America’s best weekly Denzel makes surprise visit to AWC teen comptition
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1 year after Freddie Gray, police work to heal cityʼs wounds
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VOL. 107, NO. 15
DeWitt Walton Detective names continues fight suspect in for economic cookout ambush justice Published Weekly
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
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Voters Guide 2016 Special Section
Howard Slaughter named president/ CEO of Habitat for Humanity
DeWITT WALTON
by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
DeWitt Walton first got involved in a political campaign in 1967 in Gary, Ind. That was two years before he began fighting through the internal and external politics of building careers for African Americans as a member of the United Steelworkers Union, and 38 years before he ran his own winning campaign for Allegheny County Council. But his fight for economic justice continues—and as he told the New Pittsburgh Courier editorial board recently, his seat on council gives him a whole new vantage point on the battlefield. “Since the (2015) Primary,
After an extensive search and interview period, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh announced April 5 that it has named Dr. Howard B. Slaughter Jr. as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. He will officially take over at the end of the m o n t h when Habitat’s longtime Executive Director, Maggie HOWARD B. SLAUGHTER Withrow, reSEE SLAUGHTER A7
“If you have a plan and some metrics, you can do this. We just have to move away from elitism and entitlement— we have to reinvest in us” DEWITT WALTON I’ve been working with (Councilman John) DeFazio. I told him my interests— economic development, human services and public safety. I am on all those committees and chair the Eco-
nomic Development Committee,” he said. “For me, it’s about creating value in the Black community, raising incomes, and as a result, increasing public safety.” Walton said, though he ousted popular long time Councilman and former state Rep. Bill Robinson and has previously sided against his successor state Rep. Jake Wheatley—most notably on who would win Pittsburgh’s casino license—they remain allies. “At the end of the day, we may not walk the same path,” he said. “But if we share the same agenda, the same goal, we’ll get there.” In terms of getting there
Courier Staff Writer
Holy Family Academy, the new independent Catholic secondary school started by the Emsworth institute that has served the Pittsburgh area for more than 150 years, calls itself, “the school that builds.” And it means that, both figuratively and literally. Not only do its students—the majority of which are low- to moderate-income African Americans—build their futures through internships at local corporations, trade organizations, and nonprofits, they build their
WORKING TOGETHER—From left: Katie R. Jacobs attorney at law, legal intern Lakin Donald and senior Paralegal Julie Cocchiola are hard at work. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
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White ex-officer gets probation in Black driver’s shooting death
own desks. It is a labor born of necessity, said Sister Linda Yankoski, but one that has become emblematic of the school’s focus: a free Catholic education focused on a post-secondary pathway. “When we started the school two years ago, we didn’t have a lot of the basics, including desks. So, with supervision from our partners at the Carpenters Union Center, we built them. I did
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)—To the White police officer and the judge, the shooting two years ago of a Black driver after a chase was a split-second case of bad judgment not deserving of prison time. To some African Americans in South Carolina, it is example of a judicial system that does not protect them from officers who go too far. Former North Augusta police Officer Justin Craven will serve three years of JUSTIN CRAVEN probation but no time behind bars for the killing of 68-year-old Ernest Satterwhite in his driveway after he led police trying to stop him for drunken driving on a 13minute chase. Craven’s dashboard camera captured the chase and shooting. As soon as Satterwhite stopped, Craven ran up to his car and
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Holy Family working to build Black youth by Christian Morrow
PITTSBURGH (AP)—A Pittsburgh man arrested a third time on drug and weapons charges stemming from a police search three years ago is a suspect in a cookout ambush last month that killed five adults and an unborn child, a detective testified. Allegheny County Detective Steve Hitchings testified at a bond hearing that Robert Thomas is a suspect in the March 9 cookout shootings in Wilkinsburg and has been told he’s a suspect, KDKA-TV first reported. Common Pleas ROBERT THOMAS Judge David Cashman agreed with the prosecution and found that Thomas was a danger to the community and a flight risk and revoked his bond, meaning Thomas will be jailed while the drug charges are pending. Hitchings’ testimony was the first time
Chamber Candidates’ Forum yields enthusiasm, few surprises by Christian Morrow Courier Staff Writer
Unlike past candidates’ forums hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce, this year’s event—focusing on the two local State House seats held by African American Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Hill District and Ed Gainey, D-East Liberty—featured a new venue, the Omni William Penn Hotel, and a new challenger Jessica Wolfe, a firsttime candidate from Allentown.
But like past forums, it was graciously hosted by Chamber President and CEO Doris Carson Williams and skillfully moderated by New Pittsburgh Courier Publisher Rod Doss, who, despite the lateness of Gainey challenger William Anderson began by introducing the candidates, who then made brief opening statements before fielding questions. Two-term East End Rep. Gainey touted his part in diSEE CHAMBER A7
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EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS—The candidates from left: William Anderson, Jake Wheatley, Ed Gainey and Jessica Wolfe. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
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Zari, new female puppet, This Week In Black History joins Afghan Sesame Street
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
INTERNATIONAL
by Lynne O’Donnell Associated Press Writer
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)—There’s a new face on Sesame Street—a sassy, fun 6-year-old Afghan puppet girl called Zari, with purple skin, an orange nose and multi-colored hair, an infectious giggle and outfits to please Afghanistan’s broad kaleidoscope of ethnicities and cultures. Zari will wear a headscarf with her school uniform, which unlike that for girls across Afghanistan will not be black—Sesame Street characters do not wear black—but pale blue. Otherwise the eternal preteen will be mostly bareheaded. She is a “universal character,” according to the team in Kabul that helped create Zari as the first Afghan character on the long-running children’s show, already the most popular in Afghanistan where children have taken Grover and the Cookie Monster to their hearts. Zari—whose name means “shimmering” in Afghanistan’s two official languages, Dari and Pashtu—made her debut on Thursday on the fifth season of Afghanistan’s local production of the show called Baghch-e-Simsim, which translates as Sesame Garden. She joins Sesame Street’s multi-cultural line-up, which includes Muppets in Bangladesh, Egypt and India who each do separate segments on their own national programs. Zari, too, will have two segments in each show, one on her own and another in which she interviews people from a wide range of backgrounds aiming to educate her young audience about such things as the importance of study, exercise and health. While many of the show’s characters are non-gender specific, the Kabul producers said they felt it was important to make the Afghan character a girl to help overcome the endemic misogyny that is often excused as part of the country’s cultural and religious heritage. The goal in bringing Sesame Street to Afghanistan had always been to eventually have an indigenous character, said
Elaine Effort
ZARI (AP Photo) Clemence Quint, program manager for Lapis Communications, the Afghan partner of the Sesame Street Workshop, which has produced Sesame Street in New York since 1969. Zari was made in New York. Her costumes incorporate fabrics and designs from all Afghanistan’s ethnic groups—predominantly Pashtoon, Tajik, Uzbek and Hazara. Her skin and hair were also designed to ensure that Zari cannot be identified with any specific ethnicity, but rather with all of them, Quint said. “Every Afghan can relate to Zari,” she said. “Zari is a female because in Afghanistan we thought it was really important to emphasize the fact that a little girl could do as much as everybody else,” Quint said. Each Sesame Street season has at least one theme, decided by the New York producers. This season’s themes are cultural identity and girl’s empowerment. “So that is why a girl was a key factor in promoting girl’s empowerment and girl’s education in Afghanistan,” Quint said. Part of that project was the creation of a vibrant Afghan media sector, as well as repairing the education system and getting girls back to school alongside boys. The number of children in school grew from 900,000 in 2001 to 8.3 million in 2011, according to figures from the U.N. as-
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sistance mission to Afghanistan. UNAMA says girls account for 39 percent of the total—up from near zero under the Taliban. However, Afghanistan is still an impoverished country, with only 60 percent of its children in primary or lower secondary schooling, according to a January report by UNICEF on children living in conflict zones. In Sesame Garden, and particularly in the character of Zari, the sectors of media and education merge. Quint said the show has “the highest awareness among children’s television shows in Afghanistan, at 86 percent, and is cited by primary caregivers as children’s favorite program by far.” It targets children aged 3 to 8 years old—slightly older than the U.S. target group as access to formal education is limited for many Afghan children for a range of reasons, including the war and religious and cultural prejudices against girls’ schooling. While television is largely restricted to urban areas, Sesame Garden is also broadcast on radio, stretching its reach to most of the country. The joy in working with Zari is clear in Mansoora Shirzad’s voice as she brings Zari to life, holding the puppet above her head and wishing viewers a happy World Peace Day and happy International Children’s Day for an upcoming episode. Describing Zari as “sweet,” Shirzad, 20, said the new character “will have a positive impact on our kids, will make the program interesting and will bring some new color to it, enabling us to convey the messages that our children need to know.” And Zari? “I am very happy to be here in Afghanistan,” Shirzad said in her Zari voice. “It is a very good place, I have made a lot of friends, I enjoy myself a lot when I am with my friends in Baghch-e-Simsim.”
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Week of April 13-19 April 13 1873—The Colfax Massacre takes place in Grant Parish, La. Still smarting from the loss of the Civil War and enraged by the political powers being given Blacks during Reconstruction, a White paramilitary terrorist group known as the White League set out to restore White rule in Louisiana. The spark was a disputed election and a confrontation near the Colfax courthouse between a 60-member sparsely armed Black militia and nearly 300 heavily armed members of the White League. The Blacks took refuge in the courthouse and a gun battle rages for hours leaving three Whites dead. Then the Whites convinced an elderly Black man to sneak into the courthouse and set it afire. As the Blacks escaped the COLFAX MASSACRE flames, they were either shot or arrested. But even those arrested were later killed. Before the day was over, somewhere between 60 and 100 Blacks were massacred. 1946—R&B great Al Green is born in Forest City, Ark. Many considered Green the greatest male R&B singer of the 1970s. Among his greatest hits were “Tired of Being Alone,” “I’m Still in Love with You” and “Let’s Stay Together.” April 14 1865—President Abraham Lincoln is shot and critically wounded at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln would linger for several hours, but died at 7:22 a.m. the following day, April 15. A debate still rages among historians as to how broad based the conspiracy was to assassinate Lincoln. Regardless, it is clear that Booth was a racist who supported slavery and the South during the Civil War. Originally, he was part of a plot to kidnap Lincoln and hold him in exchange for captured Confederate soldiers. But on AL GREEN April 9, 1865, Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. Later that day, Lincoln gave a speech suggesting that the ex-slaves be given the right to vote. The speech infuriated Booth and thus the plot to kidnap Lincoln was converted into a plot to assassinate him. Booth escaped capture for 12 days. But on April 26, 1865 he was cornered by federal forces and shot and killed during a gun battle. Four of his fellow conspirators, including one woman, were tried and hanged. The assassination of Lincoln changed the course of history for Blacks. While Lincoln was not as great a supporter of Black rights as he has often been portrayed, he was a much greater supporter than the man who replaced him in office—Vice President Andrew Johnson. Johnson actually sympathized with the Southern slave-owning aristocracy and opposed most civil and virtually all voting rights for Blacks. The pro-Black legislation of the Reconstruction period was normally passed over his objection or veto. Nevertheless, Johnson is one of the primary reasons the Reconstruction period only lasted 12 years. He helped lay the foundation for the Jim Crow period beginning around 1880 during which time Black political and civil rights were systematically taken away. This probably would not have happened if Lincoln had not been assassinated. April 15 1899—Asa Phillip Randolph, organizer of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was born in Crescent City, Fla. Randolph brought the power of unionism to Black America. He also used his position as the nation’s number one Black union leader to become one of the major civil rights leaders of his era. More than anyone else, it was Randolph who organized the historic March on Washington during which Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his faA. PHILLIP RANDOLPH mous “I Have A Dream” speech. Ironically, as a young man Randolph left Florida and moved to New York to become an actor. Instead, he became involved with the Socialist Party and helped develop a magazine known as The Messenger. The editorial slant of the magazine describes Randolph as “midway between the cautious elitism of the NAACP and the utopian populism of Marcus Garvey.” Randolph died May 16, 1979. 1922—Harold Washington, the first Black and 42nd mayor of Chicago, is born in Chicago. April 16 1862—President Abraham Lincoln signs a bill ending slavery in Washington, D.C. Approximately nine months later he would issue the Emancipation Proclamation which had a highly emotional and symbolic impact but actually freed very few slaves when it was first pronounced. The Proclamation targeted slaves in the South. But at the time, Lincoln had virtually no control over the rebellious slave-owning Southern states. 1929—The now little known, but one of the grandest voices in African-American history is born on this day in Leesburg, Ga.—Roy Hamilton. Hamilton’s baritone voice made him a ABRAHAM LINCOLN hit during the 1950s. His most memorable songs were “Unchained Melody” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” 1947—Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is born Lewis Alcindor in New York City. His over seven-foot frame would make him a dominant player in professional basketball. 2010—The National Center for Health Statistics releases a report showing that a whopping 72.3 percent of Black babies are born to unmarried women. The same report revealed that Hispanic women had the highest birthrate in the nation (98.6 births per 1,000 women) followed by Asian American women (71.4); Black women (71.2) and White women (59.6). April 17 1872—Activist and fiery journalist William Monroe Trotter is born on this day in Boston, Mass. A close friend of W.E.B. Du Bois, Trotter was one of the most militant Black leaders of the late 1800s and early 1900s. He helped found the Niagara Movement, which led to the establishment of the NAACP but then refused to join, claiming the group was too moderate and elitist. He was also a leading opponent of the accommodating policies of Booker T. Washington. Trotter’s primary vehicle of expression was his newspaper—the Boston Guardian. April 18 1818—Military leader Andrew Jackson (later president) leads the defeat of a force of Indians and Blacks at the Battle of Suwanee, bringing an end to the First Seminole War. The Seminoles had been the target of a government military campaign because they possessed lands, which Whites in Florida greatly desired, and because they had provided safe haven for escaped slaves. Indeed, Blacks such as John Horse would become major Seminole SEMINOLE INDIAN leaders. It would take at least two more major military campaigns before the Seminoles and their Black allies lost possession of those lands. 1977—Alex Haley, author of “Roots,” is awarded the Pulitzer Prize. April 19 1910—The National Urban League is formed in New York City. It was born out of a merger of the National League for the Protection of Colored Women, National League on Urban Conditions among Negroes and remnants of the Niagara Movement which had earlier help found the NAACP. Among the leading organizers were Ruth Standish Baldwin and George Edmund Haynes. The organization was founded in part to be more focused on economic issues affecting Blacks than the NAACP. Today, it is generally considered the nation’s second most powerful civil rights organization after the NAACP. 1971—Walter Fauntroy becomes the first elected Congressional representative from the predominantly Black District of Columbia since Reconstruction. However, Fauntroy did not have voting rights. Indeed, down to this day, the Congressional Representative from Washington, D.C., is still not allowed to vote on major legislation. This bar was once common among capitol cities. But today, America stands virtually alone among WALTER FAUNTROY major nations in barring the residents of its capitol city from having a voting representative in its national legislature. Critics argue that the bar continues because the city is majority African-American. 1978—Max Robinson becomes the first African-American anchor of a major network television news program when he begins co-anchoring ABC nightly news from Chicago. The Richmond, Va., native died of AIDS in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 20, 1988.
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
NATIONAL
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Wisconsin school officials probe racial slurs at soccer game
INSURANCE UMBRELLA (By Creative Stall/The Noun Project)
Why are more Black, Latino children uninsured? by Stephanie Roman PublicSource
A recent study in Texas that has broader implications about health care for children in low-income families shows that parents of more than half of the state’s uninsured
Latino and Black children don’t realize their kids could be eligible for Medicaid or state health coverage. With so many parents out of the loop, many are facing an undue financial burden to pay for health care, a Washington Post article about the study suggests. “The catch,” the Post writes, is that, in most cases, parents have to sign their children up, and they can’t do that if they don’t know they’re eligible. The study, published in the International Journal for Equity in Health, focused on children in Dallas, Texas. The participants were up to 18 years of age, lacked insurance, identified as Latino, Hispanic, African American or Black, and had to be eligible for Children’s Health Insurance Program [CHIP] or Medicaid. CHIP, a combination of federal and state funding, insures more than 43 million children in the country, according to the Medicaid website. In most states, children are eligible if their parents are above 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level — $24,300 annually for a family of four. Most of the children in the study had been on a health insurance plan previously, but lost it for one reason or another. Most parents had not reapplied
or did not receive responses to their applications, according to the Post. Even though the study’s participants were uninsured, they didn’t go completely without health care, specialist visits and emergency room trips. From the article: On average, the uninsured children visited a physician three times a year and went to an emergency room once... Parents shouldered an average of $593 per hospitalization and $47 per preventive visit. Three-quarters of parents interviewed had delayed care for their kids, and more than four in five parents said they worry more about their children’s health than other people do. Without insurance, the kids face increased “disadvantages,” according to the Post. The story indicates that two-thirds of the children surveyed had medical problems, including eczema, allergies and asthma. “Thirty-five percent of parents had financial problems that they attributed to their kids’ health,” according to the article. Utilizing free or low-cost health care would release some of that burden. The study centered on Dallas because Texas has the highest rates of uninsured children in the nation. In 2014, more than 6 percent of children in the United States were uninsured, but the numbers in Texas and Dallas County were 11 percent and 16 percent, respectively. In Pennsylvania, more than 150,000 children were enrolled in CHIP as of February. Most children can receive the benefits free, and others at low cost. Cost depends on family size and income. Children qualify if they’re 19 or younger; U.S. citizens, nationals or qualified aliens; Pennsylvania residents; and uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid. Children who are legal immigrants qualify regardless of their parents’ status. (Reach Stephanie Roman at sroman@publicsource.org. Follow her on Twitter @ShogunSteph.)
NYPD recruits most diverse class in city history NEW YORK (AP)—A new class of New York City police recruits is the most diverse class in the department’s history. Police statistics show 26 of the new recruits sworn in on Friday are women, marking the highest percentage of female recruits in a single academy class. Of the 99 recruits hired, 23 of them are AfricanAmerican, also setting a department record for diversity. More than 70 per-
cent of the newly hired officers live within the five boroughs of New York City. Nearly 6,000 new police officers have been hired in New York City since January 2014. Close to 1,400 were hired in January. The recent academy classes follow a 2015 announcement by Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio that the police department would put an additional 2,000 on the street.
ELKHORN, Wis. (AP)—A Wisconsin school district is investigating after racist taunts were directed at female high school soccer players during a recent game, including references to Donald Trump’s vow to clamp down on illegal immigration from Mexico. A small group of Elkhorn students shouted racial slurs at minority players from Beloit during the game Thursday night, including chanting, “Donald Trump, build that wall,” according to Beloit Memorial coach Brian Denu. Denu told WISC-TV (http://bit.ly/1S3cotT ) that some of the players left the game, saying the taunts may have come from a small number of students, but they made a huge impact. “I could just see the hurt and pain on their faces and know that this was obviously something that they hadn’t seen before,” Denu said. “You know, it was from a small pocket of the Elkhorn fans, but those words are things you can’t take back.” Denu said he and other coaches consoled players during and after the game “Seeing the impact on those kids is something I’ll never forget as a coach,” he said, adding that this isn’t behavior he would expect to see in 2016.
TRUMP SUPPORTER—Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump rubs the shoulders of Alex Stypik, as Stypik shows off his T-shirt during a rally on March 13, in Bloomington, Ill.(Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, AP) Elkhorn district administrator Jason Tadlock said officials have confirmed some students on the sidelines were yelling offensive comments and that the matter is being investigated. Students in Indiana and Iowa have recently been admonished for similar chants at high school games in ap-
parent support of the Republican presidential candidate’s campaign promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent immigrants from entering the country illegally. (Information from: http://www.channel3000.com)
WISC-TV,
Obama says Dems are good for American government
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
NATIONAL
by Darlene Superville Associated Press Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—President Barack Obama praised Democratic lawmakers for having his back through some politically tough votes and encouraged supporters to help elect more of them in November. “A Democratic Congress is good for America,” he said Friday. Obama also criticized Senate Republicans for refusing to consider his Supreme Court nominee and said GOP presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz aren’t “outliers” but are simply parroting what some congressional Republicans have said for years. Obama didn’t mention that votes taken by House Democrats, led by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, to muscle his economic recovery plan and health care law through Congress early in his first term ended up souring the public and costing Democrats the House majority. “I’ve done a lot of tough stuff since I’ve been president,” Obama told about 100 supporters who rose to their feet and chanted his “Yes We Can” campaign slogan as he entered a high-ceilinged room at the Pacific Heights home of businessman and philanthropist Gordon Getty. “But I couldn’t do it unless I had outstanding legislators who had my back, even when it wasn’t politically convenient,” he said, praising Pelosi for possessing a combination of “idealism and just tough as nails conviction and savvy” that he said the country has benefited from during his presidency. “I could not have
FUNDRAISING—President Barack Obama smiles as he greets guests after arriving on Air Force One at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, Friday, April 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) had a better partner than Nancy Pelosi.” The California Democrat holds the fundraiser annually at the Getty home. Couples paid $33,400. Turning to the presidential race, Obama said Republicans shouldn’t feel embarrassed by the comments from Trump and
Cruz, the Texas senator. He said the GOP rivals are saying what some Republican members of Congress have said about immigration and other issues for years. “In fact, that’s where Trump got it,” Obama said. “He said, ‘You know what, I can deliver this message with more flair.’”
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Obama said he wants a Republican Party that is “rational and well-functioning, but that’s not what we have right now. And that’s why this election is so important.” He noted that he will no longer be president in 10 months. “But in 10 months I will, contrary to Mr. Trump’s opinion, still be a citizen of the United States,” Obama said, recalling Trump’s past attempts to cast doubt on Obama’s citizenship because the president’s father was Kenyan. Obama also praised House Democrats at a fundraiser late Thursday in Los Angeles.Democrats have a good chance to add at least a handful of House seats in November’s election. The number could grow if the Republican presidential nominee is Trump, who has alienated large numbers of women, Hispanics and others with his biting rhetoric and issue positions. But to regain control of the 435-seat chamber, Democrats would need to pick up 30 seats, which would be an uphill climb. Obama’s remarks late Thursday opened a two-day fundraising swing through Los Angeles and San Francisco. Friday brought three more events, including a roundtable for Senate Democratic candidates at the Brentwood home of “Spiderman” actor Tobey Maguire that was closed to news media coverage. Tickets cost $33,400, officials said. Obama also attended a closed Democratic Party event Friday at the San Francisco home of activists Steve Phillips and Susan Sandler. (Associated Press writer Alan Fram in Washington contributed to this report.)
Holy Bible on list of ‘challenged’ books at libraries by Hillel Italie AP National Writer
NEW YORK (AP)—On the latest list of books most objected to at public schools and libraries, one title has been targeted nationwide, at times for the sex and violence it contains, but mostly for the legal issues it raises. The Bible. “You have people who feel that if a school library buys a copy of the Bible, it’s a violation of church and state,” says James LaRue, who directs the Office for Intellectual Freedom for the American Library Association, which released its annual 10 top snapshot of “challenged” books on Monday. LaRue emphasized that the library asso-
ciation does not oppose having Bibles in public schools. The ALA also favors including a wide range of religious materials, from the Quran to the Bhagavad Gita to the Book of Mormon. LaRue added that the association does hear of complaints about the Quran, but fewer than for the Bible. The Bible finished sixth on a list topped by John Green’s “Looking for Alaska,” which has been cited for “offensive language” and sexual content. The runnerup, challenged for obvious reasons, was E L James’ raunchy romance “Fifty Shades of Grey.” “I Am Jazz,” a transgender picture book by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, was No. 3, followed by another transgender story, Susan Kuklin’s “Beyond Magenta.”
The list also includes Mark Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime,” Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home,” Craig Thompson’s “Habibi,” Jeanette Winter’s “Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan” and David Leviathan’s “Two Boys Kissing,” with one objection being that it “condones public displays of affection.” “Many of the books deal with issues of diversity,” LaRue said. “And that often leads to challenges.” The association bases its list on news reports and on accounts submitted from libraries and defines a challenge as a “formal, written complaint filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness. Challenged works in recent years
have ranged from the Harry Potter novels to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Discussing recent events, LaRue said he was concerned by legislation that Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe recently vetoed forcing schools to warn parents if their children will be assigned books with sexually explicit content. A Fairfax County mother had protested the use of Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Beloved” in her son’s high school senior class. The 1987 novel set in the postCivil War era includes scenes depicting sex, rape and bestiality and has appeared occasionally on the ALA challenged books list. “We see the danger of censorship moving from the school library into the English classroom,” LaRue said.
1 year after Freddie Gray, police work to heal city’s wounds NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
NATIONAL
by Juliet Linderman Associated Press Writer
BALTIMORE (AP)—A year after the death of Freddie Gray, a small part of his legacy can be seen at a southwest Baltimore recreation center, where the pounding of basketballs and squeak of sneakers echo off the walls as young Black men in shorts and sweats face off. Ken Hurst, a White policeman, watches from the side, a bum knee the only thing that keeps him from playing. He visits the game each week, not to make arrests but to make friends. “I need them to realize I’m not out here to lock everyone up,” he says. “I’m here to rebuild trust.” Seldom in the city’s history has that trust been so tenuous: Gray, a 25-yearold Black man from West Baltimore, died after his neck was broken April 12 in the back of a police van. Protests erupted and long-simmering tensions between the police and residents exploded into the worst riots and looting in more than four decades. The U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into allegations of unlawful arrests and excessive force. In Baltimore and beyond, Gray’s name became a rallying cry, representative of black men’s mistreatment by police officers, and of the Baltimore department’s own failings. Police commissioner Anthony Batts was fired. His deputy—and replacement— Kevin Davis—promised to repair a relationship with the community that was so strained some say it’s safer to run from police than take a chance on interacting with them. While some in the community remain skeptical, other say there has been progress. Davis has implemented a mandatory, 40-hour community patrol class that teaches officers in training—and eventually, all officers—how to engage residents. Davis said he has also begun honoring officers each week for demonstrating “guardianship”—for forging strong bonds with residents, rather than making arrests. “That’s how far we’ve come this year,” he says. “Would that have happened before Freddie Gray? Probably not. “We can no longer just go occupy a geography, a poor minority neighborhood, and stop 300 people in the hopes of catching 10 bad guys,” Davis said. “We’re also looking at who we’re hiring ... Are we hiring people with a service mind set, or people who watch too many cops and robbers television shows?” Another initiative, the one that brought Hurst to the rec center, aims to get more
MAKING FRIENDS—In this April 8, 2016 photo, Baltimore Police Department Officer Ken Hurst, center, chats with residents as he walks a foot patrol in Baltimore (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
officers out of their cars and walking the streets of Baltimore’s most crime-ridden neighborhoods as full-time patrol officers. Howard Hood is a 22-year-old Black man who was born and raised in the neighborhood Hurst patrols, and he shows up to the rec center every Tuesday night. “Not all cops want to see us dead or in jail. We need more officers to come out and feel comfortable being around us,” he says. An hour earlier, Hurst, blue-eyed with tanned skin and an easy smile, was walking along a commercial strip in the Irvington neighborhood, dotted with corner stores, liquor stores, cheap restaurants and a massive thrift shop. Spotting a group of young men loitering near a bus shelter, he gently but firmly told them to move along. As he strolled down the block, a car stopped in the middle of the road and a young man popped his head out of the passenger window.
“Whassup, Hurst?” he shouts, his smiling lips parted to reveal teeth plated with gold veneers. As part of his routine, Hurst walks to a cellphone store to check in on the manager. On the way, 45-year-old Keith Hopkins, who sat in a wheelchair, a handrolled cigarette between his fingers, stopped the officer to chat. “Hurst don’t need a gun or a badge around here,” he says. “He’s one of the good ones.” In 2015, the city experienced the most violent year in its history, and the Southwestern District, Hurst’s post, saw 51 killings—the most of any precinct except the Western District, where Gray was arrested. “Police officers, a lot of them think that every guy standing on the corner is dealing drugs, which isn’t true,” Hurst said. “And the community, a lot of them out here think every police officer coming up to them is going to make them sit on the ground and cuss at them and treat them badly.”
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Community mistrust of police in Baltimore dates back decades. Former Gov. Martin O’Malley, mayor from 1999-2006, instituted a “zero tolerance” crime-fighting strategy that advocated “stop and frisk” practices and cracking down on lower-level crimes such as public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. In 2005, more than 100,000 people were arrested—roughly one sixth of the city’s population— and a Baltimore grand jury found excessive arrests in poor Black neighborhoods. The city paid $870,000 to settle a lawsuit by people who said they were illegally arrested, and O’Malley’s successors have moved away from zero-tolerance policing. The police commissioner says those days are over, but the hangover lingers. Dorothy Cunningham, 58, the president of the Irvington Community Association, was instrumental in getting Hurst assigned to her district. Hurst, an eightyear veteran, is beloved in the neighborhood, and has already helped residents feel safer, she says. “Maybe the police learned something from the unrest in the spring,” Cunningham says. Other officers struggle to blend into the communities they patrol, where residents are still fearful of police and critical of the department. Across town, Jordan Distance, a Black officer, walks a commercial strip surrounded by blocks dotted with abandoned buildings and vacant homes. The day before, five people were shot, one fatally, on his beat. The police had yet to identify a suspect. “The shooting last night, there’s so many vacants and alleys and nobody’s going to tell me what he looks like,” he says. “There’s that disconnect between us and the people. I don’t know if it’s because they’re scared or what.” For Hurst, policing is only one aspect of the job. He hands out flyers advertising jobs and is helping transform a vacant property into a community center, complete with a computer lab, a police substation and workshop space. “There’s a guy who said, I’ll come and teach them carpentry. Another guy in the neighborhood said he’d come in and help them with their homework,” Hurst says. “We’ll put in a garden and when the vegetables are ripe we’ll pick them and pass them out. We’re trying,” he says, “we’re trying our best.” (Follow Juliet Linderman on https://twitter.com/JulietLinderman)
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
METRO
Holy Family school working to build Black youth CONTINUED FROM A1
too,” said Sister Yankoski. “I’ll never forget, I was working next to this one student and he looked at me and said, ‘You mean I could get paid for doing
this? This is the best day ever.”‘ Lakin Donald, 15, from Pittsburgh’s East End, will be among the school’s first graduating class, and said it was fun building her
desk, but it is even more fun building the foundation of her career—as an attorney. One day a week HFA students work at their internships. Donald works downtown at Cohen &
Grigsby—as a paralegal. Her sister, one class younger, works a block away at Highmark. “I love it. It’s interesting and challenging. It makes me think and solve problems,” she said. “It’s not boring.” One of Donald’s supervisors Senior Paralegal Julia Cocciola said she isn’t just shuffling papers. “She is doing real projects,” said... “She’s pulling excerpts from transcripts, gathering exhibits, putting them in order, everything the attorneys need for their cases.” Attorney Katie Jacobs, who is responsible for moving Donald from the mail room to the paralegal department said she is getting valuable experience. “I had to take a year off after graduating from Duquesne Law School to get my LSATs and applications done because I didn’t network well,” she said. “Lakin is learning about all the moving parts, working with the attorneys and it’s important because you never know who can put in a good word for you.” In addition to their internships, HFA students also get STEM training at the Carnegie Science Center and the Energy Innovation Center, as well as art instruction at Manchester Bidwell Corporation. The school also offers volleyball, basketball and baseball for both boys and girls. The school provides transportation for students to and from events, internships, classes, and home—even for students coming from as far away as Aliquippa in Beaver County. Along with its academic regimen, students also learn what Executive Director Michael Sexauer calls “soft skills.” “They learn how to dress, how to carry themselves, to shake hands,” he said. They learn how to listen and fol-
KATIE R. JACOBS
LAKIN DONALD low instructions and about the importance of finishing an assignment on time.” All of this puts the HFA students in good stead when they go on their internship assignments, the variety and number of which the school is looking to increase. “We’ve been fortunate with the partners who’ve bought into this model, and they understand that this is an opportunity to train people who can be their future employees,” said Sister Yankoski. “When we pitched the idea to (Peoples Gas President and CEO) Morgan O’Brian, he said, “Yes, I’ll do it—but I want four Black kids.” And while they have 54 partners in fields ranging from energy to education, and manufacturing to medicine, they still need more. “We have one kid who wanted to go into medicine, but after an internship at a
JULIE E. COCHIOLA law firm, he now wants to be an intellectual property attorney. We have another student at Hefren-Tillotson who has built his own stock portfolio,” she said. “Companies have to see this as an investment in their future.” But to grow support they also have to grow the school. Currently the school has 86 students. It started in the fall of 2014 with a single 9th-grade class, it now has 9th -and 10thgraders who will advance as new students come in. Sister Yankoski said the goal is to eventually have 400 students in grades 912, but more immediately they need to get to 300 students by 2020 to earn enough corporate fees to break even. But the students have a chance to do more than break even, even before they graduate. In June the academy will hold its St. Joseph Good Works Awards ceremonies, which includes the Worker of the Year Awards. The winners of those awards is a boy and girl in the freshman and sophomore class, each earns $5,000. Holy Family Academy is currently recruiting for next year’s freshman and sophomore classes. For information on meet and greet events and admissions contact Cassandra Brentley, Director of Admissions, at Brentley.Cassandra@hfapgh.org or 412-307-0230 x1045. For information on the school visit hfa-pgh.org. (Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
Community Calendar Black & White Reunion Meeting APRIL 20—The Black & White Reunion will hold a follow-up meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Long Hall, second floor, at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 N. Highland Ave. in East Liberty, to review and develop plans coming out of the 18th Annual Summit Against Racism. For more information, call 412444-8436.
Admissions/ Open House APRIL 20—Shadyside Academy is hosting an admission open house for its PreK-5 Junior campuses. prospective parents can tour the campus and meet the school head, faculty and program directors. Admission directors will be available to answer questions regarding the admissions process and financial aid. Reservations are encouraged but not required; RSVP online at http://www.shadysideacadem y.org/visitus
The Great Debate APRIL 21—The League of Women Voters and B-PEP will host a debate at 6:30 p.m. at the Homewood YMCA, 7140 Bennett Street, between candidates for the 24th District State House Seat, Rep. Ed Gainey and his challenger William Anderson. Brittany McGraw, WPXI-TV anchor, will moderate.
Forever Family 5K Run & Walk April 23—Adoption Connection PA will host its 5k Run & Walk at 9 a.m. at Irvine Park in Beaver, Pa. to raise funds and awareness and find homes for waiting children. For more information and to register visit Online at www.AdoptionConnectionPA. org
Job Fair APRIL 30—The Community Empowerment Association and Community College of Allegheny County will host a job fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7120 Kelly Street in Homewood. Representatives from companies including PNC, Bethlehem Haven, National Insurance, McDonalds and others will attend. The event will also include sessions on how to dress for success, resume writing and job interviewing skills. For more information, call 412-371-3689.
Adoption Information Open House APRIL 30—Adoptions From The Heart (AFTH), a licensed, non-profit agency is hosting a free information meeting as an opportunity for perspective adoptive parents to have a personalized meeting with a licensed social worker. For information call Rebecca Snodgress at 610-642-7200 or email RebeccaS@afth.org
Walk for a Health Community May 14—Highmark Inc. and community members will come together at Stage AE on the North Shore to raise money for more than 200 local nonprofit health and human services organizations participating in the annual Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. Online registration for the walk is now open at www.walkforahealthy community.org Onsite registration and check in for all walks begins at 7:45 a.m. The 5K walks commence at 9:00 a.m. followed by the one-mile fun walks at 9:15 a.m. (To have an event placed in the calendar send information at least two weeks in advance to newsroom@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
APRIL 13-19, 2016
METRO
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Chamber Candidates Forum yields enthusiasm, suprises CONTINUED FROM A1
recting tax credit financing and development funds to Homewood and Larimer and in securing $3 million to assisting in moving Wilkinsburg High School Students to Westinghouse for the upcoming school year. Wheatley, running for his 8th term, called his 13-year stint representing the Hill District, parts of the North Side, South Side, Downtown, Uptown and Hazelwood a journey. He recalled failing to get a law passed to guarantee Black firms access to state contracts during his first years under the Rendell administration, and said with Tom Wolfe in the Governors mansion—and himself now the minority chair of the finance committee—he
DORIS CARSON WILLIAMS thinks there’s a good chance it now might go through. Wolfe spoke of her teacher father igniting her interest
in politics and public service, which she has carried forth as a homecare social worker and as a board member of the Allentown Community Development Corporation and a two-term member of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. She said she would take a new approach to leading the district by building a broader consensus across neighborhoods than Wheatley—who she said is isolated and, along with his staff, not visible in the community—has. “The office is not just one person. It is all the residents, families and children in the district,” she said. “We can’t rely on the relationships one person has
Slaughter to head Habitat for Humanity CONTINUED FROM A1
tires after 13 years of devoted service. “The Board and I are thrilled that we were able to attract someone with Dr. Slaughter’s knowledge, reputation and experience,” said Habitat Board President Michael Rizzo. “I’m excited to see how we can work together to execute the Habitat mission in bigger and better ways. In the brief period of time that I have known him, I am in awe of his energy, drive and passion. The future looks intriguing.” Howard “Hoddy” Hanna, Chairman and CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Service, called Slaughter the “perfect fit” for Habitat. “I was Chairman of Dr. Slaughter’s Fannie Mae Ad-
visory Board for seven years. He has the right attributes and is a demonstrated leader, someone I’ve known, respected and worked with over 29 years,” said Hanna. “His competence and commitment to ensuring equality, opportunity and homeownership does not elude disadvantaged and underserved communities is unparalleled and crucial for this region.” Slaughter comes to Habitat with an extensive background in charitable community involvement, with a focus on economic development and housing initiatives. He is the president and CEO of Christian Management Enterprises LLC, a management firm specializing in strategic solutions,
project management, small business and real estate development. Slaughter has previously served as President and CEO of Landmarks Community Capital Corporation, and was also the First Regional Director of Fannie Mae’s Pittsburgh Community Business Center, where he managed a $2 billion mortgage plan and assisted twenty-four thousand individuals and families in becoming homeowners in Southwestern Pennsylvania. He also serves on numerous boards and committees, including The Pittsburgh Foundation, the Mount Ararat Community Activity Center, and the Howard Hanna Free Care Fund Foundation.
White ex-officer gets probation in shooting CONTINUED FROM A1
stuck his gun into Satterwhite’s window. There is a brief struggle, and a black arm is seen pushing at Craven’s arm. Craven then pulls the gun out of the window and fires several shots. Other officers run over and can be seen yelling on the video, which had no audio. Twenty minutes after he is shot, paramedics put Satterwhite’s body on a backboard and one puts a stethoscope to his chest. Craven, 27, pleaded
guilty Monday to misdemeanor misconduct in office. A prosecutor originally sought an indictment on a voluntary manslaughter charge that carried two to 30 years in prison, but a grand jury refused to indict. Solicitor Donnie Myers did get a grand jury to charge Craven with a different felony that carries up to 10 years but decided to take a plea deal. He did not return a message from The Associated Press. The officer’s plea comes
Detective names suspect in cookout ambush CONTINUED FROM A1
any law enforcement official has named a suspect in the cookout shootings. The 27-year-old Thomas and three other people were arrested on drug and weapons charges stemming from the search of a home in Wilkinsburg in February 2013. All four were questioned about the cookout shootings, but they haven’t been charged in it. Defense attorney Casey White told KDKA that Thomas and the others know nothing about the shootings. White didn’t immediately return a call from The Associated Press. Chanetta Powell, 25, who was 8-months pregnant; and four others, Jerry Shelton, 35; Tina Shelton, 37; Brittany Powell, 27; and Shada Mahone, 26, were slain during the backyard cookout. Powell’s unborn child also died. One gunman walked up an alley near the backyard and fired shots from a .40caliber pistol toward about 15 cookout guests, who then ran toward the back door of the home for cover, authorities say. They were then mowed down by a second gunman firing an assault-style rifle, which also critically wounded Lamont Powell, 24, who District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. has said may have been the intended target. His sister, Brittany Powell, was hosting the cookout. No one’s been charged with the shootings and, except for vague references that the shooting might stem from bad blood involving unspecified individuals
from the nearby Homewood neighborhood, authorities haven’t discussed a motive. The drug arrests stem from the Feb. 21, 2013 search of a home for two men wanted on probation violations. While there, county police say, they found an assault-type rifle, several other guns—all of which were stolen—as well as suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia. Court records show a district judge in Wilkinsburg twice dismissed the charges against Thomas and the others—in March and in July 2013—because prosecutors weren’t ready to proceed with a preliminary hearing. The charges were refiled after authorities finally tested the substance found at the residence and determined Monday that it was heroin, according to court records. White, Thomas’ defense attorney, said it appears authorities are trying to squeeze the suspects for information on last month’s shootings by arresting them a third time for the 2013 search. “I think that some names were brought up, some old cases were looked at and the individuals that have been recharged now a third time were brought in and questioned” about the shootings, White told KDKA. The drug suspects aren’t cooperating in the shooting investigation “because I don’t believe any of those individuals have any idea what happened, none of them are involved, especially my client,” White said.
amid a nationwide debate about the use of force and how White police officers treat Black people, fueled by high-profile incidents including the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Freddie Gray’s death after he was injured in a Baltimore police van. A lawyer for Satterwhite’s family did not return calls. North Augusta paid the family nearly $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit.
ROD DOSS with the government in Harrisburg.” Wheatley responded that his approach has brought $10 million in development dollars for the Almono site in Hazelwood and another $5 million to the South Side. “I think it’s naïve to say I haven’t been at community meetings. Whether I’m here or (in Harrisburg) I’m working on this district, and I think my staff has been out there for me at functions,” he said. “So I will stack my record
against anybody’s” Wheatley said his proudest achievement is still the SHOP ‘n SAVE market in the Hill District, which came after years of hearings on food deserts and politicking for funds. Wolfe said she is happy to see that grocery in the district. “I’m glad he brought a grocery to the district, but it’s the only one,” she said. “As great as it is, it’s not enough for 13 years. Where’s the grocery for Allentown, for Hazelwood?” Wheatley said he is not a developer he’s a connector bringing resources together with neighborhoods and builders to make such project possible. At that point, William Anderson, B-PEP activist, auto body shop owner and four-time candidate for the 24th Legislative District seat arrived, introduced himself and dove into the fray, saying the district— Homewood, Lincoln Larimer Belmar, North Point Breeze—has deteriorated further under Gainey’s watch and violence is out of control. “I’m tired of having to raise money to bury 3-year-
olds shot in the street. We have people being thrown out of their homes,” he said. Gainey said he had brought in development dollars and has tried to get gun control legislation passed. Anderson and Wolfe also said they favored gun control. Gainey—the only candidate with military experience—noted that the violence was there long before guns came into play. “We have to unlearn that behavior,” he said. All also favored on a $15 minimum wage, but none has specifics for easing the burden on small businesses. They all also favor more affordable housing, and agree that minority contracting should be written into any new development deals in the city. In closing they all said they would fight for equality and to make the city and their districts great. Wheatley said he has become viewed as the “angry’ Black man of state politics these days, but said that doesn’t bother him. “I’d rather be effective than liked,” he said.
Walton continues fight for economic justice CONTINUED FROM A1
on the issue of building careers for African Americans, Walton hopes to expand on the work he’s been engaged in for years with the A. Phillip Randolph Institute, which is employing young Blacks, some of whom are ex-offenders, in high-paying union jobs in manufacturing, government, medical services throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. But it’s an ongoing battle, one he has waged along side Black unionists in the steel industry—like former Penn Hills NAACP President Oliver Montgomery— for more than 30 years. Walton admits the numbers of Blacks in the trade unions are still not what they should be, but the number of opportunities to gain access to trade unions are not as great as some might think. “Most recently, 800 people took the apprenticeship test for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 5,” he said. “Of those, 300 passed, and they accepted 80. They take enough that they know they only have work for. I don’t know how many of that number were African Americans, but I do know that two of them were graduates of our APRI program.” Walton is also working within the county structure to align the many moving parts that are supposed to be addressing em-
(Send comments to cmorrow@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
ployment, minority contracting, and funding. He also said that over the years, he has established solid working relationships with Pittsburgh Councilmen Danny Lavelle and Rev. Ricky Burgess, who sit on the boards of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh. His priority is to “remove the impediments” to Black-owned companies getting more contracts, hiring more employees and rebuilding the area Black communities. “First we have to get beyond the ‘passthroughs.’ And improve how we share information among departments and authorities about these firms,” he said. “Second, the county has to build out its bonding program. Third, we have to help build capacity. Right now, everyone with a truck, two guys and a hammer is calling themselves a construction company. And finally, when these folks get contracts, we have to make sure they get paid on time. I am currently working to see how I can insert myself into the situation to help.” Walton said it isn’t rocket science, and no one needs to reinvest the wheel. “If you have a plan and some metrics, you can do this,” he said. “We just have to move away from elitism and entitlement—we have to reinvest in us.” (Send comments to cmorroew@newpittsburghcourier.com.)
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
OPINION
The Nina Simone controversy
Guest Editorial
Study reveals racial bias by police A new study confirms what many African Americans had already suspected about police shootings of unarmed Black men. A study of fatal shootings by police in 2015 found that unarmed Black men were shot and killed last year at disproportionate rates and that officers involved may be biased in how they perceive threats. The academic study, which builds on Washington Post research into fatal shootings, “Fatal Shootings By US Police Officers in 2015: A Bird’s Eye View,” was conducted by criminal justice researchers from the University of Louisville and the University of South Carolina. The study, which used data collected by The Post, found that when other factors are considered, the racial disparity persists, but it is lower—twice the rate for unarmed Black men compared to unarmed White men. “Researchers adjusted for the age of the person shot, whether the person suffered from mental illness, whether the person was attacking a police officer and for the crime rate in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred,” reported the Washington Post. “The only thing that was significant in predicting whether someone shot and killed by police was unarmed was whether or not they were Black,” said Justin Nix, a criminal justice researcher at the University of Louisville and one of the report’s authors. “Crime variables did not matter in terms of predicting whether the person killed was unarmed.” The study is being shared with members of the Major Cities Chiefs Police Association, which includes officials from departments in the 50 largest cities and metropolitan areas. In the study, researchers wrote that their analysis of the 990 shootings in 2015 “suggests the police exhibit shooter bias by falsely perceiving Blacks to be a greater threat than non-Blacks to their safety.” The study found, Black individuals shot and killed by police were less likely to have been attacking police officers than the White individuals who police fatally shot. “This just bolsters our confidence that there is some sort of implicit bias going on. Officers are perceiving a greater threat when encountered by unarmed Black citizens,” Nix said. The report noted that officers may unconsciously develop biases over time. “In other words, the police—who are trained in the first place to be suspicious—become conditioned to view minorities with added suspicion,” according to the report. Researchers suggested that police departments should better train officers on how to reduce bias. The study’s authors also suggested that departments invest in body cameras to increase transparency. Darrel Stephens, executive director of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, told the Washington Post that he plans to send the report to his member chiefs and that he has asked the researchers to present their findings at the group’s May membership meeting. The study comes after highly publicized police shootings of unarmed Black men in Ferguson, Mo., South Carolina and other places which have sparked national protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. While not a surprise the study is still deeply disturbing. Police departments seeking to reduce bias should take a close look at the new study and develop policies to address bias by police officers. (Reprinted from the Philadelphia Tribune)
Pittsburgh Courier NEW
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Editor & Publisher Stephan A. Broadus Assistant to the Publisher
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When I first read it I thought it was petty, just nit picking. Some Blacks complaining about a light skin woman Zoe Saldana playing Nina Simone. But after picking up an old album by Nina—yes I still have a turntable and albums—I thought about it. You know, they have a point. It’s not just the skin color that Nina had to overcome it’s the big lips, and wide African nose, plus the darker skin. Yes Black people can be more prejudiced toward other Black people than Whites. How many Black men are only attractive to White women, blonds in particular? How many Black people automatically consider a person ugly if they are dark skinned. But if they have thick lips and a wide nose they are ugly, ugly. So Nina Simone, like so many other Black people had to fight the color barrier but the African features barrier. So just being Black doesn’t tell the Nina Simone struggle, and there’s no way a light skin Black woman who looks like she’s bi-racial, with White features, thin lips and nose, can illustrate the discrimination Blacks like Nina Simone has to face from Blacks and Whites. Whoever the casting director for this movie is obviously doesn’t have a clue about the struggles of Nina Simone and others like her with African features have faced in their lives, which means the movie will only tell half the story. I was surprised that the Simone family accepted it in that she was a
Ulish Carter
Just Sayin’
a Black male, 27 years old and had a previous record in drug trafficking and violence. I wondered why he hung around Pittsburgh, why didn’t he leave the state or even the country, yet he hung around. Money could not have been a problem because to gun down eight people, killing six, there had to be a lot of money at stake. Millions. Correction…Last week I said three women were killed in Wilkinsburg, it was four women killed, one man and an unborn child. *** In the Republican race many people are afraid that Donald Trump may win. I say there’s no difference between Trump and Ted Cruz. At least Trump is his own man, and he has run his own businesses. What has Cruz run? What has he done? Cruz is the one we should be afraid of. Hopefully neither will become president. On the Democratic side it appears that Bernie Sanders is going to be there all the way against Hillary Clinton. Which means that free health care and education will continue to be a major issue as well as the zillions of dollars now invested in the presidential races. It has pretty much gotten to the point that unless you are a millionaire or backed by several you can’t run for office. And it’s getting worse. However, Sanders is standing on the fact that he’s not accepting the big money, just small donations from the masses of people. Big money is buying up the politicians on both sides.
fighter all her life, in her life and the messages in her songs. Zoe Saldana plays Simone in the movie “Nina.” “I think Zoe Saldana is a great actress, so I am looking forward to it,” Queen Latifah said. “She is of African descent— I don’t see why she shouldn’t play the role. I just want to see it. Get rid of the hype and let’s go watch a movie.” Queen is missing the point like I did. She’s only thinking of color not the reality of the features. The estate of Nina Simone has slapped down Zoe Saldana. In 2012 Nina Simone daughter Kelly Simone told Ebony she enjoyed Saldana’s films, but felt actors such as Kimberly Elise or Viola Davis would be better options. “Both of the actresses that I’ve mentioned are women of colour, are women with beautiful, luscious lips and wide noses, and who know their craft,” said Kelly. “I also have no problem introducing someone we’ve never heard of before who can play my mother.” Well put. *** (Ulish Carter is the managing editor of the A suspect in the Wilkinsburg cookout shooting has been arrested. He is New Pittsburgh Courier.)
Struggle for voting rights justice goes on (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—On April 4, we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King even as we marked the 48th anniversary of his assassination. On April 5, voters went the polls in the Wisconsin primaries, but a new raft of voter suppression laws insured that the results were skewed. One of Dr. King’s great legacies—the Voting Rights Act—is now under assault across the country. In Wisconsin, voter suppression laws were passed by a conservative Republican legislature despite the fact that there was no evidence of voter fraud to justify them. The legislature seemed intent on passing the most restrictive laws. They passed the whole passel of conservative model laws and invented a few more. The laws were challenged in court, but the Supreme Court refused to review a lower court decision leaving them in place. The voter suppression laws include requiring a photo ID for voting, a measure that may impact an estimated 300,000 voters, disproportionately older, younger, poor and people of color. They reduced early voting times from 30 days to 12 days and eliminated it on weekends and evenings, discriminating against workers who can’t get leave to go to the polls. They eliminated statewide certification of registrars, so registrars can only enroll voters the country where they are certified, making registration more difficult. They eliminated faxing and emailing of absentee ballots except to military and overseas voters, making absentee
Jesse Jackson Sr.
Commentary voting more difficult. They eliminated straight ticket voting, except for military and overseas voters, ensuring that waiting times and lines will be longer when people go to vote. They made it harder to use student ID as proof of residence, even as they required proof of residence to vote. The thrust of these laws is clear: They are designed to make it harder to vote, particularly for working people who can’t take time off, for students, for the elderly who may not have the right ID, for the poor and people of color. No wonder Bernie Sanders denounced the suppression laws as “truly un-American.” Hillary Clinton’s legal counsel challenged them in court. Key constituents of both candidates will be impacted. The Wisconsin primary results were distorted—and that was the intent. In the general election, these laws will be most destructive to the Democratic voting base, not the Republican base. And that is intentional also. This is a disgrace. Forty-eight years after Dr. King’s death, we witness how much of his agenda remains unfinished, how much is being reversed. He
marched against inequality and poverty, but inequality is worse, and childhood poverty in the United States is the worst of any major country. He marched for equal protection under the laws, but our system of racial injustice continues to discriminate, particularly against young Black men. He marched for voting rights, and now across the country conservatives are systematically passing laws to making voting harder. He protested against the endless war in Vietnam that robbed the funds needed for the war on poverty at home. And now we seem stuck in endless wars without victory on the other side of the world, even as our own neighborhoods suffer from the lack of public investment in everything from clean water systems to public schools. Dr. King will be remembered for helping to make America better. But he always taught us that justice can’t be inherited. Equal opportunity can’t be taken for granted. “Human progress,” he wrote, “is neither automatic nor inevitable. ...Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle, the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” And as Wisconsin has shown, the struggle must continue simply to guarantee every American the right to vote. (Jesse L. Jackson Sr. is founder and president of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition. You can keep up with his work at www.rainbowpush.org)
The Fair Housing Act, 48 years later (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—“Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal. This deepening racial division is not inevitable. The movement apart can be reversed. Choice is still possible. Our principal task is to define that choice and to press for a national resolution...[It] will require a commitment to national action—compassionate, massive and sustained, backed by the resources of the most powerful and the richest nation on this earth. From every American it will require new attitudes, new understanding, and, above all, new will.” Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (The Kerner Report), 1967 In January of 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference brought the civil rights struggle to the north. “In the South,” he said, “we always had segregationists to help make issues clear.... This ghetto Negro has been invisible so long and has become visible through violence.’’ Following months of protests and marches, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley agreed to build public housing with limited height requirements, and the Mortgage Bankers Association agreed to make mortgages available regardless of race. Although King called the agreement “the most significant program ever conceived to make open housing a reality,’’ he recognized that it was only “the first step in a 1,000-mile journey.” Indeed, throughout 1966 and 1967, the United States Congress repeatedly tried and failed to pass fair housing legislation. Tragically, King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, was the
Marc H. Morial
To Be Equal catalyst for its passage. Monday was the 48th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, which outlawed discrimination in home sales or rentals based on race, religion, sex or national origin. Whitney M. Young, the legendary activist who led the National Urban League throughout the 1960s, was instrumental in the Act’s passage. “Open housing,” as non-discriminatory housing policies were known at the time, was a key element in his expansion of the National Urban League’s mission. Outlawing discrimination, however, did not end discrimination, and nearly five decades later the nation still grapples with the issue. Just last week, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that blanket bans against people with criminal records may violate the Fair Housing Act. While the Fair Housing Act does not specifically prohibit discrimination against ex-offenders, African-American and Latino people are disproportionately affected by such policies. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that any policy that results in discrimination against people of color—even if it is not intended to do so—is illegal. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote,
“Recognition of disparate-impact liability under the FHA plays an important role in uncovering discriminatory intent: it permits plaintiffs to counteract unconscious prejudices and disguised animus that escape easy classification as disparate treatment.” There is perhaps no more insidious and powerful method of enforcing racial inequality than housing discrimination. Housing determines access to education and transportation. It determines access to affordable, health food, and protection from crime. Yet housing discrimination remains pervasive. Minority home seekers are told about and shown fewer homes and apartments than Whites, according to a HUD study, which means in higher costs for housing searches and limited housing options. It also means segregation remains high. According to a Brookings Institution analysis, using zero as a measure for perfect integration 100 for complete segregation, most American cities segregation levels of between 50 to 70. In his efforts to secure passage of the Fair Housing Act, Edward Brooke, RMass., the first African American popularly elected to the U.S. Senate, shared his struggle to find a home after he returned from service in World War II. Like Dr. King, Senator Brooke knew that the road to equality would be long. “Fair housing does not promise an end to the ghetto,” Brooke cautioned. “It promises only to demonstrate that the ghetto is not an immutable institution in America.” (Marc H. Morial, former mayor of New Orleans, is president and CEO of the National Urban League.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Ongoing slavery mentality = U.S. banks shortchange justice Continuation of political bondage (GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—While our attention was focused last week on Bill Clinton becoming unhinged while defending his indefensible crime bill and insulting the Black Lives Matter Movement in the process, Wells Fargo and billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson were demonstrating how the wealthy escape personal responsibility when they misbehave badly. In the case of Wells Fargo, bank executives agreed to pay a $1.2 billion fine for hiding their bad loans leading up to the 2008 housing market debacle. The bank admitted certifying that thousands of faulty home mortgage loans were eligible for Federal Housing Administration insurance when, in fact, they weren’t. “Wells Fargo enjoyed huge profits from its FHA loan business, the government was left holding the bag when the bad loans went bust,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement Friday announcing the settlement. “Today, Wells Fargo, one of the biggest mortgage lenders in the world, has been held responsible for years of reckless underwriting.” Not really. What the settlement does is extract a large fine, but let the culprits personally responsible escape punishment. For example, Wells Fargo executive Kurt Lofrano acknowledged hiding bad loans, but was not fined and will not face any criminal charges. We can safely infer that the deal cut with Wells Fargo was done to get the case resolved. I get that. But despite former presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s claim that corporations are people, a corporation did not commit these crimes—people did. And those people should be held accountable for violating the law. As part of the settlement agreement, Lofrano, vice president of credit risk and quality assurance for Wells Fargo, admitted his team identified 2,900 problematic loans between 2005 and 2010,
George E. Curry
Commentary but reported only 300 as troublesome. Sadly, Wells Fargo was not alone. The subprime mortgage crisis that caused many Americans to lose their homes involved some of the best known brands in the U.S. Earlier, JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay a fine of $13 billion, Goldman Sachs settled for $5.1 billion and Morgan Staley was fined $2.6 billion. Again, no criminal charges have been brought against the “banksters” themselves. Meanwhile, in a press release, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced, that “Las Vegas Sands Corp. has agreed to pay a $9 million penalty to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by failing to properly authorize or document millions of dollars in payments to a consultant facilitating business activities in China and Macao. “An SEC investigation found that LVS kept inaccurate books and records and frequently lacked supporting documentation or proper approvals for more than $62 million in payments to a consultant in Asia. The consultant acted as an intermediary to obscure the company’s role in certain business transactions such as the purchases of a basketball team and a building in China, where casino gambling isn’t permitted.” The investigation was launched more than five years ago when a former Sands executive Steve Jacobs alleged improprieties in Macao, a Chinese territory that is the world’s largest gambling center. The SEC and the Justice Department were looking into whether the company had violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. companies from bribing officials of foreign governments. In the end, the SEC didn’t directly accuse Sands of paying bribes, but said it violated provisions of the law that require companies to maintain proper financial controls. The SEC stated: “LVS consented to the SEC’s order without admitting or denying the findings that it violated the books-and-records and internal controls provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.” In case after case, other companies strike similar deals. It’s not like they are making a donation to charity. They have clearly violated the law, but officials don’t have to acknowledge any wrongdoing. Instead, they pay the fines, in the words of the SEC, “without admitting or denying the findings.” It’s tough to see low-level drug users being over prosecuted while companies such as Wells Fargo and the Las Vegas Sands Corp., owned primarily by Sheldon Adelson, take a corporate financial hit, but their leaders have no fear of being personally prosecuted for their misdeeds. We also see how the high and mighty cut special deals in other situations. Former House Speaker Dennis Hassert, for example, has acknowledged sexually abusing at least five Illinois boys when he was their high school wrestling coach. He paid one of them nearly $2 million in hush money. Hastert pleaded guilty in October to a single felony count of illegally structuring cash withdrawals to evade federal bank currency reporting requirements. Despite that clear misuse of power as a teacher and coach, Hassert’s plea agreement with prosecutors recommends a sentence ranging from probation to up to six months in prison, the lowest possible sentence under federal guidelines for a felony conviction. The maximum is five years. In addition to seeing Black and Brown people disproportionately imprisoned, looking at how banking officials and political figures are extended undeserved leniency are reminders that our criminal justice system is anything but just. (George E. Curry is President and CEO of George Curry Media, LLC. He is the former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA. He can be reached through his Web site, georgecurry.com.)
APRIL 13-16, 2016
FORUM
Yes it is eleclitical office with tion time once Louis ‘Hop’ Kendrick out the okay of the again. The pre party these same election polls Blacks come to the across America community and overwhelmingly state these perpredict who sons are not supBlack persons ported by the will vote for. The party bosses, so we polls generally must vote against are accurate, them. because there are a classification of A perfect example: Dr. Janis Brooks is Black persons whose total function is to seeking the 14th Congressional seat deliver the Black vote by any method and our supposed political leaders are they can. opposing her. Their absolute flawed, It took a period of time before I was weak, disgraceful reason they are using willing to concede that slavery mental- is that she has no experience as a conity had affected a tremendous number. gressperson. All persons from President There are a number of Blacks who Obama down had no experience at acted out the role of the House Ni——r. being the president, governor, U.S. senThey had a job and they would do what- ator and, last but not least, the current ever Old Massa told them. They would congressman had no experience; he had oppose any Black man or woman and to get elected first. their reasoning generally was I want to There is a woman running for presikeep my job. Some other reasons were if dent, woman running for U.S. Senate I am a good dependable person I might and a woman running for congress. be able to get a job for a member of my Who will your local political representafamily. Those Blacks that were elected tives encourage you to vote for? overwhelmingly by Black voters even I will always remember the strugtoday used the old worn out excuse that gles, conflicts, roadblocks, blatant they must do what the party chairper- racism that grandma, mother, sisters son or Allegheny County Executive and wives encountered instilling in says, never what we who elected them the females in the family to prepare needed. themselves academically so when If a Black Republican seeks a political those who can’t find a legitimate reaoffice no matter how qualified they may son to oppose you they won’t be able to be these persons maintain that under carry water for their political bosses no circumstances should we ever sup- by lying and saying, “she is not qualiport them, a White bigoted Democrat is fied.” (Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the better. If a qualified Democrat Black woman or man a decides to seek a po- New Pittsburgh Courier.)
To Tell The Truth
Movement slogans: Then and Now After “Bloody was beside Martin Sunday” (Day J. Pharoah Doss Luther King Jr. marchers beat by during the presipolice outside dential address. Selma en route to Lewis recalled, Montgomery— “Dr. King started 1965) President crying and we all Lyndon B. Johncried.” Then King son met with Alannounced, “We abama Governor will make it to George Wallace in Montgomery and the oval office about voting rights. the Voting Rights Act will be passed.” Johnson told Wallace, “You and I (A year before Hillary Clinton was a shouldn’t be thinking about 1965; we teenage campaign volunteer for Repubshould be thinking about 1985. Now, in lican Presidential candidate Barry 1985…What do you want left behind? Goldwater. How did Johnson’s speech Do you want a great big marble monu- impact her?) ment that says ‘George Wallace’: He Today “Black Lives Matter” is the slobuilt? Or do you want a little piece of gan of a movement that has disrupted scrawny pine…That says ‘George Wal- the presidential campaigns of both parlace’ He hated?” ties. Two days later, March 15, 1965, PresiAnd what has been their finest hour? dent Johnson addressed a special joint An apology from Democratic presidensession of congress. The nation tial candidate Martin O’Malley for rewatched. sponding to a “Black Lives Matter” disJohnson said, “This was the first na- ruption with the phrase: All Lives Mattion in the history of the world to be ter? founded with a purpose…The great Or was it the recent confrontation phrases of that purpose … Are not just with former President Bill Clinton? empty theories…Those words are When “Black Lives Matter” demanded promised to every citizen that he shall Hillary Clinton to apologize for mass inshare in the dignity of man. carcerations caused by her husband’s That dignity cannot be found in a anti-crime bill. Bill Clinton accused the man’s possessions. It cannot be found protesters of “defending the people who in his power or in his position. It really kill the lives you say matter.” rests on his right to be treated as a man Clinton also told the “Black Lives Matequal in opportunity to all ter” protesters to “Tell the truth.” others…There is no Constitutional But Clinton should have reiterated issue here. There is no moral issue. It is Johnson statement to Wallace and said, wrong—deadly wrong—to deny any of “We shouldn’t be thinking about 2016 your fellow Americans the right to we should be thinking about 2036. vote…There is no issue of state’s rights What does your movement want to or national rights. There is only the leave behind?” struggle for human rights. How would they have answered that? This time, on this issue, there must be Would they have told the truth? The no…Compromise with our pur- most truthful sign I’ve seen held by a pose…Because it’s not just Negroes, but “Black Lives Matter” activist read the really it’s all of us, who must overcome following: We have every right to seek to the crippling legacy of bigotry and in- destroy a system that seeks to destroy justice. And we shall overcome.” us. One reporter stated: If the goal of poAnd Clinton could have continued, litical speech was to move men to action “Does “Black lives Matter” want a monthen this was Johnson’s finest hour. ument saying they built? Or do you But for John Lewis, a “Bloody Sunday” want a sentence in history saying march leader, the President’s use of the “Black Lives Matter” destroyed?” (J. Pharoah Doss is a contributor to the New civil rights slogan transformed the words from “a plea to America’s con- Pittsburgh Courier. He blogs at jpharoahscience” to a national consensus. Lewis doss@blogspot.com)
Commentary
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Susan Smith
Commentary
Black lives and drug addiction )GEORGE CURRY MEDIA)—I find it difficult to listen to all of the outpouring of concern for the phenomenon of opiate drug addiction, with politicians expressing their desire to find help for these young people before they overdose, and to keep them from destroying their lives, their families lives ...and their communities. There was never such an outpouring of concern for those addicted to crack cocaine, no expressed worry about what incarcerating non-violent drug offenders would do to individuals, families and communities. No, in contrast, politicians declared a “war” on drugs, intimating that it was the duty of “the law” to defeat the enemy. That enemy was not the drugs, per se, but those who were unfortunate enough to become addicted. Unfortunately, most of the people who were thrown into prison for crack cocaine addiction were Black, Brown and poor people. Drug addiction has always been a part of society—all societies. People resort to drug use when they feel hopeless, when poverty overwhelms them, when they see no way out. There are certainly physiological factors that go into becoming addicted, but it seems that the threat of drug addiction is highest when individuals feel like there is no way out of their despair. Richard Nixon declared the “War on Drugs” in 1971 and one of his top aides’ (John Ehrlichman) admission that the “war” was devised to fight against “Blacks and hippies” comes as no surprise. Nixon wanted to be president, and he had to find a way to capture the Southern White vote. It was unpopular to use racist terms outright, and so politicians had to find a way to cater to White voters’ fear of Black people without using overtly racist words. The “Southern Strategy” helped them do that. There were words with which White people would resonate, including “entitlements” and “welfare” and “law and order.” In order to keep “law and order,” the “bad people” had to be identified. Drug users would be those people. Street drug users would be criminalized and anyone who pushed for their arrest and incarceration would be hailed as being tough on crime. That failed “War on Drugs” has caused immeasurable damage to individuals, communities and families. This country incarcerates more people than any other modern nation in the world, largely because of the inordinate arrests made by law enforcement officers empowered to lock away Black, Brown and poor people who used drugs. Although Whites used and continue to use drugs more than African Americans, they were not demonized. They were, in fact, given slaps on the wrist for offenses that earned Black and Brown people literally years in prison. Black people’s lives were considered dispensable and disposable. The sentiment of the majority population was that Black people were bad and “belonged” in prison. But now things have changed. Now the problem of drug addiction in the White community can no longer be hidden. Now White people, many of them young, are dying of heroin overdoses. The situation has caused a stir; the majority population has been shaken into reality, that drug addiction is not race-specific, and that it kills good people. Now, politicians are upset and are crying for drug policies that emphasize drug addiction as a public health problem. Meanwhile, far too many Black people are locked up because of their drug use and many who are finally released from prison are so unable to “make it” once released that they end up back in jail. Yes, I am angry. But there are people on the ground, in this nation and all over the world, who are working to change drug policy. There will be a gathering of faith leaders in New York at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session April 18-21, who will work to draft statements and initiatives to be presented to legislators. The faith leaders, convened by the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc., and other drug policy advocates and activists, believe that current drug policies are racist, draconian and inhumane. They are pushing for lawmakers to abandon their resolve to make drug users criminals—which most are not. The fact that there is an outcry about the inhumanity of making those addicted to drugs criminals has come at a propitious moment. In this country, issues become “problems” only when the majority population is adversely affected—or when the majority population can no longer hide its participation and complicity in major social problems. Drug use is a social problem from which the majority population can no longer run. I, for one, am glad. (Rev. Susan K. Smith is an ordained minister and is the founder of Crazy Faith Ministries. She can be reached at revsuekim@sbcglobal.net)
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
New Pittsburgh Courier
in TV One ʻSecond Sightʼ B5
Ali to star
LIFESTYLES
Macedonia Baptist Easter Sunday B2
‘He has Risen’
APRIL 13-19, 2016
www.newpittsburghcourier.com
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Debbie Norrell
Lifestyles Report
The small print The high point of my day is eating lunch or taking in the mail. Some days it’s a toss-up. It depends on what I find in the mailbox. I have learned that you have to look at all mail very carefully, what appears to be junk mail might not be junk mail. I know this certain company designed this piece of mail to look like junk mail so it would not be read but I have learned my lesson. On the front of the mail it says “Here is something to remember about your magazine service.” Then there were four points about magazines and the last two points: always recycle your magazines and then the most important point was “subscriber information on reverse.” So I turn it over and the print is really tiny. After they thanked me for being a valued customer they informed me that two magazines (Essence and In Style) will keep coming to my house and I will be billed for $46 dollars for each unless I make a phone call by May14. I admit the subscription price is less than the newsstand price but that is almost $100 and I don’t feel like spending that right now. So I will make that phone call prior to the deadline. I actually love both magazines however since Essence is no longer Black owned, it will be chopped along with In Style. Unfortunately Essence no longer moves me. The format seems to be different and the stories lack substance. So if I want to pick up one I will buy it from time to time at the drugstore. Many of you who have been AT&T subscribers or are currently may have heard that there was going to be a “settlement” resulting from the resolution of the AT&T Mobility Wireless Data Services Sales Tax Litigation. I never pay much attention to class action issues or the fact that I may be getting a check in the mail. The other day the check arrived; it too looked like junk mail. Once again I think this was by design. Send it out with a look of junk and it will be ripped in half and tossed away. Therefore the check will not be cashed and the company will save money. I opened up the envelope and there was a real check inside, a real check for .24 cents. It actually cost more to mail it not to mention the paper it was printed on. According to the check if I don’t cash it within 180 of issuance it will be voided. So now I have to remember to put this check in my wallet and deposit it with the rest of my deposits or make a special trip to the ATM to make a deposit for .24. How many ladies saw the segment on the Today Show about the dress companies that advertise on social media? I ordered a few outfits from one of them. It has been reported that the dresses are a disaster. I can’t wait to give you a report. (Email the columnist debbienorrell@aol.com)
at
PUBLIC OFFICIALS—City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Congressman Mike Doyle
TIM STEVENS accepts for Alma Speed Fox
2016 Dorothy I. Height and C. Delores Tucker Scholarship Luncheon president and CEO of the Hill District CDC who understands the importance of affecting political and social change to improve the region. The primary goals of the ACDC Black Caucus is to encourage active participation in the democratic process through education, messaging and getting out the vote for the Democratic Party and to strengthen the voting infrastructure of the African American community. Brenda Tate, ACDC Black Caucus Chairwoman organized the luncheon and along with the honorable Jack Simmons made the appeal for the NEED Scholarship. The goal of this year’s ACDC luncheon was to raise funds for NEED. NEED is the oldest community-based, nonprofit, minority, higher education assistance program in Pennsylvania.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Rev. B. De Niece Welch
ALYCIA FORD performs (photos by Rossano Stewart)
by Debbie Norrell Courier Staff Writer
On most Saturdays before Easter baskets are being prepared and Sunday dinner is being prepped. This year on the Saturday before Easter the Allegheny County Democratic Committee Black Caucus (ACDC) presented a scholarship luncheon in honor of two late visionaries: C. Delores Tucker and Dorothy Height. Ms. Tucker was the first female African American Secretary of State in the nation, serving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1971-1977. Height was the president of the National Council of Negro Women. Guests enjoyed a light lunch, a special dance performance by Alycia Ford and an outstanding keynote sermon delivered by Reverend B. DeNeice Welch, pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church. Alma Speed Fox was the recipient of the Dorothy I. Height Award. The award was presented by Sala Udin and accepted on her behalf by longtime friend Tim Stevens. Fox is a Civil Rights Leader who has been committed to civil rights and women’s right since her youth. The C. Delores Tucker Award was presented to Marimba Milliones by City Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle. Milliones is
RAISING FUNDS FOR NEED—Brenda Tate, Nancy Patton-Mills and Mike Veon
ACDC SUPPORTERS
ACDC SUPPORTERS
MARIMBA MILLIONES—C. Delores Tucker Awardee
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RELIGION
APRIL 13-19, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Praise & Worship HILLCREST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 2340 Wylie Ave., Pgh., PA 15219 412-391-4334 412-566-8787
“Be Encouraged”
Elder Christopher C. Thompson Power Hour Sabbath...............8:15 A.M. Sabbath School........................9:00 A.M. Divine Worship......................11:00 A.M. AYS One Hour Before Sunset Prayer Meeting Wednesday......7:30 P.M.
ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CATHOLIC CHURCH Crawford & Centre Ave. Pgh., PA 15219 412-281-3141 Mass Sunday 9:00 A.M. & Noon Sunday (Gospel Choir Mass) Noon www.stbtmchurch.org
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH 22 Sampsonia Street, Northside Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412-231-2554 FAX 412-231-6395 Rev. Lacy F. Richardson, Ph.D., Pastor Church School.................................9:30 A.M. Worship Service.................8:00 & 10:45 A.M. Bible Study/ Prayer Wednesday...................6:30/7:30 P.M.
LOVELY BONNETS—Eva Emccasall & Kitty Maban.
MOTHER & DAUGHTER—Carolyn & Ilyasah Upshaw
‘He has Risen’—Macedonia Baptist Easter Sunday
www.metropolitanbaptistchurch.com metropolitanbaptist2224@gmail.com
SIXTH MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH 6556 Shetland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 441-7839 Church School Worship Service Wednesday Night Bible Study
9:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 6:00 p.m.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church Rev. Dr. Randy Bush, Senior Pastor 412-441-3800 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
www.cathedralofhope.com
Journey Worship........8:45 a.m. Sanctuary Worship.......11 a.m.
Join our growing Praise and Worship Church Community For rate information, call 412-4818302, ext. 128. We are looking to feature
RECEIVING THE WORD—A member in prayer. WORSHIPPING THE WORD—Rev.Brian J. Edmonds, senior pastor
by Rossano P. Stewart For New Pittsburgh Courier
On an absolutely fabulous Easter Sunday, more than three thousand worshipers attended church on the behest of Macedonia Baptist Church of the Hill District, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel downtown. It was the first unified worship put on by a church in Pittsburgh. The theme of the day of worship was about love. “ Love is more than just words, love is an action,” said Tanika Harris of Macedonia. “Love is something that one does.” For the first time in 20 years the Church’s entire membership was able to worship together. Families from near and far dressed in their “Sunday Best,” came out to celebrate Christ’s ascension. Special musical guest were national recording vocalist Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper, who performs with Kirk Franklin, and Jason Washington & Sounds Of Heaven. The sermon was conducted by Rev. Brian J. Edmonds, senior Pastor of Macedonia Baptist LOOK HE HAS RISEN—A glorious sound by Jason Washington & Sounds Of Heaven. (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart) Church.
Church Circuit Anniversary APRIL 13-17—New Zion Baptist Church, 1431 Juniata St., Pittsburgh, will celebrate Rev. Dr. Samuel W. Williams Jr. 50th anniversary. The complete schedule: Sunday, April 10–Youth Kick-off at 3:00 p.m.; Monday, April 11–Rev. Lee Ralph, pastor of Seed & Harvest Ministries, North Versailles, Pa.; Tuesday, April 12– of Unity Baptist Church, Braddock, Pa.; Wednesday, April 13, Rev. Roy Sims, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Bellevue, Pa.; Thursday, April 14–Rev. Dr. William C. Calloway, pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church, Clairton, Pa.; Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m. concert–concert choir from from Rockford, Ill.; Saturday, April 16 at 4 p.m. Rev. Dr. J. Van Alfred Winsett, emeritus of Ebenezer Baptist Church will
our positive youth in the church communities. You can e-mail, fax or mail their bios and photo to: New Pittsburgh Courier 315 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Fax: 412-481-1360 email: egaines@newpittsburghcourier.com
HEAVENLY—Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper
be the Guest Preacher; Sunday, April 17 at 11 a.m. Rev. Elton Allen of Bread of Life Missionary Baptist Church, Rockford, Ill.; Sunday, April 17 at 3 p.m., Rev. Lowell T. Williams., Pastor of Zionhill Baptist Church, Youngstown, Ohio (Pastor’s Son) will climax the 50th Anniversary.
Fill My Cup Tea Party APRIL 16—“Fill My Cup Lord” A Ladies Afternoon Tea Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Circleville Volunteer Fire Department Banquet Hall, 129 Robbins Station Road, North Huntingdon, PA. “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 KJV. A lovely afternoon event for ladies to enjoy tea, sandwiches, cookies and many more special treats as they fellowship with other sisters. Vendors will be onsite with many beautiful wears and items for purchase. Most of all, the Lord will be there waiting to meet you COST: $18.00 Purchase tickets online at: https://www.picatic. 396-4542 or 724-217-8158
Deacon Ordination APRIL 17—Macedonia Baptist Church, 17 Cochran St, Duquesne, Pa. Rev. Archie D. Perrin Jr., Pastor, cordially invite you to attend Brother Larry Gaither Ordination Service at 4 p.m. This is a glorious event. Please come out and support our brother in Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me. (Phil 4:13)
106th Anniversary April 21-24—The Lincoln Avenue Church of God 106th Anniversary Power Weekend, located at 404 Lincoln Ave., Pgh. Rev. Thomas P. Spencer,
pastor. For more information call 412-361-7748. Featured preachers will be Bishop Loran Mann, Pentecostal Temple; on April 21; Rev. Mark Richardson, New Life Church of God, April 22; Rev. Dr. Ronald J. Fowler, senior pastor. Laurate Arlington Church of God, Akron, Ohio.
‘Lets Knock Some Pins Down!’ APRIL 23—The 3rd Annual Bowl for Sickle Cell will be Saturday, 12:p.m. to 3 p.m, at New Great Valley Lanes, 1501 Highwood Ave, North Versailles, PA. Churches of the AUBA Lower Mon Area. All proceeds to the Sickle Cell Foundation. Please come and join us for a great day of fun, fellowship and a great cause! For more information contact Second Baptist Church, 108 W. 12th Ave, Homestead, PA at 412-461-8235; fax 412461-2845; email secnbapt@ gmail.com.
Mother’s Day Lunch MAY 7—Jerusalem Baptist Church, Duquesne, PA. Pastor with the dynamic, powerful and anointed Rev. Archie D. Perrin Jr. as guest speaker Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, Duquesne on Saturday, at 1 p.m. Join us for a Mother’s Day out for lunch and a powerful word. Because Mothers are the Markers of Memories a special appreciation will be shown for Deaconess Dovie Patterson. The luncheon will be held at the Masonic Hall, 1200 Clonmel St., Duquesne. A donation of $20. Reverend Eric Johnson, pastor. For more information contact Marva Hughes-Hayes at 412-401-424 (To have items listed on the Church Circuit, email information at least two weeks in advance to newsroom@ newpittsburghcourtier.com.)
PEOPLE
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
Newlyweds
APRIL 13-19, 2016
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Watson receives proclamation from mayor
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY WORK—Mayor Bill Peduto presents Ralph P. Watson with proclamation for his outstanding community work. (Photos by J.L. Martello)
NEWLYWEDS—Wedding of Michelle Jackson and Hampton Sandidge on March 20 at Buhl Mansion and Spa, Sharon, Pa. (Photo supplied)
MCG opens Digital Arts Studio: Tech Suite addition LENDING THEIR SUPPORT—Several community residents came out to lean their support to Ralph Watson as he received a proclamation from the mayor. From left: Supporters attending as he receives a proclamation from the mayor. From left: Brenda Tate, Karla Gillbryd, Ralph Watson, Mayor Peduto, Rev. Daryl Milliner, and Rev. Helen M. Jackson. (Photos by J. L. Martello)
MCG RIBBON CUTTING—The Manchester Craftsman Guild opened its newest addition to the Digital Arts Studio: Tech Suite recently. Above Kla Washington, Bidwell student; Bill Strickland, center; and Gregg Behr from the Grable Foundation, cut the ribbon to formally open the Tech Suite at Manchester Craftsman Guild. (Photos by Gail Manker)
LEARNING HIGH TECH—Students Chanel Sokou and Derrick Hodge standing in front of one of the many high tech machines at the Tech Suite at MCG.
THE TECH SUITE
ENTERTAINER New Pittsburgh Courier
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Denzel makes surprise visit to AWC teen competition ‘Incarceration Cover To Cover
Nations’
by Terri Schlichenmeyer For New Pittsburgh Courier
You do the crime, you do the time. If you’re willing, in other words, to misbehave or break the law, you need to be willing to face consequences. But what if the crime doesn’t match the punishment? What if your sentence doesn’t have a period at the end? Or what if, as you’ll see in “Incarceration Nations” by Baz Dreisinger, you didn’t commit a crime at all? As a white Jewish English professor who focuses on African American cultural studies and is passionate about working with aboutto-be-released prisoners, Baz Dreisinger says she’s used to TALENTED TEENS—Naomi Allen, first runner-up; and Lawrence Davis, second runner-up; flank DaMya surprising people. Her “pe- Gurley with their personal copies of “August Wilson: Pittsburgh Places in His Life and Plays.” (Photos culiar blend of identities” is courtesy of Bill Nunn TOP) unique—and so was her idea of a two-year journey to visit prisons around the world. The statistics that spurred her are “devastating:” More than 2 million people are
behind bars in America, making the U.S. the “world’s largest jailer.” There are more African Americans in jail today than were enslaved 166 years ago; one in 14 Black men is incarcerated in the States. American prisons hold 160,000 “lifers,” as compared to fewer than 60 lifers in Australia. America’s prison model, says Dreisinger, is exported around the world. But the world, as she discovered, altered those plans. In Rwanda, where violence between Hutus and Tutsis horrified us a generation ago, she discovered that bribery and corruption are “rampant” but prison programs bring criminals and victims together to attempt forgiveness. In South Africa, in the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, she learned that apologies are nice, but a phone call to a prisoner’s mother does even more. In Uganda, where overcrowding leads to horrific conditions and corruption is “endemic,” she learns that prisoners are hungry for beauty in words. In Thailand, she toured women’s prisons where guards are required to know women by their names and faces, not their numbers. She visited Australia, which began as a penal colony; Singapore, a “Disneyland with a death penalty” and an exciting reentry program; and Norway, where prisoners can “spend up to half” their sentences off-premises. When “Incarceration Nations” first crossed my desk, I expected to read horror story after horror story but, surprisingly, that’s not at all what I got. Instead, there’s a lot in here about recidivism, reentry, and forgiveness. This is not a soft-on-crime book; instead, it’s more a meditation on making prisons more productive, instead of merely a warehouse for individuals. And if that’s a concern of yours, then “Incarceration Nations” is truly worth your time. (“Incarceration Nations: A Journey to Justice in Prisons Around the World” by Baz Dreisingerc.2016, Other Press, $27.95/$35.95 Canada, 336 pages.)
FOR REAL?—2016 August Wilson Monologue Regional 1st Place winner DaMya Gurley enjoys her moment with Denzel Washington. (Photos courtesy of Bill Nunn TOP)
FRONT AND CENTER—Denzel Washington and Kenny Leon, director of “The Wiz - Live” surprised the audience at the August Wilson Monologue competition at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture recently. Both Leon and Washington are in Pittsburgh in preproduction for August Wilson’s “Fences,” which begins shooting mid-April. Above Denzel Washington and Kenny Leon pose for a group picture with all of the 8th August Wilson Monologue Competition competitors. (Photo courtesy of Bill Nunn TOP)
Lizz Wright makes it plain and simple at AWC by Kevin Amos For New Pittsburgh Courier
Singer-songwriter Lizz Wright came on stage at the August Wilson Center For African American Culture and just sang her heart out. Plain and simple. Her performance as part of the ongoing Kente Arts Alliance concert series was not a disappointment but thoroughly enjoyable. Her set consisted of about 10-13 songs including a reflective encore. Wright made her Concord Records debut, “Freedom & Surrender” on Sept. 4. The album was produced by Larry Klein, best known for his work with Joni Mitchell, Madeleine Peyroux and Tracy Chapman. Joining Wright on the studio sessions were drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Dan Lutz, percussionist Pete Korpela, guitarists Dean Parks and Jesse Harris; and keyboardists Kenny Banks, Pete Kuzma, and Billy Childs. In addition, David Batteau collaborated with Wright in the songwriting process. Wright who grew up in rural Georgia, was exposed to great Black music from the very beginning singing in the church. Her current repertoire reflects that music and other genres such as hip-hop and folk-rock. She first came to our view with her earlier work with the late Joe Sample and her critically acclaimed recording, “Salt.” Performing tunes from her current release “Freedom & Surrender,” Wright was joined onstage with Chris Rosser, Brandon Temple, Nick D’Mato and David Cook. On a side note, Cook a Columbus native, is fresh off the road touring with Taylor Swift. His
LIZZ WRIGHT performs at August Wilson Center. (Photos by J.L. Martello) proud mother beamed as her son put on a stellar performance on keyboards. Wright started off with the classic “Nature Boy” as she stated she wanted to be
loved and loved in return. The exchange between the drummer and herself was something to experience aurally and visually. Wright was highly reflec-
tive as she talks about the circuitous dance between the beginning and the end. “Something amazing and terrifying happened to me as I entered into my 30s,”
she said. “ I realized that I had run far off the course of my scripted plans, my projections for who I’d be, what I’d be doing, and how it would feel at this point. Then, the realization the mapped trail couldn’t be recovered. A hound without a hunt, I was captured by unfamiliar woods far from earshot of the original game and players. Untethered by marriage with a scrap pile of maternal designs that never took root, I found myself forced, thank goodness, to let go.” And let go she did. Standout selections from the evening included “Morning Glory,” the traditional Gospel song “Walk With Me,” Neil Young’s “Old Man,” “Somewhere Down the Mystic,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (to be released as a single), “Freedom” and “To Love Somebody.” A great concert on a plain and simple evening.
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‘A Lesson Before Dying’ a lesson for our times by Rossano P. Stewart For New Pittsburgh Courier
Cast does excellence performance on the Ernest J. Gaines’s novel “A Lesson Before Dying.” The production was performed at the New Hazlett Theater Center for Performing Arts, located at 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. The performance directed by Rich Keitel, adapted by Romulus Linney was based on Gaines’s novel set in 1948 in Bayonne, La. A young Black male has been convicted of murder and sentenced to be executed by the state. A local woman, a housemaid to the wealthy landowners, feels empathy for the boy and does everything in her power to see that he learns to die with dignity. The actors were magnificent, the set is timely, the rhythm in which the scenes flowed and the music transcends the era, catapults
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SESSION—From left: Rich Keitel, director; Rep. Ed Gainey, Stephan Broadus, assistant to the publisher, New Pittsburgh Courier; Producer Wayne Brenda and Mary Gibson of Prime Stage Theater. the audience back in time. The stand-out performance by the young man, as portrayed by, Lamont
Walker II, is riveting and worthy of a full Broadway production. The New Hazlett Theater
and Prime Stage Theater, stands out as a golden nugget in the city of the Golden Triangle. After the
THE ACTORS—From left: LaMar Darnell Fields, Lamont Walker II, Erik Martin, Wali Jamal, Everett Lowe, seated Tracey D. Turner and Hope Marie Anthony. (Photos by Rossano P. Stewart)
Ali to star in TV One ‘Second Sight’ SILVER SPRING, Md.— Starring as a young teacher plagued with visions, Tatyana Ali (Zoe Ever After, Love That Girl!, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) returns to TV One in the new madefor-television movie Second Sight. Premiering Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m. ET, Ali plays Clara Randall, whose gift of “prophesy” leaves her haunted by premonitions of horrific kidnappings. Despite people’s unwillingness to believe her “second sight,” Clara takes it upon herself to search for one of her students who has gone missing. Shot on location in Los Angeles, this suspenseful thriller marks the third project executive produced by Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes and Executive Vice President of Special Projects Susan Banks. “First with horror, and now suspense, Hughes and Susan Banks have once again ushered TV One into an entirely new genre for the network,” stated D’Angela Proctor, TV One’s Head of Original Programming and Production. “Driving the network into fresh and unexplored territory is exactly what our new brand promise represents—taking chances and defying expectations.” Living in a constant nightmare, Clara (Ali) has trouble understanding her abilities as well as convincing others—specifically her boyfriend Tony Prescott (“Texas Battle,” “The Bold and The Beautiful”)—that the visions are not just a figment of her imagination. After “seeing” the abduction of a student from her school, she realizes she must take matters into her own hands by following the clues from her visions. Along her mission to save this innocent life, Clara discovers disturbing secrets and lies surrounding those she trusted most. Denise Boutte (“Meet The Browns,” “For The Love of Ruth”) also makes her network return in the role of Tamara Johnson, Clara’s best friend. Rounding out the cast of stellar actors is Edwina Findley
TATYANA ALI (“Get Hard”) as Donna Gray and Sharif Atkins (‘White Collar,” “Rizzoli & Isles) as Richard Gray, the parents of the kidnapped student Mary Ann, played by Jessica Pressley (For The Love of Ruth). “Second Sight” is produced by Digilab Productions for TV One. Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes and Executive Vice President of Special Projects Susan
Banks serve as executive producers. Second Sight was written by Susan Banks and Michael Scott serves as Director and Producer. For TV One, Jubba Seyyid is executive-incharge of production, Robyn Greene Arrington is vice president of original programming and production, and D’Angela Proctor is head of original programming and production. Encores of Second Sight will also air on TV One on Saturday, April 23 at 10 p.m. ET and Sunday, April 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET. For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #SecondSight and catch clips and promos on TV One’s YouTube Channel.
powerhouse stage play, the audience participated in a Q &A session with State Rep. Edward J. Gainey and Assistant to the Publisher of the New Pittsburgh Courier, Stephan A. Broadus. In light of the devastating massacre in Wilkinsburg recently, the session with the audience brought light to issues of race, crime and political awareness in Pittsburgh. Representative Gainey gave passionate and compelling testimony to what is truly plaguing our communities. Sponsors for the evenings event were: WQED, The Pittsburgh Foundation, RAD Works Here, Pennsylvania Arts and The Heinz Endowments There was a made for TV version several years ago starring Don Cheadle and Cicely Tyson, and Maya Angelou.
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Community gathers at Restorative Justice meeting
THOSE IN ATTENDANCE (Photos by Jackie McDonald)
by Jackie McDonald For New Pittsburgh Courier
Parents, guardians, teachers, principals and interested community members gathered recently at the monthly Restorative Justice meeting to discuss solutions of supporting the severely disadvantaged and special needs youth in the Pittsburgh community schools. Many students are dealing with the affects of impoverished backgrounds, abandonment and dysfunc-
tional homes and have become a part of an adverse disciplinary syndrome, improper handling results in the children being unjustly shifted from schools to prisons the organization believes. Juvenile Defender, Attorney Tiffany Sizemore-Thompson passionately expressed her concern for the mishandling of students who are predisposed and vulnerable to violence at the meeting. She emphasized that some students are fearful and trau-
matized and it is important for everyone including school authority and counselors be informed and trained to identify their issues to initiate an appropriate response resulting in a student focused on education, and that the Juvenile Detention System should not be a default discipline solution because of lack of understanding. The Restorative Justice group stated that they encourage community involvement to fight for the rights of youth.
Carnegie Library honors individual, two groups
AN HONOR—From left: Mary Frances Cooper, president and director, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; Kevin Andrews, owner, Bat’s Barbershop, and Carol Robinson, chair, CLP Board of Trustees. (Photo by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh) (PITTSBURGH—City of Pittsburgh Officer David Shifren of Zone 4 is the 2015 Advocate of the Year and the Teen Alternative Homecoming Planning Committee was named 2015 Teen Advocate of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The awardees were honored by the Library’s Board of Trustees during its annual public meeting. The general public and library staff nominates outstanding and deserving community members who demonstrate a commitment to further library services. Officer Shifren started a chess club at CLP-Hazelwood, where he teaches chess (and by extension, critical thinking and problem solving skills) to kids and teens. “The program has become a ‘staple of afterschool programming at Hazelwood, said Mary Ann McHarg, Library Services Manager for CLP–Hazelwood. In addition to the chess program, Officer Shifren is an advocate in the community, encouraging families to bring their children to the library during his regular patrols. The Teen Alternative Homecoming Planning Committee “fully embraced the mission of providing a fun, engaging community experience centered around books and learning” to earn the Library’s Teen Advocate Award. The committee shared more than 60 hours of their time in planning meetings, preparing the event space, brainstorming activities, assembling programs, selling tickets and distributing promotional materials. Their work attracted 279 teens from all over Pittsburgh to the 2015 Alternative Homecoming. The Alternative Homecoming Teen Planning Committee included Maya Best, Kyra Bingham, TaeAjah Cannon, Ana Carballido-Dosal, Leah DeFlitch, Jayne Juffe. Sophia Kachur,
Mae Knight, Katina Motta, Kendal Nasiadka, Paige Pegher, Gabriele Spokas, and Oliver Sterling-Angus. The Board also presented the Outstanding Community Partner Award which recognizes outstanding organizations and corporations that have enhanced library services and programs by building capacity through staff volunteerism, in-kind donations or sponsorship. Library staff nominates candidates for this award. The 2015 awardee, Bat’s Barbershop on Penn Avenue in East Liberty, is the location of one of Library’s first “Community Collections.” Books are free to check out even for community members who do not have a library card. Community Collections serve as a “bridge” to the Library; either by introducing the Library to non-users or repairing relationships with former users. The nomination pointed out that “the staff of Bat’s have been great advocates in encouraging community members to read and engage with the Library, and have been hands-on in helping with book selection. The shop uses every opportunity to teach the East Liberty community and visitors to the barbershop about what the Library offers, and the importance of literacy and continued education.” “Each year, the variety of nominations from across the region demonstrates that dedicated residents extend the Library’s ability to reach and engage more and more people in the programs we offer—within our walls and beyond,” said Carol Robinson, chair, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees. “We congratulate all the nominees and thank those who invest in their neighborhoods by taking our mission as seriously as we do,” she added.
BRANDI FISHER
JESSICA GURLEY-RANDOLPH
ATTORNEY TIFFANY SIZEMORE-THOMPSON
New Pittsburgh Courier
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How taxpayers get sideways with IRS by Constant Watson III For New Pittsburgh Courier
A taxpayer’s problems with the Internal Revenue Service start in any number of ways, but it is seldom that a tax problem arises from a taxpayer setting out with the intention of defrauding the IRS. Most tax problem cases begin as the side effect of some serious life event. Some of the events that lead to tax problems are: Divorce Divorce can result in unexpected tax liabilities. A spouse may start to receive alimony payments without being aware of the fact that this new form of income is taxable. A divorce settlement may involve the liquidation of some material assets that result in taxable gains. A division of property is often facilitated by converting assets to cash, like an insurance policy, with the unexpected aspect of a tax liability. A taxpayer may be divorced near the end of the year and find that taxes withheld from wages through the year were based on filing a joint tax return with several exemptions. Because of the new filing status, as a single taxpayer, they find themselves grossly under withheld and facing a large, unexpected balance due. This all might happen at the same time the taxpayer is incurring significant expenses trying to get re-established in a new life. These situations can arise in the most amicable of divorces, but when a divorce becomes adversarial or even hostile, other issues may further complicate a taxpayer’s ability to file their tax return timely and properly. If enough animosity is present, one spouse may withhold tax documents the other spouse needs to file a return or worse yet, may destroy tax and business records. Loss of employment Loss of one’s job may cause unforeseen tax issues in multiple ways. A taxpayer collect unemployment benefits after suffering the loss of a job. Because of their reduced income, they might forego having taxes withheld believing they need every penny to live on. When the year ends, they prepare their tax return, only to learn there is a balance due. This starts a cycle of not filing that often runs for years before the IRS pursues them to the point they have no choice but to try to get back on track. In another job loss scenario, a taxpayer withdraws funds from retirement account such as 401K plans or IRS account. They are attempting to maintain their old lifestyle while seeking new employment. They think that because of the loss of earnings they will have reduced tax liability and that they need to held onto as much as possible of their income until the new job is found. Therefore, no taxes are withheld and the next tax return shows an insurmountable balance due. Forgiveness of debt Tax problems can also happen when a forgiveness of debt occurs. Taxpayers are often shocked to find out that they owe taxes because they have suffered an economic reversal. For example, under the cancellation of debt rules, a problem that ended up in the loss of an asset through abandonment, foreclosure, or repossession can cost them tax dollars. The IRS treats the amount of debt that is cancelled for forgiven in these situations as taxable income. Note that there are exceptions to this rule that apply in bankruptcy SEE TAXPAYERS C2
A FAMILY AFFAIR—Monster and Mom’s Hauling owner Debbie Rankin with grandson Dom Walker use their recycling business to help others. (Photos by Diane I. Daniels)
Recycling business used to recycle lives by Diane I. Daniels For New Pittsburgh Courier
Obstacles are a way of life, but if you ask Debbie Rankin, her son Charles Tarrant and grandson Dom Walker, the owners of Monster and Mom’s Hauling they will testify that obstacles are also a way of doing business. Within their two years of operation the trio has endured family sickness and death, a shortage of funding and most recently difficulty with former employees that were also family members conducting fraudulent activity. They illegally dumped tires on a site Monster and Mom’s was renting, causing the business to be cited by the Department of Environmental Protection. But through it all Rankin said the obstacles have made them stronger, taught them lessons and the DEP is allotting them time to clean up the area. Also as a result of what happened Monster and Mom’s now operate from a warehouse in Lower Burrell and Oakmont Rentals has assisted them in purchasing a 26-foot storage truck. Monster and Mom’s Hauling, described by Rankin is a business that hauls used tires for recycling purposes. “We pick up the tires and store them until they are picked up by a recycling company.” She said her company is identified by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania DEP staff as the only female- and Black-owned in Pennsylvania with a hauling permit. A typical client consists of businesses like Good Year, Fire Stone, gas stations, garages, auto dealerships or any business that has to dispose of scrap tires. Because tires are manufactured to be highly durable and weatherproof, which
READY TO ROLL—Dom Walker of Monsters and Mom’s Hauling loads some of the last of the illegally dumped tires into their trailer to be hauled away for recycling purposes. causes mass landfill space to be used up, tires are non-biodegradable and are considered a large and problematic sources of waste. When recycled tires are turned into among other things turf used for football fields, rubber modified asphalt and rubber for shoes. They are repurposed and used for flooring on playgrounds and swings. Tires can also be recycled into other tires and
have been cut up and used in garden beds as bark mulch to hold in the water and to prevent weeds from growing. Some “green” buildings, both private and public, have been made from old tires. Often tires are burned and used for fuel purposes. A retired paralegal professional after working 38 years in Downtown Pittsburgh law firms, Rankin said Monster and Mom’s came about as a way to supplement her income. “After deep thought, doing some research and talking to my oldest son who is a trucker, we came up with the idea to haul used tires for recycling purposes. I found that there are not a lot of these type of businesses in western Pennsylvania and it can be a lucrative business,” Rankin explained. “Even the people at DEP consider us unique.” Very family oriented Rankin said, “My idea immediately was for it to be a family business. I have nephews, cousins’ children and friends who are considered unemployable due to run-in’s with the law—be they minor or considered somewhat major. “My grandson Dom graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s of science degree in communications with a focus on media in 2014 and has yet to be able to find a job in Pittsburgh. He had his own television show in college, announced football, basketball and baseball games; however, is unemployable. Granted he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor while in college and was placed on a small probationary period, he has run into problem after problem when applying for jobs. He couldn’t even obtain a car salesman position.” SEE RECYCLE C2
Baptist leader: Unregulated predatory lending will cause perpetual poverty
Every once in a while a congressional committee hearing can almost seem like a time to grab your popcorn and a seat to hear the exchanges and varying opinions. On April 5, a U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on consumer finance regulations became one such occasion. The session was convened to publicly “assess the effects of consumer finance regulations”. In plain English, it was a time to publicly debate whether the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) had been good or bad for the country, since opening operations in July 2011. The forum also hearkened back to many of the former supporters and opponents of proposals to reform Wall Street in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since that of the 1930s. Alabama’s Sen. Richard Shelby, chair of Senate Banking has consistently opposed the idea of creating an independent bureau with a director instead of a commission and a budget that would not be subject to the annual budgetary appropriations process. “Because of the Bureau’s structure and the means by which it is financed, it remains one of the least accountable agencies in the federal government,” said Sen. Shelby in his opening remarks. Conversely, Ohio’s Sen. Sherrod Brown, the committee’s Ranking Member, has just as vociferously supported financial reforms to shield consumers from further harms. “The CFPB has been a success,” stated Sen. Brown. “The agency has taken strong actions in a number of consumer finance
sistance. “But other abuses continue to run rampant,” continued Rev. Gable. “Some may be more obscure than mortgage lending, but they are ever powerful, ever destructive...Payday lending is an abomination in plain sight. A debt trap by design.” In his allotted five minutes, Rev. Gable cited a litany of other lending ills: bank overdraft fees, discriminatory auto lending, law-breaking debt collectors, student debt and those who prey upon the elderly. “Please allow me to be clear: The notion that struggling Americans need access to products like those the Bureau has been working so hard to address is an insult to the basic dignity of every vulnerable person,” concluded Rev. Gable. “The predatory practices CFPB is addressing siphon off what little resources targeted persons have and leave them worse off…Uncontrolled predatory lending practices will relegate some communities to a state of perpetual poverty.” “Now, when more than a million families remain seriously behind on their mortgage payments and just under half a million more are in some stage of foreclosure, it is not a time to move backwards into the same failed and reckless lending practices,” continued Calhoun. “Instead, we must continue to move forward to a more sustained housing recovery that benefits consumers, lenders and investors alike.”
markets that previmillion. Lives ously had no federal Charlene Crowell turned upside oversight, including down. Life savings credit reporting, washed away. $2.2 debt collection, paytrillion in lost propday loans, student erty value, over half loan servicing, and from communities auto finance. The of color.” benefits of the CFPB In its comments are clear: its actions submitted to the have resulted in committee record, $11.2 billion being returned to over 25 mil- the Center for Responsible Lending agreed lion consumers.” with Rev. Gable’s assessment. “Abusive loan terms and lender practices The only hearing witness that spoke in support of all that CFPB has accomplished bear responsibility for the foreclosure was Reverend Dr. Willie Gable, Jr., pastor of tsunami that disproportionately stripped New Orleans’ Progressive Baptist Church wealth from communities of color,” noted and chair of the Housing and Economic De- Mike Calhoun, CRL President. ‘Risky borrowvelopment Commission of the National ers’ had neither the power nor the authority Baptist Convention, USA. He brought to to cause a housing market meltdown.” As this column has earlier reported, the the forum a bit of Baptist cadence and truth-telling to the Capitol Hill committee, families who lost their homes to foreclosure underscoring the damage that predatory since 2004 were not the only victims of the lending continues to inflict. His perspective crisis. Untold millions who lived nearby was also a significant one representing the foreclosed homes may have kept theirs, but National Baptist Convention USA with its became upside down on their mortgages, 7,500,000 Baptist congregants. It is the old- owing more than the devalued homes are est and largest religious convention in the now worth. The rippling effects of foreclosures nationwide led to multiple losses – nation. “Twelve million families lost their homes jobs, businesses, incomes, and even local (Charlene Crowell is a communications manager as a result of the financial crisis,” stated property taxes that support vital services with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be Rev. Gable’s written testimony. “Twelve like police, fire and emergency medical as- reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
Commentary
Pioneering GM global design chief retiring
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DETROIT (AP)—Ed Welburn, General Motors’ longtime head of automotive design and the first African-American to lead global design for any automaker, is retiring after 44 years with the company. Welburn, 65, has led GM Design in North America since 2003, and was appointed global design chief in 2005. He was responsible for the company’s interior and exterior designs, leading upgrades as the company emerged from its 2009 bankruptcy. Welburn steps down July 1 and will be replaced by Michael Simcoe, who has been with the company for 33 years. Currently Simcoe is vice president of international design. GM said Welburn set up a network of 10 design centers around the world with over 2,500 employees. He’s responsible for functional designs of everyday GM products as well as iconic performance cars such as the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro.During Welburn’s tenure, General Motors Co.’s designs have improved, with mainstream cars striking a good balance between functionality and looks, said Jake Fisher, auto testing chief for Consumer Reports magazine. Under Welburn, most of GM’s designs haven’t been flashy, but they have been smart, offering good visibility and interior space with a conservative yet appealing look, Fisher said. “I think they’ve improved the design of their cars without compromising their function,” he said. “It’s hard to ADDRESSES MEDIA—In this Jan. 10, 2008 file photo, Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design, addresses the make a car that looks good but also is pack- media during a press conference for the Buick Riviera concept at the Max M. Fisher building in Detroit. (AP Photo/Gary Malerba) aged well.”
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With a mindset to help Black men, Rankin said, “I became so frustrated with the system constantly denying redeemable Black men
an opportunity to earn an honest, decent living until they became my focus.” Monster and Mom’s she said is currently mainly run by her grandson who is 27
MUNICIPALITY OF PENN HILLS April is Fair Housing Month. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, mortgage financing, brokering, advertising, appraisal, or other action involving housing. No housing provider may legally make a difference of terms regarding rent, damage/security deposit, or sale price because of the presence of children, a person’s disability, race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Housing may not be denied to persons in the protected classes on the basis of the owner or landlord thinking the housing is unsuitable for the tenant or buyer or that they may not be compatible with others in the neighborhood. The Municipality of Penn Hills has a Fair Housing Ordinance, which also prohibits discrimination. The FAIR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP, is an agency that provides, as one of its services, a Housing Hotline. This Hotline can be used to report housing discrimination complaints, landlord/tenant complaints, and provide information on housing assistance programs, as well as housing information for renters and home buyers. This Hotline can be reached at: 412-391-2535. Information on the above is available in the offices of the Penn Hills Department of Planning and Economic Development. Persons with disabilities who require accommodations are requested to call 412-798-2126 to discuss how we may meet your needs. Hearing impaired may contact the Municipality through the State Relay Office at 1-800-654-5984.
years old. “Most Black men want to work, all they need is a chance,” said Rankin pointing out that all she requires from her employees is for them to be a hard worker, to have the ability to lift tires of all sizes, to be dedicated and have a desire to make a living. “I am convinced that up lifting young Black men is the way to get our communities back.” A former Homewood resident and Westinghouse High School graduate, Rankin said upon graduating from Sawyer Business School that her first job was with the first Black law firm in the city, Johnson and Johnson, which was operated by Justin and Livingston Johnson who are former Pittsburgh judges. Envisioning a bright future for the business, Rankin said within the next week or so the tires on the old site will be hauled away and the situation with the DEP will be taken care of. “Our focus now is to establish a strong company credit base, to grow our customer base, to add two or three trucks and to build to the level where we are known as one of the biggest haulers in the state.” The father of two with the goal to leave a legacy for his
sons, Walker shares his grandmother’s vision. “We are working toward growing the business by getting new clients and adding a couple more trucks.” He also would like to see the business expand into the retail side by selling used and new tires. Employing people from the neighborhood to build a Black owned, Black controlled tire-recycling business in western Pennsylvania is a mission he shares with his grandmother. At the same time, Walker has not given up on his dream of working in the media. “That’s my passion, but I like being an entrepreneur,” he said. Cur-
rently he works with Brian Cook the owner of the Golden Sky Media Company who he considers his mentor. In the meantime, Walker said his plan is to continue working to build and grow the business, which is named after his uncle Charles who has the nickname of Monster. “I’ve learned a lot working with my family. My grandmother has taught me the importance of keeping on schedule, fulfilling my promises and the significance of good customer relations. I want to teach others the same necessary business attributes as we develop Monsters and Mom’s to be a force to be reckoned with in the hauling industry.”
How taxpayers get sideways with IRS CONTINUED FROM C1
and insolvency. Further, there is an exception that may apply if the forgiveness is related to a personal residence. Remember, for every tax problem, there’s a solution. (Constant W. Watson III, CPA, CTRS, is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax
Resolution Specialist. He is one of only three Certified Tax Resolution Specialists in the State of Illinois who is certified by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers. For a free consultation, call 708-206-9900 or visit www.constantwatsoncpa.com)
Ex-spouse benefits, taxes and you by George Ziecina For New Pittsburgh Courier
Mid-April features both Ex-Spouse Day and tax day. These two observances are extra important if you are an ex-spouse, because Social Security pays benefits to eligible former spouses. And, you may need to claim this income on your tax forms. If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her record. To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you have since remarried, you can’t collect benefits on your former spouse’s record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your exspouse’s work. In other words, we’ll pay the higher of the two benefits for which you’re eligible, but not both. You can apply for benefits on your ex-spouse’s record even if he or she hasn’t retired, as long as you divorced at least two years before applying. The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse. The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the benefits of your ex-spouse and his or her current spouse. (George Ziecina is Social Security District Manager in Butler, Pa.)
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Allegheny County Financing
APRIL 13—Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) will be offering a free seminar on the numerous financing options available for manufacturers who have the ability to influence Allegheny County’s economic development. ACED, in partnership with the PA Department of Community & Economic Development, Manufacturer’s Economic Development. The seminar will focus on tax-exempt financing, optimal ways to finance and/or refinance projects; the various loan programs available to manufacturing companies, the benefits of partnering with ACED. The session runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the ACED board room, One Chatham Center, Suite 900, 112 Washington Pl., Pittsburgh.
Tax Lab April 14—Complete your taxes with two hours of uninterrupted computer time using an online software platform from the IRS Website. The event is free and will be held at the Downtown & Business Branch, 612 Smithfield Street. For more information, call 412281-7141.
PowerBreakfast APRIL 15—The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pa will host its monthly PowerBreakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m. at the Rivers Club, 301 Grant Street, Downtown. This month’s speaker is Dana A. Yealy, Managing Director, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh who will present an overview on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and share the process for accessing procurement opportunities from the Bank. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. For more information call 412-3910610.
QuickBooks Training Event APRIL 19—At 9 a.m. in Room 108, Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host a the first of a two-day workshop is designed for QuickBooks PC Users who have experience using the software and would like to learn how to set-up payroll, manage sales tax, and more. Day one will focus on Inventory, Time & Billing, Company File Setup and Preferences, and Adjustments and Year-End Procedures.
QuickBooks Training Event APRIL 26—Again At 9 a.m. in Room 108, Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host a the second part of a two-day QuickBooks PC Users training workshop. The session will concentrate on Sales Tax Payable, Payroll Setup, and Payroll Processing. The cost for both days of the event is $90. For more information, call 412-3966233.
Understanding Financial Statements Workshop APRIL 28—At 9 a.m. in Room 108, Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host a hands-on workshop takes a step-by step approach to explaining two important financial statements: profit and loss statement and balance sheet. A representative from Wilke & Associates will offer clear examples for using these statements to make informed decisions, identify potential problems, and set realistic financial goals. (To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: newsroom@ newpittsburgh courier.com.)
New Pittsburgh Courier
SPORTS
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www.newpittsburghcourier.com
UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS—Front row, from left: 4-Thomas Perry, 1-Jassir Jordan, 13-Chucky Humphries, Asst. Coach Dwight Hines, Head Coach Nick Lackovich, Asst. Coach Bill Cashaw, 23-Kaezon Pugh, 0-Sheldon Jeter, 11-Jumar Mike. Back row from left: 24-Bobby Cashaw, 15-Nico Bible, 3-Will Gipson, 5-Robert Crute, 32-Ahmad Gilbert, 44-Javod Fields, 12-Solvauhn Moreland,and 10-Deoveon Crute. (Photos by Michael Lackovich)
Aliquippa 2016 state hoops title result of long, strong winning tradition by Timothy Cox For New Pittsburgh Courier
(The following is the first of a three part series on what inspires Aliquippa’s great winning tradition) HERSHEY, Pa.—A year ago this Spring, the Aliquippa High School boys basketball team lost the final game of what would’ve been the clinching game of the PIAA Class AA State title game. The gut-wrenching loss was the team’s only defeat of last season. Fast-forward to March 19 many of those same Quips players from last year’s squad, were able to make amends and bring home the state title, miraculously in another undefeated season, going 30-0. In fact, during the past two school years—starting
in the Fall of 2014 through Spring 2016, the Aliquippa boys football and basketball teams have won an unbelievable 86 games, with just two defeats. In that brief period the boys football and basketball teams have earned three Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Association League (WPIAL) titles and one Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) State crown. The 2015-16 football team was also undefeated, until losing in the final-game, PIAA 2A state championship match last December against Southern Columbia High of Catawissa, Pa. Interestingly, both football and hoop teams are largely comprised of the same players.
Very talented young men, to say the least. Still, for a such a small former steel town which only has a population of about 9,000 inhabitants, it’s remarkable that this Pittsburgh outskirt can remain so athletically competitive, when each school year, the entire student body annually enrolls a minimal number of boys. Even though there’s such a very small pool of players to choose from, the talent and skill-base remains very high. Therefore, one has to wonder how and why such profound athletic prowess seems to occur at this small, urban, economicallychallenged Beaver County school—year after year. In speaking with several long-term residents of
Columnist offers reasons for Quips success! by Stratton Nash For New Pittsburgh Courier
Culture—Civic pride from athletic success has created an insular culture of winning in Aliquippa, Pa. Winning against all odds and winning because of it’s ‘us against the world’ attitude. Politics, demographics and economics have reshaped the landscape of high school sports, especially in western Pennsylvania. Economic downturns beginning in the 1970s, has created a need for boroughs to align with neighboring jurisdictions to combine school districts to survive. Aliquippa, for reasons probably better suited for another story, has been left behind to survive on its own, and they have. They are surrounded by larger, more prosperous school districts and have responded by a strengthened resolve that overflows into athletics. Excessively high competitive spirit and environment—Aliquippa athletes don’t play to just play. They play to win and they know no other way. It is inherently and subconsciously instilled, and in its wake leaves young athletes who are confident and are so accustomed to winning, that any loss is deemed as an aberration that has no chance at all at lasting. None. The winning culture propels athletes to perform at levels that sometimes exceed their talent level. Training—In basketball, current high school age athletes regularly play pick-up games against and with former Aliquippa athletes in their 20s and 30s. The older ones, who are grown men, bestow an experience on the younger ones, a physicality, intensity and maturity that many high school athletes aren’t exposed to. The payoff is playing against opposing high school teams who haven’t experienced the benefit of playing regularly against adults, hence Aliquippa typically overwhelms opponents. Legacy—Per capita, the school has to be one, if not, the top school in the country for having produced NFL First-Round draft picks and other players who have made NFL rosters. Mike Ditka, Ty Law, Sean Gilbert, Darrelle Revis and Jonathan Baldwin are former First-round picks. Tommie Campbell and others have made NFL rosters. What’s really interesting however is,
as the community dwindles, the number of elite athletes has risen, causing a complete diametric dynamic. In the ‘60s, Mike Ditka was the lone player from Aliquippa High School to have made it big in professional football. At that time, Aliquippa had over 26,000 residents. By 1990, the population was half that at 13,000, which is when Tajuan “Ty” Law played at Aliquippa and went on to become a star at the University of Michigan and then a First-Round draft pick of the New England Patriots in 1995. Oddly however, from 1990 to 2010 when Aliquippa’s population continued its downward trend to approximately 9,500 residents, is when four of Aliquippa’s NFL First round picks were made. Conventional wisdom suggests it should be the opposite; the more students, the more elite athletes are produced. The significance of this success is Aliquippa has living legends, some of whom are only 1015 years older than high school-aged athletes, who are available as role models. Role modeling entails replicating ones before you. Aliquippa athletes don’t have to dream or wonder if they can reach the highest levels of professional sports. They have living proof that inside the borders of this small enclave of Aliquippa, one can make it to the top. It’s been proven, time and time again. An athlete can say with conviction, I’m the next one, or we’re the next great team. Coaching—Aliquippa has been blessed with coaches who not only understand football and basketball, but more importantly, hail from Aliquippa and provide the love and care commensurate with that status. They not only coach Aliquippa, they are Aliquippa. They’ve played there, coached there or taught there, or all of the above. Their understanding of the community is intertwined through multiple generations. The significance of this is, it fosters 100-percent participation from eligible athletes and 100-percent support from the community. This is a winning formula. When the school, coach, athletes and community are all in—magical achievements can happen. And, we should not forget Hopewell stars like Tony Dorsett and Paul Poluzny, the former Penn State star who currently plays middle linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Stratton Nash is a blogger for Pitt Basketball.)
JASSIR JORDAN flies high for a basket. the Aliquippa borough, it’s noted that school pride, especially athletic success is breeded from the smallest tykes throughout their formative years. “It’s a never-lose attitude that starts before kids even reach Pop Warner leagues,” says Philip Billingslea, a WAMO100 radio executive and native Quippian, whose father, Richard Billingslea, played on Aliquippa’s first unbeaten state basketball title team. That legendary squad defeated a tough York High School (6351) for the 1949 PIAA crown at Philadelphia’s Palestra fieldhouse, according to a March 1980 Beaver County Times article by iconic sports writer Joe Tronzo The 1949 team, which enjoyed a 29-0 record, also starred Dr. Larry Frank, who would later become President of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Dr. Frank was also the first Black named as Director of the NCAA and served as president of the South Western Athletic Conference. It’s often stated that the ‘49 team is the bedrock and foundation of what would become Aliquippa’s long-lasting sports success. That team also featured Dr. Mickey Zernich, Clarence Shaw, former Aliquippa high school principal Jerry Montini, and was coached by Sam Milanovich. But the current hoop squad was able to outdo their older counterparts by
eclipsing the long-held undefeated mark, which stood 67 years, until March 19 when Coach Nick Lackovich’s 2015-16 squad copped the state crown by going undefeated and breaking the school record by defeating Philadelphia-based Mastery Charter North 68-49 at the Giant Center in Hershey— the same venue where the Quips lost a year ago. Naturally Coach Lackovich says he’s more than proud to have coached this year’s team. After losing in last year’s final game and
losing an undefeated season to eventual champion Conwell-Egan also of Philly, Lackovich said his returning players were not marching to any special rallying cry throughout the year. “We knew we left some goals on the table last year, and we had a good nucleus returning to achieve our goals,” said the threeyear head coach. Prior to Lackovich taking over the boy’s team’s reign, the team was coached by Bobby Williams, who suffered three consecutive losing seasons, said Lackovich.
SHELDON JETER shots a free throw.
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
SPORTS
by Bill Neal
Overtime
For New Pittsburgh Courier
OK young folk…here’s enough truth to last you till the end of time or until you get a clue. Here’s your “Top 10” wake up call about what you think you know!!! :10—Your Warriors get the #5 spot all time at best. They fall in line behind #1 the Michael Jordan Bulls. #2 the Magic Johnson “Show Time” Lakers. #3 the Larry Bird Celtics. #4 the Isaiah “Bad Boys” Pistons and then maybe…maybe…maybe Steph Curry and the boys fall in at the #5 spot. But
let’s not forget the “Hakeem the Dream” Houston Rockets, the “Dr. J.” 76ers and the Tim Duncan Spurs MMMMAAAANNNN! :09—This has to stand by itself! The Boston Celtics had six hall of famers and won 11, count-em, 11 world titles for a reason. Does the name Bill Russell ring a bell. :08—So let’s talk match ups. Who on the Warriors covers “Russell,” who covers “Chamberlain,” who covers
MICHAEL JORDAN
“Shaq,” who covers “Parrish”, who covers Darrell “Chocolate Thunder”, Dawkins, who covers “Olajuwon”…wait, wait, wait…who the hell covers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar??? Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody! You all are so 3point crazy you forget the objective is to get the ball to the closest person to the hoop. “The Center.” There ya go. Oh, by the way, did I mention Moses Malone and Bill Walton! :07—You do know that Wilt Chamberlain holds 72 NBA records, which is also a record, and that he was 7’2” tall and weighed 275 lbs. C’mon man! :06—I suppose you also know that Kareem is the NBA all-time leading scorer. His sky hook was the most unstoppable shot in the history of basketball. :05—While I have your attention, I am sure you know that Michael Jordan is recognized as the greatest basketball player of all time. :04—So here’s this. If Clay Thompson watches Michael who watches Scottie Pip-
pen? It would have to be Green because Curry has to watch Kerr…and Kerr can shoot 3’s with him all night. Now!!! Who’s gonna watch Dennis “The Worm” Rodman. Then just for the fun of it, you got all-star Toni Kukoc of the Bench and 7’2” Luc Longley in the hole at 265 lbs. C’mon man, c’mon man! :03—Still having fun? Let’s keep this party going. You got Thompson on 6’8” Magic Johnson. You got Curry on Michael Cooper. Green on Worthy. One missmatch after another. You may have someone to watch Kurt Rambis, but he’s gonna get beat up. Here’s your “Huckleberry” (Doc Holiday…Tombstone). Nobody can watch Kareem! :02—You do the matchups on this one, and it might be the most difficult of all. You’re in the Boston Garden, an impressive place to win, Dennis Johnson 6’5”, Danny Ainge 6’6,” Larry Bird 6’9,” Kevin McHale 6’10” and Robert Parish at 7’0.’ You lose again! Hey, turn around and come back here. I’m still talking to you. I’ll tell
you when it’s over. It’s over when I say it’s over! :01—Take this to bed with you tonight—the 76ers legend “Dr. J.” the most unstoppable force in basketball, along with Moses Malone, Maurice Cheeks, Bobby Jones (The highest jumping White boy of all time) and the great and lethal Andrew Toney, with World Be Free off the bench. Are - You - Kidding Me! And all I will tell you about the Isaiah Thomas,
Dumars, Rodman, “Micowave,” Mr. Nasty Bill Laimbeer and the finisher Rick Mahorn Bad Boys Team is that the Warriors of today may not get to a fourth game with them in a series with the nastiest team to ever play the game. Shut-up. This lesson is over. You got the truth and you know nothing else matters. Now pick up your jaw, your iphone, all your tweets…faces…and grams and be gone. And remember, an old cat told you this, all my players put the “B” in Basketball! ~ GAME OVER / AND YOU’RE OVER TOO ~
STEPH CURRY
20 years since Tiger…Where are young Black golfers? by Timothy Cox For New Pittsburgh Courier
AUGUSTA, Ga.—Eldrick “Tiger” Woods is in the city of Augusta, but unfortunately for his lingering and dedicated fan base— he’s not participating in this, the 80th annual 2016 Masters Tournament. Even still, this writer can vividly recall watching a young Tiger teeing-off on long practice shots at the Augusta National Golf Club in April 1995. This was Tiger’s first visit to golf’s hallowed grounds—a couple years before he would set records and become one of golf’s brightest stars—ever. A couple of decades later to the tee, the heir apparent to Tiger, in the form of young Black successful golfers, is noticeably missing not only on the PGA Tour, but even on the high school and collegiate ranks. We asked several golf enthusiasts for their opinion as to why in what was once thought of as the “Tiger Effect,” no longer has the impact or significance, when it comes to influencing and impacting a subsequent new generation of minority golfers—in the mold of Tiger Woods. According to an article that appeared in Golf Magazine in July 2013—that publication also asked a similar question but in another form: ‘Where are all the Black golfers two decades after Tiger?’ The golf publication noted that generally, Blacks are still not attracted to the golf game. Golf Magazine writer, Michael Bamberger, then wrote: In 1997, when Tiger won the Masters—by 12! —the floodgates were supposed to open to minority golfers in general and Black golfers in particular. A lot of us felt that way, I among them. I typed these words on that Sunday night 16 years ago, said Bamberger three years ago. In Augusta, home of the prestigious Masters Tournament, members of the Masters City Golf Association, an organization comprised of adult Black golfers, longtime golfers like Ricardo “Ricky” Daggett react to the Tiger Effect. “Really, when Tiger was having all of his success in the late 1990s, I too thought by now, we’d see an abundance of young talented Black golfers on the tour. The problem is that golf can be a very expensive game or hobby. Many young Blacks just don’t have the economic background to develop their games at such a high level,” said Daggett, himself a star high school running back at Augusta’s iconic Lucy C. Laney High School, years before taking up golf as an older man. Charles Moye, president of the 32-yearold Masters City Golf Association, said he didn’t start golfing until after accepting a job at the John Deere plant in Grovetown, Ga. “I started off hitting a few balls with some of my co-workers. It’s absolutely true, very often business deals are made on the
golf course. Mainly, business relationships can develop and can lead from the greens to the office,” said Moye. But why the void when it comes to Tiger’s protégés? Moye, 48, like Daggett, says there’re not only economic reasons, but cultural effects too. “Culturally, we (Blacks) hop on the fads, but financially playing golf can be a major challenge. Often it’s a lot easier to wear saggy pants and try to be a rapper and play
years at the Savannah River Site federal nuclear facility in Aiken, S.C. At Augusta University, golf coach Jack O’Keefe, 45, said he also expected a spike in the number of Black golfers following the success of Tiger. “I played on the PGA Tour in 1997, the same year Tiger won the Masters,” said O’Keefe, who is White and an Arkansas native. “With Tiger’s success and with the formation of the First Tee, one would’ve thought we would’ve noticed a significant number
THE FUTURE?—Mariah Stackhouse is on the Stanford University girl’s golf team. The Cardinal won honors as 2015 NCAA Division 1 champion. (Photo Credit StanfordPhoto.com) basketball or football. By contrast, it takes so much time, money and lessons to succeed in the golf game,” he said. Victor Wheeler, 58, serves as the golf associations’ vice president. He feels that because Tiger “set the bar so high,” his protégés had no chance to compete with their predecessor. “There was so much competition. Tiger set the bar so high. His father had him so focused. Today’s kids don’t put in the work, like they did—in order to stand-out. Tiger was one for the ages— one for an entire generation. It’ll probably take another generation to see another Tiger,” said Wheeler. “The First Tee program was supposed to spur young minority golfers onto higher heights,” he said. “There’s so much involved in learning the intricacies of the game. The etiquette. The rules,” said Wheeler. Having grown up in rural Louisville, Ga., a small town about 30 miles Southwest of Augusta, Wheeler said he learned to hit balls in cow pastures—while his White counterparts played at the local country club. “ It wasn’t fair, but we learned the game,” said the retired nuclear operator who worked 33
of young minority golfers on the tour by now,” said the three-year head coach. O’Keefe did note that a young Black woman golfer named Mariah Stackhouse, has garnered major success while playing for the 2015 Women’s NCAA National Championship Stanford Cardinal golf team, ironically Tiger’s alma mater. Stackhouse, who hails from the Atlanta suburb of Riverdale, Ga., is one of the team’s premier players and is only a junior. “Perhaps, she’ll be the next one to step into Tiger’s shoes,” stated coach O’Keefe. He noted that of the 11 players on his current roster, there are no Blacks. Five members are from foreign nations, however. “I would like to see someone step into the shadows of people like Calvin Peete and Charlie Sifford— and compete on a major level,” he said. When his school was named Augusta State University, the golf team won consecutive NCAA Division-1 titles in 2010 and 2011. “Golf is a tough game. It’s a lot more expensive than the other major sports,” said O’Keefe. He revealed that his team cur-
rently competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference an Historically Black College University conference commonly known as the MEAC. We compete against teams like Florida A&M, South Carolina State, Bethune Cookman, and Savannah State where they won the MEAC Conference title last spring. “It was a great experience for our players. They got a chance to play against kids they’d never get a chance to compete against. It was a learning experience allaround for all of us,” he said. Coach O’Keefe credits Augusta University Athletic Director Clint Bryant, an African American, for directing his team toward participating in the all-Black college conference. In a March 2009 USAToday article, it was noted that neither of America’s top two developmental (golf) tours have Black golfers in the pipeline. “Tiger was the greatest gift ever for the PGA Tour,” said Orin Starn, who heads the cultural anthropology program at Duke University. “With him as its face, the PGA Tour didn’t have to deal with issues of diversity, or worry about the tour looking like the rest of America. They could say, ‘See, the problem is fixed. We have an African American who is No. 1 in the world.’ “But the problem still exists. If anything, it’s gotten worse,” notes Starn. There were eight Black players on tour in 1975, the year Lee Elder was the first Black golfer in the Masters and the year Woods was born. Now there is only Tiger. In the USAToday article, even Tiger acknowledged that there are issues in attracting young Black players. “Our sport is becoming more global,” Woods said. “It’s only going to become more difficult for African Americans now, because golf has opened up around the world.” Making it to the U.S. PGA Tour is tough no matter the skin color, the USAToday article continued. Only about 200 players have full status on the tour every year, and prospects come from everywhere—Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Geoff Ogilvy of Australia, Angel Cabrera of Argentina and K.J. Choi of South Korea are among 74 foreignborn players on tour seven years ago, the article concluded. Eddie Jefferies, a retired Sports Editor with the New Pittsburgh Courier, says not enough positive changes occurred when Tiger came on the scene. “Nothing really changed much when Tiger entered the golf world, except for Tiger’s entrance. “The rules stayed the same. The same segregation and attitudes in the club houses and golf courses, that all remained the same. The negative attitude toward Blacks and minorities has never been erased,” he said.
Inside Conditions…The ‘Slumber’ Company by Aubrey Bruce For New Pittsburgh Courier
At the time that this column is written, the Pittsburgh Pirates are 6 games into the 2016 season. Their won-loss record is 4-2 having lost two very winnable games in Cincinnati against the Reds and the bats of the Pirates seem to be leaning toward the graveyard shift as opposed to the bright lights of primetime. In 2015 the Pirates opened the season in Cincinnati and promptly lost all three games. This year they opened the season at the friendly confines of PNC Park where they promptly swept the St. Louis Cardinals. However if
it were not for the grand salami, “martay partay” grand slam heroics of Pirates left fielder Starling Marte, the Reds would have used the same broom that the Pirates used to sweep the Redbirds to sweep the Pirates and what early season divisional momentum that the Bucs had under the rug. The Pirates cannot afford to experience an early season, midseason or late season slump or let down. Pittsburgh is competing in a division that may arguably be the best and toughest division in major league baseball. In case a few of you may have forgotten; The NL Central Division sent not one, not two
AUBREY BRUCE but three teams to the MLB post season in 2015. This is a no excuse year. In order for the Pirates to advance to the big Kahuna, in 2016, Pittsburgh cannot
be pacified and grateful just to qualify for the post season, the Pirates have to win, the division crown. Pittsburgh is a lot stronger defensively and looks to maybe be more consistent offensively with the offseason acquisitions of 1st baseman John Jaso, (whew finally rid of the Pedro Alvarez nightmare) and third baseman/infielder David Freese (putting to rest the worries over third base) because of the injury to Pirates 3rd baseman, Jung Ho Kang. However, I am in total admiration of Pirate manager Clint Hurdle adapting his strategy and his ball club to create scenarios that may optimize “small ball” by
being more aggressive on the base pads, although the results might not always be what he envisions. The Pirates will really be forced to manufacture runs on their next trip where the first pitcher that they could possibly face in the first game in Detroit is a Tasmanian devil disguised as a MLB pitcher, Justin Verlander. Competing and staying relevant in the NL Central Division is going to be a formidable task for the Pirates and the all of the other competitors within their division. There will be no easy games and automatic wins and padding division leads when faced with possibly playing a division “pushover.” This divi-
sion is armed and dangerous. Pittsburgh cannot afford to “sleep” anyone. The Pirates must approach each and every game, whether performing or managing as if the post season were already in play. Strategies that may work in October must be implemented now. Teams cannot wait to try squeeze plays and double steals in late September, they must tweak and perfect now what will get them to the Promised Land. There is no room for fear because where there is no risk, there can certainly be no reward. (Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412-583-6741. Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe.)
CLASSIFIED New Pittsburgh Courier
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
BUDGET ASSISTANT
PROJECT ENGINEER (MULTIPLE OPENINGS)
$35,000 – $38,000 Starting Salary Allegheny County Council Please visit http://www.allegheny county.us/careers/index.aspx for more information.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION OPENING AT PUCS
Pittsburgh Urban Christian School, located near downtown Wilkinsburg, is a small and loving K-8 community of great ethnic and economic diversity. We seek an executive director to help us build on our strong foundation of integrated, outward-focused learning and to help us expand our financial base. Applications received by April 15 are assured of full consideration. See http://pucs.org/files/Executive_ Director_Job_Description_ Final_1.pdf for more details.
LAUNCH PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY COORDINATOR - PART TIME
Position Summary The Program Eligibility Coordinator will assist the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) in securing student benefits related to Bank on Greater Pittsburgh (BOGP). The Program Eligibility Coordinator is responsible for recruitment, reviewing information that impacts recipient benefits; processing eligibility transactions and coordinating with the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and CCAC Student Services operations. Requirements High School Diploma or GED, CCAC affiliated individual or student with at least 30 credits and a QPA of 3.0 or above. Previous work history, Act 33/34 and FBI clearances required. This is a grant-funded position. Continued funding is contingent upon program performance and funding availability. Interested candidates may apply by sending (faxing or emailing) a cover letter and a resume to the attention of: Richard L. Morris, Director of Housing Urban league of Greater Pittsburgh 610 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2222 Email: rmorris@ulpgh.org Fax: 412.471.6199
CASE ADMINISTRATOR I
The U.S. District Court, Pittsburgh Division, is seeking a qualified individual with computer skills for the position of Case Administrator I, starting salary ($36,193 - $40,715), depending upon experience and qualifications. Performs a wide variety of tasks including (but not limited to) the following: sorting, classifying and filing of case records, retrieving and making copies of documents, lifting and moving boxes and files, receiving and reviewing incoming documents and files documents meeting requirements, collects and maintains responsibility for fees paid to the court, issuing receipts and preparing case files (electronic and paper), providing an array of customer services and information, routing documents to the proper location within the court, sorting, processing and distributing mail; and other general office duties as may be assigned. The selected applicant may be required to provide coverage in other sections of the office as needed. See complete job announcement at http://www.pawd.uscourts.gov/employment-0
To qualify, applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent, possess minimum one year specialized office experience, possess the ability to type 35 WPM or better, and the ability to lift heavy boxes. A college degree is preferred. Written and typing test will be required prior to interview. The selected applicant must be willing to undergo a credit and criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. A cover letter and resume, including complete employment and educational history, and an application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment (Form AO78), which is available at http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/AO078.pdf
should be submitted VIA EMAIL to: pawdresume@pawd.uscourts. gov. Documents must be in PDF format. Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon receipt. Paper copies hand-delivered or received through U.S.Mail, will NOT be considered. Resumes must be received electronically no later than April 25, 2016. The Court will only communicate with those individuals who will be tested and interviewed. No telephone calls, please. The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Transition Technologies USA, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) resp for developng & validatng algorithmc powr plant simulatr and providng combustin optimizatin projct supprt. Duties: designng, developng & implementng combustin, heat & mass balanc mathematicl modls of powr plant boilr, steam & condensat systms utilizng Ovation Distributed Control System (DCS), incl Ovation Control Builder & Ovation HSR (OCB&OHSR); reviewng existng algorithms & Process & Instrmntion Diagrams (P&ID) for plant, & markng up P&ID to modl, defne & modfy layout & boundry conditins for selectd tech equip; designng turbne, heat exchangrs, combustin chambr, burnrs, mills, models & condensr; reviewng the contrl loops & connectng the boilr & turbin to the condensat systm to close steam cycle; designng, validtng & intgrtng the furnace model into steam cycle; integrtng develpd modls into contrl & optimiztn systms of a medim fidelty algorithmc simulatr utilizng the DCS, incl OCB&OHSR; testng & tunng the powr plant simulatin, incl the turbne, heat exchangrs, combustin chambrs, burnes, mills, & condensr modl; matchng the condensat systm to heat balancs for differnt loads; testng the circulatin of the condensat pump to de-aerator tank; runnng load points for testng, & testng start up/shut down process; develpng test plan utilizng Microsoft Excel & Word; modifyng contrl structurs in a simulatr-basd environmnt; analyzng the existng contrl structre & implemntng contrl modifictins to enabl smooth/safe signl passng fro Co’s SmartProcess app to the DCS; implemntng IVY, SILO - Combustion Optimization packags, Enterprise Data Server & 3rd party DCS; modifng contrl structurs utilizng AutoCAD & Ovation Control Builder. Bach deg in Comp Sci, Comp or Process Cont Eng, w/ 1 yr of prev wrk exp in position off’d or dir relatd. Apply via email: jobs@ tt-us.com.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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PUBLIC MEETING LEGAL NOTICE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION AUTHORITY FOR CITIES OF THE SECOND CLASS NOTICE OF SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING FOR APRIL 15, 2016, 4:00 PM
The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Cities of the Second Class (the ICA) hereby gives notice that it will hold a special public meeting on APRIL 15, 2016 AT 4:00 PM at the City-County Building, 5th Floor, Council Chambers, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219. The purpose of this special meeting is for the ICA to address the employment contract of the Executive Director. The meeting is open to the public. LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Health Care
PEDIATRIC NEURORADIOLOGIST
University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks a Pediatric Neuroradiologist to work in Pittsburgh, PA. Requirements: Medical degree; 2 year post-graduate training in Radiology; 1 year fellowship in Pediatric Radiology; 1 year fellowship in Neuroradiology; 1 year fellowship in Pediatric Neuroradiology; valid PA medical license; Must be board certified or board eligible for certification in Radiology. Apply by visiting http://careers.upmc.com and enter 160000HM in the ‘search keyword/Job ID’ field. EOE M/F/V/D
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
University of Pittsburgh Physicians seeks an Endocrinologist in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA. Specialize in the treatment or research of disorders that affect the endocrine system, including problems with reproduction, growth, bone health, or metabolism; responsible for the provision of endocrine clinical services, fellowship training, and other services as may be reasonably requested by the Division Chief or Medical Director to ensure clinical quality and academic advancement. Must have a Medical degree or foreign equivalent; completion of three-year residency in Internal Medicine; completion of a fellowship in Endocrinology; and must have a valid PA medical license or be eligible for licensure. Apply by visiting http://careers.upmc.com and enter 160000IB in the ‘search keyword/Job ID’ field. EOE M/F/V/D
MEDICAL UNIT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ALLEGHENY COUNTY JAIL
Allegheny County is accepting applications for Assistant Director of Nursing, Full-time Licensed Practical Nurses (Evening Shift), Mental Health Registered Nurse, and PRN status-per diem Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse positions at the Jail. For application requirements and job description check our website at http://alleghenycounty.us/ careers or visit us at our Human Resources office at 102 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. COURIER CLASSIFIEDS
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
Estate of VARGA, JOHN, deceased of Allegheny County, No. 02-11-1132. Jeanne Marie Marquette, Administrator or to Marquette Law Office, LLC, Jeannne M. Marquette, Esq., 1102 S. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. Estate of REDDING, DORIS E., deceased of Pittsburgh, PA. Estate No. 02-16-00989. Barbara Crosby, Extr., 73 Arlor Drive, Pgh, PA 15214 or to Sheila M. Ford 6419 Stanton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Estate and of SAUNDERS, MR. MARTIN J., Deceased, of 110 Treeview Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate No. 02-16-01682. Ms. Kimberly Nolder, 110 Treeview Drive, Coraopolis, PA 15108, Executor, c/o Max Feldman, Attorney At Law, 1322 Fifth Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Estate Trust Estate of BRASLEY, HERBERT, deceased of Pittsburgh, Pa. No. 02-16-01440, Lillian Tanowitz, Executrix and Trustee under Irrevocable Trust Agreement of Herbert Brasley c/o Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or to Nancy L. Rackoff, Esquire, Tener, Van Kirk, Wolf & Moore, PC, One Oxford Centre, Suite 2100, 301 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
LEGAL ADVERTISING Legal Notices
REQUEST FOR INTEREST
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently issued a Request for Interest (RFP) for Pilots of New Approaches to Summer Food Service Program for Children. Responses are due by: April 29, 2016. For more details and submission information, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/ solicitations. Marc Cherna, Director Allegheny County Department of Human Services
THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed bids will be received in the Office Of The Chief Operations Officer, Room 251, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue until 11:00 A.M. prevailing time, TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 and will be opened at the same hour for the purchase of the following supplies: DAIRY/NON-DAIRY General Information regarding bids may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Service Center, 1305 Muriel Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. The bid documents are available on the School District’s Purchasing web site at: http:// w w w. p g h b o e . n e t / p p s / s i t e / default.asp Click on Bid Opportunities under Quick Links. The Board of Public Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or select a single item from any bid. Leon Webb Purchasing Agent We are an equal rights and opportunity school district
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA March 31, 2016
The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, in conjunction with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Contract Awards Room; 7th Floor; Commonwealth Keystone Building; 400 North Street; Harrisburg, PA 17120 will receive bids through ECMS or a diskette delivered to the aforementioned address until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Thursday, April 21, 2016. Bids will be opened through ECMS at approximately 11:00 a.m. and can be viewed publicly in the Contract Awards Room, for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS MONTOUR RUN NORTH BRANCH BRIDGE NO. 1 ALLEGHENY COUNTY COUNTY PROJECT NO. MN01-0611 MPMS NO.: 81667 THIS PROJECT WILL BE BID THROUGH PENNDOT ECMS PRE‑BID INFORMATION: View the Project Manual and Drawings(PROPOSAL REPORT) on the PennDOT ECMS website (http://www.dot14.state.pa.us/ ECMS) or in Room 504, County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The anticipated Notice-to-proceed for this project is July 18, 2016 and the final completion date for this project is March 23, 2017. Chelsa Wagner Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR Professional ADA/UFAS Third Party Certification Services RFP#750-19-16 Rebid
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) hereby request proposals from qualified Firms or Individuals capable of providing the following service(s): Professional ADA/UFAS Third Party Certification Services RFP#750-19-16 Rebid The documents will be available no later than April 11, 2016 and signed, sealed proposals will be accepted until 10:00 A.M., April 29, 2016 at which time they will be Time and Date Stamped at 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Parties or individuals interested may obtain information from: Mr. Kim Detrick – Procurement Director/Contracting Officer Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 2nd Floor, Suite 200 100 Ross Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-456-5116, Option 1 or by visiting the Business Opportunities section of www.hacp.org A pre bid meeting will be held: Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh Procurement Department 100 Ross Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 200 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 April 21, 2016 10:00 A.M. The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh strongly encourages certified minority business enterprises and women business enterprises to respond to this solicitation. HACP’s has revised their website. As part of those revisions, vendors must now register and log-in, in order to view and download IFB/RFPs documentation. Caster D. Binion, Executive Director Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh
HACP conducts business in accordance with all federal, state, and local civil rights laws, including but not limited to Title VII, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, The PA Human Relations Act, etc. and does not discriminate against any individuals protected by these statutes.
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION Of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on April 26, 2016, until 2:00 p.m., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Banksville K-5 Brookline PreK-8 Asphalt and Concrete Paving Repairs General Prime Pgh. Westinghouse Academy 6-12 New Water Coolers General, Plumbing and Electrical Primes Pgh. Manchester PreK-8 New Water Coolers General Prime – Rebid Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on April 4, 2016 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700) 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is nonrefundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Electronic Proposals will be received online at the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org). Proposals/bid submittals will be due 11:00 AM EDT on April 27, 2016 and will be read at 11:15 AM., the same day, at 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527, for the following: Electronic Proposal - Ebusiness website (http://ebusiness.portauthority.org) B160210 Nimble Solid State Drive Hardware & Support B160212A Lamps B160215A Pantograph Carbon Collector Strips B160217 Coach Replacement Parts—Catalytic Converters and Mufflers B160218 Coach Replacement Parts—Transmission B160219A On-Calll HVAC Maintenance Services Paper Proposal – Documents are available for the following item at Port Authority’s Main Offices 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Q150165RR Mon Incline Windows No bidder may withdraw a submitted Proposal for a period of 75 days after the scheduled time for opening of the sealed bids. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on each of the above items at 10:00am EDT April 13, 2016 at 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, PA. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Questions regarding any of the above bids will not be entertained by the Port Authority within 48 hours of the scheduled bid opening. These contracts may be subject to a financial assistance contract between Port Authority of Allegheny County and the United States Department of Transportation. The Contractor will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations. Contractor is responsible for expenses related to acquiring a performance bond and insurance where applicable. All items are to be FOB delivered unless otherwise specified. Costs for delivery, bond, and insurance shall be included in bidder’s proposal pricing. Port Authority of Allegheny County hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in regard to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprise will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Board of Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
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APRIL 13-19, 2016 NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
LEGAL ADVERTISING
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Bids/Proposals
Bids/Proposals
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PORT AUTHORITY OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT
Separate sealed Bids for the Work as listed hereinafter will be received at the Purchasing and Materials Management Department of Port Authority of Allegheny County (Authority) Heinz 57 Center, 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-2527 until 1:30 p.m. on May 10, 2016 and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter at the same address. COLLIER GARAGE DIESEL TANK REPLACEMENT CONTRACT NO. COL-16-04 The Work of this Project includes, but is not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, material, tools equipment and incidentals necessary for the installation of two (2) new 15,000 underground fuel storage tanks, fuel dispensers and connections and the removal of three (3) existing 10,000 gallon fuel tank systems and dispensers at the Collier Division Garage Facility. Bid Documents will be available for public inspection and may be obtained on or after April 8, 2016 at Authority’s offices at the following address: Port Authority of Allegheny County Purchasing and Materials Management Department Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2527 Bid Documents are available for purchase as follows: Bid Documents are available in an electronic form on compact disk upon payment of $15 per set. Payment shall be by check or money order (NO CASH), payable to “Port Authority of Allegheny County.” No refunds of payment will be made. Upon request, Bid Documents can be mailed upon receipt of payment in full. Should the purchaser wish to have the Bid Documents delivered via special delivery, such as UPS or Federal Express, the purchaser shall provide its appropriate account numbers for such special delivery methods. This Project may be funded, in part, by, and subject to certain requirements of, the County of Allegheny and/or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Authority, in compliance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, as may be amended, require that certified Diverse Businesses (“DBs”) have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts and subcontracts for this Project. In this regard, all Bidders shall make good faith efforts in accordance with 74 Pa.C.S. § 303, to ensure that DBs have the maximum opportunity to compete for and perform contracts. Bidders shall also not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, disability, national origin, sexual origin, gender identity or status as a parent in the award and performance of contracts for this Project. If aid is required to involve DBs in the Work, Bidders are to contact Authority’s Director of Employee Relations and OEO at (412) 566-5262. The Bidder’s attention is directed to the following contacts for Bidder’s questions: Procedural Questions Regarding Bidding: Margarita Rodriguez - Authority (412) 566-5150 All other questions relating to the Bid Documents must be submitted by mail or facsimile to: Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 345 Sixth Avenue, Third Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 Attn: Margarita Rodriguez Fax: (412) 566-5359 In addition, the Bidder’s attention is directed to the following schedule of activities for preparation of its Bid: 9:00 AM April 19, 2016
Pre-Bid Conference Port Authority of Allegheny County Heinz 57 Center 5th Floor Board Room 345 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2527 (Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended) Pre-Bid Site Tour [Immediately following the Pre-Bid Conference]
1:30 PM Bids Due May 10, 2016 Purchasing and Materials Management Department Authority reserves the right to reject any or all Bids
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA April 6, 2016
The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, Room 104, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, will receive separate and sealed Bids until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, WEDNESDAY, April 27, 2016, and a representative of the Department of Public Works will open and read the Bids in the Gold Room, Room 410, Court House, Pittsburgh, PA, one‑half hour later, 11:30 o’clock A.M., for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Campbells Run Road Soldier Beam and Lagging Wall, Phase 2, Borough of Carnegie COUNTY PROJECT NO. 6072-0903 PRE‑BID INFORMATION: Purchase and/or view the Proposal, Specifications and Drawings at the Office of the Contract Manager, Room 504, County Office Building, Pittsburgh, PA. The non‑refundable charge for the Proposal and disc containing the Specifications and Drawings is $ 107.00 including sales tax. Bid documents may be mailed for an additional fee of $16.05 including sales tax. The Contract Manager will accept only check or money order to the “COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY.” The Department of Public Works will hold a Pre‑Bid Meeting on April 12, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. in Room 505 County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave., Pgh., Pa. 15219. Details of this project, Bidding Requirements and Contract Conditions are available on the Allegheny County internet website (www.alleghenycounty. us; click on “Departments,” click on “Public Works” then click on “Bids & Proposals)” and are also available on the Pennsylvania Purchasing Group/PAPG website (www.PAbidsystem.com; click on “bid opportunities;” then click on “Allegheny County-Dept. of Public Works-open documents” – then register if necessary). Chelsa Wagner Controller County of Allegheny
COURIER CLASSIFIEDS… THE ONLY WAY TO GO!
SALE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
The following surplus equipment will be offered for sale to the highest bidder(s): REQUEST FOR QUOTATION 160421 - SALE OF SURPLUS ITEMS 1986 Ford Stake Bed Truck 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 4X4 Dump Truck 1999 Ford F250 4X4 Truck Four (4) Massage Tables (3) Work Tables Insulated Food Tray Transporter Trolleys Lighting Fixtures Networking Equipment Bids are due in to the CCAC Purchasing Department no later than 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 21, 2016. For more information, call Mike Cvetic at 412-237-3146 or email mcvetic@ccac.edu to request bid forms. Community College of Allegheny County Purchasing Department 800 Allegheny Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233
ALLEGHENY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA March 31, 2016
The Office of the County Controller of Allegheny County, in conjunction with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Contract Awards Room; 7th Floor; Commonwealth Keystone Building; 400 North Street; Harrisburg, PA 17120 will receive bids through ECMS or a diskette delivered to the aforementioned address until 11:00 A.M. prevailing local time, Thursday, April 21, 2016. Bids will be opened through ECMS at approximately 11:00 a.m. and can be viewed publicly in the Contract Awards Room, for the following: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PINE CREEK BRIDGE NO. 11 REPLACEMENT SHALER TOWNSHIP COUNTY PROJECT NO. PI11-0211 MPMS NO.: 27787 THIS PROJECT WILL BE BID THROUGH PENNDOT ECMS PRE‑BID INFORMATION: View the Project Manual and Drawings(PROPOSAL REPORT) on the PennDOT ECMS website(http://www.dot14.state. pa.us/ECMS) or in Room 504, County Office Building, 542 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The anticipated Notice-to-proceed for this project is June 20, 2016 with the Bridge to be reopened to traffic by November 17, 2016. The final completion date for this project is April 28, 2017. Chelsa Wagner CONTROLLER COUNTY OF ALLEGHENY
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LEGAL ADVERTISING Bids/Proposals
OFFICIAL ADVERTISEMENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION Of the SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH
Sealed proposals shall be deposited at the Administration Building, Room 251, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15213, on April 26, 2016, until 2:00 p.m., local prevailing time for: Pgh. Allderdice H. S., Pgh. Classical, Pgh. Carrick H. S., Pgh. Milliones, Pgh. Arsenal Exterior Envelope Evaluation (Masonry) – Bid Package 1 Rebid General Prime Project Manual and Drawings will be available for purchase on April 11, 2016 at Modern Reproductions (412-488-7700) 127 McKean Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15219 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The cost of the Project Manual Documents is nonrefundable. Project details and dates are described in each project manual.
America’s Best Weekly 315 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Classifieds 412-481-8302 Ext. 140 E-mail: ads@newpittsburghcourier.com
Deadline/Closing/ Cancellation Schedule for copy, corrections, and cancellations: Friday noon preceding Wednesday publication
To place a display ad in the New Pittsburgh Courier call 412-481-8302 ext. 128 or 129
Pick up your Courier at these locations 4004 MONROEVILLE BLVD CRAFTON BEVERAGE GIANT EAGLE #76 AMES PLAZA, ROUTE 22 CRAFTON/INGRAM GET IT QUICK SHOPPING CENTER 500 GARDEN CITY GIANT EAGLE DESTINY’S HAIR CRAFTON/INGRAM SALON SHOPPING CENTER 408 RODI RD SHEETZ #353 PUFF’S DISCOUNT 5400 CAMPBELL’S RUN TOBACCO RD 10991 FRANKSTOWN RD SHOP N’ SAVE #1686 2103 NOBLESTOWN RD SHOP N SAVE 3335 WILLIAM PENN SAFRANS SUPER MKT HWY 429 WALNUT ST SHEETZ GIANT EAGLE #74 3457 WILLIAM PENN PARKWAY CENTER HWY MALL GETGO 10525 FRANKSTOWN RD SOUTHERN AREA: CVS PHARMACY 10600 FRANKSTOWN RD KEN’S 216 BELTZHOOVER AVE SHELL OIL 7619 BAUM BLVD NELSON’S KIWI SUNOCO 92 SYLVANIA AVE FRANKSTOWN AVE GIANT EAGLE #61 WILLIAM PENN 2021 WHARTON AVE SMOKE SHOP II COGO’S 132 NORTH HIGHLAND 2400 EAST CARSON ST AVE COGO’S MARATHON GAS 925 EAST CARSON ST 6680 FRANKSTOWN AVE DAILY MART PENN AIKEN DAIRY 1125 ARLINGTON AVE 5401 PENN AVE SHOP N’ SAVE GIANT EAGLE #17 CARRICK 6320 SHAKESPEARE ST HOMEWOOD MARKET SOUTH EASTERN 7201 FRANKSTOWN AVE AREA: SALIK HARDWARE 607 NORTH HOMESUPER STOP 403 KENMAWR AVE WOOD AVE CARL’S CAFE NEGLEY A PLUS 337 FIFTH AVE 123 NORTH NEGLEY COMET NEWS AVE 540 BRADDOCK AVE BAKER’S PUFFS DISCOUNT 7203 HAMILTON & TOBACCO STERRETT AVES 1722 GREENSBUR AVE DORSEY’S RECORDS A-PLUS SUNOCO 7614 FRANKSTOWN AVE 7403 WASHINGTON ST HOSPITAL CORNER COGO’S 4201 PENN AVE 1050 BRINTON RD PEOPLES GROCERY COGO’S 5136 PENN AVE 2003 S BRADDOCK AVE A&M MARKET EDGEWOOD EXPRESS 5224 PENN AVE 253 EDGEWOOD AVE A-PLUS MINI MART BRAD EXPRESS 7701 PENN AVE 1101 S BRADDOCK AVE WOOD & PENN GIANT EAGLE #619 902 WOOD ST 1705 S. BRADDOCK AVE AL’S FISH & CHICKEN CVS 1000 PENN AVE 7406 CHURCH ST SAVE A LOT HANINI MARKET 725 ROSS AVE 1105 SWISSVALE AVE CVS PHARMACY DUKE’S SUNOCO 520 PENN AVE 825 DUQUESNE BLVD GETGO 7-11 408 PENN AVE 818 N. DUQUESNE BLVD QUICK STOP LIBERTY GIANT EAGLE #6379 3349 LIBERTY AVE K-2 CONVENIENT 420 EAST WATERFRONT STORE DR 4900 PENN AVE GIANT EAGLE— SHUR SAVE MCKEESPORT 4120 MAIN ST 3812 O’NEILL BLVD SHELL GAS J & S FOOD MART 6701 FRANKSTOWN RD 625 W GRANT AVE UNIMART RITE AID PHARMACY 100 WILLIAM MARKS DR 5724 ELLSWORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #77 GIANT EAGLE 254 YOST BLVD 1356 HOFFMAN BLVD PUFF’S DISCOUNT BP GAS STATION TOBACCO LYSLE & WALNUT 234 YOST BLVD DS FOODMART SPEEDY MART 929 UNION ST 2131 ARDMORE BLVD RITE AID PHARMACY SQUIRREL HILL NEWS 725 LYSLE BLVD 5804 FORBES AVE CHARLIE’S CORNER MURRAY AVE. NEWS STORE 2024 MURRAY AVE 500 LOCUST ST GIANT EAGLE NEIGHBORHOOD MURRAY AVE & DOLLAR LORETTA ST 333 5TH AVE DISCOUNT TOBACCO GIANT EAGLE #38 & NEWS 1901 MURRAY AVE 1929 MURRAY AVE JACK’S UNIVERSITY OF PGH E 8TH AVE BOOKSTORE 4000 5TH AVE EASTERN AREA: DANA’S BAKERY 720 N. HOMEWOOD AVE WATERWORKS DA STORE GIANT EAGLE #72 606 & 1/2 N. HOME1005 FREEPORT RD— DIVINE HAIR STUDIO WOOD AVE 10 DUFF RD BONUS TIRE SERVICE GIANT EAGLE 4349 VERONA RD 9001 FRANKSTOWN RD KANDY CAFE GIANT EAGLE #78 4291 VERONA RD 230 RODI RD GIANT EAGLE BP GAS STATION SHADYSIDE 11835 FRANKSTOWN RD 550 CENTRE AVE THE SPOT MARATHON GAS 11675 FRANKSTOWN RD 4010 PENN AVE MASH MINI MART STANTON NEGLEY 4341 OLD WM. PENN DRUG HWY 804 N. NEGLEY AVE GIANT EAGLE #60 RON’S CORNER DRUG WESTERN AREA:
MT. CARMEL RD CENTRAL AREA: GET GO #64 4924 BAUM BLVD SCHWARTZ MARKET 1901 5TH AVE SMOKER FRIENDLY 906 5TH AVE HILL DISTRICT: WONG’S MARKET 2170 CENTRE AVE ANN’S MARKET 2316 WEBSTER AVE A-PLUS MINI MART 2350 CENTRE AVE UJAMMA BOUTIQUE 1901 CENTRE AVE K LEROY IRVIS TOWERS 715 MERCER ST SHOP & SAVE SUPERMARKET 1850 CENTRE AVE ABE’S MARKET 1860 CENTRE AVE WYLIE TOBACCO 2152 WYLIE AVE DOWNTOWN: KWIK-E-MART 212-10TH ST 7-11 #167 643 LIBERTY AVE 7-11 #165 SIXTH & PENN AVE 7-11 #170 429 WOOD ST ESTER’S SNAX FEDERAL BUILDING, 2ND FL SMITHFIELD NEWS 115 SMITHFIELD ST FABER COE & GREGG 500 GRANT ST FABER COE & GREGG FIFTH AVE. PLACE FABER COE & GREGG 600 GRANT ST NIELSEN’S STORES #09 301 GRANT ST— ONE OXFORD CENTER NIELSEN’S STORES #13 437 SEVENTH AVE— KOPPERS BUILDING 9TH & PENN NEWS-NUMBERS 136 PENN AVE EXTRA EXTRA NEWS 413 SEVENTH AVE NEAL NEWS 400 CHERRY WAY CVS PHARMACY #4120 610-612 WOOD ST C&C NEWS 2 PPG PLACE NEWSTAND SIXTH & WOOD ONE STOP 300 SIXTH & WOOD EDDIE’S SNACKS 262 5TH AVE BIG DADDY 465 FORBES AVE 711 SMITHFIELD 420 SMITHFIELD ST NORTHERN AREA: W. N. GROCERY 1018 NORTH AVE. NORTH SIDE BEER & BEVERAGE 1304 FEDERAL ST ALLEGHENY GIFT SHOP—AGH HOSPITAL 320 EAST NORTH AVE GIANT EAGLE #652 318 CEDAR AVE 7-11 #158 1001 WESTERN AVE RICHEY’S BARBER SHOP 1207 N. FRANKLIN ST QUIK-IT 820 PENNSYLVANIA AVE RITE AID #3459 802 PENNSYLVANIA AVE MARSHALL SHELL 1500 SPRING GARDEN AVE SWINKO’S MARKET 2535 PERYSVILLE AVE MERCY STREET EXPRESS 6 MERCY ST HARV’S EXXON 2501 BRIGHTON RD QUICK SCHWARTZ 3235 BRIGHTON RD HANINI MARKET 3245 BRIGHTON RD
Voters Guide Primary Election April 26, 2016
League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund 226 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102-3220 Phone: (717)234-1576 E-mail: info@palwv.org Website: www.palwv.org
April 13-19, 2016 Publication of the Voter Guide was made possible by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund Patriot-News/PENN LIVE Laurel Foundation Š 2016 LWVPA-CEF
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
FOR ELECTION INFORMATION Contact your county Board of Elections or visit www.VotesPA.com. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center also provides election information. Call 717-234-1576 with any questions. ABOUT THIS GUIDE The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted. Candidates were invited to participate in the Vote411 online voters’ guide sponsored by the LWVPA-CEF and Patriot-News/PennLive via email. All reasonable efforts were made to encourage candidates to participate. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of April 3, 2015. They are listed according to their ballot order. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement or non-endorsement of any candidate, party, or initiative by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund. ABSENTEE VOTING Registered voters who are HOW ELECTED: Every four years, political parties nominate candidates to run for President of the United States in a general election that is held on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in November. Although all parties use conventions to nominate their candidates, in most states the Democratic and Republican parties also run state-wide primary elections or caucuses. The results of the primary influence how the delegates to their respective party’s convention will cast ballots for candidates for President. The degree to which the result of the primary influences the votes of delegates at conventions varies from state
VOTERS GUIDE 2016
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League of Women Voters Non Partisan Voters Guide 2016 Primary Election April 26, 2016 (Polls open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.) This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth. ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. Completed applications for civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county Board of Elections by 5 P.M., April 19, 2016. Completed civilian absentee ballots must be received back at the Board of Elections by 5 P.M. on April 22, 2016. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call your county Board of Elections for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency may be required. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 5 P.M. on April 22, 2016. Any disabled voter having questions regarding
the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county Board of Elections located at 542 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Room
604 (412-350-4500). WRITE-IN VOTING Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place. ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on
Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county Board of Elections. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to state. DUTIES: The President is the head of state of the United States of America and is the Chief Executive Officer and the Commander in Chief of all military forces. The powers of the President are described in the Constitution and federal law. Subject to Senate approval, the President appoints the members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court Justices and federal judges. The President, along with the Cabinet and its
agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The President may also recommend legislation to the United States Congress. SALARY: $400,000 per year TERM: Four years. Limit of two terms. About this Presidential Voters Guide This Voters Guide is published by the League of Women Voters. The League has a long tradition of publishing the verbatim responses of candidates to questions important to voters.
The League offers this Voters Guide to assist citizens in their decision making process as they prepare for participation in the presidential primary season The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. Ground Rules All qualified presidential candidates were invited to provide biographical information and responses to five specific questions. Candidates qualified if they met the following criteria: 1. The candidate must have
If you have any questions or need to report any problems, call 1-866687-8683 or the Allegheny County Elections Division at 412-3504500. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time then you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of Federal or State government issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. If you do not have any acceptable ID then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. If you are not a new voter and are not voting at your polling place for the first time, you are NOT required to bring or provide identification. ON-LINE VOTERS GUIDE The Vote411 Online Voters Guide is available at www.vote411.org. Links to this guide as well as links to Vote411 and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania homepage: www.palwv.org. made a public announcement of her/his intention to run for her/his Party’s nomination for President; and, 2. The candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act’s minimum contribution threshold requirements for qualifying for matching funds, based on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC website. Responses were limited to 400 characters and were truncated thereafter. If a candidate did not respond by the date of publication, “Candidate has not responded.” is printed. © 2016 League of Women Voters Education Fund
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VOTERS GUIDE 2016
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE: HILLARY CLINTON
Q: Please explain why you do or do not think it is important to reduce the role of money in American elections. A: Campaign finance reform is needed to restore a government of, by, and for the people—not just the wealthy and well-connected. On issues from climate change to equal pay, Washington won’t work for us unless we address the outsized role of money in politics. As president, I will appoint Supreme Court justices who value our right to vote—and I will work to end secret, unaccountable money in politics. CANDIDATE: MARTIN O’MALLEY Candidate withdrew. CANDIDATE: BERNIE SANDERS
HILLARY CLINTON CONTACT INFO: OCCUPATION: Former U.S. Secretary of State CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: http://www.hillaryclinton.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@hillaryclinton.com CAMPAIGN PHONE: (646) 854-1432 CAMPAIGN ADDRESS: Hillary for America PO Box 5256 New York, NY 10185 QUESTIONS: Q: How do you propose to address the most important challenges facing our country? A: I have laid out four fights to face our greatest challenges: we must create an economy that raises pay and creates good jobs, ensuring those at the top pay their fair share. We have to support families by expanding access to health care and other vital services. We must maintain our leadership for global peace and security. Finally, we must stop the flow of secret money that corrupts our politics. Q: In building a vibrant U.S. economy, would you emphasize helping companies expand and earn more or addressing income inequality? A: The deck is stacked against ordinary Americans. That is why I have laid out plans to raise the minimum wage and to close unfair tax loopholes that benefit companies that shift jobs overseas. I will make investments that create jobs, including in infrastructure, research, and education. I’ll fight for equal pay, paid leave, and lower taxes for working Americans—asking those at the top to pay more. Q: Please explain why you support or oppose using more U.S. military power to resolve the situation in the Middle East. A: Like President Obama, I do not believe we should again have U.S. troops in combat in the Middle East. If we have learned anything from 15 years of war, it is that we cannot substitute for local forces in missions to secure their own communities. Our strategy must be comprehensive—embedding our mission against ISIS within a broader fight against radical jihadism that is bigger than any one group. Q: What measures do you support to protect Americans from domestic acts of terrorism? A: We have to shut down ISIS recruitment in the U.S. and stop foreign terrorists from coming here. We must disrupt plots before they are carried out by ensuring local law enforcement works with national counterterrorism experts. We must build on our successes in securing loose nuclear materials and other WMD. And we need to empower American Muslims, who are key to the fight against radicalization.
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Pres., I will defend this nation, its people, and America’s strategic interests, but I will do it responsibly. Q: What measures do you support to protect Americans from domestic acts of terrorism? A: We must root out terrorist funding networks, provide logistical support to better coordinate local and federal law enforcement, and disrupt online radicalization. While our intelligence and law enforcement agencies must have the tools they need to protect the American people, there must be legal oversight and they must go about their work in a way that does not sacrifice our basic freedoms. Q: Please explain why you do or do not think it is important to reduce the role of money in American elections. A: There is no issue more important than reforming our broken campaign finance system, which is increasingly controlled by billionaires and special interests. We must give Congress and the states the power to regulate money in elections, and we must require full disclosure of all campaign contributions. Ultimately, we should move toward public funding of federal elections. The following candidate qualified for the PA state’s ballot according to the Secretary of State of PA but did not meet the LWVEF criteria. CANDIDATE: ROQUE ROCKY DE LA FUENTE Candidate withdrew.
BERNIE SANDERS CONTACT INFO: OCCUPATION: United States Senator CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: http://berniesanders.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@bernie CAMPAIGN PHONE: (802) 862-1505 CAMPAIGN ADDRESS: Bernie 2016, PO Box 905 Burlington, VT 05402 QUESTIONS: Q: How do you propose to address the most important challenges facing our country? A: I will address the most important challenges facing our country by bringing people together to reinvigorate democracy. Middle class and working families and low income people. White, Black, Hispanic, and Native American. Men and women. Straight and gay. Native born and immigrant. This is the only way to address the major economic, political, social, and environmental challenges facing our country. Q: In building a vibrant U.S. economy, would you emphasize helping companies expand and earn more or addressing income inequality? A: To rebuild the middle class and reduce income and wealth inequality, we must unlock the economic potential of all Americans. As President, I will: demand large corporations pay their fair share in taxes; boost wages by increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour, fight for pay equity for women, create 13 million new jobs by investing $1 trillion to modernize our crumbling infrastructure, and more. Q: Please explain why you support or oppose using more U.S. military power to resolve the situation in the Middle East. A: I deeply believe that the test of a great and powerful nation is not how many wars it can engage in, but how it can resolve international conflicts in a peaceful manner. We must move away from using unilateral military action, and toward diplomacy. War must always be the last resort. As
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE: TED CRUZ Contact Info: Campaign Website: http://www.tedcruz.org Campaign Address: Cruz for President, PO Box 25376 Houston, TX 77265 Candidate has not responded. CANDIDATE: CARLY FIORINA Candidate withdrew. CANDIDATE: MARCO RUBIO Contact Info: Campaign Website: http://marcorubio.com Campaign Address: Marco Rubio for President PO Box 558701 Miami, FL 33255 Candidate has not responded. CANDIDATE: JEB BUSH Candidate withdrew. CANDIDATE: BEN CARSON Candidate withdrew. CANDIDATE: JOHN R. KASICH Contact Info: Campaign Website: http://www.johnkasich.com Campaign Address: Kasich for America, 620 E Broad Street, Suite 2016 Columbus OH 43215 Candidate has not responded. CANDIDATE: RAND PAUL Candidate withdrew.
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VOTERS GUIDE 2016
CANDIDATE: DONALD TRUMP
PENNSYLVANIA U.S. SENATE
DONALD TRUMP CONTACT INFO: OCCUPATION: Businessman CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: http://www.donaldjtrump.com/ CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@donaldtrump.com CAMPAIGN PHONE: (646) 736-1779 CAMPAIGN ADDRESS: Donald J. Trump for President, INC 725 Fifth Ave New York, NY 10022 QUESTIONS: Q: How do you propose to address the most important challenges facing our country? A: I think the most important issues facing this country are economic recovery, immigration and national security. I have proposed an excellent progrowth tax policy, have taken the strongest stance on immigration reform and have addressed how we will recapitalize our military to attain the readiness necessary to achieve and protect our national interests. A strong economy must be first. Q: In building a vibrant U.S. economy, would you emphasize helping companies expand and earn more or addressing income inequality? A: Good economic policy will help both companies grow and invest in America, and improve wages and living standards for all Americans. A smart trade policy, a competitive tax policy, and a national-interest immigration policy, will all boost the quality of life for Americans and make the country stronger and more prosperous. Q: Please explain why you support or oppose using more U.S. military power to resolve the situation in the Middle East. A: The Middle East really presents three sets of issues. The Muslim Brotherhood is making great headway in the African littoral, we have the issues with Syria and Iraq and we have the challenges offered by Iran. Each of these requires different solution sets. Military power should only be used to achieve our national interests, and until such time as we have a better economy, we are limited. Q: What measures do you support to protect Americans from domestic acts of terrorism? A: In a Trump administration, we will keep Americans safe while safeguarding their Constitutional rights. This would mean that I would insist that all federal agencies cooperate with state and local law enforcement to ensure that we have the broadest network possible working on collecting, and acting upon, intelligence that will suppress any attempts at domestic terrorism. Q: Please explain why you do or do not think it is important to reduce the role of money in American elections. A: Politicians have become puppets for their donors. I am the only candidate who is self-funding. The best way for voters to rebel against the influence of money in politics is with their votes: a Trump Presidency will return this government to the people.
The U.S. Constitution prescribes that the Senate be composed of two Senators from each State (therefore, the Senate currently has 100 Members) and that a Senator must be at least thirty years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for nine years, and, when elected, be a resident of the State from which he or she is chosen. A Senator’s term of office is six years and approximately one-third of the total membership of the Senate is elected every two years. The Senate has several exclusive powers not granted to the House, including consenting to treaties, a precondition to their ratification consenting or confirming appointments of Cabinet secretaries, other federal executive officials, military officers, regulatory officials, ambassadors, and other federal uniformed officers, as well as trial of federal officials impeached by the House. TERM: 6 years SALARY: $174,000 QUESTIONS: Q1: Partisan gridlock in Washington has brought our government nearly to a standstill. If elected, what steps will you take to reduce partisan gridlock? Please be specific Q2: In Shelby County v. Holder, the US Supreme Court invalidated provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which has led to disenfranchised voters across the US. If elected, what will you do to ensure that the voting rights of all Americans are protected?
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A1: It would be disingenuous for me to say I am going to change Washington overnight, and I can’t change it by myself. People asked me why I would want to be mayor of Braddock, saying things like “it’s so far gone” and “you’ll never get anything done.” People say the same about the Washington gridlock. I think there’s a moral obligation to try. Just because you can’t perfect it immediately doesn’t mean it can’t be improved on, and you can’t be a voice for common sense reform and actually getting things done and moving forward. I’ll work with any Republican on any issue as long as we both have an understanding that science and facts matter. A2: As someone who won their first race by a single vote, I can personally attest to the importance of ensuring the voting rights of all Americans are protected. This deciding vote happened to be a provisional ballot, meaning that if this person didn’t understand their rights and fight for their right to vote, I might not have ever become the Mayor of Braddock and the course of my life could have been drastically altered. We need Congress to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act, which will help reverse some of the issues that came from Shelby County v. Holder and return to requiring states with a history of voter discrimination to preclear changes to voting laws. We also need to ban voter ID laws and restore the right to vote to former prisoners who have rightfully served their time. These laws unfairly target minority communities. CANDIDATE: JOE SESTAK
PENNSYLVANIA U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JOHN FETTERMAN
JOE SESTAK
JOHN FETTERMAN CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: BRADDOCK MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box F Braddock, PA 15104 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (951) 970-3268 WEBSITE: http://www.johnfetterman.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: brendan@johnfetterman.com TWITTER: twitter.com/johnfetterman FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/JohnFettermanPA/ BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 8/15/1969 EDUCATION: Degree in finance from Albright College, MBA from University of Connecticut and an MPP from Harvard QUALIFICATIONS: Currently serving third term as Mayor of Braddock
CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: EDGMONT MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 1936 Media, PA 19063 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (484) 444-2550 WEBSITE: http://www.joesestak.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: Michael.Garrett@JoeSestak.com Twitter: twitter.com/JoeSestak Facebook: http://JoeSestak
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VOTERS GUIDE 2016
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 12/12/1951 EDUCATION: United States Naval Academy Harvard University, Masters & Ph.D in Political Economy and Government QUALIFICATIONS: 31 years in U.S. Navy, served as Three-Star Admiral, Director of anti-terrorism unit, President Clinton’s Director for Defense Policy. Professor at Carnegie Mellon & Cheyney Universities, Dickinson College. United States Congressman, 2007-2011. A1: The biggest deficit in our nation is the trust deficit. The gridlock that’s crippled DC demonstrates why people no longer trust their elected officials – because too many place partisan ideology over the people they were elected to serve. I believe true leadership that bridges divisions begins with the people you’re elected to serve. It’s why I was the second Democrat to be reelected to my Congressional District since the Civil War; why I was named the most productive member of my Congressional class, passed more pieces of bipartisan legislation than either of PA’s Senators, and why I began my campaign by walking 422 miles across PA to meet the people, learn their hopes and concerns, and show them I will truly walk in their shoes once elected. I will continue my dedication to bipartisan leadership once elected to the Senate by placing people above politics, engaging in honest debate with my colleagues, and working toward principled compromise without compromising our principles. A2: If I have a voice in the confirmation of our next Supreme Court Justice, I will strongly urge for the nomination of Justice who recognizes the importance of restoring these critical aspects of the Voting Rights Act and will do everything in my power in that process to ensure that our next Justice is committed to restoring and protecting access to the ballot box for all Americans. I will also oppose attempts to place burdens on voters that disproportionately burden minority voters. Pennsylvania’s own Voter ID Law, for instance, was rightly struck down in the courts for the burdens it wrongfully placed on poor, elderly, and minority groups, and I will fight against future attempts to limit citizens’ ability to vote.
EDUCATION: B.S. from St. Joseph’s University, J.D. from Columbia University QUALIFICATIONS: Former Chair of President Bill Clinton’s Council on Environmental Quality; Former Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection under Governor Ed Rendell; Former Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Wolf. A1: My entire career I have worked with both parties to build partnerships to achieve results. As President Clinton’s chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, I worked with Newt Gingrich’s Republican Congress to make a difference in public health and environmental protection. By building partnerships we strengthened laws keeping our water safe and our air clean, targeted more resources to cleaning up toxic waste sites, and acknowledged the importance of environmental justice in policy making for the first time. I carried that same approach of coalition building to the Department of Environmental Protection under Governor Rendell. Even with a Republican legislature, we were able to direct major new investments to environmental protection and infrastructure improvement, enact tougher standards on toxic emissions, and accelerate the development of clean energy. Track record matters. As Senator, I will use the same approach I’ve always used to get past partisanship and get results. A2: Voting is a fundamental right for Americans across this country. We must fully restore the Voting Rights Act to protect that right for thousands of Americans who are being disenfranchised. But we must also do more. As Senator, I will stand against partisan attempts to disenfranchise voters through new voter identification laws because we should be encouraging more people to vote, not systematically denying them that right. I also support reforms that increase accessibility and integrity in our elections like guaranteeing early voting and expanding options for voter registration.
CANDIDATE: KATIE MCGINTY
CANDIDATE: PAT TOOMEY
KATIE MCGINTY
PAT TOOMEY
CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: Wayne, Pennsylvania MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 22446 Philadelphia, PA 19110 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (215) 253-6220 WEBSITE: http://KatieMcGinty.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: Katie@KatieMcGinty.com TWITTER: twitter.com/KatieMcGintyPA FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/katiemcgintypa/ Biographical Info: . DATE OF BIRTH: 5/11/1963
PENNSYLVANIA U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES-REPUBLICAN (Vote for One)
MUNICIPALITY: UPPER MILFORD Candidate did not respond.
PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL The basic duties of the attorney general, as outlined by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act are to: serve as the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer;
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collect all debts, taxes, and account due to the Commonwealth; represent the Commonwealth and all agencies in any action brought by or against the Commonwealth; administer the provisions relating to consumer protection laws; represent the Commonwealth and its citizens in any action brought about for violation of the antitrust laws. TERM: 4 Years SALARY: $158,764 QUESTIONS: Q1: The Attorney General’s office has been under a cloud for the last few years. Why do you believe you can restore public confidence in the office, and what steps will you take to make that happen? Q2: It is increasingly apparent that Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system is deeply flawed. What do you see as the primary systemic problems within our criminal justice system and, if elected, what steps would you take to address them?
PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JOHN MORGANELLI
JOHN MORGANELLI CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: BETHLEHEM MAILING ADDRESS: 835 Barnsdale Road Bethlehem, Pa 18017 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (610) 248-7701 WEBSITE: http://johnmorganelli.com TWITTER: twitter.com/johnmorganelli FACEBOOK: http://John Morganelli- Democrat for Attorney General BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 11/12/1955 EDUCATION: *JD Villanova School of Law *BA Moravian College, Political Science,Summa Cum Laude QUALIFICATIONS: * Career, courtroom prosecutor for 24 years •President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association * Special Deputy Attorney General * Commission on Crime and Delinquency, 6 years * Instructor in Criminal and Constitutional law
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A1: We need experience. I am Pennsylvania’s longest serving district attorney and the most experienced candidate. I am the only candidate who has actually prosecuted criminal cases in the courtroom and who has personally conducted grand jury investigations. I have personally prosecuted 25 consecutive murder cases, without a loss, putting some of Pennsylvania’s most dangerous criminals in jail for life. Neither of my opponents have ever prosecuted a single criminal case or personally conducted a grand jury investigation. I am also the only candidate who has actually served as a Special Deputy Attorney General having served northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties in special investigations. And I am the only candidate who has served all of Pennsylvania as President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and as a 6 year member of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. We cannot afford on the job training in this office at this time. A2: The system is not “deeply flawed”. It needs some fixing, but overall our system works. Here are my priorities : 1.Enact Gov. Ed Rendell’s plan to end parole for repeat violent criminals so we keep violent criminals and sexual predators off our streets. 2.Keep guns out of the hands of children, criminals and the mentally ill by advocating the passage of the “Parents Responsible Gun Ownership Act” and require that lost or stolen guns be reported to law enforcement. 3.Fix the broken parts of our justice system to make the system fairer for the poor, the mentally ill and the drug dependent by fighting for more resources. 4.Support new legislation to give non violent offenders a “second chance” by expanding the ability to erase old criminal records. We have lost two generations of people who cannot get a job because of an old non violent criminal record. 5.Go after the Wall Street crooks who engage in predatory practices that melt down our economy and hurt all of us.
Harrisburg, they didn’t like it when I stopped their perks and pushed for reform. In Montgomery County, I cleaned up an ethical mess. I’ll bring this same commitment to integrity and reform to the Office of Attorney General. In my Integrity Agenda, I’ve laid out the steps I will take to restore integrity to the Office of Attorney General. On Day One, I will create a code of conduct and mandate ethics training. I will ban gifts. I will post all expenses online for every Pennsylvanian to see. Additionally, I will professionalize the office’s human resources and establish a new Chief Diversity Officer to ensure that the Office of Attorney General looks like the public it is sworn to represent. And I will create the “Casey Commission,” named for the late Gov. Robert P. Casey, to issue regular reports on integrity and transparency in our Commonwealth and recommendations for how to improve our laws. For more details on my plan visit www.joshshapiro.org/integrity. A2: We need to treat addiction as a disease instead of a crime and ensure prison is used for those who are violent and pose a risk to others and not the mentally ill or those suffering from drug addiction. Far too many young people—particularly young people of color—get caught up in the system when they should not be there in the first place. This hurts individuals, communities and taxpayers. We need to put in place alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders, drug courts, smart probation and more resources for drug and alcohol treatment and mental health services. In Montgomery County, we have been nationally recognized for reducing our recidivism rate by 30 percent through a comprehensive treatment program in our prison. As Attorney General, I’ll reform our criminal justice system so that everyone is treated fairly, we lower the recidivism rate, reduce the number of victims of crime, lower the burden on taxpayers and make our communities safer.
recent years. The office itself was reshaped and created as a separate, independently elected office after a period of corruption in our state. In order for this office to be effective, it is vital that the citizens of Pennsylvania view the office holder as capable and a competent leader. I have shown strong leadership and sound judgment for 18 years as Allegheny County’s District Attorney. I will bring those same principles with me and set high standards for all employees of the office. A2: The biggest problem is over-incarceration, which impedes rehabilitation and treatment of underlying medical and social problems while burdening taxpayers with costs. We must develop effective programs that emphasize defendants’ accountability to the community and victims, and require participation in programs that emphasize treatment and rehabilitation, as well as give judges the discretion to devise effective consequences. As DA, I was instrumental in the creation of specialty courts that can address the roots of crime and help criminals become more productive. I used existing nuisance laws to force landlords to make buildings safer for residents; to revitalize the theater district; to interdict prescription drug trade in Pittsburgh; and to protect neighborhoods from disruptive bars. I also distributed forfeited funds to support advocacy groups and law enforcement to make crime prevention a priority, such as providing assistance to victims of sexual offenses, surveillance cameras for public safety, and police dogs for municipalities.
CANDIDATE: JOSH SHAPIRO
CANDIDATE: STEPHEN A. ZAPPALA JR.
CANDIDATE: JOE PETERS
JOSH SHAPIRO
STEPHEN A. ZAPPALA JR.
JOE PETERS
CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: ABINGTON TOWNSHIP MAILING ADDRESS: 21 E. Airy Street Norristown, PA 19401 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (215) 886-7376 WEBSITE: http://www.joshshapiro.org CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@joshshapiro.org TWITTER: twitter.com/JoshShapiroPA FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoshShapiroPA BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 6/20/73 EDUCATION: B.A.—University of Rochester J.D. - Georgetown Law Center QUALIFICATIONS: Chairman, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, 2015-present Of Counsel with Stradley Ronon law firm, 10 years State Representative, 2005-2012 A1: Throughout my career, I’ve been a reformer. In
CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: FOX CHAPEL MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 183 Bethel Park, PA 15102 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 999-2625 WEBSITE: http://www.zappalaforpa.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@zappalaforpa.com TWITTER: twitter.com/ZappalaforPA FACEBOOK: http://ZappalaforAttorneyGeneral BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 5/20/57 EDUCATION: University of Pittsburgh, BA; Duquesne University, JD QUALIFICATIONS: 18 years as Allegheny County District Attorney; 12 years in private practice in civil, municipal and criminal law A1: My first priority will be to restore confidence in the office of Attorney General that has been shaken in
CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: OVERFIELD TOWNSHIP MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 429 Lake Winola, PA 18625 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (717) 574-6674 WEBSITE: http://joepeters.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: JoePeters4AG@gmail.com TWITTER: twitter.com/JoePeters4AG FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoePetersforAG/ BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 7/9/1957 EDUCATION: King’s College for undergrad & Dickinson School of Law QUALIFICATIONS: I have spent my career in law enforcement as a cop and prosecutor. I served as state’s top drug prosecutor and as a federal mafia prosecutor. I am only the candidate for AG with local, state, national and international law enforcement experience.
PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATES REPUBLICAN (Vote for One)
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VOTERS GUIDE 2016
A1: I grew up in that office rising from intern/law clerk to become the first Executive Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Drug and Organized Crime Division. As such I was the state’s top drug prosecutor and also Chief of the office’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation. People who know me know integrity is first with me. The Office clearly needs to be revitalized and that will happen with the election of a proven leader who has demonstrated throughout his career a dedication to integrity and the prosecution of all without regard to anything but the pursuit of justice. The office needs a new leader like me, who because of his 15-year plus career in the AG’s office, is ready to lead on Day 1 and does not need any on the job training. A2: For example, to deal with our state’s growing heroin epidemic we need to change the focus from just incarceration and begin to treat addiction as a what it is: a health issue. People are dying every day here because of this like we’ve never seen before. We should mandate treatment, not incarceration. If say, a single mom has become addicted to the cheap heroin on the streets after starting with prescribed pain pills, she is a health concern. She is using the ER, neglecting her child and endangering others. So forcing treatment sooner rather than later helps her and the community, and perhaps even saves taxpayer dollars. My experience as a federal prosecutor and top official at the White House Drug Czar’s office will allow me to better, and more quickly, try to bring federal resources to bear as we deal with this and other areas of concern. The OAG needs to get out of the news for its dysfunction and begin to get back in the news for prosecuting criminals and protecting our citizens. CANDIDATE: JOHN RAFFERTY
nouncing on day one of my campaign that I pledge to run for Attorney General to be the Attorney General…Not to be an aspiring Governor or United States Senator. If elected, I am committed to serving my full-term of four years and if re-elected eight years as Attorney General. The Office of Attorney General and the citizens of this great Commonwealth deserve nothing less from the next Attorney General. In making such a pledge I am making a full faith commitment to Pennsylvanians that I will remove all political agendas from my office. As the highest ranking law enforcement official of our state it is my job to be a faithful custodian of the law by enforcing and prosecuting those that break the laws. Additionally, I will implement a strict ethics code for employees based on guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Justice. I will have the strictest guidelines in the country to ensure the public has full confidence in our office moving forward. A2: I am very supportive of the Justice Reinvestment Act which reduces recidivism, increases public safety and lowers correction costs by investing in communities to defer criminal behavior. Additionally, I am very supportive of the creation of specialty courts, like the Veterans Courts. In fact, I was a member of the Supreme Court’s steering committee for Veterans Courts.
CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: WEST MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP MAILING ADDRESS: PO BOX 391 HARRISBURG, PA 17108 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (717) 256-2591 WEBSITE: http://www.eugene4pa.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: eugene@eugene4pa.com TWITTER: twitter.com/DePasqualePA FACEBOOK: http://DePasqualePA BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 8/3/1971 EDUCATION: Widener University, School of Law, J.D University of Pittsburgh, MPA College of Wooster, BA QUALIFICATIONS: Auditor General: 2013-present State Representative: 2007-2013 Deputy Secretary, DEP: 2003-2006 A1: I will continue to ensure schools are held accountable to taxpayers and students through our school district audits. I plan to make sure the taxpayer dollars spent on state programs are spent effectively and efficiently while working to improve those departments. I also plan to help resolve the political budget impasse through drawing attention to lost taxpayer resources and helping the sides come together.
PENNSYLVANIA AUDITOR GENERAL
PENNSYLVANIA AUDITOR GENERAL—REPUBLICAN
The principal role of the auditor general is to determine whether state funds are being used in accordance with the purpose and guidelines that govern each use of the Commonwealth’s dollars. The auditor general conducts financial and performance audits of individuals, state agencies, and organization that receive state funds, including school districts, state liquor stores, and public employee pensions. These audits are designed to measure how effectively government programs are using public money to meet their stated goals and objectives. The office performs more than 6,000 audits each year, and is responsible for auditing all federal funds that are allocated to Pennsylvania state programs. TERM: 4 YEARS SALARY $158,764 QUESTIONS: Q1: What are your top three priorities and how will you accomplish them? Please be specific.
(Vote for One)
JOHN RAFFERTY CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: LOWER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 11757 HARRISBURG, PA 17108 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (570) 690-1933 WEBSITE: http://www.raffertyforag.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@raffertyforag.com TWITTER: twitter.com/RaffertyforAG FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/RaffertyforAG/ BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 2/7/1953 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Master’s: Beaver College Law Degree: Temple QUALIFICATIONS: Serving as a State Senator, a Deputy Attorney General, a private practice attorney and a small business owner has given me a wide breadth of experience that few others have. I believe my experience makes me uniquely qualified. A1: My first step to regaining the public trust is an-
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PENNSYLVANIA AUDITOR GENERAL—DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: EUGENE A. DEPASQUALE
EUGENE A. DEPASQUALE
CANDIDATE: JOHN BROWN BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: BANGOR BORO Candidate did not respond.
PENNSYLVANIA TREASURER The duty of the Pennsylvania Treasurer is to safeguard the Commonwealth’s financial assets, which total more than $120 billion in public monies. The office manages several programs in order to better serve the financial needs of Pennsylvanians. The Treasury Department is also responsible for: reuniting unclaimed property with its rightful owner; investigating loss, theft, and fraud involving commonwealth checks; reviewing real estate leases and contracts entered into by commonwealth agencies; maintaining the Pennsylvania contracts electronic library. The Treasurer has specific duties in addition to the oversight of the department: serves as Chair of the Board of Finance and Revenue, which selects banks to serve as depositories for state money; sets interest rates paid on commonwealth deposits; hears and decides state tax appeals. TERM: 4 YEARS SALARY $158,764 QUESTIONS: Q: What are your top three priorities and how will you accomplish them? Please be specific.
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PENNSYLVANIA TREASURERDEMOCRAT (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JOE TORSELLA
JOE TORSELLA CONTACT INFO: MUNICIPALITY: WHITEMARSH MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 626 Flourtown, PA 19031 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (267) 219-5629 WEBSITE: http://joetorsella.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@joetorsella.com TWITTER: twitter.com/joetorsella FACEBOOK: http://JoeTorsellaForTreasurer/ BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: DATE OF BIRTH: 10/8/1963 EDUCATION: Graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania. Studied at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. QUALIFICATIONS: U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. for Management & Reform Chairman of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. Founding President & CEO of the National Constitution Center A1: I’ve spent my life in public service doing: making public institutions more efficient, more effective, and more innovative. That’s why, on Day One, I’ll set the toughest ethics standards in the country. I’ll make it easier for a person to go online and see not just every single state contract, but every single political contribution made by someone who got one of those contracts. And I’ll require that the people trading public money in the stock market disclose the trades they make on their own accounts. Transparency is one half of the equation. Accountability is the other. I’ll appoint a Chief Integrity Officer to keep everyone working at the Treasury — starting with me — on the straight and narrow. My third priority is setting up automatic, universal savings accounts for secondary or vocational training for every child born in Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA TREASURERREPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: OTTO VOIT MUNICIPALITY: MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP Candidate did not respond.
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE The U.S. Constitution requires that the House of Representatives be composed of elected Representa-
tives (also called Congressmen or Congresswomen) from each State. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives. The number of Representatives from each state is proportioned according to its population, with 18 Representatives from Pennsylvania. A US Representative must (1) be at least twenty-five years old, (2) have been a citizen of the United States for the past seven years, and (3) be (at the time of the election) an inhabitant of the state they represent. A Representative’s term of office is 2 years. The House of Representatives is responsible for creating the budget and initiating bills to collect taxes and other money, although all bills must pass the Senate and be signed by the President. The House is also responsible for impeaching federal officials (the Senate then tries the case) and electing the President if there is a tie in the Electoral College. Term: 2 YEARS SALARY: $174,000 QUESTIONS: Q1: Partisan gridlock in Washington has brought our government nearly to a standstill. If elected, what steps will you take to reduce partisan gridlock? Please be specific. Q2: In Shelby County v. Holder, the US Supreme Court invalidated provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which has led to disenfranchised voters across the US. If elected, what will you do to ensure that the voting rights of all Americans are protected?
12TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTDEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: ERIN R. MCCLELLAND BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 2824 Lower Burrell, PA 15068 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (724) 575-2624 W E B S I T E : http://erinforpa.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: erinforcongress@gmail.com DATE OF BIRTH: 4/18/1975 ERIN MCCLELLAND EDUCATION: BS Psychology, University of Pittsburgh MS Psychology, Chatham University TWITTER: twitter.com/erinforpa FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/erinforpa MUNICIPALITY: HARRISON TWP A1: First, this question requires that we understand the root cause of gridlock in Washington. Why do legislators choose to accomplish nothing over compromising in a way that at least solves something? For each legislator, the answer is very different. In the case of my opponent, he repeatedly chooses the defund it, repeal it and shut it down politics over problem solving because that is what he ran on. He said he would repeal the ACA, and despite this being a wasteful act of futility, he continues to do so, solving no problem and creating no solution. I am not inclined to opine disingenuously that I alone will be the one of 435 members to “end the gridlock in Washington.” That assertion is ridiculous and insulting to the good hearted members that work every day to do that very thing. I can tell you, I will focus on the problems inside my District that I CAN solve. I can work on our serious drug problem, decrease medical errors
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
in our healthcare system and support working families. And I will vote to solve our greatest problems. A2: Protecting the rights of voters would be a more pertinent issue in our society if everyone actually cherished and demonstrated their right to vote. While legislation and Supreme Court cases infringe on this right as an attempt to suppress voters and influence election outcomes, the greater problem is the lack of participation from the electorate itself. And if a significant majority of voters in this country truly valued their vote and continued to fight for it, this battle could be won at the polls, not in the courts or Congress. Therefore, I intend to continuously remind my electorate of the impact that their vote has in every election, at the local level and in their own homes. I hope to inspire them to value the right for which so many have fought and died. And I intend to elaborate regularly on the outcomes of apathy that continue to break our middle class and hurt our efforts toward prosperity including the disenfranchisement of the American citizen from the process that governs his and her society.
12TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTREPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: KEITH ROTHFUS BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: SEWICKLEY Questions: Candidate did not respond.
14TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTDEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JANIS C. BROOKS
JANIS C. BROOKS BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 414 North Versailles, PA 15137 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 253-7211 WEBSITE: http://www.drjcbrooks4congress.org CAMPAIGN EMAIL: drjcbrooks@gmail.com DATE OF BIRTH: 12/17/49 EDUCATION: Ph.D., Public Policy-Research and Analysis, M.A. Urban Studies, Management B.S. Secondary Education QUALIFICATIONS: Worked in academia, Federal, County and City Governments. Responsible for interpreting the Federal Regulations for a large urban county. Over 20 years ago founded a non profit agency that works with at risk youth, disadvantaged seniors, and families. FACEBOOK: http://Dr Janis C Brooks for Congress MUNICIPALITY: N. VERSAILLES TWP
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VOTERS GUIDE 2016
A1: 1. As a community organizer, and an activist, it is essential that we involve people at the grassroots level. I would use a formula of grass roots advocacy, letters, phone calls, emails, print media, and personal visits to encourage cooperation. Focus must be placed on the issues, along with giving consideration to issues that are important to the constituents. It is necessary to work across the aisle with republicans to get meaningful results on legislative issues. It is crucial to create a win win situation for constituents and legislators. I would be amenable to listen to the concerns of the republicans. In return, being analytical through professional training and experience, I would develop a response. I would also utilize resources such as “Think Tanks,” legislative research sources, and other information from the academic, private and public sectors to craft sound and meaningful policies that would encompass the philosophies of both parties. A2: 1. Hold Congressional hearings to show the need for the passage of the resolutions to protect the Voting Rights Act. 2. Devise a strategy from prior resolutions to assert political and social pressure on key subcommittee chairman to prevent them from continuing to stall positive action on the resolution by utilizing civic involvement. This involvement includes but is not limited to: letters, phone calls, emails, social media, and letters to newspaper editors to assert the need for passage of the resolutions to Congress as a whole and to individual congressman. Change will only occur, if we collectively assert our Constitutional Rights, and also hold our elected officials to a higher level of accountability.
aren’t shy about reaching across the aisle to work on issues in a bipartisan fashion. I certainly have done so and will again. However, there is a group of about forty members that represent the Tea Party wing of the Republican party and their leadership continues to try to appease them. There are a large number of vital pieces of legislation addressing issues like transportation funding, immigration, and even the federal budget that could pass in Congress easily with large numbers of Democrats and Republicans supporting them if the Republican leadership would simply allow them to be voted on. But because this band of radical conservatives opposes these bills, their leadership evades these issues and allows partisan gridlock to continue to the detriment of our country. A2: I firmly oppose any action that would disenfranchise US citizens from being able to vote and was therefore disappointed by the Shelby v Holder decision. In response I have joined with other members of Congress on a number of actions to attempt to reverse the damage of that decision. Most importantly, I am an original co-sponsor of HR 885, the Voting Rights Amendment Act. This is legislation aimed at directly countering the Supreme Court having struck down part of the Voting Rights Act that deals with states that have a history of voting discrimination. HR 885 would restore federal authority over voting laws in those states to ensure they are not discriminatory in nature. I am also a cosponsor of HR 12, the Voter Empowerment Act. This bill would modernize our voter registration system; allow online voter registration; expand early voting; ensure equitable allocation of polling place resources; and prohibit deceptive practices that deter people from exercising their right to vote.
CANDIDATE: MIKE DOYLE
14TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC
MIKE DOYLE BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 17426 Pittsburgh, PA 15235 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 244-9101 WEBSITE: http://mikedoyleforcongress.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: mike@mikedoyleforcongress.com DATE OF BIRTH: 8/5/1953 EDUCATION: Penn State University, BS 1975; Graduate, Leadership Pittsburgh QUALIFICATIONS: Lifelong Pittsburgh area resident; completing 11th term as Congressman; have served on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee since 2001; co-owner of small insurance agency; married over 25 years; 4 children. FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/MikeDoyle-For-Congress-158431724174341/ MUNICIPALITY: FOREST HILLS A1: The problem of partisan gridlock is very frustrating to me. Unfortunately I believe that until the Republican leadership in the House changes their approach, there is little that can be done. The majority of members of Congress actually work well together and
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STATE SENATOR The Pennsylvania Senate is the upper house of our bicameral (two house legislature). There are 50 members who sit for four year terms. Senators must be at least 25 years old, have been citizens and lived in their respective districts one year next before their election and must live in their districts during their terms of service. Members of the Pennsylvania Senate are, along with the House of Representatives, responsible for passing legislation that affects all aspects of our lives. TERM: 4 years SALARY $85,339 QUESTIONS: Q1: Ensuring that all voters have access to the ballot box is one of the essential functions of government, yet Pennsylvania voters have some of the most restricted access to the ballot in the nation. Pennsylvania is one of only 9 states without any of the following reforms: early voting, optional vote by mail, pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds, or same day registration. If elected, will you support increasing access to the ballot through these reforms? Please explain your answer. Q2: Partisan gridlock in Harrisburg has brought our government nearly to a standstill. If elected, what steps will you take to reduce partisan gridlock? Please be specific. Q3: Pennsylvania is home to some of the most gerrymandered districts in the US. Unfairly drawn districts disenfranchise voters and make it more difficult for legislators to effectively represent all of their constituents. Would you support redistricting reform through removing elected officials from the process and instituting an independent citizens’ commission to draw the maps, changing where prisoners are counted, and/or implementing stricter methods of statistical verification? Please explain your answer.
NO CANDIDATES FILED
37TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC
18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN
(Vote for One) CANDIDATE: ED EICHENLAUB
(Vote for One) CANDIDATE: TIM MURPHY
ED EICHENLAUB TIM MURPHY BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: UPPER ST CLAIR Candidate did not respond
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: 5500 Kings School Road Bethel Park, PA 15102 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 854-4211 WEBSITE: http://Eich4Senate.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: eich4senate@gmail.com
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A1: Yes, voting is a fundamental right of every American and our future generations need each and every opportunity available, and a clear and accessible process for our children to grasp the routine and the importance of voting and the key elements that constitute an honest, and trustworthy politician. A2: As I learned and practiced as a Scout Master, you lead by example. It is critical that we work together for the benefit of our constituents not our party’s goals or our own vested interests. By holding the fundamental values of family and community in the highest regards, and to have core values of honesty and integrity, the elected representative are empowered to seek and agree to measures that provide the fundamental solutions to issues like equitable budgets and safe, reasonable laws that enforce these techniques for all citizens. A3: Most definitely. 1) Our districts should not be manipulated to provide for a more favorable outcome by linking together geographical locales according to one’s voting history. I was raised in a mixed community with both poor and wealth, and found common virtue in the socio-economics of an open and welcoming community. 2) My home territory is high in “baby-boomers” and also experiencing an influx of “Generation Y- Millenials” who are seeking a stable/safe community with exceptional educational opportunities for their children and in my case, I’m focusing on keeping District 37 affordable so my sons can remain in the district and raise my grandchildren close to home. After all, “there is no place like home!” I would support an independent citizens’ commission. As a County Jail Counselor, I interact with a variety of inmates who through the criminal justice system are seeking support to deal with issues that have yielded them in jail. I understand and work to aid their plight.
37TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: GUY RESCHENTHALER BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: JEFFERSON HILLS QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
43RD SENATORIAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JAY COSTA, JR.
Hills, PA 15221 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 871-3924 CAMPAIGN EMAIL: jaycosta4statesenate@comcast.net DATE OF BIRTH: 11/17/57 EDUCATION: CCAC (A.S. 1977), Indiana University of PA (B.A. 1979), J.D. from Duquesne University (1989) MUNICIPALITY: FOREST HILLS BOROUGH A1: I am committed to any reform that encourages more people to register to vote and any reform that helps boost voter turnout. I applauded Governor Tom Wolf’s rollout of VotesPA.com. Thanks to online registration, Pennsylvania now has more than 225,000 new voters. I believe another way to inspire more voter turnout is by reducing the corrupting influence of money in elections. I’ve introduced legislation that would limit campaign contributions, reduce the influence of special interest groups, and boost transparency. A2: In my role as Senate Democratic Leader, I’m often at the negotiating table with my Republican counterparts. I’m very attuned to working together to get things done. Late last year, I helped broker a budget deal with Republican leaders in the senate. The governor supported it, but unfortunately we couldn’t quite get the House on the same page. Part of the budget framework included bipartisan measures, like major pension reforms and modest wine and spirit modernization, both of which I support. Another example of cooperation, I’m a founding chairman of the bi-partisan/bi-cameral Arts and Culture Caucus of the General Assembly whose focus is supporting and advancing the arts and cultural opportunities in Pennsylvania. A3: Gerrymandering and partisan gridlock go hand in hand. It’s cause and effect. It’s harder for lawmakers to work together when they hail from districts that are manipulatively drawn to heavily favor one party over another. That goes for whether we’re talking about the Congressional districts, which are created by lawmakers in Harrisburg or the state legislative districts, which are created by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission. As the lead plaintiff in the Holt case, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued strict new parameters that ensure redistricting for the General Assembly isn’t harmful. We need to make sure that in the 2020s we don’t create a Commonwealth rife with unreasonably drawn legislative districts like we have now. I believe the Holt ruling provides us with the directive to create districts that are fair and could be used as a blueprint for how we draw the Congressional districts.
43RD SENATORIAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) NO CANDIDATES FILED
45TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One)
JAY COSTA, JR. BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: 314 Newport Road Forest
CANDIDATE: JAMES R. BREWSTER BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: 455 29th Street McKeesport, Pa 15132 CAMPAIGN EMAIL: Brewster4senate@gmail.com DATE OF BIRTH: 9/25/1948 EDUCATION: California University QUALIFICATIONS: Elected McKeesport City Councilman in 1995, and served as council president
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JAMES R. BREWSTER for seven years prior to being elected mayor in 2004 until elected to State Senate in 2010. Prior to election, Vice President and Fraud Investigator, Mellon Bank. TWITTER: twitter.com/SenatorBrewster FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/senatorbrewster MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF MCKEESPORT A1: I will support increasing access to the ballot. All of the methods outlined above will help increase participation in the process. But we need to do more. We need to make sure our citizens realize what a privilege it is to have the right to vote. Education must be ramped up. When I see folks on television news in faraway lands holding up their ink stained thumb or finger proving that they took advantage, maybe for the first time in their lives to vote, I am moved. I’m told I’m overreaching when I have stated that voting should be mandatory but I’m passionate about the subject. A2: I have already started. As soon as I arrived in on the floor of the Senate I looked for the fence separating the Republicans from the Democrats. I could not find it. Often we hear about reaching across the aisle. As far as I’m concerned there is no aisle. I walked across the floor and introduced myself to everyone serving the residents of Pennsylvania. Any legislation passed by the Senate should benefit every person in the state. Some of my closest colleagues are those I most disagree with on many ideological issues. But I am always open to new ideas and working together to move the state forward. When we are on the Floor of the Senate we should not consider our party affiliation but rather what is best for Pennsylvania. A3: The current reapportionment process is in drastic need of overhaul. I have supported every piece of legislation introduced to reform and improve the system. No elected official should have any role in reapportionment. I have discussed turning the redistricting over to the University’s of Pennsylvania. I have discussed having representatives from business, academia, unions and other groups. I have suggested an independent citizen’s commission as you outlined above. As with everything we do, the people of Pennsylvania, and what is best for them, is what should drive our actions in the legislature. As a footnote, please recall that before the Supreme Court threw out the original 2012 reapportionment plan, my district was being moved to the New York border. Because of that experience I have a rather vested interest in the process going forward.
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VOTERS GUIDE 2016
45TH SENATORIAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN
16TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN
NO CANDIDATES FILED
NO CANDIDATES FILED
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
19TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the lower house of our bicameral (two house) legislature. There are 203 members who sit for two year terms in single member districts. Representatives must be 21 years old, have been citizens and lived in their respective districts one year next before their election and must live in their districts during their terms of service.. Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are, along with the Senate, responsible for passing legislation that affects all aspects of our lives. TERM: 2 YEARS SALARY $85,339 QUESTIONS: Q1: Ensuring that all voters have access to the ballot box is one of the essential functions of government, yet Pennsylvania voters have some of the most restricted access to the ballot in the nation. Pennsylvania is one of only 9 states without any of the following reforms: early voting, optional vote by mail, pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds, or same day registration. If elected, will you support increasing access to the ballot through these reforms? Please explain your answer. Q2: Partisan gridlock in Harrisburg has brought our government nearly to a standstill. If elected, what steps will you take to reduce partisan gridlock? Please be specific. Q3: Pennsylvania is home to some of the most gerrymandered districts in the US. Unfairly drawn districts disenfranchise voters and make it more difficult for legislators to effectively represent all of their constituents. Would you support redistricting reform through removing elected officials from the process and instituting an independent citizens’ commission to draw the maps, changing where prisoners are counted, and/or implementing stricter methods of statistical verification? Please explain your answer.
16TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: ROBERT F. MATZIE
ROBERT F. MATZIE BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: AMBRIDGE BORO Candidate did not respond
(Vote for One)
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dent citizens’ commission would bring balance and fairness to the process of deciding how we draw our maps. I firmly believe that politics and governance can be a honorable mission with leaders representing the best in us rather than cooking up tactics to get advantages based on biases and deception. If we aspire to be the best we can have the best. I aspire to bring the best government to our state because I believe we deserve better. CANDIDATE: JAKE WHEATLEY
CANDIDATE: JESSICA WOLFE
JAKE WHEATLEY JESSICA WOLFE BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5925 Pittsburgh , PA 15210 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 223-8724 WEBSITE: http://jessicazwolfe.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: Jessicazwolfe@gmail.com DATE OF BIRTH: 6/1/1980 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s of Science Social Work Master’s Degree in Social Work QUALIFICATIONS: As a licensed social worker, I fight for men, women, and children to have access to opportunity. I sit in living rooms and at kitchen tables and counsel people on the concerns of their life. I know how the government impacts real lives. Simply, I car TWITTER: twitter.com/jzwolfe FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/voteforJessicaWolfe MUNICIPALITY: PITTSBURGH A1: I truly believe that to have a better participation rate in our democracy we must end all the barriers. There are many other states that employ some or all of the reforms,early voting, optional vote by mail, pre-registration for 16 and 17 year olds, or same day registration, with good result. I would work tirelessly to enact these for the citizens of the commonwealth who deserve an inclusive and responsive government. When the electorate is engaged and informed we can have open discussions and work on finding solutions rather than creating more problems. A2: As a therapist that has worked with groups and families struggling with conflict I always start from places of agreement with firm rules of respect of perspective. I cannot say I will always agree with my colleagues in Harrisburg but I know I can interact with them in a respectful and forthright manner. If we put an end to the culture that we are enemies and that negotiation and compromise are dirty words then we can make strides for commonsense things that we can all agree on and build trust with each other and the citizens we represent. A3: Governance and politics in Pennsylvania have come to odds. Changing to a non-partisan indepen-
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: Candidate did not respond
19TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
20TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: ADAM J RAVENSTAHL
ADAM J. RAVENSTAHL BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: PITTSBURGH Candidate did not respond
20TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
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21ST DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: DOM COSTA Biographical Info: Municipality: PITTSBURGH Questions: Candidate did not respond
21ST DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
23RD DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC
with members of the opposition party who we can find middle ground and hopefully get them to talk to their colleagues about the importance of getting things done. A3: I can definitely support a measure that calls for a non partisan citizens’ commission, but the there has to be strict and fair guidelines to how persons are selected. I’d go a little farther and stipulate that the members should have some qualifications in the area of cartography or map designing. CANDIDATE: TODD ELLIOTT KOGER BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: WILKINSBURG QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond CANDIDATE: WILLIAM ANDERSON
(Vote for One)
24TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
25TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JOSEPH F. MARKOSEK BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: MONROEVILLE QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
25TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN (Vote for One)
Candidate: DAN B. FRANKEL BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: PITTSBURGH QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
23RD DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
CANDIDATE: JOHN RITTER
WILLIAM ANDERSON
NO CANDIDATES FILED
24TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) Candidate: ED GAINEY
ED GAINEY BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 5208 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 945-0024 WEBSITE: http://www.edgainey.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@edgainey.com DATE OF BIRTH: 2/19/1970 EDUCATION: Morgan State University TWITTER: twitter.com/edgainey FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/edgainey MUNICIPALITY: PITTSBURGH A1: Absolutely. I have a Bill that I’m introducing in the house that will call for automatic registration for 17 year old 30 days prior to their 18th birthday. A2: This is very difficult to do due to some members only willing to deal in absolutes. I will try to work
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: 7035 Chaucer St Pittsburgh, Pa 15208 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 628-4199 Website: http://willworks4you.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: willworks4you@gmail.com Date of Birth: 9/27/1972 Education: skill centered diploma Perry Traditional Academy Penn State University QUALIFICATIONS: Executive President Pa Coalition of Young Democrats, Endorsement Chair Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus B-Pep Plaining Council, Pa united for Background Checks Whitehouse Pittsburgh Business Council, NAACP, Pennsylvania Society, Action United TWITTER: twitter.com/willworks4you1s FACEBOOK: http://william Anderson MUNICIPALITY: PITTSBURGH A1: yes , I will continue to fight for more access to the ballot box and implement these provisions that will make it easier to vote as well as creating an electronic petition collecting process to make it easier for people to run for office and get involved in the electoral process as candidates. A2: As the grandson of the late Evelyn D. Richardson senior member of the DNC I will use the relationships I have inherited and built as well as my ability to be non partisan to cross the isle and understand that I am to work for the people of the commonwealth and not be tied down by partisan politics. I will use my ability to make people see things through different perspective that what hurts one can hurt us all. A3: yes I believe that this process must be done through an independent public panel removed from the political process of being run by people whose only interest is re-election. it is suspect to have any party involved in this process as they will eventually abuse it to benefit themselves no matter what coat they put on it.
JOHN RITTER BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: 206 Shackelford Dr Monroeville, PA 15146 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 403-4749 WEBSITE: http://www.RitterForRep.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: ContactJohnRitter@verizon.net EDUCATION: B.S. Health Education, Slippery Rock U. B.A. Computer Science, IUP M.S. Comp Sci; Virginia Tech MUNICIPALITY: MONROEVILLE A1: New forms of technology might help promote voter-participation in the election process and in the candidate information-distribution process. Fraudulent techniques should continually be examined, anticipated, and mitigated. A2: Negotiation, compromise, and consensus are techniques that mature, honest, good-hearted representatives ought to employ when creating or identifying policies and measures that best serve the citizens whom they serve. (Righteous) anger, shrewdness, discipline, gentleness, strength-of-character, humility, and patience are effective means of producing good fruit and pruning diseased branches (so-tospeak). For those issues where the wrong question is being argued and where both sides are wrong, I am in favor of gridlock. A3: All roadblocks to effective and fair representation ought to be examined: Gerrymandering (politicians ought not be involved, citizens should drive the process); term limits (of some form that can be negotiated and accepted via consensus); perks (such as excessive benefits or excessive per diems); transparency in campaign finance contributions and reporting; et cetera.
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
VOTERS GUIDE 2016
27TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC
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CANDIDATE: ANTHONY M. DELUCA
(Vote for One) CANDIDATE: DAN DEASY
FRANK DERMODY ANTHONY M. DELUCA
DAN DEASY BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: CITY OF PITTSBURGH QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
27TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
28TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC NO CANDIDATES FILED
28TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: MIKE TURZAI BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: MARSHALL TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
30TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC NO CANDIDATES FILED
30TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: HAL ENGLISH BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: HAMPTON TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: 1438 Homestead Road Verona, PA 15147 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 793-8561 EDUCATION: Westinghouse High School. Allegheny County Community College, Real Estate and Political Science QUALIFICATIONS: Current State Representative in the 32nd Legislative District. Municipality: PENN HILLS A1: I am an advocate for expanding ballot access. I support all the efforts outlined in the question. I have previously sponsored and supported legislation that would expand ballot access by allowing in person early voting and excuse free absentee ballot voting. This legislation has been held up by the Majority Chairman in the House. I believe in moving Pennsylvania into the 21st Century and joining the vast majority of states in ensuring that every voter who wishes to cast a ballot has every opportunity available to do so. Restricting voting access to one Tuesday simply does not work anymore. A2: I have co-sponsored legislation that would reduce the size of both chambers of the Legislature. I believe a reduction in the size of the Legislature would go a long way towards breaking the partisan gridlock that has gripped Harrisburg in recent years. In addition, elected officials need to stop thinking of legislation in terms of Democratic or Republican bills, but rather think in terms of what best serves all citizens of Pennsylvania. I believe that our elected Representatives and Senators need to remember that they are elected as servants of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, not of special interest groups. A3: Yes, I agree with creating an independent citizen’s commission to draw district maps. Having an independent commission will free the process of political interference. This political inference and the gerrymandering of districts are driving factors in the partisan gridlock that has come to Harrisburg in recent years.
(Vote for One)
33RD DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
34TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: PAUL COSTA
32ND DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
33RD DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One)
32ND DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC
CAMPAIGN EMAIL: info@frankdermody.com DATE OF BIRTH: 5-29-51 EDUCATION: JD, School of Law, Indiana University, Bloomington, 1982 BA, History, Columbia University, 1973 QUALIFICATIONS: Former Assistant District Attorney, Former District Justice, Former Public Defender, Former Legal Instructor and Advisor MUNICIPALITY: OAKMONT A1: I led the fight against past efforts to restrict people’s ability to cast votes, and I continue to support all of these reforms that will make it easier for all citizens to vote. A2: It’s become painfully clear that Harrisburg is broken. Special interests are blocking things from getting done. I support limits on the size of campaign contributions, a ban on gifts from lobbyists, withholding pay for legislators if a budget is not passed on time, and greater disclosure of outside income sources of government officials. A3: The redistricting process hasn’t changed much in 50 years. It’s part of the reason Harrisburg is broken, and I will consider any changes that would improve current processes to ensure fairer representation and more competitive elections.
CANDIDATE: FRANK DERMODY BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 274 Tarentum, PA 15084 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (724) 224-4408
PAUL COSTA Biographical Info: MUNICIPALITY: WILKINS TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
VOTERS GUIDE 2016
34TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN
38TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN
NO CANDIDATES FILED
(Vote for One)
35TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC
CANDIDATE: ROD SALKA BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: SOUTH PARK TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
(Vote for One) CANDIDATE: MARC J. GERGELY BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: WHITE OAK QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
35TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN
39TH DISTRICT HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: PETER T. KOBYLINSKI BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: SOUTH PARK TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
NO CANDIDATES FILED
36TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC
39TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN (Vote for One)
(Vote for One) CANDIDATE: HARRY READSHAW BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: PITTSBURGH QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
36TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN
CANDIDATE: RICK SACCONE BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
40TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
MUNICIPALITY: TOWNSHIP OF UPPER ST. CLAIR A1: I would be supportive not only of voter access initiatives, but also of easier ballot access for third party/independent candidates. Providing greater choices for potential leaders and better opportunities for people to choose their government will lead to better representation and better outcomes. A2: My strong interpersonal skills and compassionate bedside manner enable me to deal with patients of all backgrounds and their families. I am able to earn their trust and facilitate consent to and compliance with appropriate medical interventions. In a similar fashion, I can be a consensus builder among my House colleagues in a way that will break through partisan gridlock and accomplish real change that will benefit my constituents. A3: I would support redistricting reform, but would need to see the specifics of any given proposal before voting for it, in order to make sure that any “independent” citizens’ commission is truly independent. Allowing a redistricting commission to be controlled by partisan members would not serve the people any better than the current system of allowing a partisan legislature to control the redistricting process.
40TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JOHN MAHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: UPPER ST. CLAIR QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
42ND DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC
(Vote for One) NO CANDIDATES FILED
CANDIDATE: ANDREW J. ZAHALSKY MD
(Vote for One) CANDIDATE: DAN MILLER
38TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE:BILL KORTZ
DAN MILLER ANDREW J. ZAHALSKY MD
BILL KORTZ BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: DRAVOSBURG QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 62222 Pittsburgh, PA 15241 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (724) 413-9813 WEBSITE: http://www.cureforthecommonpolitician.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: ajz@cureforthecommonpolitician.com DATE OF BIRTH: 12/9/1970 EDUCATION: College and Medical School at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island QUALIFICATIONS: I am well trained in the art of evaluating problems, gathering data, and then developing and implementing a treatment plan. I have the ability to intelligently address the issues facing Pennsylvania and to seek out solutions.
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: MT. LEBANON QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
42 DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
44TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES—DEMOCRATIC NO CANDIDATES FILED
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
VOTERS GUIDE 2016
44TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: MARK MUSTIO BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
45TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: ANITA ASTORINO KULIK BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: KENNEDY TOWNSHIP QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
45TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN NO CANDIDATES FILED
46TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JESSE WHITE
attempt to prevent people from exercising their Constitutional right to vote. A2: As someone who spent eight years navigating the halls of the State Capitol, I wholeheartedly agree state government is just as dysfunctional, if not more dysfunctional that our federal government. Based on my experience, there is really only one way to change the culture of Harrisburg, and that’s to elect people willing to speak up about potentially controversial issues despite the political consequences. The unrelenting political pressure of special interests serves primarily to perpetuate a status quo which rewards lawmakers willing to play the game, often regardless of party affiliation. So what you see is career politicians going out of their way to maintain that status quo because they are no small part of that status quo. There’s no real pressure to get anything done, and every move (or failure to move) is often done with re-election in mind instead of whether its right for the people of Pennsylvania. A3: As someone who nearly had his legislative district almost gerrymandered out of existence in 2012, I know just how ugly the process can be. We need to reform the redistricting process, but there needs to be serious thought put into how we carry out that change. It’s certainly helpful when a legislator has, at least, some measure of commonality throughout their district as compared to wildly varying communities with wildly varying concerns. A citizens’ commission is a good idea, but we need to make sure the citizens are able to leave their politics and their general like or dislike of government at the water’s edge. If not, we’re just swapping bad systems for one another. CANDIDATE: JOE SZPARA
APRIL 13-19, 2016
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sionals, and professionals will negotiate. It really takes give and take from both parties. As a new face to the profession I believe that I have a diverse personality and can communicate as well with Republican’s as I can with Democrat’s. A3: Voters are disenfranchised for many reasons. I think a smaller House of Representatives might give voters a sense of change that’s noticeable to everyone. Even if it meant that I could no longer represent my District. I haven’t given much thought to a independent citizens’ commission, but I’m open to any discussion.
46TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) CANDIDATE: JASON ORTITAY
JASON ORTITAY BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: SOUTH FAYETTE QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
54TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-DEMOCRATIC NO CANDIDATES FILED
JESSE WHITE JOE SZPARA BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: 107 S McDonald Street McDonald, PA 15057 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (724) 743-4444 WEBSITE: http://www.supportjesse.com CAMPAIGN EMAIL: jesse@supportjesse.com DATE OF BIRTH: 6/24/1978 EDUCATION: JD - Duquesne University School of Law (2003), BA - Political Science - W&J College (2000) QUALIFICATIONS: State Representative - 46th District of PA from 2006-2014, small business owner, lawyer, husband and father TWITTER: twitter.com/jessewhite46 FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/supportjesse MUNICIPALITY: CECIL TOWNSHIP A1: I do support these reforms, and was the prime sponsor of legislation to allow online voter registration during my previous time in the Legislature. We need to be encouraging people to vote, not making it more difficult. Obviously, we need to have safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the voting process, but we cannot use those safeguards as a thinly-veiled
54TH DISTRICT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES-REPUBLICAN (Vote for One)
BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 475 Carnegie, PA 15106 CAMPAIGN PHONE: (412) 294-8052 CAMPAIGN EMAIL: joeforstaterep@yahoo.com DATE OF BIRTH: 9/25/1954 EDUCATION: Some College, Licensed EMT, Federal law enforcement training. QUALIFICATIONS: Retired Teamster, federal law enforcement, Successful business owner. FACEBOOK: http://joeforstaterep@gmail.com MUNICIPALITY: COLLIER A1: Yes, instant background checks are performed for stricter issues other than our most fundamental right, voting. I feel that giving our younger generation an early interest by registering will give them a sense of pride and responsibility, so that when it does come time for them to vote they will have a feeling of importance. A2: We need to get back to basics. We are so out of control on both sides that cooler heads and common sense needs to prevail. The tax payers need profes-
CANDIDATE: ELI EVANKOVICH
ELI EVANKOVICH BIOGRAPHICAL INFO: MUNICIPALITY: MUNICIPALITY OF MURRYSVILLE QUESTIONS: Candidate did not respond
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APRIL 13-19, 2016
VOTERS GUIDE 2016
NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 1 AMENDING THE MANDATORY JUDICIAL RETIREMENT AGE BALLOT QUESTIONS Judicial Retirement Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to require that justices of the Supreme Court, judges and justices of the peace (known as magisterial district judges) be retired on the last day of the calendar year in which they attain the age of 75 years, instead of the current requirement that they be retired on the last day of the calendar year in which they attain the age of 70? Yes—For the Measure No—Against the Measure What you need to know: Proponents of increasing the judicial retirement age argue that: The average life expectancy has increased in recent years, while medical advances allow people to remain healthy and productive for longer than ever before. Since age-related deterioration is individual, not chronological, many judges will remain active and vital well past the age of 70. Judicial proficiency is honed by experience. Permitting judges to remain on the bench for longer allows the public to benefit from this increased experience, while implementing a mandatory retirement age of 75 still provides opportunities for new potential judges. The Judicial Discipline System is capable of removing unfit judges from the bench, whether their incompetency is the result of poor behavior or age-related deterioration. Opponents of increasing the judicial retirement age argue that: It is indisputable that mental capabilities deteriorate with age. The current senior judge system already allows older judges to continue public service and contribute their wisdom and experience after retirement. Judges themselves may not recognize age-related mental deterioration. Removing these judges from the bench is embarrassing and can undermine public confidence in the judiciary. The ballot measure does not address the issue of senior judges. Currently, the senior judge system uses retired judges to ease the caseload in Pennsylvania’s courts. These judges receive temporary assignments and are paid on a per diem basis The retirement age for senior judges is currently age 78. Senior judges must be certified by the Supreme Court each year. The role and mandatory retirement age for senior judges will not be affected by the adoption of this amendment Information provided by Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts. Philadelphia Traffic Court Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to abolish the Philadelphia Traffic Court? Yes—For the Measure No—Against the Measure What you need to know: The purpose of the ballot question is to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to abolish the Traffic
Court in the City of Philadelphia. If the ballot question were to be approved, the Traffic Court in the City of Philadelphia would be abolished by removing all references to the Traffic Court and the judges of the Traffic Court in the City of Philadelphia from the Pennsylvania Constitution. Legislation enacted in 2013 transferred the func-
tions performed by the Traffic Court to the Philadelphia Municipal Court. The proposed amendment would officially abolish the Traffic Court by removing all references to the Traffic Court and its judges from the Pennsylvania Constitution. Information provided by the PA Department of State.
Don’t forget to vote on April 26!
For more information, check out the League’s interactive voter information website, SmartVoter.org/pa/al