Philadelphia Public Record

Vol. XV No. 9

Issue 996

February 28, 2019

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

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HONORING AIRMEN

State Rep. Stephen Kinsey greets Alma Bailey, a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, during a Black History Month celebration of the groundbreaking WWII squadron at New Covenant Church.

Photo from the PA Legislative Black Caucus Facebook page

MEET THE

CANDIDATES

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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 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 755-2000 Fax: (215) 525-2818 editor@phillyrecord.com

DEJA LYNN ALVAREZ ROCHELLE BILAL

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’m running for City Council to make Philadelphia work better for citizens and for small businesses. By improving government efficiency and strengthening our economy we can - within seven years - slash unemployment, eliminate street homelessness, improve our addiction crisis, and make Philadelphia look and feel like a worldclass city.

I am an advocate, peer counselor and representative of the Philadelphia Trans community. I am formerly a Commissioner on the Mayor’s Commission of LGBT Affairs. I am one of the founding members of the Trans Wellness Program at Mazzoni Center, a co-founder and former facilitator of Sisterly Love - a trans support and skill-building program by and for transgender women, and a former team member at the Trans Information Project of GALAEI. I work as a consultant to the City of Philadelphia on trans issues including the Office of LGBT Affairs and the Philadelphia Police Depart-

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City Council candidate

ment. I serve as a member on the Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee, as well as a member of the Pennsylvania HIV planning committee and a Board Member of the William Way LGBTQ Community Center.

In 2015 I was awarded the Jaci Adams award, from Philly Pride. and in 2016, Person of the Year from the Philadelphia Gay News, among other awards for my life’s work and dedication to trans and LGBT causes.

ochelle Bilal is a distinguished 27-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, a caring mother, and a lifelong Philadelphian.

For over a decade, she has served as the Secretary of the Philadelphia NAACP and as the President of the Guardian Civic League - a law enforcement community oversight organization comprising of over 2,500 active and retired Philadelphia police officers.

In Colwyn borough, Rochelle was the first female hired to serve as the Director of Public Safety where she managed the police department and the volunteer fire department.

She also developed the community outreach program for the Colwyn Police department.

As Sheriff, Rochelle will bring Philadelphians together to move the needle where it counts: policing with compassion, helping families stay in their homes, providing gun safety procedures and training, furthering education, and introducing

Sheriff candidate

reformed programming for people to understand regulations and procedures.

Rochelle believes that elected officials are responsible to each and every citizen and she is deliberate in making sure that everyone has a voice at the table. That's why her campaign is bringing together people from all walks of life across the city - people who believe that we can build a better, more just Philadelphia.

THERESA BRUNSON LEN DEUTCHMAN

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want to serve the people of the First Judicial District by presiding over a courtroom that is fair to everyone. I have dedicated my legal career to advocating for and protecting the most vulnerable individuals and I have a full understanding of all sides of our Justice System.

In addition to working full time in my own law practice, I also run a non-profit in which I provide civil legal services for domestic violence victims. I also serve as a Volunteer attorney for Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program.

I am a Philadelphian, a very proud graduate of Howard University School of Law, and the mother of two college-educated children, one of which was awarded a Doctorate from New York University in May 2018. I am a former member of SEIU Local 668, which I joined as an employee of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

I love Philadelphia and believe that all of its resident are entitled to be treated fairly and impartially in its courts. If elected, I will be com-

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Judicial candidate

pletely dedicated to ensuring that justice will be rendered on a level playing field.

en Deutchman graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with highest honors in 1977, when he was just 20 years old. He majored in English Literature and minored in both math and music. He studied English Literature at the University of California, Berkeley, then attended law school at Rutgers-Newark School of Law, where he helped start the Rutgers Civil Rights Law Journal.

Len began his legal career in 1985 in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where he investigated and prosecuted large scale drug trafficking, police corruption, crimes against the environment, economic fraud and cybercrime, establishing the first computer crime lab in a D.A.’s office.

In 2005, Len co-founded what has become the largest provider of digital forensic and discovery services for the legal community in the U.S. Over the years, Len has taught legal ethics, technology and the

EDITORIAL STAFF In Memoriam:James Tayoun, Sr. Editor/Publisher: Greg Salisbury Managing Editor: Anthony West Everyday People Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Editor: Eldon Graham Photographers: Leona Dixon

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Director of Operations:Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett 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.

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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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law and other subjects to judges, attorneys and undergraduate and graduate students. He has had hundreds of articles on these topics published.

Len, his wife Joanne and their dog Jake live in Northwest Philadelphia. They have three children and two grandchildren, with another on the way.

City&State PA LLC 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-490-9314 Copyright @2017 City & State PA LLC

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City Council Candidate

As program director at Bartram’s Garden, Justin worked alongside the park’s Southwest Philly neighbors to create an urban farm, the Sankofa Community Farm, and a free public boating program, both national models.

Bartram’s now welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year

from every part of Philadelphia.

Justin is a proud graduate of Central High School, where at 16 years old he met Linda To, who became his wife. They and their children, Manny and Joan, live in Germantown and attend St. Malachy’s church in North Philadelphia.

SANDRA DUNGEE GLENN

andra Dungee Glenn is the recognized standard in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for commitment to children and youth. In July 2017, she completed three years of service as Chief Executive Officer to Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School. As President of the American Cities Foundation for over 12 years she mobilized business and civic leaders, elected officials, clergy, and the educational community in pursuit of opportunities and improved life outcomes, particularly for the disadvantaged segment of this region. She was appointed to the Board of Education for the School District of Philadelphia in 2000, where she served until her

City Council Candidate

appointment as a Commissioner to the School Reform Commission. In September 2007, Pennsylvania Gov-

ernor Edward Rendell appointed her to the position of Chairwoman of the SRC. In 2009, following her tenure on the SRC, she was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.

In 2011, she was appointed to the U.S. Department of Education’s Excellence and Equity Commission.

Ms. Dungee Glenn’s experience in political and community organizing is also broad and deep, including serving as Associate Director with the Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health.

Sandra Dungee Glenn currently serves as Special Assistant for Policy and Issue Development to State Senator Vincent Hughes, 7th District, Philadelphia.

ALLAN DOMB

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fter receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree from American University in Washington D.C., Allan Domb moved to Philadelphia, a place he has called home for the past 39 years. As a result of his love and belief in Philadelphia, Allan began working in 1980 in order to create a highly reputable real estate brokerage firm; a firm which today has helped transform Center City.

In order to become fully immersed in Philadelphia’s real estate market and to help advocate for the rights of private property owners, Allan in 1990, and consecutively in 2013-2015, served as the President of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors (“GPAR”), a not-for-profit trade organization.

It was as a result of his vast business experience and

City Council Candidate involvement in GPAR, advocating for the rights of private property owners and his success in real estate and other business ventures, that Allan realized a niche needed to be filled in the City of Philadelphia’s government.

In November 2015, Allan was elected to Philadelphia City Council as an At-Large member. As a Councilman

and a proud Philadelphian, Allan is committed to lowering the poverty rate, collecting delinquent taxes owed to the city, increasing graduation rates, and promoting job growth through the retention of existing business and creation of new businesses by further attracting millennials in the tech and manufacturing industries to Philadelphia.

TRACEY GORDON

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ustin DiBerardinis is a lifelong Philadelphian who grew up in Fishtown in the 1980s and ’90s, one of four children raised by parents who were activists and community leaders.

As a young organizer working in Kensington, Justin led the successful effort to replace the Willard Elementary School, which was one of the most decrepit in the city, with a new and modern building.

Serving in Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez’s office, Justin developed legislation to take on vacant land and blight and to make business taxes more progressive, which helped thousands of small businesses survive and grow. He also wrote legislation that changed how Council districts are drawn so they better reflect the voting population.

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grassroots activist well known in her modest Southwest Philadelphia rowhouse neighborhood, Tracey Gordon has been a vigorous campaigner addressing community concerns. Her home is always open (often with a pot of home cooking ready for sharing). She is always willing to help, she fears no authority and is beholden to no party organization or power broker.

Gordon is well known around the city as well, having labored in a host of progressive coalitions for many years. She will go anywhere and talk to anybody.

Gordon took to the citywide stage in 2012, when City Commission Chair Stephanie Singer appointed her as deputy City commissioner. In that capacity, Gor-

Register of Wills candidate don visited scores of community institutions and agencies pressing a mission of voter involvement and education.

In 2015, Gordon ran for City Commission in the Democratic primary election, coming in fourth in a

field of six for the two Democratic nominations.

Her proven organizational skills will enable her to provide effective leadership in the office of Register of Wills. She is committed to a citizen-friendly, transparent operation.

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JUSTIN DIBERARDINIS

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DEREK GREEN

n 2015, Councilman Derek S. Green, Esquire won the Democratic primary for City Council At-Large in Philadelphia by receiving over 68,000 votes which was the highest number of votes cast in the election, and, later that year, he was elected as a member of the City Council of Philadelphia. As a member of City Council, Councilman Green chairs the Committee on Disabilities and serves as the Vice Chair of the Committees on Aging and Law and Government. Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of the Philadelphia Gas Commission, Board Director for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Board Member for the Democratic Municipal Officials, Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and a

City Council Candidate

Board Member for the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

Derek and his wife Sheila

reside in the Mt Airy section of Philadelphia with their son Julian.

Meet Councilman

Allan Domb

At-Large Candidate

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for Re-Election to Philadelphia City Council

Meet the Candidates!

February 28, 2019 The Trestle Inn

at 11th and Callowhill streets, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MICHELE HANGLEY

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ichele Hangley is a Democratic candidate for the Court of Common Pleas.

During her nearly 20 years of private practice in Philadelphia, Michele has received extensive honors for her legal accomplishments and community service, appearing for many years on Benchmark Litigation’s list of the Top 250 Women Litigators in the country.

Michele grew up in Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia public schools. From her high school days, when she was one of the first six girls to attend formerly allmale Central High School, to her recent representation of Governor Tom Wolf in the lawsuit that redrew Pennsylvania’s gerrymandered Congressional districts, Michele

Judicial Candidate

has fought for fair treatment for all. She has worked pro bono on civil rights, immigration, and criminal cases; served on the board of Nationalities Service Center; led bar association efforts to improve the diversity of the profession and the quality of our courts; and sat as a hearing committee member for

the Disciplinary Board of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and as a discovery master for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

Michele is a single mother of a ten-year-old daughter, who attends a Philadelphia public charter school. They live in South Philadelphia, near the Italian Market.

BILL HEENEY MARWAN KREIDIE T B

Club, Former Vice President and President of Ancient order of Hibernians Division 17, 4th Degree member Knights of Columbus, member of distinguished Ring of Honor St Patrick’s Day Observance Committee, and a tireless advocate of charitable causes.

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registration. While this is a good start we need to do more, both locally and statewide.

I plan on working with progressive legislators and community groups to do

the following in PA--As the person in responsible for elections in the largest Municipality in PA, pressure elected officials, community groups and others to enact the following:

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City Council candidate

the Tavern Owners Association. Bill is now President and CEO of Instant Courier Service of Philadelphia and Baltimore Maryland.

Bill is a successful self made businessman, Republican Ward Leader of 62nd Ward, Executive Board Member of United Republican

here are myriad forms of voter suppression. In Pennsylvania, Republicans have tried desperately to hold on to power through gerrymandering and unconstitutional barriers to voting like Voter ID laws.

We restrict the times and methods by which our citizens can vote. In Philadelphia, we have an entire office dedicated to increasing turnout, and yet one of the three officials elected to this post has not shown up to work in years. This is unacceptable. We need to go on the offensive.

Voting, and registering to vote, should be easy and the opportunities to do so should be everywhere. On August 2015, Governor Wolf started us in this direction by allowing online

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ill Heeney has been married to his lovely wife Phoebe for 35 years. They reside in the East Torresdale section of Philadelphia. Bill and Phoebe are the proud parents of three children: Phoebe, Billy and Giovanna. They are loving grandparents to Ella age 5. Bill was born and raised in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia before moving to Summerdale with his parents and siblings. Bill’s father Vince was a Philadelphia Police Lieutenant and his mother was a Catholic School teacher’s aide at St Martin of Tours, where her children attended. Bill went on to graduate from Father Judge High School. Bill immediately gravitated towards business as a young tavern owner, going on to become the President of

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DENNIS LEE

ver the years, Dennis Lee has been involved in the community in many different ways. He is a former Chief Deputy City Commissioner where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations in the office and assisted in making sure that free and fair elections took place twice a year in Philadelphia. His efforts brought greater attention to the political process, and empowered constituents in areas that needed intervention and advocacy. The resultant impact enhanced our quality of life, found solutions for those who needed help, ensured greater participation in our democratic process, and inspired and changed the lives of many.

Lee is known for his work and active community outreach helping children,

City Commissioner candidate

seniors, parents, neighbors, and families to secure a better quality of life.

Throughout his career, he has worked with community leaders and business leaders to enhance their visions of their community and or business utilizing best management practices.

Lee received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Ed-

ucation from Lincoln University in 1979. He is the founder of the Consulting Group, LLC, a consulting firm focused on areas such as Construction, Zoning, Environment, Business Development, Strategic Planning, Workforce Development, Safety Audits, Public Safety & Community Strategies, Government Relations, and Business Processes.

Len

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DEMOCRAT FOR PHILADELPHIA COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

For Judge

Justice + Compassion = Progress Visit our website at https://LenDeutchman4Judge.com Paid for by Friends of Leonard Deutchman

VICKI MARKOVITZ

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icki Markovitz was born in Philadelphia and is a long-time practitioner of the law. A graduate of a Quaker high school, Vicki has embraced the Quaker values of justice, fairness, and the search for truth.

Vicki served the city of Philadelphia for 18 years in the District Attorney’s Office trying cases in both State and Federal Courts.

At the District Attorney’s Office, she was assigned to both the Trial Division and the Investigation Division.

While detailed to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, she was specially assigned to Project Safe Neighborhoods, focusing on gun violence, drugs, and gangs. She also managed the North Phila-

Judicial candidate

delphia Working Group, a multi-agency group tasked with reducing crime in North Philadelphia. She was later asked to return for a second assignment at the United States Attorney’s Office to work on a one-year initiative, Philadelphia’s Violent Crime Reduction Partnership,

aimed at reducing violent crime in Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Her depth of experience, along with her integrity, work ethic, and strong grasp of the law, makes her the best-prepared candidate to be exactly the kind of judge that Philadelphia needs now.

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is on the Board of Center City District.

Drew’s proven track record of leadership is what make him an ideal candidate for City Council. Drew offers a Republican view that provides a balance of perspective needed in City Council.

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Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and she was named one of the nation’s “Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40” in 2011 by the National LGBT Bar Association.

Tiffany currently serves as the Director of the Family Law Institute of the National LGBT Bar Association. She has also been an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University, Thomas R. Kline School of Law. In 2014, she received the Rutgers Mary

Philbrook Public Interest Award for her groundbreaking work in family law. In 2018, Tiffany received the Mazzoni Center’s Justice in Action award.

Tiffany and her wife Lee Carpenter have been together for almost 20 years and they have a 6th grade daughter. Tiffany has a long history of community service including public school advocacy and she is a Girl Scout Troop leader.

MARIA NICOLA SERIANNI QUIÑONES-SÁNCHEZ E

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n City Council, Councilwoman Sanchez serves as Chair of the Committee of Licenses and Inspections, Vice Chair of the Streets, Vice Chair of Public Health and Human, and Chair of Appropriations, she also serves Labor and Civil Service; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs; Committee on Rules; Education; and Children and Youth.

Maria has advocated tirelessly for economic development, women’s and workers’ rights, family wages, voter registration, health care availability and other issues of importance to Philadelphia and Commonwealth residents and communities.

Maria is a founding member of the Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition and served as its first Co-

City Council Candidate

Chair of the Board of Directors. From June 1996 to June 2000 she served as the first female and youngest Executive Director of ASPIRA, the largest Latino educational institution in Pennsylvania. Her accomplishments include the creation of the first bilingual charter school in Pennsylvania (Eugenio Maria de Hostos Commu-

nity Charter School), and the development of a multimillion-dollar school and administrative office building in her neighborhood of Hunting Park. From 19881996, she served in several city government positions including Deputy Commissioner of Elections and Legislative Assistant in City Council.

quality. Integrity. Respect.

Nicola Serianni represents injured railroad workers and consumers in class action matters.

With experience as a law clerk in the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, working in civil defense, and a duty to serve pro bono clients, Nicola is the right candidate for Judge because she will take her legal experience and her desire for equality, fairness and respect to the bench.

Judicial Candidate

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joined the Board of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA), and became President of the Friends of Coxe Park. For the past four years, Drew has served as President of LSNA. In addition, Drew serves as a delegate to the Crosstown Coalition and

IFFANY PALMER is a candidate for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Tiffany is a nationally acclaimed lawyer with 20 years of trial and appellate experience. She is also a parent and proud member of the LGBTQ community. Tiffany has extensive experience working on cases that involve families in crisis or the loss of loved ones. She understands that the law has a real effect on people’s lives, and people deserve not only equal justice, but compassion.

Tiffany began her legal career in 1998 as a public interest lawyer, when she was awarded a prestigious fellowship to represent low-income LGBTQ people. In the 2003, Tiffany co-founded the firm Jerner & Palmer, P.C. Tiffany is a Fellow to the Academy of Adoption &

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rew Murray was born and raised in Villanova. His time at St. Joseph’s Prep made him fall in love with Philadelphia. After the Prep, Drew received his BA from Dickinson College and his MBA from Temple University.

Drew has spent the entirety of his career at O’Brien Systems. In his role as Regional Manager, Drew has managed thousands of projects and has 25 years of experience in the design and installation of high density systems.

Drew is the proud husband of Kristy and father of Scarlett and Alexandra.

He has lived in Logan Square since 2004. Driven by the Jesuit ideal instilled in him at the Prep, Drew became heavily involved his community. In 2011 he

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TARAS SMERECHANSKYY

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aras Smerechanskyy, along with his family, has lived in Northeast Philadelphia for over 19 years. He is a Ukrainianborn immigrant whose life was transformed through the power of public education. Taras is a proud alumnus of Anne Frank Elementary, Baldi Middle School, Central High School and Temple University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.

As a career auditor in the financial services industry, Taras stands for accountability and transparency.

He has the financial background to ensure that we maximize the impact of every tax dollar. We do not need to raise taxes; what we need is qualified individuals to make better use of taxpay-

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y name is Steven Vaughn-Lewis and I am running on the Republican ticket for Philadelphia City Council At-Large. I am not a political insider. I am just a concerned citizen who wants to see change in our city. I am a science teacher who is

fed up with the state of education in Philadelphia and the lack of real solutions for change. I am running for Philadelphia City Council to bring common sense back to school governance while empowering parents to make the best decisions for their children’s education.

I want to make it easier to provide families with more high-quality educational options while empowering schools to set and maintain high academic standards.

Our children deserve better than to be trapped in a system of failing government schools.

City Council candidate er dollars.

In April of 2018 it was reported that City officials lost approximately $33 million in taxpayer money.

Officials then spent another $500,000 to hire an accounting firm in order to locate the missing funds.

Why should we tolerate this sort of recklessness and incompetence?

Taras wants to leverage his business acumen to make city government efficient, accountable and more transparent. Philadelphians deserve to have full clarity surrounding the use of their tax dollars and be confident that elected officials are financially competent.

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STEVEN VAUGHN-LEWIS

HENA VEIT

ena Veit was born in Pakistan. After her birth, her family moved to England.

Her father was a British diplomat and her mother was a botany professor.

After secondary school in London, she moved to the United States to attend Argosy University in Illinois, where she received a BA in psychology. She is currently finishing her studies to attain a master’s degree in forensic psychology.

Hena owns Delaware Valley Forensic Mitigation Services, LLC, which specializes in mitigating death penalty, homicides and federal sentences.

For the past six years, she has been very successful in minimizing the sentences of her clients.

City Council candidate Hana, a single mother of four, is running hard on a platform that in-

cludes repealing the city’s soda tax and improving infrastructure.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

BY DENISE CLAY s we enter this campaign season, I feel that I must make a public service announcement to all of the candidates who are about to start darkening my doorway asking for advice, coverage or a place to share your vision.

We can talk. I love talking to everybody.

But I’m not doing anything regarding you, your race, or your issues until after March 12.

You see, March 12 is the day that I usually stand in the hallway outside of the

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kind of arbitrary because I have already interviewed some folks who have announced their candidacies.

Two of those interviews in particular, City Council at-large candidates Isaiah Thomas and Asa Khalif, announced (or in the case of Khalif, re-announced) their candidacies on the radio show I do on WWDB-AM 860, “Mark and Denise in the Mornings.”

But we haven’t talked to anyone else. I haven’t interviewed anyone else in this column. While I have covered the announcement press conferences for sheriff candidates Malika Rahman and Rochelle Bilal, I haven’t written anything else about that race either.

And I won’t until after Mar. 12 because, and I don’t mean to offend anyone by saying this, until you turn in your petitions and survive the challenges that I’m sure they’ll face, you’re not a candidate.

(Cont. Page 19)

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA

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ITY LOTS FOR SALE – allegedly below appraisal price. I get the feeling that the media are looking at each City Council member to find a connection to land sales. It sells papers and gets people riled up. But it must be remembered that an appraisal is an OPINION of Market Value. In 40 years of real-estate work, I often saw three appraisals for one property that differed. Developers that I have met look to purchase a site for FAIR VALUE. Sometimes they pay

CITY HALL SAM ’Tis the season for fundraisers as many candidates gear up to run for mayor, City Council, City Commissioner, and MC and CP judgeships, just to name a few.

To get the wheels moving requires money, and Sam hears that ALAN BUTKOVITZ is moving ahead full steam with his run for mayor against JIM KENNEY. The likeable former City controller had a fundraiser scheduled for Wednesday but had to cancel because of the weather. Nonetheless, Sam hears Butkovitz’s

us, it did not. Contributions 9 happen all the time, people know it. Reporters do not always know. Such stories are easy to put together: a chart of the contributions, and then fill remaining column inches with a historical TOUR of the contributions.

The article says that DOC could be the last of unelected bosses. Philly last saw bosses 40 years ago. Bosses began earlier, during 67 years of GOP rule in Philly.

A news story felt that protesters may be a problem for Councilwoman Jannie BLACKWELL. To properly protest is very American. I defended that right in uniform for 24 years. The protests at the Blackwell event were ugly. The Bible states, in Ecclesiastes, that they may be “chasing the wind.”

I do not know of anyone who has done more for our poor and working folks than Blackwell.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS to (Cont. Page 12)

financial commitments are not insubstantial.

MIKE STACK had a fundraiser at the former location of the Stack & Gallagher law firm at 1600 Locust Street.

Stack’s dad was a political icon and Democratic ward leader in Philadelphia. He is smiling from Heaven as his son served as a State senator, lieutenant governor and maybe now City councilman or something else….

The Stack fundraiser was well attended. Among the many people attending were JUDGE EUGENE MAIER, former STATE SEN. VINCE FUMO; former STATE SEN. and mega-lawyer BOB ROVNER; current STATE SEN. LARRY FARNESE; JUSTIN WHITMORE; FORMER STATE REP. CURTIS THOMAS; WARD LEADER JIM DONNELLY; SARAH DEL RICCI, a former state rep candidate; EILEEN MIRSH; TEESA NARDI; and the original MARLENE JOSEPHS, just to name a few. State Sen.

and Lt. Gov. Stack’s longtime lucky charm RABBI SOLOMON ISAACSON blessed the event.

City COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL also held a fundraiser, which was very successful. The well-attended event featured great food and drink.

Blackwell’s re-election effort looks solid.

The May primary has attracted a large field of challengers.

Democracy in action! But incumbency has its perquisites and one of them is that members of the donor class have a regular motive to know and deal with current office-holders.

Ward Leader Jim Donnelly held a petition-signing party at the Somerton Spartans clubhouse in Northeast Philly on Southampton Road. At least 10 candidates participated.

Donnelly has one of the largest wards in the entire city, so electoral success hinges upon support in the 58th Ward.

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City Commissioners’ Office in City Hall and wait to see how many of the folks who have declared themselves to be candidates for office actually put themselves on the ballot by turning in their nomination petitions.

It’s a pretty long process that usually involves several bottles of water, a 24-ounce Wawa French Vanilla coffee, half a box of granola bars, and a bottle of Cherry Coke Zero with a cup of ice. If I decide not to leave the building to go and grab lunch, my survival kit might also include a small Italian hoagie from Wawa, and a bag of Dirty brand Mesquite BBQ chips.

In any case, I’m there for the long haul, checking out how the electoral landscape for the May Primaries changes with each group of petitions submitted.

Some of you who have already approached me about interviews for your candidate are probably looking at this and thinking that I’m being

WALKING the BEAT

above value because they can apply for an abatement which helps spur development. If you write about land sales in North Philly, then compare the purchase price to OTHER LAND SALES (not buildings), and the area median sales price.

An article noted that real-estate sales may be slowing in the nation, but not in the Philly area. Sort of.

A downturn began in 2017.

Brokers reported lowering sale prices, and developers starting fewer projects.

Some parts of the City have a HOT market, but not many.... AMEN and Praise God for the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on property seizures. The long night of the dreaded DA’s Forfeiture Office ended earlier. Not soon enough, though, if you lost your home.

The John DOUGHERTY media harangue continues with a story of contributions to candidates. If the story was supposed to SHOCK

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new Pennsylvania State Police policy that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities drew the ire of House Republicans during a Monday budget hearing. I guess GOV. TOM WOLF does not want to be outflanked on the left

by New Jersey GOV. PHIL MURPHY, who ensured that Jersey joined a few states like California in being a sanctuary state.

New Jersey is a “blue” state, so this policy, while unwelcome in some corners of the

troopers from holding people suspected of being undocumented at the “administrative” request by federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. It also prevents officers from asking for ID solely to identify a person’s immigration status.

The changes were instituted in response to complaints from civil-rights groups over racial profiling. True, stopping someone who is not breaking the law to prove that they are here legally could lead to profiling. However, flouting ICE requests for people they have identified as problem illegal immigrants could undermine the safety of our communities.

The State Police appeared Monday in front of the House Appropriations Committee to discuss their $1.4 billion budget request.

Instead of discussing this funding, numerous lawmakers expressed concerns about the new policy. Many (Cont. Page 19)

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ELEPHANT CORNER

state, probably has sufficient support to make it work.

Wolf had to know that he could not a get a nod from the State legislature to make the commonwealth a sanctuary state. While sanctuary cities are popular with voters in some of the large cities on the East and West Coasts, many outside of those liberal echo chambers are opposed. A recent Investors Business Daily poll shows that 64% opposed sanctuary cities. An earlier Harris poll had those opposed at 80%. When U.S. SEN. PAT TOOMEY ran for re-election in 2016, polling his campaign had indicated that roughly 70% of Pennsylvanians were opposed to sanctuary cities.

Wolf decided that he was not getting his sanctuary state status in an upfront manner, so he decided to bring it incrementally through the backdoor through a policy change for the Pennsylvania State Police.

A rule issued at the end of last month prohibits State

2019: The Year of the Challenger

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

10

POLS on the STREET

BY JOE SHAHEELI

M

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

ind-boggling!

That’s what all observers are saying about the 2019 municipal primary election.

With more than 100 can-

JAMIE GAUTHIER says it’s time for a generational change in West Philadelphia politics.

didates in the race, there is plenty of choices for the engaged voter to assess.

Not all of this is news.

Judicial races are always a scrum, as are at-large City Council races. Some thought the increase in the judicial retirement age would discourage newcomers from vying again in 2019; well, some were wrong. And the impending retirement of two atlarge Council Members, Blondell Reynolds Brown and Bill Greenlee, whetted the appetite of the usual host of competitors.

What’s new this year is an intense uptick in district Council challengers.

Gone are the days when no incumbent skates through a primary.

There have always been challengers to district incumbents in the past. But they were mostly disorganized and under-resourced.

Not so this year. Some challengers are skilled in money-raising; some have skills in neighborhood

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

State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

2901 ISLAND AVE. STE 100 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 FAX: (215) 492-2990 ---419 CHURCH LANE YEADON, PA 19050 (610) 284-7335 FAX: (610) 284-5955 6630 LINDBERGH BLVD.

2103 SNYDER AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145 (215) 755-9185 FAX: (215) 952-3375 ---SENATE BOX 203008 HARRISBURG, PA 17120 ROOM: 11 EAST WING (717) 787-5970 FAX: (717) 772-0574

“Paid for with Pennsylvanian taxpayer dollars”

networking. And they are increasingly in contact with fellow challengers in other districts.

Striking is the level of networking that the challengers demonstrate. It’s not about top-down organization – battle orders issuing from Reclaim, Philly 3.0 or Philly for Change; rather it is a grassroots enthusiasm that embraces local activists of different bases and different backgrounds.

It remains hard to go against a district Council incumbent. No civic group will endorse you publicly because they fear retribution should you lose, which you probably will.

So much of a challenger’s race most be waged underground, as it were.

This week, we feature challengers in two dynamic councilmanic districts.

Gauthier Seeks ‘West Philly Spring’

Fresh from a tour of duty as executive director of Fairmount Park Conservancy, Jamie Gauthier

Deeley Rounds up Troops

A DAY before her official campaign announcement in City Hall, City Commission Chair Lisa Deeley held a packed fundraiser at the Palm Restaurant in Center City. Photo by Jim Jenkins

is aiming to change the political landscape in West Philadelphia this spring as she runs against incumbent Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell in the Democratic primary contest for the 3rd District.

Observers peg this race as a generational contest.

Blackwell, at 74, has put in 27 years on City Council, following in the footsteps of her husband Lucien Blackwell, who advanced to US Congress in 1992, ceding the seat to her. The Blackwell name is embedded in the civil-rights era State Rep.

Councilwoman

Kevin J.

Jannie L. Blackwell

Boyle

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

172nd Dist.

7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

215-331-2600

State Rep. Jason

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.

1621 W. Jefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121

215-227-6161 Paid for with PA Tax Dollars

State Rep.

Phila PA 19148

P: 215-849-6426

610 N. SECOND STREET 215.503.3245

Rep.Maria P.

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

Representative

Angel Cruz

District Office 3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you

1st District City Hall Room 332

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

310 W. Chelten Ave.

175TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

Squilla

191st Leg. Dist.

6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139

198th District

STATE REP MARY ISAACSON

Mark

McClinton

Youngblood

AT YOUR SERVICE

an advanced degree in city planning from Penn.

Since then, she has worked with a host of agencies active in West Philadelphia. Among them are Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the Crosstown Coalition, University City District’s West Philly Skills Initiative and Judy Wicks’ Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

Gauthier first thought of running for City Council in 2015 but she wasn’t ready then. Now she is.

“I’m for equitable development,” Gauthier said.

She wants “places where all people can live.” She advocates protection for renters and home-repair subsidies.

(Cont. Next Page)

Councilman

Joanna E.

Rep. Rosita

of West Philly politics.

But time builds pressure on old guards everywhere.

At 40, Gauthier is about the same age as Blackwell was at the start of her career in public office. And that is key to Gauthier’s pitch. “We need new people, new ideas and competitive elections,” she asserted.

Gauthier has Powel School roots. She is an eight-year resident of the Garden Court neighborhood and a veteran of its civic association. After graduating from Temple with a BA in accounting, she took

215-686-3458/59 State Rep.

Donna

Bullock 195th Leg. Dist.

2835 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130

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

Councilman At-Large

DEREK S. GREEN City Hall, Room 594 Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-686-3450 www.phlcouncil.com

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

Vidas Wants To Rock the 2nd

The neighboring 2nd Councilmanic District shares many issues with the 3rd and it, too, faces

CAMPAIGNING in a Point Breeze coffeeshop were, L-R, James Minnis, Ron Slaughter, Lauren Vidas and Ralanda King.

languishes. Vidas wants to change the City’s approach.

She would bar those who buy City land from making political donations.

Vidas would press for more affordable housing and more attention to the needs of renters. Not a big fan of the soda, she wants to oversee that more of its money actually goes to schools.

Moderate, too, is her approach to the real-estate tax abatement. She would modify it but not get rid of it.

Stack Aims at Council

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

director for the City. She left that post in 2012 to work on President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign. She did time on Mayor Jim Kenney’s transition team. Public finance is in her wheelhouse.

Vidas has been active in her father’s lobbying firm, Hazzouri & Associates.

She has also been active in South of South Neighbors Association and the Christian Street YMCA board.

Listening to community voices is a cornerstone of her approach. “I would foster community meetings to foster a one-year plan and a four-year plan for how they want to grow,” she said.

On City Council, Vidas is fierce about the need to break its 9-5 hearing culture. “It should hold meetings when citizens can attend meetings,” she said.

Development is rampant in many parts of the 2nd District; in others, it

MIKE STACK vowed to bring his political career back home at a funder at PFCU in Center City. Among backers were, L-R, State Sen. Larry Farnese, judicial aspirant Christian DiCicco, former State Sen. Vincent Fumo, Stack and former State Sen. Bob Rovner.

Photo by Jim Jenkins

40th Ward for Johnson

A gala reception was held for Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, C, and sponsored by Wards 40A & 40B. It was held in the Presbyterian Home Auditorium. Hundreds of Southwest Philly residents turned out for the event.

Councilman Johnson makes a point as State Rep. Joanna McClinton; Troy Bailey, Ward 40B Chairman; Ed Thornton, Ward 40B Leader, and Anne Brown, Ward 40B Leader, look on. Photo by Joe Stivala

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

(Cont. From Prev. Page) Job growth in her district is tied to its big “eds & meds” institutions. Gauthier wants a steady hand on the tiller here.

Funding for recreation centers, parks and libraries are core missions for Gauthier. Environmental sustainability would be her cause on City Council.

a vigorous challenge to a well-connected incumbent.

Attorney Lauren Vidas, who has been around city politics for a while, launched her campaign last summer and has been grinding along ever since. She hopes a rising tide of grassroots activism will give her an edge in the May primary.

Vidas began in City Hall as an aide to Councilman Bill Green (at Large). When Mayor Michael Nutter, to cope with the Great Recession, proposed slashing library hours, Vidas sued him. He was impressed enough by her efforts to hire her as assistant finance

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POLS on the STREET

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

WALKING the BEAT

(Cont. From Page 9) Thomas FORKIN, legislative counsel, and ward leader trio Robert DELLAVELLA, Esq., Willie JORDAN and Matt MYERS!... Committeeperson of the month is “SKIP” MONTELL in the

58th Ward! He is an energy force for helping people in need.

The new City VOTING MACHINES keep getting bad press. Let us wait and see how they work out.

A columnist wrote that we should give up FRACKING in Pennsylvania. Should the truck drivers and laborers give up their jobs in that

NOTICE

industry? Property owners get ongoing checks for use of their lands. And the jury is still out on if fracking is harmful to the water table.

Donald TRUMP’S declarative mode of speaking: PUNCH – THEN JAB. Abrasive. It is the oldest political maneuver. The “SMALL words” trick.

Blue-collar Democrats love it and VOTE for it.

Democratic officeholders and candidates long ago stopped using it – and got TOO LOFTY in pronouncements. Witness HILLARY speaking in super-presidential lingo. Democratic presidential candidates need to use this brand of speech.

Right now, in the presidential candidate field, the closest in SMALL TALK is Joe BIDEN.

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

To whom it may concern:

LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL HEALTH & SAFETY FUND 665 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19123

Notice is hereby given that the City Commissioners, sitting as the County Board of Elections, will begin their weekly meetings concerning BOTH the 2019 Special Election for the 190th Legislative District which will be held on Tuesday March 12, 2019, and the 2019 Municipal Primary and Special Election which will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 will begin on March 6, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. in City Hall Room 387. Meetings will continue every Wednesday thereafter until further notice.

AVISO

(215) 236-6700

www.ldc-phila-vic.org

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

Alan Parham, Adminstrator

Local 57 - Esteban Vera, Jr., Business Manager Local 135 - Daniel L. Woodall, Jr.,, Business Manager Local 332 - Samuel Staten, Jr., Business Manager Local 413 - James Harper, Jr., Business Manager Laborers’ District Council - Ryan Boyer Business Manager Building better and safer communities in Philadlephia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties

Do it Right, Do It Safe, Do It Union.

A quien corresponda: Se avisa que Los Comisionados de la Ciudad en sus funciones como la Junta Electoral del Condado, comenzaran sus reuniones semanales con respecto a la Elección Especial para el Distrito Legislativo 190° de marzo 12 del 2019 y las Elecciones Municipales Primaria y Especial de mayo 21 del 2019 empezando el 6 de marzo 2019 a las 11:00 am en sala 387 en el Ayuntamiento. Reuniones continuaran cada miércoles a las 11:00 A.M. adelantes hasta nuevo aviso.

Judge Giovanni Campbell

Chairperson, City Commissioners Presidente, Comisionados Municipales

Judge Vincent Furlong

Vice Chair, City Commissioners

Vicepresidente, Comisionados Municipales

Anthony Clark City Commissioner Comisionado Municipal Kevin A Kelly Acting Supervisor of Elections Supervisor Interino de Elecciones

www.philadelphiavotes.com

W

e were shocked, saddened and heartbroken to learn that Joseph A. Sbaraglia, Jr., a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia also known as “Joe Bag-ofDonuts,” passed away last week.

Joe was the name and talent behind “The Waffleman.” His remembrances of things past and humorous, poignant contrasts between life back in the day and today never failed to bring a smile to our faces.

We join his family and

MARK your CALENDAR Feb. 28- Women of Faith for Education host Afternoon Tea at 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market St., Grand Ballrm., 3-5 p.m. Fine dining. UNCF scholarship testimony, Parade of Crowns, door prizes, live entertainment. For info: Gregory Lyles (215) 925-9044.

Feb. 28- 42nd Ward Democratic Committee hosts Petition Party at Majestic Ha., 800 W. Olney Ave., 4-8 p.m. Good food.

Free to public, candidates $200. For info: Sharon Vaughn (215) 313-7019.

Feb. 28- Phila.

Public Record hosts “Meet the

Candidates” at Trestle Inn, 13th & Callowhill Sts., 5-7 p.m. Free cocktails & appetizers. Admission free to general public, Candidates $250, Sponsors $1,500 & $1,000. For info: Melissa Barrett (215) 7552000, ext. 5 or mbarrett@ phillyrecord.com.

Feb. 28- State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta is hosted Cocktail Reception at Rosewood, 1302 Walnut St., 5:30-7 p.m. Champions $1,000, Hosts $500, Boosters $250, Supporters $100, Friends $50.

Payable to “Malcolm for PA,” P.O. Box 3254, Phila., PA 19130. RSVP: Events@ LPerryGroup.com.

Feb. 28- State Rep. Jim Roebuck hosts Birthday Bash at Warmdaddy’s, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jazz & food. RSVP: (215) 8177912.

Feb. 28- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Town Hall Mtg. at Green La. Meth.

Ch., 470 Green La., 7 p.m.

Overview of State budget.

For info: (215) 482-8726.

Feb. 28- City Commissioner Al Schmidt hosts Fundraiser at Grey Lodge Pub, 6235 Frankford Ave. Tickets: $40. Payable to “Friends of Al Schmidt,” P.O. Box 18538, Phila., PA19129.

Mar. 1- 65th Ward Democratic Committee hosts Fundraiser at Ashburner Inn, 8400 Torresdale Ave., 6-9 p.m. Tickets: $50. Payable to “Friends of the 65th Ward.” For info: John Donohue (267) 334-3775 or Colleen Scalici (215) 500-0617.

Mar. 1- N.E. Philly Republicans hosts Petition Signing Happy Hour at Nick’s Roast Beef at Katie O’s, 4501 Woodhaven Rd., 6-9 p.m.

Mar. 1- Councilmanic candidate Angel Cruz hosts Campaign Kickoff at Langosta Bar & Restaurant, 901 E. Cayuga St., 6 p.m.

Contributions welcome.

Payable to “Cruz for City Council.” For info: Carol (215) 360-1524 or elec-

Turn out for What?

The News in Black & White

PLANNING a great parade at the St. Patrick’s Observance Day Association fundraiser were, L-R, State Rep. Mike Driscoll, Grand Marshal Sean McMenamin and Democratic City Committee Chair Bob Brady. Photo by Jim Jenkins.

tions215@gmail.com.

Mar. 2- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts Petition Party at7165 Germantown Ave., 12-4 p.m. Community free, Candidates $$150.

Payable to “22nd Democratic Ward,” P.O. Box 189067, Phila., PA 19119.

For info: Shariff Roseboro (267)972-2869.

Mar. 2- 51st Ward Democratic Committee hosts Candidates Petition-Signing Party at Kingsessing Rec Ctr., 4901 Kingsessing Ave., 1-4 p.m. Music, free food, information. Bring 20+ qualified signers for $20 gift card.Candidates $100, neighbors free. For info: (267) 254-9972 Mar. 2- 6 Democratic Wards host Bowling-Petition Night at T-Birt Lanes, 5830 Castor Ave., 2-5 p.m. Food, wine, bowling & equipment. $100 candidates, $30 general admission. Payable to “Philly United,” 3200 Magee Ave., Phila., PA 19149.

For info: Robert Dellavella (215) 808-4240.

Mar. 2- 38th Ward Democrats host Meet & Greet Fundraiser & Petition-Signing Party at Trolley Car Café, 3269 S. Ferry Rd., 4-7 p.m. Donation: Community members $10, Candidates $150. For tickets: 38thward.eventbrite. com or George Matysik (215) 803-6676, georgematysik@gmail.com.

Mar. 2- City Commission candidate Marwan Kreidie is hosted Meet & Greet at 364 Green La., 6:30-9 p.m. Brother Munir Kreidie hosts for Roxborough residents. Light refreshments. RSVP: kreidiemr@ yahoo.com.

Mar. 3- City Commission candidate Marwan Kreidie hosts Fundraiser & Petition Party at Phila. Brewing Co., 2-5 p.m. Happy-hour specials. For info: (619) 5076425 or friendsofmarwan@gmail.com.

Mar. 3- Councilmanic candidate hena Veit is hosted March Madness Petition Party at La Fusion, 1136 S. 11th St., 5

p.m. College basketball.

Drink specials & food.

Mar. 5- Judge Daniel McCaffery hosts Fundraiser at 1518 Bar & Grill, 1518 Sansom St., 5-7 p.m. Contribution levels: $100, $250, $500, $1,000. Payable to “McCaffery for Pennsylvania Superior Court,” P.O. Box 472, Bensalem, PA 19020.

RSVP: bluestatesolutions@ gmail.com.

Mar. 5- 8th Ward Democratic Committee hosts Candidates Meet & Greet at Rosewood, 1302 Walnut St., 5:30-7 p.m. Cash bar, complimentary beverages, appetizers. Suggested minimum contribution: $250 to fund GOTV. RSVP by Mar. 1: Judi Golding-Baker (215) 704-9304 or 7000judi@gmail.com.

Mar. 7- St. Patrick’s Observance Ass’n hosts Grand Marshal’s Dinner at SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Columbus Blvd., 6 p.m. Tickets $100. For info: Kathy McGee Burns mcgeeburns@aol.com.

(Cont. Page 15)

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

You may be planning to attend the Public Record’s “Meet the Candidates” event this evening. Or not.

Maybe you are already slated to go to a petition-signing event in your ward this week. Or not.

If you’re in the “or not” camp, a word of advice: Get out. Get out there and attend one of these essential grass-roots events. There is no better way to participate on the ground floor of

American politics. Going to a signing event gives you the opportunity to meet the people who want to represent you – and what is important to you about your community, your city, your state, your nation.

These face-to-face encounters will help you become a more informed voter – after all, how many Philadelphians enter their polling place each year and pick judicial candidates based solely on the random position number assigned by a coffee can?

Wouldn’t you rather make your selection based on what you learned from the candidate in person?

Just as importantly, it helps the candidates get to know potential constituents – and their values and priorities. Better-informed candidates plus better-informed electorate equals better-run government.

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

OPINION

friends in mourning the loss of such a unique individual.

And to be honest, we can’t picture the Public Record without him. That is why we will begin running “The Best of The Waffleman” this week, and continuing to mine his best work from the past years for “new to you” columns each week.

Rest in peace, Joe. We will never forget you.

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Farewell, Waffleman

13

Y

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F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

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

14

the WAFFLE MAN

o! Here we go again with this bit of history about a song sung at some hockey games in Philadelphia.

Frank Sinatra considered Kate Smith the best singer of her time, and said that when he and more than a million other people first heard her sing “God Bless America” on

the radio, they all pretended to have dust in their eyes as they wiped away a tear or two. You should know the story behind the first public airing of the song.

The time was 1938.

America was still in a terrible economic depression. Hitler was taking over Europe and Amer-

icans were afraid we’d have to go to war. It was a time of hardship and worry for most Americans.

This was the era just before TV, when radio shows were huge, and American families sat around their radios in the evenings, listening to their favorite entertainers.

And no entertainer of

that era was bigger than Kate Smith. Kate was also large in size; plus size, as we now say, and the popular phrase still used today is in reference to her: “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”

Kate was also patriotic.

It hurt her to see Americans so depressed and afraid of what the next day would bring. She had hope for America and faith in her fellow Americans. She wanted to do something to cheer them up, so she went to the famous American songwriter, Irving Berlin (who also wrote “White Christmas”) and asked him to write a song that would make Americans feel good again about their country.

When she described what she was looking for, he said he had just the song for her. He went to his files and found a song that he had written, but never published, 21 years before – way back in 1917.

He retooled it a bit to fit the temper of the times and gave it to her. She

worked on it with her studio orchestra.

Irving Berlin and she were not sure how the song would be received by the public, but both agreed they would not take any profits from “God Bless America.” Any profits would go to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years, the Boy Scouts have received millions of dollars in royalties from this song.

To this day, “God Bless America” stirs our patriotic feelings and pride in our country. Back in 1938, when Kate Smith went looking for a song to raise the spirits of her fellow Americans, I doubt whether she realized just how successful the results would be for her fellow Americans during those years of hardship and worry ... and for many generations of Americans to follow.

Now that you know the story of the song that was sung at the Flyers hockey games – remember when, I hope you’ll enjoy it and treasure it even more.

L: UNION LEADER Sam Staten, Jr. assured Councilwoman Cherelle Parker of his backing in her quest for re-election. R: DA Larry Krasner joined a host of civic leaders at Finley Playground in Cedarbrook. Photos by Wendell Douglas

RSVP: Events@LPerryGroup. com.Forinfo:(267)275-2120.

Mar. 12- 190th Legislative Dist.

Special Election.

Mar. 13- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts St. Patrick’s Day reception at Irish Pub, 1123 Walnut St., 5:30-7 p.m. Contribution levels: Gold $2,500, Silver $1,000, Bronze $500, General Admission $50. Payableto“SquillaforCouncil,”P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148.

RSVP: Events@LPerryGroup. com.Forinfo:(215)696-0291.

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

(Cont. From Page 13) Mar. 7- Councilmanic candidate Matt Wolfe is hosted Reception at George Sfedu’s, 1907 Spruce St., 6-8 p.m. For info: matthew@wolfe.org.

Mar. 8- Hotel Brotherhood Cl. hosts Candidates Night & Petition Signing Party at 1529 Bainbridge St., 6-8 p.m. Open bar. For info: (215) 251-1226 or hotelbainbridgeclub1510@ gmail.com.

Mar. 8- 57th Ward Democratic Committee hosts St. Patrick’s Party at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd., 7-11 p.m. Tickets: $40, candidates $100. For info: (267) 773-3251.

Mar. 9- 32nd Ward Democratic Committee hosts Fish Fry Petition Party at New Barber’s Ha., 1402 W. Oxford St., 3-7 p.m.

Meet & greet candidates. Tickets: $15. For info: Gary Williams (215) 906-9009.

Mar. 10- Councilmanic candidate Deja Lynn Alvarez is hosted Cocktail Reception at Dirty Frank’s, 347 S. 13th St., 2-6 p.m. Contribution Levels: Platinum $1,000, Gold $500, Silver $250, Bronze $50. Payable to “Friends of Deja Lynn Alvarez,” 100 S. Broad St., Su. 1902A, Phila., PA 19110.

ARCHYE LEACOCK vows to run a tight campaign for the 9th Council District seat the second time around. He was joined at his campaign launch at Chuck’s Alibi in the Northeast by Ronald Prine, L, and Roxanna Gambino -Schroed er. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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MARK your CALENDAR

Leacock Kicks off

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

Parker’s People Team Up

15

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

16

Catto Is Saluted in Black History Month MAYOR Jim Kenney gave the keynote address at a ceremony honoring the life of Octavius Catto, a city civil-rights leader, who was murdered while protecting the right to vote. The annual Black History Month event is held at the new City Hall Catto statue. It was attended by 200 citizens and associations. Photos by Joe Stivala

THE SECOND PART of the Octavius Catto Black History Month ceremony is the awarding of two Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers with the Catto Medal for outstanding service. Catto was a National Guard Major on duty when he was murdered preparing to quell riots against Black voters in Philadelphia. Major Luis C. Mendoza, 3rd from L, is surrounded by his family as he receives the Catto Medal from Gen. David E. Wood and Jon Peterson, commander of Union League Post 405 of the American Legion.

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

Protesting Berks Center Bishop Honored with Block

THE 6400 BLOCK of Ogontz Avenue was renamed “Ernest C. Morris Way� in honor of the bishop who founded Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ, because of a bill submitted

by Councilwoman Cindy Bass. Photo

by Wendell Douglas SHUT DOWN BERKS Coalition protested outside the Bellevue on Saturday, calling for Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller to shut down the Berks County Residential Center.

This county facility detains immigrant families under contract to ICE.

Masons Feast on New Year 13th Ward Hears Candidates AN ACTION-FILLED forum of the many candidates for City Council and judicial posts took place on Germantown Avenue. Each was given time on a stage to express their views and programs. 13th Ward Leader Charles Carn, 2nd from R, talks with Omar Sabir, candidate for City Commissioner; Carmella Jacquinto, Esq., judicial candidate; and Councilman Derek Green, seeking re-election.

Photo by Joe Stivala

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CHINESE FREEMASONS celebrated the Year of the Pig with a feast at Ocean Harbor restaurant. Councilman Mark Squilla was among the many dignitaries in attendance.

L-R AT THE AFFAIR were Leon Ly of the Chinese Freemasons, Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel, Lan Nguyen, Chinese Opera artist Feihong Song and Police Lt. Paul Drains.

33rd Ward Holds Dance

33rd Ward Democrats held a Valentine Sweetheart Dance in the Juniata Golf Club, which was well attended by candidates. Taking a break were State Sen. Christine Tartaglione and Ward Leader Donna Aument, seated, hostess; State Rep. Angel Cruz, candidate for City Council; Bill Dolbow, candidate for Register of Wills; Sharon Vaughn; Janice Sulman, Esq.; and, introducing the new leader of the 20th Ward: Renee McNear. Photo

by Joe Stivala

Q

PUBLIC NOTICE AT&T proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 111’) on the building at 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA (20190215).

Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-8091202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

PUBLIC NOTICE T-Mobile proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 199’) on the 197’ building at 1900 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA (20190121).

Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 181202570 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Joseph Michael Petrocelli, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: The Unknown Heirs of Joseph Michael Petrocelli, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 7120 Rutland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149. 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. 181202570, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 7120 Rutland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149, 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., Lawyer Referral & Info. Service, One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19107, 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.

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 estimate that you pull out of thin air will be just fine.

However, in case of doubt, browsing eBay will usually

help guide your estima- 17 tions.

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 to get your Chapter 13 discharge court order.

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collectively or not, it must be fairly valued. What value to use? The 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

COMMONWEALTH Of PA BOARD OF PARDONS The following application(s) of the person(s) convicted in Philadelphia County will be heard by the Board of Pardons at its regular session in the Supreme Court Courtroom, Room 437, Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA. Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – Convening at 9:00 A.M. Bryan D. Myers Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Conspiracy Vaughn K. Taylor Robbery, Theft By Unlawful Taking or Disposition, Receiving

Stolen Property, Criminal Conspiracy Nathelle T. Downes Prostitution (3 cts), Criminal Solicitation (3 cts), Possession

of a Controlled Substance Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – Convening at 1:00 P.M. David M. Tomlinson Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 cts) David R. Albright Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy Thursday, March 14, 2019 – Convening at 9:00 A.M. Stefan Flanagan Simple Assault (2 cts), Recklessly Endangering Another

Person, Possessing Instruments of Crime, Resisting Arrest, Patronizing a Prostitute Tyeisha Gamble Possessing Instruments of Crime, Simple Assault Carlton Gentry Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance,

Criminal Conspiracy Engaging, Possession of a Controlled

Substance Nayah A. Houston Simple Assault DionnaV. Roundtree-King Forgery Bockarie Sesay Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Kyle M. Winkfield Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance,

Possession With Intent to Deliver – Conspiracy to Commit,

Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 cts), Possession of a

Controlled Substance – Conspiracy to Commit, Trademark Counterfeiting Thursday, March 14, 2019 – Convening at 1:00 P.M. Jeffrey L. Byard Aggravated Assault, Obstruct Administration of Law or

Governmental Function Adolfo Carrillo Possessing Instruments of Crime Generally, Murder I Lawrence M. Fullbright, II Simple Assault, Driving Under the Influence, Aggravated

Assault By Vehicle While DUI Henrietta Harris Murder II, Robbery Leslie Leon Aggravated Assault, Possessing Instruments of Crime Stanley Magurczek Forgery, Theft By Deception, Theft By Unlawful Taking or

Disposition, Commercial Bribery and Breach of Duty to Act

Disinterestedly, Criminal Conspiracy Carlene V. Matthews Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct William L. Tenant, III Carrying Firearms on Public Streets or Public Property in Philadelphia George A. Trudel, III Murder II, Possessing Instruments of Crime, Criminal Conspiracy

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

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

Anyone filing bankruptcy must value their personal property on their schedules, including their clothing, furniture, books and pictures, and other assorted knickknacks. Sched-

value your personal property on your bankruptcy schedules. 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

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understanding BANKRUPTCY

ule B has categories for all these things and everyone 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

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

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A landmark celebration for a landmark publication!

On March 28th, The Philadelphia Public Record will publish its 1,000th issue, featuring special articles and photos celebrating this momentous occasion.

Please join us at our party to celebrate this milestone!

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Penn’s Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard Tickets include premium open bar and extensive hors d’oeuvres.

Early bird tickets are only $35 – prices will go up on March 7th.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/ppr1000th

Please contact Melissa Barrett, mbarrett@phillyrecord.com or 215-755-2000 x5, for special ad rates and information on attending

ELEPHANT CORNER (Cont. From Page 9) Republican lawmakers took issue with it.

Apparently, the option not to comply with administrative detainer requests is often part of so-called “sanctuary” policies to shelter undocumented immigrants.

State Police MAJ. SCOTT PRICE said the hearing that if ICE demands information on a suspected undocumented immigrant, State Police have a legal obligation to provide it.

The State Police justified the change in policy to reduce lawsuits for detaining people who appear to be here illegally. Many sanctuary city advocates are happy with this new policy as it a step in their desired direction.

Petition-signing season started in earnest last Tuesday. For those knocking on doors, last weekend was wet but not as cold as it can be

In Memory of The 8,000 POWs from the Korean War some Resources: www.missingpresumeddead.com https://www.nationalalliance.org/who-we-are http://www.kpows.com

in February. Seasoned politicos predicted that one of the three weekends during petition season will see snow.

Many of the wards held petition-signing parties on the first evening petitions could be circulated. The ward leaders of the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th, 36th and 39A held a joint petition-signing event at Paddy Whacks on South Street. Those ward leaders are BILL LANZI-

LOTTI, JOSH NOVOTNEY, MIKE CIBIK, LINDSAY DOERING, MIKE BRADLEY and VINCE MINNITI. On the other side of the Schuylkill River, five ward leaders and their fellow Republicans convened in the home of WARD LEADER and City Council at-large candidate MATT WOLFE. The ward leaders hosting this event in addition to Wolf were CRAIG MELIDO-

SIAN, DENISE FUREY, 19 ANDREW GENTSCH and ROSS WOLFE. People at this event also had the opportunity to speak to MICHAEL HARVEY, the Republican in the special election next month for the 190th Legislative District.

That seat is vacant owning the felony conviction of VANESSA LOWERY BROWN, the elected representative for that district.

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(Cont. From Page 9) That goes for everyone. It goes for former SRC Chair Sandra Dungee-Glenn, who announced that she was joining the nearly 35-person-deep City Council atlarge field. It goes for former City Controller Alan Butkovitz, who’s announced a run for mayor that I’m sure will go better with Coke. It goes for Omar Woodard, the former executive director of the Greenlight Foundation who will be taking on City Council President Darrell Clarke.

It even goes for all of the incumbent Council members running to retain their seats, and Mayor Jim Kenney too.

When you’re a political reporting shop of one, which I am, you don’t have the luxury of writing about people who say they’re

going to run for office because that doesn’t mean they’ll see the business end of a ballot. At a time when it takes $50,000 to even begin the process of running for a district council office, whether or not you can raise the bucks required, get the required number of signatures, and make sure that you have so many that no one can knock you off the ballot, it’s not something that you can just wish until existence.

So while I wish you luck, and I’m encouraged by the fact that everyone at least appears to have a challenger this go-around, interviewing you about your platform, your vision, or what you’re going to do first if you win is going to have to wait until you’re actually on the ballot.

Once you do that, reach out to me at denisethewriter1@gmail.com and we’ll chop it up.

City of Philadelphia CITY COUNCIL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290

NOTICE OF LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING The Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee, established and constituted pursuant to Phila. Code § 17-1311 and Resolution No. 110807, has CANCELLED the Public Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at 11:00 AM, and has RESCHEDULED the Public Meeting for Friday, March 29, 2019, at 11:00 AM, in City Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall).

RICHARD LAZER, CHAIRPERSON Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee

Check Our News

F E B RUA RY 28 , 2019

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

& Calendar Daily Updates @ www. phillyrecord.com

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