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SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

Vol. XIII No. 27

Issue 512

June 29, 2017

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

PhiladelphiaPublicRecord

IN THE SWIM

@phillyrecord

PhillyRecord

REBUILD RUCKUS P. 6

COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA TAKES A DIP AS CITY POOLS OPEN. STORY P. 2.

PHOTO BY ELDON GRAHAM

SAME STREET NEW NAME

SEE P. 2

PhillyRecord.com

THE BOYZ ARE BACK NEIGHBORS PLAN MIFFLIN SQ. THE BLOCK of S. Broad Street facing CAPA was renamed “Boyz II Men Boulevard” Saturday in honor of the school’s famous trio of graduates, Council Members Mark Squilla and Kenyatta Johnson, among others, turned out to welcome back Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris and Shawn Stockman. The CAPA band, below, played for its illustrious

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PEOPLE from all over Whitman gathered in Mifflin Square Saturday to participate in planning a makeover of the park, thanks to a grant obtained by the social-service agency SEAMAAC. Photos by Wendell Douglas

IT WASN’T all business.

Fun, games and performances engaged representatives of this diverse neighborhood.

Here, a leader of the Bhutanese

refugee

community, Leela Kuikel, chatted with some of his young constitu-

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ents.

KELLY LEE, top, who heads the City’s Office of Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy, was pleased by the way the program went.

DIVING INTO SOUTH PHILLY

BY ELDON GRAHAM OUTH PHILADELPHIA was the place to be on June 22 as Mayor Jim Kenney joined city officials at Murphy Recreation Center, located at Third and Shunk streets, to kick off the 2017 public pool season and also to dedicate Murphy’s newly renovated playground.

The mayor blew the ceremonial whistle to officially open the pools throughout the city; more than 70 indoor and outdoor Parks & Recreation Department pools will open for the summer.

A lot of work goes into getting the pools ready for a summer’s worth of people trying to beat the heat.

Lisa Whittle, aquatics and ice-rinks program coordinator for Parks & Rec, works year-round to make sure the pools are in top shape for the summer months.

“We definitely survey all

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the pools to see which ones need to be painted,” she explained. “We see which ones need concrete work, where is the work on the filter system – the operations. Then we get into the program part: We start lifeguard training, making sure everyone is certified in first aid and CPR. Then we go through background checks and drug screenings for the lifeguards – there are many steps along the way.”

Whittle believes Parks & Rec pools are good for communities. “Everyone in Philadelphia just loves their own neighborhood pool.

If you take a pool away, it hurts the neighborhood,” she said. “We have the most outdoor pools per capita in Philadelphia, so we have like the biggest system in the United States.”

Philadelphia’s public pools are maintained by

more than 800 employees.

Whittle was not the only one in attendance who was excited to open the pools.

Councilman Mark Squilla (D-1st) made a spectacle of himself when he jumped into Murphy Pool – suit and all – after Mayor Jim Kenney, another South Philadelphian, blew the ceremonial whistle. After coming out the pool, he exclaimed: “It was beautiful!”

The pool alone was not the only reason to be excited at the Murphy Recreation center, thanks to the unveiling of new playground equipment.

Kathryn Ott Lovell, Parks & Rec commissioner, said, “this great project is only possible because of our incredible leadership at the city level. We are so lucky to have a mayor who doesn’t just talk the talk but is walking the walk, in terms of these types of renovations

– not just here in South Philly, but throughout the entire city of Philadelphia.”

Kenney was just as enthusiastic about the new playground equipment. As he told the large crowd, he grew up playing in Parks & Rec centers. “Children will be able to take advantage of this, not just this summer, but year-round. They’ll be able to build friendships and memories like we did growing up.”

Councilman Squilla was happy to see it come to life.

“This happens because the community is involved in this neighborhood and the community really cares,” he said.

Murphy is more than just a play space; it’s where the community meets and comes together. Gabriel Baker, a community representative, explained how the rec center has become a true staple for the neigh-

borhood. “We decided to run our boys’ basketball team out of Murphy Rec this year,” he said. “Seven years ago, we moved to this area. My wife and I were searching for a safe playground. We came to Murphy Rec and met some great people whom we now call family.”

Those interested in swimming are advised to check in with their neighborhood pool for days and times of open swim, family swim and adult swim, as well as swim lessons and swim-team activities.

Citywide pool hours are as follows: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday & Sunday; 12-5 p.m. Public swim is available everyday 1-4 p.m. at each pool. Contact your local pool for family-swim and adult-swim schedules. For more information, visit Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Swimming Pools page.

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

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AUTHOR SPEAKS

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NEW COMMANDER FLAG DAY AROUND TOWN

COL. CRAIG WEGSCHETTER, Commander of the 56th Stryker Brigade in Horsham, was on hand for ceremonies at the Betsy Ross House celebrating Flag Day. Re-enactors praised the state-of-the-art technology used by the brigade.

CHUCK NEWELL, C, author of Fearful Odds, was thanked for the presentation of his Vietnam combat experiences, and how he overcame the psychological damage of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. He spoke before the American Legion Benjamin Franklin Post of the Union League, and was thanked by Andy Waskie, PhD, 2nd vice Commander, and Commander Jon Peterson. Photos by Joe Stivala

Fearful Odds author Chuck Newall presents an autographed copy of his book to entertainment-industry lawyer Lloyd Remick, Esq. Remick was White House aide during the Cuban missile crisis, and has produced a patriotic video on YouTube starring Bunny Sigler.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Robert Brady Congressman 1st District Paid for by Committee to Elect Bob Brady

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A FAREWELL plaque was presented by The Chapel of the Four Chaplains to outgoing Coast Guard Commander Benjamin Cooper at change-of-command ceremonies on Delaware Avenue. Presenting the plaque are, L-R: Chapel Board Member Thomas Merton; Christine Beatty, executive director; and Louis Cavaliere, president.

Councilman David Oh joined colleague Councilman Mark Squilla (not shown) for a naturalization ceremony of new US citizens and swearing-in of new Army recruits. He was joined by The Sons of the Revolution Color Guard; Capt. Harry Decker and son; and Albert El of Ben Franklin Post. Photos by Joe Stivala

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BILL BERRY, L, one of the last survivors of the Battle of the Bulge, welcomes Capt. Scott Anderson as new commander of the Coast Guard in our region.

Change-of-command ceremonies took place in the Local 19 Union Hall, next to the Coast Guard’s Washington Avenue base. Capt. Anderson’s command includes the Delaware River and Bay, Atlantic off South Jersey, Delaware and Northern Virginia. Photos by Joe Stivala

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SODA TAX BUBBLES OVER AT SENATE HEARING

AT THE HEARING were State Sens. Scott Martin; Anthony Williams, who convened the hearing; Thomas McGarrigle; Tina Tartaglione; and Scott Wagner, who is running for governor, and was roving through Council chambers seeking to calm demonstrators when this photograph was taken.

BY TONY WEST HE ONLY thing heard in the Pennsylvania Senate hearing at City Hall on June 23 was the roar of an angry crowd.

City Council chambers were packed with protestors who come to make it impossible for the Senate’s Local Government Committee to hear beverage-industry complaints about Philadelphia’s Sweetened Drinks Tax. They were supporters of the Rebuild program that the tax is intended to fund – pre-K education, parks, recreation centers and libraries among them.

They unleashed nonstop chants and blasts on air horns from the moment committee Chair State Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) convened the hearing, for 45 minutes without letup, until the committee gave up, packed their briefcases and left. It was a powerful demonstration of Rebuild lobbyists’ turnout chops: They let legislators know they face serious grassroots opposition if they dare to threaten this popular public-works program.

No doubt they sent a message to State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-W. Philadelphia), a beverage-industry alumnus who requested the hearing and was invited to sit in, as well as State Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-Kensington), another invitee, whose district includes the region’s Coca-Cola bottling plant.

But it’s a message that will be respected less on Capitol Hill than in City Hall. If the General Assembly chooses to thwart the city’s authority to pass the Sweetened Drinks Tax, it can do so, by mustering a veto-proof majority. That seems unlikely at this hour, but it is possible.

Already there is talk that last week’s abortive hearing will be reconvened in Harrisburg, far from the

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madding air horns. And the testimony prepared by witnesses is on the Local Government Committee’s record, even though they were not allowed to answer questions from the panel about it. Their testimony will not leave the public record just because they were shouted down on that one day.

Wagner has every reason to pursue this quest. As the first Republican entry into the 2018 governor’s race, he needs attention; and he needs Republican votes in the primary. While the tax may be a hit with many Philadelphians, it is not beloved by the city’s Republicans, who tend to be anti-tax and pro-small business.

The underlying question remains: Does our trailblazing tax do more good than ill, or vice versa? It’s too early to know yet, but we must hear reports from all sides in order to arrive at an answer.

Even though Wagner was in charge, this really was Williams’ show. And he handled the shutdown with grace and nuance.

“The dynamics behind the beverage tax are very complicated and there is a great deal of passion,” he stated later that day. “The revenue opens doors to children for pre-K and access to recreation centers, but the tax burden increasingly falls on the backs of those who can’t afford it – it is primarily the working poor and people of color being disproportionately impacted.

“We want to figure out how the state can find a viable revenue source to support good initiatives. When people from our city come to Harrisburg and ask for more money for Pre-K and parks, they are typically asked, how does this benefit Philadelphia? Why is it you don’t have enough money?

Are you funding it properly?

(Cont. Page 9)

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SPINKS IN PHILLY

Q

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understanding BANKRUPTCY

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK, AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED

GOLD MEDAL Olympian and former Heavyweight Champion of the World Michael Spinks was in Philly last week being recognized for his contributions to the sport of boxing. He was welcomed by Pennsylvania Veteran Boxers Association VP Fred Druding, Jr. Also on hand at Warmdaddy’s to greet the champ were Judge Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, accompanied by her husband Ward Leader Pete Lyde; Ironworkers Union Executive Joe Mathis, Sr.; promoter Dave Wilkes; VBA President Charlie Sgrillo; retired professional boxer Norman Torpey; former Cruiserweight Champ Nate Miller; and boxing enthusiast Steve Fleischer.

UESTION: How to recognize when and where you are exposed financially – Mistake No. 3.

Answer: Mistake No. 3: Not using a budget.

My bankruptcy questionnaire asks my potential clients to prepare a budget.

More often than not, my questionnaire budget represents the first time my potential client has looked at their family’s income and expenses in black and white.

Budgets help you under-

stand where you are spending money and often where you can cut back. Business owners know that you can’t change what you don’t measure and the same holds true for individuals. You should aim for a budget that results in some level of disposable income (which you can allocate to a savings account or retirement plan), or just mad money.

Next Week’s Question: How to recognize when and where you are exposed financially – Mistake No. 4.

SODA TAX HEARING

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AS THE PROTEST continued, small children entered the council members’ precinct and sat at their vacant desks, right under the eyes of the legislators.

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“As a direct result of the beverage tax, there has been a huge drop-off in sales of sweetened beverages in the city. As of this moment, 155 of our union brothers and sisters have been laid off.

And these are family-sustaining jobs we’re talking about,” Grace wrote.

Grace argued that since Philadelphia is getting fewer beverage deliveries now, that means fewer jobs for warehouse workers and mechanics as well as drivers.

He charged the soda tax disproportionately targets the poor, either ripping them off or driving them into illegal purchases. He said there is no evidence consumers are losing their sweet tooth for drinks; thus, Philadelphia is blowing away business to retailers in other counties, as city residents drive to the suburbs to do their shopping.

David McCorkle, president of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, which represents 3,200 retail-food members and 150,000 employees, also submitted written testimony.

“The food industry, from retailers to the farm community, supports the expansion of pre-K services, funding for K-12 education, financial support for rebuilding Philadelphia and improvement of the parks and recreation programs,” McCorkle wrote. “However, the tax collection is falling far short of anticipated collection as demonstrated by Controller Alan Butkovitz.

The average supermarket provides over 150 full-time jobs. In my opinion, if the tax continues, it will stop food-store development in Philadelphia.

“The result will be store closings and additional job losses.”

The tax did not lack supporters on the authorized (Cont. Page 10)

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(Cont. From Page 6) What is it you are asking us to do?”

“I certainly have been in a protest or two and I respect democracy working at full throttle, but we also need to understand that many of the people who came here to protest don’t live in Philadelphia. Those of us from Philadelphia have a responsibility to be accountable.

Unfortunately, there was no opportunity to do that today.”

Wagner was less complimentary to his Philadelphia reception.

“These bipartisan public hearings are vital for both legislators and the public to learn about all sides of an issue,” he stated after the hearing. “There is a lot of passion on both sides of this issue and I respect those strong feelings. Unfortunately, some protesters would not permit the hearing to be conducted in a civilized manner. It’s disappointing that the residents of Philadelphia could not hear a balanced hearing as requested by Sen. Williams.

“I have never been one to shy away from passionate debate. But this trend of shouting down people on the other side of an issue has to stop. It is unproductive. It was unfortunate that due to the behavior of those in attendance, we were not even able to announce the cancellation of the hearing,” he continued.

But Wagner did affirm his committee would pursue concerns raised by the testimony it had already received. What counts is what was already written, not what was or was not spoken in City Hall last Friday.

One testimony on record is that of Danny Grace, leader of Teamsters Local 830, who deliver beverages from wholesalers to retailers. His case is that the tax is killing his members.

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AFTER HEARING, WHAT NEXT FOR SODA TAX? (Cont. From Page 9) agenda of witnesses. Dr. Paul Mather, a heart specialist representing Penn’s

Perelman School of Medicine, testified bluntly: “Sugary drinks are the single leading source of added

sugars in the American diet and are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases.”

Children are drinking much more sugar than they should. Low-income chil-

dren typically drink 25 times the safe level of sweetened drinks. So Dr. Mather will be happy if the tax depresses sugar consumption, even if it hurts beverage jobs and municipal revenue. Chronic sickness triggered by sweet drinks will be reduced, saving society millions of dollars and many lives.

Although Mayor Jim Kenney made a point of not selling the soda tax on its health merits, they are embedded in the idea. Better schooling and better recreation both lead to better health, the argument goes.

The health argument is potent in Philadelphia in 2017. “Eds and meds” are the dominant industry in town now. They will be heard, not just in the city but also in the Southeastern suburbs where many pharmaceutical firms are now located. Republicans represent many of these companies and employees.

In the end, these lawmakers are unlikely to fight against their constituents; and there goes the Republicans’ veto-proof majority.

Councilwoman Helen Gym, an ardent advocate for public education, was the only council member

DEELEY’S FIELD DAY

ROOTING for City Commissioner Lisa Deeley at the Field House in Center City were, L-R, Deeley, former DA candidate Jack O’Neill, Christian DiCicco, former Sheriff Barbara Deeley and Gabby Richards.

SAYING HI to Lisa Deeley were, L-R, Ward Leaders Shawn Dillon and Janice Sulman, Judge Dan Sulman, Deeley and Ward Leader Pat Parkinson.

to show up in chambers for the hearing, early. She requested to testify at the hearing, a request that was denied – and then proceeded to read prepared testimony anyway, before Wagner could gavel the hearing into order at 11 a.m.

Gym said later, “I think Philadelphia’s position is clear. City Council, the courts and the people have gone through 18 months of multiple hearings, negotiations and studies. They are overwhelmingly in favor of expanded pre-K and in infrastructure investment.”

Gym called the city’s soda tax “a reaction to a state that frankly has not done its work in educational opportunities and infrastructure investment; and has depressed wages by refusing to raise the minimum wage. Rather than come to Philadelphia, where we are trying to figure out ways to fix things locally, better to come up with a state partnership with all of our townships and cities. Set aside tax breaks for the uberwealthy, for frackers and for gambling.”

PARTICAPATE IN OUR LABOR DAY SALUTE! AUG. 29TH CALL MELISSA BARRET (215) 755-2000

congressional vote in 2016.

Court precedent says gerrymandering can be unconstitutional, although there is no definitive answer to the question of how large an efficiency gap must be to indicate an unconstitutional gerrymander.

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 170502749 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Harold Dickerson, Deceased & Gail Washington, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Harold Dickerson, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: The Unknown Heirs of Harold Dickerson Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 2905 West Diamond Street a/k/a 2905 Diamond Street Philadelphia, PA 19121. This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client.

Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, 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. 170502749, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 2905 West Diamond Street a/k/a 2905 Diamond Street Philadelphia, PA 19121, 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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This report is courtesy of Larry Levin, Coldwell Banker Preferred. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2014

JU N E 29, 2017

sure whether gerrymandering has helped a political party extend its power.

Under the 2011 redistricting map, Republicans now fill 13 of Pennsylvania’s 18 seats in the US House — or 72% — despite winning only 54% of the statewide

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MAP of congressional districts drawn by Pennsylvania’s General Assembly helped the GOP win three more of the state’s US House seats than the party otherwise would have won in last year’s election, an Associated Press analysis found.

The partisan tilt was more than any other state, except for Texas, according to AP’s national analysis.

The map, drawn in 2011, was called “the worst gerrymander in modern Pennsylvania history” by Franklin & Marshall College political scientist G. Terry Madonna and is now the subject of its first court challenge, filed earlier this month by the League of Women Voters and 18 registered Democratic Party voters.

AP scrutinized the outcomes of all 435 US House races and about 4,700 state House and Assembly seats up for election last year, using a new statistical method of calculating partisan advantage called the “efficiency gap.”

Pennsylvania’s 16.2% efficiency gap favoring Republicans was the sixth-highest among states last year. In 2012, the efficiency gap of Pennsylvania’s congressional districts was the largest in the nation, the lawsuit said.

The AP analysis was based on a formula developed by University of Chicago law professor Nick Stephanopoulos and Eric McGhee, a researcher at the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Their mathematical model was cited last fall as “corroborative evidence” by a federal appeals court panel that struck down Wisconsin’s state Assembly districts as an intentional partisan gerrymander.

The “efficiency gap” formula creates a way to mea-

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PA.’S GERRYMANDERS: 7 Things You Must Know HIGHLY EFFICIENT Before Putting Your

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ELEPHANT CORNER

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ITY COUNCIL has found yet another bill for taxpayers to foot. We might, in the near future, help pay for their campaigns for office, as well their six-figure salaries and attractive benefits.

COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON, who co-sponsored the bill, said it would help newcomers to political races who do not have access to large donors. I believe what the bill will do is hamper the fundraising of all but the very well-connected who can attract support from

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

BY DENISE CLAY NE OF THE things I’ve picked up from being around the folks we call “millennials” is a lingo that consists almost exclusively of abbreviations.

One of those abbreviations is FOMO, which stands for “Fear Of Missing Out.” That’s usually applied to a really hot concert, a party or another group gathering that everyone will be talking about tomorrow.

I’m starting to think the folks who make up Philadelphia’s political class have

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large independent political action committees. Democrats complained about the Koch brothers and American Crossroads. Just wait; you are going to see a lot more left-leaning “independent expenditures” in this city than just those from GEORGE SOROS. Last Thursday was City Council’s last meeting before the summer break. It was then COUNCILMAN DEREK GREEN introduced an election funding “reform” bill. He said hearings on the bill would be held over the summer and into the fall.

Green would like to see candidates for district attorney, controller, Council, sheriff, and city commissioner be required to raise at least $15,000 through a minimum of 100 contributions from city residents, excluding family members before any city contributions.

City coffers would match those funds 5-1 with a cap of city expenditures per candi-

date at $100,000.

Mayoral candidates would be required to raise at least $50,000 through a minimum of 334 Philadelphia residents with the same matching formula. City contributions to mayoral candidates will be capped at $300,000.

But taxpayer costs do not end there. The proposed bill anticipates the Board of Ethics will be in charge of managing and implementing the program. It is estimated the cost to the City of the matching funds and increased staffing at the Board of Ethics will cost $5 million a year.

Here comes the rub in my opinion. In addition to the funding bill, Green, Henon and co-sponsors MARIA QUIÑONES SÁNCHEZ, HELEN GYM and MARK SQUILLA also introduced legislation that would change campaign-finance limits.

This bill would have campaign finance limits apply (Cont. Page 18)

their own brand of FOMO. Too bad it appears to include time at the James A. Byrne Federal Courthouse on Market Street and possible jail time in one of the nation’s premiere correctional facilities.

Local 98 leader John Dougherty and City Councilman (and Majority Leader) Bobby Henon are the latest politicos to have the words “FBI probe” connected to them.

The G Men have been sending “intercept letters” to just about everybody these two men have had a phone conversation with in the past year to advise them, “Hey, you know that secret recipe for barbecue sauce you used to have…”

Mayor Jim Kenney? You get a letter! But I’d bet you’re not alone. Anyone who talked to Doc, Henon, Local 98 Political Director Marita Crawford or Joseph Ralston, a former investigator for the Attorney General’s Office

over the last year is now part of the year-long record the FBI was keeping. Geez….

While indictments probably aren’t just around the corner – not even the general ineptitude of the Trump administration can keep the federal criminal-justice apparatus from operating like a well-oiled, detail-oriented machine – the fact this level of evidence gathering has commenced doesn’t bode well.

But maybe now, folks will finally get the hint that when it comes to political corruption in The City of Brotherly Love, the US Attorney’s Office has become The Terminator.

It can’t be bargained with.

It can’t be reasoned with. It feels no pity or remorse. And it absolutely will not stop until those whom it thinks have committed some malfeasance are locked up.

As I write this, I’m sitting in a cafeteria at the Federal (Cont. Page 16)

WALKING the BEAT

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA E ALL READ about the big flap over the CITY VETERANS COMMISSION a few weeks ago regarding a veteran who could not find the grave of a war buddy in the records of that office.

Some cemeteries have good computerized records, such as ST. ANNE’S on Lehigh Avenue, thanks to Father BRADY; others will take decades to locate unmarked graves. Part of the problem is finding qualified personnel

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ew STATE REP. EMILIO VÁZQUEZ appeared at a rally against Trump’s new healthcare plan in Harrisburg.

Although the plan, which is essentially a repeal of Obamacare, is a federal issue, state politicians and grassroots groups have risen up to oppose it. STATE SEN. VINCE HUGHES organized the rally in the capital, which was attended by Allegheny STATE SEN. and Democratic leader JAY COSTA and LT. GOV. MIKE STACK. Interestingly, also in at-

to do the work, and interest in doing it. LAUREL HILL on Ridge Avenue does a superb job, including placing of new grave markers on graves that are unmarked some for well over a hundred years. It takes research in many places, and much paper work to do the task. RUSS DODGE is just one such fellow. I heard him speak on locating graves the other day. He has accomplished much with a monumental effort. He gave me a SHOCKER when he noted MUCH HELP in finding a burial site is on FINDAGRAVE.COM, or FOLD3.COM, or GENEALOGYBANK.COM or ANCESTORY.COM. My point is the City SHOULD NOT be a repository of grave information.

They have much to do with HELPING THE LIVING! Attention, Council President Darrell CLARKE. I was down at the MURPHY Playground the other day, when Mayor KENNEY and Councilman SQUILLA

hailed the capital improvements for the rec center.

The pool was jammed with kids. But CITY SWIMMING pools open to families on different dates and close before summer’s end. That schedule seems to have begun as a cost-cutting measure years ago. Maybe it is time to change that. Philly has Pre-K and REBUILD projects in the hopper now. But in the near future, KENNEY could consider opening the pools to kids for an ENTIRE SUMMER. MAYOR KENNEY also might consider declaring the YEAR OF THE STREET, in which our poor street paving is made EQUAL to our designation as a City of the FIRST CLASS. A fleet of pothole-filling trucks could be leased to do this; I hear we have too few of them.

They should do roving patrol work to locate holes or any subsidence. DO NOT WAIT for a pothole to be reported.

(Cont. Page 17)

tendance was Republican STATE REP. GENE DiGIROLAMO. The representative, from Bucks County, urged Congressional Republicans to resist this “disgusting health-care proposal.” Essentially, Trump’s plan that is being carried by the Republican majority in Washington would take away health care from 22 million people.

STATE SEN. ANTHONY WILLIAMS and Republican STATE SEN. SCOTT WAGNER held a joint hearing in City Hall to investigate a repeal of the soda tax. A large crowd of pro-soda-tax folks packed into the hearing room. They were so loud that Williams and Wagner were unable to continue with the hearing.

What made the whole event so interesting was the fact Wagner is an announced Republican candidate for governor and a conservative. Williams is a former Democratic mayoral

candidate and state senator from Philadelphia. The whole idea of the soda tax is to fund pre-K education in Philadelphia.

STATE SEN. TINA TARTAGLIONE continues to drive on even in light of the unfavorable verdict against her sister RENÉE TARTAGLIONE in Philadelphia federal court. The senator spoke at a building-trades conference in Harrisburg and was very well received.

Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 head GARY MASINO visited Harrisburg this week to support the building trades and show his apprentices around the capital. Local 19 is among the leaders in apprenticeship programs and they are union members, more often than not ending up with tremendous job security and good wages. Also seen in the capital was iconic leader of the Painters’ Union JOE ASHDALE. (Cont. Page 16)

DAYS OF ANTICIPATION AND DAYS OF DREAD

LETTER to the EDITOR

BY MIKE MEEHAN NLIKE ANY other program in the country, according to city officials, Philadelphia has implemented an income-based water program.

The program unveiled by the Mayor’s Office last week will result in a 10% increase in water rates over two years and is estimated to cost $18 million.

According to Philly.com, the program will be open to anyone with an income under 150% of the federal

U

is no other program of its kind operating anywhere in the country.

Philly.com also reports delinquent residents will have their incurred water debts “indefinitely suspended upon entry to the program and the penalties and interest on that debt would be forgiven after two years of on-time payments.

The Water Department is admittedly unclear if there will be further rate increases after 2018.

Instead of trying to continually enhance Philadelphia’s appeal to hard-working, middle class people, policies like this chase them away. In this way there may also be an impact on businesses largely patronized them, such as local restaurants, clothing chains and cultural venues. This is essentially another transfer of wealth, not deductible as a tax or charitable contribution.

Meehan is Philadelphia Republican Party chairman.

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

poverty level, which they report as $36,900 for a family of four. This means even a number of those not technically categorized as living in poverty will also qualify to have their bill based upon their income and not their usage. According to a Pew Charitable Trusts 2016 report, 46% of all Philadelphia households have an income below $35,000.

Everyone needs water.

It’s one of life’s basic necessities. There exists no way around increases for dutiful, hard-working residents who pay their bills on time. Many of the city’s residents, specifically the middle class with families, also struggle to pay their bills. This new policy is a direct attack on them. Additionally, a policy such as this could become an environmental nightmare, giving those who qualify for the program no incentive to use water wisely. It’s pretty obvious why there

MARK your CALENDAR Jun. 29- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Citywide Job Fair at Deliverance Evangelistic Ch. Fellow Ha., 2001 W. Lehigh Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Employers, workshops on résumé writing, wardrobe & interviewing skills, entrepreneurship & re-entry opportunities.

For info: (215) 879-6615.

Jul. 8- Congressman Bob Brady hosts Brady Bunch at Flip Flops, 106 W. Spruce Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. $35. For info: (215) 241-7804.

Jul. 9- Councilman Derek

Green hosts an Evening of Jazz at the Trolley Car Café, 3269 S. Ferry Rd, 5-7 p.m.

Tickets $50, Friends $100, Supporters $250. Donations online at www.dereksgreen. com/contribute or payable to “The Green Fund,” P.O. Box 4984, Phila., PA 19119.

RSVP: Kelly Bauer kbauerr1122@gmail.com.

Jul. 10- Jobs with Justice hosts Solidarity Awards Dinner at NUHHCE Dist. 1199C, 1319 Locust St., 5:30 p.m.

Honorees: Congressman Brendan Boyle, Chris Woods, Nijmie Dzurinko, Laura Wentz and Pa. ACLU. Open bar. For info: (2315) 6705855.

Jul. 14- State Rep. John Taylor hosts Friday Night Shore Party at Peggy & Kevin Pasquay’s home, 509 Arctic Ave., N. Cape May, N.J. Donations $125. For info: (215) 5452244.

Jul. 15- State Rep. Emilio Vázquez hosts Community Health & Wellness fair at Fairhill Pk., Lehigh Ave. & 4th St., 11 am.-3 p.m. Children’s

activities, food, refreshments, screenings, exercise demonstrations, state agencies. Focus on domestic violence. For info: (215) 457-5281.

Jul. 29- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts Citywide Job Fair at Deliverance Ch. Ha., 2001 W. Lehigh Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jul. 31- Town Watch Integrated Services hosts Nat’l Night Out S. Phila. Kickoff Rally at Marconi Pk., 1300 Oregon Ave., 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 11- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts Summer Soirée at Keenan’s Pub,113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 7-10 p.m. Yachts $5,000, Sailboats $2,500, Paddleboats $1,00,General Admission $250. Payable to “Squilla for Council,” P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148.

RSVP: Brittany@lperrygroup. conm or (215) 893-4281.

Aug. 17- State Rep. Emilio Vázquez hosts “Meet, Greet, Obtain Constituent Services” at Susquehanna Village, 1421 W. Susquehanna Ave, 3-4 p.m.

JU N E 29, 2017

T

here is no place we would rather be to celebrate our freedom and independence, our history and potential, than in the Cradle of Liberty. Whether you join in the crowds on Independence Mall or brave the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the concert and fireworks – or even just choose to partake in that most American of summer pastimes, a backyard BBQ, there is something undeniably special, something comforting about being immersed in the unique traditions of a Philadelphia Fourth of July.

literally every other state in the Union by instituting a severance tax on gas drillers. We instead see the party floating ideas like borrowing against the tobacco settlement, gambling expansion that would place video gaming terminals in bars and even an increased drink tax.

The ideas coming out of the Republican caucus aren’t all bad – there are avenues of pursuit for liquor privatization that could be fruitful, as long as Local 1776 is taken care of, and selling space on electric transmission lines shows promise.

But there is a long way to go before Pennsylvanians are free of worry about our immediate fiscal stability. In the interest of honoring the sacrifices made over the centuries to make this city, this state, this country the greatest beacon of freedom in the world, our lawmakers need to show commitment to bettering our future.

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OPINION

And there is an annual tradition just as gut-clenching, just as worryingly infuriating happening in Harrisburg.

The deadline for delivering the state budget for the next fiscal year doesn’t change – it remains June 30, year after year. And like clockwork, even though they are supposed to drop their bill on Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk by tomorrow, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman and House Majority Leader Jake Reed are candidly acknowledging just how far away from an agreement they are.

They’re in a tough spot.

By most estimates, the deficit abyss staring back at them is $3 billion. And for politicians as tax-averse as this crew, options are limited. Wolf has long been at the table with recommendations, most notably combining state agencies for cost savings and, of course, bringing the commonwealth in step with

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STOP-AND-GO BILL ON THE MOVE

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

14

POLS on the STREET

BY JOE SHAHEELI t’s not often the minority party in Harrisburg gets what it wants in the General Assembly. But the Philadelphia delegation in the State House of Representatives may be on the verge of scoring a rare win. The cause at hand is State Rep. Jordan Harris’ (D-S. Phila.)

HB 1547, which aims to set sterner regulations on nui-

I

Representative JU N E 29, 2017

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

sance corner establishments that are said to foster unruly drinking, commonly known as “stop-and-go’s.”

The measure saw unanimous passage of an amendment by State Rep. Maria Donatucci (D-S. Phila.) that would make it easier to name specific areas as “saturated nuisance markets.”

That vote in itself is a sign the overall bill faces little opposition in the Republican-controlled House.

A final vote was scheduled for Wednesday, as this newspaper went to press. If passed, its next stop will be the state Senate.

WAGNER DRAWS TRASH TALK

As the first Republican out of the gate in the 2018 gubernatorial race, State Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) has become an inviting target for opposition research.

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!

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”

Wagner, who recently chaired a controversial hearing of the Local Government Committee in Philadelphia (see P. 6), is a newcomer to politics. He built his career as owner of Penn Waste, Inc., a waste-management company with a specialty in trash collection for small municipalities in South Central Pennsylvania.

Now Pennsylvania Spotlight, a progressive news site, is calling Wagner “a walking, talking, gavel-holding conflict of interest,” pointing out “local governments throughout Pennsylvania constitute potential future clients.”

WOODRUFF’S BAD NUMBERS

Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Dwayne Woodruff, a former star on the Pittsburgh Steelers who is a Democratic nominee for Supreme Court Justice, appears to have fumbled a campaign report.

The initial filing of his Cycle 1 campaign-finance report, for the period Jan. 1-Mar. 27, dated Apr. 7, showed Woodruff with

‘RIGHT’ IS WRONG, SAY TEAMSTERS

MANY LABOR activists from the Philadelphia area attended a large protest in Harrisburg last week to oppose right-to-work legislation now working its way through the General Assembly. Teamsters Local 77 was prominent in the demonstration. Photos by Harry Leech

$280,000 in the bank – not a bad start for a statewide race, and impressive bait for other prospective donors.

But an amended filing dropped that number to about $35,000, down by a quarter million. That’s more than a rounding error. The corrections were not due to a single typo but reflect numerous downward adjustments, many quite substantial.

Republicans (Cont. Page 15)

State Rep. Jason

TEAMSTERS leader Danny Grace addressed the crowd, vowing the union would fight to the end for this cause.

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

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

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

Kevin J.

Youngblood

Taylor

Donatucci

Greenlee

State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

State Rep.

Rep.Maria P.

Councilman Wm.

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

POLS on the STREET

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

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(Cont. From Page 14) pounced on these discrepancies. Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Val DiGiorgio commented, “In a functioning democracy, we must have judges with the highest levels of integrity and respect for the law. By playing fast and loose with its campaign finance disclosures, Judge Woodruff’s campaign has demonstrated an appalling lack of both.

This egregious misstatement of campaign contributions and deception of voters clearly calls into question Judge Woodruff’s candidacy to serve on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.”

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Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown gave this tribute to her late mother, Sadie “Toney” Reynolds: “With a heavy heart, my siblings and I announce the passing of our mother, Sadie ‘Toney’ Reynolds which occurred on June 23.

“The entire Reynolds and Toney family is deeply saddened. Our mother was the true definition of a matriarch and the glue of our family. She dedicated her life to uplifting others. We are eternally grateful for the love, for the joy, for the Christian faith and for the life of our Mom. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

“Sadie (Toney) Reynolds was born in Elliott, S.C. As one of 12 children, she was raised on a large family-owned farm, tending the animals, tilling the land and harvesting a variety of crops that provided sustenance for the entire family.

“She and her husband settled in Philadelphia and raised six daughters and one son. As a God-fearing woman baptized at and a member of New Zion Baptist Church, she reared her children in the church and instilled in them the value of an education, hard work, perseverance and excellence.”

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

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CONGRATULATING Pennsylvania’s latest legislative hero, Libre the Boston terrier, is Lt. Gov. Mike Stack.

Libre’s travails in a Lancaster County puppy mill inspired unanimous passage of a comprehensive Animal Abuse Statute overhaul this month. Photo by Harry Leech

JU N E 29, 2017

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

(Cont. From Page 12) Courthouse during a lunch break in the trial of District Attorney R. Seth Williams.

His is the third federal trial of a public official (or in the case of Chaka “Chip” Fattah Jr., public official-adjacent) that I’ve covered in the last two years.

Last week, Renée Tartaglione, who used to work for her mother Marge in the City Elections office until the Philadelphia Ethics Board caught her politicking (which is against the rules, by the way), got convicted on 53 counts, including conspir-

LEGAL NOTICE A Fictitious Name has been registered with the Pennsylvania Dept. of State on February 8, 2017, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act of 1982-295,

by Made by Grampa, with principal place of business 1831 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19148. Name and address of person owning or interested in said Business: Daniel Bogen, 1831 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19148.

acy, theft, fraud and tax evasion for stealing $1 million from the Juniata Mental Health Clinic in Fairhill.

If this sounds familiar, this is the incident that led to former State Rep. Leslie Acosta having to resign her seat due to a guilty plea on charges connected to this mess.

Now, I get it. Really I do.

You see designer duds. Or a fancy car. Or a house that can only be described as an estate. It’s nice. It’s really

nice. We all like nice things.

I know I do.

But if you’re an elected official and you can’t get those nice things with a salary that can go from $180,000 (District Attorney) to $260,000 (the city’s medical examiner), then just get a second job.

Because like The Terminator, the Feds will be back.

And they seem to be really invested in making sure Philly politicos know that crime doesn’t pay.

CITY HALL SAM

pro-union Republicans accountable when they vote the majority line against unions. It’s hard to make the argument that one is pro-union when one does not vote pro-union. It’s like the line from “Moneyball,” where BILLY BEANE famously asks, “If the guy is a good hitter, why doesn’t he hit good?”

(Cont. From Page 12) DiGirolamo also spoke at the building-trades conference. A number of Republicans are considered pro-union and good legislative practice should be to have bipartisan support.

However, unions must keep

(Cont. From Page 12) And ever drive over an above-grade manhole cover? A good road surface is good economics for the fifth-largest US city. I read a note from Long Beach Island where a woman complained that her back hurt, since her recent surgery, when driving over potholes.

And don’t forget the tie rods on your car, or wheel alignment; both can be damaged.

Judge Michael ERDOS is proud of his two sons. JACKSON Erdos was elevated to the top No. 9 Ninja Warriors in the USA. He also qualified

for the nationals when he scored second place in divisional rock-climbing. And CHARLIE scored third place in the USA as a Lacrosse GOALIE! Obviously this is attributed to great genetics from dad and lovely mom – Hon. Dianne ANHALT. A lawsuit over GERRYMANDERING is underway in Pennsylvania. At the very least, the court should ORDER immediate realignment of the AMOEBA-LIKE 7th District. A national disgrace in my book! Dan MUROFF, a DEM candidate for that seat, is already underway with his first fundraiser.

Gov. Chris CHRISTIE seems to be LEGA-

CY-BUILDING with his caring remarks on drug-rehab TV commercials. Hmm. The recent spate of critical editorials and attacks from political groups against the DEM Party over the Primary Election outcome has gone quiet. Maybe it is time for pop-up summer fun (?). Leaders or members of such groups who live in the

BURBS should remain silent, or disclose their baronial digs. No blather-bearer critic offered to meet with the party chairman or with ward leaders. If issues were resolved, they would have no soapbox to preach from. It might HURT fundraising for some.

The purpose of these groups should be to ENCOURAGE VOTING. Get going on this!

In the Disqus postings online, I read 50 posts critical of Bob BRADY (in a city of 1.5 million). They post in a “cage” of sorts, since the language used cannot is not acceptable in a letter to the editor. And, unlike the Founding Fathers, they do not have to use their real name. It takes little courage to be a faceless-nameless MOUSE-CLICK PATRIOT

here in the birthplace of liberty. 17 GUNSHOTS fired in Camden, N.J. are immediately picked up by police with a citywide speaker system. A smart idea to cut crime. I learned of this when the BATTLESHIP New Jersey’s crew told me they had to notify police when they fire a salute from their 40mm or 16” guns.

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

WALKING the BEAT

COUNCILMAN David Oh, R, invited City Commissioner Al Schmidt to Han Dynasty to present a detailed statistical analysis of the May primary election. Schmidt noted a strong surge in millennial voting; but he predicted low turnout in white working-class areas could mean an opportunity for Republican candidates in the fall general election.

JU N E 29, 2017

AL ANALYZES VOTE

City of Philadelphia NOTICE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW COMMITTEE The Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee, established and constituted pursuant to Phila. Code § 17-1311 and Resolution No. 110807, will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at 2:00 P.M., in the Mayor’s Reception Room (Room 202, City Hall):

RICHARD LAZER, CHAIRPERSON Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290

JU N E 29, 2017

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

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ELEPHANT CORNER (Cont. From Page 12) to candidates during a four-year cycle, instead of the current per-calendar year policy. Currently, candidates can accept up to $3,000 per

individual per year and up to $11,900 per political action committee per year. The legislation, if passed, would make the limits $5,000 per individual during an entire four-year election cycle and $15,000 for PACs for an elec-

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 170301976 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Bernice Moore, Deceased, Gayle Moore a/k/a Gayle Williams, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Bernice Moore, Deceased & Benjamin Moore, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Bernice Moore, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: The Unknown Heirs of Bernice Moore Deceased, Gayle Moore a/k/a Gayle Williams Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Bernice Moore Deceased & Benjamin Moore Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Bernice Moore Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant whose last known address is 3839 North 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140. This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client. Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, 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. 170301976, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 3839 North 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, 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, 215-227-2400/215981-3700. 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.

tion cycle. So instead of being able to raise $12,000 from individuals over four years now one can raise only $5,000. Federal limits are per election cycle; the DOJ views primaries as a separate cycle.

Does this really help political newcomers?

Board of Ethics EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR J. SHANE CREAMER seems to think so. He said publicly financed election systems reduce “the influence of large donations in city politics.” Actually, what they do is induce the friends of prominent incumbents to find “independent” supporters. So instead of the unions donating directly to people like Henon, you will see “independent” union PACs and wealthy individuals donate without limits so long as they do not coordinate with the candidates’ campaigns.

These bills would not have limited Soros’ $1.7-million contribution to an independent political action committee backing LARRY KRASNER. Do you honestly think that without the ads this money financed, Krasner would have beaten an experienced prosecutor who was endorsed by Lodge 5 and ED RENDELL? The one light at the end of the tunnel is that voters would have to approve a Home Rule Charter change to allow the City to fund elections. Thus, Council and the mayor cannot do this alone. If this bill passes, please read this ballot measure when it comes, and vote in your best interest and not that of the career politicians in City Hall.

Y the WAFFLE MAN

O! HERE we go again with this tale of the Iraq War sent to me by a reader, who found it on the internet. It moved me as we look forward to our national holiday, the Fourth of July.

“A few years ago, I was in the airport at Atlanta, Ga. I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers. When I saw the soldiers, it hit me: I’m not the only who still loves this country.

“Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers, who said, ‘Hi.’ The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young

soldier said he would try; what did she want to give to her daddy? The little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

“The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter’s name was Courtney, told the young soldier her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. The young soldier began to tear up.

“All of the soldiers huddled around them. One of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. He started talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, ‘I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.’ He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying, ‘Your daddy told me to tell you he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.’

“The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably. The young soldier stood up and saluted Courtney and her mom. That young soldier then walked away. In one last act of selflessness, he turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

“We need to remember every day all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.

“At the end of the day, it’s good to be an American. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women could wear something red on every Friday. If every one of us who loves this country shares this idea with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in red – and it will let our troops know the once-silent majority is on their side more than ever.

“The first thing a soldier says when asked, ‘What can we do to make things better for you?’ is ... ‘We need your support and your prayers.’

“Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity – and wear something red every Friday.”

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

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JU N E 29, 2017

SMALL ADS BIG DEALS

P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0

PUBLIC RECORD CLASSIFIEDS

19

JU N E 29, 2017

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

20