SOUTH PHILADELPHIA
Vol. XIII No. 19
Issue 505
May 11, 2017
“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”
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DEVASTATION
THESE ROWS of new houses at 20th & Wharton streets were under construction before a fire tore through them May 1. ATF officials quickly identified the cause as arson. Story P. 2.
DOWN TO
NEGRÍN
POLLING
THE WIRE!
FOR D.A.
PLACES
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PT. BREEZE ARSON INVESTIGATION BEGINS BY ELDON GRAHAM OINT Breeze is still recovering from the alarming fire that tore through construction houses owned by South Philadelphia businessman Ori Feibush. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Philadelphia Field Division ruled that the cause of the fire was arson. Investigators have conducted a thorough examination of the fire scene and have ruled the cause of the fire to be incendiary. The fire destroyed several residential properties that were in various stages of construction. There were no reported injuries as a result of the fire. Investigators are seeking assistance from the public that may aid them in solving this arson. The ATF announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the arson that occurred at approximately 4:15 a.m. May 1 at 20st and Wharton streets in Philadelphia. “Acts of arson are dangerous crimes and threaten the community. ATF is committed to keeping the public safe from those
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who maliciously set fires,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi. “We are asking the public to provide any information that would lead investigators to those responsible for this arson.” The investigation is being conducted by investigators from the ATF, the Philadelphia Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Philadelphia Police Department. In the aftermath of the fire, Feibush addressed the arson in a statement: “After a thorough investigation by the Fire Department, ATF and the FBI, Monday’s fire at 2010 Wharton Street has been ruled an act of arson. We don’t think this was an isolated incident, and believe there is a connection to previous instances of vandalism against our office and development projects as well as Monday’s vandalism in South Kensington.” Feibush went on to say that this act of vandalism will not deter him: “We have already begun our efforts to clean up our job site and will not be intimidated by the misguided and dangerous efforts of a few individuals.” Other parts of the state-
DEVELOPER Ori Feibush has played a major role in the revitalization of Pt. Breeze – but has stirred controversy in some quarters in the process.
ment have Feibush encouraging members of the community to assist in the investigation by turning in any evidence that might point to the culprits. “For anyone that has a security camera in the blocks around 2010 Wharton Street, any assistance you could offer would be much appreciated. If you have information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators, ATF is offering a $10K reward. Most importantly, we want to thank the first responders and the fire department for everything they have done for us since Monday morning, and want to thank our supporters,
clients, and friends for the outpouring of support.” City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (D-2), a lifelong resident of Point Breeze, also released a statement deploring the act and encouraging assistance from the community as well. “I am alarmed and extremely disturbed to hear the 20th & Wharton Street fire that took place in the early hours of Monday, May 1 has been ruled arson,” the councilman said. “Vandalism of businesses and homes is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Justice should be swift and severe for the many lives that were put in danger in the Point Breeze neighborhood.
This criminal activity damaged multiple properties, recklessly endangered the lives of emergency personnel, and could have sent an entire neighborhood block up in flames. We are lucky no one was killed or seriously injured and I commend the Philadelphia Fire Dept. for their swift actions to contain the fire and minimize damage. The perpetrator(s) must be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Philadelphia has recently been the battleground for several gentrification issues, particularly in Point Breeze and the Temple University area of North Philadelphia. Many longtime and newer community members who live in Point Breeze want to preserve the neighborhood’s existing character, while some developers want to reshape the community to accommodate new commercial and middle-class residential uses more appropriately. Anyone having information regarding this arson should call the ATF 24/7 hotline at 1 (888) ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473), email: ATFTips@atf.gov or submit a tip anonymously by using the ReportIt App on your mobile phone.
WOLF VISITS S. PHILLY TO ‘BAN THE BOX’ GOV. TOM WOLF chose Surge Recovery in Pt. Breeze to announce a new commonwealth policy: “banning the box,” which asks about
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a previous criminal record in non-civil-service job hiring. L-R at the announcement were Corrections Sec. John Wetzel, Wolf, Justice Holly Harris, Pastor Michael Boyd and State Rep. Jordan Harris. Photo by Wendell Douglas
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Editor: Greg Salisbury Executive Editor: James Tayoun, Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Everyday People Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Correspondent: Eldon Graham Photographers: Leona Dixon Wendell Douglas Harry Leech Bill Myers Office Manager: Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico Dawood Starling Yousef Maaddi James Henderson The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. City & State will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public. The Philadelphia Public Record is a publication owned by: City&State PA LLC 325 Chestnut St. Philadelphia PA, 19106 215-490-9314 Copyright @2017 City & State PA LLC Local 779-C
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DEMOCRATS PAY HOMAGE TO LOU FARINELLA
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DEMOCRATIC candidates for judicial posts join with Teresa Carr Deni, R, candidate for district attorney, awaiting introduction to the packed Penn’s Landing Caterers hall by Chairman Robert Brady. Seen are, L-R, judicial candidates David Conroy, Marissa Brumbach, Crystal Powell and Danyl Pattison. Photo by Joe Stivala CONGRATULATIONS to Vince Primavera of Laborers’ District Council (top, 2nd from L), who will assume the duties of the late Lou Farinella at Democratic City Committee, are given by the City Committee team, L-R: William Dell, civic leader; Beau Amen; Charles Bernard; Loretta Lynn; Yolanda Richardson; Ward Leader Anna Brown; and Winnie Bradly. Photo by Joe Stivala EVERYONE in attendance honored a moment of silence for Lou Farinella, whose death was sadly felt by all who, over the years, went to him at City Committee for information and advice. The event was to have been canceled, but was held on schedule at the insistence of his widow. Photo by Joe Stivala L-R, JOE RUSSO, campaign consultant, joins a spirited conversation with William Dolbow, leader of Ward 35; County Commissioner Lisa Deeley; John Kane, business manager of Plumbers’ Local 690; and Pat Parkinson, leader of Ward 57. Photo by Joe Stivala
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SITTING Judges Vincent Melchiorre and Dan Sulman, C, are joined by judicial candidates on the stage of the Jefferson-Jackson event in Sheet Metal Workers’ Hall. Candidates Deborah Cianfrani, Shanese Powell and Zac Schaffer, L-R, flank the jurists. Photo by Joe Stivala
POPULAR foursome at Jefferson-Jackson Day were Ward Leader Rondal Couser, former Sheriff Barbara Deeley, Ward Leader Pete Wilson and City Commissioner Lisa Deeley. Photo by Wendell Douglas
DONALD “Ducky” Birts gives Judge Dan Sulman some campaign wisdom. Photo by Wendell Douglas SUPERIOR COURT candidate Maria McLaughlin finds herself armed with support from retired Sheriff Barbara Deeley and Sheriff Jewell Williams. Photo by Wendell Douglas
COUNCILWOMAN Jannie Blackwell shares a moment at the hectic gala with judicial candidate and former State Rep. Mark Cohen.
DC21 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Joe Ashdale, front 2nd from L, is joined by members of his executive board at the Democratic gala. Photo by Wendell Douglas
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DA candidate Tariq El-Shabazz, L, enjoys company of Councilman Derek Green and TWA 234 leader George Brooks.
SITTING OUT the campaigning and enjoying the proceedings were these Democratic ladies. Photo by Wendell Douglas
JUDGE Maria McLaughlin makes a stirring address to the audience. McLaughlin is a candidate for Superior Court. She is surrounded by candidates Tariq El-Shabazz (for DA); Judge Dwayne Woodruff (for Supreme Court); Jack O’Neill for DA; Judge Lucretia Clemons; and City Controller Alan Butkovitz. Photo by Joe Stivala
WARD LEADER Carol Jenkins discusses the campaign with judicial candidate Rania Major. VIPs in attendance included Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, Mayor Jim Kenney, Sheet Metal Workers host Gary Masino, and his officers Mike Guinan and Bryan J. Bush.
L-R, Ward Leaders Ron Couser and Lou Agre discuss close DA’s race with Sheriff Jewell Williams and Basym Hasan. Photo by Wendell Douglas
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OUR ENDORSEMENTS In the end, much as
OPINION
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f nothing else, this year’s political activity has proven that in a post-2016 electoral landscape, there is no such thing as an “off year.” Nowhere has that been more aptly demonstrated than in the two marquee primaries in Philadelphia’s May 16 primary: the Democratic races for city controller and district attorney. Challenger Rebecca Rhynhart’s résumé has enough depth and breadth across both the public and private sectors to make her a viable can-
we suspect will happen next week, there was a plurality for Rich Negrín, the city’s former managing director. Among the contenders, there has famously been a degree of unanimity on a number of issues, from bail reform to civil-asset forfeiture to re-entry programs. Yet, to our thinking, only one candidate – Negrín – not only has the experience as a prosecutor in the DAO, but as a successful manager of multiple city agencies with hundreds of employees and multimillion-dollar budgets. Last – and most crucially – Negrín has a well-established reputation in crisis management and as a turnaround specialist. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of being the city’s top law-enforcement official, the next DA will have to contend with
US Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign? Evidently, that was then. Today, Philly progressives have decided that the District Attorney’s Office is for sale – and they like it. It was just last year when progressives in the city swooned over Sanders as he barnstormed across the country declaring, “In the United States, billionaires should not be able to buy elections.” He warned his supporters and anyone else who would listen that there was a “rapid movement in this country toward a political system in which a handful of very wealthy people and special interests will determine who gets elected or who does not get elected.” In 2017, the Democratic primary for Philadelphia DA is Exhibit A for Sanders’ argument. It has been report-
ed that billionaire George Soros has dumped $1.45 million into a Super PAC supporting Larry Krasner’s campaign for the Democratic nomination. For those who are not concerned about this, it is important to remember how we got here. District Attorney Seth Williams is not seeking re-election because he stands accused of doing favors for donors who have showered him with expensive gifts and trips. In this election, we need to make a statement loud and clear that Philly’s top law-enforcement agency is not for sale. Super PACs, the most recent, most effective version of pay-to-play, diminish the value of numerous small contributions from ordinary voters, like those who have shown (Cont. to Page 29)
a 600-person workforce that has been buffeted, targeted and demoralized by a constant stream of rumors, allegations and revelations about current DA Seth Williams’ activ-
THE D.A.’S OFFICE: IS IT FOR SALE?
OPINION
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didate for controller, but we can find no compelling reason to oust incumbent Alan Butkovitz. While he has run a campaign too often focused on pettily disparaging a challenger than would be expected from a three-term incumbent, for his track record – and the number of high-profile figures his audits have targeted – we endorse Butkovitz to continue helming the controller’s office. In determining whom to endorse in the Democratic primary for Philadelphia district attorney, the Public Record editorial board mirrored the rest of the city. A split board found votes cast for Jack O’Neill, the 35-year-old whose 10-year career at the DAO ended when he left his position last year, as well as for Larry Krasner, the longtime progressive defense attorney.
BY OTIS BULLOCK Remember when socalled progressives railed against big money in elections and against billionaire-funded super PACs buying elections? Remember when those same progressives reviled Citizens United as if that decision was handed down not by the US Supreme Court but by Lucifer himself? How about when they lauded campaign finance reform and contribution restrictions? Or when they hailed the importance of numerous small donors over the few wealthy big donors, epitomized by
MARK your CALENDAR May 11- Michael Nix, Michael Lambert & Clayton Hall host Fundraiser for judicial candidate Shanese Johnson at 2101 Pine St., 5:30-7 p.m. Contribution levels $100, $250, $500 & $1,000. May 11- CeasefirePA hosts “The Flow” at TGI Friday’s, 1776 B. Franklin Pkwy., 5:30-8:30 p.m. 1/2 –price apps & drinks. Councilman Kenyatta Johnson is DJ. Donations $10 or more. For info: Michael Cogbill (267) 239-3532.DJ.
ities. Rebuilding workplace morale, retaining and attracting top-flight staffers and re-establishing trust will be just as important within the DAO as it will be for May 11- S. Phila. Business Assciation holds Scholarship Banquet at Galdo’s Catering, 20th St. & Moyamensing Ave., cocktails 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. For info: spba1897@gmail.com. May 11- Tacony Holmesburg Town Watch meets at Tacony Baptist Ch., 4715 Disston St., 7 p.m. Candidates welcome. May 11- Liberty City Democrats host Spring Fundraiser at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St., 7 p.m. Special guest: Gov. Tom Wolf. Contributions $40 to $1,000. May 11- University City Republican Club will host a Young Republicans Reception at 4256 Regent Sq., 7 p.m. The event will be a free intro to the 2017 primary. For info: Ross Wolfe (610) 745-1626 or RossWolfe@comcast.net. May 12- 16th Ward Democratic Committee hosts Fish Fry at Lou & Choo’s, 2101 W. Hunt-
dealing with a skeptical and disenchanted public. Most of the candidates in this race have solid credentials. But for these reasons, we endorse Rich Negrín for district attorney. ing Pk. Ave., 5-9 p.m. Tickets $12. For info: Andrew Smith (215) 609) 5876. May 13- Judicial candidate Shanese Johnson is hosted Fundraiser at Circles, Broad & Rockland Sts., 2-6 p.m. May 13- Veteran Boxers Ass’n hosts Fundraiser at VBA Club, 2733 E. Clearfield St., 2-6 p.m. Draft beer, wine & food. Donations $30. For info: Fred Druding, Jr. (215) 221-2374. May 13- Gateway to Re-Entry Local 2135 hosts Gala Dinner, Hilton City Line Hotel, 4200 City Ave., 6 p.m. Tickets $60. For info: Tracey L. Fisher (267) 622-5169. May 14- Paul “Earthquake” Moore hosts Weekend of Peace at Elmwood Skating Rink, Friday 8-11 p.m. and at Motorcycle Ride for Peace, beginning at Broad St. & Pattison Ave., Saturday 11 a.m. (Cont. on Page 27)
Mark B. Cohen
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Honorable
7
Common Pleas Court Judge
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M AY 11, 2017
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M AY 11, 2017
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ELECT
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POLS on the STREET
TOO CLOSE TO CALL?
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fending all sorts of caucus- 9 es, protest groups and individuals in his long career as a defense attorney. That role has earned him the support of any and all Philadelphians who label themselves as “progressives.” What also worries her, and others, is if billionaire George Soros’ contribution of $1,450,000 can buy enough television to win more than the liberal vote for Krasner? Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity endorsed Larry Krasner for DA and Rebecca Rhynhart for controller. In any event, the winner will be a plurality candidate, which means less than 50% of the majority of the votes cast in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. With a turnout of 16% of the Democratic vote predicted by many politicos, no one needs a lot of votes to become the plurality winner. That percentage may spike up a bit with so many ads running on TV and radio. (Cont. Page 10)
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Elect
• INTEGRITY • COMPASSION • EXPERIENCE
BY JOE SHAHEELI ONGTIME District Attorney Lynne Abraham, who could have held that office until today had she not resigned to run for mayor, tells us her pick for Democratic district attorney would be Joe Khan. She relayed her concern for the office should Larry Krasner be elected. One must remember she was the “tough cookie” candidate, strong on law and order. Krasner was, throughout and after her years, on the opposite side from the DA’s Office, de-
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VOTE TUESDAY MAY 16TH
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POLS ON THE STREET (Cont. From Page 6) What seemed to be an early runaway fueled by his television blitz was Michael Untermeyer, rich in the experience of his work in that office. We are aware he has the support of key ward leaders who will cut into the law-enforcement endorsements that have gone Richard Negrín’s way. But television ads have also spurred the races of Krasner and Jack O’Neill. Why is television so important in this race? It’s because Congressman Bob Brady, Democratic City chairman and his ward leaders wisely left this seat “open,” declining to endorse. That has given leeway to various ward leaders to do their own choosing, taking with them the vote-getting muscle of their committee people. We saw lagging behind, until late last week, Tariq El-Shabazz, who unveiled his deck of trump cards Saturday with endorsements from two powerful ward leaders, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., and two powerhouse unions, Laborers’ District Council and Transport Workers Union 234. Both unions will field a small army of get-out-thevote seasoned volunteers. This support of strong ward leaders and powerful
unions has been enough to move him up as a possible winner. El-Shabazz, once a Golden Gloves champion, is the only former first assistant district attorney in the race and recipient of the Prosecutorial Merit Award. Krasner got a push from DC 33’s endorsement on Tuesday, as did Joe Khan from the endorsement of the Philadelphia Tribune. Endorsements from the Inquirer and the Public Record have gone to Negrín. We see this as the first time our paper and the Inky are on the same page. Now we see coming around the far turn in this seven-way race, a cluster fighting for the lead on election day: Krasner, Untermeyer and El-Shabazz, with O’Neill and Negrín close behind. Tight behind them is Khan and Judge Teresa Carr Deni, the only woman in the field. She could pull in more distaff voters than anticipated at this writing. Try as we could from querying Democratic leaders and key supporters, we still say it’s too close to call. Imagine a DA candidate winning it with about 20,000 votes! This is an election for the history books. Had El-Shabazz the support of ward leaders like former City Councilwoman Marian Tasco, 50th, and State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald, 10th, two members of (Cont. Page 13)
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JANNIE FOR ZAC
COUNCILWOMAN Jannie Blackwell strongly commended judicial candidate Zac Shaffer for his pro bono work to aid the legendary Mary Mason when she fell victim to theft. Blackwell is supporting his candidacy.
EL-SHABAZZ ROLLS OUT TOP GUNS
A LARGE crowd congratulated DA candidate Tariq El-Shabazz, 2nd from L, on receiving endorsements from two labor unions, four council members and two ward leaders. Standing beside El-Shabazz were, L-R, Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., Transport Workers Union Local 234 President Willie Brown and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.
SHARING a moment before the press conference got underway were consultant Jeff Felder, Ward Leader George Brooks, Tariq El-Shabazz and Salima Suswell.
COUNCILMAN Curtis Jones Jr. announced his strong support for Tariq El-Shabazz for district attorney at the candidate’s office, 52nd & Arch Streets.
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(Cont. From Page 11) the high-turnout, predominantly African American wards known as the Northwest Coalition, we would have called El-Shabazz the winner. But they went for Krasner, along with the 6th, 8th, 12th, 27th, 34th, 42nd and 44th Democratic Ward Committees. Negrín’s number-one ballot position will net him several thousand votes he would not have gotten from
the endorsements of law-enforcement groups. Late last week he found himself with the bulk of Latino leaders behind him. Topping the list of endorsements for Khan is Gov. Ed Rendell, who has a great reputation and could draw votes. He has crucial ward endorsements such as the 5th, 9th, 21st, 30th, 31st, 33rd, 41st, 45th, former Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, State Rep. Mike O’Brien (D-Kensington), the National Organization of Women and Gold Star father Khizr Khan.
Judge Teresa Carr Deni has Operating Engineers 542 behind her as well as a long history of satisfied defendants and prosecutors in
whose thousands of cases she had rendered verdicts during her years of service on the bench. She is also the only woman candidate and
did sacrifice a long term on the bench to run for district attorney. She has given up the most to enter. At 35, he’s the youngest
in the race. He knows the 13 DA’s office well. A late-comer, O’Neill picked up eight unions of the Philadelphia (Cont. Page 25) T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D
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LATINOS BACK NEGRÍN
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MARKING Cinco de Mayo with an endorsement by Latino leaders of Rich Negrín for DA were State Reps. Emilio Vázquez and Angel Cruz.
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POLLING PLACES CONTINUES FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
HOST SID BOOKER, SHERIFF WILLIAMS FEATURE CANDIDATES
FRIENDS flocked to Sid Booker’s Annual Candidates Night at Club La Pointe. Host Sid Booker, 2nd from L, is joined by, L-R, Bill Richardson, Congressman Dwight Evans and Sheriff Jewell Williams. They met candidates such as Deborah Cianfrani, candidate for Common Pleas judge, and George Twardy, candidate for Municipal Court. Photo by Joe Stivala
FORMER State Rep. Mark Cohen, L, who represented the Northeast in the House, is looking to continue his decades of service in the public sector as a candidate for Common Pleas judge. Sheriff Jewell Williams saluted Cohen and his family’s long years in public life. Photo by Joe Stivala
TODD Eagen, candidate for Commonwealth Court, C, discussed court issues with Henry Hunter, war hero, and 20th Ward Chairman and Sheriff Jewell Williams. Photo by Joe Stivala
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JUDGE James De Leon, C, seeks retention to Municipal Court in the primary election. His career in public service is appreciated by Candidates Night co-hosts Sheriff Jewell Williams and Club La Pointe owner Sid Booker. Photo by Joe Stivala
HOST SID BOOKER, L, discusses the political climate with DA candidate Larry Krasner. Photo by Wendell Douglas
FORMER Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson, R, joined Sheriff Jewell Williams, C, and Donald “Ducky” Birts in admiration of the career of Marissa Brumbach. Marissa is now a candidate for Municipal Court. Photo by Joe Stivala
SHERIFF Jewell Williams looks on as DA candidate Tariq El-Shabazz speaks to the crowd. Photo by Wendell Douglas
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REPUBLICANS CELEBRATE NEW REGIME AT GALA
NEWLY elected Republican City Committee chair- HAPPY to see Carmella Fitzpatrick at her usual role man Mike Meehan welcomes his district attorney as gatekeeper were Councilman Al Taubenberger and contender Beth Grossman to the annual Republi- 40th Ward Leader Craig Melidosian. can primary fundraiser at Romano’s Caterers.
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FORMER CHAIRMAN Vito Canuso continues to work toward more party cohesiveness and growth, telling Ken Adams and columnist Maria Merlino of his party’s goals.
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G.O.P. CHASES GOV. WOLF
House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and State Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) have exchanged jabs in what could be the first of a potentially exciting Republican primary for governor in 2018. Turzai, who is not a candidate just yet, doesn’t think announced candidate Wagner has what it takes to take down the governor. Representative
Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District
State Rep.
William Keller 1435 N. 52nd St. Phila. PA 19131 (215) 879-6615 City Commissioner
Lisa M.
Deeley Room 132 City Hall
Philadelphia PA 19107
215-686-3460 Rep.Maria P.
Donatucci D-185th District 2901 S. 19th St. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164
184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
215-271-9190
JOHN “Jack” O’Neill thanks Building Trades locals which endorsed him and will be sending troops out to work on Election Day. Elected officials in photo include Controller Alan Butkovitz and Commissioner Lisa Deeley. Photo by Harry Leech
RALLYING FOR FURLONG
CLEMONS IS SKY HIGH
JUDGE Lucretia Clemons was given a significant fundraiser atop the Pyramid Club on Market Street. Also at the funder, but not shown here, was former Gov. Ed Rendell.
N.E. LEADERS DECIDE
NORTHEAST Democratic ward leaders, chaired by Mike McAleer, were all smiles after holding interviews with host of judges and DA candidates at Roofers Hall. 5TH WARD Leader Mike A. Cibik, Esq., R, and Monika Czapla, L, hosted Judge Vincent Furlong, 2nd from L, along with supporters Dr. Zeff and Rosa Lazinger at a major fundraiser. Photo by Asmahan Luke
ditions at risk and may force them to accept inferior coverage and pay catastrophic fees. The legislation also cuts Medicare and Medicaid by more than $1 trillion.”
REDISTRICTING PLAN DOABLE?
At present there are 81
cosponsors for HB 722 and 12 for SB 22. Both of those call for a fairer way to redraw the notoriously gerrymandered legislative and senatorial districts. It’s still a long way off, and possibly not in the coming term. But it is a strong first step.
State Rep. Jason
Councilman Wm.
Always Hard At Work for You!
Dawkins
Greenlee
District Office: 4667 Paul St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215) 744-7901 M. – Th.: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. F.: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Room 506 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927
Represintative
Angel Cruz
District Office 3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you
State Rep.
Councilman
Mark
Joanna E.
Squilla
McClinton 191st Leg. Dist. 6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139
1st District City Hall Room 332
T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687
215-686-3458/59 State Rep.
Rep. Rosita
Kevin J.
Youngblood
Boyle
198th District
310 W. Chelten Ave.
172nd Dist. 7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136
Phila PA 19148
City Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker 9th District City Hall, Room 577, Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-3454 or 3455
www.phlcouncil.com/CherelleParker
Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9
25 T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D
Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.) has issued the following statement in the House passage of TrumpCare: “The House GOP has voted to make America sick again. And, I was proud to vote against this bill that takes away the basic right of our people to health care. “My office has been inundated with calls from worried constituents. We heard their concerns loud and clear, but the GOP has turned its back to the very real concerns of these voters. “TrumpCare gives states waivers from the requirement to sell plans that cover essential services, including preventive care, prescription drug coverage, and mental health and addiction treatment. It discriminates against older Americans who could end up being charged five times more than other consumers. It puts people with pre-existing con-
ON TO ELECTION DAY
M AY 11, 2017
(Cont. From Page 13) Building & Construction Trades Council. He has reportedly picked up a big super-PAC with ties to Local 98, which made a $125,000 television buy supporting his campaign. He has reportedly picked up 11 wards in Northeast and South Philadelphia.
BRADY KNOCKS TRUMPCARE
P: 215-849-6426 State Rep.
215-331-2600 State Rep.
John
Donna
(R) 177th Dist. 4725 Richmond St. Phila., PA 19137
195th Leg. Dist. 2835 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130
Taylor 215-744-2600
Bullock T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629
State Senator
Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District
2901 ISLAND AVE. STE 100 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 FAX: (215) 492-2990 ---419 CHURCH LANE YEADON, PA 19050 (610) 284-7335 FAX: (610) 284-5955 6630 LINDBERGH BLVD.
2103 SNYDER AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145 (215) 755-9185 FAX: (215) 952-3375 ---SENATE BOX 203008 HARRISBURG, PA 17120 ROOM: 11 EAST WING (717) 787-5970 FAX: (717) 772-0574
“Paid for with Pennsylvanian taxpayer dollars”
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POLS ON THE STREET
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ELEPHANT CORNER
S
M AY 11, 2017
anta Fe, N.M. was the latest city to consider a sugary-drinks tax. The proceeds from the tax were to finance pre-school education. Sound familiar? Luckily for the citizens of Santa Fe, the tax could not be passed without a ballot referendum. All but one member of Santa Fe’s City Council voted to put the tax issue on the ballot. However, the citizens voted it down solidly. It is a shame Philadelphia does not put tax issues on the ballot. The City Charter does require the City to put
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EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY Once upon a time, the weekend before Election Day meant the Democratic City Committee breakfast at the Oak Lane Diner. Put together by Marion Wimbush of the Oak Lane Democrats and the Laborers’ District Council, the breakfast was broadcast live on 900 AM WURD and featured candidates from all the major races. It also featured breakfast. Granted, you had to pay for it, but you did have access to it. Unfortunately, the Oak
new bond issuances on the ballot. Maybe we should put forward a ballot referendum amending the City Charter calling for Council and the Mayor to put any new tax or an increase in an existing tax by more than 10% on the ballot. Oh! That’s right: an amendment to the City Charter would realistically involve the City Council, and we know what would happen there. Getting the initiative on the ballot without City Council voting for it is, for all practical purposes, an impossible process. Perhaps the residents and small businesses in Santa Fe anticipated what we are now seeing in Philadelphia owning to the soda tax. Recently, FERNANDO SUAREZ, president of the Small Business Union, and ADAM XU, president of the Asian American Licensed Beverage Association, announced (in another Philadelphia paper) they were joining an existing coalition of neighborhood business
organizations opposed to the soda tax – including, but not limited to, the Philadelphia Dominican Grocers Association, the Pennsylvania Dominican Merchants Association, the Greater Philadelphia Chinese Restaurant Association and the Arab American Small Business Council. These organizations are seeing what I personally experience. Since the soda tax went into effect, I have not bought a sleeve or case of soda in Philadelphia. When I take my soda shopping into Montgomery County or New Jersey, I do not limit my purchase to soda but also buy whatever groceries I need at the time. I have not stepped into the Walmart on Columbus Boulevard since last year. I am sure I am not the only one. Yes, Walmart, you may say, is a big corporation, but do remember: If they lose sales, they will shed Philadelphia employees. (Cont. to Page 34)
Lane Diner has long been out of business. And the Oak Lane Democrats, alas, are no more. So the pancakes and bacon or the Western omelet I’d usually get after I had done all of my interviews at this pre-Election Day breakfast aren’t going to happen this time around. But restaurateur Sid Booker remains in the political dining game. He, too, is committed to having a gathering where political candidates and the people expected to vote for them could gather – and eat. On Friday night, residents hoping to talk to political candidates while getting a platter of the house’s famous fried shrimp came to Booker’s North Philadelphia watering hole, the Stinger LaPointe, for a pre-primary election candidates-night gathering. I had never been to Stinger LaPointe before. I had ridden past it on buses and in cars, but I had never been
inside. I have also not had the honor of sampling any of Booker’s famous fried shrimp, despite being at more than one gathering where they were supposed to be served. One of these gatherings was a “Unity Pool Party” that Booker had at his Laverock home shortly after Michael Nutter won the 2007 Democratic primary. The idea was to bring together the city’s Black Democratic community after Nutter bested the past (Chaka Fattah) and present (Dwight Evans) holders of the 2nd Congressional District seat. But that was then. This time around, the political feast was spread at the corner of Broad Street & Belfield Avenue. The three-story nightclub was packed with glad-handers, politicos and those just looking for something to eat. At least 10 of the 8 million people running for Common Pleas and (Cont. on Page 33)
WALKING the BEAT BY JOE SHAY STIVALA IT HAPPENED ALREADY? A report that Los Angeles City Council voted to request impeachment of President Trump is a jolt. I guessed the first call would be late May (?). Maybe it is best to leave Trump alone? If he were to be impeached – LOOK AT WHAT YOU GET – a President PENCE. And House Speaker PAUL RYAN (with Bill Clinton pursed lip imitation) for VICE PRESIDENT. Even the possibility of a Jeff SES-
CITY HALL SAM
T
he smiling and savvy face of Democratic City Committee, LOU FARINELLA, was laid to rest this week. Lou was the happy warrior who is always there to help anyone connected to the Democratic organization. Not only was he the ward chair of 66B, but also the righthand man of CHAIRMAN BOB BRADY. Lou was kind and cheerful, but always knowing and resourceful. He was in politics to help people and that he did, in droves. One of Lou’s many skills was his ability read and
SIONS moving up would cause me to go to church to light a candle and pray!! Local Political Sage HAL ROSENTHAL reports Paul RYAN has turned off ALL of his public telephones and fax machines in response to protests in favor of Obamacare, Planned Parenthood, Medicare, etc. And he is NOT accepting signed petitions; instead, he’s TURNING AWAY voters who deliver the petitions. So let’s see what 67 million postcards looks like in his driveway. Hal asks that we start mailing postcards to his HOME ADDRESS, which is: Paul Ryan, 700 St. Lawrence Avenue, Janesville, WI 53545. Mike TURZAI, Pa. House SPEAKER, is reported to have said he might run for governor on the GOP ticket. PLEASE DO and let new blood into your House job. G.O.P. GOVERNOR candidate Scott WAGNER was filmed grabbing a camera from a campaign “follow-
er.” Does this incident offer an inside view of temperament? He kind of jabbed all DEMS over the incident (?). No blanket value judgments, please; save that for the White House. Complaints from School Reform Commission watchers over early meeting departures by Bill GREEN makes one wonder if it might have occurred if Green remained as Chairman? Two editorials SHONE out like a SUPERNOVA. One blurted that we should give the Parking Authority back to the CITY. Hmm. But look at the “half” of the PPA that the City Finance Dept. runs: the BAA (Bureau of Administrative Adjudication). A revenue-receiving Finance Department operates as a mini-courthouse? One lawmaker testified citizens are guilty until proven innocent there. What perplexes me is how, over MANY YEARS, the combined editorial boards have (Cont. to Page 33)
predict outcomes for races. Lou knew how to predict the results of an election by looking at one or two key divisions. He was indispensable in his knowledge of how to circulate petitions and comply with the sometimes-tedious rules. But mostly he was a friend to many. And anyone who was Lou’s friend seemed to be his friend for life. The only person he loved more than his lovely wife, FLORENCE, and his children and grandchildren was Chairman Brady. Perhaps an honorable mention goes to longtime 66B WARD LEADER MIKE McALEER. A moment of silence was observed to honor Lou’s accomplishments and his passing at the Jefferson-Jackson event. It was the only time in recorded history that there was actual quiet at that event, which shows the great respect for Lou. What’s the deal with cutting Philadelphia out of in-
fluence? For the last 14 years, Philadelphians have been pushed out of influential positions. The city that drives the state is off and pushed far into the backseat. MAYOR JIM KENNEY has been having struggles getting things done for the city with the Harrisburg leadership. And Philadelphia’s LT. GOV MIKE STACK runs into huge obstacles as he tries to fight for the city. The aforementioned later spoke at the Jefferson-Jackson event and received very positive responses from the footsoldiers of the Democratic Party. Also on hand was JUDGE DWAYNE WOODRUFF, who is running for Superior Court. Woodruff is a former defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but for this election he is “our guy.” MARIA McLAUGHLIN, the Common Pleas Court judge who is on her way to becoming a Superior Court judge, (Cont. to Page 34)
understanding BANKRUPTCY BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: How many bankruptcies were filed in the last five years? Answer: Bankruptcy filings fell 6.9% for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2016, compared with the year ending June 30, 2015, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the US Courts. The June 2016 annual bankruptcy filings totaled 819,159, compared with 879,736 cases in the previous year. The number of bankruptcy filings was the lowest for any 12-month period since the year ending December 2007. However, the rate of
Q
anna McClinton hosts Community Day at Add B. Anderson ES, 1034 S. 60th St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Parade for peace, health screenings & info, entertainment, children’s activities. For info: (215) 748-6712. May 20- State Rep. Steven Kinsey hosts “Vets Salute” at-Treasures, 5549 German-
town Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 27 Tuskegee Airmen honored. Veterans services. Free May 20- Asian American Heritage Month Celebration, Franklin Square Park, 6th & Race Sts., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 20-21- Italian Mkt. Festival, along South 9th Street, from Wharton to Fitzwater Sts., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. rain or shine. T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D
guest speaker. Tickets $40. May 19- State Sen. Sharif Street, Divine Sources & Temple U. Health System host “Take Back Your Health” at Temple Admin. Services Bldg., 2450 W. Hunting Pk. Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Must register: (215) 457-5200. May 20- State Rep. Jo-
M AY 11, 2017
(Cont. From Page 6)
on ES Cafeteria, 201 E. Salaignac St.,7 p.m. Focus on Henry Ave. safety project. For info: Will Hughes ((717) 787-7895, ext. 6136. May 18- Union League Armed Services Council hosts Armed Forces Day Lunch at 140 S. Broad St., 11:30 a.m. Anthony Carrelli, Pa. Adjutant Gen’l,
Next Week’s Question: Will I lose my security clearance if I file bankruptcy? P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0
MARK your CALENDAR
May 14- Reunion Committee hosts Mother’s Day Trip to Resorts Hotel & Casino, lv. Progress Plaza, Broad & Oxford Sts., 3:30 p.m. Video bus, long-stemmed rose for all mothers, champagne toast en route. Tickets $30. For info: Mike Reed (215) 796-5499. May 16- Primary Election Day. May 17- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Town Hall Mtg. at Cook Wissahickdecline was less than 10% for the second straight quarter, after consecutive double-digit declines had occurred in every reporting period since December 2011. A national wave of bankruptcies that began in 2008 reached a peak in the year ending September 2010, when nearly 1.6 million bankruptcies were filed. Here are the five-year bankruptcy statistics: 2016: Chapter 7, 509,769; Chapter 11, 7,928; Chapter 12, 459; Chapter 13, 300,858; Total, 819,159. 2015: Chapter 7, 568,679; Chapter 11, 6.672; Chapter 12, 357; Chapter 13, 303,945; Total, 879,736. 2014: Chapter 7, 669,978; Chapter 11, 8,347; Chapter 12, 394; Chapter 13, 321,279; Total, 1,000,083. 2013: Chapter 7, 778,845; Chapter 11, 9,633; Chapter 12, 426; Chapter 13, 348,994; Total, 1,137,978. 2012: Chapter 7, 914,015; Chapter 11, 10,921; Chapter 12, 582; Chapter 13, 385,949; Total, 1,311,602.
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MAKING ‘MAJOR’ EFFORT RANIA MAJOR’S judicial race was helped along by a substantial fundraiser at the Pyramid Club. The candidate, shown here in purple, is surrounded by supporters. Photo by Wendell Douglas
COHEN PUSHES TO FINISH
CEISLER AIMS STATEWIDE
MARK COHEN’S judicial quest got a boost from a fundraiser at Space & Co. Photo by Wendell Douglas
JUDGE Ellen Ceisler drew support for her Commonwealth Court bid at a fundraiser Tuesday evening. She was joined by her son Danny Ceisler, L, and political consultant Larry Ceisler. Photo by Wendell Douglas
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(Cont. From Page 6) their support for their preferred DA candidates in a fraction of what Soros’ super PAC has done. The single greatest fear of any candidate is that one to two weeks before an election, some billionaire’s Super PAC will drop $1 million against him. When that happens, there’s little he can do. He can’t turn to his largest contributors because, by law, they have already maxed out. If we allow an outside billionaire to buy this election, then, at an institutional level, our District Attorney’s Office will be corrupt. But so-called progressives lose credibility when they rail against big money and big donors influencing elections, yet stand on the sidelines with pom-poms for a billionaire doing just that – just for the “right” candidate in this election. I can’t help but think there is something inherently unethical and wrong about using a corrupted system to supposedly combat corruption. It surpasses the point of irony and becomes downright hypocritical. It was just 10 years ago when young Philadelphia progressives were celebrating the passage of new campaign-contribution limits in Philadelphia City Council. One young progressive blogger on YoungPhillyPolitics.com wrote: “The Supreme Court ruled that the City’s embattled (and celebrated?) campaign finance legislation is legal under the Pennsylvania Constitution. With the defeat of the Fattah-Dougherty challenge, we no longer have to worry about whether we will have unregulated money back in our elections.” That same “progressive” now supports a billionaire trying to buy a Philadelphia election. So I ask the question: Is Philly’s District Attorney’s Office for sale? Or have progressives lost their darn minds? Otis L. Bullock, Jr. is an attorney and executive director of Diversified Community Services. He lives in Strawberry Mansion with his wife State Rep. Donna Bullock.
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City & State’s can’t-miss list of the 100 most powerful people in the Keystone State, ranked in order, will debut at this inaugural event and networking opportunity featuring elected officials, media and business leaders. Be the first to see who ranks as PA’s most powerful and influential professionals and join them for drinks and fabulous hors d’oeuvres.
M AY 11, 2017
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on May 24, 2017 at 5:30 pm. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Stephen Tang, President and Chief Executive Officer at the University City Science Center
For more information on programming, advertising or sponsorship opportunities, contact David Alpher at 215-755-2000 or david@phillyrecord.com
To RSVP, please email Events@cityandstatepa.com
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City & State PA will host the inaugural PA Power 100
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EVERYDAY PEOPLE
(Cont. From Page 26) Superior Court judgeships came by. Or at least I think they were judicial candidates. The only person I knew of sure was Common Pleas Court candidate Danyl Patterson, and that’s because I know her personally. (That’s why I haven’t written anything on the judicial races.) I also saw DA candidate Tariq El-Shabazz in the house. If anyone needed to be there, it was he. Friendly faces who might vote for him are what he needs right now. On Saturday, Laborer’s Local 332, Councilwomen Jannie Blackwell and Cindy Bass, and Councilman Curtis Jones formally endorsed him. On Tuesday, Philadelphians finally get to make their voices heard. Here’s hoping they’ll take the opportunity.
33 T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D
the courts and government as a profession. That is ALLOWED in America! I read the other article online. I did not see it making it to a print edition (?). Hmm. It noted that Stack was not talented (the reporter, to judge, must be talented). It wonders who can blame Stack for a sense of entitlement. But Stack NEVER felt entitled. There was a quote by an unnamed pol (of course); a weak definition of nepotism; and, at the end, when a solution was expected, there was none – it lost its way? One of the articles seemed to be written by a son of a retired reporter. Is that NEPOTISM or DYNASTY? CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS: An editorial (again) suggested the Democratic Party endorsements should be governed by the BAR Association endorsements. But many arrive too late! In one year, a candidate may get Bar endorsement, and not the next time they run, or vice versa. FINALLY, The CITY AFL-CIO endorsements were splendid! Of special note were their picks for MUNICIPAL COURT and CONTROLLER. Bravo to Pat EIDING and Danny BAUDER!
M AY 11, 2017
(Cont. From Page 26) NOT COMMENTED on this sub-department (?). Are they SCARED? How can an editorial writer who might live in the suburbs feel the fiscal hurt of our citizens who line up in there to pay, release a towed car, or get a Finance Dept. hearing (?). Another editorial said scholarship awards of Local 98 do not SMELL right. Is this a NEW WAVE editorial – to be cool? Is it a first editorial based on olfactory sense alone? Much praise to CITY COUNCIL for its Ordinance slowing change in the North Philly-TEMPLE area, where long-term residents have seen their taxes rise RAPIDLY out of their ability to pay – partly due to unruly student housing. COUNCIL showed it CARES! GREAT NEWS! A $45-million restoration of the MET is coming! Thank
you! Remember, for the MET to succeed, you have to PROVIDE PARKING!! On N. BROAD STREET, the behemoth buildings yet to be addressed are the UPTOWN, Broad & Lehigh GIANTS, and the BEURY Building. Not to mention the REMOVAL of the ugly $24m Nutter-era “light” poles in the center of the street. I am still reading that magazine blast on Bob BRADY and see its loaded language: “This is the way Brady operates” and “small-minded” and “never seems to cross his mind.” The reporter conducted long, exhaustive research to reach that view? Or did the writer study mind-reading under KARNAK? The article touted the ideal newwave candidate (SESTAK). Sestak was a three-star admiral. Military men often do not prevail in local and state races. They try to run the campaign as a military unit. This Navy man will tell you that it is TWO DIFFERENT worlds. I read two articles on Lt. Gov. MIKE STACK. One was about political DYNASTIES such as the Stack Family. A FEW members of the Stack family chose politics,
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WALKING the BEAT
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ELEPHANT CORNER
(Cont. from Page 26) I have anecdotally heard many small corner stores
are reporting 20% or more declines in sales as people decrease their soda consumption or buy their beverages outside of the city. I am sure a decline in consumption would be music
to the ears of the limousine liberals who supported the tax to that end. Fortunately for them, they are not paying for their children’s needs with the income from their bodegas. I also have a genuine concern about where the soda-tax revenues are go-
ing. City Council and the mayor said the funds are designated for pre-K education. However, there was no special fund set up for these proceeds. The soda-tax revenue is going to the general fund. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL CLARKE noted in a recent meeting that few pre-K sites in the city’s poorest neighborhoods have been chosen for funding. This is not surprising, as many daycare centers are small and independently run, so they are probably hard to evalu-
ate. Furthermore, I am sure many of these day-care centers are essentially baby-sitting operations run by probably wonderful people, but who do not have education or training in early childhood teaching. In Santa Fe, local political pundits believe that the soda-tax proposal, which was heavily supported by their MAYOR JAVIER GONZALES may backfire on him. They believe he may face problems in his re-election bid next year owing to his tax proposal. A former San-
CITY HALL SAM
and TARIQ EL-SHABAZZ worked the crowd furiously. The amount of money in the DA’s race keeps pressing on, but who knows where it will lead? And it’s hard to believe people who have such resources would want such a problematic job as district attorney of Philadelphia. Also working hard at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner was freshman STATE SEN. SHARIF STREET.
(Cont. from Page 26) did an excellent job speaking. Her campaign manager/husband, JONATHAN SAIDEL, looked like a proud coach watching his kid in the All-Star game. Several of the district attorney candidates were on hand. Former JUDGE TERESA CARR DESI, JOE KHAN, MIKE UNTERMEYER, JACK O’NEILL
ta Fe Mayor, SAM PICK, in part disagrees but noted Gonzales may survive the mayor’s race next year despite his support of the unpopular tax. Yet he went on to say that Gonzales will have a problem if he wanted to run for a statewide office. Perhaps the soda tax could backfire on some of our city officials – probably not. If misguided taxes took their tolls on Philadelphia political officials, then city-government lifer JIM KENNEY would not be mayor.
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