rev. Carlton BECK. He wrote for the old Camden CourierPost in the 30s: A member of the Giberson Gang was supposedly incarcerated in Woodbury Jail. His “perfect twin” sister came to visit him in his cell. After she left they came to hang Giberson, only to discover that brother and sister had changed clothes during the visit. NEXT WEEKEND is the big PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY event in New York. Top consultant Eleanor DEZZI is readying the GENEVIEVE SOCIETY Reception dedicated to women. LT. GOV.-Elect Mike STACK is preparing his DESSERT Reception. Labor Leader John DOUGHERTY has a super gala Evening Reception and Arent Fox Night on Broadway will (Cont. Page 16)
Although the weather is turning cold outside, the politics in City Hall is heating up. The race to succeed MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER is in full swing and the fate of PGW’s sale to a private company is hanging by a thread. LYNNE ABRAHAM and STATE SEN. TONY WILLIAMS are the latest candidates to join the race for Mayor of Philadelphia. Williams held an announcement at the Independence Visitors Center. He unveiled his campaign theme of “One Philadelphia”, which focuses on changing the culture of government to make it more flexible and responsive to citizens and businesses. He wants every neighborhood to have an equal chance to thrive. Williams was surrounded by many VIPs including his lovely mother and wife. Elected officials standing in support of Williams included CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS KENYATTA JOHNSON, CURTIS JONES JR. and MARIA QUIÑONES SÁNCHEZ, STATE SEN. and Chairwoman of the Philadelphia Senate Delegation SHIRLEY KITCHEN, STATE REP. JORDAN HARRIS and DISTRICT ATTORNEY SETH WILLIAMS. Williams’ impressive announcement took place on the same day that FORMER DISTRICT ATTORNEY LYNNE ABRAHAM kicked off her campaign for Philadelphia Mayor at the Franklin Institute. Abraham used the “us against the world” theme during her campaign kickoff. She talked about her record of fighting against the system, of being a trailblazer in Philadelphia politics as proof of her ability to move the city forward, improve education and create jobs. Über-attorney MICHAEL SKLAROFF of Ballard Spahr introduced Abraham to the crowd. Abraham’s choice to announce her was a telegraphed pass that caught the attention of city politicos. It is always helpful to have the support of big law firms who can raise big bucks for a Mayor’s race. Abraham released an internal poll of likely voters a few days later showing she was leading a host of likely candidates with 31% of the vote. Her closest opponent was a rumored candidate, COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL CLARKE. But the Abraham poll also showed the leading vote-getter was “Undecided.” So there is a lot of work to be done by candidates between now and the primary election. (Cont. Page 17)
S T A T E R E P . Cherelle P a r k e r thanks Sam Staten, Jr., for Laborers’ support throughout her political career.
PLEASED to be together were Donna DeRose, State Rep. Cherelle Parker, Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Ward Leader Bill Dolbow.
Rendell Heavily Involved In Shaping Wolf Regime Former Gov. Ed Rendell’s administration members have been tapped for Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf’s budget-stabilization task force. Wolf has filled
LABOR and politic leaders in attendance included PFT’s Jerry Jordan, Bill Dolbow, Councilwoman Marian Tasco, Ronald Clouser, Parker, Daniel Muroff, AFL-CIO’s Pat Eiding and LDC’s Ryan Boyer. Not in photo, but attending, was Ed Rendell.
UNIVERSITY of Penna. students mentored by State Rep. Cherelle Parker included Gwen Snyder, Dawn Holder, Kattie Derickson, Chichi Iwanwanae, Tiffany Thuman and Alex Lippman.
out the rest of the task force’s membership: Clay Armbrister (current president of Girard College, and former COO at Temple University, managing director of the Philadelphia School District and chief of staff to Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter); Rick Bloomingdale (president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO); Ida Castro (current president of the board of directors at the Employment Opportunity & Training Center of NEPA, former chair of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and acting director of the Women’s Bureau at the US Dept. of Labor during President Bill Clinton’s administration); Dennis M. Davin (director of Allegheny Co. Economic Development, ACED); Michael Newsome (executive vice president and
CFO of the Wolf Organization); Bill Schenck (president of TriState Capital Bank, and former Secretary of Banking for Gov. Ed Rendell); Glenn D. Steele Jr., MD, PhD (president and CEO of Geisinger Health System); Larry Stern (former CEO of Talecris Biotherapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company that makes, markets and distributes plasma-derived protein therapies); Robin Wiessmann (former Pennsylvania State Treasurer and deputy director of finance for the City of Philadelphia); David Yarkin (current president of Government Sourcing Solutions, former deputy secretary for procurement of the Pennsylvania Dept. of General Services during the Rendell administration); and Janet L. Yeomans (former vice president and treasurer of 3 M Corp.).
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(Cont. From Page 10) Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sweeps the Democratic field with 57%, followed by US Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts at 13% and Vice President Joseph Biden at 9%, with no other candidate above 4% and 14% undecided. If Clinton does not run, Biden gets 34%, followed by Warren with 25%.
The Public Record • December 4, 2014
STATE REP. Cherelle Parker thanks three women who have mentored her. From left, they are Mary Hughes, Mary Hurtig and Councilwoman Marian PLEASED at turnout were Mary Tasco. Hurtig and Ryan Boyer.
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Hugh Turnout For Rep. Cherelle Parker
LABORERS District Council Business Mgr. Ryan N. Boyer, center, who with Sam Staten, Jr., business manager/cochairman of Local 332, presented major contribution to State Rep. Cherelle Parker, chair of Philadelphia House Democratic Caucus, at fundraiser in her honor at Union League. Looking on are the Representative and Council President Darrell Clarke.
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The Public Record • December 4, 2014
Page 14
delinquent taxes. “The current policy of not collecting taxes has created a culture where unscrupulous out-of-town landlords and real estate speculators make it a business strategy to not pay their taxes as long as possible. That overburdens those who do pay, and it hurts those in need because the City does not
Honoring POW/MIA Veterans
TEMPLE’S basketball team joined in “One Empty Seat”, POW/MIA National Chair Of Honor Program. Empty seat is dedicated to memory of service members still missing in action or still Photo by Pat Hughes prisoners of war. Advertisement
FAMILY COMBO O l i ga r ch s C o n t r o l l i n g S o u t h P h i l l y Part 188/200
SILENT PARTNERSHIP: While the identity of a silent partner may or may not be disclosed, the silent partner, nonetheless, participates in the profits or losses of the enterprise.
FAMILY UNIT: Celebrating the grand opening of the COMCAST CENTER on Friday evening, June 6, 2008 (the tallest building in Philadelphia, and a contradiction to the landscape and borders of Paris, France, from which our city chose as a model)- are members of the Roberts and Clifton families. Seen here, are SUZANNE ROBERTS (who has the theatre appropriately named after her), her devoted husband, RALPH ROBERTS, founder of the Comcast Empire, daughter CATHERINE ROBERTS CLIFTON, and husband ANTHONY CLIFTON, owner/publisher of the Philadelphia Weekly, and South Phila Review. It is observed that since Comcast pulled in about $63 Billion in revenue in 2013, plans to build a $3.3 Billion dollar amusement park in Beijing, China, and posted a 50 per cent hike in its 2014 third quarter earnings, why does the son-in-law of RALPH ROBERTS have to stoop so low as to distribute smut ads in one of his two Review newspapers in South Philly? “For the songs we sing are results of such, or are the results of such from the songs we sing.” —Nicola Argentina (c) 2014
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COMCAST/REVIEW’S “Silent Partnership”
have the funds to provide services,” Councilman Oh contended. Councilman Oh commended Commissioner Tolson’s progress on the City’s delinquency rate over the past 20 months. He emphasized that “This is not an issue of the Commissioner’s efficiency in dealing with delinquencies. It is an issue of the ineffectiveness of the collection system that is already in place including failure to enter into payment plans.” Thomas Ginsberg, Director of the Philadelphia Program at The PEW Charitable Trusts, testified that Philadelphia has “improved modestly” in its tax collection but still ranks 28 out of 36 cities in terms of tax collection effectiveness. Oh asserted, “The intent of this bill is to target those who are able to pay the taxes, but simply are not paying. Philadelphia must eliminate inaction. Our City cannot afford delinquencies to go untouched for long periods of time.” The bill was held by Councilman Oh for amendments.
The Public Record • December 4, 2014
Over $500 million is owed the City. But only about $155 million is believed to be collectible. With that in mind, City Council held a hearing this week to consider Bill No. 140238 introduced by Councilman David Oh, which addresses the City’s consistent failure to collect long-term
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Oh Prods Slow Tax Collections
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The Public Record • December 4, 2014
Page 16
ELEPHANT (Cont. From Page 12) CHAKA FATTAH in the Democratic primary? Wolfe noted. He mentioned neighborhoods like West Shore and Point Breeze, which less than
10 years ago were blighted, but now are up and coming through the efforts of private investors. Development like this is occurring despite burdensome unnecessary regulations and an antiquated tax structure that have chased business out of the city. Wolfe asked us to look at Conshohocken next time we
In The Court of Common Pleas Philadelphia County Civil Action – Law No. 120603745 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage, LLC, Plaintiff vs. Thaddeus Dais, Personal Representative of The Estate of Evelyn Marie Dais, Estate of Evelyn Marie Dais, c/o Thaddeus Dais, Personal Representative, Nathaniel Dais, Known Heir of Evelyn Marie Dais, Terrence Dais, Known Heir of Evelyn Marie Dais, Stephanie L. Dais, Known Heir of Evelyn Marie Dais & Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns, And All Persons, Firms Or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest From or Under Evelyn Marie Dais, Last Record Owner, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns, And All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest From or Under Evelyn Marie Dais, Last Record Owner, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 5912 Catharine 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, Nationstar Mortgage, LLC, 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. 120603745, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 5912 Catharine 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, 1410 W. Erie Ave., Phila., PA 19140, 215-2272400/215-981-3700. Philadelphia 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.
drive up the Schuylkill Expressway. When he was growing up, it was a down-on-its-heels bluecollar town. Today it is thriving, owing to the financial businesses that left the city after the imposition of the City Wage Tax. Wolfe mentioned three current Council actions that are bad for the City. First is COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON’S statement
that he would sponsor legislation to have a $15/hour minimum wage for all people working in the City. Wolfe pointed out it is against state law for a municipality to have a different minimum wage from the state’s. But more importantly it is bad for the city, as this would chase businesses over the city line. Wolfe stated this is the same problem with COUNCILMAN
WILLIAM GREENLEE’S desire to reopen the mandatorysick-leave bill that was twice vetoed by Mayor Nutter. Wolfe criticized Council’s failure to vote on the sale of PGW to UIL. He stated one of the credit rating agencies upon the announcement of the sales agreement took a negative rating action on UIL, noting the premium it was willing to pay for PGW. Wolfe said Council
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA OFFICE OF CAPITAL PROGRAMS ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSALS (RFQ/P) Notice is hereby given that sealed qualifications and proposals will be received by the School District of Philadelphia, Office of Capital Programs, from all firms interested in providing Professional Design Services for the Mechanical Master Plan at Martin Luther King High School. The RFQ/P documents and all additional information published as part of the RFQ/P may be obtained at: http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/c/capital-program-bids/rfps/current-rfps/professionaldesign-services-for-the-mechanical-master-plan-at-martin-luther-king-hs-rfp All questions must be submitted in writing via email to Craig Harnitchek, Design Engineer at charnitchek@philasd.org. The e-mail must include the name of the Project. The deadline for all questions is 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 23, 2014. Proposals must be received no later than 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at location designated in RFP.
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Thursday, December 18, 2014. A non-refundable fee for each set of bid documents is as scheduled. The School District will only accept bids from companies that have been placed on its current Pre Qualified Contractors List as shown at psit.org. All School District Projects require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications. BUDGET FEE B004C- R of 2013/14 General Roof Replacement, Masonry 4,806,000.00 $100.00 Repairs & Lighting Protection Murrell Dobbins High School 2150 W. Lehigh Ave Philadelphia PA 19132 * A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location at the main entrance, on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and Tuesday, December 09, 2014 at 10 a.m. Specifications and/or plans and contract documents may be examined and copies thereof obtained from the School Reform Commission, 440 North Broad Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130. Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-400-4730. Make checks payable to the School District of Philadelphia. The School Reform Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.
“should take the money and run.” Wolfe, however, ended on a positive note. He believes in the greatness of Philadelphia and affirms better governance can make the city even greater. I would be remiss if I did not mention the latest in the Fattah drama. Federal investigators are looking at the use of $3.3 million in federal grants sourced by Fattah for a nonprofit run by his former aides. It looks more and more likeFattah may have problems staying in Congress. Rumors have it Nutter is the front-runner for this seat. The bad news is Nutter would be hard for a Republican to beat. The good news is we would not need to worry about him stealing, let alone stealing funds earmarked for economically and educationally challenged children.
WALKING (Cont. Page 12) again be super. Will the MARCELLUS SHALE party be as opulent as usual? Can you feel the momentum for a FEMALE PRESIDENT? It is building. LE PEN is in line to be the next President of France. A woman was elected leader of the Francophile Nations. Fasten your seat belts!... TWO LABOR LEADERS do so much for kids – that mention of them evokes PROFOUND, PROFESSIONAL respect. Dan GRACE’S (Leader of Local 830 Teamsters) efforts reach an apex on the 14th in his holiday event in District Council 21 Hall. Johnny DOC’S Toys FOR TOTS Party is tomorrow night in Mc Fadden’s. Toy-turkey distribution is capably handled by Training Director Mike NEIL with “Gorms” Gormley. ON FACEBOOK: Councilman Mark SQUILLA’S 25th wedding anniversary brought on a MULTITUDE of happy posts, that Facebook Cloud terminals were overtaxed. He and lovely Saint BRIGID are so youthful, they must have married at age 17 (?)…. A posting of good economic news under OBAMA awakened an onslaught of NEOCON diatribe. John Kenneth Galbraith speculated that their quest is a “superior moral justification for selfishness.”
Helping Feed Others Thanksgiving Day
27TH WARD COMMITTEE’S Rasheen Crews hosted canned-food drive fundraiser on Veterans Day at Mill Creek Tavern at 42nd & Chester Avenue. Donations will go towards feeding Senior Citizens Nov. 26 at 48th & Woodland Rec Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Pictured from left are Amelia Crews, 27th Ward committeeperson; State Rep. Ronald Waters; Deputy City Commissioner Dennis Lee; Rasheen Crews; Harold James, 36th Ward Leader; and Kevin Hannah, 36th Ward Committeeperson.
CITY HALL (Cont. From Page 12) Neither Williams nor Abraham mentioned PGW in their speeches. The gas utility has long been a nightmare and financial burden for the city. But in 2004 the General Assembly passed a law to help PGW collect from deadbeats, the PUC chipped in with some rate changes, and new PGW leadership led by CRAIG WHITE has turned a risky asset into a solidly performing utility. The one thing that continues to burden the utility is their debt and the miles and miles of cast-iron pipes that need to be replaced. A private utility, UIL, from Connecticut has offered to buy PGW for over $1 billion. Mayor Nutter estimates the city would receive a $400-$600 billion profit that could be used to help the pension fund. City Council is not impressed and thinks a public-private partnership is the way to go. Will City Council give approval to the UIL deal in the
waning days of Council’s December session? CHS is hearing no, but that doesn’t mean changes are not coming for PGW. Council has shown a knack for fixing problems. Look for Council President
Clarke, COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN TASCO and his Council allies to come up with public-private partnership deal that helps the utility improve its financial situation without full privatization.
Walk In’s Welcomed Appointments Preferred
The Public Record • December 4, 2014
(Cont. From Page 12) of Police. Another set of good news is that one of the first things that this panel is asking for is body cameras for police. An article on CBS Philadelphia.com said Philadelphia was going to be one of the cities testing body cameras, something that advocates of police reform believe will take the guesswork out of police/civilian interactions. But as I said, this is a good news/bad news thing … and the bad news is pretty bad.
son police met them with tanks. Tanks. Like in military hardware. Since this task force isn’t addressing the fact that police are siccing military hardware on American citizens in our nation’s urban centers, there’s a lot they’re going to miss. While the task force is a mixed bag, I wish Commissioner Ramsey luck. I think he’ll do a good job if for no other reason but he knows what a really sketchy police department looks like. He’s been trying to clean one up for going on eight years now.
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OUT & ABOUT
In order to get these cameras financed, a three-year, $263 million ask must be made to a Congress filled with the kind of Republicans that believe the police should have fewer restrictions, not more. Getting them to agree to things like body cameras and community policing, things that foster more accountability on the part of police for how they treat citizens, isn’t going to be an easy lift. The other piece of bad news is that it doesn’t address one of the bigger problems that came up in Ferguson. When Brown was shot in August and protestors took to the streets, Fergu-
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