South Philadelphia Public Record by The Public Record

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA

Vol. XIV No. 30

Issue 566

July 26, 2018

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

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VARE TO BE GREAT

VARE GYMNASTS now have something really to cheer about, as the first grant to rehab that beloved but timeworn rec center as part of the City’s Rebuild initiative is underway. Story P. 2. Photo courtesy of City of Philadelphia

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JU LY 26, 2018

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

Rebuild Receives Grant for Vare

BY ELDON GRAHAM REBUILDING Community Infrastructure, the

City of Philadelphia’s initiative to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to

Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 180300104 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., Plaintiff vs. Joseph Smith, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Eric Turner, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Jason Turner, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, The Unknown Heirs of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Deceased & Anthony Young, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: Joseph Smith, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Eric Turner, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Jason Turner, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, The Unknown Heirs of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Deceased & Anthony Young, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Victoria M. Smith a/k/a Victoria Smith, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants, whose last known address is 7356 North Bouvier Street, Philadelphia, PA 19126. 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, Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Phila. County, PA, docketed to No. 180300104, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 7356 North Bouvier Street, Philadelphia, PA 19126, 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, 215.238.1701. Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106, 215.627.1322.

improve parks, recreation centers, playgrounds, and libraries across the city has added another piece to the puzzle in its reception of a $125,000 grant from The Patricia Kind Family Foundation. The grant will support the community engagement and design processes for improvements at Vare Recreation Center. The grant will also release $62,500 in matching funds from the William Penn Foundation as part of its historic commitment of up to $100 million for Rebuild. Nicole Westerman, executive director of Rebuild, noted, “Vare is a perfect example of why Rebuild is needed and why we’re working to bring even more resources to the program. Every dollar raised will allow us to bring more improvements to communities that have been waiting for far too long.” Of the 64 projects that have been approved so far for Rebuild, Vare is one of four that have been selected to move forward this year using funding from grants and the City’s FY2018 capital budget. Most of the other projects were unable to start until the Philadelphia Beverage Tax was upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The majority of Rebuild’s budget will come from bond proceeds that will be repaid by the tax. David Gould, of the City of Philadelphia, said, “We’re hoping to have that selection completed in time for design and community engagement to begin this winter. That will likely be a 9-12 month process before construction begins.” The next step is slated for this summer as Rebuild will launch the process of selecting the organization

that will lead the project. Christina Kind, trustee for The Patricia Kind Family Foundation, said, “Vare is already at risk for closure and we hope our funding can help avoid that from happening.” Vare serves the Grays Ferry and Point Breeze neighborhoods in South Philadelphia and is home to a variety of beloved neighborhood activities, including popular basketball and gymnastics programs. The center was forced to close in October 2017 after it was deemed unsafe by structural engineers hired by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. In December, the first floor of Vare was re-opened after temporary improvements were made to secure the building. However, the second floor remains closed and Vare will likely be forced to shut down again within the next year if more permanent improvements are not made. The Rebuild initiative has a multitude of partners buying into its philosophy. “Vare Rec Center is vital to the safety and development of children in this community and rebuilding this neighborhood hub is critically important,” said Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), who represents Vare’s location. “Losing this facility would be devastating to these children and their families. I want to sincerely thank The Patricia Kind Family Foundation for recognizing this and helping us move forward with the process to rebuild Vare.” This summer, Rebuild will start the process of selecting the organization responsible for managing the Vare project. A major component for the first phase of the project will include a community engagement

process, which is expected to kick off this winter after the partner organizations have been selected. The engagement process will help determine how the site can be improved to support the programs and activities that best serve the surrounding neighborhood. “I’m excited that Rebuild has received a grant from The Patricia Kind Family Foundation to support a robust design and community engagement process for improvements at Vare,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “Working closely with community members will be important to ensure access to quality programming and welcoming facilities to all Philadelphians.” Later this year, Rebuild is expected to announce more projects that will start using available funding.

Car Show Revs up

AST PASSYUNK Avenue Business Improvement District is revving up for the 13th Annual Car Show and Street Festival presented by Jefferson Health Methodist Hospital on Sunday, July 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., between Broad and Dickinson streets. Look for 175+ muscle, classic, antique, custom and show cars, trucks and motorcycles lining the Avenue, and with street vendors, circus performances, rack sales, kids’ activities, live music and the Bang! Boom! CRAFT! Show in between. Wine and dine among the cars as award-winning restaurants and food trucks serve specially priced street food and summertime drinks. Admission is free.

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

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disclose related expenses, despite millions in combined spending on efforts to support the passage of the tax, thus violating the city’s lobbying guidelines. The agreement also states that the groups broadly failed to disclose communications with the media, coalition partners and government in furtherance of their lobbying goals. Those named agreed to

ties to be working on our election system,” said DePasquale. DePasquale and two Republican state senators announced an audit of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) system on June 11, saying it is imperative that voters have confidence in the elections as the 2020 presidential race approaches. For his part, Gov. Tom Wolf launched a new workgroup of eight state agencies and offices that will ensure Pennsylvania continues to meet the highest standards of election preparedness and integrity. “With Congressional Republicans failing to renew funding to help states enhance election security and the White House in denial over foreign aggression, my administration is taking additional action to protect Pennsylvania elections,” said Wolf. The Inter-Agency Election Preparedness and Security Workgroup will be led by co-chairs Robert Torres, acting secretary of state, and John MacMillan, deputy secretary for information technology & chief information officer at the Office of

Administration. The workgroup will serve as a central hub to share information and plan the most comprehensive measures to secure elections at all levels. “Pennsylvania already has numerous protections to secure the integrity of the vote, and this workgroup will enhance those efforts,” said Torres, Pennsylvania’s chief election official. “To protect that right, we are bringing together all the extensive security expertise that state law enforcement and other agencies have to offer.” Member agencies include the Department of State, the Office of Administration, the Governor’s Office, the Office of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Office of State Inspector General, and the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. The group will oversee participation in tabletop exercises that help train election personnel on how to prepare for a wide range of potential scenarios. Additionally, the workgroup will hold several community (Cont. Page 15)

State Leaders Ponder Election Security Threat

N THE WAKE OF revelations of extensive Russian probes of U.S. election systems, Democratic State officials announced they will press to secure Pennsylvania’s electoral workings, hopefully in time for the 2018 general election. “It is clear that President Trump has no interest in protecting the integrity of our elections, so therefore, we must do it ourselves,” Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said last week as he expanded a previously announced audit to include any connections with Russian companies or meddlers. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has indicted a dozen Russians for interfering in the 2016 election. DePasquale also cited reports that a Russian oligarch, Vladimir Potanin, is part owner of a contractor operating Maryland’s voter-registration systems. The auditor general is asking the FBI, Homeland Security Department, the Justice Department and U.S. attorneys in Pennsylvania for advice on election security. “There is no room for any contractor with Russian

pay $8,000 in fines and a $400 lobbying registration fee. City & State PA had previously documented similar communications, including emails coordinating efforts between the Mayor’s Office and certain lobbyists named in the recent settlement in which they helped organize a protest of Councilmember María Quiñones Sánchez, who had opposed the levy. The suit also describes other violations documented in past Philadelphia Inquirer reporting, such as a payment from Philadelphians for a Fair Future to Philly NAACP head Rodney Muhammad. This news organization is separately involved in an ongoing right-to-know request involving employees of Hilltop Public Solutions who were involved in the

organization of groups like Philadelphians for a Fair Future. Hilltop lobbyist Jessie Bradley, who is specifically named in the information request, helped establish PFF. Sources say she also hired Dalzell. In a statement Thursday, the Mayor’s Office thanked the Board of Ethics for “ensuring all groups file properly.” But Kenney spokesman Mike Dunn added that “nothing in the suit indicates an intent to violate the City’s lobbying law.” “All entities fully cooperated with the ethics board and have agreed to the monetary penalties,” he said. “We are confident the matter has been resolved properly.” The tax was recently upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court tossed out a long-running lawsuit filed by the beverage industry.

Proceeds pay for expanded Pre-K and public works projects that are the hallmark of Kenney’s agenda. A separate Board of Ethics settlement agreement lodged on Thursday outlined unrelated violations by members of Philadelphia’s 47th Democratic Executive Committee, which incurred thousands of dollars of previously unreported get-outthe-vote expenses during the 2017 election, violating the city’s campaign-finance laws. The ward and its “treasurer” George Brooks agreed to pay $12,000 in fines. The actual treasurer of the 47th Ward Democratic Committee, however, is Reginald Bundy; Brooks is the ward leader. Neither Bundy nor Brooks responded to a request for comment as the Public Record went to press.

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

ethics investigation related to the tax. The settlement outlines failures to disclose the full nature of lobbying conducted by several pro-soda tax entities: Philadelphians for a Fair Future, Peak Strategic Solutions, Bellevue Strategies, Bellevue Communications Group, and Andrew Dalzell, chief of staff for state Rep. Jared Solomon. All failed to register as lobbying groups or

JU LY 26, 2018

BY RYAN BRIGGS N A NEW SETTLEMENT, the Philadelphia Board of Ethics cited a string of groups and individuals over lobbying violations connected to a 2016 legislative effort organized by Mayor Jim Kenney to pass a soda tax that is central to his administrative agenda. City & State PA first reported in January on rumors of a wide-ranging

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Ethics Board Cites Soda Tax, 47th Ward Lobbies

Team Trump Brings Tune to Philly

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

POLS on the STREET BY JOE SHAHEELI HE NATIONAL Republican team came to Philadelphia on Monday. Republicans cheered and donated; Democrats booed and protested. What is not clear is if anything changed as a result. But it is evident that the Republican Party is trying to move the needle in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Representative

Vanessa Lowery Brown

JU LY 26, 2018

190th Legislative District

For one of the few times since President Donald Trump’s address at a GOP confab on Jan. 26, 2017, early into his term, a White House leader came to Philadelphia, in the form of Vice President Mike Pence. Both the president and his running mate have worked Pennsylvania crowds before, but they have usually stuck to areas where their base is strong, in Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania, with occasionally a stab at the Southeastern suburbs. Trump took only 15% of the city’s vote in 2016 and few expect it would be higher if the election were held today. But the Philadelphia media market is crucial to a statewide race; and one is underway right now that is of utmost importance to Trump and his national party. That is the effort of Congressman

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”

State Senator

Dawkins District Office:

Sharif

Street

4667 Paul St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215) 744-7901 M.–Th.:8:30a.m.–5:00p.m. F.: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

McClinton 191st Leg. Dist. 6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139

T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687

1621 W. Jefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121

215-227-6161 Paid for with PA Tax Dollars

State Representative

Mike

O’Brien Service from Bello Vista to Harrowgate and all points between.

610 North 2nd Street

215.503.3245

215-331-2600 City Commission Chairwoman

Lisa M.

Deeley Room 130 City Hall

Philadelphia PA 19107

215-686-3460 Rep.Maria P.

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

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

Squilla

198th District

310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148

1st District City Hall Room 332

P: 215-849-6426

215-686-3458/59 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

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

Mark

Youngblood

Taylor

Boyle

That’s where the president stands. Where do the locals stand when it comes to Barletta and Casey? Pence did not come to town to win converts, but to rally Trump’s base. Blue-collar white voters have proved to be his staunchest supporters; Pence would like them to remain fired up for Trump, and by extension Barletta; or, if they remain Democrats, to be unenthusiastic and skip voting for Casey on Nov. 6. In the city, Pence doesn’t have a big pool to fish in. (Cont. Next Page)

Councilman

Rep. Rosita

STATE REP.

Kevin J.

District 3 City Hall, Room 408 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-3418, (215) 686-3419 FAX: (215) 686-1933

State Rep. Jason

Joanna E.

State Rep.

Jannie L. Blackwell

www.facebook.com/RepCephas www.pahouse.com/Cephas

State Rep.

by Democrats. Republicans will do everything in their power to grow their majority, ensuring a favorable jury for President Trump even if Democrats retake the House of Representatives – which observers consider likely – and then proceed to press for impeachment. While the House may impeach, only the Senate can try the case.

Councilwoman

5921 Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19151 (215) 879 6625

215-271-9190

Anthony Hardy Williams

incumbent Democrat Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is being challenged by Congressman Kevin Cramer. Despite talk of a “blue wave” this fall, Republican senatorial prospects look bright. Granted, they hold only a razor-thin 51-seat majority in that body. But of the 35 seats up for election in November, 26 are held

192nd Legislative District

184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

State Senator

UNUSED to the limelight in a Democrat-dominated town, Philly Republican activists turned out in force for Mike Pence’s stop to promote Lou Barletta. Among them, L-R, were congressional candidate Bryan Leib, Ward Leader Matt Wolfe, congressional candidate Rev. Todd Johnson and activist Cornell Harley. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Morgan Cephas

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

Local Republicans Bask

State Representative

State Rep.

Always Hard At Work for You! P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0

Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne), an early and ardent Trump supporter, to unseat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.). It was Barletta’s cause that Pence came to promote. “I am a big fan of Lou Barletta. Lou, thank you, not just for being here today, but thanks for being there every step of the way supporting this President, supporting this administration, and always putting Pennsylvania first,” Pence told a Republican crowd at a rally at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel. “The president and I love Lou, we really do.” To be specific, the president and Pence love every Republican senatorial candidate running in a state that their ticket won in 2016. Pence’s next stop, on Tuesday, was in North Dakota, where one-term

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

City Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker 9th District

District Office 1538 E. Wadsworth Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19150 Phone: 215-686-3454 Fax: 215-685-9271. 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 Prev. Page) But three wards did vote for Trump and he would like them to fall in behind Barletta. Barletta’s Italian background may sway some votes, especially in South Philadelphia’s 26th Ward. Pence’s visit generated regional TV coverage, however. Pockets of blue-collar voters in Delaware and Bucks Counties were reachable. Pence’s other goal was to drive money into Barletta’s pocket. Q2 figures show him way behind Casey, with $1.5 million on hand, compared to Casey’s nearly $10 million. So the fundraiser at the Union League may have been a more important stop for the vice president than the speech at the Sheraton. Q3 results will tell if it worked. Barletta is not a statewide name. He needs money to project himself. Casey, on the other hand, is very well known in Pennsylvania and his record has generally been moderate. In the past two years, however, he has adopted more progressive positions. Pence hoped to capitalize on that by telling Republicans that Casey “votes more like Bernie Sanders than like Pennsylvania.” Pence also criticized Casey for opposing Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh. As a fundraising tool, such attacks may work. As a vote-winner, though, it is unlikely to strike fear into the average voter. Bernie Sanders actually appeals to many Trump voters, and Supreme Court picks matter more to traditional conservatives than to Trump Democrats. Meanwhile, Casey is deploying his money on commercials that stress his pragmatic, soothing, bipartisan image. Expect to see a lot more of them than of (Cont. Page 7)

A Weak Week

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

OPINION

JU LY 26, 2018

AST WEEK SHOULD have been a walk-off home run trot for Philadelphia. After years of legal battling, the state Supreme Court upheld the city’s sugary drinks tax, thus ensuring a steady – if markedly less than promised – stream of revenue to take care of everything from expanded preschool to the city’s Rebuild program. But that success was overshadowed by a cascade of negative news, not least of which was the Philadelphia Board of Ethics handing out thousands in fines to protax lobbying groups and individuals for infractions during the campaign to get the levy passed.

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

Open Ward

AM A NEWLY elected committeeperson in the 48th Ward (Division 20). I attended July 16’s first ever – or at least first in a long time, it was said – Ward 48 meeting (not a reorganization meeting). As part of that meet-

Then there was City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart’s release of a damning audit of the city’s sexual misconduct reporting system – or, in a disturbing number of departments, the lack thereof. And Mayor Jim Kenney’s war of words with hip-hop legend Jay-Z over the future of the latter’s Made in America event, which has become a cultural touchstone and economic shot in the arm for the city every Labor Day weekend. For good measure, some names from the past resurfaced, tethered to unwelcome tidings as well. The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission announced it was suing a Philly-based nonprofit that has ties to a number of city politicos, including disgraced former state Sen. Vince Fumo. And the Obama administration’s vaunted West Philadelphia “Promise Zone” program, which was supposed to revitalize the long-neglected

ing, the newly elected Ward Leader, Anton Moore, declared the 48th Ward would now be an “open” ward. This is in keeping with what has been written elsewhere about Anton, whom I have only recently met and who is an exceptional young civic leader. Moore explained to those in attendance that committee people, not just he as ward leader, would be voting on whom to endorse as candidates going forward. I think that makes three newly open wards now in South Philadelphia (and now five overall out of 67?). – Patrice Jeppson South Philadelphia

area of the city, may have looked good on paper, but without the accompanying federal funding, it has remained a non-starter since its announcement. But if the last year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that news cycles are vanishingly quick. Every one of these negatives can be made into more good news. Witness the quick reversal of Mayor Kenney’s decision, ensuring that Made in America will continue in Philly at its same location. Monetary fines and public disgrace have a wonderfully clarifying effect on people – anti-soda tax forces hopefully got the message. Learning how deeply dysfunctional the city’s reporting system is makes for tough reading, but there is nowhere to go but up in protecting employees from predators. And wouldn’t it be great to see a stagnant nonprofit’s funds spent in the way they were mandated – by funding initiatives to fulfill a Promise Zone?

MARK your CALENDAR Jul. 26- Malcolm Kenyatta Turns “21” Again: A Birthday Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m. at Bob & Barbara’s Lounge, 1509 South St., 5:30 p.m. Donation $10. Jul. 28- State Sen. Sharif Street hosts “Super Saturday Services for Seniors” at Hunting Pk. Pavilion, W. Hunting Pk. Ave. & Old York Rd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mayor John

The News in Black & White

THERE ARE more jobs in the School District of Philadelphia than just teaching jobs. Councilman Derek Green, L, and SDP career tech Charnett Moffett made a big push last week to promote recruitment for support jobs in an appearance at 440 N. Broad Street. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Street honored. Free food, activities, speakers. For info: Bishop Melvin Howard (215) 341-1454. Jul. 28- Be Whole Healthy Living Tour hosts Festival at Penn’s Landing features Tip “T.I.” Harris, Dru Hill, Estelle, SWV Sister Nancy and Lenny Williams. Speakers include Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Councilman Mark Squilla, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, City Rep. Sheila Hess & Gov. Wolf’s S.E. Dir. Nedia Ralston. For info: pahealthfest.org. Aug. 4- Firefighters Local 22 hosts Beach Party at Keenan’s N. Wildwood, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., 4-8 p.m. Aug. 5- Salute to Summer at Keenan’s N. Wildwood, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., 3-7 p.m. MC: Aunt Mary Pat DiSabatino. Proceeds benefit Phila. Veterans Comfort H. Reduced drink prices, BBQ burgers & hot dogs. Tickets $25. To pur-

chase: www.PhiladelphiaVeteransHouse.org/salute. Aug. 7- State Rep. Kevin Boyle hosts Nat’l Night Out at Fox Chase Elementary School parking lot, 500 Rhawn St. Games, prizes and giveaways, music entertainment, food, information about state and local resources, and chances to meet with local police and emergency personnel. For info: (215) 695-1016. Aug 8- Happy Hour Reception In support of Malcolm Kenyatta for State Rep! 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bellevue Strategies, 200 S. Broad St., Suite 410, Philadelphia, PA, 19102. Special Guests include: Hon. Bob Brady, Hon. Dwight Evans, and Mayor Jim Kenney. Hosts include: Sen. Sharif Street, Sen. Shirley Kitchen, Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, Rep. Jordan Harris, Jonathan Saidel, Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan

Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity Suggested Contribution Levels: Champion: $1,000 - Host: $500 Booster: $250 - Supporter: $100 Friend: $50 Aug. 10- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts Summer Soirée at Keenan’s N. Wildwood, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., 7-10 p.m. Yachts $5,000, Sailboats $2,500, Paddleboats $1,000, General Admission $30. Payable to “Squilla for Council,” P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148 RSVP: events@ lperrygroup.com. For info: (267) 275-2120. Aug. 11- State Rep. Jason Dawkins hosts Frankford Community Day at Gambrel Plg., 1900 Wakeling St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. For info: (215) 744-7901. Aug. 11- Councilman Derek Green & Jaden’s Voice host Autism Play date at Smith Mem. Plg., 3500 Reservoir Dr., 2-5 p.m.

Unlike Barletta, Gov. Tom Wolf’s Republican challenger State Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) has paid close attention to Philadelphia issues. At the top of that list is the city’s signature Sweetened Drinks Tax. Although the State Supreme Court has declared it settled law, it remains a sore point with the grocery and restaurant industries, faces staunch opposition from the Teamsters and other unions, and is unpopular with many consumers. Wagner adopted the soda tax as a cause last year, when he attempted to hold a hearing of the Senate Local Government Committee on that subject in City Hall, at the request of State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-W. Phila.). Protesters shut down that hearing. But Wagner reconvened it later in Harrisburg (at a safe distance from Mayor Jim Kenney’s office). Wagner appears to have taken the grievance of soda-tax foes to heart. At a town hall meeting in Montgomery County, he went on at length about it. “I learned from Jeff Brown, who has the ShopRite supermarkets, that 3,400 items are taxed. Almond milk – listen, we are all told almond milk is good and it is healthy for us, but it is taxed. Honey is taxed. That kind of stuff. So those are the kinds of things that I tend to be a little baffled by.” After the Supreme Court’s decision was announced, Wagner released a statement saying, “I think the people of Philadelphia

Construction Tax Looms as ’19 Issue Affordable housing is an issue that is very real to many Philadelphians and that will not go away by next year, when the mayoral and councilmanic candidates will be active in the Democratic primary. Therefore, the narrow split on Bill No. 180351, the construction tax, has the potential to be a campaign-maker. Whether Mayor Jim Kenney decides to veto it, and how council members come down on an override vote if he should do so, will give major fuel to challengers as interest groups on both sides seek to reward some politicians and punish others. Although most Philadelphians are not yet aware of it, the May 21, 2019 primary race has already begun. One pressure group already at work is the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. It has asked its members to lobby the mayor not to veto the bill. “The revenue generated by the tax would allow Philadelphia to increase investment in production of new affordable rental units for very low-income households, as well as preserve existing affordable units,” PACDC said in a statement. “It would also allow us to boost investment in programs to help mod-

erate-income people become homeowners through down payment and closing cost assistance. The need for these investments is enormous as Philadelphia battles with rising housing costs and persistently long-waiting lists for housing assistance. “Unfortunately, the Kenney Administration testified in opposition to the bill and urged members of Council to vote no. That raises real concern that Mayor Kenney may veto the bill when Council returns from summer recess.”

Dems Settle Down, With S. Philly Changes Democratic City Committee has largely finished digesting the results of the May 2018 primary. Many faces are new, but structures and policies remain intact for the most part. One exception is South Philadelphia. There, the new leaders of the 1st, 2nd and 48th Wards – Adams Rackes, Nikil Saval and Anton Moore respectively – have declared an “open ward” policy in which they, as leaders, will leave it up to their committees to make endorsements. Open wards are common in some whitecollar parts of town and this movement likely reflects demographic changes in gentrifying areas. But if these leaders retain their offices for a few terms, they will inevitably develop superior political knowledge and influence; and that in turn will make their voices increasingly powerful and authoritative, even if they hold “open” votes. Experience has a way of turning today’s rebels into tomorrow’s establishment.

Isaacson Moves up In the 175th Soon after his last primary victory, State Rep. Mike (Cont. Page 13)

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Can Soda Tax Pop Wagner’s Hopes?

deserve to know what their next governor will do on the issue. It is my belief that this tax places an unfair burden on hardworking Philadelphians and is not even being used appropriately. As governor, I will work to end it.” This is the sort of statement that might catch the eye of a nonpartisan swing voter. It may also loosen up quiet support for Wagner in some business and labor circles.

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(Cont. From Page 5) negative ads put up by his undersourced challenger. But in veering to the anti-Trump hard line, Casey is playing the numbers. The latest polling shows the president under water in Pennsylvania.

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Tension Builds Over Tax

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Jones Celebrates Annual White Party

SENATORIAL aide Omar Sabir, L, and Gary Jones were among the throng that descended upon the Mann Music Center for Council Majority Leader Curtis Jones, Jr.’s “White Linen” birthday party. Photos by Wendell Douglas

RESPLENDENT in white, Councilman Curtis Jones led a posse of stylish gents at the Mann Music Center. His fundraiser serves charitable causes as well as his career.

LINDA NORRIS and John Gillespie were among the attendees.

L-R WERE American Cities Foundation President Sandra Dungee Glenn, CeaseFire PA’s Mike Cogbill and Councilwoman Cindy Bass.

SETTING a positive example were, L-R, Chelsea Cocks, Keith Jones and State Rep. Morgan Cephas.

FLANKING Lisa Rhoades were Beyah Muhammad, L, and State Rep. Jason Dawkins.

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SEASONED political operative Al Spivey was glad to hang out with Salima Suswell.

CHINA MOORE stepped out with Ibn Muhammad.

HOSTESS of the affair Jazelle Jones, L, shared a moment with Wanda Davis.

ANTI-VIOLENCE activist Bilal Qayyum posed with host Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

CITY COUNCIL candidate Eryn Santamoor paid her respects to Councilman Jones and his wife.

L-R WERE Kine Bryant, Malik Boyd and Gail Young.

DJ CORY made a nice pair with Councilman Curtis Jones’ sister Charlita Davis.

Executive Chef Larry of Chef Larry’s Creations surprised Sonny Hill with some of his favorite foods during Sonny’s on-air 82nd birthday celebration at WIP Studios. Sonny also received a citation from State Sen. Sharif Street. Photo by Leona Dixon

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CITY COMMISSIONER Lisa Deeley, flanked by WDA Community Liaison Fred Druding, Jr., and 26th Ward Democratic Committeeman Luigi Borda, talked about voter registration at a meeting hosted by Grassroots Advocacy for South Philly. Photo by John Zimmerman

Happy 82nd!

JU LY 26, 2018

Lisa Goes South

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Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 180200059 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. Rosemary Taggart, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Hazeline Thomas Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Janet Truesdale, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Jay Truesdale Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Bernice Williams, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Leon Williams, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: Rosemary Taggart, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Janet Truesdale, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Jay Truesdale, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Bernice Williams, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Willie Truesdale, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs of Willie Truesdale, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants, whose last known address is 1819 North Natrona 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 Phila. County, PA, docketed to No. 180200059, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 1819 North Natrona 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, 215.238.1701. Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106, 215.627.1322.

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ELEPHANT CORNER

JU LY 26, 2018

ONDAY, VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE was in Philadelphia. He arrived midday and wandered over to the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel to give a speech extolling the benefits of the PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S new tax legislation. If you live in a state with high local and state taxes and/or have a hefty mortgage, the new tax system may not be to your liking. However, if you live in Pennsylvania and are middle class, you are either OK or benefit from the new

EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY NE OF THE things I don’t talk about a whole lot – but that is central to my existence – is the fact that I’m a twin. My twin brother Dennis and I just celebrated our 54th birthdays back in May, and we did it in two entirely different ways. He spent a quiet night at home hanging out with friends, while I made it a three-day affair in which I went out a whole lot. His idea of a good movie is those schmaltzy things

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system. Yes, there are tax “experts” who will tell you that when some of the middle-class tax benefits hit the sunset provisions in the bill, you will have higher taxes. Please tell me of a sunset provision that benefits millions of people that was not renewed! After the Sheraton, Pence made his way to the Union League for a fundraiser for Senate candidate and current CONGRESSMAN LOU BARLETTA (R-Luzerne). Barletta, the former mayor or Hazleton, was an early supporter of Trump. Many of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives told him he was committing political suicide in endorsing Trump when he did in March 2017. He probably would win re-election this year in his newly configured House seat. However, with the prodding of Trump. he decided to run for the U.S. Senate. The fundraiser at the Union League was packed

with supporters. The event filled both the Lincoln Room and the Lincoln Library at the Union League. Among the Philadelphians there were Philadelphia Young Republican CHAIRMAN ROSS WOLFE and Republican City Committee CHAIRMAN MIKE MEEHAN along with WARD LEADERS LINWOOD HOLLAND (35th), MATT WOLFE (27th) and DENISE FUREY (46th). The Chairman and Vice Chairwoman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party (PAGOP0, VAL DiGIORGIO and BERNIE COMFORT, were there. Also, the Chairpeople of Delaware and Montgomery County Republican organizations, ANDY REILLY and LIZ HAVEY, were also in attendance. Havey, an attorney and daughter of a former attorney general of Pennsylvania, I suspect, may eventually run for public office. Pence was the only speaker (Cont. Page 13)

you see on the Hallmark Channel, while I will demand my money back if I can tell how a movie is going to end by the time the movie’s title has been introduced. While my idea of a good concert is going to see The Roots or U2, Dennis was excited by the prospect of taking the Disco Cruise, featuring KC and the Sunshine Band and Thelma Houston and seeing “Donna Summer: The Musical,” something that I still can’t believe actually exists. Heck, despite having a reporter for a twin, getting him to expand his news sources beyond Fox News took some doing. Nope, we didn’t see eye to eye on much. For twins, we were about as opposite as two people could be. But despite that fact, we loved each other. We didn’t tell each other that all that much, but we knew it when it counted.

Unfortunately, it’s counted a lot over the last two years. Dennis’s liver was failing him and he needed a transplant. If I’ve learned nothing else over the last two years, I’ve learned just how important your liver is to your overall bodily functions. If your liver isn’t functioning properly, it takes your whole world into a spin. I know that my going into reporter mode and asking him, his doctors and anyone else I could find when we’d know about that transplant probably got on his nerves. But I’m the twin. The most logical donor. I needed to be able to structure my life so that I could help him. But on Sunday, complications from a surgery that he had to have to prepare for that transplant led to my now having to figure out another way to structure my life. I now have to figure out how to be a twin when your other twin is gone. (Cont. Page 13)

WALKING the BEAT BY JOE SHAY STIVALA HE VOTING MACHINES in Philly ARE SAFE, and not a threat to democracy! Only weeks after an editorial push for MAIL BALLOTS, we see an editorial on how old machines hurt voting. PURE BLARNEY! The piece meanders between the threat from Russia and the notion voting machines are old and have no paper trail. Everywhere industry and government are touting efforts to lessen use of paper. Did the editorialists not know that we are entering a

CITY HALL SAM

ONGRESSMAN LOU BARLETTA seems to have the interest of the White House in his bid to upset U.S. SEN. BOB CASEY. VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE returned to Philadelphia for the second time to raise money for Barletta. Barletta trails Casey in money raised by about $1.5 million to $8.8 million; that is really not overwhelming. Republicans are always able to raise money quickly hand over fist from the super-wealthy and corpo-

PAPERLESS SOCIETY? In the same week, The Economist noted that voting machines are “AIR-GAPPED” (not internet-connected). So much for the Russians. It notes that any Russian virus in machines “would have to remain hidden during routine accuracy and logic tests before an election.” And it reminds that President OBAMA designated election systems as CRUCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE – and “the federal government has since provided billions of dollars for securing the administration of elections.” If Russia wanted to intervene in the November elections, they note, it would be in two ways: “To use social media and pretend sites to spread disinformation and propaganda.” (A Russian news website called “USA REALLY” publishes articles that are Trump-favorable). The second way is to change the addresses of voters, so that they do not match the

voter’s ID. You have to hack records, not machines. The voting machines in Philly may be older, but they are in GOOD CONDITION and WELL MAINTAINED. I will buy a different brand of cigarettes for those who feel a voting machine threat to our nation. One of the good things about the voting-machine editorial was the photo of Machine Inspector Murray COSTIN – a class guy dedicated to honest elections!... I heard that the leadership of a local editorial board has changed. Could it be why it called for mail ballots, and weeks later called for new voting machines? (Without voting machines, editorial boards would experience an APOTHEOSIS, rising to Mount Olympus, as the main source on whom to vote for.) Former FBI Director James COMEY wants us to vote Democratic. I will. But his announcement of a new (Cont. Page 11)

rate interests, and their super-PACs are always able to find more money than the Democrats. This is true even with the number of labor unions and trial lawyers that are able to contribute to Democratic super PACs. Although Casey and Barletta are at extreme opposites politically, the race could be really interesting. Pennsylvania is still an enigmatic place. DONALD TRUMP’S numbers among his base are still solid and he has a shadow constituency that doesn’t show up in polling, but supports him. That’s why Trump won the presidency in part by winning Pennsylvania. Progressives believe they are making a move, but it’s not clear whether this is a substantial political movement or just a little baby blip on the screen. Why else would Trump and Pence want to invest, time, prestige and money in the U.S. Senate race? Look for the

president to make a couple of stops and really put the pressure on. Democrats keep claiming that they’re going to take Donald Trump out as president, but no one mentions who are the potential Democratic candidates to do it. In fact, there are no strong or even extant front-runners at this stage. But Trump was not the front-runner either until the election year. Looks like MARY ISAACSON, the chief of staff for STATE REP. MIKE O’BRIEN, is a shoo-in to replace him. After winning his primary, O’Brien withdrew from the race. He threw his support to his longtime chief of staff, who is now clearly the front-runner in the strongly Democratic 175th District. Sam believes she will handle the job without a blip as she has been helping construct O’Brien‘s legislative agenda for years. (Cont. Page 11)

WALKING the BEAT

18th year of a child – and BURN OUT lawyers. SHERIFF JEWELL WILLIAMS was blasted again in the press. Is the renewed coverage a subliminal attempt to eliminate the office – and TAKE CREDIT for it? The MADE IN AMERICA concert could fare well in a different location. The final outcome could affect voter feeling about Mayor KENNEY. The loss to the legislature of Rep. MIKE O’BRIEN is great. His successor will fare well. Millennials who call for committee person input should check the rules first. Why didn’t you think of changing the rules before? A news story about RECLAIM PHILADELPHIA noted that legislative candidate Joe HOHENSTEIN was

supported by the group. He is a class guy who works well with all people. His district does not have many (if any) Reclaimers…. It also noted that Reclaim was a major factor in reelecting DA Larry KRASNER. I would say that THE ENTIRE CITY was that major force. In my travels to all wards in the primary run-up, folks of all neighborhoods, ethnicities and groups liked what Krasner was saying. Legislative candidate Elizabeth FIEDLER mentioned that her election win was not a fluke. The article left out that traditional POLS assumed a win, and did not give it their best effort. Also TRADITIONAL VOTERS did not turn out well, after receiving LARGE ASSESSMENT INCREASES (property tax).

(Cont. From Page 10) The only problem: Democrats will likely remain in the minority in the House and certainly in the Senate. It becomes clearer every year that the most-important institution in Harrisburg is the legislature, which has been Republican for a long

(Cont. From Page 10) look at Hillary CLINTON emails in the closing weeks of the election (in a tight race) HURT DEMS and was reprehensible. SAD LOSS was the passing of attorney Arnold WAINSTEIN, a teacher that I learned from as a lad in politics. Teachers affect eternity. A WONDERFUL feature appeared in the daily press on COWTOWN RODEO. It is always a great summer night there! Stay in your seat after the last performance for “the slack.” Thanks to Grant HARRIS for years of pleasure! Family Court delays were cited in a recent article – yes, improvement is needed; and sometimes cooling-down time is necessary. Some cases can last to the

Glaziers Party at Shore

DESPITE street flooding, Glaziers union members waded their way to Keenan’s for their Day at the Shore party. Glaziers work professionally with glass and modern substitutes. Above, Business Agents Jim Burke and Mark Allendorf praise The Public Record. Photos by Joe Stivala

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progressive sweep of the 1st Ward. That ward was one of the classic Philadelphia Democratic machine wards. Now it is completely controlled by progressives who likely have no allegiance to Philadelphia Democratic City Committee. It’s certainly not the end of the world, but one can see why establishment state reps like BILL KELLER decided to retire.

TORRENTIAL rains and flooding couldn’t stop the 13TH Annual Glazier’s Day at The Shore event went on for 100 attendees. Local 252 Business Agents distributed free T-shirts to the revelers. Union Business Agents Mike Laughlin, Chuck Green, Jim Burke, and Ed Halley coordinated the event.

LEGAL NOTICE IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PA CIVIL TRIAL DIVISION No. 180503442 NOTICE OF QUIET TITLE ACTION PRIYA M. JAIKUMAR, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER CARLOS SERRANO a/k/a CARLOS F. SERRANO, DECEASED, et al., Defendants.

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time. The legislature dictates virtually everything to the governor and makes all the major decisions on funding for education. Needless to say, there the Republicans are not friends of the city of Philadelphia, with the exception of STATE REPS. MARTINA WHITE and the retiring JOHN TAYLOR. The future of South Philly politics is still cloudy with the

TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER CARLOS SERRANO a/k/a CARLOS F. SERRANO, DECEASED Presently or formerly of 1414 Castle Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145. A Quiet Title Action lawsuit has been filed against you regarding real property located at 2142 Latona Street, Philadelphia, PA. The lawsuit is filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, at the above term and number. A copy of the Complaint filed in the lawsuit will be sent to you upon request to the Attorney for the Plaintiff, Brian H. Smith, Esquire, 11 East Chocolate Avenue, Suite 300, Hershey, PA 17033. Phone (717) 533-3280. IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND, YOU MUST ENTER A WRITTEN APPEARANCE PERSONALLY OR BY AN ATTORNEY AND FILE YOUR DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING WITH THE COURT. YOU ARE WARNED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO THE CASE MAY PROCEED WITHOUT YOU AND A JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE FOR RELIEF REQUESTED BY THE PLAINTIFF. YOU MAY LOSE MONEY OR PROPERTY OR OTHER RIGHTS IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS NOTICE TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUR WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Lawyer Referral Service Philadelphia Bar Association One Reading Center, 11th Floor 1101 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 238-6300

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CITY HALL SAM

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Haywood’s Law Prompts Testing for Lead in Schools

TATE SEN. ART Haywood (D-Northwest) said provisions in the recently enacted School Code will prompt school districts to test for lead in drinking water in Pennsylvania schools. “A 2014 study by the De-

partment of Health found that 18 communities across Pennsylvania have children who have tested positive for increased levels of lead,” Haywood said. “We must do what we can to reduce exposure to lead and ensure that school facilities do not

Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 180403318 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. Shirlene Chowyuk, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Robert L. Harris, Deceased, Anita Harris, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Robert L. Harris, Deceased, Marlo Harris, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Robert L. Harris, Deceased, Robert Harris, III, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Robert L. Harris, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs of Robert L. Harris, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: The Unknown Heirs of Robert L. Harris, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 242 South 56th Street, Philadelphia PA 19139. 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 Phila. County, PA, docketed to No. 180403318, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 242 South 56th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, 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, 215.238.1701. Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106, 215.627.1322.

have lead in drinking water.” Haywood’s legislation, SB 647, was used as the framework for language inserted in the School Code. School districts will now be required to test for lead in every facility within their district or conduct a hearing that discusses lead within their school facilities. The testing must be completed by the beginning of the upcoming school year and testing will be required in subsequent years. “This is a step forward for school districts to be sure they are providing a healthy environment for teachers and students to focus on education,” Haywood said. Under the new law, if testing reveals that lead levels are above the federal maximum standards, the school must develop a remediation plan and have alternative safe drinking water available. Lead exposure came to national attention through the crisis in Flint, Michigan, where high levels of lead contamination were found in that city’s water source. Since then, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats have examined ways to further ensure that children are not being exposed to dangerous lead levels in their daily lives. Haywood said that testing for lead in schools is an important step in eliminating possible exposure risks for children. Several Senate Democrats have introduced lead-remediation bills. “Ensuring the safety and education of Pennsylvania students is a priority for the Senate Democrats,” Haywood said. “We look forward to working with the superintendents and their school districts across Pennsylvania to keep students healthy and safe.” Haywood said the State Department of Education

will forward additional information to school districts about the lead-testing protocol over the summer.

Williams to Free Hair Braiders

State Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-W. Phila.) announced that he is sponsoring legislation that will remove the cosmetology-school requirement for natural hair braiders. “The requirement for natural hair braiders to complete hundreds of hours of cosmetology school instruction is completely unnecessary,” said Williams. “My legislation will eliminate this burdensome requirement that has been hindering the practice of natural hair braiding and growth of small-business owners.” Natural hair braiders were able to practice without a license in Pennsylvania prior to 2010. Williams’ legislation would eliminate the now required 300 hours of instruction that natural hair braiders must complete as a prerequisite to examination and receiving a license. Twenty-five states have already adopted legislation to remove similar requirements for natural hair braiders. Williams stated that his legislation to remove the cosmetology school requirement would have no effect on other requirements of examination and licensing, such as customer health and safety requirements practitioners must meet. “For generations, many natural braiders were taught and enhanced their skills in the community. It is unfair to now ask those who have already learned this skill on their own to pay for additional schooling,” said Williams. The senator referenced a case in New Jersey where

practitioners testified that the requirement to spend 1,200 hours and $18,000 in tuition to relearn skills they have been practicing in their communities since childhood was unnecessary. The practitioners succeeded in convincing the state legislature to remove the additional requirements and convert licenses to permits. “This costly regulation does not benefit small business owners, hair braiders, or their customers,” said Williams. “I am urging fellow members of the State Senate to join me in helping community businesses and skilled individuals by eliminating these requirements.”

Clarke, Mural Arts Honor Officer

Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) joined City and State officials, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and local community groups to dedicate the 29th Street and Ridge Avenue corridor-revitalization project in honor of Philadelphia Police Sgt. Robert Wilson III, who was killed in 2015 while protecting people during an armed robbery. “The Corner” is the second iteration of a community mural honoring Sgt. Wilson, designed by artist Felix St. Fort and painted with help from the Restorative Justice Guild.

Farnese Pushes For Youth Voters State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) is sponsoring legislation to make it easier for young people to engage in the political process. Farnese’s bill would permit 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote. The pre-registration would qualify the youths for automatic voter registration once they reach 18 years of age. “Especially in the wake of

PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK the tragic school shootings, and after repeated challenges to our democracy, our young people are engaged in the political process,” Farnese said. “We should do all we can to remove all obstacles to their participation and give them a voice in our democracy.” Farnese said pre-registration has been implemented in California, where 100,000 pre-voting-age people have registered since 2016. “As American citizens, we are being challenged to become more involved in the political process,” Farnese said. “It’s both refreshing and inspirational that our young citizens want to be part of the process.” Farnese said the state’s registration system (SURE) is run through the Pennsylvania Department of State. He said he is confident that the system will be able to manage the pre-registration process outlined in his legislation. In addition to adding pre-registration, Farnese said he supports a wide range of electoral reforms. “Our electoral system needs to be open, transparent and inclusive,” Farnese said. “We can institute more reforms that create a better electoral access while ensuring that the system is secure from hacks and manipulation.”

ELEPHANT CORNER (Cont. From page 10) except for Barletta. Barletta spoke briefly. Pence was pretty much on time; thus the crowd was not subject to warm-up local politicos. The crowd did not get a speech on policy, but rather on Trump’s successful actions. Specifically mentioned was the successful nomination of JUSTICE NEIL GORSUCH to the U.S. Supreme Court and Trump’s many appointments to US appellate courts. We Republicans are praying for the confirmation of JUDGE BRETT KAVANAUGH to the Supreme Court. Saturday night, a number of the North Philadelphia wards sponsored a dinner at the Commodore Barry Irish Club in Germantown.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE (Cont. From page 10) My brother Dennis died on Sunday morning at Cooper Hospital in Camden. He was recovering from surgery and I was, for all intents and purposes, the last person to see him. I moved back home a few years back; I really didn’t want to because Dennis and I had grown apart. We couldn’t be in the same room long without arguing and if we were, we didn’t talk to each other a lot. Considering how close we were

WARD LEADER JAMES WILLIAMS (50th) had originally rented the space for a fundraiser for his race the 4th State Senate District. He would have been running against incumbent STATE SEN. ART HAYWOOD. The 4th District takes in part of Northwest Philadelphia, including Williams’ Cedarbrook neighborhood as well as portions of Cheltenham and Abington Townships. Williams stepped down from the race after he accepted a position in fundraising and as track coach at his alma mater Bishop McDevitt. Williams was the track coach last year at Cardinal O’Hara, where his women’s team was Philadelphia Catholic High School champion. Since he had the space at the Commodore Barry

Club, he decided to turn the event into a party. The event was modestly priced and appeared to be designed to cover the room rental and the food. WARD LEADER DAPHNE GOGGINS (16th) made all of the food. PAGOP Vice Chairwoman Bernie Comfort, who ran the Ann Anstine Series for Excellence for Republican National COMMITTEEWOMAN CHRISTINE TORETTI, now has taken over Toretti’s position leading the series. Toretti founded the group 15 years ago as a program to train women for public service and public office. The series namesake, ANN ANSTINE, was the Chairwoman of the PAGOP. Toretti stepped down from the organization as she was recently appointed by Trump to be the Ambassador to Malta. Her position

growing up, that hurt more than a little bit. Over the last two years, though, we had started talking again. He’d ask about the stuff I was working on. I felt comfortable making fun of his Hallmark Channel movies. We would chat. One of the last things we watched together was an interview with Boots Riley, director of “Sorry to Bother You,” on MSNBC. I looked forward to taking him to see that because I always gave him movie gift cards for Christmas. But we never got to see

that together. I think he would have liked it, or at least he would have told me why he didn’t. My brother was a religious person, which is why everyone has told me that he’s gone to a better place. I hope that’s right, because I’d love to think of him sitting outside watching a beautiful sunset with my parents, my older brother, my nephew and my grandparents. I can’t think of anything that would make Dennis happier … unless that outdoor scene included a Donna Summer concert.

Clarke Aids Scholarships

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

leaders’ vote “an affront to the democratic process. The system is rigged.” Derricks may eventually become reconciled to the City party. But the 175th is an awkward district to control, showing great diversity of class and neighborhood and a high rate of demographic change. Isaacson should know this as well as anybody, to be sure, having worked it closely for years. Still, it is an area that is susceptible to penetration and takeover by Reclaim.

MICHAELS Organization, a real-estate firm with a specialty in mixed-income and affordable housing, donated scholarships to North Philadelphia low-income housing students under the aegis of Council President Darrell Clarke, 2nd from R rear. Photo by Wendell Douglas

is pending U.S. Senate confirmation. In response to this column in last week’s newspaper (July 19), Council President Clarke’s chief of staff JANE ROH noted that COUNCILMAN MARK

SQUILLA co-sponsored Bill 180351, which proposed a tax on construction to fund affordable housing. However, I do not think it is a given that Squilla will vote to override a mayoral veto, especially

if such a move appears to be a hopeless effort when the vote is called. It may be time then to head back to the drawing board; and Squilla is well positioned to seek a bridge between the two factions.

In Memoriam: Bill Myers

JU LY 26, 2018

(Cont. From Page 7) O’Brien (D-Kensington) announced he was stepping down. Ward leaders in the 175th Legislative District chose his chief of staff, Mary Isaacson, to replace him on the ballot, following the path O’Brien himself had followed when he replaced his boss, State Rep. Marie Lederer, in the State House of Representatives.

“Unfortunately, Mike has health issues that have come up and he has chosen to step down,” Isaacson stated. “I am proud to have support of my ward leader as well as the others that make up the 175th district. I would be proud to be the candidate of the Democratic Party.” That rankled Debby Derricks, a veterans’ activist who had challenged O’Brien in the primary, winning a respectable 42% of the vote. Derricks called the ward

HE Public Record lost a valued member of its creative team with the passing earlier this month of Bill Myers. Our readers know him best for his coverage of political players and events. But his candid street scenes that captured the spirit of Philadelphia, as well as his artistic studies received frequent notice in gallery exhibits around town. His family is preparing a memorial service. We will notify readers when the arrangements have been finalized. We prefer to remember Myers now by an example of his work, taken at a moment of vitality and triumph – the city’s celebration of its first Super Bowl win.

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POLS on the STREET

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3. 4.

the WAFFLE MAN

JU LY 26, 2018

O! HERE WE GO again with a little test for anyone over 40. 1. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, “Who was that masked man?” Invariably, someone would answer, “I don’t know, but he left this behind.” What did he leave behind? ____. 2. When the Beatles first

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7. 8.

came to the US in early 1964, we all watched them on the ____show. Get your kicks on ____. The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to ____. In a song, “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, ____.” After the Twist, the Mashed Potato and the Watusi, we “danced” under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the ____. “N_E_S_T_L_E_S, Nestles makes the very best ____.” Satchmo was America’s “ambassador of goodwill.” This great jazz trumpet player’s real name was ____. What did John Facenda refer to that “takes a licking and keeps on tick-

ing? ____. 10. Red Skelton’s hobo character was ____. And Red always ended his television show by saying, “Good night, and____.” 11. Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their____. 12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW. What other names did it go by? ____and ____. 13. In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about “the day the music died.” This was a tribute to____. 14. We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians called it ____. 15. One of the big fads of the late ’50s and ’60s was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist; it was called the ____. 16. What did “Lonesome” George Goebel call his wife? ____ . 17. When surprised, what was George Goebel’s favorite expression? ____ . 18. On “Gilligan’s Island,” what was the skipper’s name in the show (not his real name)? ____ . 19. Lucy and Desi named their son ____ . 20. Who were the neighbors of the Ricardo family? ____ . THE ANSWERS 1. A silver bullet. 2. “The Ed Sullivan Show”. 3. “Route 66”. 4. To protect the innocent. 5. The lion sleeps tonight. 6. The limbo. 7. Chocolate. 8. Louis Armstrong. 9. The Timex watch. 10. Freddy the Freeloader, and “Good night, and may God bless.” 11. 11. Draft cards (the bra was also burned) 12. Beetle or Bug or Punch Buggy. 13. Buddy Holly 14. Sputnik 15. Hula-hoop. 16. Spooky old Alice. 17. Well, I’ll be a dirty bird. 18. Jonas Grumby. 19. “Little” Ricky. 20. Fred & Ethel Mertz.

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

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: Why is your lender making it harder to make your payments? You tried every possible way to avoid it, but you finally decided that you had no choice-you filed a bankruptcy. But you want to continue to pay some creditors, like

fectively a court order that goes into effect, automatically, as the name would suggest, when the case is filed. The automatic stay prevents creditors taking any action to collect a debt, including asking you to make a payment (i.e., send a bill) or draft your bank account. So in order to avoid even a technical violation of the stay, lenders will stop sending bills/statements, stop drafting payments, and even stop allowing you to make online payment, depending on the type of draft. Trust me, they want you to make your payments. You may just have to do it the old fashioned way – by check or money order. Next Week’s Question: Your bankruptcy information: Is it more like fish or red wine?

Are Our Elections Safe?

(Cont. From Page 3) forums around the state on election security. In September 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security notified Pennsylvania that it was one of 21 states where Russian entities had attempted to hack into the voter-registration databases. They were not able to get into the Commonwealth’s system.

There was then, and still is, no evidence that the Pennsylvania voter rolls have ever been compromised. Countering the Democrats, State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), House State Government Committee chairman, condemned Wolf’s creation of the election-security workgroup as a “supreme act of hypocrisy.”

Metcalfe has long maintained the real threat to Keystone State elections is the involvement of illegal resident aliens who cast votes in them. Metcalfe has been seeking release of communications between former Secretary of State Pedro Cortez and his staff regarding voter registration and/or voting records by

non-citizen foreign nationals. Wolf is fighting this request in Commonwealth Court. Metcalfe promised to convene a House State Government Committee public hearing this fall to focus on solutions to improve the administration, oversight and integrity of the Commonwealth’s election process.

JU LY 26, 2018

understanding BANKRUPTCY

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