Pr 903 s by The Public Record

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

Vol. XIII No. 20

Issue 506

May 18, 2017

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

PhiladelphiaPublicRecord

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR AND MOTHER’S DAY FELL TOGETHER THIS YEAR. S. PHILLY’S CAMBODIAN COMMUNITY CELEBRATED BOTH BY DANCING ON 7TH STREET SUNDAY, JOINED BY COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA. MORE PICS P. 5

ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH P. 3

@phillyrecord

PhillyRecord

PhillyRecord.com

ELECTION RESULTS SEE P. 3

T HE S O U T H PHIL A D EL PHI A P UB L I C R E CO R D

S.P.B.A. GRANTS SCHOLARSHIPS

THE SOUTH Philadelphia Business Association handed out its annual scholarship awards at Galdo’s Entertainment Complex last week. Over the years, this community-conscious business group has helped thousands of deserving youngsters like these fulfill their dreams and advance to college. Photos by Wendell Douglas

ONE LUCKY awardee was Girard Academic Music Program student Anthony Grillo. L-R were Vince DeFino, Esq., Grillo, Ann Catania of Ten Pennies Florist, Michael Giangiordano, Jackie Fitzpatrick and Vince Giusini, Esq,

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S.R.C., CHANGE SMITH SCHOOL RULING

LETTER to the EDITOR “For all children, a great school, close to where they live.” —Vision statement, School District of Philadelphia WHEN it comes to this vision, the School District of Philadelphia is operating with blinders on. The SDP still has some vacant properties on its hands, left over from the closure of 24 public schools in 2013: It sold five school buildings in an “all or nothing” deal to a private developer in 2014 for $6.8 million.

So if the properties have already been sold, why are they still in the possession of the School District? Because a group of Point Breeze neighbors, the Save Smith School committee, has been asking the School District to act with some long-term vision, rather than engage in a short-sighted sale. Our entire city is dancing to the hypnotic tune of luxury-market condos and townhouses, and this tune is about turning a fast buck in this hot real-estate market. These changes are morphing into profitable property sales all over the city, except in one place: the School District. The SDP petitioned for approval of this sale, and the trial court – after listening to the concerns of Point Breeze residents – denied it. After some wrangling in the courts, the decision was

to let the sale stand. But budget crisis aside, when did it become acceptable for the SDP to become one of Point Breeze’s biggest gentrifiers? When you sell a school knowing it’s for market-rate housing, you are choosing to push out our most vulnerable and impoverished residents. You are selling the future of our children to make way for 45 luxury condominiums. You are hurting the people you claim you care about and are supposed to serve. You are ruining the sense of community of our neighborhood. The district is broke. We get it. But with all those tough choices the School Reform Commission has to make, there is still an opportunity to do the right thing. The decisions made in 2013 needs to be re-evaluated considering all that has

happened in Point Breeze. Yet we are still sitting here. Sale pending, the SRC is saying: “What a shame, but there’s nothing we can do.” We say: There is something you can do. You can do your due diligence and seek data, facts, projections, information to make an educated decision. You can make your sales process transparent and engage the community. You can remove language that makes it so challenging to get out of a bad deal. You can do better by this city and its citizens. The Save Smith School Committee has rattled cages at every SRC meeting since October 2016. We have presented data and information about how our neighborhood is changing – data and information the SRC admitted it had not considered when making this sale. This sale will

knowingly impact residents by pushing out many low-income African Americans, minorities, and poor families if the developer turns these schools into market-rate housing. How can the School District turn a blind eye to the low-income students and families? How can the School District ethically justify pushing gentrification in low-income communities? Elected officials, SRC members, and mayor’s office officials have met with us, given us leads, encouraged our efforts, and even supported our argument, but this one group of appointed officials, the SRC, which holds the power, says their hands are tied. Everyone makes mistakes. You’ve admitted that what happened was just that – a mistake. Will you have the courage and the vision to correct it? Will you break

HONOR MEMORIAL DAY WITH YOUR AD! CALL MELISSA @ 215-755-2000

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($20 per year Optional Subscription) The South Philadelphia Public Record 325 Chestnut St., Suite 1110 Phila. PA 19106 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 325 Chestnut St., Suite 1110 Phila. PA 19106 (215) 755-2000 Fax: (215) 525-2818 editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Greg Salisbury Executive Editor: James Tayoun, Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Everyday People Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Correspondent: Eldon Graham Photographers: Leona Dixon Wendell Douglas Harry Leech Bill Myers Office Manager: Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico Dawood Starling Yousef Maaddi James Henderson The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. City & State will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public. The Philadelphia Public Record is a publication owned by: City&State PA LLC 325 Chestnut St. Philadelphia PA, 19106 215-490-9314 Copyright @2017 City & State PA LLC Local 779-C

ASIAN EVENTS FILL CALENDAR

Come see children’s artwork (made by Philadelphia students), let the kids do crafts and play on the playgrounds, and meet the Phillie Phanatic! Enjoy performances by traditional and modern Asian American artists, and stop by the Health Fair for a checkup. This fair will provide a

fascinating glimpse into a dozen diverse Asian cultures that are each adding unique contributions to Philadelphia life. This family-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. There is discounted parking at EZ Park at 9th & Race Streets.

to hit the links. Reserve and make payment by May 26. June 5: Why and How to Have a Monstrous Digital Footprint. Join AACCGP with Wharton Business School and Urban League of Philadelphia for this digital marketing and networking event. Speaking will be Kim Landry, Hollister Creative Marketing and Web Design. To become involved in any of these events, contact AACCGP at (215) 642-2333 or aaccgp@asianchamberphila.org. Its website is http://www.asianchamberphila.org. M AY 18 , 2017

ION DANCE, games and food trucks! What’s not to like? This coming Saturday, May 20, the Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia will host the 11th annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets.

Locust Walk between 34th and 36th Streets 12-2 p.m. Registration is now closed. May 25: Super Networking 2017. Join the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, along with the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania, Asian Mosaic Giving Circle, of Greater Philadelphia and Asian American Journalists Association. Space is limited; register now! June 4: Golf Outing. Join AACCGP with Asian American Association of Business & Professionals of Bensalem

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ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH PEPS UP FRANKLIN SQ.

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SIAN PACIFIC Islander American Heritage Month is keeping the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia busy in May, and will keep doing so well into June. Many events are scheduled. May 18: University of Pennsylvania Supplier Diversity Forum and Expo. Make plans to join and stop by AACCGP’s table on the University of Pennsylvania campus at this event today. The forum and expo will bring together suppliers, buyers, local agencies and organizations to celebrate supplier diversity; showcase the resources available to local, diversity and small businesses; and provide an excellent opportunity for business networking. The forum will be held 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at College Hall, Room 200. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. The Expo will be located on College Green along

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ASIAN LEADERS WHO SERVE PHILADELPHIA MATHEW THARAKAN

NADEEM BEZAR

ANY Philadelphians took shocked notice when a Northeast Philadelphia motel was sued civilly for human trafficking, on behalf of a teenage girl who was enslaved and forced to perform sexual acts with men over a nearly two-year period. That lawsuit was handled by Nadeem Bezar, an attorney who has made a name for himself tackling child abuse and human trafficking, sexual assault and Title IX violations on campus. It’s a living – and it’s also a cause for Bezar, the son of Pakistani and Indian immigrants to the Philadelphia area. “These cases are one part social awareness and one part resolution for the indi-

JAMES WANG

H vidual,” says Bezar. “When more people dialog about sexual abuse, that’s only a positive thing. It is really a bad epidemic.” Now a partner at Kline & Specter, Bezar is the region’s preeminent expert in this demanding field of law. He lectures at continuing legal education programs and various seminars, and a source for journalists. He is an adjunct professor at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University. He has a master’s in engineering (Cont. Page 5)

AILING from the south Indian state of Kerala, Mathew Tharakan brought a sound skill set to Philadelphia from his homeland more than 30 years ago. He had already earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola College, University of Madras and a diploma in electrical technology from Kerala University. But he has made a career here – helping all Philadelphians get around. It is now 28 years since Tharakan went to work for SEPTA, dealing with transportation operations, engineering management and expertise in rail vehicles. Tharakan added to his résumé, acquiring an MBA in finance and post-master’s in computer science from

T Philadelphia University. Now he hopes to pass the torch. He recently joined at SEPTA’s business division as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise manager, overseeing minority- and women-owned businesses’ participation in procurement and construction. “I’ve been doing that for a year,” he says. “I want to bring more minority-owned businesses to do business with SEPTA. Our goal is 15% but other transit agencies are doing 20-25%.” (Cont. Page 5)

HE FOUNDER of Chinatown’s The Asian Bank, James Wang has served as its president and CEO since 2012. Prior to becoming CEO, Wang served as chief operating officer, chief lending officer and director. He is also chairman, president, and CEO of Asian Financial Corp., the holding company for The Asian Bank. A second-generation Chinese American from the Philadelphia suburbs, Wang has a bachelor’s degree in finance and international business from New York University’s Stern School of Management. Wang began his career in finance in 1994 as an analyst with Salomon Brothers in New York. But he moved back to the Philadelphia area in

1999 to start his bank. “There are Asian community banks in a lot of states,” Wang explains. “Our particular focus is the Chinese community.” In many other places, banks that were originally Asian American-owned have been bought out; The Asian Bank is the only such institution in Pennsylvania Wang serves on the boards and finance committees of several local nonprofit organizations covering education, elder care and commercial development of the community (Cont. Page 5)

L-R, CAMBODIAN Ambassador to the USA Bun Rong Chin, Laborers’ District Council strategist Ken Washington and Councilman Mark Squilla salute one of the country’s largest Cambodian communities.

CAMBODIAN American Girls Empowering performed a traditional “wishing dance” with pizazz.

GRILLMIS TRESS Thy prepares skewered meaty delicacies – one of the ways that Cambodians welcome in their New Year, which traditionally occurs in mid-spring.

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NEW YEAR BLOOMS FOR PHILLY CAMBODIANS

(Cont. From Page 4) from the University of Massachusetts and a law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. He is on the executive committee of the Temple Law Alumni Association and recently received the TLAA Diversity Leadership Award.

MATHEW THARAKAN (Cont. From Page 4) SEPTA is a complex agency with a wide range of operations. But many of its business opportunities lie in construction. Last month, Tharakan held a workshop for which 200 DBE business people showed up. “Asian American business

JAMES WANG (Cont. From Page 4) in which Asian Bank serves. He is also an appointed commissioner on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. “Our 30-odd employees are 100% local,” Wang states. “They tend to be second-generation,

Bezar is on the board of the Juvenile Law Center, the nation’s oldest nonprofit law firm for children, and the Temple Law Alumni Association. He has served with the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Philadelphia South Asian Bar Association, the South Asian Bar Association of North America, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice and the Philadel-

phia Trial Lawyers Association. He has co-chaired the Philadelphia Bar Association Medical Legal Committee. In July 2016, Bezar was named to the Commission on Asian American Affairs. He is also active in the community as a member of Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent and a volunteer for Ronald McDonald House.

people are mostly involved in small businesses, like restaurants,” Tharakan asserts. “They are not involved in making products. But that’s where the opportunities are – in fields like elevators, plumbing, air conditioning and carpentry.” SEPTA currently has 25 DBE contractors on the job. Tharakan has been involved in multiple Asian American

leadership positions, particularly in the large Indian American community of Southeastern Pennsylvania. He serves as vice president for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials. Tharakan was also the co-chair for Mayor Kenney’s Transportation & Infrastructure Transition Committee. He sits on the Mayor’s Commission for Asian American Affairs.

the children of immigrants – the same as our customer base. They are going through similar challenges and opportunities.” He adds that it is a multifaceted, entrepreneurial community: “People think of Chinatown as restaurants and that’s it. But we have professionals and real-estate developers.” And it is a thriving and growing community. Wang says

Philadelphia is drawing new migrants from China and other American cities because the quality of life is better and it’s easy to start your own business here. Wang serves on community organizations like Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp., On Lok House senior housing and FACTS Charter School.

L-R AT THE street fair were business leader Hor Chou; South Philly’s Dan Cheou, principal of Furness High School and the first Cambodian American in the school hierarchy; and Councilman Mark Squilla.

WHILE younger kids scampered about, teenagers clustered together for selfies.

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NADEEM BEZAR

M AY 18 , 2017

STATE POLICE Officers James and Chen manned a recruiting table, as did the Fire Department. These agencies offer good jobs for Asian Americans with high-school degrees.

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ELECTION SHOCKERS ROCK CITY DEMOCRATS BY TONY WEST LACK LIVES Matter mattered in this week’s Democratic primary. Insurgent civil-rights attorney Larry Krasner walked away with the prize in the seven-way race to succeed incumbent District Attorney Seth Williams. With more than 98% of the votes tallied by Wednesday morning, Krasner had won 38.2% of 152,316 overall votes – 58,165. Former US Attorney Joe Khan came in second, with 20.4% of the vote. Former Managing Director Rich Negrín finished third, with 14.3%, despite his firstplace ballot position. Former Assistant DA Tariq El-Shabazz drew 11.6% of

Representative M AY 18 , 2017

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

the vote. Michael Untermeyer’s long television ad campaign did not pay off, netting him only 8.2% of the vote. Late entry Jack O’Neill never caught fire, winning 6.0% of the vote. Former Judge Teresa Carr Deni didn’t make a dent, taking only 1.5%. What happened? Citywide turnout was typically low, following the pattern of downballot municipal elections. But with no incumbent or Democratic Party endorsement, an enthusiastic and motivated progressive minority turned out in good numbers to outpace the scattered support for the other candidates, all of whom had decent establishment credentials. Money surely played a role as well – specifically the $1.45 million that State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

1435 N. 52nd St. Phila. PA 19131 (215) 879-6615

215-271-9190

Always Hard At Work for You!

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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

billionaire George Soros dropped on Krasner’s race via a PAC. It purchased a strong TV campaign in the last two weeks, when ordinary voters were beginning to wake up to the contest. Khan’s good showing may also reflect the value of timely commercials. But Krasner also made inroads in key parts of the party structure, drawing support from some influential Black ward leaders. Organizational support completely failed, however, in the other major race, that for city controller. Three-term incumbent Alan Butkovitz was handily defeated by a former mayoral chief administrative officer, Rebecca Rhynhart, 58.0% to 40.7%. (A minor candidate, Bobbie Curry, polled 1.3% of the vote.) Television undoubtedly helped Rhynhart, who unleashed an on-air campaign – unprecedented in a controller’s race – that depicted But-

kovitz as a sinister party hack. Anti-establishment progressives who were already pumped by Krasner’s campaign may have found this ad inspiring, although it is likely few of them know what the duties of the city’s fiscal watchdog consist of. But Butkovitz must look as well to the quiet defectors within Democratic City Committee who may have pulled their official punches on his behalf. Broad labor support for O’Neill did not translate into votes. This outcome did not burnish the reputation of IBEW leader John Dougherty, who appears to have been a key, if somewhat covert, backer of O’Neill’s candidacy for DA. DCC and ward-level backing appears to have still been valuable in the judicial races. As expected, the three top-ballot Common Pleas Court candidates all won, led by Judge Sheila Tsai with 62,754 votes. Vikki Kristiansson, at second

State Rep. Jason

position, finished second with 61,534; Debbie Cianfrani, at third position, finished fourth with 43,079. But endorsed Judge Lucretia Clemons bested a 25th-place position to come in third with 46,068. It took organizational effort to get her there. Endorsee Deborah Canty finished sixth with 38,545, despite a number-14 position. Four other candidates won places on the Democratic ballot for Common Pleas, tireless campaigners all. Zac Shaffer finished fifth, with 39,003; Shanese Johnson finished seventh, with 36,109; former State Rep. Mark Cohen will join his brother on the bench, with 35,767; and Judge Vincent Furlong retained his seat by a whisker, with 35,326. Finishing just out of the money was an underfunded first-time candidate with a background in public-interest law, Jennifer Schultz, with 33,470, even though she was buried in City Commissioner

Dawkins

Lisa M.

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 132 City Hall

Deeley Philadelphia PA 19107

215-686-3460

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

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

Boyle

198th District

310 W. Chelten Ave.

172nd Dist. 7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

Phila PA 19148

P: 215-849-6426

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

215-744-2600

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

Greenlee

Kevin J.

Youngblood

Taylor

Donatucci

Councilman Wm.

State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

State Rep.

Rep.Maria P.

the middle of the ballot. Had an appellate court not voided one of the vacancies in Common Pleas Court, Schultz would have taken it. Close behind Schultz were Judge Dan Sulman, with 33,375, who will undoubtedly be reappointed to the court at an early opportunity, and Leon Goodman, with 32,779. Originally there were three openings in Municipal Court, but an appellate decision reduced that number to two. Marissa Brumbach, who has seemed to be everywhere in Philly at the same time for the last three months, will finally get a chance to sit down – on the bench. She polled 77,092 votes from her number-two position. Lead-position candidate matt Wolf won 51,654. George Twardy got a respectable 31,149 votes. He, too, would have been elected if the appellate court had not swept away his opening.

Bullock T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629

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

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TWO NEW FACES WIN THE DAY OPINION

hen you’re wrong, you’re wrong. We weren’t unanimous in our endorsement of Rich Negrín in the Democratic primary for district attorney. Nor were we enthusiastic about endorsing Alan Butkovitz for another term as city controller. But those were the choices we made. And, as demonstrated by election results driven in no small part by an electorate uninterested in the recommendations and endorse-

M AY 18 , 2017

T HE S O U T H PHIL A D EL PHI A P UB L I C R E CO R D

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MARK your CALENDAR 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, 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. Control health and heal body. Must register with the Senator’s N.W. Dist. Office: (215) 4575200.

ments of the city’s political establishment and media, we missed the boat. With her win, Democratic nominee Rebecca Rhynhart has the opportunity to make good on her campaign pledges to be a more aggressive, fearless financial watchdog who will make city government work better and more efficiently for Philadelphia citizens and businesses. We have no doubt that her background both in Wall Street and in the upper echelons of city government will serve her – and the city – well. By nearly doubling the vote total of his next-closest opponent, former federal prosecutor Joe Khan, Krasner has as close to a mandate as one can get in a

seven-way race resulting in a plurality. We can only hope that he puts some of that political capital to work on improving the morale and atmosphere at the District Attorney’s Office. After being under a cloud of suspicion, allegations and indictments for so long, the 600 employees will need to not just hear about a new direction forward to regaining trust, but to see that plan put in effect. While his complete lack of prosecutorial experience and lack of managerial and leadership roles of any significance gave us pause during the campaign, we wish Krasner well and look forward to seeing how his progressive vision translates into action.

May 20- State Rep. Joanna 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 Germantown Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 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- S. 9th Street Italian Mkt. Festival, along South 9th Street, from Wharton to Fitzwater Sts., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. rain or shine. May 20- State Rep. Jim Roebuck hosts Senior Health-Care Seminar at Renaissance Health Care & Rehabilitation, 4712 Chester Ave., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Featured speaker: Congressman Dwight Ev-

ans. Light refreshments. For info: (215) 7242227. May 20- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Community Day at Overbrook Beacon Comm. Empowerment Ctr., 5621 Lancaster Ave., 12-5 p.m. Food, fun, moonbounce, giveaways, info on state programs. For info: (215) 879-6615. May 22- Lindy Li hosts US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand at Parc Rittenhouse, 225 S. 18th St., 12:30 p.m. Tickets $500. May 24- City & State PA hosts “PA Power 100 2017” at SugarHouse Casino Event Ctr., 1001 N. Delaware Ave., 5:30 p.m. Open bar, hors d’oeuvres. Tickets $55, 4-pack $195, Power-Pack of 8 $375. For info: events@ cityandstatepa.com or Allison Murphy (215) 755-2000. For info on programming, advertising or sponsorship: David Alpher dalpher@cityandstatepa.com. May 25- State Rep. Ste-

phen Kinsey hosts “State of the State” town-hall mtg. at 1st United Meth. Ch., 6001 Germantown Ave., 6-8 p.m. City & state officials present to answer questions. For info: Marcia Willis (215) 8496592. May 25- Green Party of Phila. Membership Mtg. at Shissler Rec Ctr., 1800 Blair St. (near Girard Ave), 7 p.m. For info: www. gpop.org. Jun. 2- Laborers’ Local 332 hosts retirement party for Cheryl Lee at 1310 Wallace St., 6-10 p.m. For info: Tamica Bacon (215) 765-6272 ext. 122. Jun. 4- Phila. Ky. Colonels Fundraiser supports Morris Animal Refuge at Stephie’s Caterers, 1815 S. 11th St., 6-8 p.m. Animals for Adoption will be available. Sponsors welcome! For info: (267) 639-9939. Jun. 5- TWU Local 234 hosts “Take Care of Our Own” Golf Outing at Northampton Valley C.C.

Contributions are tax-deductible. For info: (215) 972-4140. Jun. 9- State Rep. Stephen Kinsey hosts Senior Fair at Ctr. in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. State & local agencies, health-care providers, volunteer opportunities, screenings, giveaways & prizes. For info (215) 849-6592. Jun. 10- State Rep. John Taylor hosts Kids Health & Safety Fair at Cione Plg., Aramingo & Lehigh Aves., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. RSVP: (215) 708-3139. Jun. 11-12- Indigenous Muslim Sisters hosts Nat’l Reunion at Int’l Ho., 3701 Chestnut St. Tickets $50. For info and tickets: Aisha (443) 851-9212, Saeedah (215) 828-1969, Majeedah (215) 778-2748, Ayesha (979) 319-2983. Jun. 12- CATCH hosts Golf Classic at Old York Rd. C.C., 801 Tennis Ave., Spring House, Pa., 8 a.m. Registration & Breakfast, 10 a.m. Shotgun, 3.p. 19th Hole Anniversary

Celebration & Awards. Proceeds benefit CATCH Community Scholarship Fund. For info: (215) 735-7435. Jun. 15-18- Pa. Federation of Dem. Women holds Convention at Hilton Scranton, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton Pa. Jun. 18- Reunion Committee hosts Father’s Day Trip to Nat’l Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C., lv. Progress Plaza 8:15 a.m. Video bus, MLK Memorial, complimentary museum passes, stop at Baltimore Harbor, gift for all fathers. Tickets $50. Payable to “Crisis Intervention Network, Inc.,” P.O. Box 9449, Phila., PA 19139. For info: Mike Reed (215) 7965499. Jun. 22- Tribute to Commissioner Lisa Deeley is held at Field House, 1150 Filbert St., 5:307:30 p.m. Tickets $250 up. RSVP deeleyforphilly. com.

POLS on the STREET BY JOE SHAHEELI n Philadelphia, all eyes (at least all that aren’t closed in sleep to the burning issues of the city they live in) were focused on the outcome of Tuesday’s election. Sadly, most voters did remain asleep. Doubtless they will wake up again when the time comes for them to complain about a particular policy or event, misstep or crisis, in the justice system or the city administration, that offends their sensibilities. But it will be too late by then. They lost their right to whine, in our opinion, when they waived their right to vote. There is a movement afoot in Pennsylvania to cancel or reduce the power of voters to select their public officers. Judges are a familiar target; many honest people in the legal fraternity argue judges should be selected by merit – as defined by the same honest people in the legal fraternity. Laypersons, they say, should have no say in whom

they are judged by. That should be exclusively the call of the lawyers, in their view. Philadelphia city commissioners are another familiar target. Many self-defined reformers want the administration of its voting to be overseen by a nonpartisan, rather than a bipartisan, leadership – which is what we now have, by virtue of their election. Seasoned observers are dubious. If elections are a good way to pick government leaders, they should be a good way to pick government leaders of elections.

The current arrangement, enshrined in law and worked out in practice, is that the majority Democrats get to decide how the city’s mostly-Democratic voters get to vote, while the minority Republican provides a significant brake while pitching in technical expertise. In truth, Philadelphia probably sees fewer day-to-day problems with this agency than it does with most other branches of its municipal government. But the Committee of Seventy has long (Cont. to Page 13)

T HE S O U T H PHIL A D EL PHI A P UB L I C R E CO R D

COURT UPHOLDS CITY COMMISSION

M AY 18 , 2017

SEPTA hosted members of the Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee for a tour of the transit system’s vast infrastructure. The representatives spoke with SEPTA employee Mitch Soba. L-R: State Reps. Robert F. Matzie; William F. Keller, Transportation Committee Democratic Chairman; John Taylor, Transportation Committee Chairman; Rosemary M. Brown; and Lynda Schlegel Culver.

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SEPTA HOSTS STATE REPS

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of the rest of public business. So it’s odd. But it works. Considering Philadelphia runs elections that are bigger than many nations’, its elections have seen tiny scandals at most for the last 30 years. Now, represented by the Public Interest Law Center,

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Philly Home Up for Sale

Philadelphia - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money. This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”. To order a FREE copy of this special report Call toll-free 1-800-560-2075 and enter 5000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

Seventy is going after City Commission with a passion. It argued the commissioners must step aside from managing Tuesday’s primary because a state law appeared to kick them off any election in which there was a city-charter question, as happened last Tuesday.

Philadelphia elections of 2017 are not the same as those of 1947. Our city had a famously dishonest system then, ruled over by Republicans; and the incoming Democrats, following local culture, concentrated on redistributing the spoils. But today’s election prob-

lems are trivial, compared to 13 our past – as well as to the larger reform challenges of 2017. There are many larger candidates for close public scrutiny than this modestly funded (short of $10 million) agency, which must muster (Cont. to Page 14) T H E S O U T H P H I L A D E L P H I A P UB L I C R E CO R D

(Cont. From Page 9) advocated abolishing the Philadelphia City Commission, a body unique to Philadelphia for historical reasons. In the 66

other counties of Pennsylvania, the county commission is the actual executive of the county. But when Philadelphia City and County merged a long time ago, City Commission wound up with largely the job of managing elections, while the mayor and city council took care

M AY 18 , 2017

POLS on the STREET

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MASTERMAN VS. THE WORLD CITY COUNCIL presented a resolution congratulating Julia R. Masterman School students for winning the right to compete against 6,000 students from around the world at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals for the fourth straight year. Photo by Wendell Douglas

POLS on the STREET (Cont. From Page 13) up to 10,000 shortterm, low-paid citizens to carry out an arduous civic duty for peanuts. It’s time for progressives to quit hallucinating about the “machine” and focus instead on the need to pay ordinary citizens enough to wangle a day off from their everyday-survival pay to run an election for their neighbors. Do they argue that every potential political activist in America’s poorest big city should work a 12-hour day in their neighbourhood polls for free? This may suit idealistic professionals who control their own time, but it’s no way to run a grassroots government in working-class communities. Time is money for humble civic activists like these. Seventy called for the County Commissioners to recuse themselves in the May 2017 election. “It’s better to err on the side of caution,” said Benjamin Geffen, a PILC staff attorney. This was an impractical suggestion, particularly for an election already well underway. It would make more sense to address the next scheduled election now, allowing time to raise and discuss the issues. But Deputy City Solicitor Benjamin Field retorted the city commissioners didn’t draft the ballot questions and thus are neutral on them. To remove the commissioners from above, he said, would “undermine a

fair and well-run election.” Common Pleas Court President Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper heard the case and ruled in favor of the City Commission. Two different appeals, first to the Supreme Court and at the last minute to Commonwealth Court, were dismissed without an opinion.

RENDELL FOR SHADOW MAYOR?

Sixteen years after Ed Rendell moved on from the mayoralty, he seems to have developed an intense interest in governing Philadelphia again – or, at least, in influencing the city’s politics and politicians. In the past few months, he has excoriated Democratic City Committee’s methods of choosing candidates. He threw his weight behind a former mayoral employee and party outsider, Rebecca Rhynhart, in her bid to topple long-standing City Controller Alan Butkovitz. Now Rendell stands at the center of another firestorm, this one over bonuses paid out by the Democratic National Convention Host Committee, which he cochaired. Nearly $1 million went to its workers for an effort that was universally acclaimed as a credit to the city. But it drew a host of critics, from Gov. Tom Wolf on down, who argued the money should have gone directly to city government instead. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, the end result is a team of Philly-based operatives who owe much to Rendell.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY OVERING the Pennsylvania primary election this time around has been kind of, well, trying. It’s required a lot of running around, a lot of sitting through candidate forums, more than a few Uber and Lyft trips. What it hasn’t included is a lot sleep, a regular dining schedule or a whole lot of fun. So on Saturday, I went to the United Muslim Masjid’s Sisters’ Recognition & Fashion Show at the Philadelphia Hilton on City Line Avenue.

award winner JoAnn Jumannah Davis, whose shop, Halal Textiles by Ummi & Sons, sells textiles and gives sewing lessons; Empowerment Award winner Movita Johnson-Harrell, community anti-violence activist and founder of the CHARLES (Creating Healthy Alternatives Results In Less Emotional Suffering); Upliftment Award winner Sharon Muhammad, chef/owner of Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen on Germantown Avenue; Community Service Award winner Majeedah Abdur Rashid, CEO of Nicetown CDC; and Hajjiah Elishabah Taiyibah Mu’minah Shabazz, winner of the organization’s Legacy Award. The theme for this year’s fashion show was “Up, Up and Away: Flight 19 Global Tour,” and featured fashions inspired by the global chic that can be found in Paris, London, Ghana, Jamaica, Dubai, and New York. Ushering “passengers” through the World Tour were Philadelphia (Cont. Page 17)

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA HE FBI DIRECTOR WAS FIRED. Let him go WRITE A BOOK on his last days FOR $$. The GOP and DEMS had no love for him. It seemed the FBI was the SHADOW GOVERNMENT (?). First his announcement on new Hillary emails (which ended in a puff of smoke), then the continued investigation of the Trump-Russia alleged connection. J. EDGAR is dead; we cannot have a THIRD

CITY HALL SAM

he race for district attorney of Philadelphia had more candidates and more money than any such race in the history of the city. The seven candidates enjoyed varying degrees of political support and many of them received substantial amounts of financial support. But the sad fact is that each represented constituencies that seem to strongly

Middle School to discuss 15 GERRYMANDERING. A RUMOR going around town is that Zane MEMEGER might run for governor as a Republican (?). He was a leading prosecutor in Traffic Court and labor matters. If he runs, he should not use convictions to sell himself. As the election campaign trundled on, I am happy to report ONLY minor NEGATIVE campaigning. A tribute to the candidates. Many people felt little was said on victims’ rights in the DA race, or juveniles serving LIFE in jail. The BIG BUCKS BONUSES paid for the Democratic Convention team now may have double-dipped (?). Ed RENDELL was the drum-beater for the convention, and urged contributions to make it happen. Maybe they raised TOO MUCH MONEY? You can pay a bonus if you have money left over. (Cont. Page 17)

be divided by race and values. LARRY KRASNER was backed by billionaire GEORGE SOROS to the tune of $1.5 million. Krasner’s campaign was in favor of Black Lives Matter and opposed to the police. But that is a canyonesque divide between two important groups: those that are worried about equal justice and those who want to be strong in the fight on crime. However, there should be a deeper, more evenhanded discussion about what each particular group is most concerned about. These political arguments are not that simple. The other candidates seemed to try to divide constituencies as well. MIKE UNTERMEYER has garnered support by being pro-police. Other candi-

dates have been pro-union or anti-party. Not to be overlooked is the crisis in which the DA’s Office is currently operating. Its routine but essential duties are undermined by the chaotic state in which its leadership finds itself. Morale is deep underwater and the final winner, Krasner, will have to struggle to reassure its staff that he will work with them rather than against them, before he can chart any effective course of his own devise. What Philadelphia needs now is a unifier who can provide equal justice and make the city one where everyone knows that justice is both fair and safe. In the meantime, incumbent SETH WILLIAMS will likely hang on until such time that he is convicted or acquitted in federal court.

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

This is the 19th year for the show, which also honors female members of Philadelphia’s Muslim community for their service to mankind. When another masjid stopped holding a similar event 19 years ago, Fatimaah Gamble, wife of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Kenny Gamble, got a group of women together to plan the fashion show. It was a way to give Muslim women a chance to fellowship, something there wasn’t a lot of at the time, she said. It’s an event that’s grown from its beginnings at the Philadelphia Clef Club on South Broad Street, said Lubna Muhammad, this year’s event chair. While fashion took center stage (and I mean that literally, because there was a big runway in the middle of the ballroom), the event was also a chance for the UMM to recognize a cross-section of women. This year’s honorees included: Fashion Heritage

WALKING the BEAT

GOVERMENT in the FBI. A report that Comey was upset at the lack of respect shown him by White House staffers…poor dear. The White House is the apex of power in America. Power can be beautiful or ugly when exercised. He is old enough to know this. Then a report that FBI workers are dismayed at Comey’s firing. Boo-hoo. You are PAID to do a job; concentrate on doing it. Dan MUROFF, who might run for Congress in the 7th District, says the incumbent has been ultra-silent on the FBI Director’s job loss. (Congressman Patrick Meehan was a prosecutor.) To run for Congress in a district designed for the GOP is a PROFILE IN COURAGE. The amorphous-AMOEBA DISTRICT in our backyard must go. MEEHAN is silent on that issue, I guess (?). A meeting has been called on May 24 in Upper Merion

HONOR MEMORIAL DAY WITH YOUR AD! CALL MELISSA @ 215-755-2000

M AY 18 , 2017

OBERT POWELSON, a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission member, will be nominated by PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Powelson a native of Delaware County, currently lives in Chester County. Prior to joining the PUC, Powelson was the head of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. The current head of the Chester County Chamber of Busi-

ties, including industry and consumers (which was his job). However, I am sure the left in Congress is going take the position that any respect for industry is a sin. Also, they probably are going to be outraged that he was not an advocate for environmental issues. Please note the protector of the environment in Pennsylvania is the Department of Environmental Protection, not the PUC. Hillarites believe educated women who voted for Trump do not exist or are stupid, ignorant or evil. There is a group, the Republican Women of Philadelphia, founded in 2015, that belies this premise. They engage in community outreach, including sponsorship of Taney athletes. This Sunday, they are raising funds to pay for an historic marker honoring Pennsylvania’s women’s-suffrage movement. (Cont. Page 17)

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ness & Industry is former chief of staff to LT. GOV. JIM CAWLEY and longtime friend of Pennsylvania Republican Party CHAIRMAN VAL DiGIORGIO. Powelson is also the president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. Powelson is truly an outstanding nominee to FERC. Currently, FERC is operating with only two commissioners out of five which means that no decisions on energy market policy, interstate pipelines and interstate transmission can be made. Powelson was appointed to the PUC in 2008 by GOV. ED RENDELL and made chairman by GOV. TOM CORBETT in 2014 indicating he had bipartisan support. That said, I am sure many liberals in Congress may not be happy with him as while he was at the PUC he endeavored to make decisions that were in the best interest of all par-

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the WAFFLE MAN

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O! HERE we go again with this greeting – Happy IVGLDSW Day, International Very Good-Looking, Darn Smart Women’s Day. Please send this message to someone you think fits this description. I have already received it from a Very Good-Looking, Darn Smart Woman to pass it on to those that fit the description. Do it to honor those special ladies in your life. To

understanding BANKRUPTCY BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED UESTION: Will I lose my security clearance if I file bankruptcy? Answer: This causes surprise, in large measure because of the urban legends about bankruptcy that just aren’t true. But why won’t bankruptcy have a negative impact on a security clearance? The reason is simply because bankruptcy makes you less of a security risk. What makes someone a security risk? According to the Department of Defense, “The purpose of a security

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the Girls! “Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the hell happened.” – Cora Harvey Armstrong “Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut her up with cookies.” – Unknown “The hardest years in life are those between 10 and 70.” – Helen Hayes (at 73) “I refuse to think of them as chin hair. I think of them as stray eyebrows.” – Jeanette “Old age ain’t no place for sissies.” – Bette Davis “Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.” – Caryn Leschen “If you can’t be a good example – then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.” – Catherine “I’m not going to vacuum until they make one you can ride on.” – Roseanne Barr “Behind every successful man is a surprised woman” – Marion

Pearson “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” – Eleanor Roosevelt “When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt and call me over!” – Dean Martin “There’s another adage that goes something like ... when you wake, hit the flooring and make the Devil say, “Darn, she’s up!” Tell this to five bright women you know and make their day. Only five! You’ve got to be kidding. And remember this motto to live by: Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, totally worn out and screaming, “WOOO HOOOOO, what a ride!” Remember, you only go around once – enjoy the ride.

clearance is to determine whether a person is able and willing to safeguard classified national security information, based on his or her loyalty, character, trustworthiness, and reliability. All available, reliable information about the person, past and present, favorable and unfavorable, is considered in reaching a clearance determination. When an individual’s life history shows evidence of unreliability or untrustworthiness, questions arise whether the individual can be relied on and trusted to exercise the responsibility necessary for working in a secure environment where protection of classified information is paramount.” Under this standard, it is not the bankruptcy itself that potentially could cause a problem, but the reasons the person files for bankruptcy. For example, if you run a Ponzi scheme, or if you defraud people, or if you committed criminal acts, and file bankruptcy as a result, this could be a problem. But if your or a family member’s illness caused financial problems, or if you were out of

work or had your wages cut, or if you got divorced (events that cover almost 90% of all consumer bankruptcies), these don’t impact your reliability or trustworthiness and a bankruptcy that results won’t impact your clearance. I have even had clients tell me that their security officer told them they needed to file for bankruptcy or they would lose (or not get) their clearance! The only requirement is that you tell your security officer before you file so that they know you are not trying to hide anything. They already know that you’re in financial difficulty-bankruptcy shows that you’re addressing the problem and fixing it. And this makes sense. Bankruptcy allows you to deal with your debt. It allows you to eliminate it, restructure it, and pay it. It enhances your reliability and trustworthiness, and makes you less of a risk that someone will offer to take care of your financial problems in exchange for your password. Next Week’s Question: Can I lower my car payment in bankruptcy?

EVERYDAY PEOPLE (Cont. From Page 15) Daily News columnist Aliya Z. Khabir and Yasmine, a New York-based celebrity stylist who has styled shows for New York Fashion Week, as well as actors and musicians. Now, when I told folks that I was going to a Muslim fashion show, many side-eyes were given. That’s because we tend not to associate fashion with Muslim women due to the religion’s emphasis on modesty. While the clothes were reflective of that, they were also really chic. From resplendent

furs to suits, tunics and head coverings that featured bright colors, eye-catching patterns and accessories with pop, I saw stuff I’d like to wear, and I’m two televangelist speeches away from being an atheist. That’s the whole idea, said Lubna Muhammad, whose designs were featured in the show. “When I design a line of clothing, I do it thinking in a way that allows all women to think it’s for them,” she said. It has to be modest, but it also has to be fashionable.” The fashion show was also a fundraiser for UMM’s Summer Madrassa, which provides educational programming for the organization’s youth.

(Cont. From Page 15) A historic marker is to be placed near the site of the longgone Moyamensing Prison describing the unfair conviction of HESTER VAUGHN, who was held there pending hanging. In 1886, Vaughn was arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to death for killing her small child by a jury of men. She was denied a jury of her peers, as women did not

have the right to vote, and thus could not serve on juries. Her plight was identified by the suffrage leader, SUSAN B. ANTHONY (a Republican). Anthony led publicity and political campaigns to highlight Vaughn’s denial to be judged by a jury of her peers. Anthony succeeded in obtaining a pardon for Vaughn from the Pennsylvania GOV. JOHN GEARY (a Republican). Many believe Anthony’s campaign for Vaughn swayed

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 170302615 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Midfirst Bank, Plaintiff vs. James J. Clark, The Unknown Heirs of James F. Mortiz, Deceased & Jeff Moritz a/k/a Jeffrey Moritz, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of James F. Mortiz, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: The Unknown Heirs of James F. Mortiz, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 270 West Washington Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144. 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, Midfirst Bank, 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. 170302615, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 270 West Washington Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Phila. County. Notice: You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a Lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. Community Legal Services, Inc., Law Center North Central, 1410 W. Erie Ave., Phila., PA 19140, 215-227-2400/215-981-3700. Phila. Bar Assn., One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104, 215-238-6333. Rebecca A Solarz, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106-1532, 215.627.1322.

many male voters in Pennsylvania to appreciate women’s suffrage. The event will be held at 4256 Regent Square and the price is $40 per person ($100 VIP tickets). RSVP to (215) 387-5641. Former Republican COMMITTEEWOMAN CELESTE MORELLO completed the

filings with the Common- 17 wealth and the City of Philadelphia to get approval for the marker, which is no easy task. Morello is an expert at this: Next time you go to the ballpark, note the marker for HARVEY POLLACK. Morello did the legwork to get that approved.

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 140202733 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure PNC Bank, National Association, Successor by Merger to National City Mortgage, A Division of National City Bank, Plaintiff vs. Courtlin Young, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Richard L. Pettus, Deceased, Shannon Hatcher, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Richard L. Pettus, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs of Richard L. Pettus, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: Courtlin Young, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Richard L. Pettus, Deceased, Shannon Hatcher, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir Of Richard L. Pettus, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs of Richard L. Pettus, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants, whose last known address is 1031 East Rittenhouse, Street Philadelphia, PA 19138. 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, PNC Bank, National Association, Successor by Merger to National City Mortgage, A Division of National City Bank, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Phila. County, PA, docketed to No. 140202733, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 1031 East Rittenhouse Street Philadelphia, PA 19138 whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Phila. County. Notice: You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a Lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. Community Legal Services, Inc., Law Center North Central, 1410 W. Erie Ave., Phila., PA 19140, 215-227-2400/215-981-3700. 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.

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ELEPHANT CORNER

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(Cont. From Page 15) SO TRUE was the article that noted the fancier the car (or large truck), the ruder the driver. The cars are so comfortable to drive, that you end up in a WORLD DETACHED from others on the road. Such drivers often become “traffic regulators” and set the highway speed for others behind them…. LOSS OF TIME occurs at Schuylkill Expressway choke points at City Line and Center City, including South Street ramps. Ed RENDELL made a good suggestion once: He said a duplicate expressway should be built atop the present one, since there is no land left to widen the road. The cost? Astronomical – but it would help! Be thankful the plan of years ago for a crosstown expressway along the south side of South Street was never built. Watching the LEVIATHAN-SIZED ships dock at the Packer Terminal each day, and appreciating our national record of a 28% increase in commerce, is tribute to the advance planning of former Delaware Valley Regional Port Authority Director Jamie McDERMOTT.

Now it is time to further expand Southport! On the STUDEBAKER car, I mentioned last week that company was the first to make electric cars and a bus in 1902-1914. REGION PEOPLE: A special thanks to Notary Ronald BROOKS in North Philly, who would stop living if he stopped giving....and young Gary MASINO, JR. (son of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 leader), who is now Organizing Director for Bucks County Democrats.... Keith HARRIS, Sergeant at Arms for City Council, a decent man earning profound, professional respect. Anti-Obamacare Congressman Tom MacARTHUR is a wealthy guy. Sometimes the rich have NO IDEA (a disconnect) as to how the poor and ordinary people struggle to survive (manor born). And Mayor Jim KENNEY was spot on when he described the pellmell rush by the GOP to remove the Obama name from legislation as stupid. Do they dislike Obama for his accomplishments? Are they against him because he is half Irish? Municipal Court President Judge Marsha NEIFIELD ruled WISELY that the train-wreck engineer should be charged. Let a trial decide the outcome.

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VETERANS ENJOY FAIR

AWARDS were issued and services offered at the City MEDAL-WINNER Kevin McCluskey, severely wounded by an incendiary device in Council Veterans Resource Fair in Thomas Paine Iraq, was applauded by the dignitaries for his service. Plaza. Judge Pat Dugan of the Veterans Court was backed by the Vietnam Veterans of America honor guard. Photos by Wendell Douglas GENE BANKS received a City Council citation in honor of her late father from Congressman Bob Brady.

L-R, ORGANIZER Wanda Peate Dennis, Councilman Bobby Henon and Council President Darrell Clarke listened as the founder of Philadelphia’s veterans parade, Scott Brown, spoke.

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M AY 18 , 2017

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