Pr 935 p by The Public Record

Vol. XIII No. 52

Issue 935

December 28, 2017

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

PhiladelphiaPublicRecord

LOOKING AHEAD

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CONGRESSMAN Bob Brady, 9th from R, chairman of Democratic City Committee, and staff are on hand each year as a multitude of well-wishers pop in on Spring Garden Street to say a Christmas-Hanukkah-Kwanzaa hello with them. Brady has transformed his party from a “machine” into a family of rowhouse neighbors on duty for constituents. Other civic leaders greeted the holidays elsewhere – seen throughout this issue. Photo by Joe Stivala

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Hughes Parties with a Purpose STATE SEN. Vincent Hughes celebrated the holidays with a charitable fundraiser. L-R were Portia Hurst, Hughes’ wife Sheryl Lee with rescue dog, Hughes, Sandi Ogburn and Denise Gardner. Photos by Wendell Douglas

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JOINING in merriment at 1st District Plaza in University City were, L-R, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Ward Leaders Bernadette Wyche and Willie Jordan, and senatorial aide Omar Sabir.

SINGING “Jingle Bells for Sen. Hughes was Amaroji Bigelow.

IBN MUHAMMAD, dressed like a present, shared a moment with Sen. Hughes.

THE “PARTY with a Purpose” drew a dancing crowd.

McClinton Amasses War Chest for 2018 PLANNING ahead for the spring primary is State Rep. Joanna McClinton, who threw a campaign fundraiser at the 1518 Bar & Grill in Center City. Joining her were colleagues and other supporters, L-R, State Rep. Jason Dawkins, Kay Kyungsun Yu, McClinton, State Rep. Brian Sims, Councilman Derek Green and Rob Goldman of Duane Morris. Photos by Wendell Douglas

McCLINTON, holding her campaign sign, made clear she has a “gals’ posse” behind her.

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McCLINTON, L, received the blessings of her godmother Shalada Sankofa.

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L-R WERE Omar Sabir, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, Malcolm Kenyatta, and State Reps. Jason Dawkins and Donna Bullock.

McCLINTON also has Rob Murray on her side.

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Dist.), Maria Quiñones-Sánchez (5th Dist.), Cherelle Parker (D-9th Dist.), Cindy Bass (8th Dist.) and Helen Gym (at Large) introduced a bill that would mandate sexual harassment training for all City of Philadelphia employees. Currently, the City of Philadelphia, Office of Human Resources Sexual Harassment Policy states: “It is the responsibility of each Appointing Authority to ensure that all supervisors receive the appropriate training to enforce this [Sexual Harassment] Policy.” Under their proposed bill, mandatory annual training will be required for all exempt, non-exempt, civil-service, City officers and employees regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. “What we know is that sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and sexual vio-

Recovery Regs Touted

JASON DAWKINS celebrated passage of SB 446, which will lead to regulation and certification of addiction recovery houses, at Dawkins’ office in Frankford. Photo by Wendell Douglas

lence know no racial, gender or class boundaries,” said Reynolds Brown. “Education and prevention have become a public-health imperative.” “We want to do all that we can to support women in the workplace. I am happy to stand in solidarity with my colleagues to address this serious issue,” said Blackwell. “I’m proud to stand with the women of Council and

women around the City of Philadelphia in support of victims of sexual harassment and assault,” said Bass. “Sexual harassment simply and absolutely may not be tolerated. I believe women, and honor those with the courage to speak out.” “In light of recent events both locally and nationally, I believe it is in the City’s best (Cont. On Page 7)

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State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Philadelphia) hailed last Friday’s announcement of more than $20 million in State investment for an assortment of projects in Philadelphia, including the Walnut Street Theatre, a new manufacturing center at the Philadelphia Navy Shipyard and Aramark, among other projects. “This is a huge State investment in significant projects that will help Philadelphia grow its business and arts base, and infuse new dollars to spark economic development in manufacturing,” Farnese said. “The grants also include dollars for library development, a hotel and a sizable investment in Delaware River waterfront facilities.” The grants are being made available through the State’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. According to Farnese, the grants include $1.4 million for SLS International Hotel & Residences and $1 million for the expansion of the theater. Three river-based projects got grants: $3 million for constructing the Industrial Manufacturing Center at the Navy Yard and $2 million for the development of the Spring Garden and Festival Piers. Another $1 million was approved for the Philadelphia Transload & Intermodal Terminal, a boost for port operations, Farnese noted. The 21st Century Libraries

House’s Chestnut Street expansion project is also booked, along with $500,000 for the Mercy Catholic Medical Center emergency department, which plans to expand from 14 to 29 bays. Rabb, Sims, Solomon Decry Harassment Three Philadelphia State Reps. – Chris Rabb (D-Northwest), Brian Sims (D-S. Phila.) and Jared Solomon (D-Northeast) – joined with an Allegheny County colleague in a call for action in the wake of sexual-harassment allegations in the Pennsylvania legislature. “The recent reports and allegations emanating from Harrisburg are deeply troubling. For too long, stories of inappropriate behavior have been kept hush-hush, universally acknowledged but rarely acted upon,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is simply insulting to the character of our Commonwealth that women have to whisper warnings to each other about which legislators they should avoid. In addition, the level of professional harm that far too many women have endured is incalculable. It is vital that we, as male legislators, reflect on our role in either perpetuating this culture in Harrisburg, or analyzing our as-yet-unsuccessful efforts to end it.” The legislators specifically demanded that leaders in all caucuses expedite their response to Right to Know requests; heed upcoming memoranda in the next session; and revise the way harassment claims are managed on the grounds that “every employee of the General Assembly must have a consistent, clear and fair avenue” through which to report them. Councilwomen Share A Call for Training City Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown (at Large), Jannie Blackwell (3rd

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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

Initiative undertaken by the Free Library of Philadelphia is set to receive a $1.25 million grant for the Overbrook Free Library, State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-W. Phila.) said. The RACP funding will be used for interior renovations, exterior repairs, technology upgrades, new furniture, fixtures and equipment and mechanical upgrades. The Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts will receive $500,000 for its campus master plan. 1st City Troop’s Armory Restoration will receive a $500,000 grant. Aramark’s Project Next is slated to receive $7 million. In addition, Spring Arts Redevelopment Project is slated to receive $1.5 million and Vine Street Development Partners $1.5 million. Two grants totaling $1.5 million have been approved for key projects in his district, State Sen. Art Haywood (D-Northwest) announced. Properties LLC, which is working on the Wyndmoor Redevelopment Project, will receive a $500,000 State grant; and Chestnut Hill College is slated for a $1 million grant for its Building for Academics: The Classrooms project. State Rep. Donna Bullock (D-N. Phila.) applauded a RCAP grant of $500,000 for the construction of a new Guest Food Service Hub at the Philadelphia Zoo. State Rep. James Roebuck (D-w. Phila., thanked Gov. Tom Wolf for agreeing to Roebuck’s requests to release a total of $2.75 million in state funding for three local projects. One is $1.25 million for the Community College of Philadelphia to help it increase the capacity of its automotive-technology program in West Philadelphia to train more students for well-paying jobs in that field. $1 million for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald

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Lawmakers Usher Xmas Gifts from the ’Burg

12/27/2017 11:58:20 AM

Warring Republicans Strengthen Wolf’s Hand

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pose Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in the spring 2018 primary rages unabated. Republican candidates seeking to unseat incumbent Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf abound. That may signal good news for Republicans: multiple candidates usually are attracted by easy prey. But it’s hard to read the signals for the 2018 election. Republican President Donald Trump is broadly unpopular among most Pennsylvanians – but the Republican primary voter base remains loyal to him. Thus, the numerous Republican aspirants to the gubernatorial nomination in March 2018 all face an uphill battle. Their strategies must calculate how to hold the hard-core Trump-lovers in their base while reaching out to moderates in their fringe. Good news for Democrats

POLS on the STREET BY JOE SHAHEELI Over the winter holiday weekend, most political maneuvering grinds to a halt. In Philadelphia, at least. But in the hinterlands of Pennsylvania, there is no peace on the Wyoming Valley, the Dutch Country or Southwestern Pennsylvania. There, the war for the Republican nomination to opRepresentative

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190th Legislative District

is that four Republican challengers to Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf will be bad-mouthing each other from now till May. Collectively, they will dig up enough dirt on each of them to make Wolf’s job easier in the general – without Wolf spending a dime. Three are from greater Pittsburgh: business execs Laura Ellsworth and Paul Mango, along with Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny). One is from the Dutch Country: State Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York). All profess fealty to Trump. But who is Trumpier than Trump; and does that help them or hurt them? Mango has come out of the gate condemning sexual harassment – a hot-button issue now – citing his female family members as witnesses to his probity. Okay. He would be the first GOP gubernatorial hopeful

Emilio Vazquez

William Keller

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Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

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

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to seek to surf on the wave of #MeToo. That may matter in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the Dutch Country cities. But it’s not enough to be a good guy in a four-way primary. One must concentrate on busting one’s rivals. Mango appears to be doing that as he targets Wagner, who was first out of the gate in the Republican primary race. Wagner has closely identified with Trump, to the point that there is no room for other Republicans to paint themselves as Trumpier than him. Mango must find ways to attack Wagner that appeal to conservatives without referencing The Donald. Now Mango is pounding Wagner on his no-show record in the Pennsylvania Senate. Wagner rose to the surface in the last senatorial

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CONGRESSIONAL aide Donald “Ducky” Birts serves a tour of duty as Santa Claus at Laborers’ Local 332’s holiday party for children in West Poplar. Photo by Wendell Douglas

election cycle as an outsider who would bring business sense to State government. Wagner owns a prosperous business carting away trash for Dutch Country municipalities. But Mango is hammering Wagner for not going to work in the chamber he sought election to. Matt Beynon, advisor to the Mango for Governor campaign, said, “Scott Wagner needs to come clean about his own record. He had over a week to get his facts straight but still either doesn’t know his own voting record or is trying to mislead the people of Pennsylvania about his failure to serve. Scott Wagner missed 109 City Commissioner

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votes during his time in the Pennsylvania State Senate; that is more than any other member of the Senate. Fact.” Wagner illustrates the dilemma that all anti-government Republican extremists face. If everything government does is bad, then obviously no elected Republican should ever show up for work. But this is completely untenable as a governing principle. People who have sworn to destroy all government do not make good leaders of good governments. Polls suggest that Wolf can be unseated. But there is no sign yet that any particular Republican knows how to unseat him.

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City Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker 9th District City Hall, Room 577, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9

12/27/2017 11:49:25 AM

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12/26/2017 9:54:10 AM

Two Fixes for 2018

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OPINION We’d like to focus Philadelphia’s attention on a few basic governmental fixes in the year to come. Some can only be handled locally, but most will profit from attention from our federal and State governments as well. And skip the rhetoric that government can do no good, therefore we should outsource all its functions to the private sector. A good private sector cannot flourish without good – and strong – government where it is

needed. First, fix the Sweetened Drinks Tax. Whether it’s good enough or has got to go – let’s get that settled in 2018. Increased funding for schools, parks and libraries is at stake; and Philadelphia cannot tap the bright future that now seems temptingly within its reach if it cannot step up its game ASAP. The time to invest is now. The only question is how. Opponents of this tax have raised many cogent arguments against it, ripping it for shortfalls and unfairness. Perhaps so. What we need from them now is an alternative – in 2018. Second, fix the murky relationship between the City and the federal Attor-

ney General’s Office over “sanctuary city” status. Nobody really knows what the term “sanctuary city” means. But the Trump administration has threatened to invoke it as an arbitrary means to deny federal grants previously authorized for good cause to the City, in ways that have nothing to do with immigration – police training and equipment, for instance. These monies add up to millions. So, while City authorities should vigorously defend their policies in this area – and immigrants are really not a big source of native-born Philadelphians’ woes – they should do so in a way that keeps our budget afloat.

The News in Black & White

DYLAN JONES expresses his gratitude to Council President Darrell Clarke and State Rep. Donna Bullock on receiving a bicycle, courtesy of CH2M, at Blaine School in Strawberry mansion. More pics P. 9. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Young Dems Party with Deeley

S. 20th St., Networking 6:30 p.m., Hot Pepper Challenge (Lou Galdo vs. Dr. Steven Cohen) 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20. For info: Gaeton.Tavella spba1897@gmail.com.

L-R WERE Ward Leader Shawn Dillon, activist David Krain, attorney Carmella Jacquinto and the new City Commission Chair, Lisa Deeley, who hosted.

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YOUNG DEMOCRATS enjoyed a lively holiday party at Chickie’s & Pete’s on Roosevelt Boulevard. Photos by Wendell Douglas

TWO AIDES to Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Chief of Staff Katherine Gilmore Richardson, L, and press rep Haniyyah Sharp Brown, IRONWORKERS Local 401 leader Kevshared a moment with City Commis- in Boyle, L, and State Rep. Mike Driscoll sion Chair Lisa Deeley. joined Lisa Deeley at the affair.

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FLANKING City Commission Chair Lisa Deeley were DCC Chair Congressman Bob Brady and affable former City Controller Jonathan Saidel – forever Young Democrats at heart.

MARK your CALENDAR Jan. 6- State rep candidate Sean Kilkenny hosts Fundraiser at Sprinkler Fitters’ Ha., 14002 McNulty Dr., 7-11 p.m. Music, food, open bar. Contribution levels $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000. For info: electseankilkenny@gmail. com. Jan. 9- S. Phila. Business Ass’n hosts “Who’s Hot” 50/50 Scholarship Fundraiser at Popi’s Restaurant, 3120

Jan. 15- State Rep. Morgan Cephas & Lt. Gov. Mike Stack host “Pathways to Pardons Expungement Expo” at Shepard rec Ctr., 5700 Haverford Ave., 11 a.m.2 p.m. For info: 215) 879-6625. Jan. 25- Green Party of Phila. holds Membership Mtg. at Shissler Rec Ctr., 1800 Blair St., 7 p.m. Taking nominations for 2018 City Committee. Free & open to public. For info: (215) 843-4256.

For Further Listings See “Calendar” Online At www.phillyrecord.com

12/27/2017 11:53:24 AM

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been aware of. The law also will help veterans, their families and support workers get access to important benefits that support them.” Solomon’s bipartisan effort was first co-sponsored by State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield). “This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue,” Solomon stated. “I was honored to work closely with my friend and colleague Matt Gabler on this legislation. As an Army reservist myself and he a captain in the National Guard, we both know the sacrifices our fellow soldiers make for this country. We should all join in wish-

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(Cont. From Page 3) interest to provide sexual-harassment training annually to ensure that employees know what appropriate and inappropriate conduct in the workplace looks like, and how to report it,” said Parker. “The #MeToo movement and accompanying takedown of abusers across all industries has sent a clear message that the time is up for abusers in any part of our society,” said Gym. “We all have a role to play in ending violence, and as women we know that no one will advocate for us if we don’t.” “No woman should have her safety, her dignity or her career threatened by sexual harassment in the workplace,” added Quiñones-Sánchez. Solomon Wins A Veterans Registry State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Northeast) stood by Gov. Tom Wolf as he signed Solomon’s legislation into law that will help Pennsylvania veterans receive federal, State and local benefits. HB 1231, now Act 69 of 2017, will expand the existing Department of Military & Veterans Affairs registry’s reach by bringing other agencies into the process of identifying veterans who stand to benefit. Currently, the DMVA manages an online registry that lists more than 10,000 veterans, but that number is still significantly less than the 894,000 veterans living in Pennsylvania. “This law will ensure the hundreds of thousands of veterans in Pennsylvania who are potentially missing out on the opportunities and benefits others are receiving through the DMVA registry get the help they deserve,” Solomon said. “It will make more people aware of the existing one-stop shop for our veterans and their loved ones that allows them to discover programs and services that they may not have previously

ing Rep. Gabler well on his extended deployment in the Middle East in 2018. Come home safe, Matt!” HB 1231 is the freshman lawmaker’s first piece of legislation to become law as the prime sponsor. Brown Hosts Trip To Pa. Farm Show State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown (D-W. Phila.) will host a bus trip from Philadelphia to the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Saturday, Jan. 13. The bus will leave Brown’s office, 1435 W. 52nd Street, at 8 a.m. and will head back to Philadelphia at 4 p.m. Brown said the trip is intended to provide school-age youth and their guardians (Cont. on Page 13)

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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

12/27/2017 11:40:39 AM

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SEPTA wrapped up its 37th annual “Yuletoy Drive,” collecting 18,000 toys for children in need across SEPTA’s service region. The toys were loaded on to two SEPTA buses and delivered to several organizations. Among those helping were SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey Knueppel, 3rd from R.

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SEPTA Is Moving Toys Around the Region

BLAINE SCHOOL was scene of a bike giveaway organized by Council President Darrell Clarke. L-R above were Jessica Ausen, Anastasia Austin, State Rep. Donna Bullock, Clarke, Toyin Ogunfalaju and CH2M VPs Peter J, Butler and David J. Nisula. Photos by Wendell Douglas

A NEW South Philly tradition is the free kids’ holiday concert in the Chapel of Four Chaplains in the Navy Yard. The Kidz4Cuz division of the Yo Cuz Foundation brings awareness to mental illness through the power of singing. L-R are members of the Chapel’s board of directors, staff and founders of the foundations: Senior Chaplain Gary Holden; Louis Cavaliere, chapel chairman; Michelle Nolfi, coordinator; Bob Burke, Drop The Mic, Inc. founder; Santa; Debra Michaels, Yo Cuz Foundation founder; Christine Beady, chapel executive director; Larry Haney, board of directors; and George Johnston, treasurer. Yo Cuz Foundation is the signature sponsor of the Four Chaplains Veterans/Mental Illness Awareness Symposium that will be held Friday, May 11, 2018. Photo by Joe Stivala

Cruz Fêtes Seniors Roebuck Socks Win

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Clarke on a Roll 4 Chaplains Offer Season’s Music

STATE REP. Angel Cruz treated seniors to two holiday meals, this one at Casa Caribe. Photos by Wendell Douglas

STATE REP. Jordan Harris handed out holiday gift bikes to many Point Breeze families at Yesha House. He shares a moment here with two young recipients and their mother. Photo by Wendell Douglas

L-R WERE State Rep. Angel Cruz, Papá Noel, Carmeline Ayala and City Commission Chair Barbara Deeley.

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STATE REP. Jim Roebuck and volunteers for his annual Socks Drive met in his district office to gift-wrap hundreds of pairs of socks, collected by Roebuck, his staff and volunteers and his community partners to distribute to ailing seniors, homeless people and needy students in West Philadelphia. Flanking Roebuck are, L-R, Sheila Dunn and Rochelle Williams. Roebuck thanked the community partners: the Mini Town Watch of the Squirrel Hill Police Substation; Alfonso Rainey, committeeperson of the 46th Ward; and the University City Review. Photo by Bonnie Squires

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Harris Wheeling and Dealing

12/27/2017 11:43:21 AM

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ELEPHANT CORNER

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Last week, GOV. TOM WOLF called for STATE REP. THOMAS CALTAGIRONE’S (D-Berks) resignation in light of serial allegations of sexual harassment. This Wolf announcement follows on the heels of his demand that STATE SEN. DAYLIN LEACH (D-Montgomery) resign. I do not approve of Leach’s actions (if they are ultimately proven to be true) However, there is a one not-so-slight distinction between Leach and Catagirone (as well as former State Rep. and now Philadelphia

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EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY Habari Gani! As I write this, it’s the first day of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa, for those of you who don’t know, is a week-long commemoration of African culture that runs through New Year’s Day. There are seven principles, or Ngozo Saba, that govern the holiday. Umoja, or Unity, is the first, followed by Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Works and Responsibilities), Ujamaa (Collective Economics), Nia

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SHERIFF JEWELL WILLIAMS): It does not appear that Leach used taxpayer or even campaign funds to silence his accusers. It has been reported the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus paid $248,000 and $30,000 to settle sexual-harassment claims against Catagirone and Williams respectively. These funds came from the taxpayer-financed caucus’s budget. A number of Democrat State House members are calling on Catagirone to resign. STATE REP. MADELEINE DEAN (D-Montgomery), stated, “I call on Rep. Caltagirone … and any other elected official that has used taxpayer money to settle sexual-harassment suits — to resign immediately and to reimburse the taxpayers.” I am curious. Is she also calling on the senior members of the caucus who authorized these payments to resign? I guess the perpetrator is the only sinner, and not the other men who

pushed his alleged crimes under the rug so not to embarrass the caucus. I also find this newfound outrage amusing. When Wolf was running for governor, he had no problems stumping with former PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON. Unlike Leach and Caltagirone, Clinton’s sexual harassment (and/or his lying about his actions) is a matter of public record and the grounds for his impeachment. Just in case you forgot, Clinton was impeached for abuse of power. He lost his law license for perjury for lying about his behavior towards intern MONICA LEWINSKY and Arkansas state employee PAULA JONES. Jones made her allegations public in 1994 and brought a sexual-harassment lawsuit against Clinton. A federal judge dismissed the Jones’ lawsuit in 1998 on the grounds that Jones (Cont. on Page 15)

(Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These principles are recognized by the lighting of a candle on a candelabra known as the Kinara each day. The holiday, which was created by California State University Professor Maulana Karenga, is designed to connect the African Diaspora through its culture. It’s an ecumenical religious celebration, so despite what the folks on Fox News might tell you, it isn’t Black folks trying to disrespect Christmas. In a city like Philadelphia, which is predominantly Black, you won’t have to go far to find a Kwanzaa celebration. The African American Museum in Philadelphia usually has one. Many homes and cultural institutions have them as well. But like I said, it’s not a substitute for Christmas. However, it finally shares something with the holiday

here in Philadelphia. For the first time in the City’s history, Boathouse Row, the collection of homes along the Schuylkill River, will be lit to commemorate Kwanzaa. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of WURD newsman Vincent Thompson, the listeners of WURD, and the Kwanzaa Cooperative, the group that coordinates Kwanzaa celebrations around the City, the City of Philadelphia held its first official Kwanzaa celebration on Monday, using the boathouses as a Kinara with the Vesper Boat Club house serving as its center. All seven lights were illuminated when the city held its celebration on Monday, but, like the Kinara they imitate, they’ll be lit one by one for each day. To get the best view, go to Martin Luther King Boulevard. You won’t be sorry. Next week, we’ll wrap up (Cont. on Page 14)

A Tale of Two Editorials

WALKING the BEAT BY JOE SHAY STIVALA n Christmas Eve – OF ALL DAYS – what to my wondering eyes should appear but an editorial on the Local Nasty List? This sort of piece is quick and easy to create; just assemble people or things that made top news for a few days in a row. The best type, if there are office parties to attend. SURE ENOUGH, the Rizzo Statue, and Lieutenant Governor were included. And if your poll ratings are low – Gov. Christie. WHO wants to see

CITYHALL SAM Philadelphia’s son and only statewide elected official LT. GOV. MIKE STACK is sitting pretty for re-election. There will be no public report from the inspector general, and GOV. TOM WOLF and Stack will continue to build their relationship. They are in lockstep on the issues, so who cares about personalities? In fact, they were seen several times together over the holidays lighting Christmas trees and celebrating Hanukkah. Stack represents by far the

this blarney on Christmas Eve? Do the authors decide for us? Are they PURE AS THE DRIVEN SNOW – or SLUSH? Can they cast the first stone? And then, in the twinkling of an eye, on Christmas Day, an editorial full of PRAISE for a worthy endeavor. Easy to write as well. And this is a day for family. Would it not be great if we could have more editorials of praise? Can they keep it up? And will they BE FACELESS no longer? Show your face on the same page and make it easy for rebuttal or praise with email access to you. And if you take the train home to the Main Line, don’t tell us how to LIVE AND THINK in the big city. Give us the DIRT on your own town. Pennsylvania is fifth in national population and may lose a congressional seat. That loss necessitates a realignment of congres-

sional districts – a good time to GET RID OF G.O.P. GERRYMANDERING! The City of Philadelphia is LAX on obtaining a recycle plan from business – years late. Want it done? Get EAGER college interns to help businesses complete the forms. An editorial was startled that Councilwomen Quiñones-SÁNCHEZ and Jannie BLACKWELL have submitted an ordinance to exempt their districts from collection of property-tax debt by selling the debt to collection firms. Was this editorial written on the PAOLI LOCAL? Collection firms have been ruthless in the past. Much of the debt is not collectible (out-oftown fat cats). The Blackwell bill may also be crafted to get attention for compromise. Lawmakers do this. The best solution for the writers is to take a POLI SCI (Cont. Next Page)

largest voting base of any candidate for lieutenant governor. His support in Philadelphia has only grown with his campaign for social justice and second chances through Pathways to Pardons. Fifteen Democratic state senators endorsed Stack at the State Capitol. ANDY DINNIMAN of West Chester called Stack “the perfect progressive.” STATE SEN. DAYLIN LEACH had a very tough end of the year, with newspaper reports of inappropriate conduct towards different staff members. It remains to be seen if Leach can hold on and run for Congress, or if he’ll just decide to hold his Senate seat. In any event, he has said publicly that he will take a step back from his congressional run for now. The Leach campaign has asserted that its competitors were the genesis of the bad stories on him. For now, WARD LEADER DAN MUROFF is still running for

the Democratic nomination to take on CONGRESSMAN PAT MEEHAN (R-Delaware). Meehan will be a tough out. He’s another one of these conservative Republicans who seems to vote “moderate” at exactly the right time. He’s got a couple of those votes under his belt. U.S. SEN. PAT TOOMEY managed the same strategy with guns and was able to defeat Democrat KATIE McGINTY thereby. The trend seems to be moving in favor of the Democrats this election cycle, but one never knows. Keep in mind Trump won the presidency by winning Pennsylvania. In Luzerne County, he won by 20 points. And that’s Casey country. Democrats have won there by large margins historically. Former CITY CONTROLLER JONATHAN SAIDEL seemed simply delighted at the prospect of his wife and (Cont. on Page 14)

12/27/2017 11:17:39 AM

11 night as we once did? We still go outside, but there isn’t that much going on outside either. People don’t run outside to make noise and greet each other like they used to. Maybe they think it is now unsophisticated. Maybe they don’t care enough about their neighbors to wish them a Happy New Year. Maybe they don’t even know their neighbors. Whatever the reason, it just isn’t the same as it was. On this coming New Year’s Eve, midnight will still signal a celebration we will try to celebrate as we once knew it. But as time goes by, the happiness that once was there will be gone. Gone but not forgotten. I hope future generations will not lose this precious memory. New Year’s Eve can be one of the most-memorable times of the year and of your life. Enjoy it to the fullest.

payday lender, most believe they can go to jail if they do not make good on the check or if the check bounces. But telling someone that they will be prosecuted or go to jail is not true. To be guilty of writing a worthless check, the person writing the check must have written the check with the intention of defrauding the party receiving the

check. Since the payday lender knowingly accepts a post-dated check, the lender knows that the check is not good at the time it receive the check. However, payday loans, while marketed as a loan to be used on a one-time basis, are in reality taken out by people when they are their most vulnerable and their most desperate.

The high interest rates (usually shown as a fee for borrowing the money) make it difficult for borrowers to repay these loans. I personally have seen potential clients come in with fees that equate to interest rates of 425% to 600%. Because they are difficult to repay, many consumers end up paying additional “fees” in order to roll the

loan over. These fees can often end up being paid several times for one loan. Because of this, many consumers end up paying more in fees than the than the amount they originally borrowed, putting them into worse financial shape then when they started. Next Week’s Question: Bankruptcy petition preparers: a really bad idea?

Obamacare in a SNEAKY way. It is all connected to an article I read of the GOP history of no courage (to get what they want). And on the tax bill, U.S. Sen. Pat TOOMEY says, “I’ve wanted to do this for 20 years.” Wanted to do it for whom? Toomey is a 1% senator who won re-election by a 1% lead over the DEM opponent, after a $10 million last-minute injection by GOP National Committee. As a minority winner, he should have RESPECTED

the feelings of HALF the state voters. State Attorney General Josh SHAPIRO gets the HIGHEST PRAISE for getting a shale-oil producer to stop deducting drilling expenses on leased lands in royalty payments to owners. And landowners will be compensated. Do you feel sad for the oil companies? Just attend the opulent shale party during the Pa. Society weekends. Thank you, Col. Tim WILLIAMS, for getting a

79-year-old veteran out of living in the woods and into a warm apartment. Tim is Director of the Vets Multi Service Center at 4th & Race and Millville, N.J. He has mostly eradicated vet homelessness locally. Bravo Sierra! NEW YEAR GIFT to North Korea could be the end of Mount MANTAP. They conducted six nuclear tests deep under it. The Economist reports the last test – a possible hydrogen bomb – had satellites

showing contour changes of a shifting mountain. This “tired mountain syndrome” is evidenced by recent tunnel collapses there. The mountain, near the Chinese border, may blow its top off, releasing radiation, after another test. A MOUNTAIN of APPRECIATION to the Philadelphia Public Record for this space in 2017! To the readers, a HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

understanding BANKRUPTCY

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: Can I discharge payday loans in bankruptcy? Answer: Payday loans are a form of unsecured debt, although many people believe these debts are secured. In fact, since the borrower is required to turn over a post-dated check to the and U.S. Attorney’s Office. State .Rep. Chris RABB is a genuine guy with good ideas, who is learning fast. His support to end stateGOP reign over the Parking Authority cannot make headway with the GOP majority. A great idea, but too many GOP jobs and power. Besides, the City still controls half the action, via the Finance Department Bureau of Administrative Adjudication. The GOP Plutocracy TAX BILL is upon us, damaging

Q WALKING the BEAT (Cont. From Prev. Page) 101 course ASAP! And do not say that the City has an easy repayment plan. HUMBUG. A local lawyer has been picked for U.S. Attorney here. His photo makes him appear GLUM-faced (?). That poker face may be needed in a historic era of LOW REGARD for the FBI

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Spoons were banged on pot lids, horns were blown, and anything else used that could create a din. We would shout Happy New Year to each other through all the noise (as if no one knew that it was a new year.) This lasted 10 to 15 minutes. We then returned to our home cold, tired and hoarse. There we continued to eat, converse with everyone and generally feel good about having survived

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BY JOE SBARAGLIA o! Here we go again with these thoughts about New Year’s Eve. When I was growing up, we celebrated New Year’s Eve at home with our family and friends. It was also a celebration of having survived one year and looking forward to a better one to come. We would have tons of food to eat. Relatives and guests arrived early. They always brought something, for it is an Italian custom never to go visiting with Empty Hands. Promptly at 11:30 p.m.,

the WAFFLE MAN

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another year. The kids were allowed to stay up. Big deal, for by about 2 a.m., most of us had fallen asleep, either on the floor, on the couch or on someone’s lap. It wasn’t until everyone was stuffed, the perishable food put in the icebox, the dishes washed and put away, that Mom and the other women finally got to rest. It had been a long and fun-filled night (and morning), but we had to get some

sleep. We had to get up early to watch the Mummers’ Parade. Our New Year’s Eve celebration is not like this anymore. Grandpop Achille, Dad and many of our relatives have passed away. We kids now have our own families and circle of friends with whom we celebrate the New Year. The food that we once consumed to excess, now gives us agita. Going out to nightclubs costs more than we can afford, so we still stay home on New Year’s Eve. We still invite relatives and guests to our home, but most of them are as busy with their own lives as we are with ours. We still watch the ball come down on Times Square on TV, but Guy Lombardo has been replaced by a rock-music carnival our kids insist on watching. Who are we to argue with them? We shouldn’t be old-fashioned. Should we still exchange the kisses, greetings and coins at the stroke of mid-

the television was tuned to Guy Lombardo. It would not be New Year without hearing his soft, graceful music. And don’t even think of changing the channel. Grandpop Achille or Dad would promptly scold you and insist on returning the station to Guy Lombardo. Anticipation grew as the witching hour approached. When the ball finally fell and the New Year had arrived, we would kiss (or shake hands with) each of our relatives and guests. We wished them good luck. A coin was exchanged, one with the other, to insure the recipient always had money during the coming year. These coins were never to be spent, as they represented a gesture of affection. I still have most of the coins I received over the years. After this ritual, everyone would hurry out into the street to join with the other neighbors in making as much noise as possible, with anything available.

12/27/2017 11:45:14 AM

RUNNING FOR JUDGE IN PHILLY – WHO GETS PAID?

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BY DAVID LYNN very two years, Philadelphia voters go to the polls in small numbers, and cast ballots for individuals they barely know anything about. These individuals become 1st Judicial District judges serving in Philadelphia County courts, with great power over peoples’ lives. Although the city of Philadelphia has a two-party system in theory, the only race that matters during a judicial election cycle is the Democratic primary, held in odd-numbered years, usually in May. In most cases, voters may vote for more than one judicial candidate per office, further adding to the confusion. There is no surefire path to victory. But ballot position matters, endorsements matter and get-out the-vote efforts matter. Since judicial candidates run citywide, these races can be complicated and expensive. Some individuals and organizations have set themselves up as “experts” for getting elected judge in Philadelphia. Although campaign finance laws are only loosely enforced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, reports still get filed, and we can examine who got paid what kind of money to assist judicial candidates. For the purposes of this article, we limited our investigation to the 2017 Common Pleas Court and Municipal Court judicial race on the Democratic side. We also discounted any expense of less than $2,000. The data come from Commonwealth of Pennsylvania campaign-finance reports from the first, second and third cycles of 2017. There were 27 candidates on the Democratic ballot for Common Pleas Court judge. Nine survived the Democratic primary and

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continued to the general election. The candidates are listed with their vote totals (highest first) as follows: There were six candidates for Municipal Court judge on the Democratic ballot. Voters could vote for up to two candidates. Candidates were allowed to register for more than one office. Several individuals ran for both Common Pleas and Municipal Court. Because so few voters pay attention to the judicial races, candidates must compete aggressively in the scant pool of primary votes. A cottage industry has sprung up to help candidates do just that. Department of State data show who was paid for consulting, get-out-thevote and other activities. No exhaustive exhaustive list exist of individuals and organizations that receive funds from candidates. But one can read much in the data about who the major players are and what their impact is. Taking a Ride On Big Ballots Perhaps the biggest player in the Democratic primary is the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee itself. It appears to have taken money from nine Common Pleas candidates and two Municipal Court candidates. With the exception of Vincent Melchiorre, who donated $15,000, all the other candidates gave $35,000. It is interesting to note that paying money to Philadelphia Democratic City Committee is not a surefire way to get elected. Deborah Cianfrani, Lucretia Clemons, Shanese Johnson, Zac Shaffer and Judge Stella Tsai won; but David Conroy, Judge Vincent Melchiorre, Crystal Powell and Judge Daniel R. Sulman lost. Two Municipal Court candidates gave large amounts

to the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee: Marissa Brumbach and George Twardy. Brumbach won while Twardy lost. Candidates also differed greatly on how this expense was labeled. Some simply called it “GOTV” while others were quite blunt, labeling it as “Endorsement” or, in one case, “Endorsement/ Assessment.” At a lower tier, some judicial candidates took a

campaign, most likely to be listed on his sample ballot, were as follows: Leonard Deutchman, Leon Goodman, Vikki Kristiansson, John Macoretta and Rania Major. Only Kristiansson won. The going rate for Khan’s ballot-listing privilege seems to have been $5,000, although Leon Goodman and Municipal Court candidate Marissa Brumbach both paid only $2,500.

ride on the campaigns of more-prominent citywide candidates, in particular, entrants in the hotly contested district attorney race. The following candidates for Common Pleas Court gave to Citizens for Rich Negrin: Deborah Canty, Leonard Deutchman, Vikki Kristiansson, Rania Major, Henry McGregor Sias and Crystal Powell. Canty and Kristiansson won. Most of the candidates gave $5,000, although Powell only gave $2,500. Marissa Brumbach, who was running for Municipal Court, gave Negrin $3,000. Some of the same candidates hedged their bets by giving to Joe for Philly, the PAC for DA candidate Joe Khan. Common Pleas Court candidates who gave to his

The Busy World Of Consultants Then come the freelance PACs and consultants. A curious big player in the race was an entity called Black Voter Block PAC. This supposed PAC received $82,335 in 13 contributions from the following Common Pleas candidates: Lucretia Clemons, Judge Vincent Furlong, Leon Goodman, Vikki Kristiansson, Brian McLaughlin and Judge Vincent Melchiorre. On the Municipal Court side, Marissa Brumbach gave $3,000 to this PAC. All PACS that participate in judicial races must be registered with the Department of State, but Right to Know requests filed with DOS did not turn up any such PAC. In several instances, candi-

dates simply did not list an address or listed “Information Requested” for an address for this expenditure. One listed the address of a hotel near the airport; another listed a residential address in Chester, Pa. Black Voter Block PAC scored well: five of its seven clients won judgeships. A number of PACs act as vehicles for the individual consultant who runs them. This seems to be the case with Liberty Square PAC, chaired by Charles Finney. His PAC received funds from the following Common Pleas Court candidates: Deborah Cianfrani, Vikki Kristiansson, Judge Vincent Melchiorre, Zac Shaffer, Judge Daniel Sulman and Judge Stella Tsai. In addition, Finney’s for-profit enterprise appeared in expenditures reported by Marissa Brumbach, Deborah Cianfrani, Lucretia Clemons, David Conroy, Henry McGregor Sias, Judge Vincent Melchiorre, Judge Daniel R. Sulman, Judge Stella Tsai and George Twardy. Collectively, Finney and his PAC collected $210,000 in large-scale contributions from 11 Philadelphia judicial candidates, six of whom won. Finney’s going rate for 1st Judicial District hopefuls was apparently $20,000. Brumbach paid only $15,000 to the PAC. Edgar “Sonny” Campbell, Democratic 4th Ward leader, is treasurer of Genesis IV PAC. The following candidates for Common Pleas Court paid Genesis IV PAC $25,000 for consulting, GOTV, or other similar expenses: Deborah Cianfrani, David Conroy, Lucretia Clemons, Shanese Johnson, Judge Vincent Melchiorre, Zac Shaffer, Judge Daniel Sulman and Judge Stella Tsai. Municipal Court candidates Marissa Brumbach

and George Twardy also gave the PAC $25,000 each. Genesis IV’s victory margin was an impressive 6 for 8. Some consultants get paid directly without filtering money through a PAC. This was the case with M. Joseph “Ozzy” Myers. He was paid a total of $24,000 by the following three Common Pleas Court candidates: Vikki Kristiansson, John Macoretta and Zac Shaffer. Municipal Court candidate George Twardy also paid Myers $20,000 each. Another active player is John Cooper, a consultant whose address was occasionally given as 1719 Spring Garden Street (close to, if not at, IBEW Local 98 headquarters). Cooper obtained fees for consulting, GOTV and petitions. Cooper was paid more than $41,000 by the following Common Pleas Court candidates: Deborah Cianfrani, Judge Vincent Furlong, Leon Goodman, Vikki Kristiansson, John Macoretta and Zac Shaffer. George Twardy, candidate for Municipal Court, also paid Cooper $4,428 for petitions. Overall, Cooper batted 4 for 7. Readers of DOS data should be cautioned that, like any massive database, it is prone to data-entry glitches, on the part both of filing candidates and committees, as well as DOS employees. Database updates are ongoing. It typically takes months to confirm the accuracy of all filings, especially if they have not been previously challenged. Data for the fourth and fifth cycle 2017 have not been published at the time of this writing, and the deadline for 2017 cycle 6 has just passed. But in a few months, savvy observers will be able to see if there were any other major expenditures by candidates after the primary for GOTV efforts. 12/27/2017 11:44:52 AM

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A Very 332 Holiday

MAKING merry at Laborers’ Local 332 holiday party were, L-R, Councilman Bobby Henon, Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, host Local 332 Business Manager Sam Staten, Jr. and City Commissioner Anthony Clark. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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Marines hit a pinnacle one year, then they exceed it the next year. I want to thank them for taking the initiative and making sure that millions of children get toys for Christmas.” Council Wages War On Archaic Language In its final session of the year, per the recommendation of the City’s Committee on Legislative Oversight, City Council passed several bills that discard non-essential, confusing language in the Philadelphia Code. This vote is a critical first step in helping simplify the City Code, following the completion of the first round of assessments conducted earlier this year by the Special Committee on Regulatory Review & Reform, of which Councilman Derek Green (at Large) is co-chair – aimed at streamlining business procedures and revising regulations in City government. “I called for the creation of the Special Committee on Regulatory Review & Reform,” said Council President Darrell Clarke, “because mutual respect and fairness in government and the private sector are necessary for equitable economic growth.” Clarke added, “The Philadelphia Code should reflect our city’s values, which is why repealing regulations regarding premarital health examinations for women, enacted at a time when women did not have equal rights under the law, is the right and necessary thing to do. I applaud the special committee on its diligence and dedication to making sure Philadelphia is truly the welcoming city we know it can be.” Based on initial feedback from the Kenney Administration and various subcommittees of the Special Committee, Council voted for seven bills that will remove antiquated verbiage, virtually doing away with

SAM STATEN, JR., 2nd from R, welcomed VIPs to his annual holiday party. Included were, L-R, State Rep. Jordan Harris, Judge Lori Dumas; State Rep. Joanna McClinton; Judge Sierra Street; Staten; and Anthony Lewis of the City Housing Commission. Photo by Joe Stivala

TWO old hands flanked Councilman Bobby Henon: Lo- LABOR united: L-R were Sheet Metal Workers cal 332 veteran Charlie Branch, L, and AFL-CIO polit- Local 19’s Gary Masino, Jr., state rep candidate ical expert Ken Washington. Photo by Wendell Douglas Sean Kilkenny and Sam Staten, Jr. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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(Cont. From Page 7) the opportunity to experience the wonders of Pennsylvania farming and agriculture. The 102nd edition of the Pennsylvania Farm Show opens Jan. 6 and runs daily through Jan. 13. “Living in the city, it is easy to forget the long and proud tradition agriculture plays in our state’s heritage,” Brown said. “Pennsylvania remains a leader in agricultural and livestock farming, and the Farm Show is a great opportunity to see the fruits of our farmers’ labor. And the food court is always good, too.” A $10 fee per person is required to secure a bus seat. While the Farm Show offers many dining opportunities, they are not included in the bus fee, so riders will need to procure their own meals, Brown said. For more information or to RSVP, contact Brown’s office at (215) 879-6615. Tartaglione Loads ‘Toys for Tots’ Box Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, coloring books and Transformers were among the gifts donated through State Sen. Tina Tartaglione’s (D-Kensington) office this year. U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marc Zayas presented this year’s haul from the senator the coordinator of the 2017 Philadelphia Toys for Tots program with a treasure trove of gifts donated through her Bridge Street office. The senator’s generous constituents gave a variety of fun, creative and educational items, including Mickey Mouse and Winnie the Pooh plush dolls, astronaut-theme coloring books, alphabet magnets, superhero sticker books, a Play-Doh set and schoolbook backpacks. The Marines will distribute the donated items to families in need throughout the Philadelphia area. “Each year, the toy drive keeps getting better and better,” Tartaglione said. “The

otherwise obsolete guidelines that would interfere with and inhibit the operation of businesses throughout the City. These include Bill 170799 (Miscellaneous Standards & Requirements – prohibiting the use of a “shoe fluoroscope”) and Bill No. 170796 (“Use of Electronic Scanners for Customer Checkout”). “We want to create a much-smoother, less-rigorous experience for those looking to do business and invest in Philadelphia,” said Green. “Too often, we hear how much red tape there is and how unfriendly our city is to small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to actually grow here. We have a far more-affordable cost of living than New York City or even Washington, D.C., among a plethora of other attractive amenities that we offer. Therefore, we can’t let something like outdated rules stand in the way of future opportunities for stimulating economic growth.” “We applaud City Council and the Kenney administration on this initial action for meaningful regulatory reform for the City of Philadelphia,” said Rob Wonderling, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “We look forward to our continued collaborative efforts to modernize the City’s regulatory environment for all businesses and citizens.” Green is part of a movement. Nine other bills were introduced to further simplify the code, by Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sanchez (7th Dist.), Councilman Al Taubenberger (at Large) and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (2nd Dist.). “The work of the special committee is an excellent example of what collaboration between the private sector and local government can look like,” said Commerce Director Harold T. Epps. “I am encouraged.”

RANDY ROBINSON enjoyed a STUNNING lineup was, L-R, Brenda Rios, Jillia Parker, Nedia chance to hang out with Council- Ralston, State Rep. Joanna McClinton and Jasmine Sessoms. Photo woman Cherelle Parker. Photo by bv Wendell Douglas Wendell Douglas

STATE REP. Joanna McClinton hung out with two sav- WARD LEADER Dan Muroff, L, who is running vy political operatives: Jim Harrity, L, and Micah Mah- for Congress, checked in with state senatorial aide Omar Sabir, a 332 loyalist. Photo bv Wendell joubian. Photo bv Wendell Douglas Douglas

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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

12/27/2017 11:57:22 AM

AOH Feeds the Homeless

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ANCIENT Order of Hibernians Division 25 and Ladies Division 25 came together again in deep cold to warm needy families with holiday food baskets. Loading the baskets in Shamrock Warehouse with food items were, L-R, Jim Dooley, Operating Engineers Local 542 business agent; Tom Dougherty; Brian Ed Coleman; Regina Bauer; Jerry Coleman; Becky Puchalski; Jim Murphy; Jeanne Hernley; County AOH Chairman Ed Dougherty; and Maria Gallagher. Public Record Correspondent Joe Shay Stivala participated in the distribution

CITYHALL SAM

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(Cont. From Page 10) newly elected Superior Court JUDGE MARIA McLAUGHLIN getting sworn in during the new year. Seen at STATE SEN. BOB ROVNER’S holiday party was newly elected Common Pleas Court JUDGE MARK COHEN. Mark is the longterm state representative who was defeated by JARED SOLOMON. According to the newspapers, that was the end of Cohen’s career.

Cohen did not receive the memo or read the reports. He was elected comfortably to the bench. He will be sworn in the new year and will do a great job. The best judges have some grassroots political experience and Cohen’s experience as a member of the House of Representatives will give him a true understanding of justice and pragmatism. Also seen at the Rovner holiday party were 2ND LADY TONYA STACK, who was looking magnificent,

and former JUDGES FAY STACK and EUGENE MAIER. Former Miss USA SUZETTE CHARLES was also on hand.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE (Cont. From Page 10) what can only described as a year that’s been kinda nutso. But what else would you expect in a year where we found out what America would be like if a four-yearold became President of the United States?

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

(215) 236-6700

www.ldc-phila-vic.org

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Alan Parham, Adminstrator

Local 57 - Esteban Vera, Jr., Business Manager Local 135 - Deniel 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

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Building better and safer communities in Philadlephia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties

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

12/27/2017 11:16:02 AM

contributions? Not the Clinton Foundation, which was formed more recently. Last week, the Trump administration appointed WILLIAM McSWAIN, a former federal prosecutor, former marine and a Drinker Biddle, to be U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. McSwain graduated from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review. The Eastern District covers Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, Berks, Bucks, Lancaster, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties. If confirmed by

the U.S. Senate, McSwain will be running a roughly 130-prosecutor office. This position was once held by now-CONGRESSMAN PAT MEEHAN (R-Delaware). McSwain was recommended by both by Pennsylvania SENS. PAT TOOMEY (R) and BOB CASEY (D), making Senate confirmation easier. McSwain is a criminal attorney who has focused most of his career on white-collar crime. He came to the attention of the Pennsylvania GOP owing to his legal work for the Boy Scouts’ right to exclude gay

members and other causes deemed to be conservative. McSwain donated to the campaigns of Toomey, CONGRESSMAN RYAN COSTELLO (R-Chester) and presidential candidate JEB BUSH. Public records do not show him donating to PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S campaign. His non-criminal work and political donations may raise some concerns among the more-liberal members of the Senate. I hope that that any hue and cry by his liberal colleagues will not cause Casey to rescind his support.

Seuss Crew with Tina

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ELEPHANT CORNER (Cont. From Page 10) didn’t prove she was harmed, either personally or in her career. Jones appealed the ruling. Jones was escorted to a room for a private meeting with Clinton when he was governor, by his security detail. Once in the room, Jones stated that Clinton propositioned her and exposed himself. Clinton ultimately paid Jones $850,000 as part of an out-of-court settlement. I wonder where he found that money – from his salary as U.S. president or Arkansas governor? From campaign

POSING with Santa Claus at State Sen. Tina Tartaglione’s new office were State Rep. Angel Cruz, the Grinch, Santa, Carmen the Elf, Tartaglione and Cindy Lou from Whoville. Photo by Leona Dixon

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