Pr 926 p

Vol. XIII No. 43

Issue 926

October 26, 2017

UPSET

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

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CITY REPUBLICANS believe they have a potential upset winner in their DA candidate, Beth Grossman. Gathered at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein in Torresdale for a two-ward fundraiser beneath a bust of Beethoven were Ward Leader Brian McCann, Grossman, RCC Chair Mike Meehan and Ward Leader Linwood Holland.

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’50 OVER 50’ AWARDS P. 13 10/25/2017 11:11:37 AM

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Trailblazing Judge Fordham Retires

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N HER retirement, Judge Cynthia Williams Fordham is being recognized for 37 years of service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

In 1993, Judge Fordham became the first African American female Administrative Law Judge for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

She served in the Philadelphia regional office from 1993 through 2017. From 1991 to 1993, she was a Special Agent for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Previously, she served as counsel for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (19841991) and the Pennsylvania Department of State (19801984).

Judge Fordham received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the Pennsylvania State University. She earned her Juris

Controller: Revenues Up, Housing Down

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Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. Judge Fordham is a member of the executive committee of the National Bar Association Judicial Council, Clifford Scott Green Chapter. During her legal career, she has been a member of various legal organizations, including the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Penn African American Law Alumni Society.

She has served as course planner and/or faculty member for several Pennsylvania Bar Institute Public Utility Law Conferences.

After serving as the chairperson of the Board of Directors of Greater Health Philadelphia Health Action for several years, she be-

F A RISING tide lifts all boats, Philadelphia’s economy should be a blessing to incumbent public servants.

City Controller Alan Butkovitz released his latest monthly Economic Report that indicated monthly tax revenues were up almost $26 million, or 13%, over last September.

Monthly revenues recorded in the City’s General Fund and PICA portion totaled almost $226 million, compared to $200 million in last September. The Wage, Earnings and Net Profits combined for $151 million, which is 5% above the same month last year.

Sales tax collections totaled almost $12 million for September, which is about a 3% increase over last year. Yearly collections for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 totaled almost $70 million, which is

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a 9% increase compared to last year.

Overall tax revenues are almost $40 million, or 6.6%, above what the city anticipated collecting through the first quarter of FY 2018.

In addition to reviewing the latest tax revenues, the city controller’s economic report indicated that monthly home sales were down by less than 1% over last September. Home sales totaled 1,319 compared to 1,328 last September. While sales were below the prior year, they were still significantly above amounts recorded five years ago – by 60%.

The latest real estate figures show several South Philadelphia neighborhoods continue to record the most sales. This included sales in 19146, 19148 and 19147, which accounted for 13% of total city sales.

AT JUDGE Cynthia Williams Fordham’s retirement celebration were, front L-R, Judge Jacqueline Allen, Judge Cynthia Fordham and Judge Angela Jones; rear, Judge John Younge, Judge Rosalyn Robinson, Judge Frederica Massiah-Jackson and Judge George Overton. Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography

came chairperson emeritus in 2007.

Judge Fordham was a member of the board of Diversified Community Ser-

vices from 2008 through 2017. She was the President from September 2009 through March 2015.

In addition, she has be-

longed to numerous community organizations and served on several other boards. She is married to Rev. Jerome Fordham.

of Teachers and, most importantly, the increased academic achievement of our students.

While there is still much to be done, we would like to thank Dr. Hite for providing Philadelphia with strong and consistent leadership which has been critical in moving us forward.”

The SRC increased Hite’s evaluation in three performance areas over last year.

In the areas of Professionalism and Communications and Community Relations, the SRC evaluated Dr. Hite’s performance as “Distinguished,” an improvement from a “Proficient” rating the year before.

In the area of Human Resource Management, the SRC evaluated Dr. Hite’s performance as “Proficient,” an increase from a “Needs Improvement” rating last year. The increased rating in this area is the direct result of reaching contracts with every labor union and establishing a successful substitute teach-

ers program.

“Dr. Hite has been critical in forging a stronger partnership between the district and the city. Without his openness, we would not have 12 community schools or new behavioral health supports for our students,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “His continued leadership at the district will be critical to building on the recent momentum the district has experienced in statewide test results.”

As part of Dr. Hite’s 2015 extended contract, which runs through Aug. 31, 2022, it amended his performance compensation provision by tying any future salary increase to the average base salary increase for teachers.

With the PFT agreement in June of 2016, this is the first year Dr. Hite will see a salary increase since he became superintendent in 2012. Dr. Hite will see a salary increase of 3.92%, bringing his annual salary to $311,760.

Superintendent Hite Gets Passing Grades from SRC

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HE SCHOOL Reform Commission of the School District of Philadelphia announced the completion of the Superintendent’s Performance Evaluation for the 2016-17 school year for Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. “The 2016-2017 school year was one of academic progress, increased stability and positive momentum. Because of Dr. Hite’s leadership and unwavering focus, SDP not only continues to make important strides but is in a stronger position today than it was one year ago,” said SRC Chair Joyce Wilkerson.

“SDP must maintain stability if we are to continue on this positive path.”

The SRC evaluation included the following statement, “The results of Dr. Hite’s steady leadership are evident across SDP. These include another year with a balanced budget, sustained investments in classrooms, a contract with the Philadelphia Federation

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10/25/2017 11:19:13 AM

Krasner Reveals Himself As Grossman No-Shows

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audience member, asked, “Some of your detractors question your commitment to victims’ rights. How to you respond to that concern?”

Krasner answered, “They (other candidates) knew as a criminal defense lawyer my usual client was not a victim. But it’s not accurate.”

He said there is a “lack of will” in the District Attorney’s Office to help victims of crimes.

Questions also focused on race and gender. In response to how he would combat racial bias once in office, Krasner suggested he could start with a program to investigate for institutional bias.

“We have a system that disproportionately incarcerates men and women of color. I think that that has to do a lot with why this campaign has been a movement,” he explained.

The event received positive feedback from attendees. When asked what drew him to the gathering, audience member Robert Boyden said, “I live in Delaware County. I can’t even vote in Philadelphia. He is so enlightening; I said this guy has to get into office. So I’m volunteering, I’m doing canvassing” for Krasner.

Despite Democrats hold-

ing a nearly insurmountable advantage over Republicans in registered voters in Philadelphia, Krasner is still making an all-out push to reach voters prior to the election on Nov. 7.

“We are going to be pursuing what is called ‘The Least of These Campaign,’” he emphasized. “We are deliberately going to voters who are usually not contacted. For too long, political operatives have gone to the same voters and it doesn’t grow democracy – and it doesn’t grow the vote.”

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O C TO B E R 26, 2017

DEMOCRATIC DA candidate Larry Krasner had a chance to share his policies solo with the audience at Arch Street United Methodist Church when his Republican opponent, Beth Grossman, canceled her participation owing to a schedule conflict. Photo by Elizabeth Crawley

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BY ELIZABETH CRAWLEY EMOCRATIC DA candidate Larry Krasner fielded questions from voters at the Arch Street United Methodist Church on Saturday. “A Conversation with Krasner,” a Facebook event hosted by Philadelphia United for Progress (Philly Up), was supposed to be a forum for voters to query Krasner and GOP DA candidate Beth Grossman. After Grossman cancelled – James Williams, her campaign manager, cited “a scheduling issue” – the event was reformatted. Mimi Salazar, Elections Committee chair of Philly Up, said, “This is really to get to know Larry.”

Krasner revisited his views on civil asset forfeiture and sanctuary cities in Saturday’s conversation, which were key topics disputed during Thursday’s DA debate. He said the amount of asset forfeiture in Philadelphia is “more than twice the total amount” seized by officials in Brooklyn and Los Angeles combined.

“If you were wondering why, that’s simple: It’s because they got to keep the money. That is unfortunately how the DA’s office ran. That’s how the Public Nuisance Task Force ran.

I’ll just leave it at that,” said Krasner.

Civil asset forfeiture is a key issue that Grossman, former chief of the Public Nuisance Task Force for eight years, holds a more favorable view of than Krasner.

The conversation also covered topics on prison reform, victim’s rights, police reform and institutional bias of African Americans and women.

Audience members asked how Krasner would pursue improving assistance for victims. Stan Horwitz, an

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10/25/2017 10:38:17 AM

Krasner’s Race to Lose – and It’s Losable

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POLS on the STREET

BY JOE SHAHEELI LL DEMOCRATS are walk-homes in Philadelphia in 2017. So goes the conventional wisdom. So that means Democratic DA candidate Larry Krasner should walk home.

But the present era is nothing if not full of surprises. Krasner’s primary victory over many vetted prose-

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Representative

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

cutorial pros was a surprise, considering he has never prosecuted a case in his life.

He benefitted from the fact that his many competitors in the Democratic primary all had prosecutorial depth.

They wound up splitting the tough-on-crime vote, leaving the soft-on-crime vote to carry Krasner to victory.

But will “soft on crime” excite the voters of November as much as it did those of May? That’s not clear.

The spring Democratic primary saw intense voter turnout in the young, progressive “read-and-write wards” that swept Krasner to victory. But will that wave repeat itself in November? Krasner’s demographic is largely focused on national issues and is poorly connected to local politics.

Simply put, his voters are not sophisticated when it comes to local politics, so they tend not to turn out for local elections.

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.

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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

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Street

1621 W. Jefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121

511 West Courtland Street Philadelphia, PA 19140

215-457-5281

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Sharif

197th Legislative District Office

184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

State Senator

State Senator

Emilio Vazquez

William Keller

Always Hard At Work for You!

offenders, despite his career of defending them; and that he likes most police most of the time.

His Republican opponent, Beth Grossman, has also steered her campaign toward the middle. She has rejected police brutality and has abjured the civil assets forfeiture program she once administered.

But the Philadelphia DA’s race remains, at core, a contest between those who think there is too much law enforcement and those who think there is not enough.

Rightly or wrongly, Krasner will win the votes of the former and Grossman of the latter.

While Krasner’s bloc turned out in big numbers in May, we don’t know if they will repeat in November. Meanwhile, anti-Krasner wards, especially in the Northeast, saw depressed

State Representative

State Rep.

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

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The primary was an admirable exception. But the signs of his victory then were visible to observers months before the voting day. Krasner teams roamed Krasner neighborhoods and pelted social media with their appeals. That campaign strategy worked.

But it is not being applied for the general election.

Team Krasner is sleepwalking toward victory. No events, no announcements emerge from its headquarters. It early solidified its relationship with Democratic City Committee; after that, it pretty much went on vacation until Jan. 1, 2018.

Krasner early bonded with Democratic City Committee.

He has been diligently showing up at local party functions. He took care to issue soothing pronouncements to the effect that he would indeed prosecute criminal

215-227-6161

Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday 8:30 - 2 p.m.

State Rep. Jason

Democratic voter turnout.

What will those disaffected voters do on Nov. 7 – sit at home or defect to Grossman?

All eyes are on the Trump phenomenon nationally.

But Philadelphia’s municipal election is probably not closely tied to Trump in most voters’ minds. Phjladelphia Republican candidates tend not to sound Trumplike notes in their platforms.

One should always bet on the Democrat in a Philadelphia general election these days. But while fear of crime is way down from its peak in the 1990s, it has long been the governing factor in DA races.

We shall soon find out how strongly the city’s electorate worries about crime in 2017.

Who’s ‘Beth’?

Not on the Ballot

Republicans have chosen an unfortunate strategy in branding their DA candidate, Beth Grossman, as “Beth” in their signage and media blitz.

We have no quarrel with 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

Councilman Wm.

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

Representative

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

Every Democrat, it seems, wants to challenge Congressman Pat Meehan (R-Delaware). But while many are called, few are chosen.

Paul Perry announced he is dropping out of his primary run in the 7th (Cont. Next Page)

Kevin J.

Youngblood

Taylor

Donatucci

Perry Quits 7th Race; Muroff Eased

State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

STATE REP.

Rep.Maria P.

the name “Beth,” and it certainly fits more neatly into a campaign sign than does “Grossman.” But the fact remains that when voters walk into their booth, they’ll be presented with two last names: Grossman and Krasner.

The job of a campaign expert is to plant the name on the button in the mind of the voter. Last names rule in this duel; more people will punch a button for “Krasner” or “Grossman” than for “Larry” or “Beth.”

Sorry, guys: row officers aren’t household names like “Donald” or “Hillary.” Don’t kid yourselves when you’re trying to win an election.

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

10/25/2017 11:07:22 AM

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Pa.’s Rainy-Day Plan Is All Wet

Pennsylvania has the 8thworst “rainy-day” reserves in the nation when the next recession strikes, according to Moody’s Analytics, a respected national rating agency.

Nearly a decade has passed since the last recession. Still, most states aren’t prepared for the next one.

Pennsylvania is a leader of the pack in recklessness by Moody’s reckoning. Its “actual reserves” as (Cont. Page 8) PPR_p005.indd 5

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O C TO B E R 26, 2017

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(Cont. From Prev. Page) Congressional District citing concerns over the amount of money required to run for office.

“As I depart this race, I leave with real questions about the sustainability of our democracy. It is awash in money and influence-peddling on both sides of the aisle,” said Perry.

“On a personal level, as someone who has spent his life working hand-in-hand with families struggling to make ends meet on a daily basis, I struggled mightily with the fundraising culture inherent to our current politics.”

Perry was backed by New Politics, a bipartisan group that worked to recruit candidates who had worked in public service.

But Perry’s exit from the race could clear the way for other Dems to challenge Meehan in the 7th, a district stretching from Philadelphia suburbs into Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which is widely reviled as one of the most flagrantly gerrymandered congressional districts in the USA. State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), Andrew McGinty, Elizabeth Moro, Molly Sheehan and Philadelphia’s Dan Muroff are also running for this seat. So Perry’s bailing is a blessing to all who remain in the race.

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POLS on the STREET

10/25/2017 11:07:51 AM

Is the SRC on The News in Black & White Borrowed Time?

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OPINION

O C TO B E R 26, 2017

T

HE EMBATTLED School Reform Commission last week was faced with dozens of protesters, calling again for that body’s dissolution. An unpopular solution forced on the city by the state in 2001 supposedly to stabilize operations and guarantee steady funding from Harrisburg has only grown more unpopular in the years since.

What could be worse for a city nicknamed “the Cradle of Liberty” than to be be-

school board, as laid out by the Home Rule Charter, in time for the new entity to get up to speed for the 201819 school year.

What would come from such a new day in Philadelphia education? Teachers would once again be able to strike; credit agencies will most likely abhor the uncertainty and raise the cost of borrowing for the district; the school board would be unable to raise its own revenue; and so on.

But just as colonial Philadelphians dismissed the yoke of distant rule and embraced the unknown of self-determination, so, too, are the residents of today’s city eager to start a long-awaited new era of its educational realm.

Pa. Is Ill Prepared For Next Recession

OPINION

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holden to a foreign, hostile force? Make no mistake: With the governor appointing three out of the five SRC members – the mayor appoints the other two – and the General Assembly, which is well stocked with politicians who put Philadelphia taxpayer dollars to work in their own districts, reluctant to do anything beneficial for the School District of Philadelphia, it’s no wonder that so many are so angry at the status quo.

A sea change has begun. At last week’s meeting, even SRC Chair Joyce Wilkerson seemed to feel it, acknowledging the work that would need to be done by year’s end for the SRC to disband so Mayor Kenney can appoint a nine-member

BY STATE REP. JAKE WHEATLEY CONOMICS is called the dismal science; Pennsylvania politicians seem intent on making it an even gloomier discipline.

The current budget debacle is bad enough: more than three months late, $2.2 billion in the red – and still raiding already committed funding while pursuing more borrowing, despite the commonwealth’s sink-

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ing credit rating.

If you think it’s bad now, just wait until the next recession. Pennsylvania is substantially unprepared for the next downturn and would face major economic repercussions from such an event.

The legislature – led largely, but not solely by, House Republican leaders – appears unable to comprehend that recurring revenues, such as those available from an extraction tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas producers, are what is desperately needed.

A colleague boasts that he’s never voted for a tax increase in his career. At this point in Pennsylvania’s fiscal follies, that stance is costly and irresponsible.

By refusing to face facts – namely, that funding needed services costs money (Cont. Next Page)

MARK your CALENDAR Oct. 26- State Sen. Christine Tartaglione hosts Senior Expo at Fox Chase Rec. Ctr., 7901 Ridgeway St., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free health screenings, government services. For info: (215) 533-0440.

Oct. 26- 37th Ward Democratic Committee hosts “Candidates & Community” at Mars Hill Bapt. Ch., 12 th & Lehigh Ave., 5:307:30 p.m. Light snacks.

Free. For info: (267) 2405069.

Oct. 26- SEAMAAC hosts 33rd Anniversary Gala at

RECEIVING a $1,000 check for relief for Puerto Rico is State Rep. and Ward Leader Angel Cruz, from the Ward Leaders of Color. West Philly Ward Leaders, L-R, were Pete Wilson, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Bernadette Wyche. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Univ. of Arts, Solmssen Ct., 6-9 p.m.

Oct. 26- State Sen. Art Haywood hosts “Focus on Gun Violence Town hall Mtg. at Woodmere Art Mus., 9201 Germantown Ave., 6-8 p.m.

Oct. 27- Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown hosts “Birthday Bash & Celebration of Libras” at Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant, 5:308:30 p.m. General Admission $50, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff Fans $1,000, Phyllis Hyman Fans $500, Lou Rawls Fans $250, Jackson 5 Fans $100. Payable to “Friends of Blondell Reynolds Brown,” P.O. Box 22556, Philadelphia, PA19102. For info: Taylor Daukaus (267) 671-7208 or blondellonline@gmail. com.

Oct. 27- AFSCME DC 47 hosts “Meet & Greet the Candidates” Fundraiser at Sonesta Phila., 1800 Market St., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Light refreshments, cash bar. Tickets: AFSCME Members $25, People MVP

$20, Supporters $20. For info: (215) 893-3736 or jmarsh@dc47.org.

Oct. 28- State Rep. Isabella Fitzgerald hosts Housing Conference & Job Fair at W. Oak La. Charter Sch., 7115 Stenton Ave., 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Continental breakfast & lunch. For info: (215) 549-0220.

Oct. 28- State Rep. Jordan Harris hosts Senior Wills Clinic at Wharton Sq. Pk., 2300 Wharton St., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Residents 55+. Living wills, power of attorney & health-care directives. Limited spots.

RSVP: (215) 952-3378.

Oct. 28- SEAMAAC hosts Soccer Clinic & Tournament at Mifflin Sq. Pk., 6th & Ritner Sts., clinic for 12 & under 9:30-11:30 a.m., tournament for teens & adults 12:30-5 p.m. For info or to register team: (215) 467-0690 or htang@seamaac.org.

Oct. 28- John Fritz hosts “Penn State-Ohio State Football Game” at FOP Lodge, 11630 Caroline

Rd., open 2 p.m., game 3:30 p.m. Free. For info: (215) 632-1975 Oct. 29- Councilwoman Helen Gym hosts Fundraiser at Amalgam Coffee & Comics, 2578 Frankford Ave., 3-5 p.m.

Oct. 30- Democratic City Committee hosts Autumn Cocktail Party at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd., 5:307:30 p.m. Tickets $150.

Oct. 31- State Reps. Joanna McClinton & Jordan Harris host fall Festival at Common Place parking lot, 5736 Chester Ave., 3-6 p.m. For info: (215) 7486712 or (215) 952-3378.

Oct. 31- State Sen. Tina Tartaglione & State Rep. Jason Dawkins host Harvest Resource Festival and Children’s Fright Night at Wissinoming Pk., 57735945 Frankford Ave., 5 p.m. Preparing for winter with government programs, free games & candy for children.

Nov. 2- 182nd Dist. Progressive Caucus hosts (Cont. Next Page) 10/25/2017 11:05:58 AM

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(Cont. From Prev. Page) Social at Ladder 15, 1528 Sansom St., 6-8 p.m.

Nov. 4- 42nd Ward Democratic Committee hosts Fish Fry at Lou & Choo’s, 2101 W. Hunting Pk. Ave., 3-7 p.m. For info: Sharon Vaughan (215) 313-7019.

Nov. 7- General election day for DA, controller, judges.

Nov. 8- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts APPRISE counseling for Medicare open enrollment at 6511 Ridge Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For app’t: (215) 482-8726.

Nov. 9- State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown hosts “Stop & Go Public hearing” at Christian Stronghold Bapt. Ch., 1-4 p.m. For info: Yolanda Braxton (215) 879-6615.

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MARK your CALENDAR

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(Cont. From Page 6) – Pennsylvania is loading mountains of debt on our kids and grandkids.

During a recent House debate on yet another revenue scheme that relied on borrowing more money, a Republican lawmaker compared the strategy to “using a Visa card to buy groceries.”

Another Republican noted, “We’re talking about putting the next generation of Pennsylvanians in debt. It’s not good public policy. If we want our kids to have a better future we wouldn’t be having them pay our bills.”

I can’t quibble with either of them.

But all that’s just the here and now. Pennsylvania has been kicking its fiscal can down the road for years, but that road will get rougher and steeper.

When President Obama took the oath of office in 2009, the economy was 14 months into a historic meltdown. The Great Recession officially ended midway through Obama’s first year, and the economy has continued to stay in a recovery mode – albeit an uneven one – to this day.

But the economy goes up – and down.

When that downturn comes, expect a firestorm of fiscal nightmares in Pennsylvania.

According to a report from Moody’s Analytics, Pennsylvania is woefully unprepared for the next economic downturn, flunking its stress test for even a moderate downturn.

“States are slowly but surely learning these lessons and have earmarked more of their fund balances as ‘rainy-day’ reserves than ever before,” according to the report.

Duh. Pennsylvania budget-makers have been donning a dunce cap. The financial affairs website

24/7 Wall Street notes that Pennsylvania has the smallest rainy day fund of any state except Arkansas: just 0.2% of 2017 expenditures available, which would finance state operations for about three days.

Pennsylvania can’t find the gumption now to fund vital programs responsibly.

It faces a fiscal catastrophe that will dwarf the current budget debacle when revenues slump during the next downturn – and when citizens will need services the most.

It’s a ghoulish forecast fitting for Halloween. We can’t say we weren’t warned.

State Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) is Democratic chairman of the House Finance Committee.

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OPINION

10/25/2017 11:05:14 AM

State Reserves Cannot Weather a Recession

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(Cont. From Page 5) calculated by Moody’s are negative and its “necessary reserves,” at 6.9%, are the second lowest of all the states.

Moody’s report conduct-

ed the first-ever stress test on all 50 state budgets to assess their ability to absorb a fiscal shock. It found that 16 states have enough in reserves to get through the next recession somewhat comfortably. Another 19 states have some or most of

the funds they would need, which means they would likely have to raise revenue and/or cut spending, as well as tap reserves, to balance their budgets during a downturn. And 15 states are so “substantially unprepared” for the next down-

turn, they would face major “economic repercussions.”

The idea of stress-testing state budgets, which was borrowed from the U.S. Federal Reserve, essentially throws different economic scenarios at a state budget to see how revenues would be impacted

In its analysis, Moody’s Analytics ran two different scenarios: a moderate recession and a more severe downturn that mimics the losses experienced during the Great Recession. The models took into each state’s tax structure, revenue volatility, expected spending on Medicaid, and existing reserves and fund balances, among other things.

Having the proper cushion allows lawmakers to keep making policy when times are tough, rather than simply just reacting, says Moody’s senior economist Dan White, the report’s author. “If you have the reserves put away and don’t have to worry about making ends meet,” he says, “that gives you more time to focus resources on things that are really plaguing you -- like the cost of Medicaid.”

White’s modeling gives states at least one or two years before the next economic downturn. That means places like California, Kentucky and Wisconsin, which have about half of the savings Moody’s estimates they need,

potentially have time to improve their position. But for the states with slim-to-no savings set aside (such as Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania), White says it’s likely too late to make the needed adjustment before the next recession.

Many of the states that fall into the unprepared category are there because they haven’t addressed their structural budget burdens. Pennsylvania, for instance, has consistently struggled with balancing its budget over the last decade. Part of the reason is that its Medicaid spending is gobbling up nearly 40 percent of the budget and giving it less flexibility than any other state. “They just really haven’t had the breathing room necessary to set aside any amount for reserves,” says White.

Barletta Assembles State Trump Team Congressman Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne) announced a slate of endorsements from former Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, former U.S. Sen. Rick (Cont. Page 16)

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tured dozens of organizations that offer a wide array of products and services, ranging from accessibility tools and service dogs to simulation devices that will allow visitors to experience briefly the daily challenges faced by people with physical disabilities.

Tartaglione has long been a leading advocate for people with disabilities and knows first-hand of the challenges that confront them every day. She has been overcoming many of the same challenges since she sustained severe spinal injuries in a 2003 boating accident.

Al Treats McMaster

Taylor, Solomon Tackle Nuisances State Rep. John Taylor (R-Northeast) has introduced two bills, co-sponsored with State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Northeast), to amend the Crimes Code to address chronic nuisance issues that cause problems for downtowns and neighborhoods throughout Pennsylvania.

“During the last 10 years, we have provided innovative new laws to help local governments, like Philadelphia, fight blight,” Taylor said. “This legislation gives us new tools in that struggle. Nuisance acts depress property values and deter investment in our communities, large and small.”

Solomon said, “These two bills would not only assist with decreasing these petty acts, but also help improve the appearance of our communities both big and small in all 67 counties.”

The first bill, HB 1812, groups littering, loitering

ernmental Affairs Director Justin Clark, and it was a great opportunity to bring the voice of my district to Washington,” DeLissio said.

“The day began with a tour of the East Wing of the Capitol, and representatives then gathered to meet with numerous departments and agencies of the White House. The group met with senior staff from the departments of Interior, Agriculture, Health & Human Services, Commerce, Energy, State, Transportation and Veteran Affairs; as well as with Small Business Administration, Office of Management & Budget, and the deputy chief of staff to President Donald Trump.

“The purpose of these meetings was to ensure lines of communication, which are critical to enhancing policy outcomes at the state and federal levels,” she said. “I look forward to accessing the contacts made, and I intend to call upon these newly formed relationships for assistance when warranted.”

Harris Joins Center For Justice Reform

CITY Councilman Al Taubenberger traveled to the White House in Washington, D.C. at the invitation of National Security Adviser Herbert Raymond “H.R.” McMaster, where the councilman presented the native Philadelphian with a proclamation and engraved Liberty Bell to honor McMaster for his decades of service to the United States of America.

Tartaglione Pushes Disability Employment State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Kensington) welcomed the community to the State Capitol Rotunda on Monday to learn about a multitude of resources available to persons with disabilities. The senator’s annual Disability Employment Awareness event fea-

DeLissio Attends White House

State Rep. Pamela DeLissio (D-Northwest) attended a meeting at the White House on Oct. 12 to establish a better working relationship among the White House, federal agencies and Pennsylvania House members.

“Pennsylvania state representatives were invited

by White House Intergov-

State Rep. Jordan Harris (D-S. Phila.), chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, joined the Center for American Progress, the National Employment Law Project, and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia to discuss criminal-justice reform in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Harris joined the discussion Monday via video conference.

Harris was joined by State Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) to discuss the efforts of clean slate legislation. Harris championed Act 5 of 2016, which seals nonviolent misdemeanor convictions for people who have been crime-free for 10 years. Harris and Delozier

have introduced HB 1419, which would implement automatic sealing of records with no action required by the person.

“This is not a Democratic or Republican issue – it’s about providing better services to people in our communities,” Harris said.

“Moreover, it’s about dollars and cents. Too often, criminal records are dooming people to a life of poverty through the creation of a social and financial underclass.”

McClinton’s Luncheon Was a Success

State Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-W. Phila.) hosted a senior Legislative Luncheon for residents in the 191st Legislative District. The luncheon took place Oct. 13 at Presbyterian Homes, Mary Fields Building, in the Kingsessing neighborhood.

“Our seniors are our most treasured residents,” McClinton said. “That’s why I was excited to host my senior Legislative Luncheon. The luncheon is only one of my many initiatives to ensure that our wisest neighbors have access to the resources they need.”

McClinton said there were more than 75 seniors in attendance. McClinton provided attendees with a legislative update on what has been going on in Harrisburg as well as information on various state-related resources available to seniors.

“I would like to thank AARP, Traci’s Bio, the Greater Philadelphia Health Action, Inc., PECO and Penn Medicine for making this event a success. With their help, we were able to provide our seniors with many of the resources they have been searching for,” she said.

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A

T THE REQUEST of the Kenney administration, legislation has been introduced in City Council to safeguard public health and safety by further strengthening regulation of demolitions in Philadelphia. The two bills, one sponsored by Councilman Curtis Jones (4th) and the other by Councilman Mark Squilla (1st), toughen standards for becoming a licensed demolition contractor and require increased dust-control measures at demolition sites.

Jones stated, “Public safety means different things to different people. Taxpayers depend on the City of Philadelphia to make sure construction and demolition put safety first and this continued move in the right direction will further the work done to change the safety culture in our communities.”

The bill sponsored by Councilman Jones (No. 170898) requires demolition contractors to attend trainings mandated by the Department of Licenses & Inspections and to fully document the qualifications of supervisors and site safety managers. Additionally, the bill requires adherence to the Philadelphia Water Department’s and Philadelphia Health Department’s soil and dust-control regulations as a condition for licensure.

The bill sponsored by Squilla (No. 170903) es-

and disorderly conduct under the umbrella of “chronic nuisances” and creates incrementally higher penalties for such incidents with this grouping.

The second bill, HB 1813, increases the penalties for littering in an attempt to deter the act and to help local municipalities eradicate this behavior.

The fine for the first summary offense, currently $50$300, would be increased to $100-$500. The second and subsequent offenses – a third-degree misdemeanor – would be increased from $300-$1,000 to $500$1,500.

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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

tablishes additional steps that contractors must take to keep dust from escaping demolition sites. Because demolition of properties containing toxic materials generates particles that also contain toxins, containing the resulting dust is a sound strategy for reducing the risk of exposure to contaminants.

Under the bill, demolition projects must be surrounded by dust-control fencing; chutes must be used if materials are dropped from the exterior of a building at a height of more than 20 feet; mechanical demolition must stop when average wind speed exceeds 20 mph; and while it is waiting to be removed, demolition debris must be contained within fencing, a construction dumpster, or truck.

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On November 9th, 2017, The Philadelphia Public Record will publish our

Veterans Day Salute Special Issue

O C TO B E R 26, 2017

Please join us in honoring our American Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom!

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Please send your ad to

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mbarrett@phillyrecord.com Melissa Barrett 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 10/25/2017 11:17:15 AM

57th, 65th Meet Black Ward Leaders Host Funder

CANNSTATTER drew a lively crowd of Republican activists from the Northeast and beyond to a joint fundraiser for the 57th and 65th Wards. In attendance, L-R, were Ward Leaders Matt Wolfe and Walt Vogler with City Committee Chairman Mike Meehan.

GOP BLACK ward leaders threw a well-attended fundraiser at the Commodore Barry Club in Germantown, drawing talent – and money – from across the state. DA candidate Beth Grossman, C, was one star attraction. Photos by Wendell Douglas

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HOST Ward Leader Calvin Tucker said the event pulled in five figures. He was joined here by, L-R, Beth Grossman, retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Schultz Newman and Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh.

L-R were Ward Leaders Linwood Holland and Daphne Goggins, Sheriff Bunny Welsh and Ward Leader Carnel Harley.

STATE SEN. Scott Wagner, who is running for governor, made an impassioned pitch to the crowd.

CITY COMMISSI O N E R Al Schmidt introduced his son Max to the social whirl of the campaign trail.

L-R WERE Makai Lewis, Beth Grossman, and Ward Leaders Joe Samuel and Linwood Holland.

170685

Resolution authorizing the City Council Committee on Education to hold hearings on Early Child Care Providers and Best Practices issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Education, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed item.

Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

Michael Decker Chief Clerk

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The Joint Committees on Education and Children & Youth of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 1:00 PM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following item: 170439

Resolution authorizing the Joint City Council Committees on Education and Children and Youth to hold hearings reviewing the impact of permanently prohibiting the suspension of elementary-aged students from the first through fifth grades in The School District of Philadelphia.

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Joint Committees on Education and Children & Youth, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed item.

Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

Michael Decker Chief Clerk

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The Committee on Education of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 2:00 PM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following item:

ON BOARD the Grossman campaign were, L-R, Phyllis Sims, Marie McCray, Grossman and Susan Segal Bonavitacola.

City of Philadelphia

READ THE PAPER LEADERS READ!

City of Philadelphia

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HOSTS Ward Leaders Brian McCann, L, and Tom Matkowski, R, flanked Mike Meehan.

10/25/2017 11:04:12 AM

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O C TO B E R 26, 2017

E N N S Y LVA N I A House Finance Committee sent a bill to the floor that would levy a severance tax at on the extraction of natural gas. The tax would apply to unconventional (shale) gas wells that are already subject to the state’s impact fee.

The excise rate would start at 2 cents per thousand cubic feet (MCF) of natural gas if the price is not more than $3 and increase to a maximum of 3.5 cents if the market price is greater than $5.99. Southeastern

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

BY DENISE CLAY F YOU’RE FACING a tough go in a sentencing hearing with a judge, it’s said that he or she is about to throw the book at you.

As he sat at the defense table in Courtroom 14-A in the James Byrne Federal Courthouse on Tuesday, former District Attorney R. Seth Williams was hoping that if U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond decided to do that, he’d be fast enough to avoid it.

Instead, Williams wound up taking the book straight to the face. Which probably really hurt, because Dia-

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Pennsylvania State Rep. John Murt (R-Northeast) stated, “This is a major step in making the natural-gas industry pay its fair share in helping fund programs necessary to fulfill our obligations to our schools and those with special needs.”

I have a few questions for this state rep and others in the Southeast who think the severance tax is a good idea.

I understand the desire to make sure the Commonwealth has enough revenues to pay for the proposed budget. However, I would like to ask how one calculates the natural-gas industry’s “fair share.” I know other states have severance taxes such as West Virginia, but that state has a corporate income-tax rate slightly more than half of ours.

I do understand that a lot of producers are not paying income tax at this time as they are losing money or breaking even, owing to the low price of natural gas and especially

the low price for Marcellus Shale gas due to infrastructure constraints (not enough pipeline capacity).

As the natural-gas industry is depressed owing to low prices, revenues from the impact fee this year are expected to be 23% below what was three years ago . The drilling of new wells has decreased because producers are not willing to sink new funds into this depressed market.

This new tax would make their losses worse and cause the producers to look at Ohio and West Virginia.

One reason why many producers are not currently profitable is because of a lack of pipeline capacity.

As of Monday, the price for natural gas at Henry Hub, the benchmark for the US, was $2.77/MCF. The average price in Appalachia was 75 cents/MCF, with the price at the main pipeline connection to the Marcellus Shale at 40 cents/MCF. (Cont. Page 14)

mond fired that thing with a bazooka.

Diamond sentenced Williams, who pled guilty in June to one count of bribery and corruption, to five years in prison. After that, the now-disbarred attorney faces three years of supervised release and must pay $58,422.83.

Dressed in a dark tan T-shirt and dark tan khakis, a far cry from the tailored suits he wore as DA and even throughout his trial, Williams wiped tears from his eyes at various times during the sentencing hearing.

But while the sentence may have felt brutal to Williams, the verbal evisceration Judge Diamond gave him probably felt much worse.

From letting down the parents who adopted him when he was 18 months old to dumping his mother, Imelda, “like a sack of potatoes” in a nursing home which he then defrauded, to the trips and cash he took in exchange for

favors, Williams’ sins were too much for Judge Diamond to countenance.

“Almost from the time you took office, you sold yourself to the parasites you surrounded yourself with,” the Judge said.

But that wasn’t the main thing that made him angry. What ticked off Judge Diamond was Williams’s request to be released to go and see his mother.

The woman he stole from.

Diamond wasn’t trying to hear that.

“The English language doesn’t have the words to capture the outrageousness of that request,” the judge said.

Thomas Burke, Williams’s lawyer, reminded Judge Diamond that while his client had pled guilty to an offense that was contrary to the oath he took to serve Philadelphia County, the public service he did prior to his indiscretions should offset some of his sins.

To illustrate this, Burke read a letter that Williams’s (Cont. Page 14)

WALKING the BEAT

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA “VOTE FOR BETH” signs were sighted near a banquet hall. It could mean a plug for DA candidate Beth Grossman? If first-naming it is to be a citywide standard, then the GOP has to increase visibility of the candidate first.

A push by a councilman to maintain abatements only for low-income persons is a BAD MOVE. Abatements are unique methods of encouraging city development. Dave GLANCEY was one of the early advocates.

Abatements have HELPED

CITY HALL SAM

S

TATE SEN. VINCENT HUGHES and STATE REP. DONNA BULLOCK hosted a Pathways to Pardons meeting at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center in Mantua last week. The center is named for DANA & DAVE DORNSIFE, who are tremendous philanthropists doing a lot of good work for Drexel and the world. Pathways to Pardons is the initiative by LT. GOV. MIKE STACK to give people second chances. As chairman of the Board of Pardons, Stack has advanced the cause of

PHILADELPHIA and need to be extended in length!

Councilman Allan DOMB – STEP UP! ORAL ARGUEMENTS in the Traffic Court case started. IGNORE any media embellishment. I wonder if the feds ever would rest if they got a REVERSAL (?).

TAX CUTS for ordinary people. Sounds good – $4k per person. But if the DEBT mounts because of it, then they might argue that MEDICARE has to be cut (?). The National Debt was blasted by the GOP often in the Obama years, but they say LITTLE of it during the push for tax cuts. TRICKLE-DOWN was tried before and DID NOT WORK. If the GOP loses the tax-cut legislation, after the Obamacare ASSAULT loss – then it looks to be in trouble for the MIDTERMS. C-SPAN mentioned that respect for Congress is at a national level of just 12%.

A Maryland schoolteach-

er called CSPAN and noted that her students think the President lacks ethics, and they dislike cuts to save the environment. Kids sometimes show us their KEEN INSIGHT. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to GLORIA SULMAN, senior Northeast DEM Committeewoman. Such energy, faith and devotion to electing the best candidates is a beacon to us all.

Judge James DE LEON is running for Municipal Court Retention. His events are sparkling. He was recently sighted campaigning in the Cambodian Community. He got plugs from State Sen. Sharif STREET. Democratic ward meetings held by Brian EDDIS and Pat PARKINSON brought in the big names, including Maria McLAUGHLIN and Carolyn NICHOLS for Superior Court. Both JURISTS are burning up the roadways in the Commonwealth.

(Cont. Page 19)

criminal-justice reform.

Also on hand was attorney MICHAEL LEE, who is campaign chairman for district attorney candidate LARRY KRASNER. U.S. SEN. BOB CASEY held a big fundraiser in Philly last week which was attended by Sen. Hughes and his colleague STATE SEN. TONY WILLIAMS. STATE SEN. LARRY FARNESE held a job fair at Sheet Metal Workers Hall which drew hundreds of interested constituents.

SETH WILLIAMS was officially disbarred. The sad case of a once-promising, once-trailblazing district attorney continues to get sadder as federal prosecutors asked for a five-year sentence – which they got from the judge at Tuesday’s sentencing hearing.

KELLEY HODGE has done a great job as the acting district attorney. Nary a peep has been heard emanating out of the District Attorney’s Office regarding

morale issues, lack of focus or anything else that could be seen as a negative – a huge step forward for the office and its staff.

She has a tremendous background: She went to Mount St. Joseph’s High School for girls. She was seen dancing up a storm at the bench-bar conference with Common Pleas Court PRESIDENT JUDGE SHEILA WOODS SKIPPER. Also seen cutting a mean rug was attorney SHONTE REEVES. Highly respected consultant and businessman SEAN REILLY was recently given a clean bill of health by his treating physicians.

Sean had been battling sickness but now is all the way back to full strength.

Rep. Bullock held a community day in Brewerytown which was an absolute blockbuster. She has made that district a resurgent area where people are moving in growing numbers to both live and raise families.

10/25/2017 11:02:13 AM

ANNE WAKABAYASHI, L, and Vanessa De Rose were two of hundreds of engaged Philadelphians who turned out for the “50 over 50” cocktail awards to Pennsylvania’s most distinguished citizens

C A R A GRAEFF joined with Conor Lyons to congratulate Conor’s father Charlie Lyons, VP of Shelly Lyons Public Affairs & Communications, for his award.

UNION activist Danny Bauder, L, congratulated Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority head John McNichol.

REAR, Carolina Harris; L-R front, Carmella Jacquinto, Barbara Capozzi, honoree Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Veronica May.

CHARLES BURKET, L, and Bryan Bush were pleased to mingle with Pennsylvania’s top 50.

HONOREES Steve Crawford, managing VP of Wojdak & Associates, and State Sen. Tina Tartaglione, shared the limelight.

L-R WERE Philadelphia Public Record Sales Director Melissa Bartlett, Danny Bauder, Joe Smolczynski and Nick Alpers.

DAVID EDWARDS enjoyed a moment with Carolina Harris.

AMONG honorees were Donna Frisby-Greenwood, who heads the Fund of the School District of Philadelphia, and David Thornburgh, who leads the Committee of Seventy.

Donna Frisby-Greenwood was congratulated by City & State PA’s Steve Farbman.

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CITY&STATE PA recognized the 50 awardees. L-R here were Ahsan Nasratullah, Dr. Fatema Ahmed and Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed with honoree Dr. Nina Ahmad, deputy mayor for public engagement.

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HONOREE Mike Smerconish, L, enjoyed a chat with Distinguished Service Award winner Gov. Ed Rendell at honored “50 over 50” – 50 seasoned Keystone State leaders who have passed a half century and are still vigorous in public service. This event was sponsored by Cozen O’Connor and Temple University

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10/25/2017 10:35:00 AM

McCain Gets Liberty Medal

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VICE

tion ... again. 13. I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my 10-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to. 14. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well. 16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers.

I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay. 17. I wish Google Maps had an “Avoid Ghetto” routing option. 18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger. 19. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said?

(Cont. Page 19)

ELEPHANT CORNER

adequate pipeline capacity, that will not happen.

When the producers’ products cannot be transported outside of a limited region, a buyers’ market emerges. We have already seen what this has done to revenues from the impact fee and jobs lost owing to the scaleback in new drilling.

When the government picks winners and losers, there are losers. With this tax, we in the Southeast do not see the job losses owing to low prices. Those jobs are in the Northeast and Western Pennsylvania. The loss in impact-fee revenues has little impact here as we receive only a small portion of those taxes. Most of the funds rightly go to the communities

affected by gas development and extraction operations.

However, we only need to look to Marcus Hook to see the negatives of the government picking winners and losers.

A number of powerful federal legislators care more about soybean farmers in the Midwest than refinery workers at Philadelphia Energy Solutions. The Environmental Protection Agency, under pressure from U.S. senators, decided last week to continue a rules that mandates certain levels of bio-fuels be included in gasoline and fuel oils. It has already cost jobs at the plant and more jobs are expected to be lost, according to workers union representative RYAN O’CALLAGHAN.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

man and his flaws made him make flawed decisions.”

Burke went on to say that Williams isn’t a criminal, and he shouldn’t be treated that way.

Currently, Williams is in solitary confinement in the federal prison at 7th & Arch streets.

Robert Zauzner, the Assistant U.S. Attorney that prosecuted the case, vehemently

disagreed. “He is a criminal,” he said. “His conduct had a devastating effect on the men and women of the District Attorney’s office. What he did was not a mistake. It was a years-long dereliction of his duty to the office.”

Shortly after this, Judge Diamond whipped out his sentencing hammer and channeled his inner Thor.

PRESIDENT

Joe Biden presents the Liberty Medal to U.S. Sen. John McCain with Jeffrey Rosen, Esq., CEO of the National

Constitu-

tion Center, standing by. Photos by Bonnie Squires

O C TO B E R 26, 2017

L-R, TONY GAY, VP of PECO, and his wife Hope join Exelon CEO Denis O’Brien and his wife Carolyn at the reception.

THE STAGE party included speaker President Amy Gutmann of Penn and Howard Schultz, founder of Starbucks.

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the WAFFLE MAN

Y

O! HERE we go again with these 23 adult truths sent to me

by Al H., which have been making the rounds of the internet for several years.

Take it from personal experience: They are so true!

1. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch three consecutive times and still not know what time it is. 2.

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re

JUDGE Midge Rendell and her new husband, Judge Art Wilson, are joined at Liberty Medal president’s reception by the Wilkinsons.

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wrong. 3. I totally take back all those times I didn’t want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font. 5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary? 7. MapQuest or Google Maps really need to start their directions on #5.

I’m pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died. 9. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at least kind-of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories. 11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment when you know you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day. 12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu-Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collec-

(Cont. From Page 12) While I question the wisdom (and fairness) of the legislature picking and choosing which industry to tax, I do not think they should do this without addressing the issues with pipeline siting and development.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has been slow (I am being kind) in the permitting process, especially relating to environmental-impact findings. If the legislators want this tax, they should see the wisdom of ensuring that the price producers receive might get past the $3.00 threshold to the higher tax bracket. Without

(Cont. From Page 12) ex-wife Sonita wrote asking for leniency.

“I am not here to pretend that Seth is a perfect man,” the letter said, “but Seth is a good man, a family man, a man devoted to his community.

Unfortunately, Seth is a flawed

10/25/2017 11:03:14 AM

HANGING out at Chickie’s & Pete’s in Northeast Philly for City Commissioner Lisa Deeley’s fundraiser were, L-R, IBEW Local 98’s Charlie Murphy, Deeley and her colleague Al Schmidt.

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: How do you value personal property on your bankruptcy schedules?

Answer: Anyone filing bankruptcy must value their personal property on their schedules, including their clothing, furniture, books and pictures, and other assorted knickknacks. Schedule B has categories for all these things and everyone

Q understanding BANKRUPTCY

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ROBERT McNEILL was pleased to see his favorite city commissioner.

O C TO B E R 26, 2017

BILL RUBIN goes back a long way with the Deeley family.

NORTHEAST ward leaders united: L-R were Jim Donnelly, their candidate Lisa Deeley, Alan Butkovitz, Janice Sulman and Shawn Dillon

WARD LEADER Pat Parkinson has always been key in turning out the vote for Lisa Deeley.

Rebecca Tyler, L, is tight with Lisa Deeley.

L-R WERE Local 98’s Nehemiah Devine, Deeley, Mike Nitka and Rodney Walker.

ALL IN Commissioner Lisa Deeley’s camp were, L-R, Christian A. DiCicco, Deeley, former Congressman Bob Borski, attorney Jim Crumlish and his wife.

has them, so everyone must list and value them.

But how do you do this?

We get many calls from people flummoxed by the concept of having to put a value on their personal items. Some people will even state that they have none of these items while attending meetings at our office fully clothed. Actually, it’s quite simple in the vast majority of cases to value your personal property on your bankruptcy schedules.

correct measure of value is “current market value.” This is what a buyer would pay now for the item at its present age and condition. Consequently, what you bought your shirt for at Casual Male in the ’90s is irrelevant, what matters is what someone would pay for it now in its used condition.

As you might imagine, for many personal items, the current market value is quite low, so usually a common-sense, good faith

Here’s what you do: You do not typically have to itemize personal property items within a category such as clothing or furniture. We will usually put “Miscellaneous items, no item worth more than $450” on Schedule B unless there is an unusually valuable individual item.

However, whether property in a category is listed collectively or not, it must be fairly valued.

What value to use? The

estimate that you pull out of thin air will generally be just fine. However, in case of doubt, browsing eBay will usually help guide your estimations.

The key is to be honest and value property in good faith. If you do this, you’ll be fine. Chapter 7 trustees have no real interest in the standard personal effects that most people have.

Next Week’s Question: How do I go about rebuilding my credit score?

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L-R WERE Carol Garzone, City Commissioner Lisa Deeley, Timothy Savage, Kusrin Dhamawongse and Rebecca Tyler. Photos by Harry Leech

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POLS on the STREET (Cont. From Page 8) Santorum and State Senate and House members.

“I’m excited by the support that continues to grow for our campaign to put Pennsylvania families and workers first. We are building broad support across Pennsylvania to defeat Bob Casey next November and advance the America First agenda,” Barletta said in a release announcing the endorsements.

The endorsements from Cawley and Santorum will likely help Trump-aligned Barletta when it comes to January’s endorsement vote by the Pennsylvania GOP. Party members will note the support of other Republicans each candidate has, and their ability to raise money for the race.

The list includes nine state Senate members and 18 House members.

The complete list of state legislators endorsing Barletta is below.

SENATE Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), Camera Bartolotta (R-Wash-

ington), John DiSanto (R-Dauphin), John Gordner (R-Snyder), Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), Mike Regan (R-Cumberland), Mario Scavello (R-Monroe), Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks), Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland).

HOUSE Steve Bloom (R-Cumberland), Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland), Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), Sue Helm (R-Dauphin), Dawn Keefer (R-Cumberland), Fred Keller (R-Union), Jerry Knowles (R-Berks), Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks), John Maher (R-Washington), Kurt Masser (R-Columbia), Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin), Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), Dave Millard (R-Columbia), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland), Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh), Mike Tobash (R-Dauphin) and Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne).

Social Workers Pick Judges

The National Association of Social Workers, Pennsylvania Chapter’s Political Action for Candidate Election Committee endorses Judge Ellen Ceisler for Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.

Judge Ceisler currently serves on the bench of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where she has been seated since 2008. She was in the Criminal Trial Division from 2008 to 2012 before moving to the Civil Motions Court. She then transitioned to the Major Civil Trial Division, where she is currently. She presides over all major civil and non-civil juries.

Judge Ceisler has a wealth of experience, working in both the public and private sectors. She has also worked in locales ranging from the Philadelphia Police Department, where she was Director of the Integrity & Accountability Office, to WCAU-TV, where she worked as an investigative producer.

NASW-PA PACE also backs endorses Judge Maria McLaughlin for Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Before she was elected to the Court of Common Pleas in 2007, Judge McLaughlin gained experience as a prosecutor, investigative producer, litigator, legal advisor to the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, independent police auditor, consultant to the Philadelphia School District on issues related to discipline and school safety, and director of special investigations for the City Controller’s Office.

Judge McLaughlin has served on the Civil Motions Court for two years, during which she had both original and appellate jurisdiction for all appeals involving the City of Philadelphia’s governmental Agencies and Authorities, including but not limited to the Zoning Board, Licenses & Inspections, Human Relations Commission, Civil Service Commission, Liquor Control Board, Board of Revision of Taxes, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the Pension Board, the Philadelphia School District, Freedom of Information Act appeals, and (Cont. Page 18) 10/25/2017 11:18:30 AM

2017 public servant of the year

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Mr. Ryan N. Boyer

Please join for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner

Thursday November 16th, 2017 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Galdo’s

Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door or tables of 10 for $450 Buy tickets online: http://tinyurl.com/pprpublicservant2017

Join us in honoring his contributions to our community on November 16th in the Public Servant of the Year Commemorative Issue.

For advertising information, please contact Melissa Barrett 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 mbarrett@phillyrecord.com, PPR_p017.indd 15

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20th & Moyamensing Avenue, Philadelphia Please R.S.V.P. by November 9th by calling 215-755-2000

10/25/2017 10:42:07 AM

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Stack Leads on Pardons “PATHWAYS to Pardons” program came to Mantua in Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships. L-R were Mike Lee, State Rep. Donna Bullock, Lt. Gov. Mike Stack and Donna Dornsife.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA safety was subject of a walk led by state rep candidate Nick DiDonato, Jr. L-R, street-safety activist Greg Bucceroni, campaign operative Santo Zema, Anthony Boris and DiDonato paused outside Sharswood Elementary School.

They spoke to neighbors; DiDonato pledged to help with the bike gang and teen problems the neighborhood is having.

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DiDonato Walks for Safety

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POLS on the STREET (Cont. From Page 16) governmental labor unions, among others.

NASW-PA PACE is also in with Judge H. Geoffrey Moulton Jr. for Superior Court.

Judge Moulton has almost 30 years of experience in the legal field. He has practiced in both the public and private sectors.

PPA Launches Citywide Mtgs.

DePasquale OKs Rhynhart

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is endorsing Rebecca Rhynhart for city controller today,.

DePasquale said, “I am thrilled to endorse Rebecca Rhynhart for controller of the City of Philadelphia because she is beyond qualified for the position and I believe will help restore trust in government. I am a firm believer in the importance of transparency, efficiency and collaboration in government, pillars which have been central to Rebecca’s platform throughout her time on the campaign trial. I am confident she will fulfill these goals several times over as Philadelphia’s controller, and I look forward to forging a stronger partnership between the auditing functions of the City and the Commonwealth as we work together to make government better for our citizens.”

PHILADELPHIA Parking Authority commenced a series of free informational meetings at the Mayfair Community Center.

Photos by Bill Myers

TABLES were set up to answer people’s questions about tickets, payment plans, reserved parking and more – any issue related to parking.

FIVE MORE meetings will be scheduled in different parts of the city.

See next week’s Public Record Calendar for details.

10/25/2017 11:01:28 AM

(Cont. From Page 12) Ward Leader and Labor official Lou AGRE was guest speaker on Joe Dougherty’s LABOR RADIO Show. He uses his body to carry his brain around. AFL-CIO Philly leader Pat EIDING, a recent 50 Over 50 honoree, was also on the show. Pat has been praised since his days at St. Matthew’s.

42nd Ward Leader Sharon VAUGHN has initiated a NEW ERA in Ward Meetings, where constituents are in attendance.

Citizens hear about municipal and state services from officials! Folks have RESPONDED WELL to the new DEM-CIVIC way.

Another variation of this was tried out by 35th Ward Leader Bill DOLBOW. The Delaware River Port Authority seems poised to erect American Flags at points along

the Ben Franklin Bridge.

10,000 Flags Across Philly President Jim JENKINS testified before the DRPA Board Meeting.

Chairman Ryan BOYER asked the bridge engineer to walk the bridge with Jim. BRAVO!!

State Democratic Chairman Marcel GROEN was selected as leader of the Democratic NATIONAL COMMITTEE Eastern Board of Directors. Powerful DNC member Marian TASCO was on hand –

and that means STRONG SUPPORT! Common Pleas judges again advised youth at an area high school. This is a new era of JUDICIAL OUTREACH. Judge Sierra STREET never fails to volunteer and deserves great thanks.... Judge Dan ANDERS was elected President of the International Association of LGBT Judges! He will place a great depth of effort and caring into a successful term!

the WAFFLE MAN

(Cont. From page 14) 20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters! 21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty.

Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Even under ideal conditions, people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell

phone, and Pinning the Tail 19 on the Donkey – but I’d bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from three feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

And this is my personal favorite: 23. The first testicular guard, the “Cup,” was used by players in ice hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974.

That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important. Ladies ... quit laughing.

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