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Vol. XVIII No. 1 (Issue 884)

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January 5, 2017

Back on the Hill

201st General Assembly Inauguration

Sweet Victory QUAKER CITY String Band members celebrate their firstplace victory in the annual New Year’s Day Mummers Parade. Happy and exhausted they were, as seen here at their clubhouse after the 2nd Street portion of the parade.

Photo by Robert Mendelsohn

GOV. TOM WOLF watches Inauguration proceedings with, L-R, Attorney General Joshua Shapiro, Treasurer Joe Torsella and Auditor General Eugene DePasquale.

Photo by Bonnie Squires

PHILA. stalwarts are, L-R, State Reps. Angel Cruz, Jim Roebuck and Michael O’Brien, each longtime defenders of the city’s interests, are sworn in during inauguration proceedings.

Photo by Bonnie Squires More Pics P. 11

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

Page 2

What’s Behind City’s Pothole Epidemic?

by Cassie Hepler Pothole season is upon us as winter’s fury sinks its teeth into our roads.

But potholes have been getting worse in recent winters. And the problem is not caused by fiercer weather but by human neglect. In the end, it’s the motorists who pay the price when their tax dollars are not at work.

In a recent report, City Controller Alan Butkovitz issued a review of the City of Philadelphia’s Pothole Repair and Response found the number of potholes filled jumped from 14,451 in FY2012 to 35,341 in FY2016, a 145% increase. Prior to FY2012, the annual average of potholes filled was 12,712.

The reason is simple: The Philadelphia Streets Dept. has missed its annual goal of paving 131 miles of road for almost the last decade, largely thanks to the Great Recession.

A pothole is a structural failure in an asphalt pavement, caused by the presence of water in the underlying soil structure that seeps through cracks in the surface. Freezing temperatures turn this water into ice, which expands, pushing the pavement and soil around. When it-

thaws, the water melts and drains away, leaving holes beneath the surface. When a vehicle runs over this weakened surface, it buckles – and voilà! There goes your wheel rim.

But pavement wears out.

When it is young, it is less susceptible to potholes. As it ages, though, it is at risk of failure. So all roads must be repaved on a regular schedule. The ideal pace is 131 miles of paving per year.

Meeting this goal helps the Streets Highway Division, which is responsible for paving the streets, strengthen the road structure and reduce potholes. In FY2009, it recorded the most miles paved with 119. Since then, according to the Controller’s audit, the City hasn’t reached the halfway mark, reaching a low of 22 miles in FY2013.

FY2013 marked the same year the Highway Division’s budget was only $18 million.

Its average annual budget over the last decade was $25 million.

Let a hundred potholes bloom.

Budget Cuts Play a Part “Steep budget cuts resulted in the city only to patch the problem rather than fix it,”

said Butkovitz. The city has been playing catch-up ever since, he said.

As of March 12, 2015 – that year being the latest covered in Butkovitz’s audit – the City had already filled more than 12,000 potholes on its streets and was promising to fill reported potholes in one to three business days.

That was under Mayor Michael Nutter’s administration. The ball is now in the court of Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration “The controller’s report attributes the problem to budget cuts that took place during the previous administration when the city was in the throes of the recession.

Every single city department, including Streets, faced these cuts. Those cuts curtailed the number of miles that Streets was paving,” said Mike Dunn, a spokesman for Mayor Kenney.

Kenney Looking To Hold Steady “Here’s the important part. The budget for paving increased in the last year of the previous administration and will continue to increase.

The current 5-Year Plan calls for achieving the 131-mile paving goal within four years,” he said.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Marks 90th

THE 1926 FOUNDATION Inc. hosted and celebrated the 90th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Chapter at the Hilton Hotel. Celebrating and holding high the torch of service, scholarship and sisterhood were, rear, L-R, Theresa Massey, Samaiya Minor, Charlene Collins, Aaliyah Johnson, Karen Hayes; front, Raquel Easeley, Paula Rainey, Carol Rice, Sherilynn Johnson Kimble, Lorina Marshall Blake, Patricia Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography Massey.

The current year’s budget allocates $20 million for repaving. Dunn declined to say how many miles Streets hoped to repave, saying the severity of this winter’s weather will play a determining role.

Dunn applauded the controller’s recommendations.

But, he added, “The city has a good track record of getting potholes filled on city-maintained streets – we normally average 85% of potholes filled within three days of the initial report. Within five days – one business week – we average 94% of potholes filled! The controller’s report found we averaged 78% of potholes [filled within three days] during an 18-month period, fairly close to our usual standard. The controller himself calls this 78% ‘commendable,’” he said.

Numbers Tell The Story The controller’s review found about 20% of potholes were filled within 4 to 49 days and fewer than 1% took more than 100 days to fill.

“Unpaved and poorly maintained roads have been key contributors to potholes across the city,” said Butkovitz. “They create hazardous and costly problems for residents and commuters.”

The average cost to fix one pothole is $22. That raises the question: how much does the average unfilled pothole cost the average motorist?

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America estimated the United States spends $37 billion a year on road improvement, 18% less than what is needed. During the five-year period 20092014, that body estimated an average of $5.4 billion a year in damage due to potholes.

Applying these numbers to this city, a Philadelphia driver pays $20 a year because of pothole damage on average.

Of course, pothole repair bills don’t come in $20 chunks;

let’s say instead that every 10 years, that driver will face a $200 repair bill due to wear and tear from potholes.

“This is a big challenge in a city with an aging infrastructure, and we need residents’ help on this. Citizens should report all street defects to 311,” said Dunn.

Still Room to Improve, However According to Butkovitz, while the response rate is commendable, there are areas to improve, including coordinating repairs on state roads with PennDOT. There were at least 50 instances where Streets repaired potholes on state roads.

“The City needs to hold PennDOT accountable for any potholes that go unrepaired beyond the standard response time,” said Butkovitz. “Our roads should not be subject to poor conditions just because another government agency is responsible for the maintenance.”

“PennDOT does not track tire claims,” said Rich Kirkpatrick, communications director for PennDOT. “We would note, however, that under state law, the state is not responsible for damages attributable to potholes. Potholes are considered the result of forces of nature.”

“We receive the claims but we do not pay the claims for potholes. There were 15 claims sent in for Philadelphia and 169 in the rest of the state up to the end of this year so far,” said Troy A. Thompson, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Dept. of General Services.

However, in some cases where potholes have resulted in personal injury, plaintiffs have been able to recover damages from states.

To view the city controller’s report, “Streets Dept. Highways Unit: Review of Pothole Repair and Response,” visit www.philadelphiacontroller.o rg.

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support for the initiative. The 501(c)4 raised $2.5 million to support the tax, although it did eventually did disclose its funders.

In a May 11 email exchange, obtained through a Right-to-Know request, Kenney’s chief of staff, Jane Slusser, asked for a status update on the plan to confront Sánchez, suggesting an upcoming press event as a venue.

“Have we made any progress on getting them to deliver statement to Maria to pledge not to take soda $$?”

Slusser wrote to Jessie Bradley, a pro-tax consultant hired by PFF. “There is an event tomorrow where we know she’ll be and could corner her out in front with cameras.”

According to Sánchez’s office, the event in question was the May 12 launch of “Language Access Philly,” an

effort aimed at connecting Philadelphians with limited language ability to city services. The mayor himself had planned to host that event, with Sánchez as one of several other speakers.

The levy, which would fund many of Kenney’s key campaign promises, was up for a council vote in June.

Although Sánchez’s highpoverty district, which encompasses swaths of North Philly and part of the Northeast, stood to benefit from soda-tax funded programs like expanded Pre-K, her slice of the city also includes several bottling plants – a central element of her early opposition to the tax.

But later in the email chain, Mustafa Rashed, a PFF lobbyist, says that ACTION United Executive Director Craig Robbins had asked him (Cont. Page 8)

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The Public Record • January 5, 2017

(Reprinted from City&State PA)

by Ryan Briggs Top staffers for Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney directed an advocacy group for lower- and middle-income families to stage a May protest against City Councilmember María Quiñones-Sánchez in hopes of weakening her opposition to the administration’s proposed soda tax.

According to emails obtained by City&State, mayoral staffers instructed protesters from the nonprofit ACTION United to “corner” Sánchez at a media event with the goal of pressuring the councilwoman into signing a public pledge of support for the tax.

ACTION United, founded by former ACORN staffers, was part of a coalition formed by a dark money group called “Philadelphians for a Fair Future” (PFF) to boost public

Page 3

Kenney’s Team Muscled 7 Things You Must Know Councilwoman on Soda Tax Before Putting Your

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Page 4

Seasoned DA Veterans Join Seth Challenge

by Joe Shaheeli Veteran Senior Deputy Attorney General and Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Michael Untermeyer has been persistent in his goal to attain the office of District Attorney.

He’s made it official: He’s now in the race for that office’s Democratic nomination.

He said, “It is time for the top law-enforcement official in Philadelphia to set the standard for innovation, integrity and sound management. The daily duties of the District Attorney’s Office have more impact on the lives of citizens of this city than virtually any other agency.”

He served Philadelphia DA Ed Rendell in 1984 as one of the lead attorneys spearheading a new Domestic Violence Representative

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

Bar Owners Celebrate Eagles Win

STATE REP. Mike Driscoll, also well-known restaurant host, R, joined American Pub owner Jerry Conner to celebrate New Year’s Day with a win by the Eagles.

Photo by Maria Merlino

Unit to protect and serve victims of family violence. In the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Untermeyer headed up the Asset Forfeiture & Money Laundering Section of the Philadelphia Regional

Office of the Drug Law Division, where he conducted and supervised financial investigations and prosecutions of major narcotics dealers and organizations for 11 years.

Among his business holdings is a co-ownership in Famous 4th Street Cookie Co. Who knows? He might win votes by handing out samples with his picture on the package.

Joe Khan, a former federal prosecutor, was an early entry, but odds are not great he will have much support from Democratic Party organization ward leaders, unless he comes in with a big campaign war chest.

Rich Negrin, former managing director who handled that position well, has yet to win the hearts of Latino Democratic leaders.

Judge Teresa Carr Deni, who understands what is involved in battling in a DemoState Rep.

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Hughes Announces $125,000 Lead Grant

STATE SEN. Vincent Hughes, Democratic Chair of Senate Appropriations, announced a $125,000 grant for training and lead remediation. The funding is coming from programs for job training and community revitalization. With him at Tuesday’s announcement were City Councilman Curtis Jones; State Rep. Morgan Cephas; Congressman Bob Brady; Councilwoman Helen Gym; and Jerome Shabazz, executive director of Overbrook Art & Environmental Center. cratic primary, is already The GOP has their nomi- law-enforcement officer is making the rounds of ward nee in place. It’s Beth Gross- himself the target of a law enand similar events and is pick- man, former 21-year veteran forcement investigation. Not ing up support in that process. of the District Attorney’s of- only is it tragic, but it is abIt is believed Judge Leon fice. She made it official yes- solutely unacceptable.”

Tucker will jump into the traf- terday afternoon at 3149 A fourth-generation Philafic as well. If he does, he may Kensington Avenue. She said, delphian, Grossman chose this be contesting with Public De- “The District Attorney must site to make her announcefender chief Keir Bradford- hold him or herself to the ment “because the storefront Grey, who has yet to highest of ethical standards behind me was my parents’ announce, for a portion of the and integrity when enforcing candy store while I was growAfrican American vote which our laws. Seth Williams has ing up. I worked here during has been solidly behind in- failed to do so. It is a tragic school breaks. I bought my cumbent Seth Williams. irony that Philadelphia’s chief (Cont. Page 5)

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The Public Record • January 5, 2017

(Cont. From page 4) prom dress on the Avenue. I have seen how crime and drugs can deteriorate a neighborhood.”

Her campaign office is located at 7056 Germantown Avenue, Suite 301. The telephone number is (267) 516-6740.

Grossman believes there are more than enough people in this city ready to cross party lines to bring integrity back to the District Attorney’s office.

Page 5

Congrats to Acquitted L&I Deputy Commissioner

Old Faces, New Faces In Senate Leadership With a veto-proof majority in November’s General Election handed to the Republicans in the State Senate, little time has been lost by the GOP in naming leadership posts.

Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) has announced the majority of the 2017-18 assignments are the same as they were for the 2015-16 session, with the following changes.

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) will head the chamber’s Finance Committee, replacing State Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair). Hutchinson previously served as chair of the Local Government Committee. Eichelberger will move to the Education Committee, replacing former State Sen. Lloyd Smucker, who was

FORMER L&I Commissioner, Dominic “If you’re right, you fight” Verdi, fresh from his win in being declared innocent of bribery charges, bangs a drum for Pennsport String Band in New Year’s Parade. Here he is with friend Ken Adams.

The smiling Verdi is looking forward to enjoying a stressfree retirement. He was a great public servant.

Photo by Maria Merlino

Bartolotta (R-Washington) will now serve as chair of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee, replacing McGarrigle.

State Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) will switch from chair of the Game & Fisheries Committee to chair of the Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee, where he will replace State Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland). Scavello (Cont. Page 6)

Toasting Savior of Union On New Year’s Day

COUNCILMAN Al Taubenberger, R, gave a stirring address to hundreds at the popular annual Champagne Toast to the birthday of the late Gen. George Gordon Meade, savior of the Union. This outdoor event is held at Meade’s grave site in Laurel Hill Cemetery on Ridge Avenue. Taubenberger joined Albert El, chaplain, and Jon Peterson, Post Commander Union League Post 405 American Legion, in wreath-laying.

Photo by Joe Stivala, Post Adjutant

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elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional Dist. in November.

State Sen. Scott Wagner (RYork) will now serve as chair of Local Government. Wagner previously served as chair of Urban Affairs & Housing, where he will be replaced by State Sen. Tom McGarrigle (RDelaware), who formerly served as chair of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee. State Sen. Camera

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

Page 6

who retired.

The three other legislative caucuses have not yet released their committee chair assignments. All were voted in this Tuesday.

(Cont. From Page 5) will be replaced by State Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette). Ward will now head the Labor & Industry Committee, having replaced State Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne); and Baker will move to the Health & Human Services Committee, replacing State Sen. Patricia Vance,

City Republicans Host Inaugural Gala The Philadelphia Republican Party and the New South Philly GOP will host the only official Trump Inaugural gala in Philadelphia on Saturday, January 11, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Toll Man Joe’s, 26 E. Oregon Avenue. Those wish-

ing to attend have been advised they need to RSVP their intention to attend Vince Minniti, 6th Ward leader, 215827-9292 or emailvminniti16@gmail.com.

Cost is $35 a person, or at door. Roast beef, roast pork, pasta sides, draft beer and wine. Sorry, no Champagne for this one, but some top Republicans from the city and state are expected to attend.

Councilwoman Helen Gym Claims Solid Achievements

Councilwoman at Large Helen Gym can tack onto her next campaign brochure some achievements. She played an important role in the fight to restore essential resources back to schools, including full-time nurses and counselors in every school, and helped get a package of Council bills addressing lead poisoning and water safety in schools and child-care centers.

Look for her to continue her efforts to better educational services in this city.

Courts Continue to Rule On Election Laws The courts continue to rule on cases involving state election laws.

The latest was in a Northern Mariana Islands case and comes on the heels of a Supreme Court injunction in a similar lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch in Hawaii. Both cases involve blatantly unconstitutional practices that violate the 15th Amendment’s prohibition against racial discrimination in voting and the 14th Amendment’s requirement of equal protection, as Judicial Watch sees it.

In the Mariana Islands suit, a citizen, John Davis, challenged a Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands law restricting voting in certain elections to individuals of “Northern Marianas descent” as unconstitutional.

The US commonwealth defines this as persons who are at least one-quarter indigenous, either Chamorro or Carolinian, or a combination of both. Davis is a resident and taxpayer but doesn’t count as

“native” so he wasn’t allowed to vote. He had to hire an attorney because the Dept. of Justice, which is responsible for enforcing voter rights, refused to get involved.

Will Trump Reduce Presidential Expenses?

Incoming President Donald Trump was noted for boarding his own jet to a number of campaign stops in one day. So we wonder if he will continue to do so, or if safety regulations insist he travel on Air Force One. In any event, presidential usage of Airforce One and the accompanying entourage of Secret Service personnel found President Barack Obama’s travel expenses over his eight-year term came to $96,938,882.51. The reports contain information regarding Obama’s Earth Day trip to the Florida Everglades, a political fundraising trip to San Diego, Michelle Obama’s annual Aspen ski trip, her trip to Morocco, a family vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, as well as Hillary’s ride with Obama on Air Force One to North Carolina.

SEPTA to Move on Midvale Gas Plant

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The SEPTA Board has voted to authorize the Authority to advance a sustainability initiative that will power Regional Rail trains and the Midvale Bus Maintenance Facility with a new combined heat and power (CHP) plant and lighting upgrades at the Midvale Complex.

The $35.9 million project was developed under the Pennsylvania Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) and comes

at no cost to taxpayers or farepaying customers. This initiative, says SEPTA, will improve service reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower operating costs.

SEPTA said it thoroughly evaluated alternatives to CHP for this project, but found that other energy resources such as wind and solar are not capable of providing the resilient power load at the scale, costeffectiveness and reliability.

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LABORERS’ Business Mgr. Ryan Boyer, R, initiated “Laborers Give Back” Charity coat drive which brought new coats to children attending afterschool programs provided by Beckett Life Center. L-R are Dionne Frith, administrative assistant to Boyer; Tracey Woodall and Surrietha Blunt, LDC health & safety coordinators; Toni Staten, LDC executive director of LECET; and Carol Smith, manager of Beckett Life Center in N. Phila.

Page 7

Local 332 Gives Back for Holidays

SAMUEL STATEN JR., business manager of Local 332, welcomed 130 children of incarcerated fathers serving life at Graterford Prison to his union’s HQ. They’re part of a program called Fathers And Children Together (FACT). Back again is Donald “Ducky” Birts, marking his 10th year in role of Santa Claus for Local 332. Bicycles, clothing, and other toys were handed out. www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Soda-Tax Strong-Arming

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

Page 8

(Cont. From Page 3) to first create a list of campaign donations Sánchez had accepted from the beverage industry ahead of the staged encounter.

However, Slusser states that another mayoral staffer, Vaughn Ross, had already compiled a spreadsheet featuring industry donations to Sánchez – and every other member of City Council.

“Vaughn has but won’t be able to access till later today. I honestly don’t remember if it looks like more or less compared to other members,” she says, referring to $20,000 in donations Vaughn tracked from beverage industry figures to Sánchez. Council President “Darrell Clarke probably has 3x this.”

The delay in accessing that spreadsheet may have temporarily derailed the plan – ACTION United activists instead confronted Sánchez in her City Hall office about a week after the emails were sent, demanding she side with the mayor on the soda tax.

Ultimately, the plan went flat. Although the tax eventually passed, Sanchez placated the activists and maintained her opposition; the

incident earned just a few quick mentions in local news.

This week, the Kenney administration acknowledged its role in directing the ACTION United protest, asserting that the administration felt working through a proxy organization would juice media exposure.

Kenney spokesperson Lauren Hitt, who was also tagged in the email exchange, described the administration’s actions in light of a massive lobbying effort by the beverage industry and anti-soda tax protests held by Sánchez and other councilmembers.

“After the Councilwoman declared her opposition to the tax in a public rally outside City Hall, we worked with ACTION United on a pledge asking her not to take donations from the soda industry,” said Hitt. “It’s an ask we would have made directly if we didn’t think it would have been dismissed by the media as just part of the back and forth ... over the soda tax.”

Hitt claimed that the protestors had not been paid for their time and that Mayor Kenney had been kept in the dark about the plan.

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“He was aware that we were working on raising awareness of the soda industry’s political contributions. He wasn’t aware that this was one of the ways we were trying to do that,” she wrote in a Tuesday email.

The administration had previously sought to depict the relationship between the Mayor’s Office and its nonprofit coalition in benign terms.

“Our relationship with (Philadelphians for a Fair Future) is very much like the relationship Planned Parenthood has with cities or legislatures that are fighting anti-choice legislation. It’s not unusual at all,” Hitt told Philadelphia Magazine reporter Holly Otterbein.

But when informed of the plot, Sánchez was livid and described the staged protest as highly unusual. She said that she had initially chalked the encounter up as a stunt orchestrated by her longtime adversary, John Dougherty, a powerful union boss and a major soda-tax proponent.

She said the plan – and Kenney’s ignorance to it – was a signal that his administration had been hijacked by Slusser and other former campaign staffers-turned-government officials.

“This incident goes beyond the pale,” Sánchez said. “It was manufactured by immature campaign operatives given free rein to engage in inappropriate stunts. It should go without saying that ambushing a councilmember is unacceptable.”

She also said the incident should be a wake-up call to the rest of City Council.

“This time it was me, but in the future, anyone who doesn’t ‘fall in line’ could be similarly targeted,” she said.

She described the maneuvering as part of a larger, backchannel campaign to win support for the soda tax, along with the dark money campaign, and said she had demanded an audience with Kenney over the matter.

Page 9

Our Opinion The Coming Generation

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

It’s in the nature of politics for leaders to be elders. Experience is in part a function of age, so the people at the top tend to have had long careers in public service.

Today, though, we would like to note and salute the newcomers in Harrisburg, those just elected for the first time in November as well as a few sophomores. We see fresh faces and young blood on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill. It will be interesting to note how they fare this year and to chart their development.

They will have their work cut out for them. Looming over the General Assembly is the Commonwealth’s budget deficit, which has been burgeoning for several years, owing to the unwillingness of leadership to square revenues with expenditures.

As a rule, newcomers in a large legislative body are expected to learn the ropes and mind their leaders. But citizens cannot help noticing that the current budget deficit was created by precisely those leaders, lawmakers with seniority in previous sessions.

Perhaps some input from younger elected officials can contribute new solutions to this old problem.

Please, No More Taxes!

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. 10- S. Phila. Business Ass’n holds General Membership Mtg. at Popi’s Restaurant, 3120 S. 20th St., 6 p.m.

Cash bar. $40.

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.

Jan. 21- Ribbon Cutting for Rev. Mary L.B. Franks Resource Ctr. at Wayland Memorial Baptist Ch., 52nd & Baltimore Ave., 1 p.m.

Jan. 25- Green Party of Phila.

holds Nomination Mtg. at Roxborough Read & Eat, 6156 Ridge Ave., 7 p.m. City residents interested in running for office are welcome. Free.

For info: (215) 215) 8434256.

Feb. 3- Chapel of 4 Chaplains hosts Gala Awards Night at IATSE Ha., 2401 Swanson St. Tickets $100.

Feb. 10- Ward Leader Bobby Henon hosts 65th Ward Party at Maggie’s Waterfront Café, 9247 N. Delaware Ave., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $40. Checks payable to “Friends of the 65th Ward,” 9209 Torresdale Ave., Phila., PA 19114. For info: John Donohoe (267) 334-3775.

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- 9th Ward Democratic Committee hosts Fundraiser/ Petition-Signing Party at 7165 Bar & Lounge, 7165 German-

town Ave., 7-10 p.m. Tickets $60, Host level $100, Sponsor level $250. For info: (215) 917-4410.

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’ donation $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- Maj. Octavius Catto is honored at 6th & Lombard Sts., 10 a.m.; then at Union

League for Lunch and Awards. Tickets $35. For info: (215) 204-5452.

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.

Mar. 10- Pat Parkinson hosts 57th Ward Democrats’ St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Paddy Whacks, 9241 Roosevelt Blvd., 7 p.m. Tickets $40.

Food, drink. Music. Candidates $100.

Mar. 16- Republican 57th Ward hosts St. Patrick’s Day Party at Paddy Whack’s, 9241 Roosevelt Blvd., 6-9 p.m. All you can eat & drink. Tickets $40.

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

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

With all the campaign promises of no more taxes found in many of the platforms of newly elected and re-elected members of both chambers in Harrisburg, and weakening resolutions from some City Council members that we will not be taxed, we don’t believe them.

What has become the vogue and has been passing quite easily in both the State and the City’s legislative chambers are bills increasing fees. In Harrisburg, they get tacked on to the most innocuous of bills; the same with the City’s fees. Fees were once seen as necessary only to cover the cost of paperwork. It’s now obvious their proceeds get tapped to fund other needs generated by ever-expanding government.

We might get our windows broken for saying this, but we are hoping President-Elect Donald Trump will set the tone to be copied if he begins to shed excess weight in bloated federal programs.

An oasis amid all this is the work of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. It now is able to auction off new and returned licenses as a result of Act 39 of 2016. The first licenses auctioned off averaged out at $212,000.

Today, the PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates more than 600 wine-and-spirits stores statewide and licenses more than 20,000 beverage-alcohol producers and retailers. The PLCB also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups and licensees. Taxes and store profits – totaling $15.1 billion since the agency’s inception – are returned to Pennsylvania’s General Fund, which finances Pennsylvania’s schools, health and human-services programs, law-enforcement and public-safety initiatives, among other important public tasks. The PLCB also provides financial support for the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Dept. of Drug & Alcohol Programs, other state agencies and local municipalities across the state.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could get similar reports from other agencies both in the city and the state, which could be made possible by reducing their cost of operations?

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

Page 10

Councilman Jones’ ‘BlackOut’ Colors the Holidays Elegant

STYLE-CONSCIOUS Philadelphians turned out for 4th JOINING Councilman Curtis Jones, L, were district attorney L-R were State Rep. Jason Dawkins, boxing champion Simon Dist. Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.’s annual winter BlackOut candidate Teresa Carr Deni and veteran political consultant “One-Punch” Carr, Council President Darrell Clarke and Black Professionals News publisher Earl Harvey.

Party. Among this smart set were, L-R, campaign consultant Tommie St. Hill.

Marcus Spivey, Latina advisor Luz Colon, host Jones, communications pro Teresa Lundy and State Rep. Morgan Photos by Wendell Douglas Cephas.

L-R, ENJOYING the season’s social life were Councilman Curtis Jones, Wei Xiwing CITY-STATE teamwork was betokened by the appearance and Kim at Councilman Curtis Jones’s Black Out party by, L-R, Jones Shou. with State Reps. Jason Dawkins and Jordan Harris.

L-R were Kelsey Cephas, Marcus Spivey and State Rep. Morgan Cephas.

L-R, COUNCILMAN Curtis Jones shared a moment with Rochelle Hickson and impresario John Lightford.

COUNCILMAN Curtis Jones shared this moment with Vikki Kristiansson, who is eyeing a judicial race.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

COUNCIL staffers turned out for their boss’ affair: L-R, Charlita Davis, Al Spivey, Michael Lane, Councilman Curtis Jones and Crystal Tann Roberts.

ALL TOGETHER now were, L-R, Ward Leader Dwayne Lilley, George Aument, Ward Leader Donna Aument, Judge Vincent N. Melchiorre and senatorial aide Omar Sabir.

DRESSED in elegant black were, L-R, Earl Harvey, “Lady L-R, HOLIDAY glamor was shared by Councilman Al B” (Wendy Clark), Congressman Dwight Evans and Carol Taubenberger, Council President Darrell Clarke and host Smith.

Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

REPUBLICAN legislators Martina White and Tom Murt note they carry Philly ADDRESSING the audience at Media Center in Harrisburg and welcoming General Assemweight in the GOP-held bly members is State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams as State Reps. Jordan Harris and Donna Bullock, State Sen. Art Haywood and State Rep. Chris Rabb look on. Photo by Bonnie Squires House. Photo by Bonnie Squires

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

TAKING oaths of office are State Rep. Donna Bullock, State ALL SMILES at Inauguration were State Reps. Jason Sen. Art Haywood and State Rep. Chris Rabb administered Dawkins, Morgan Cephas and Mary Jo Daley.

by District Judge Gregory Scott.

Photo by Bonnie Squires Photo by Bonnie Squires

SPEAKER Mike Turzai and his wife, Dr. Lydia Turzai, welcomed guests to his office after inauguration of both chambers of the General Assembly. Photo by Bonnie Squires

STATE REPS. Mike Carroll and Margo Davidson, though far apart geographically, share much in commmon.

COMPARING notes were State Sen. Sharif Street and State Photo by Bonnie Squires Rep. Brian Sims.

Photo by Bonnie Squires

FORMER House Speaker Bob O’Donnell, his wife Donna, and State Rep. Jim Roebuck insisted Bonnie Squires get in STATE REP. Pam DeLissio this photo. is all smiles having weathered continued assaults to take her Roxborough seat.

Photo by Bonnie Squires

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 161001261 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar HECM Acquisition Trust 2016-2, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not Individually but Solely as Trustee, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Willie Mae Long a/k/a Willie Long, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: The Unknown Heirs of Willie Mae Long a/k/a Willie Long, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 514 McKean Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148. 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 HECM Acquisition Trust 2016-2, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not Individually but Solely as Trustee, 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. 161001261, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 514 McKean Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, 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, 215227-2400/215-981-3700. 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 19106-1532, 215.627.1322.

Page 11

Back on The Hill

Page 12 The Public Record • January 5, 2017 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE - WHEREAS, on April 24, 2009, a certain mortgage was executed by Eleanor T. McCool and James Joseph McCool, Sr., as mortgagor in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County in Mortgage Document Number 52057504 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 5945 Houghton Street Philadelphia, PA 19128, parcel number 213230200(“Property”); and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by James Joseph McCool, Sr. and Eleanor T. McCool, husband and wife, by virtue of deed dated January 11, 1946 and recorded January 17, 1946 in Book CJP 1129; Page 77; and WHEREAS, Eleanor T. McCool died on August 15, 2014. By operation of law title vests solely in James Joseph McCool. James Joseph McCool died on March 12, 2015 intestate and is survived by his heirs-at-law, Karen Ann Lapera, Eileen C. Walls, Kevin McCool and James McCool.

WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("Secretary"), pursuant to an assignment recorded on March 17, 2015 in Document Number 52892434, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as James Joseph McCool died on March 12, 2015, and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of October 20, 2016 is $240,986.86 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary's designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on September 29, 2011 in Misc. 52395684, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that at January 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the Property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: All that certain lot or piece of ground with buildings and improvements thereon erected described according to a Survey and Plan thereof made by John T. Campbell, Surveyor and Regulator of the Ninth District on the Twenty-eighth day of July A. D. 1941, as follows, to wit: Situate on the Southwesterly side of Houghton Street (fifty feet wide) at the distance of two hundred twenty-nine feet, Two and one-half inches Northwestwardly from the Northwesterly side of Gerhard Street (fifty feet wide) in the Twenty-first Ward of the City of Philadelphia. Containing in front or breadth on the said Houghton Street eighteen feet, two inches and extending Southwestwardly in length or depth between parallel lines at right angles to said Houghton Street on the Southeasterly line thereof Ninety-eight feet, Six and three-fourths inches and on the Northwesterly line thereof ninetyeight feet, one and five-eighths inches and containing in breadth on its rear line Eighteen feet, two and one-eighth inches, the said Southeasterly and Northwesterly lines passing through the average center of the party wall between this and the premises adjoining on the Southeast and Northeast respectively and crossing a certain fifteen feet wide driveway which extends Southeastwardly into said Gerhard Street and Northwestwardly curving to the right at its Northwesternmost end and from thence extending Northeastwardly into the said Houghton Street. Being No. 5945 Houghton Street, Philadelphia, PA 19128. Being Parcel Number: 213230200. Together with the free and common use, right, liberty and privilege of the aforesaid driveways as and for passageways and courses at all times hereafter forever, in common with the owner, tenants and occupiers of the other lots of ground bounding thereon and entitled to the use thereof. The sale will be held on January 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $240,986.86 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $240,986.86 as of October 20, 2016, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner's attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary outof-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary's bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier's check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable.

The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier's check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder's deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

Heard on the Hill And City Hall

Neilson Announces 2017 House Scholarship Program State Rep. Ed Neilson (DNorthwast), announced the application process is now open for students to apply for the Pennsylvania House Scholarship Program.

Neilson said the program is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a fulltime student. Students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average in high school to be eligible. Other factors taken into consideration are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need.

A link to the application for the scholarship program is now available on Neilson’s website at www.pahouse.com/Neilson.

The application deadline is March 1 and two scholarships will be awarded.

Created by members of the Pennsylvania House, this scholarship is funded by private donations, including gifts from former and current House members. No tax dollars are used, and children of House members or their staff are not eligible.

Neilson said his office can assist students with questions about Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency loans and grants. Constituents can stop by his district office at 16 Old Ashton Road, or call (215) 330-3714.

Boyle Offers Health-Care Enrollment

State Rep. Kevin Boyle (DNortheast) announced that his constituent-service office at 7801-A Hasbrook Avenue is offering onsite enrollment help for health-care insurance coverage.

Constituents can sign up for appointments or walk in (Cont. Page 19)

Page 13

by Denise Clay In last week’s “Everyday People,” I talked about some of the nonsense that went on in 2016, a year where nonsense seemed to be lurking around every corner.

But while the “highlights” of 2016, if I may call them that, include knowing that former Congressman Chaka Fattah and former Attorney Gen. Kathleen Kane will be wearing prison jumpsuits by the end of the month, they weren’t the only game in town when it came to politics this year.

For instance, this was the beginning of the end of the last term of Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president.

It began pretty much like every other year of the Obama Administration had. He had Republican obstruction to deal with. Folks tried to disrespect him at the State of the Union speech, only to find that he’s mastered the one-liner. He also had to deal with near-constant attacks on the Affordable Care Act as well as a Republican Senate that made up its own rule (“the next president should do it”) when it came to replacing Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia after his death.

But he still managed to accomplish a few things, most notably pardoning hundreds sentenced under unfair drug laws as part of a push toward criminal-justice reform.

In addition to coming to the Democratic National Convention over the summer, the President and First Lady Michelle Obama spent a lot of time in Philadelphia on the campaign trail for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. With an approval rating near 60% throughout his last year in office, and (Cont. Page 15)

LT. GOV. MIKE STACK helped bring in the New Year at the Mummers Parade. He attended the kickoff and watched a variety of Mummers perform. He also was interviewed by Channel 17’s SHARRIE WILLIAMS and STEVE HIGHSMITH and talked about his own experiences growing up in South Philly with the Mummers.

CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY, the chairman for the Philadelphia Democrats, marched in the parade. Stack grew up attending the Mummers Parade and proudly saluted that Philadelphia tradition as a representative for the whole state of Pennsylvania as he talked to well-wishers while taking in the parade.

The weather was parade perfect ... 50 degrees and sunny. It contrasted with some of the bitter cold and rain of past Mummers Parades. Whether it’s a sign of global warming or God smiling on the Mummers, it was great weather.

The panelists on the Channel 6 news show, “Inside Story” rarely get it right. But politicians and citizens watch it anyway, just like they watched CAPT. KANGAROO and JOAN LONDON. Since it’s a locally produced program, one can’t help stopping to listen to the political chatter. It is rare they have a panelist who has any experience at all in politics. But BRIAN TIERNEY, the Republican operative, has extensive experience in business and as a consultant. He is the exception, though.

On the current “Inside Edition,” the panelists declared that GOV. TOM WOLF is vulnerable. They asked: “In two years, will we be talking about GOV. SCOTT WAGNER?” The audacity of such a statement cannot be overlooked. No one has even heard of Scott Wagner, who is a first-term state senator with a lot of money. Although the senator has certainly made a mark in his own caucus, he has absolutely no track record on important issues in Pennsylvania. Wolf has actually accomplished a fair amount in his first two years.

His big problem is he doesn’t know how to fully take credit and connect with people. If he can figure that out, the talking heads will change their tune.

Wolf is also reportedly prepared to spend a lot of his own money again. The main difference in the upcoming political cycle is that former GOV. TOM CORBETT was perceived as such a failure that any reasonable Democratic alternative would’ve won. Now the onus is squarely (Cont. Page 18)

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Yo! Here we go with this summary of life, culled from the internet.

Great truths that little children have learned: 1) No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cats. 2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush your hair. 3) If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person. 4) Never ask your 3-year-old brothers to hold a tomato. 5) You can’t trust dogs to watch your food. 6) Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair. 7) Never hold a dust-buster and a cat at the same time. 8) You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. 9) Don’t wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts. 10) The best place to be when you’re sad is on Grandpa’s lap.

Great truths that adults have learned: 1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree. 2) Wrinkles don’t hurt. 3) Families are like fudge – mostly sweet, with a few nuts. 4) Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground. 5) Laughing is good exercise. It’s like jogging on the inside. 6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

Great truths about growing old; 1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. 2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you’re down there. 4) You’re getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller-coaster. 5) It’s frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions. 6) Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician. 7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

The four stages of life: 1) You believe in Santa Claus. 2) You don’t believe in Santa Claus.

3) You are Santa Claus. 4) You look like Santa Claus.

Success: At age 4, success is – not peeing in your pants. At age 12, success is – having friends. At age 17, success is – having a driver’s license. At age 35, success is – having money. At age 50, success is – having money. At age 70, success is — having a driver’s license. At age 75, success is – having friends. At age 80, success is – not peeing in your pants.

Pass this on to someone who could use a laugh and take the time to live! Life is short. Dance naked and eat dessert first!

A HAPPY and HEALTHY New Year to ALL! Thanks for reading the Philadelphia Public Record and City & State Magazine!... In 2017, there is good news for New Jersey pensions thanks to State Sen. Steve SWEENEY’S effort for quarterly payments to the pension fund at adequate levels.

A good reason that pension funds are in trouble is due to long-term UNDERFUNDING! A 2017 wish is for CHEAP banks to pay more than MEAGER-MINUTE interest on savings! We forked over huge amounts to save banks and financial institutions eight years ago. Banks are in sound fiscal health. So PAY REALISTIC interest!... A 2017 HAPPY-BIRTHDAY wish to good folks in our region: Pastor Anthony STEVENSON, Verna TYNER, Mark SEGAL, Chris BRENNAN, Dawn TANCREDI, Esq., Hon. Jack WAGNER, Michael BOYLE, Esq., Lynn FARRELL, Fran COWGILL, David RODRIGUEZ, Micah MAHJOUBIAN and David BIRTS!!

Expect to see more good works from the BUILDING TRADES and LOCAL 98 in 2017! Right up to the close of 2016, the Building Trades were supporting Rock Ministries, and cleaning up under the Frankford El. And Local 98 members were cooking dinner at Ronald McDonald House, and delivering toys to kids at CHOP! (Some of their critics were at wine-and-cheese parties, or in slippers by the fire)....

Looks like a possible CROWDED SLATE for four State Superior Court seats, with three potential PHILLY candidates.

Philly ideally ought to field TWO candidates, so as not to (Cont. Page 18)

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

On Tuesday, Pennsylvania’s US Congressmen and US Senators were sworn in. US SEN. PAT TOOMEY’S supporters were invited to view him taking the oath of office by television from a room in the Hart Senate Building. As the Senate floor is small, only family was able to be there with him.

That evening, Toomey held a reception for his supporters at the Newseum. The Newseum is a museum documenting the history of news coverage in the US from Colonial times.

The Philadelphia contingent to the events included Chairman Emeritus of the Irish American Business Chamber BILL McLAUGHLIN, as well as local WARD LEADERS BARBARA COXE, MATT WOLFE and DENISE FUREY, SCOTT MINNITI of the New South Philly GOP, 30th Ward CHAIRMAN BETH ELKINS and Board Member of the National Republican Lawyers Association LINDA KERNS. Philadelphia Toomey staffers were also there, including PHIL INNAMORATO and JAMES FITZPATRICK, who now is back to the Senate staff from the campaign.

While there were many members of Pennsylvania’s Republican State Committee present, offices of that group were not seen. At first I thought that it might have been owing to Toomey’s failure to endorse DONALD TRUMP, but they were not seen at other events that day. Also, PAGOP CHAIRMAN ROB GLEASON issued (as expected) a resignation letter to the members of State Committee by email Monday.

The evening reception opened with a few words from Toomey, who introduced Senate MAJORITY LEADER (Cont. Page 14)

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

Page 14

ELEPHANT (Cont. From Page 13) MITCH McCONNELL (RKy.). McConnell praised the crowd for returning Toomey to the Senate and thus helping the Republicans to maintain

control of that body. McConnell said it is wonderful to have someone as intelligent as Toomey enter the Senate and praised him for his contributions and hard work.

Thirteen Pennsylvania GOP US Congressmen were

also sworn in on Tuesday.

Two new Pennsylvanians sworn in on Tuesday were CONGRESSMEN BRIAN FITZPATRICK (R-Bucks) and LLOYD SMUCKER (RLancaster). Fitzpatrick replaces his brother MIKE,

who term-limited himself.

Smucker won the seat vacated by retiring JOE PITTS. Are we still paying for KATHLEEN KANE? INTERIM AG BRUCE BEEMER is refusing to pay DC-based law firm Buck-

leySandler for work it did in an investigation into the exchange of pornographic emails among AG staffers, defense attorneys and jurists.

The AG’s office stated the BuckleySandler report was unsatisfactory, and it’s resisting

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE - WHEREAS, on August 25, 2005, a certain mortgage was executed by Willie Cherry, as mortgagor in favor of BNY Mortgage Company, LLC as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County in Mortgage Document Number 51262458 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 2808 North 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19132, parcel number 111258400 (“Property”); and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by Willie Cherry by virtue of deed dated May 8, 1992 and recorded May 21, 1992 in Book VCS 74; Page 130; and WHEREAS, Willie Cherry died on January 26, 2015 intestate and is survived by his heirs-at-law, Valerie Whitfield aka Valerie Cumberbatch, Yvonne Cotton-Campbell, Yarnetta Lee and Wilhelmenia Lee; and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("Secretary"), pursuant to an assignment recorded on May 17, 2011 in Document Number 52348188, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as Willie Cherry died on January 26, 2015, and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of October 28, 2016 is $52,423.88 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary's designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on September 29, 2011 in Misc. Document Number 52395684, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that at January 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the Property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with the two story brick messuage or tenement thereon erected, SITUATE on the Westerly side of Twentieth Street at the distance of sixty-one feet Northwardly from the Northerly side of Somerset Street in the 11th formerly part of the Thirty-Eighth Ward of the City of Philadelphia. CONTAINING in front or breadth on the said Twentieth Street fifteen feet and extending of that width in length or depth Westward between parallel lines at right angles to the said Twentieth Street, eighty feet to a certain Three feet seven inches wide alley which leads Southwardly into said Somerset Street. KNOWN AS 2808 North 20th Street. TOGETHER with all and singular the buildings, improvements, ways, waters, water-courses, driveways, rights, liberties, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging, or in any way appertaining, and the reversions and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof. BEING parcel number 111258400. The sale will be held on January 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 . The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $52,423.88 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $52,423.88 as of October 28, 2016, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner's attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale.

When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary's bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier's check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier's check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder's deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

paying in full. Under Kane, the AG’s Office agreed to pay former Maryland AG DOUGLAS GANSLER and his firm for their work. The bill thus far is $2 million. Gansler has already received about $385,000.

AG Office spokesman CHUCK ARDO said the final report was in fact, in the AG’s opinion, not final. He noted the report flagged thousands of totally innocuous emails, leaving the final legwork to AG staffers. The report included names of people that may not have done anything wrong. Accepting the report as final would lead to its public release. Ardo stated that releasing names of people not fully investigated could set up the AG’s office for lawsuits.

Speaking of innocent people suffering from Porngate… . Philadelphia prosecutor MARC COSTANZO was vilified in this mess. He was removed from a plum assignment in the Philadelphia DA’s office, moved to a back-office job and required to attend gender sensitivity “training’ owing to allegations that his involvement in this scandal was more extensive than it was. His sin, as ultimately revealed, was that he received two emails that were inappropriate but did not initiate or forward any questionable emails. He was criticized in the press with a number of people demanding that he be fired. When his limited involvement came to light, other Philadelphia news outlets published retractions – but, of course, in smaller font and on back pages.

Fox News noted on Monday that 51% of Democrats think voting machines were hacked by the Russians, thus turning the tide of the elections. Sorry, hacking the Democratic National Committee is not the same as hacking your vote. If the Wikileaks-released DNC and the Clinton campaign emails told you something you did not already suspect (I mean really suspect), then you have been living under a rock for decades.

presidency. But if you thought that the American people were going to continue this move toward the 21st century by electing a woman, even a talented, experienced white woman, I’ve got some

swampland in Florida I’d like you to take a look at.

Want proof? Here’s some statistics: 53% of white women and 13% of Black men voted for Donald Trump. You would think these two groups

wouldn’t go near a dude who (a) bragged about sexually assaulting women or (b) was getting political endorsements from former Klan leader David Duke, but they did.

(Cont. Next Page)

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE - WHEREAS, on February 17, 2006, a certain mortgage was executed by Julie Vitale, as mortgagor in favor of Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, a Subsidiary of IndyMac Bank, F.S.B. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County in Mortgage Document Number 51391837 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 2305 South Lambert Street Philadelphia, PA 19145, parcel number 262178500 (“Property”); and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by Salvatore Vitale and Julie Vitale, husband and wife, by virtue of deed dated May 29, 1952 and recorded June 2, 1952 in Book MLS 118; Page 550; and WHEREAS, Salvatore Vitale died February 17, 2006. By operation of law title vested solely in Julie Vitale. Julie Vitale died on September 22, 2014 intestate and is survived by her heirs-at-law, Thomas Vitale, Bonita Sabatini and Deborah M. Vitale; and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("Secretary"), pursuant to an assignment recorded on August 13, 2013 in Document Number 52681085, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as Julie Vitale died on September 22, 2014, and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of September 19, 2016 is $206,011.85 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary's designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on September 29, 2011 in Misc. 52395684, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that at January 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the Property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: All that certain lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate on the East side of Lambert Street at the distance of 30 feet 02 inches Southward from the South side of Wolf Street in the Twenty-Sixth formerly part of the 36th Ward of the City of Philadelphia, County of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania. Containing in front or breadth on the said Lambert Street 14 feet 02 inches and extending of that width in length or depth Eastward between parallel lines at right angles to the said Lambert Street 51 feet 06 inches to a certain 03 feet wide alley which extends Northward and Southward from the said Wolf Street to Ritner Street. Being known as 2305 South Lambert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145.

Being BRT Tax#26-2-1785-00.

Being Plan/Parcel #30 S 15 – 219. Together with the free and common use, right, liberty and privilege of the aforesaid alley as and for a passageway and watercourse at all times hereafter, forever. Being known as 2305 South Lambert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. The sale will be held on January 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $206,011.85 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $206,011.85 as of September 19, 2016, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner's attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary's bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier's check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier's check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them.

The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder's deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

(Cont. From Page 13) with the presidential contest shaping up to be Clinton taking on Republican nominee Donald Trump, everyone acknowledged that no matter who became the next president, they’d have trouble reaching the bar at the height Barack Obama set it.

We had no idea just how much trouble until Election Night.

In November, America became the only country in the world to have a former realityTV star as its head of state when voters took to the polls (or didn’t … depends on who you ask) and made Donald Trump, the former host of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” the nation’s 45th president.

And from that moment on, the president-elect has continued to show us that everything we thought we knew about the importance of truth, the game of politics, presidential conduct, or even what NOT to put on social media wasn’t necessarily going to apply anymore.

From the moment he announced his candidacy at Trump Tower in a speech that told us what kind of campaign he was going to run, to a Republican National Convention that gave us the phrase “vote your conscience” (something that neither Republican delegates nor the Electoral College was allowed to do), to even getting endorsements from white-nationalist groups and rewarding that endorsement by hiring Steve Bannon of Breitbart, the news engine of the so-called “alt-right” as his campaign CEO and now White House adviser, Trump has pretty much turned American politics on its ear.

Or at least he has if you’ve never paid close attention to the American electorate.

While I don’t bet on much, one bet I’ll always take is that the American public will go into a voting booth and do something totally off the wall.

It’s a bet I’ve never lost.

And let’s be honest. When you’re a working-class American and you’ve voted for a group of

something different, but there’s only so much change they’re down for.

When Barack Obama became the nation’s 44th president eight years ago, he broke the color line of the American

Page 15

Everyday

people who are campaigning to take away everything you need to survive and have no plan to replace it, off the wall is the nicest way I can put that.

Also, let’s face it. Americans may talk about wanting

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The Public Record • January 5, 2017

Page 16

Everyday (Cont. From Prev. Page) And because of this, we’re going to find out the hard way that the Republicans never had anything to replace the Af-

fordable Care Act. And the ACLU is about to get paid….

We got a new mayor in 2016 when Jim Kenney was sworn in as the city’s 99th mayor in January. For most people, the fact

that he wasn’t outgoing Mayor Michael Nutter was all the political capital he needed. So he tested it by trying to get Universal Pre-Kindergarten, and the Sugary Drinks tax that would finance it, passed.

Beverages included in the tax include sweetened sodas, iced teas, and sports drinks like Gatorade. Water, 100%juice drinks, and drinks in which sugar has to be added, like coffee, were excluded

from the tax.

When the bill was introduced, it became a battle between education advocates, nutritionists, retailers and sugary drink bottlers in the form of the No Grocery Tax Coalition.

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE - WHEREAS, on January 09, 2009, a certain mortgage was executed by Genevia Hamilton, as mortgagor in favor of MetLife Home Loans, a Division of MetLife Bank, N.A. as mortgagee and was recorded in Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County in Mortgage Document Number 52023531 (“Mortgage”); and WHEREAS, the Mortgage encumbers property located at 3312 North Bailey Street Philadelphia, PA 19129, parcel number 381183000 (“Property”); and WHEREAS, the Property was owned by Alonzo J. Hamilton and Genevia Hamilton, husband and wife, by virtue of deed dated May 14, 1996 and recorded September 6, 1996 in Book JTD 80; Page 473; and WHEREAS, Alonzo Hamilton died on September 5, 2007. By operation of law title vests solely in Genevia Hamilton. Genevia Hamilton died on May 30, 2015 intestate and is survived by her heir-at-law, Denise Johnson White; and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("Secretary"), pursuant to an assignment recorded on October 28, 2013 in Document Number 52712301, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage (paragraph 9 (a)(i)), as Genevia Hamilton died on May 30, 2015, and that upon the death the entire principal balance becomes due and owing, and that no payment was made, and remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this Notice; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of September 22, 2016 is $81,052.05 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, l2 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR Part 29, and by the Secretary's designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on September 29, 2011 in Misc. Document Number: 52395684, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, notice is hereby given that at January 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the Property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: All that certain lot or piece of ground with the Messuage or Tenement thereon erected, situate on the Northwest side of Bailey Street at the distance of 101 feet 6 -3/4 inches Northwestward from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northwest side of Bailey Street with the Northeast side of Westmoreland Street, in the 38th Ward of the City of Philadelphia. Containing in front or breadth on the said Bailey Street 16 feet 4 inches and extending of that width in length or depth Northwestward between parallel lines at right angles to the said Bailey Street 55 feet 6 inches to the middle line of a certain 10 feet wide driveway which extends Southwestward and Northeastward communicating at its Northeasternmost end with a certain 10 feet wide driveway which extends Northwestward and Southeastward from Marston Street to Bailey Street. Being 3312 North Bailey Street. Together with free common use, right, liberty and privilege of the aforesaid driveway as and for driveways and passageways at all times hereafter forever in common with the owners, tenants and occupiers of the other lots of ground bounding thereon and entitled to the use thereof. Being parcel number 381183000. The sale will be held on January 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Southeast Entrance of Philadelphia City Hall located at Broad Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $81,052.05 plus interest, costs and other charges through the sale date. Ten percent (10%) of the highest bid is the deposit required at the sale. The amount that must be paid to HUD by the mortgagors or someone acting on their behalf so that the sale may be stayed is the total delinquent amount of $81,052.05 as of September 22, 2016, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner's attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bid, all bidders, except the Secretary, must submit a deposit totaling ten percent 10% of the Secretary's bid as set forth above in the form of a certified check or cashier's check made out to the Secretary of HUD. Each oral bid need not be accompanied by a deposit. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of ten (10%) percent must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within thirty (30) days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence.

This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier's check. If the Secretary is the high bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveyance fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for fifteen (15) days, and a fee will be charged in the amount of $150.00 for each fifteen (15) day extension requested. The extension fee shall be paid in the form of a certified or cashier's check made payable to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder's deposit will be forfeited, and the Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD Field Office Representative, offer the Property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the Act. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein.

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown introduced a bill that would have taxed all containers to try and broker a compromise. Soda bottlers brought cases of sugary drinks to council members in hopes of swaying votes. Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, whose district is home to a Coca-Cola bottling plant, accused the Kenney administration of coming after her because of her opposition to the tax.

In the end, Kenney won and the Sugary Drinks Tax was passed. No Grocery Tax Coalition members filed suit, saying that the tax conflicted with existing state taxes, but it was thrown out of Common Pleas Court.

It was also announced that the City of Philadelphia was going to get another big event, the 2017 NFL draft. It seems to be an event the Kenney administration is interested in nurturing, unlike Forbes 30 Under 30, which walked away from the city in 2016 and the Budweiser Made In America concert, which may be on its way out in 2017.

And don’t even get me started on the hot mess that was the Welcome America! Concert. It was made up of acts that were old in the ’70s, Bryshere Gray from “Empire” and Tony-winner Leslie Odom, who had to be asking himself, “I left ‘Hamilton’ for this?!”

Police brutality was, unfortunately, still a thing in 2016.

In a one-week period, Alton Sterling of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Philandro Castile of St. Paul, Minn. became the latest in a long list of Black men shot by police.

Sterling was unarmed and selling DVDs in front of a convenience store when he was shot in the back by police, while Castile was carrying a licensed pistol when he was shot to death and the incident was carried via Facebook Live by his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds.

Jeronimo Yanez, the officer that shot Castile, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the killing.

But I wouldn’t expect justice in that case necessarily.

JUDGE Carolyn Nichols shared New Year’s wishes with Ward Leader Dan ONE HAT’S in the ring, another may be tipping that way: Muroff.

L-R, district attorney candidate Teresa Carr Deni; former Common Pleas Court Frederica Massiah-Jackson, whose followers are urging a primary effort on her; and host Henry Nicholas of NUHHCE Local 1199C.

L-R at Henry Nicholas’s party were City Controller Alan Butkovitz, who is up for re-election this year; Nicholas; former Mayor Wilson Goode, Sr., who is not running for anything this year; and Keir Bradford-Grey, who has been mentioned as a possibility in the district attorney’s race.

L-R were New Year’s Day host Henry Nicholas, former School Reform Commissioner Sandra Dungee Glenn, Ducky FIVE SHINING stars greeted the new year: L-R, Cynthia Birts, former federal prosecutor Joe Khan and 2-year-old fu- Douglas, Linda Fields, Lynn Carter, Denise Berry and Deborah L. Canty. ture mayor of Phila. Nathan Khan.

SENATORIAL aide Omar Sabir, L, paid his respects to HENRY NICHOLAS was glad for the yearlong support of Local 1199C Exec. Assistant Salima Pace.

Henry Nicholas on New Year’s Day.

HENRY Nicholas, Sandra Dungee Glenn and Ducky Birts.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

L-R, WELCOMING in 2017 were Council President Darrell Clarke, Local 1199C President Nicholas and Gregory Nicholas.

KICKING OFF the new year at Henry Nicholas’s home were, L-R, State Rep. Jim Roebuck, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Nicholas and Judge Carolyn Nichols, who may be interested in a Superior Court race.

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

HENRY NICHOLAS, president of the dominant health-care labor union NUHHCE Local 1199C, traditionally welcomes in the New Year at his N. Central home, which is known for HENRY NICHOLAS, L, was joined at his party by Sharif its massive collection of art. Among the host of attendees this Street, who was sworn in as state senator the next day. year were, L-R, Phila. Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey, Judge Carolyn Nichols, Nicholas, Councilwoman Cindy Bass Photos by Wendell Douglas and S. Phila. activist Jim Jenkins.

Page 17

1199C Chief Nicholas Welcomes New Year Artistically

(Cont. From Page 13) not to upset Western Pennsylvania who would want an equal amount of candidates.

The potential Philly candidates are Judges Maria McLAUGHLIN, Lori DUMAS AND Carolyn NICHOLS. As for the DA’s race, there are four male Democrats with the incumbent included. One, a former federal prosecutor, is the last thing I seek in a DA – after a long Philly “night” of seemingly pedantic prosecutions. With the incumbent having now some 35-40% of the vote, other candidates will have to split the vote leading to doom for them, as they assist the incumbent to victory.

So why would they spend big money to lose? Hmm. I am interested in a candidate that is not driven by hunger for STATISTIC-DRIVEN PROSECUTIONS and will courageously mention and seek DIVERSIONARY PROGRAMS for the worthy. One of these candidates is former

With the UNIONS

Angel Wins Award

Election Results May Prove Costly Organized labor took it on the chin again in its battle to restrict the ability of more states to pass right to work bills. At least three states’ legislatures are expected to resurrect and put on their agenda right-to-work bills next year.

If passed that would bring the total number of right-to-work states to nearly 30.

Election results brought changes that put right-to-work proponents in good positions to effect those changes.

Twenty-six states have rightto-work laws on the books, with labor experts expecting lawmakers in at least three more — Kentucky, Missouri and New Hampshire — to pass bills giving workers the power to choose whether they want to join a union or pay union dues.

The issue pits the business

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The Public Record • January 5, 2017

Page 18

WALKING

Judge Teresa CARR DENI. The MILLIONS spent to defend our schools in the CAMERA court case – money wasted; just capitulate! The news media, in its search for public BLOAT, should examine the school administration.

All the Brouhaha by a City Councilwoman on the payout to Vince FENERTY should have been directed to the HIGH cost of the schools’ CAMERA court case. The funds paid to Fenerty are HIS EARNED money!... And the news of our State Attorney General BALKING at paying the tab for the PORNGATE investigation – why not? He BALKED at releasing PORNGATE names.

PAT PARKINSON announced his annual St. PATRICK’S Party will be on Mar. 10 in Paddy Whack’s on the Boulevard. A great time, in a month which includes the MASS, Mayor’s Proclamation, Friendly Sons Service, Irish Memorial ceremony and Judge James LYNN’S Plough & Stars event! All worthy of your support.

community against labor unions, and has proved to be a contentious one for both parties.

Proponents of right-towork laws argue they force unions to become more accountable to their members and make states more attractive to companies looking to move.

But unions fiercely oppose right-to-work legislation and say not only do such laws harm union membership, but they also lead to decreased wages and benefits.

CITY HALL (Cont. From Page 13) on the incumbent.

HILLARY CLINTON’S loss in Pennsylvania demonstrated that even with large majorities in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, a Republican could still win. That equation may change in a lower-turnout offyear election such as that for governor and lieutenant gov-

Prof. Marina Angel The Women in Legal Education section of the Association of American Law Schools has selected Temple Prof. Marina Angel as the 2016 recipient of the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lifetime Achievement Award, to be awarded in San Francisco today.

Prof. Angel’s feminist ernor.

Some are speculating that US SEN. BOB CASEY may have a potential race on his hands for the same reason. But Casey has done a solid job on bread-and-butter issues. He needs to move away, however, from the far left and back to moderate voters that have been his base.

Prominent businessman MARK NICOLETTI hosted a New Year’s Eve dessert

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

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teaching and scholarship focus on a range of issues, including women in legal education and the profession, violence against women, school shootings, and abused women who kill their abusers. She joined the Temple Law faculty in 1979.

Temple University Provost JoAnne Epps, former dean of the Temple Beasley School of Law, added her congratulations and praise, remarking, “Prof. Angel’s passion for equality and justice is exemplary of an advocate’s spirit, and her many contributions reflect a lifetime of service worthy of great honor and respect.” party at his beautiful home on Delancey Street. STATE SEN. LARRY FARNESE attended along with a lovely friend.

All of the State Senate and House members were sworn in this week. City Hall Sam will be ready to give a recap if he is able to get floor credentials for the Senate and House chambers. Suffice it to say the swearing-in will be essentially a Republican show, as they won seats in the House and Senate, where they now have a veto-proof majority.

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civil arrest warrants are common when debts go unpaid, judgments unanswered, and supplementary process actions neglected. When matters get to this advanced stage, and a person who owes money continues to ignore court hearings, the court will issue a civil arrest warrant. This warrant isn’t a ticket to jail, but rather a way for the sheriff to force a person into court to answer questions about the unpaid debt.

With a warrant in hand, a creditor will often still attempt to communicate informally with the judgment debtor, sending a letter or calling by phone. Sheriff’s of-

fices also have different procedures. Some will also attempt informal contact while others will proceed with arrest.

When a bankruptcy is filed, the automatic stay arises by operation of law.

What that means is that merely by filing a bankruptcy case, a legal bar goes into effect stopping all collection activities, including the right of the sheriff to arrest you on a civil warrant. This is an attractive side benefit of the ultimate goal of bankruptcy: Getting debts discharges is wonderful, but getting a little breathing room while that process goes forward is welcome relief.

Procedurally, it is important to get expe-

dited notice of the bankruptcy filing to the judgment creditor.

It is their job to contact the sheriff and call them off. If they do not act quickly to do so, and you are arrested, you will have a claim for a violation of the automatic stay, entitling you to recover damages and attorneys’ fees.

Next Week’s Question: Will my neighbors and employer find out I filed a bankruptcy?

rolling should bring all the documents mentioned above, as well as the following: Any renewal letters received from the Marketplace or their insurance provider; Sign-in information from their Marketplace account, if they have one; and Immigrants should bring their immigration documents (green card, visa, etc.).

Those interested in receiving assistance with health-care enrollment should contact Boyle’s office at (215) 6951016 to schedule an appointment.

Councilwoman Bass Sets Dist. 8 Trash Task Force

8th Dist. Councilwoman Cindy Bass has announced the creation of a Dist. 8 Trash Task

Force — a group of community leaders, elected officials, and activists working towards a solution to the chronic and longterm problem of trash dumping in Philadelphia.

“Unfortunately, illegal dumping has become an epidemic in our neighborhoods, diminishing the quality of life and livability of our city. It creates environmental hazards in our air, stormwater and groundwater,” stated the Councilwoman. “The status quo is no longer acceptable. We can and must do better.”

The task force will be charged with trash dumping prevention outreach, monitoring and reporting on trash conditions, and working with city agencies and neighborhood groups on trash policies and the development of best practices.

The Public Record • January 5, 2017

by Michael A. Cibik, Esquire American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Does bankruptcy have an effect on arrest warrants?

Answer: Bankruptcy has no effect on criminal arrest warrants. However,

(Cont. From Page 12) between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays until Jan. 31, 2017.

Those enrolling for the first time should bring the following: All documents (i.e., pay stubs, pension awards, unemployment compensation, etc.) that will help determine expected annual income for 2015; The names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and immigration/naturalization documents for all household members; and Email address and email password, if applicable.

Constituents who are re-en-

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The Public Record • January 5, 2017

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