Pr 883 p

Panepinto Jewelers

Ron Panepinto Karen Panepinto-Minarcik 702 Sansom St. • Phila., PA 19106 Tel: 215-923-1980 email: info@panepintojewelers.com www.PanepintoJewelers.com

Vol. XVII No. 53 (Issue 883)

Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILA., PA 19114

215-698-7000 @phillyrecord

PhillyRecord

@phillyrecord

“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”

JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com

www.PhillyRecord.com

Value 50¢

December 29, 2016

Holidays Continue in Glad Rembrance

CELEBRATING Kwanzaa, the holiday for African American heritage, this week at Kingsessing Recreation Center were Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, flanked here by Milele Photo by Wendell Douglas Sullivan-Gaillard and Robb Carter.

6915 Essington Ave.

215-937-1000 Best Warranty & Service!

IT’S “gut yontif” time in Phila. with menorah celebrations taking place around the city to commemorate this Jewish holiday. Councilman Allan Domb addresses revelers at a menorah dedication in Rittenhouse Square.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Despite $300 Million Pledged By Gov. Tom Wolf, Port’s New CEO Finds It Needs To Cut Staff To Balance It’s Budget. See Story Page 10

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

Page 2

Cephas Takes Wynnefield Ways to Harrisburg

by Tony West To understand incoming State Rep. Morgan Cephas, get to know Wynnefield.

Wynnefield doesn’t control most of the votes in W. Philadelphia’s 192nd Legislative Dist. But it has become a favored home for Black leadership in Philadelphia.

When veteran incumbent State Rep. Louise Bishop ran afoul of the law, a discreet power struggle arose amongst the Democratic City Committee over how to replace her.

Influential Congressman, DCC Chair and Ward Leader Bob Brady favored Lynwood Savage, a committeeman in Brady’s home 34th Ward, which is dominated by Overbrook Heights.

Savage won a spring special election and is serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. But Cephas, now 32, will replace him in January because she beat him in the primary one month later and ran unopposed in the fall General Election.

Cephas was born and raised in Wynnefield (“around the corner from Will Smith,” she noted). Her parents had moved there from South Philadelphia’s Tasker Homes to improve their lot.

She graduated from Central High School and went to the University of Virginia, where she majored in political science.

The light came on for Cephas when she took a summer class in political campaigning. She found it “extremely exciting,” she said. When she came home, Cephas asked her parents if they could recommend a political race she could get involved in. “Well, there’s your coach,” they told her.

Cephas was born to run – literally. With a runner’s build, she had competed in track as a kid, trained by Curtis Jones, Jr., and was close to his daughter. Now Jones, who then headed the Philadelphia Commercial De-

velopment Corp., was about to reach for the 4th Dist. City Council seat Michael Nutter had vacated in order to run for mayor.

“I was able to put theory to practice,” Cephas said.

She signed on board with Jones and has remained close to him ever since, calling him “an amazing mentor.” She started out as his youth-policy advisor and scheduler, then became a legislative aide.

Moving into a City Hall office in 2008 was a blooding for Cephas. It gave her a taste for policy-making. Before her first year was up, the Great Recession had struck, imperiling all the bright ambitions of newly elected city officials as city revenue crashed. She had to learn her way around City Hall fast.

“You can’t operate in silos when putting policy together,” Cephas emphasized.

“You have to understand the pulse of the people you’re serving, and also the people you must work with, if you want a plan to come to fruition.” Cephas was active in City Council’s budget process. She learned where resources come from, how to coordinate different agencies and bring them together on a project.

Cephas played a lead role in crafting the Philadelphia Internship Tax Credit, which rewards businesses that bring high-school or college students into their workplace.

Fresh from attending college out of state, the issue of Philadelphia’s “brain drain” resonated with her. With the economy tanking, Cephas saw a need to keep Philadelphia’s young talent in town and help them invest in the city’s future. Economic opportunity became her cause.

Cephas had also grown up in a campus neighborhood.

Wynnefield is dominated by St. Joseph’s University. As a girl, she had worked out on its track. As a councilmanic staffer, she was plunged into

Morgan Cephas … running to win all the neighborhood issues of an urban university.

Nobody wants the university to go away. But neighbors want inclusion in its business opportunities; they want to stop “rental creep” to shifting bands of students from driving out longterm homeowners; and they want control of trash and disorderly behavior by bright young things who hopefully will run for public office someday and do good, like Cephas.

“My duty, as a public servant of the community, is to allow neighbors to be comfortable with that institution,” said Cephas.

Cephas took a break from Jones’s office in 2014-15, when she ran the Philadelphia Youth Network. The job broadened her network to movers and shakers like State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.) and Urban Affairs Coalition President Sharmain Matlock-Turner, who were

essential to grantsmanship for her nonprofit, which aims to help city youths tap into educational and career advantages.

Then the dramatic events of DA Seth Williams’ “Aligate” investigation unfolded.

It became clear the 192nd seat would open up when Bishop was ensnared in prosecution. Cephas is a runner.

So she ran.

No outsider has a shot in a special election. These are low-turnout affairs controlled by ward leaders. But Cephas’ target was always the Apr. 26 primary. Running twice for the same office in back-toback months, Cephas paced herself like a track star.

And she killed. In a fiveway race, she ran past the 34th Ward’s favorite son Savage by better than 2-1 there.

In her home ward, the 52nd, she edged out the Ward Chair Steven Jones, who governs in Nutter’s name, 1,744-1,355.

Evidently she learned something in campaign class at UVA. Key unions such as the Laborers, AFSCME, SEIU, PFT and Local 1199C endorsed her. She pitched to six campaign forums and as many civic associations as she could reach. A campaign team led

by Marcus Spivey and Chris Woods helped put together both traditional and online strategies. Hughes weighed in heavily in her favor. Cephas claims to have clocked 30,000 doors, 30,000 phone calls, 30

meet-and-greets and numerous transit stops, on a budget of $200,000.

Next stop: Harrisburg.

Cephas will arrive with a boatload of constituent concerns: a high poverty rate, schools crying for upgrades, public-transit needs, crimetriggering stop-and-goes.

Mayor Jim Kenney’s Rebuild program excites her – there are a lot of schools, parks and recreation centers in her district, and she is on board with its communityschool model – but she knows Kenney’s plan cannot work to the fullest unless the Philadelphia Caucus can wring more money out of Harrisburg in 2017 – not an easy play. “But we have to leverage city resources with state resources,” she insisted. This is a state rep’s job.

Cephas will have to work and play well with upstate Republicans. She gets that. But she is confident in Philadelphia’s group of newly elected young officials, her peers.

And she thinks her Republican colleagues will need help from across the aisle.

They are buffeted by contradictory pressures from their constituents and may be unable to solve basic governmental puzzles like a budget solely within their own caucus 2017 will be an interesting year in politics, from global to local, says Cephas.

She’s glad to be tackling it.

She will be sworn in next Tuesday.

Tartaglione: Contract Awarded To Improve Allegheny Traffic A $6.3-million contract to improve traffic flow on a section of Allegheny Avenue between Ridge Avenue and Tulip Street in Philadelphia has been awarded by the State Dept. of Transportation, reports State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Kensington).

“There is an extensive scope of work associated with

the contract,” Tartaglione said. “New street lighting plus the installation of sidewalks and stormwater drainage are included in the project.”

Tartaglione said that the project involves a four-and-ahalf-mile section of Allegheny Avenue. Construction is expected to start in early 2017.

During the course of construction, Allegheny Avenue will remain open but there will be periodic lane restrictions. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

“Once completed, this will be a significant upgrade and traffic flow in this corridor will improve,” Tartaglione said.

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($20 per year Optional Subscription) The South Philadelphia Public Record 325 Chestnut St., Suite 1110 Phila. PA 19106 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 325 Chestnut St., Suite 1110 Phila. PA 19106 (215) 755-2000 Fax: (215) 689-4099 editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Greg Salisbury Executive Editor: James Tayoun, Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Everyday People Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Correspondent: Eldon Graham Photographers: Leona Dixon Wendell Douglas Harry Leech Bill Myers Office Manager: Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico Dawood Starling Yousef Maaddi James Henderson 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.

No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. City & State 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.

The Philadelphia Public Record is a publication owned by:

City&State PA LLC 325 Chestnut St. Philadelphia PA, 19106 215-490-9314 Copyright ©2016 City & State PA LLC

Pennsylvania. As a result, Warrant Unit officers had to work under the direct supervision of certified deputy sheriffs until they completed training in a 19week certification program at Pennsylvania State University’s main campus.

Sheriff’s warrant officers seek, locate, and arrest fugitives with outstanding warrants.The results have been impressive. Of 6,678 warrants sent to the unit for service in 2016, 4,412 arrests were made. This is a 66% clearance rate.

“The work is dangerous,” Sheriff Williams stated. “Earlier this month the inspector in charge of the unit broke his leg chasing a fugitive. That inspector, Vernon Muse, gets

much of the credit for strengthening the unit.”

The results are impressive. 2,131 unpaid childsupport warrants resulting in 908 arrests. Over 640 protection-from-abuse warrants were served. They arrested 240 while pushing out 510 traffic-violation warrants. Of the 990 who failed to appear in court, they were able to arrest 690. And of 590 judicialbody warrants, 556 were arrested. Of 1,747 violation-of-probation warrants issued, the sheriff’s posse lassoed in 1,680 arrests.

In addition to serving warrants in the field, the unit successfully managed the Courts’ ankle-bracelet program for more than 600 people under house arrest.

Philly Home Up for Sale Philadelphia - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today's market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don't get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled "The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar".

To order a FREE copy of this special report Call toll-free 1-800560-2075 and enter 5000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

Sheriff Jewell Williams announced the Philadelphia County Warrant Unit has been a success since coming under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office.

In July 2014 the Fugitive Warrant Unit was moved under the sheriff’s supervision at the request of the City and 1st Judicial Dist.

In addition to managing people under house arrest, the 35- member unit was created to apprehend people who ignored orders of the Court. The Court and the City were not satisfied with the Fugitive Warrant Unit, which they concluded needed professional supervision.

Upon taking over the unit, the sheriff found its members were not trained or certified by the State of

Page 3

Sheriff’s Fugitive Warrant 7 Things You Must Know Unit Has Excellent Year Before Putting Your

This report is courtesy of Larry Levin, Coldwell Banker Preferred. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2014

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

Page 4

Businessman Wolf Is Now Politician Wolf

by Joe Shaheeli Gov. Tom Wolf is getting to look more like a politician than the good businessman he touted himself as in his successful campaign to win that office. Now, as he enters the last half of his four-year term, he is getting to look more like a political leader seeking reelection to a second term.

He’s announced no broadbased tax hike to balance the budget. We wonder if he will woo the House and Senate leadership to kick back some of the millions in their slush funds to help in that process instead, to balance an ambitious spending plan.

His job approval, which had dropped by the end of his first budget battle to 40% favorable, is now at 43-40% approval as he easily wrapped Representative

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

up a second budget.

Now he is looking to return to his campaign staff those who did well in that role.

Wolf’s administration announced Press Secretary Jeff Sheridan will be leaving the administration at year’s end, with Deputy Press Secretary J.J. Abbott to replace him.

Sheridan will take on a new role for Gov. Wolf outside his official office at the beginning of the new year. Sheridan has told the media he’s going to be Wolf’s campaign manager for the governor’s re-election bid.

As for Abbott, he knows the ropes, having been around the block a few times in state and local government, as well as political campaigns.

Medical Marijuana Businesses to Get Papers The State is making 12 permits available for growing and

Wolfe Hosts Downtown GOP

RALLYING around Santa Claus in Ward Leader Denise Furey’s WARD LEADERS Denise Furey and Matt Wolfe home for a Christmas party were, L-R, Ward Leaders Mike Cibik flanked Beth Grossman, who is said to be seriously considering a run for District Attorney. and Andy Gentsch, Furey and Monika Czapla.

27 permits for distribution across the Commonwealth beginning Jan. 17. They will be the culmination of a painstaking process spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Health and involving numerous other governmental agencies, legal talent and medical experts.

Recreational marijuana and State Rep.

State Rep.

Kevin J.

William Keller 184th District 215-271-9190

(215) 879-6615

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

172nd Dist.

7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

1531 S. 2nd Street

1435 N. 52nd St. Phila. PA 19131

Always Hard At Work for You! State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

2901 Island Ave. Ste 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 ---419 Church Lane Yeadon, PA 19050 (610) 284-7335 FAX: (610) 284-5955 6630 Lindbergh Blvd.

Boyle

2103 Snyder Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 755-9185 FAX: (215) 952-3375 ---Senate Box 203008 Harrisburg, PA 17120 Room: 11 East Wing (717) 787-5970 FAX: (717) 772-0574

215-331-2600

smokable marijuana are not allowed under the terms of these permits.

Interest is high and potential competitors will need the support of some of the legislators representing districts in which they wish to locate. The program will be flying by 2018. That should help Wolf’s approval rating.

Digitas Health and Razorfish at SpArc Phila.

KIM HERBERT, Razorfish Health VP; Len Dolce, regional CFO for Digitas Health; and Laura Princiotta, CEO of SpArc Phila., thank Digitas and Razorfish for Want To Visit Harrisburg having provided nearly 500 customized plush jackets for every program participant at SpArc Phila. The health-comOn Swearing-In Day? Buses will be leaving for munications companies also provided cookies and apple juice Harrisburg Tuesday morning, for all. This past summer, Digitas Health and its divisions sent 400 staff members to paint murals inside and out the (Cont. Page 6) Photo by Bonnie Squires SpArc Phila. facility.

State Rep. Jason

City Commissioner

Dawkins

Lisa M.

District Office: 4915 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215) 744-7901

Deeley

M. – Th.: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

F.: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

215-686-3460

Room 132 City Hall Philadelphia PA 19107

State Rep

Councilman

Rep.Maria P.

Joanna E. McClinton

Mark

Donatucci

191st Leg. Dist.

Squilla

6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139

1st District City Hall Room 332

T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687

215-686-3458/59

Rep. Rosita

(R) 177th Dist.

4725 Richmond St. Phila., PA 19137

215-744-2600

R EPRESENTATIVE

A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE

3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you

ROOM 134

City Hall 215-686-3464

P: 215-849-6426

Taylor

Room 506 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927

COMMISSIONER

198th District 310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148

John

Greenlee

AL SCHMIDT

Youngblood

State Rep.

D-185th District 2901 S. 19th St. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164

Councilman Wm.

City Councilwoman

State Rep.

Donna Bullock 195th Leg. Dist.

2835 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130 T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629

Cherelle L. Parker 9th District City Hall, Room 577, Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-686-3454 or 3455 www.phlcouncil.com/CherelleParker Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9

Page 5

Laborers’ Local 135 Keeps On Giving

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

DAN “TIGER” WOODALL, Jr., business manager of Local 135, continued the local’s tradition of gift-giving on Christmas Eve Day to children of needy families in and around Norristown. Here he welcomes Santa (Kevin McIntosh) and helper Amber Corbin.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

HERE are some of the children who were given toys and games and clothes planned for their age group and sex by members of Local 135.

L-R were Harold T. Epps & wife Kathy Epps, Melonease Shaw, Natalie Jackson and Gwen Jenkins.

STEVEN S. BRADLEY, L, who chairs the African American Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Harold Epps to the group’s party.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

AA Chamber Parties at South

Page 6

Another Candidate For DA Primary We understand Judge Leon Tucker is being pressed by friends to retire from Common Pleas Court and run in the Democratic primary against DA Seth Williams.

That could weaken the chances of any of those announced they are running in

that primary. He’s a tested campaigner. More to follow.

We All Know Pa. Election Process Free From Hacking When Donald Trump said Pennsylvania elections are hackable, he was wrong. So was Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein. When she demanded the State conduct a vote recount, she got egg on her face and has earned a reputation of knowing nothing about electoral processes.

What remains true is Pennsylvania elections can be and will always be influenced statewide by whichever party controls how district maps are drawn every 10 years. Check your political history books.

At the local level, evidence points to the fact votes do get ringed up in some precincts or divisions, where one party controls all the Election Board seats. It’s easy to vote for those the Board knows won’t be showing up to vote.

STATE REP. Martina White takes part in the check presentation ceremonies at MaST Community Charter School, Calvary Christian Academy and Archbishop Ryan High School.

White, Verizon Present Scholarship Checks State Rep. Martina White (R-Northeast) joined Verizon to present checks to the scholarship programs at three local schools, including Archbishop Ryan High School, MaST Community Charter School and Calvary Christian Academy.

The check presentations are part of the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program that gives business tax credits when those companies donate money to scholarship programs that give students the opportunity to attend the school of their choosing.

“The EITC program is critical in helping parents defray tuition costs while encouraging businesses to invest in the future workforce of our

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

(Cont. From Page 4) Jan. 3. If you wish to get a ride on one of them, contact your local state representative or state senator.

Some will welcome you to join them without cost or with a small fee which usually accompanies a box lunch.

Swearing in begins at noon.

State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown announced her bus,

with a $20 fee, will depart from her office at 1435 W. 52nd Street, will leave at 9 a.m. Call her office at (215) 879-6615.

community,” White said.

At this event, White joined Verizon as it presented a $5,000 check to MaST Community Charter School, a $7,500 check to Calvary Christian Academy and a $10,000 check to Archbishop Ryan High School. Archbishop Ryan also received a $24,000 check from the Officer Daniel Boyle Scholarship Fund.

The EITC program provides tax credits to businesses which make contributions to children in kindergarten through grade 12, and organizations that provide funding for innovative educational programs.

Call White’s office at (215) 330-3711 for more information on the program.

Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board.

Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.

We are a debt-relief agency

FAX: 215-624-9263

www.unionroofing.net

WE DO OUR OWN WORK • NO SUBCONTRACTORS

1500 Walnut Street • Suite 900 Philadelphia, PA 19102

215-735-1060 ccpc@ccpclaw.com

ESTEBÁN VERA, business manager of Laborers’ Local 57, presents a check from "Laborers Giving Back" charity donations to Principal Dr. Eileen Coutts of the George W. Childs Elementary School, 1599 Wharton Street, to be used to buy hats, gloves, scarves and school uniforms for its student population.

FOP Hosts Party

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

CHRISTMAS-HANUKKAH-KWANZAA spirit was alive in Democratic City Committee recently as all celebrants joined staff to sing holiday songs. They included, R-L, top, Brian Preski, 25th Ward Committeeman; Vince Primavera, Laborers’ District Council; Anthony Amen; John Law; Rania Major, Esq.; Chairman Bob Brady; Lonnie Richardson; Tommy St. Hill; John Marshall, Esq.;and David Crane. Bottom, Frank Oliver; Shirley Gregory, Ward 49 Leader; Teresa Carr Deni, candidate for District Attorney; Lou Farinella; “Uncle” Charlie Bernard; and Ann Brown, Ward 40B Leader. Photo by Joe Stivala

Page 7

Laborers Giving Back! DCC Welcomes Guests to Its Christmas Party

Join Us At Our Annual Special Edition Commemorating The Achievements of PENNA. AG-Elect Josh Shapiro tells FOP Lodge 5 Head John McNesby and Commissioner Richard Ross what he sees that needs to be priorities of his office. He was among many guests Photo by Wendell Douglas at FOP Lodge 5 Christmas Party.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Publishing

January 12th, 2017 [ ] Yes, I would like to participate.

DEADLINE TUESDAY JANUARY 10TH, 2017

NEWLY ELECTED Attorney General Josh Shapiro speaks at the FOP Christmas gathering in its N.E. Phila. HQ. To his far L is Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Size [ ] (1) Full Page [ ] (2) Half Page [ ] (3) Quarter Page [ ] (4) Eighth Page [ ] (5) Sixteenth Page

Make my ad the following size: Price Size $1000 (9.87” X 10.00”) $550 (9.87” X 4.90”) $275 (4.87” X 4.90”) $175 (4.87” X 3.00”) $75 (3.20” X 2.00”) Please send your ad to mbarrett@phillyrecord.com

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

ATTENDEES at John McNesby’s FOP party included newly elected State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Lt. James Kemmen and Sgt. Michelle Swanter.

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Company: _________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City State Zip:______________________________________________________________ Telephone:________________________________________________________________

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

Page 8

Our Opinion 2017: Building on Strengths If you didn’t vote for President-Elect Donald Trump, you probably are viewing everything that is now happening to you, your family, your sports teams, and the activities of all your city and state elected officials with pessimism.

If you did vote for Hillary Clinton, and are still dropping tears in your beer or mourning along with television pundits who thought she was the better of two sorry choices, you may now be wondering what will happen to the Democratic Party’s national leadership.

That’s why we suggest these leaders all take a week or two for a class with University of Pennsylvania Affiliated Faculty Member Congressman Bob Brady, who teaches there on management and compromise. He knows how to get results.

Look at the record-setting vote Philadelphia delivered to Hillary under his direction.

Brady managed to keep his City Committee focused on its targets, electing a president as well as three statewide offices: attorney general, auditor general and treasurer. The record turnout saved the three Democrats running for those offices, but fell short of delivering the state to Clinton. Lest the three think they did it by themselves, they need to attend Bob’s classes as well.

US Sen. Bob Casey, blessed by his dad’s name, believes his commitment to the planks of Democratic platforms will continue to keep the Casey name shining bright and guide his return to the Senate over an obviously Republican tide, which may continue unabated. He would face a formidable opponent in Congressman Pat Meehan.

If Democrats, especially those in leadership roles, learn that noisy confrontations, dotted by so-called “popular” street rallies, must now be laid to rest, Casey may be able to win handily.

Keep reminding Pennsylvania’s Trump voters over and over again of their dissatisfaction, and we will be saying to Casey, “It’s nice to have known you.”

Luckily for Democrats, Philadelphia continues to be their territory, lock, stock and barrel. This despite the daily media’s almostweekly labeling Brady Democratic organization as a “machine” producer of candidates who have had run-ins with the law.

But look around and one will see more PHA homes for the needy, continuous financial support from city taxpayers for schools, a police force first-class in its actions and deeds, and a well-run and effective Sheriff’s Office now light-years ahead in its operations.

We see government working hard to refurbish our port, a financial dynamo which is producing more tonnage and jobs. We see major unions moving arm in arm with many of the local Democratic candidates supported by the Brady Bunch. This marriage proves one needs to remember “all politics is local.”

So this organization must be doing something right.

We also note the City’s Republican leadership has continued to grow its flock. It managed with to increase its participation in the city’s 1,686 election divisions. Though they hold only two seats in the State House and none in the Senate, they may effectively challenge more of those seats. It’s interesting to see how some labor unions now cross the aisle to help elect Republicans they think will help carry their message to promote more jobs.

President Trump could help put the winds of change at the backs of the local GOP by what he does nationally. But as all the pundits say, we have to wait and see.

With that, we wind up our summation of what 2017 may look like on the political stage. We at the Public Record thank you for keeping us atop the media pile that concentrates on political and labor coverage as we do. We wish you all the best in the year to come.

Dec. 29- Kwanzaa 50th Anniversary Program at W. Phila. HS, 4901 Chestnut St., 6-8 Adults $10, Seniors and Children $8. Featuring creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga. For info: (215) 3850214.

Dec. 30- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Kwanzaa at African American Museum, 701 Arch St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cultural presentations, performances, staqte programs and services. For info: (215) 879-6615.

Jan. 1- Local 1199C President Henry Nicholas hosts New Year Welcome at his home at 15th & Jefferson Sts., 1 p.m.

Jan. 1- New Year Parade #2 on “2 Street,” Charles Bernard on Reviewing Stand at Happy Tappers Cl., 5 p.m.

Jan. 3- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Bus Trip to Swearing-In Ceremony, departing at 1435 N. 52nd St., 9 a.m. Lunch. Tickets $20. For info: (215) 879-6615.

Jan. 7- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Bus Trip to Pa. Farm Show, departing at 1435 N. 52nd St., 9 a.m.

For info: (215) 879-6615.

Jan. 14- Phila. Republican Party hosts S. Phila. Trump Inauguration Gala at Toll Man Joe’s, 26 E. Oregon Ave., 7 p.m. Beef, pork, pasta sides; draft beer and wine. Auction raffles, door prizes. Tickets $35. For info: Vince Minniti vminniti16@gmail.com.

Feb. 3- Chapel of 4 Chaplains hosts Gala Awards Night at

IATSE Ha., 2401 Swanson St. Tickets $100.

Feb. 13- Union League hosts Lincoln Day at 140 S. Broad St., Lincoln reads Gettysburg Address outside 12 m., Lunch 12:30 p.m., Parade to Independence Hall ceremony follows.

Feb. 18- 42nd Ward Democratic Committee hosts Candidates Morning Out at Aspira Olney HS, 100 W. Duncannon Ave., enter at Mascher & Duncannon, 9:30 a.m.-12 m.

Meet & greet committee people, voter petition-signing. Refreshments. Candidates’ don-

ation $50, checks payable to “42nd Democratic Ward,” P.O. Box 24419, Phila., PA 19120. RSVP: Elaine Tomlin Elaine.Tomlin@verizon.net or (267) 496-5662.

Feb. 25- Lincoln Day is honored at 6th & Lombard Sts., 10 a.m.; then at Union League for Lunch & Awards. Tickets $35. For info: (215) 2045452.

Mar. 3- Spirit of Port Luncheon honors Eugene Mattioni at Hilton at Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Columbus Blvd., 11:30 a.m. For info: Christine (215) 940-9900, ext. 104.

Editorial Warning!!

Letters from an unidentified informant without any contact information cannot be considered for publication, no matter how valid their contents.

RECENTLY retired Laborer Bobbie Poulson took time out from taking Photo by Wendell Douglas photos to enjoy this sumptuous buffet.

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

LOCAL 98’S John Dougherty, shares a moment with LDC’s L-R, COMMON Pleas Judge Lucretia Clemons, Ward Ryan N. Boyer and his brother Omar Sabir, mentioned as ENJOYING Laborer District Council party were State Rep. Leader Pete Wilson and Betsy Wahl were among many atpossibly entering City Controller race. Photo by Wendell Douglas Joanna McClinton and John Welch.

Photo by Wendell Douglas tending the Laborers Party.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Page 9

Laborers’ Local 332 Christmas Gala Gathers Big Crowd

LOOKING TO FILL judicial posts in coming primary were TAKING OFF time to enjoy the Laborers’ gala Betsy Wahl, Marissa Brumbach and Carmella Jacquinto. celebration were Vernon Price and Patty Bean. With them is Ward Leader Pete Wilson, who does not mind Photo by Wendell Douglas Photo by Wendell Douglas the attention.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Green’s Kids Upwardly Mobile Marking Holidays At Local 98

IBEW 98 Political Dir. Marita Crawford QUARTET enjoying the buffet at IBEW FACILITATED by Councilman Derek Green, C, high- welcomes Jonathan Saidel and Judge Vin- 98’s Christmas Party were Ed McBride, Sal achieving KIPP Phila. Charter School students in N. Phila. cent Melchiorre to the Christmas celebra- Patti and Councilman Mark Squilla. were awarded bikes through a lottery. Photo by Wendell Douglas tion at Local 98 HQ. Photo by Wendell Douglas Photo by Wendell Douglas

JUDGE Maria McLaughlin shares a moment with Johnny Dougherty, Sr., and Jonathan Photo by Wendell Douglas Saidel.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

BROTHERS in Labor were happy attendees of LDC’s 332 LOCAL 57’s Stanley Sanders WARD LEADER Pete Lyde enjoyed this picture gala. L-R are Mike Carfagno, Sam Staten, Jr., Estebán Vera shares a greeting with Rahine with Donald “Ducky” Birts at the Laborers’ party. and Malik Staten.

Photo by Wendell Douglas West.

Photo by Wendell Douglas Photo by Wendell Douglas

TWO leaders making a difference with the underprivileged were evident here as LDC host Sam Staten, Jr. welcomes Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell to the union’s event.

Page 10 The Public Record • December 29, 2016 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

State Commits $300 Million to Port of Philadelphia, But PRPA Is Using Buyouts to Cut Staff by One-Third

by Joe Shaheeli When Gov. Tom Wolf joined US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), elected officials and stakeholders to tout a comprehensive Capital Investment Program at the Port of Philadelphia, proponents of Southport grew worried.

Would their long effort to create additional super-modern terminals with the development of Southport’s acreage be consigned to a page in port history? For now, that’s an “if,” since present port demands for increasing space to handle millions of cars scheduled to arrive here will be available at the former Naval Base site.

The $300 million is on top of over $100 million spent to deepen the river’s channel another five feet to accommodate the vast number of ships now with a draft of up to 45 feet. Making the dredging program a reality was the work of Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.) which brought in federal money amounting to over $100 million and the additional millions from the State thanks to Casey, Gov. Ed Rendell, State Rep. Bill Keller (D-S. Phila.) and State Sen. Mike Stack, now Lieutenant Governor. They kept reminding their colleagues the port was viable

and would produce more revenue and jobs. After all, it is the state’s only direct gateway to the world by sea.

The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority is responsible for the city’s port terminals. As a landlord, it has to provide maintenance, upkeep and equipment needed to handle today’s ships, and lobby for needed funds from both Harrisburg and Washington. Its Board seeks to balance its budget.

Its new CEO Jeff Theobald, was selected by the PRPA Board after a national search, to replace James T. McDermott, Jr., who held that post for well over a decade. In charge since last August, Theobald was CEO and president of Ports America Outer Harbor in Oakland, which managed a terminal facility, with oversight of 50 management staff and over 200 union employees. Prior to that, he spent much of his career in Asian port operations.

When he was selected, he told the PRPA Board, “I am delighted the PRPA Board has selected me at this very exciting time for the Port of Philadelphia. I look forward to do everything I can to assure the port meets the challenges of the future and fulfills its great potential.”

Yet employees at PRPA

City of Philadelphia ADVERTISEMENT

The City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, is requesting PROPOSALS for “ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING & ENGINEERING SERVICES.” All proposals are to be submitted to www.phila.gov/contracts/ by 5 pm JANUARY 31, 2017 and also as directed in the REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Interested firms are invited to download the rfp directly from http://www.phila.gov/contracts/ (click under “eContract Philly”).

have been told a cut of staffing by 30% is now required. Those responding so far are long-time employees, four guards and four maintenance men. Those pondering a decision to take a buyout fear they may face the ax if they don’t.

Congressman Brady is upset by the first major policy announcement coming from Theobald, which is that PRPA staff must either voluntarily accept buyouts or face termination if that figure isn’t reached by the buyouts. Brady noted the port had grown quietly but quickly under its former CEO, McDermott, whose staff fielded all the demands made of them in timely fashion. Port downtimes for ships had been dramatically reduced; new equipment had been added; modernization and upkeep of facilities was a round-the-clock priority.

So Brady finds it “incredible” that a new port director will seek to save dollars and prove his worth at the expense of the 90-plus staffers of the PRPA. He noted, “McDermott, over his long positive tenure in that post, had a salary of about $150,000. Theobald now commands a salary of $290,000. On top of that, he received $25,000 for relocation expenses and a $1,400a-month car allowance.”

Brady wonders what kind of a car will require such an allowance and wonders why McDermott’s office now needs to be renovated for about $50,000.

Now, with dredging about complete, the $300 million state investment reportedly will go to double warehousing and increase needed acreage for the continued growth of auto imports. The success of car imports has (Cont. Page 12)

Page 11

by Denise Clay How glad am I to see that there’s only three days left in 2016?

Let me count the ways.

To say that 2016 has been a year filled with surprises, and most of them bad, would be an understatement. Any year in which icons like Muhammad Ali, David Bowie, Prince, Arnold Palmer, and two former Philadelphia Police Commissioners slip off this mortal coil is one that you can count on for all sorts of shenanigans.

In fact, you might be able to make the argument that those who left this planet in 2016 knew something the rest of us didn’t.

Since this column focuses on politics, I guess that we should start with that.

This was a year in which politicos took it on the chin for a variety of reasons ranging from their own arrogance to trying to solve a problem using all the wrong methods.

Kathleen Kane, the Commonwealth’s first female Attorney General, and the first Democrat to hold the post, is heading to prison after being convicted on two felony counts of perjury connected to your new favorite scandal, Porngate.

While the citizens of Pennsylvania totally have the right to know that their criminal justice officials (including some judges) have been using their office computers to share their porn, Kane’s decision to leak documents to the Philadelphia Inquirer and lie about it was more than a little boneheaded.

(Cont. Page 14)

What exciting things are on the horizon for the new year in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania politics? Of course, there is the potentially tough re-election battle for GOV. TOM WOLF. He has already stated he agrees with the Republicans that there is no appetite for tax increases. But how will they resolve the present budget deficit? There is never an appetite for new taxes, but somehow the problem needs to be faced and figured out.

In the past, legalized slots have saved the day. Then there was the hope that the Marcellus Shale gas find would create the revenue stream to close the budget deficit. With the global price of gas being weighted down, the extraction tax is probably a long shot at this time. It will be interesting to see how the governor works with the Republican majority, including a vetoproof majority in the Senate, to face down these problems.

The new senator from Philadelphia, SHARIF STREET, will get a chance to serve at a time of crisis in the State Senate. He will get to know his colleagues on a first-name basis with ease; there are only 15 other senators of the Democratic persuasion in that caucus. Hopefully, retiring STATE SEN. SHIRLEY KITCHEN will be standing by to provide mentoring and guidance. The district he represents consists of a large number of poor people and clearly the Republican majority will not be focused on their needs.

US SEN. BOB CASEY is also in the cycle for re-election. He may very well get his most substantial challenge yet. CONGRESSMAN PATRICK MEEHAN from Delaware County is said to be all in. Meehan brings a likable Irish name and real political credentials to the table. And the Republicans showed how they can bring in lower amounts of cash into the state and offset big majorities in Philadelphia to win statewide. Look for Meehan to follow the Toomey and Trump path.

MAYOR JIM KENNEY will also have tremendous difficulties getting the needed revenue for Philadelphia with such large Republican majorities in Harrisburg. It is good that STATE SEN. VINCE HUGHES, the Appropriations chair, is from Philadelphia, but the road is filled with hazards. And the pressure on Philadelphia continues, even with the recent monumental successes of the Democratic National Convention and the Pope’s spectacular visit.

CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY will be a very good mentor to newly elected congressman (Cont. Page 14)

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Yo! Here we go again. And now it is almost New Year’s Eve. In our family, it was the custom to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home with our family and friends giving thanks for having survived another year. What a celebration! We would have tons of food to eat. Relatives and guests always brought something, for it is an Italian custom never to go visiting with empty hands. They brought pepperoni, soppressata and cheeses in all flavors and grades of sharpness. These were sliced, diced then arranged on dishes for picking.

Homemade ricotta cheese pies, pit-sells [sic], butter cookies and other sweets were abundant.

Mom usually made roast pork. The aroma that filled the house made everyone hungry. Eating was a nonstop event. Friends and neighbors would visit, offering their hopes for a good year to come. They would have a glass of wine or whatever they were drinking (if they so desired) or simply join in the eating that was constantly in progress. We would also visit their homes to do the same.

As midnight approached, we migrated back to our home to watch Guy Lombardo greet the New Year. Promptly at 11:30 p.m., the television was tuned to Guy Lombardo. It would not be New Year without hearing his soft, graceful music. And don’t even think of changing the channel. Grand-Pop Achille or Dad would promptly scold you and insist on returning the station to Guy Lombardo.

Anticipation grew as the witching hour approached. When the ball finally fell and the New Year had arrived, we would kiss (or shake hands) with each of our relatives and guests, wishing them good luck.

At midnight, a coin was exchanged; one with the other, to insure the recipient always had money during the coming year. These coins were never to be spent, as they represented a gesture of affection. I still have most of the coins I received over the years.

After this ritual, everyone would hurry out into the street to join with the other neighbors in making as much noise as possible, with anything available. Spoons were banged on pot lids, horns were blown, and anything else used that could create a din. We would shout Happy New Year! to each other through all the noise (as if no one knew that it was a new year). This (Cont. Page 14)

DONALD TRUMP and I agree on one thing: To say MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, or HAPPY KWANZAA! Instead of that artificial “Season’s Greetings.”

Malarkey! And do not forget to wish “Good Health” with your New Year greetings!... After reading blogs of USA attackers that persisted into Christmas Day, I remembered a photo in the daily press of thousands of holiday gift packages at a FedEx facility. They were awaiting shipment to the soon-to-be-pleased recipients. I wondered how a nation and its people could be so bad, when you see evidence of their generosity on page one. And did you feel the STILLNESS in the cities, uptown and downtown, and in the countryside, starting on Christmas Eve? The overwhelming SILENCE in a nation of near 400 million – when the massive engine that is America mostly shuts down in reverence to a holy period.

A wonderful quietness that would startle even the late writer Edgar Lee Masters. America – love it!

BIRTHDAYS: Russ SHULTZ, living in our Northern suburbs. Captain Russ had the distinction of Commanding the Philly Naval Base, and Willow Grove Naval Air Station, and then led Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. BRAVO ZULU!... I read some lines from the local US Attorney on how Heroin and Opioids are major killers. Well, then, DO MUCH MORE about it. I am tired of the constant CLAMOR about our elected officials and union officers. Attack the REAL DRUG ENEMY; get going.

On a happy note, the KENNEY ADMINISTRATION has (Cont. Page 13)

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

I was stunned that the Democrats’ response to Trump’s election and Republicans maintaining control of the US House of Representatives and Senate was to double down.

They selected two old-guard liberals, NANCY PELOSI and CHUCK SCHUMER, to lead their party in the US House and Senate respectively.

I believe this happened for three reasons. First, the Democrats are loath to ignore seniority. Second, they do not have the farm teams (both nationally and locally) found within the GOP. Third, as their numbers are concentrated on the coasts, many in the leadership live in bubbles – they do not know many people in their districts that disagree with them.

We stand a better chance of Pelosi retiring than being defeated. Please note she has children older than her GOP counterpart in the House of Representatives, SPEAKER PAUL RYAN. Schumer replaced retiring Nevada SEN. HARRY REED in large part because he was next in line.

The GOP has a more-robust farm team. Just look at our 2016 presidential-primary fight with 17 contenders – many of whom were younger than either serious Democratic contender. Of our incoming US senators, 13 are under the age of 50 and nine those are Republicans. For the 115th US Congress (starting in January), there will be 73 congressmen under 50 and 50 of them are Republicans. The youngest senator is TOM COTTON (R-Ark.) at 39. The youngest member of Congress is ELISE STEPHANIK (R-N.Y.) at 31.

At the state level, we have more elected officials in leg(Cont. Page 13)

Page 12 The Public Record • December 29, 2016 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

State Commits $300 Million to Port of Philadelphia, But PRPA Is Using Buyouts to Cut Staff by One-Third (Cont. From Page 10) begun to show a jump in American-made cars being shipped overseas by the same vessels bringing them in.

Wolf stated his “number-one priority is to continue to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy to support the middle class and this capital investment program will give the Port of Philadelphia the tools it needs to improve its competitive position and create thousands of family-sustaining jobs while increasing state revenues.”

He added, “With its major economic impacts throughout the state, my administration understands the value of Pennsylvania’s port asset in Philadelphia.”

“This is one of the largest economic-development projects in the state,” Casey said. “I have worked since I was elected to ensure the deepening of the Delaware River, an investment in job retention and creation for the state.”

The program will modernize the port’s three operating terminals, bring in additional Post-Panamax and other cranes needed to provide short-turnaround stays for the bigger ships as they arrive. “Panamax” is shorthand for the enlargement of the Panama Canal, a mammoth project that was finished on June 26 of this year, which permits huge vessels to sail directly from Asia to the East Coast, rather than unloading their cargo on the West Coast. Bigger ships need bigger cranes.

“The State’s $300 million investment is a good deal not just for the port’s workers and for Philadel-

phians, but for taxpayers across the entire state,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “This increased capacity will be needed in the years to come, since the deepening of the Delaware River’s main navigation to prepare for bigger ships is scheduled to be completed in early 2017. So we are grateful to the Wolf administration, to state lawmakers, and, of course, to the hard-working men and women of the Port of Philadelphia.”

Improvements are expected to double container capacity at the port, provide increased breakbulk (non-containerized) cargo capacity and bring a substantial increase in automobile-handling capacity.

A total direct job increase of 70% is projected from the current level of 3,124 to a projected 5,378 direct jobs. Total employment at the port will also increase, from 10,341 to 17,020, and state and local tax revenues generated will increase from the current $69.6 million to $108.4 million annually.

“The investment in the Philadelphia port will not only provide overdue upgrades to the existing ports, it will also add thousands of jobs to the region,” said Keller. “I would like to thank Gov. Wolf for securing the funds for this very important project.”

“Once again, the Port of Philadelphia is indebted to Gov. Wolf and his administration,” said PRPA Chairman Gerald H. Sweeney. “In the recent past, Gov. Wolf had funded the critical final stages of the 45-foot Chan-

CONGRESSMAN Dwight Evans hears some key stats on how the money will be used to improve commerce from Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, long a supporter of the port.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

nel Deepening Project and championed other major port improvements. Now, this $300-million capital investment will enable the port to significantly grow family-sustaining jobs and dramatically expand all our business lines.

“This investment by the governor, coupled with the talented dedication of the entire port community, ensures the Port of Philadelphia will capture a significant share of the increased vessel traffic on the East Coast resulting from the expanded Panama Canal and our deeper channels.”

As the latest example of the successful public/private partnerships at the Port, Astro Holdings, Inc., the tenant of the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, will also purchase one of the Post-Panamax container cranes for the terminal, as well as dedicate significant privately owned port acreage, in the form of the

Holt operation’s 40-acre “Publicker” site located next to the Packer Avenue facility, for container growth through Packer Avenue Marine Terminal.

Officials of PRPA expect these improvements will result in no less than a doubling of the cargo-handling capacity at the terminal, already the busiest and most multi-use terminal at the Port of Philadelphia. Container-handling capacity will especially increase, with a 900,000 TEU capacity. “TEU” or “20-foot equivalent unit” is an industry measurement for a standard cargo container.

The Ports Automobile Import/Export facility, which currently processes 150,000 cars and employs more than 300 direct workers, will also benefit by receiving about $90 million of the governor’s Capital Investment Program. Since 2010, Glovis America has been the main customer of

the port’s auto-processing facility, located in South Philadelphia adjacent to the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, bringing Hyundai and Kia automobiles on vessels for eventual distribution to dealerships throughout the region.

Improvements to the port’s automobile-handling operation will include the addition of 155 paved and fenced acres above the flood plain at the port’s Southport site; the conversion of the former seaplane hangar at Southport into a second auto-processing site; enhancements at the main auto-processing site at Pier 98 Annex; and the establishment of a framework that provides flexibility for use of the land the port needs for containers and automobiles, as determined by market demands.

Tioga Marine Terminal will be the third beneficiary of the State Capital Investment Program. About $12 million has been earmarked for improvements

to the main on-dock warehouse that has been successfully handling and processing Brazilian woodpulp cargoes since 2014. A second warehouse at Tioga will be converted into a food-grade warehouse, allowing the port to increase its wood pulp volumes to meet the demands of Pennsylvania companies requiring this material, which goes into a wide range of sanitary-paper products.

Improved rail access and the purchase of a second mobile harbor crane will also add capacity for the terminal.

This Capital Investment Program aims to provide an alternate, more-efficient and expeditious solution to reach the port’s goals as embodied in the recent Southport RFP: growing container capacity, accelerating job creation, and capitalizing immediately on the river-dredging program. It will ensure that the port will be competitive and positioned for growth immediately.

LT. GOV. Mike Stack looks on as PRPA Board Chairman Jerry Sweeney answers question concerning port improvements.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

ELEPHANT (Cont. From Page 11) islatures and in gubernatorial seats poised to replace our retiring federal officials. In January, the GOP will have 33 governors, up from 31 – some in traditional blue states such as Vermont. In January, Republicans will control both legislative chambers in 32 states, up from 30. Democrats will control both state chambers in 12 states, down from 13. Next year, there will be three states where the Democrats and Republicans split con-

trol, down from seven.

Closer to home, in Pennsylvania the GOP increased its numbers in both the State House and Senate. In the State House, the GOP picked up two seats, taking the majority to 121 to 82. In the State Senate, the GOP picked up three seats, giving it a veto-proof majority. This gives us a better farm team to replace any of our 13 GOP congressmen who may retire.

Take a look at the Democrats in this year’s Pennsylvania Senate election. They had a choice between a one-term Congressman (and party out-

sider) Joe Sestak and career bureaucrat Katie McGinty.

McGinty’s previous foray into politics was in a Democratic gubernatorial primary, where she came in fifth out of five.

Now to my third point. I do believe many Democrats in leadership positions nationally live in liberal bubbles. Pelosi is from San Francisco.

Schumer is from New York City.

Anecdotally, large groups of the highly educated in the coastal cities and D.C. especially during the last eight years do not associate with (or think they do not associate with) any conservatives. I was at a luncheon for roughly 50 economists in Washington recently. One woman at my table of 10 who works for a US government agency, which frowns on political ac-

tivity on the part of employees, announced she was going to be part of the protestors at Trump’s inauguration. Her comments about the GOP did not stop there. I was not the only center-right-leaning person at the table, but she did not know us that well, and just assumed we agreed with her.

On Election Day a voter told me that I was “brave” to put up a Toomey sign at a polling place. Yes, not a Trump sign, but a Toomey sign.

We hear about how Clinton won a plurality (not a majority) of the popular vote. This margin was gained through one state – California. Neither candidate bothered to campaign in that state because most of it is in the leftwing bubble.

missible for the debtor to have two bankruptcy cases pending at the same time.

The court observed that under the “Single Estate Rule,” the debtor “cannot maintain simultaneous bankruptcy cases because a debtor possesses only one estate for purposes of “trusteeship.”

However, the court was moved by the debtor’s lack of legal counsel. It held that he would be given 10 days to consult with a lawyer, after which he would be required to choose which of the two cases she choose to be dismissed. If he failed to make such an election, the court would order that the second case, the Chapter 13 proceeding, would be dismissed.

Next Week’s Question: Does bankruptcy have an effect on arrest warrants?

Walk In’s Welcomed Appointments Preferred

WHOLESALE & RETAIL TIRES ONLY 2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

Phone: 215-423-2223 Fax: 215-423-5937

offering ready, but saw him approach my pew, and the seriousness caused me to quickly increase my tithe.

Two days to go before the new year. I bought myself a pickup truck – my first ever.

And it is true what they say about the macho feeling that goes with it – like when I drove an Army Humvee a few

years back. It is not new, and the price was right, but I did not have a real use for it; until the other day, when its bed was loaded with toys for kids in needy families. Now it is consecrated to help others.

We all need to do that in 2017. It is easy enough – and the price is right. HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 160804316 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, Plaintiff vs. Any And All Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns And All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest From or Under Mary F. Roberts, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: Any And All Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns And All Persons, Firms Or Associations Claiming Right, Title Or Interest From Or Under Mary F. Roberts, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 1043 West Tabor Road Philadelphia, PA 19141. 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, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, 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. 160804316, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 1043 West Tabor Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Phila. 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. Phila. Bar Assn., 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 191061532, 215.627.1322.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Can a debtor have two bankruptcy cases pending at the same time?

Answer: Despite a lengthy delay in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding, amounting to nearly two years, the fact that his Chapter 7 case was still open prevented the debtor from filing a Chapter 13 case.

The debtor filed a chapter case on Jan. 7, 2014. The trustee had filed a no-asset report on June 25, 2015, but the case remained open and no discharge of debts had been granted. On Nov. 3, 2016, the debtor filed a Chapter 13 case, and was not represented by a lawyer. The court had to decide whether it was per-

der how you ALLOW ONE AND NOT THE OTHER to remain free. FATTAH’S crime was said to be more serious; but WHERE is the line drawn? What regulation applies? I wish I knew what the judge was thinking. When I have seen him, he looked so serious, almost grim. I do recall one when he took the collection in church. I had my

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

(Cont. From Page 11) had a successful year. I can only name one area where I disagree with them – but I care not to during this week of holiday cheer. Mayor Jim KENNEY has shown caring and compassion, and good sense towards business and development.... Councilman Mark

hundreds of toys to needy families over Christmas. John DOUGHERTY’S electricians contributed to a 298 Fund to buy the toys. A lot of happy faces answered the doorbells!... How about Federal Judge Harvey BARTLE allowing one FATTAH defendant to stay free during appeal – but not FATTAH (?)! I am happy for the ruling, but won-

Page 13

WALKING

SQUILLA is again evaluating objections to tall billboards, and to housing development with no parking. There are NOT ENOUGH parking spaces already, without developments. Some city planner reportedly noted that he rode a bike, so others can do it also.

That is just a CROCK. Local 98 members volunteered their time to distribute

WAFFLEMAN

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

Page 14

(Cont. From Page 11) 10 to 15 minutes. We then returned to our home cold, tired and hoarse.

The kids were allowed to stay up past midnight. The usual Christmas Eve poker game was not played. Maybe it was because the men didn’t want to start the New Year losing anything, even penny-ante poker.

As the early morning wore on, everyone started to depart for their own homes to get the rest that they needed. We had to get up early to watch the Mum-

CITY HALL (Cont. From Page 11) Dwight Evans. Dwight served as the House Appropriations chairman in Harrisburg for many years; he knows his way around a political minefield.

But no one has more appropriate political skills than Bob Brady. And Bob is an iconic figure to all congressmen and women from other states who are interested in meeting the chairman of a big-city political machine. Relationships are so important in politics and Brady can help Dwight meet

Everyday

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

665 N. Broad St.

(Cont. From Page 11) But she’s not the only politico headed off to jail.

This year, two cases in the federal courtroom of Judge Henry Bartle III taught all of us that if you are convicted of stealing money from the School District of Philadelphia, the book, or at least a few chapters, will be thrown at you.

And both of our teachers were named Chaka Fattah.

The first lesson came when Chaka “Chip” Fattah, Jr. went to trial on charges including bank fraud, tax evasion and stealing $1 million from the School District of Philadelphia.

He defended himself, which provided us with some unintentionally funny moments, and, needless to say, lost. Chip is currently doing his five-year

mers Parade.

Sadly, our New Year’s Eve celebration is not like this anymore. Grand-Pop Achille, Dad and many of our relatives have passed away. We kids now have our own families and circle of friends with whom we celebrate the New Year. The food that we once consumed to excess, now gives us agita. Going out to nightclubs costs more that we can afford, so we still stay home.

We still invite relatives and guests to our home, but most of them are as busy with their own lives as we are with ours.

We still watch the ball come

down on Times Square on TV, but Guy Lombardo has been replaced by a rock-music carnival our kids insist on watching. Who are we to argue with them; we shouldn’t be old-fashioned, should we?

We still go outside, but there isn’t that much going on outside either. People don’t make noise and greet each other like they used to. Maybe they don’t care enough about their neighbors to wish them a Happy New Year.

Maybe they don’t even know their neighbors. Whatever the reason, it just isn’t the same as it was.

all the right people.

Both DISTRICT ATTORNEY SETH WILLIAMS and CITY CONTROLLER ALAN BUTKOVITZ are going to have multiple opponents for their seats in the primary. Both have served ably but must be perceived as having vulnerabilities. Mayor Kenney has already said he’s going to be neutral on the Controller’s race. This is probably a slight to Butkovitz for all the charges of city mismanagement. But one could argue that he is doing Butkovitz a favor in not endorsing his announced oppo-

nent. Williams will have to contend with several opponents, including Municipal Court JUDGE TERESA CARR DENI and former CITY MANAGING DIR. RICHARD NEGRIN. But his chances are probably improved by having multiple candidates against him. And even if the argument can be made that the only way to beat Seth is in a one-on-one competition, self-centeredness and ego will surely rule the day.

No matter who tries to broker the exit of multiple candidates, the end result will probably be multiple candidates.

sentence and is probably trying to figure out how he’s going to pay the $1.1 million in restitution he owes to a variety of entities including Citizens Bank, United Bank of Philadelphia and Wells Fargo.

The second lesson came from Chip’s father, former Congressman Chaka Fattah, who was sentenced earlier this month to 10 years in federal prison on a variety of counts including racketeering, conspiracy and fraud.

Although he knew he had a trial upcoming, Fattah focused his resources on getting through the Pennsylvania primary in April instead of paying his first set of attorneys.

He lost the primary, and by extension his seat in Congress, to State Rep. Dwight Evans, who was sworn into the seat in November.

In May, the US Attorney

and its binders filled with paper, began presenting a case against Fattah that showcased a variety of alleged schemes that included allegations of bribery for a ambassadorship, putting au pairs through college, a Porsche that was sold, except when it wasn’t, and a variety of other financial sleights of hand.

By June, Chaka Fattah had gone from Congressman to convicted felon. While he had intended to stay in Congress until his sentencing, his fellow House members had other ideas and Fattah was forced to resign.

As if that wasn’t enough political fun, we then had the 2016 presidential election, or, as I like to call it, the Dumpster Fire That Successfully Showed Our Republic Has Holes.

But I’ll get into that next week. Have a Happy New Year.

small

ADS BIG Deals

African American Energy Group Offers Scholarships

2004 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON4x4, 6 Cyl.,5 spd, power a/c, 80,000 miles. $11,500.

215-704-1512

2000 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4x4 Pa. state inspected, 130,000 miles, power everything, 6 CD Changer, Runs Great !!! $2,800.

215-704 -1512

one of the physical sciences, technology, engineering or mathematic fields in preparation for a career in the energy sector.

The student must be one of the historically underrepresented minorities in the sciences, technology, engineering and math related disciplines.

(African American, Hispanic or Native American).

Scholarship recipients – known as AABE Scholars – are determined each spring by the organization’s local chapter scholarship committee for local scholarships and by the National Scholarship Committee for national scholarships. Recipients will receive notification of their selection.

Individual chapters of the American Association of Blacks in Energy have different awards and awarding amounts. The top candidates from each chapter are sent to compete for a $3,000 Regional and a $5,000 National Award. The

“Rufus D. Gladney” Premier Award of $5,000 is given annually for a maximum of four years to the candidate who is judged to demonstrate the most outstanding achievement and promise.

The Philadelphia Chapter of AABE will award $2,000 to six students and $1,000 to one student. The top winner’s application is forwarded to compete for a Mid-Atlantic Regional Award of $3,000 (The Mid-Atlantic Region is

one of six AABE Regions).

For an application and more info, write to American Association of Blacks in Energy, Att’n: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 34282, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

In lieu of mailing, complete application packages may also be scanned and emailed (by the due date) to the following email address: info@aabe.org. Deadline is Feb. 3.

Grisafi Music Institute

2003 CHEVROLET 2500 HD SILVERADO EXTENDED CAB 4X4 PICKUP229,008 miles, tool boxes, Bedliner mat, leather, safety strobe light. $6,000.

215-704-1512

Music lessons for all levels and styles Guitar, Drums, Piano, Bass, Voice, Woodwinds, Trumpet, Music Theory 1542 Bristol Pike, 2nd Fl, Bensalem, Pa We also offer Live entertainment and sound: choose a Jazz Trio or a 5-6 piece band for your party, fundraiser, wedding or political event. (Blu Dogz Band- Music for all occasions)

The Public Record • December 29, 2016

The American Association of Blacks in Energy is a professional association composed of African Americans in the energy industry. It is seeking, through its Scholarship Program, to help increase the number of African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans (underrepresented minorities) in energy related fields.

To be eligible for a new scholarship, all four of the following requirements must be met: The student must have an unweighted academic average of “B” or better (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).

The student must be a graduating highschool senior who intends to enroll the next semester following high-school graduation in an accredited college or university.

The student must plan to major in business,

Page 15

Public Record Classifieds:

215-633-1460 or 215 820-8553 Web site: www.gmimusiclessons.com Email: info@gmimusiclessons.com

Congratulations To All Committee People From Both 2006 Ford E-350 Cargo VanV-8, Auto., 98k miles $4,800.

215-704-1512

2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4X4 V-8, 123,000 miles, power everything, sunroof, very clean. $4,500.

215-704-1512

Major Parties For Your Roles In Getting Out The Vote You are now the political ombudsmen of Your Neighborhood!

We know what you go through for your voters and how difficult it is at times to get requests honored. But you keep trying!

You know we are the weekly print source of all the political activities occurring in this city and in the state.

$$ HIGHEST CASH PAID $$ JUNK UNWANTED CARS,TRUCKS,EQUIPMENT, ALSO Buyer 4 ALL metals Bring IN or HAVE towed $25. more with this AD ON Vehicles!!!

215-533-JUNK (5865) $25.

Mention This Ad When You Call Us!

$25.

K-Squad Auto Salvage OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8 am to 8 pm We Buy All Types of Metal NEW BATTERIES $45.

4087 Richmond St. Philadelphia PA 19137

215-688-0949 267-319-9202

15

Name: ……………………………………………….……………………………………………….……………………………………………….……………………………

SUBSCRIBE NOW. WE BILL YOU $15 FOR 52 ISSUES!

$$ WE BUY $$

$25.

Address: ……………………………………………….……………………………………………….……………………………………………….………………………

City: ………....................................................……………………………………….……………………………… Zip Code: ………………………………………

Phone number: ….......................................................…......................................................... Ward: …........................…............. Div…….........................

Bill me: ….............................. Check Enclosed: …................................. Credit Card Info:.............................................................................

MAIL TO: THE PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC RECORD • 325 CHESTNUT ST., #1110 • PHILADELPHIA PA19106

* Committe People and Ward Leaders Only

Say You Saw It In The PUBLIC RECORD

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

$25.

Because The Philadelphia Public Record provides information you can use as your division’s committee person, we offer you a major discount in our subscription rate.

Join the leaders who read the Public Record by subscribing for a full year of 52 issues. Fill out the coupon below and we will send you a bill for only $15.

That’s less than 30 cents an issue! .00 $ Stay posted with the news you will only find in the Philadelphia Public Record…news covering your elected office holders, union activities and leadership, organized community activities, Year* A and your local school and neighborhood problems and solutions.

Page 16 The Public Record • December 29, 2016 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Excellence in Catering Since 1985

Our spacious banquet room is available all year round for types of events including:

Weddings & Anniversaries Banquets & Fundraisers Birthdays Bridal & Baby Showers Graduations Reunions Retirement Parties Seminars & Classes Cocktail & Holiday Parties Guest Parking Is Always Free

Inquire about Sunday Wedding Specials 1301 S. Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia 215-336-7404 Pennslandingcaterers.com