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August 6, 2009

City’s Economic Woes Won’t Make Nutter A ‘One-Termer’ Stand-Up Attitude Earns Him Respect

Governor Throws Support To Patrick For Superior Bid

JUDGE PAULA PATRICK ..Guv’s in her corner

Judge Paula Patrick has more liveS than a cat – political lives, that is.

She ran last primary for Superior Court on the Democratic ticket, coming in fourth without an endorsement, with a small budget and sheer determination. She was in the money in 37 counties, including Philadelphia.

Now, lo and behold, there is an opening for Superior Court and that vacancy will be voted on at State Committee Aug. 29.

For all intents and purposes, the nominee will be Judge Patrick. She received personal blessings from Gov. Ed Rendell, who called her this (Cont. Page 2)

by Joe Shaheeli This may be Mayor Michael Nutter’s darkest hour. He’s been bouncing from crisis to crisis with

POLICE COMMISSIONER Charles Ramsey explains impact on his Department should Harrisburg fail to honor City budget requests outside 15th Police Dist. as Mayor Michael Nutter and Mayfair Civic President Scott Cummings look on.

AFL-CIO Endorses Judges

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President William M. George has announced endorsements of statewide judicial candidates for election and retention in the November General Election. The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO is the largest labor organization in the State, representing over 900,000 union workers.

The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO has enHealth Systems, under whose spon- dorsed the following judicial candidates sorship it operates. for election: SUPREME COURT – Calling themselves “The Libera- Judge Jack Panella (D); SUPERIOR tion of Students Rights Group of COURT – Judge Anne E. Lazarus (D), Philadelphia”, the group of African Kevin McCarthy (D) and Judge Robert American students alleges they were Colville (D); COMMONWEALTH wrongfully released from the 12- COURT – Linda S. Judson (D) and month program funded by the Com- Barbara B. Ernsberger (D). monwealth of Pennsylvania and (Cont. Page 2) designed to increase the pool of registered nurses in the State.

They claim after three semesters, 11 of them were dismissed from the TRI-STATE MALL Claymont, Delaware program. The students allege they (302) 798-7079 were dismissed due to discriminatory 5 Minutes from Comm. Barry Bridge, Naaman’s Rd, Turn Left, Next to K-Mart and unethical practices that included Winston Marlboro Camel Salem favoritism, the arbitrary changing of $ .49 $ .59 $ .99 43 46 45 Carton Carton Carton grades, being tested on information Monarch Kool Newport (Cont. Page 3)

Nursing School Refutes Students’ Charges

SABRINA WHITAKER wants changes made in nursing school.

St. Joseph’s University Hospital was the unfortunate center of attention last week as former students of the School of Nursing were charging their school with mismanagement by its administrators.

Though students gathered in protest outside the Hospital at 17th & Girard Avenue, the administration of the nursing program was functioning undisturbed a mile east, its offices located inside the North Philadelphia

Welcoming Dr. Nicholas DePace’s New Heart Center Sep. 10, 2009

little or no respite. The worst of these as become the financial issue that could see wholesale dismissals of City employees, including its thinly stretched police and firefighter ranks.

Though the State Legislature can make or break his budget, it’s time to discount doomsayers who call him a “one-term mayor.”

His “Hail Mary pass” to the Philadelphia members of the State’s General Assembly for legislation that could give him a balanced budget, the one passed by City Council, seems to be on the State Legislature’s back burner even though an Aug. 15 deadline looms ever closer, and would trigger those deep cuts of which the Mayor has been warning.

One of the two pieces of legislations required, the sales-tax increase, could face an amendment. That one has been introduced by one of Philadelphia’s Northeast legislators, freshman Brendan Boyle. If passed, it would set in motion Council reaction (Cont. Page 2)

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Budget Woes Won’t Shorten Nutter Tenure (Cont. From Page 1) to reshape the budget depending on the impact on expected income.

Boyle’s amendment to the legislation, HB 1828, that would increase Philadelphia's sales tax to 8% – 2%greater than the statewide sales tax – would exempt the purchase of items greater than $1,000 from an 8% sales tax. For these "big-ticket" items, the sales tax would be applied at its current level. Brendan feels it must be done to save many Philadelphia businesses from going under.

Brendan stated, "For months, I have expressed my concern that raising the sales tax in the city to 8%, while nearby suburbs remain at 6%, would put Philadelphia's businesses at a tremendous disadvantage by creating a disincentive to shop in the city – even the City acknowledges that. According to the City's estimate, they expect an 11% drop in current sales in the

city if the sales tax is increased. No doubt, this dropoff would be more acutely felt in those areas that border suburban counties.

"At the same time, I am very concerned about the proposed layoffs that the Mayor says would occur if no new revenue is raised, including destructive cuts to our police and fire services. So in an effort to forge compromise and bridge this gap, I am proposing my amendment, which would effectively address the concern I have about losing business and sales in the city.

"My amendment makes sense on an intuitive level. On small-ticket items, such as $50, a consumer is unlikely to drive to the suburbs just to save an extra dollar in sales tax. However, on big ticket items, such as a $1,500 laptop, it is very likely that a consumer would shop in the suburbs rather than in the city to save $30 in sales tax.

"Research shows that 8%

of sales-tax revenue is derived on sales of items greater than $1,000. Even under my amendment, the City would still get 92% of the revenue from a sales-tax increase that it is seeking, or $533.6 million out of the $580 million the City requested. When combined with the pension changes the Mayor is seeking, the City would still be getting almost all of the revenue it says it needs to avoid Plan C – $653.6 million out of $700 million requested.

"This is a fiscally responsible way to give the City the additional revenue it says it needs, while at the same time protecting the businesses and jobs in the city that depend upon retail."

President of City Council Anna Verna has alerted her Council Members to be ready to return to Chambers should action be needed as a result of action or inaction in Harrisburg.

Through it all, Mayor Nutter’s message has been the

same: “I’ve got a budget.

City Council is unanimously on board. We need Harrisburg to come through, otherwise we have to cut services where it hurts.”

The City will need to cut $700 million in spending from its five-year plan, including laying off hundreds of police officers and firefighters, closing all libraries and rec centers, closing two City health centers, and eliminating almost 3,000 positions.

If legislative approval doesn’t come before Aug. 15, then the City of Philadelphia is required by PICA, the City’s fiscal-oversight authority, to produce a new five-year plan

by Aug. 30 which will require massive reductions in the City’s budget.

In order to balance the budget and ensure the City does not run out of cash, savings will need to be achieved beginning in November at the latest. This means the City will have to start the layoff

process almost immediately, mothball City facilities, shut down entire departments, and cancel police and fire recruit classes.

In November 2008 the City took the unprecedented action of rebalancing the budget after the collapse of the global economy, saving $1 billion.

In the eyes of the voter, should the worst happen, Mayor Michael Nutter may be the fall guy for now. If the Legislature comes through, as it moves bits and pieces of its budget through the mill, Nutter will be the viewed by Philadelphia voters as the leader who would have bitten the bullet without flinching had it been necessary.

Budget and ensuing crises aside, Nutter looms as a formidable candidate when he seeks his second term.

There are few contenders who could raise the funds necessary to field a formidable mayoral challenge.

It’s been suggested fresh-

man Councilman at Large Bill Green, Jr. has been prepping for a possible challenge, with his supporters claiming there are many African American Democrats, unhappy with Nutter’s leadership style, who would vote Green. History shows that not to be the case.

Some of it he helped create, though many financial woes were dumped into his lap.

His efforts to extricate the City from the financial mess in which it finds itself, will stand him well no matter how it comes down.

He will be a two-term Mayor … provided he makes some adjustments.

By the time he gears up for his campaign, Philadelphia‘s two casinos will finally debut and the projected revenue return for the City will make him look again like a rising star. This is despite the fact he continues to side with a small group of vociferous people who object to the casinos.

www.phillyrecord.com

Judge Patrick Seeks Cabbies Pitch For Peace, Benefits State Committee TAP (Cont. From Page 1) week to encourage her to go for the nomination for the vacancy. He supports her “100%,” adding, “I’m enthusiastic about your campaign.”

The Democratic State Committee nomination will place Judge Patrick on the ballot for November against a Republican, not yet named, but expected to be Judge Paula Ott from Chester Co. The General Election, which takes place Nov. 3, could mean the beginning of a new career for a Judge who has made many impressive changes on the bench.

Among them was gaining a reputation for expeditiously moving cases through her court. She schedules cases in time slots, allowing attorneys and the parties involved to go about their business. When time arrives for their case to be scheduled, they needed to be there. “It’s worked well. It allows the parties and the attorneys not to have to hang around the court…. They can

go about their day knowing when they need to appear before me,” she explained.

Though busy on the bench, Patrick has remained active in the community, especially when it comes to causes involving children.

Paula is marking her sixth year on the bench. She successfully won a seat on the Court of Common Pleas with the backing of unions and grassroots organizations, coming in with a host of union endorsements.

This time around, she will have the same support, plus the Democratic Party’s statewide endorsement. Her being nominated will definitely boost the chances of Judge Jack Panella to make it to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as he faces a contentious and formidable Republican opponent in Judge Joan Orie Melvin.

Her appearance on the ballot will definitely perk up interest in the Philadelphia Co. area, adding needed votes to the Panella effort.

by Rory McGlasson A bill to improve the working conditions of thousands of Philadelphia taxi drivers is parked on Harrisburg’s floor.

State Rep. Mark Cohen introduced a bill for taxi drivers Wednesday which would give drivers workmen’s compensation and grants to improve wheelchair-accessible facilities inside cabs.

Taxi drivers would also get a chance to own a medallion vehicle through a lottery, as opposed to to the private investors who now snap up the medallion-owned cash cows

and charge drivers huge premiums in rent.

Cohen’s bill is good news for Philadelphia cab drivers, if he can find co-sponsors and supporters, according to Ron Blount. Blount, a 26-year veteran cabbie, is the president of the Unified Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania.

“Our drivers don’t have medical coverage, and the medallion owners aren’t required to cover them,” said Blount. “Taxi drivers are making pennies and they are leastcovered by government safety (Cont. Page 23)

DRIVERS from Unified Taxi Workers Alliance of Penna. drive I-76 with signs and flyers in their vehicles promoting their Weekend of Peace.

State AFL-CIO Endorses Judges (Cont. From Page 1) The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO also endorses the following Judges for retention: SUPERIOR COURT – President Judge Kate Ford Elliott (D); COMMONWEALTH COURT – Judge Dante Pellegrini (D).

“In our judgment, these candidates are exceptionally qualified in applying equal justice and dignity for workers under the laws protecting

the working families of Pennsylvania,” George said in announcing the endorsements.

“Each has demonstrated in their own way an uncommon commitment to the values and principles of fairness and justice. We will work on their behalf, sharing their record of commitment and achievements with workers.

“We expect the voice of workers to be heard on Elec-

tion Day. We will educate our members about the importance of the courts and the records of our endorsed candidates on issues that matter most to working families,” Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Bloomingdale said.

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO endorsements require twothirds approval of members of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO

Executive Council. The Council reviews the qualifications, experience and achievements of each candidate.

The Executive Council is comprised of union officers, representing unions affiliated with the Pennsylvania AFLCIO, and the two executive officers of the State Federation: President George and Secretary-Treasurer Bloomingdale.

several problems, the board recommended St. Joseph’s not admit a second class until adequate faculty was hired.

The investigation also found only five of 20 graduates had passed the State nursingboard exam. St. Joseph’s was warned the school would be put on provisional status if the pass rate remained below 60%. In February 2008, the NEA ordered the clinical component cease until all students completed the necessary health requirements. In April 2008 the school was officially placed on provisional status.

In a letter to the group, Merenda stated, “The Nurse Board is limited by law on what it can do in your dispute with St. Joseph’s…. In the long run, there may be a need for an amendment to the Nurse Practice Act so that the Board would have additional regulatory authority.”

The group then met with State Rep. Frank Oliver, majority chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee, to discuss the

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issue. Oliver supports the group and has promised to look into the matter and meet with Judge Eugene Maier, President and CEO of the school, to resolve the issue.

At the conference, Sabrina Whitaker, former nursing student and spokesperson for the group, stated, “We, the inactive students of St. Joseph Hospital’s School of Nursing, are deeply angered and frustrated by the events that have taken place in the school.”

Crawford said the group wants changes in the internal policies of St. Joseph’s Nursing School in addition to updating the program’s curriculum to reflect prevailing industry standards. They also want letters of public apology for the discrimination suffered and the unethical treatment displayed by St. Joseph’s administration.

“Most of the members of the group have incurred thousands in student loans that are now in default,” said Crawford. “These students deserve to be made whole. I am authorized to engage in negotiations on their behalf in lieu of bringing legal action against St. Joseph’s. If that fails, we will do what is necessary to obtain justice.”

Jerry Silberman, executive director of the Temple University Hospital Nurses Association Executive Board, supported “the Liberation of Students Rights Group of Philadelphia in their demands to be made whole by St. Joseph's Hospital and their nursing-education program, and given support to com-

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rate for all nursing programs which is 35-50%. Those 10 students who were not successful, according to the School administration, were all given an opportunity to return to the nursing program as a member of the second class.

Several students did return, but did not successfully complete the courses required and were hence dismissed.

Students who fail for a second time are not eligible for readmission to the nursing program.

Though a sufficient number of graduates (60% as required by the PSBON) of the Class of 2007 did not pass the NCLEX-RN on the first try to have the school removed from provisional status, currently 15 of the 20 graduates have now passed and have become Registered Nurses.

In November 2007, as a result of the site visit from the PSBON and review of the administrative activities of SJHSON, the school was given permission to admit a second class with no restrictions. In the spring of 2008, after the SJHSON was unable to obtain an obstetrics instructor, those of whom are

in short supply, along with some other difficulties, the third semester start date was postponed.

The new Dean, Dr. Carole Baxter, came on board in July 2008. Under her leadership, a new OB instructor was hired and deficiencies previously identified by the PSBON in their spring visit were addressed.

After another PSBON site visit in July 2008, permission was granted for the school to begin a third semester on Aug. 6, 2008. The only outstanding deficiency at that point in time was the low NCLEX pass rate.

Dr. Baxter stated, “The School of Nursing is now in excellent condition. All instructors have either an MSN, or BSN and will attain their MSN within five years as required by the PSBON. Fourteen students from the second class have qualified to take the NCLEX. Ten of the 14 have taken their qualifications past that test.”

Based on the existing firstpass rate, the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing is expected to be removed from provisional status by the PSBON this fall.

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Warren Bloom

plete their nursing education.”

The Public Record has noted many of the grievances were accumulated during the tenure of Dean Tammy Tillman, RN, BSN and MSN, a noted African American member of the medical community, who had been on the faculty of the Philadelphia Community College for many years.

Dean Tillman resigned her position in February 2008 and Dr. Carole A. Baxter was recruited from Bergen Community College where she had been director of the Associate Degree nursing program for two years.

Dr. Baxter, who took over Jul. 14, 2008, is a native of Kensington, as well as a graduate of Frankford HS, Temple University (BS and MS), Nova University (EdD), Villanova University (MSN) and Philadelphia Community College (AS Paralegal Studies). For the past 25 years she has held nursing education leadership positions at Germantown Hospital, Episcopal Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, Holyoke Community College and Orangeburg, S.C. Community College.

St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, which operated from 1894 until its closure in 1977, was reestablished in 2006 when it was licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing to operate a one-year Diploma Nursing program.

Graduates of the program take the NCLEX, RN test and, if successful, they then become Registered Nurses.

SJHSON admitted its first class of 30 students in November 2006, using a combination of State grants, student loans and scholarships from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation, as well as private-party loans and individual student tuition payments.

The first class graduated 20 of the original 30 students.

This attrition rate is in keeping with the national attrition

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

(Cont. From Page 1) not taught and changing what they understood was the original intent of the program.

“The real issue is the substance and management of the unaccredited program at St. Joseph’s,” said the group’s attorney, Vivienne Crawford. “At no time were any members of the class informed the St. Joseph’s nursing program was not accredited. From its inception, the program was beset with numerous problems including lack of qualified instructors, no laboratory or library facilities, cancelled classes and uneven instruction. None of the 11 dismissed students were provided with their grades or copies of their written exams taken. The actions of the administration at St. Joseph’s are not only questionable and they are highly suspect.”

Basil Merenda, Commissioner of the State Bureau of Professional and Occupational, launched an investigation which included several site visits. After identifying

Page 3

St. Joseph’s Nursing School Refutes Charges

page 4 The Public Record • August 6, 2009

2011 Big Year For City Republicans?

The Doomsday folks who believe the year 2011, marked by the end of the Mayan Calendar that May, spells the end of the Earth as we know it today, may have adherents, but not among this city’s active Republicans.

Instead, they’re looking at it as the year the Republicans will finally get into a Primary tussle, like those that have been the rule with Democrats for years. The question is whether the local party will invite any and all to run for the two City Council at-Large positions now held by Frank Rizzo and Jack Kelly.

The two, who would normally be considered unbeatable had they elected to run again, have chosen to go into the DROP program, along with four of their Democratic Council colleagues.

Definitely ignoring the

“doomsayers” is attorney David Oh, a military veteran, who has unsuccessfully sought a Republican Council seat, failing in his third try by a handful of votes. He’s already moving to shore up his early support and is already being pegged as one of the Republicans expected to get the Party endorsement for his tenacity and his efforts to give the Republicans a stronger voice in City government.

Looking at the entire City Council picture, the 2011 primary could see a host of races spawned where some were never considered.

Democrats in the DROP program include President Anna Verna, Marian Tasco, Frank DiCicco and Donna Miller. Joining them in retiring is Joan Krajewski.

All five have reigned in their respective Districts for

Councilman Wm.

State Rep.

Greenlee

Frank Oliver

years. A few have faced primary rivals during their tenures, but obviously have weathered them well.

Though the District caucuses will come up with recommendations for the Democratic City Committee Party endorsements, there will no doubt be strong challenges from those interested in running for those seats long beyond their reach.

The next City Council will definitely begin a new era in local government … unless the Mayan Calendar proves otherwise.

Criminals Play “Monopoly”, Charges GOP’s Untermeyer Republican DA candidate Michael Untermeyer declares criminals in Philadelphia are being given “unlimited ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ cards” and are playing “Monopoly” each time they’re arrested, and

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the full cash bail or real estate valued at the total bail to be posted by a surety prior to release. The 10%-deposit bail is utilized primarily for minor offenders in other jurisdictions.

Untermeyer pointed to one case to illustrate his point.

Defendant Donald Guy was arrested in February 2008, charged with two cases of sales of narcotics. The bail for this alleged drug dealer was set at $2500, allowing him to post only $250 for release from custody. While on bail and awaiting his preliminary hearing, Guy was ar(Cont. Page 10)

State Rep.

195th District 2839 W. Girard Ave. Phila. PA 19130

Room 580 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927

winning almost every time.

“With more than $1 billion owed the City of Philadelphia by defendants who fail to appear in Court, it appears criminals have been given unlimited opportunities to skip going to jail, which endangers our community and reduces our ability to address other problems,” he said.

He calls the bail system in Philadelphia “a sham and a shame.” While Pennsylvania law allows bail to be paid in seven different ways, including full cash bail, Philadelphia courts have chosen to utilize almost solely a 10% bail system, where defendants have to pay only 10% of the bail amount set by the Court to be released. Other jurisdictions within Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, utilize a “straight-bail” system wherein the Court requires

215-271-9190

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State Rep.

ROBERT C. DONATUCCI 185th District

Dennis O’Brien 169th District 9811 Academy Rd Phila. PA 19114

1809 Oregon Ave, Phila., PA 19145

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State Rep. Cherelle

Parker

JOHN SABATINA JR. 174th District State Representative 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 Hours: 9am to 5pm Telephone: 215-342-6204

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200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker

The Public Record

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Tartaglione 2nd Dist.

127 W. Susquehanna Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19122

1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19124

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State Sen.

Shirley M. Kitchen 3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave.Ste 104 • Philadelphia, PA 19132 215-227-6161 • www.senatorkitchen.com

Page 5

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The Public Record • August 6, 2009

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page 6

Brady Lauds New G.I. Bill Philadelphia veterans have started receiving college-education benefits under the new GI Bill for the 21st Century (the “Post-9/11 GI Bill”).

An estimated 2.1 million members of the military who have served on active duty since Sep. 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, will be eligible for up to four years of education benefits, including stipends

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Last year, Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, making them part of the economic recovery. On May 1, veterans were able to start applying for a certificate of eligibility for the new college benefits at the VA website (https://www.gibill.va.gov/).

Eligible homeowners and renters now have until Dec. 31 to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors and residents with disabilities. Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms are available at my offices, or online at www.senatorstack.com. Individuals who already applied for Property Tax/Rent Rebates may check the status of their claim online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-PA-TAXES. Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539 8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020 Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM

Sen.Mike Stack

SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT

And this year, Congress extended those college benefits to all children of fallen soldiers (with no minimum military service needed to qualify).

“We have a responsibility to serve those who bravely served us,” Congressman Bob Brady said. “This full college-education benefit for recent veterans will expand job opportunities for them and strengthen our economy. I’m proud Republicans and Democrats were able to come together on this key veterans issue. This year, we were able to extend these benefits to all children of fallen services members after 9/11. Who could be more deserving of our support than children whose moms or dads have died in military service to our nation?”

Generally, the measure provides up to four years of education benefits at a college or university for individuals with at least 90 days of active duty service on or after Sep. 11, 2001 who have been honorably discharged from service. The benefits are correlated on a sliding scale to the total months served and to receive full benefits, you must have served on active duty for three years.

Daryl La Fountain Candidate In 2010 For District 175

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State Senator

Larry Farnese First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121 1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145

www.SenatorFarnese.com

Page 7

Our Opinion ...

Leadership Under Fire

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

We’ll be happy if the uneasy feeling we have that Domenic Pileggi, Republican State Senate Majority Leader, is keeping Philadelphia’s budget requests on the back burner until the eve of Aug. 15, turns out to be groundless.

He’s got the votes to do it and a controlled majority caucus that is reveling in making the Governor and the Democratic-controlled House swelter through the prolonged summer State budget crisis. He and his team will make points, no matter what comes down in the final resolution.

But, as the Governor gets bits and pieces of his budget passed, there is a belief Mayor Michael Nutter’s pleas to get State legislative approval for his salestax raise and his need to reduce payments to the City pension fund, will be heard … but not before the Aug. 15 deadline. That’s the day imposed by PICA, the State authority overseeing our budget, will come in and force – regardless of consequences – the City to redraw a budget that cuts services, the likes of which we haven’t seen in the past half-century.

This idea makes sense from Pileggi’s viewpoint. He knows the Democrats can’t afford to let that happen. His caucus will not suffer the least, and may even gain from watching the frustrated Democratic members in the minority sweat it out.

Through it all, what is coming out of this mess is the fact Mayor Michael Nutter has shown leadership under fire. He’s put into place several plans, anticipating various contingencies coming from Harrisburg. He’s proven to be a good general under the most withering fire from an unresponsive Senate. If all else fails and the City falls on hard times, he won’t be to blame.

Another Opinion

Table Games Pay Off Now

by State Rep. Bill DeWeese Many Pennsylvanians are living in the most difficult economic time in decades.

The struggling economy demands the Commonwealth take bold action.

My Republican colleague, Sen. “Tommy” Tomlinson, and I have introduced legislation in the Pennsylvania General Assembly (HB 21 and SB 1033), which would generate substantial revenue and create thousands of good-paying

jobs without raising taxes.

By adding table games to the State’s stand-alone casinos, a recent study suggests we likely can generate 16,000 jobs and $200 million annually in revenue for the Commonwealth – money which eventually could be used to lower homeowner property taxes. This is in addition to the more than $600 million in tax cuts which slot machines have provided during each of the past two years. Keep in

mind, we’re still waiting for the State’s three largest casinos to open – one in August in Pittsburgh and two likely by the end of next year in Philadelphia – so the slots numbers will increase.

It’s important to remember those 16,000 jobs are not only in the casinos. In addition to the direct jobs that would be created, amenities such as hotels, dining and entertainment likely will be created and they (Cont. Page 13)

Letters • Letters • Letters brarians have been sacked, and the school library rooms are used for anything but books. It’s been noted that public-school graduates’ literacy is so poor that they have problems finding jobs.

School librarians and school libraries are great teachers and guides since chil-

dren love to read and pursue their interests (just as they naturally love music, dancing and drawing).

Please rehire school librarians – they are the best teachers.

Joan Sage (Cont. Page 16)

Sep. 7- AFL-CIO Tri State Labor Day Parade begins at Reed St. & Delaware Ave., 9 a.m., ending at Penn’s Landing followed by family entertainment, live bands and groups.

Sep.11- Philadelphia River Wards’ “Support Our Troops Rally” Patriot Day hosted by AOH Div. 52, Fishtown at Campbell Sq., 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 11- Greater N.E. Phila.

Chamber of Commerce annual golf outing, Torresdale Frankford C.C. Registration 10 a.m.

Sep. 13- Councilwoman Joan Krajewski’s River Bash at Wissinoming Yacht Club, Delaware & Devereaux Aves.

Tickets $30. Includes beer and buffet. 2-6 p.m. For info (215) 624-1872.

Sep. 13- Wolfe PAC Magic Show fundraiser at 4256 Regent Sq., $50.

Sep. 19- Family Health & Safety Festival sponsored by State Rep. Mark Cohen at Fisher Park, 6000 N. 5th St. For info call Sonya Thomas (215) 200-6144.

www.phillyrecord.com

Libraries Are Key Do you know about the Philadelphia School District’s study some years ago that stated where a school has a school librarian and a school library and students read for fun, they do better in all of their subjects?

Yet most public-school li-

Aug. 7- Chris Wright Legal Defense Benefit at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 5-7 p.m. $40. Checks payable to Chris Wright Legal Defense Fund, 2720 Rhawn St., PMB #173, Phila., PA 19152.

Aug. 8- Philadelphia Doo Wop Festival at Penn’s Landing Great Plaza, 1-7 p.m. Proceeds go to Phila. Veterans MultiService and Education Ctr. For info (215) 923-2600.

Aug. 8- Pacifico Car Show, Airport Automall, 6701 Essington Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Rain date Aug. 15. Hosted by Historical Car Club of Penna.

For info (610) 389-6400 or (610) 613-9009.

Aug. 8- Germantown-Lehigh Business & Merchants’ Association 3rd annual sidewalk sale and community day between 2500 and 2700 N. Ger-

mantown Ave., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Music, bands, entertainment.

Aug. 15- Local 98’s annual Down Under Party at Keenan’s, 113 Old New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 4-8 p.m.

Aug. 18- Delaware Valley Community Health sponsors Merck Patient Assistance Program Enrollment Event at Maria de los Santos Health Ctr., 401-455 W. Allegheny Ave., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Aug. 19- “Stu Bykofsky Candidates Comedy Night” ™ at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 8 p.m. For info or to donate, visit www.varietyphila.org.

Aug. 27- Fundraiser for judicial candidate Adam Beloff at Quartett Club, 1075 Southampton Rd., 7 p.m.

Comedy show, DJ & dancing; food and a keg. Donation $25.

Call (215) 470-6018.

Aug. 30- Billy Meehan Clam Bake hosted by Republican City Committee at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd. $95.

page 8

Nazareth Raises $52K, Honors Szuszczewicz

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

Nazareth Hospital Foundation drew over 100 golfers

2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134

and the support of many local businesses, raising over

Phone: 215-423-2223 Fax: 215-423-5937

$52,000 for the Hospital at its 25th annual Golf Classic. Proceeds benefit the Hospital’s many community programs.

The outing also honored Nazareth Hospital’s Chairman of the Board, and President and CEO of Polonia Bank Anthony J. Szuszczewicz for his leadership of the event since its inception. Christina M. Fitz-Patrick, CEO of Nazareth Hospital, thanked

Szuszczewicz for chairing the Golf Classic, and for his 25 years of service to the Golf Committee. Fitz-Patrick then presented Szuszczewicz with a gift of thanks — a new set of golf clubs.

“Many, many thanks to the volunteer leaders who serve on the golf classic committee and the Nazareth Foundation. These men and women, under the excep-

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NAZARETH Hospital Foundation’s 25th annual Golf Classic Committee took time out for this photo. From left they are Keith Evans; Kathy Donovan; Bruce Schaffer; Terri Yarabinee; Greg Doran; event co-chair Dr. Richard Vassallo; Bruce Miller, CEO Christina Fitz-Patrick; CFO David Wajda; and event co-chair and Chairman of Nazareth’s Board, Polonia Bank President Anthony J. Szuszczewicz.

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tional leadership of Dennis Colgan, Tony Szuszczewicz and Dr. Richard Vassallo, work tirelessly through the year in support of Nazareth Hospital, our programs and

MEDICAL RECORD services, and most importantly, the people we serve,” Fitz-Patrick said.

Drexel Doc Discusses Gut Digestive disorders affect nearly 20 million adults each year. In the July edition of the monthly medical podcast, “Drexel Medcast”, digestive health was the main topic discussed by Dr. Joyann Kroser, M.D., associate professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the Drexel University College of Medicine.

During the interview, Dr. Kroser provided information on the symptoms of different digestive disorders, such as irritable-bowel syndrome and celiac disease. She also spoke about the tests used to diagnose gastrointestinal problems as well as the numerous treatment options for these conditions.

According to Dr. Kroser, everyone should undergo a colonoscopy by the age of 50, unless they are instructed to do so earlier by a physician.

In addition to stressing the importance of colonoscopies, Dr. Kroser also informed listeners about a somewhat-new type of diagnostic tool known as a capsule endoscopy, or pill camera. Swallowed by a patient, “the pill cam captures images from inside the gut for eight hours and sends them wirelessly to a monitor worn on the patient’s belt.” When the patient returns, the images are then downloaded into a computer and a video of the person’s entire digestive tract is reviewed by the physician.

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Page 9

When I walked into the H&H Community Center in West Oak Lane Thursday night, it was like stepping back in time for me in a lot of ways.

I was there for a tribute to one of the first mentors I had as a journalist: WURD-990 radio host Reggie Bryant. The event was broadcast live on WURD and people from the political, activist and journalistic worlds came out to honor Bryant, a man who straddled all three.

As the evening progressed, people took the microphone and talked about how Bryant changed their lives. As a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists (a group whose convention is going on right now), Bryant and fellow travelers Acel Moore, editor emeritus of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Chuck Stone, former columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News, created an organization that fights for the right of people like me to do the thing I love, which is giving people information.

As a community activist, people talked about the impact he made when he championed their causes on the airwaves he commanded and how their situations changed. In fact, one of the last times I saw him, he was standing in front of the President’s Office at Temple University with a bullhorn, decrying the possible move of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection from Sullivan Hall to the basement of the Paley Library. The protestors on the steps with him had all been told about the move by Bryant via his radio show.

As a friend, people talked about how when Bryant said he had your back, he meant it.

When you’re getting that kind of love from people, you (Cont. Page 14)

There is no way the Republicans will be able to defeat PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA when he runs for reelection in 2012. Fast-forward instead to 2016, which is the end of Obama’s second term. JOE BIDEN has determined not to run for President and instead is taking an appointment as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. HILLARY CLINTON has completed a successful eight-year term as Secretary of State, during which time smart bombs have neutralized the nuclear threat in Iran, and an accord has been reached between Israel and Palestine. The economy is humming, with the construction of new houses setting a 21st-century high.

The Republicans have been unable to knock down the strong-willed SARAH PALIN. She is now that candidate of the Republican Party for President. Hillary Clinton is the Democratic candidate. As between the two, is there really that much difference in abilities? Palin is now clearly the better-looking woman. She will have eight years to avoid overeating at the Washington, D.C. cocktail parties at which as of now she seems to be doing a better job at than Hillary. Hillary would be the obvious expert on foreign policy; but to offset that, Palin would have had eight years to learn the Inside-the-Beltway vernacular even as she wows her base by disparaging Washington’s ways. By now, she should be a past master of responding to questions in a noncommittal way while sounding like she is committed. Palin would have acquired a recognized authentic reputation for being an expert on national government and foreign policy. This would have been acquired as a result of being a steady on the banquet-speech circuit, her newspaper column and her various appearances on talk shows, including her own.

Palin is a “survivor.” She is a quick learn and can be a dangerous opponent as the too-old GOVS. MIKE HUCKABEE and MITT ROMNEY will have learned after she has beaten both of them in the Republican primary.

GOLDA MEIR did it in Israel, INDIRA GANDHI did it in India; MARGARET THATCHER did it in England; ANGIE MERKEL did it in Germany. So why not a woman head of state in the US? That moment would inevitably come to pass if Palin were the Republican candidate and Clinton the Democrat.

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Yo! Here we go again with these memories of yoyos. The yoyo probably originated in China about 1000 B.C. There are Greek artifacts from about 500 B.C. showing boys playing with primitive yoyos . The future French King Louis XVII, in an oil portrait in 1789, is shown playing with a yoyo. In England in the 1800s they called the yoyo a band-a-lore or quiz. One of the souvenirs from the 1904 World’s Fair held in St. Louis, Mo. was a yoyo. But Filipinos in fact popularized the yoyo in the United States.

In the Philippines, the Tagalog word yoyo means “come-come”. The original use for the yoyo was for it to be used as a weapon or hunting device. It allowed the user to throw the yoyo towards their target with the string tied to their wrist. As the string unwound and reached its limits it automatically started to rewind, making recovery almost automatic if they missed what they were trying to hit; hence the name “come-come”.

Pedro Flores, a Philippine native, began making yoyos like the ones he remembered from his home. Flores, an enterprising immigrant, by 1928 had a yoyo factory in Santa Barbara, Cal. What made his yoyo unique was that instead of permanently attaching the string to the yoyo’s axle as they were made in the Philippines, Flores put the axle thru a loop of string called a “slip string”. This allowed the yoyo to spin or sleep when the string was fully extended. This innovation made all the difference in the yoyo world.

Flores generated interest in his yoyo by hiring other Filipinos to demonstrate his yoyo and do tricks with them. He also held contests to build a following.

Donald F. Duncan, a Chicago businessman, was fascinated by the yoyo. He bought the all-important trademark and other product rights from Flores in 1929. Duncan also trademarked the name of “yoyo”. Like Flores, he hired demonstrators, held contests and promoted through Hearst newspapers with stories and ads and, in 30 years, turned it into a $25 million toy giant.

From 1930 to 1965 Duncan’s company sold 85% of all yoyos in the United States. In 1965 the company lost the exclusive use of the word “yoyo” in a court case. Business plummeted and the company soon went bankrupt. Flambeau Products, Inc. bought the trademark and continued to make Duncan yoyos through its Duncan Toys Co. By the way, Jun. 6 is recognized as National Yoyo Day. It is the birthday of Donald F. Duncan, whose company was responsible for over 600 million yoyos being sold worldwide.

Thanks Mr. Duncan. I want you to remember this date next year – on Jun. 6, 2010, get out your yoyo and celebrate it. I will and so should you.

Snooper’s VICIOUS STORIES Dept.: This is one that is absolutely horrendous and one that really makes no sense. Yes, right there in the parking lot of Citizens’ Park, during a Phillies’ game, a young man lost his life over one of the most asinine reasons, A SPILT BEER, and he had nothing to do with what happened in McFADDEN’S Bar. These people should also share the blame for this killing; after all, they kept feeding these idiots all the beer they could drink. Yes, the drunks from FISHTOWN showed up, and did what they always do: beat up people for no reason at all. I must admit not all Fishtowners participate in this kind of horrendous behavior. Still, it’s not the first time some “hooligans” from FISHTOWN have gotten themselves involved in this kind of behavior. The young man was there enjoying a BACHELOR’S PARTY; in fact, he was the BROTHER OF THE BRIDE. I sympathize with the BRIDAL PARTY and THE BRIDE! These hooligans are now CHARGED with MURDER. Thank God! Snooper Sighting: Stopped over at 34 S. 11th Street, spotted JOE McDERMOTT along with his boxing Champion, REY RUIZ, and they looked like they were in a hurry too. There goes FRANK SPATACCO, traveling around with some executive-looking gentlemen; no, it was not JUDGE KEVIN DOUGHERTY, the Administrative Judge of Family Court.

Speaking of Family Court, I had the displeasure of seeing the creep who RAPED the little young girl. I can’t wait till they get him in PRISON. He’ll soon find out how they feel about those who RAPE young girls!

Snooper’s “LOOK ALIKE” files: I want to inform JANET (Cont. Page 15)

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

It’s official. Our once-great city has been reduced to holding “pep rallies” to raise taxes and underfund the City pension, as evidenced by the pitiful displays at City Hall last Thursday and Northeast Philly on Monday. So much for the “new day, new way” campaign rhetoric espoused by MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER. Instead, it’s “old day, same way” with the 12-year City Councilman-turned-Mayor, and I must say I’m not surprised. Despite claims Nutter “inherited this mess”, the fact remains he was part and parcel to this entire financial disaster as a leading Councilman for well over a decade. The vicious cycle of taxing, spending, waste, corruption and more taxing continues unabated under this Mayor. If he inherited it, it was passed on from City Councils past, JOHN STREET, ED RENDELL, WILSON GOODE, BILL GREEN and on and on. What do all these politicians have in common? Answer: a Machine Democrat tag.

It’s almost comical to see Nutter chumming up with Ed Rendell, another man directly responsible, both as Mayor and Governor, for the current chaos. Rendell’s spokesman KEN SNYDER said, “The Governor will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, fighting for what he needs.”

And what does he need? To raise your City sales tax 100% (a tax that falls squarely on the poor) and stop funding the already under-funded City pension for two years. These lifetime politicians are like the neighborhood guy who owes you $20 bucks and tells you he’ll pay you back with interest “for sure” next month. Yep, I’m certain the doubled sales tax will be “temporary” and the missed pension payments will be “paid back” two years from now. Problem is these guys won’t be around when the bills come due. They’re just like (Cont. Page 20)

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

page 10

Warren Bloom Adds To Spring Primary List (Cont. from Page 10) rested just three months later for robbery, after threatening his victim with serious injury. To further the insult to our bail system, Guy was released the next day, Jun. 12, after posting a mere $400. To release such a dangerous felon, who posted a total of $650 bail for three major criminal cases, was not only insanity but also a prelude to murder.

POLITICAL activist Warren Bloom enjoys moment with President Barack Obama. He will enter 195th legislative primary.

Guy then failed to appear in Court Jul. 14, and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. With no intention of honoring his bail commitment, Guy’s criminal behavior unfortunately escalated the very next day to murder. Guy and an accomplice entered the Urban Wear clothing store in Feltonville, armed with a 32caliber handgun and a 380 semi-automatic, to rob store owner Amissi Dikuma-Sabo

and his wife Bintou Soumare. During the course of the robbery Guy panicked, shooting both the owner and his wife, and fled with $11 and a bag of teeshirts. The owner died at the scene, but Bintou Soumare, shot in the head, lingered for 13 days before dying. Donald Guy would not be arrested for this double homicide until Sep. 25, 2008 but not before incurring another bench warrant

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on Sep. 5. With two murder charges, Guy was finally held in custody without bail.

“Donald Guy was contemptuous of the criminaljustice system but, more tragically, he lacked any respect for human life,” said Untermeyer, who called for immediate bail reform. “I propose realistic full cash bail and alternative bailmonitoring systems as a recommendation to the Court.

This would have kept a major felon like Guy in custody rather than on our streets.”

Primary Slates Will Be Full Next Spring This week Democrat Congressman Joe Sestak announced his bid for the office of Republicanturned-Democrat Sen. Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania’s Democratic primary.

Likewise, it’s official Committeeman and Minister Warren Bloom will throw his hat into ring for the office of State Rep in the

195th House Dist. currently occupied by Senior house member Frank Oliver.

“I have tried to reach Rep. Oliver, who I understand is retiring, over the past few weeks to discuss my plans. But I understand that his hands are full with the State Budget crisis,” Bloom stated. “But my focus will be to fight for low-income families and child-service programs while supporting local companies contracted with the Pennsylvania State government to provide job development for low-income and middle-class people who use welfare benefits such as food stamps or cash to improve employment opportunities and training.”

Warren, no stranger to the election process, believes his experience will give an even playing field.

He is looking for volunteers to call him at (215) 9397462 or visit RevBloom@Facebook.com.

praised as the orchestrator of the renowned Eagles defense strategies, Johnson’s aggressive style kept Philadelphia among the top teams in nearly every major defensive category from the time he joined the Eagles’ staff in January1999.

Brady said he was deeply and personally saddened by the passing of Coach Johnson.

“He was a great guy and a great coach who will be long remembered by football fans not only in Philadelphia, but clear across the nation.”

BOXING LEGEND Smokin’ Joe Frazier receives Heavyweight championship belt from chef Vincent Pecora, right, who along with Dr. Nicholas DePace paid for the belt.

Photo by Corey Smith

Patricia Ends Rafferty Era

COUNCILWOMAN Jannie Blackwell and Stephanie Marsh of Mayor’s Office are here wishing Patricia Raffery well. vote him in as Chief Clerk since he’s been immersed deep in that office, doing much of the same chores for 15 years. He’s been the deputy, the past two.

Decker brings the same sort of civility demonstrated by Patricia to his role, though his delivery might be a tiny bit slower. He knows what to do.

His only headache is to train the individual who will be slated to be his deputy.

party in his honor.

“Hammerin” Hank Lundy Take a look at unbeaten Philadelphia Jr. Welterweight “Hammerin” Hank Lundy.

Lundy is 14-0-1 with eight KOs as a professional. He is coming off an impressive 5th-round knockout over local favorite Josh “Bam Bam” Beeman last month in Lincoln, R.I. In that bout, Lundy methodically broke down Beeman, silencing the hometown crowd.

Lundy has quickly developed an avid fan following because of his action style,

wherein he gives his all for every second of every round.

He had an outstanding amateur career winning a silver medal at the 2005 National Golden Gloves Tournament and was rated the number-five amateur in the world before turning professional. Locally, Lundy has also won the prestigious Lucien Blackwell Memorial Tournament of Champions.

One aspect of Lundy’s game, which really impresses SHADOWBOXER, is that he is willing to take risks.

Next up for Lundy is a date with Gary Bergeron in Salem, N.J. Aug. 14.

Walk In’s Welcomed A.J. Sbaraglia & Toni

PRESIDENT of City Council Anna Verna and Councilman Wilson Goode were pleased at honors heaped on Chief Clerk Patricia Rafferty.

Sheriff Green’s Important Steps to Saving Your Home Step 1: Assemble your current financial information, and call your lender.

Step 2:

Visit www.phillysheriff.com to learn more about borrowers’ rights, loss mitigation and abusive servicing practices. Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 215-686-3525 for more information

Step 3: If you feel uncomfortable handling mortgage negotiations, consult a professional housing Counselor

Step 4: Take time to carefully investigate the offers you receive to avoid becoming a fraud victim Sheriff John D. Green Philadelphia

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Chief Clerks in City Council have so much to do, they don’t have enough time to smile or return civilities.

One of the exceptions has been Patricia Rafferty, wife of former City Councilman Fran Rafferty. She resigned last week marking the close of 28 years of service to the plaudits, tears, and best wishes of City Hall employees and especially its City Council members and their staffers who honored her at a party.

She took over the reins of Chief Clerk in 2000, having been the deputy chief clerk prior to that. In her role she was responsible for printing, distributing, advertising the Council’s activities, especially its legislation, along with a host of other, equally essential, but time consuming duties.

As chief clerk, she set the pace for Council hearings, reading minutes, resolutions, and legislation. She was fast, having honed her speed reading skills at hundreds of sessions.

Council President Anna Verna, first elected in 1975, the same year as Francis Rafferty, considers her a dear friend “whom I will sorely miss.”

Rafferty, 65, started in Council 1980 as a constituentservice aide in her husband's atlarge Council office. In 1991, after he lost a bid for reelection, she joined the clerk's office.

Rafferty’s successor should be Deputy Chief Clerk Michael Decker, who takes over in September as Acting Chief Clerk.

It’s expected City Council will

Former boxing champ and Philadelphia legend Smokin’ Joe Frazier got an authentic replica of his Heavyweight World Championship belt back last weekend.

He had previously given his original championship belt, won after defeating Muhammad Ali in 1971, to Nelson Mandela as a generous and respectful gesture.

Smokin’ Joe was presented with this second version of the belt, virtually identical to its predecessor, in Atlantic City, at the summer home of cardiologist Dr. Nicholas DePace last weekend. Now there are two copies of the belt.

When Dr. DePace, a sports-memorabilia collector of national renown, learned from Frazier he had given away his championship belt, he and a close friend, Vincent Pecora, had the belt constructed by the Mexico-Citybased World Boxing Council.

The WBC then shipped the belt to Dr. DePace so he could present it to Frazier at a

Ringside With The Shadowboxer

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

Congressman Robert A. Brady introduced a resolution in honor of the life and accomplishments of Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson.

Saying the City of Philadelphia and the NFL lost one of our greatest treasures, the resolution praised Johnson, who died Jul. 28 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A 22-year veteran NFL assistant, Johnson was regarded as one of the top defensive football masterminds in the history of the NFL. Widely

DePace Restores Champ’s Title Belt

Page 11

Brady Resolution Honors Johnson

page 12

At Kickoff On Monday…

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

City’s Town Watchers Celebrate Night Out

INVOLVED are town-watch members Marnie Aument Loughrey; her daughter Brienne, who will be going up to Penn State’s main camCOUNCILWOMAN Jannie Blackwell, a townwatch leader, extols benefits of town-watch groups FAMILY COURT Administrative Judge Kevin pus for her freshman year; and in combating crime at City’s Night Out kickoff Dougherty welcomes town watchers to his turf grandmother Democratic 33rd Ward Leader Donna Aument. outside Walmart in S. Phila. in S. Phila.

….In South Philly

DISTRICT ATTORNEY Lynne Abraham was center of attraction at Hawthorne Town Watch celebration on Kater Street. With DA, center, are Vivian Gray, Michelle Perry, Barbara Hankenson and Jessie Prentice.

….In Chinatown

…In West Philly

CHINATOWN turned out, as this group attests. They hosted a huge crowd with info stands, refreshments and famous Dragon dancers.

CHINESE DRAGONS pass by this line of impressed police cadets.

…In Roxborough

POLICE CAPT. John Cerrone joins Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. and community leaders Donna & John Kennedy at National Night Out in Gorgas Park Tuesday.

ROXBOROUGH neighbors sit in Gorgas Park to watch family movie Wall-E.

“JUST LIKE back in the day,” Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., left, peaceably enjoys safe summer nightfall in tHaddington neighborhood with Ruth Campbell and Pastor Albert Campbell of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

STANDING on Dewey Race Civic Association President Kathy Huggins’ porch, the president and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. celebrate National Night Out at her block party in Haddington.

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GORGAS PARK volunteers Karen Sears, Sylvia Myers, Kathy Hain and Kathy Dougherty give out free pretzels, chips and soda to attendees at National Night Out party at Gorgas Park in Roxborough Tuesday night.

WEST PHILADELPHIANS reclaimed their streets, dishing out grill food on a summer evening at Councilwoman Blackwell’s block party. Among them, from left, were President Butch Ellis of MASCO, Blackwell’s popular aide John Fenton, and University City neighbors Karen Heenan and Mario Giorno.

AMONG VIP guests attending Young Democrats function was judicial candidate Dawn Segal.

YOUNG DEMOCRATS attending event with host Michael Ellis, center, included Fred Druding, Jr., David Krain, Obra Kernodle IV and Willy Steward.

Another Opinion discretionary dollars here that many residents otherwise are spending in states which offer blackjack, poker, roulette and craps.

When the slot machine law was being formulated in 2004, one of the important facets was its projected positive impact on the horseracing industry. Since the law’s enactment, racing purses have increased and jobs have been created at horse farms and related businesses. My proposed table-games legislation would continue that commitment to horseracing, by providing funding to several agriculture-related programs, including track and stable repair and maintenance at county fairgrounds.

While opponents of gaming may recite anecdotal evidence about increased crime rates near gaming facilities, the facts in Pennsylvania do not bear out those claims. To the contrary, the economicdevelopment fund created through slots has generated millions of dollars in significant improvements throughout the surrounding communities.

Now is the time to do something to improve our economy. Sen. Tomlinson and I believe we should add table games to the casinos to create thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in revenue without raising taxes.

Bill DeWeese, a non-gambler, is the House Majority Whip and has represented the 50th House Dist. in Fayette, Greene and Washington Cos. since 1976.

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(Cont. From Page 7) will hire even more local residents. Local businesses such as gas stations, convenience stores and others will also provide employment opportunities.

There’s no practical difference between placing $20 in a slot machine versus putting it on a poker or blackjack table.

So why not provide more options for the casino patron?

Research also indicates people who play table games are a different demographic than slots players, which creates a new revenue stream.

The industry embraces the idea of adding table games at their facilities and gaming officials say it would take between six and nine months to be fully licensed and operational. That timeline coincides with Gov. Ed Rendell’s giving his final budget address in February for the 2010-11 State budget. Every analyst predicts next year will be worse financially than this year, so Sen. Tomlinson and I believe if we take legislative action now, the Governor could anticipate new revenue from table games for next year’s budget, and revenue doesn’t require a tax increase.

Under both of our bills, casinos would pay a one-time $10 million fee, so before the first card is even played, we could generate more than $100 million for next year’s State coffers.

If Pennsylvania adds these additional gaming opportunities, our casinos can remain competitive with neighboring states and we can keep the

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

FUNDRAISER in Old City for GOP DA candidate Michael Untermeyer brought out host of fans including, from left, Mark Collazzo, Pamela Warren, Controller candidate Al Schmidt, Untermeyer and Bruce Harris.

PHILA. YOUNG Democrats’ President Michael Ellis found hosting a fundraiser at Champagne’s in Germantown included making sure he took this family photo. From left are his mother, sisters Megan & Catherine, Michael, Krissy, Shannon and “Uncle” Anthony Fullard.

Page 13

GOPers Honor Untermeyer Young Democrats At Champagne’s

page 14 The Public Record • August 6, 2009

Out And About

(Cont. from Page 9) can’t help but feel it.

“You folks have accomplished something people said was impossible,” Bryant said. “You have rendered me speechless. From the deepest recesses of my soul, I am touched. My hope has been

fulfilled.”

While it took some research into how the whole SEPTA system works to get me to West Oak Lane, Bryant is one of the few people for whom I’d make the effort because he was one of the many people who took the time to

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009. A non-refundable fee for each set of bid documents is as scheduled. The School District will only accept bids from companies that have been placed on its current Pre Qualified Contractors List as shown at psit.org.

All School District Project require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications.

B- 800 (C) of 2007/08* General Contract-Single Prime-Replacement High School

West Philadelphia Replacement High School 4901 Chestnut St.

BUDGET $50,000,000.00

FEE $500.00

* A pre-bid site tour will be held at the project location, 4901 Chestnut on August 3, 2009 at 9:00 am. And a pre-bid conference will be held at 440 North Broad St., in the Main Conferecne Room of the Office of Capital Programs on August 3m 2009 at 1:00 pm. It is strongly recommended that all bidders attend both meetings.

Specifications and/or plans and contract documents may be examined and copies thereof obtained from the School Reform Commission, 440 North Broad Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-400-5225. Make checks payable to the School District of Philadelphia.

The School Reform Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.

0th Coming August 2

's Fall Prird o c e R c li b u P ia h adelp plement Check Out the Phil ursing Schools Sup r and N vate, Trade, Charte

onal mous educati Read what fa out ave to say ab consultants h ade, ng private, tr problems faci ls rsing schoo charter and nu

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You Need To Dispel Bad Media Impressions !

Reach out to them and their parents through the pages of both the Philadelphia Public Record and the South Philadelphia Public Record. This is your most economical way of reaching them to advise them of the financial aid programs available to them and the fact your school offers them the best of choices.

We invite your institution to advertise in this annual educational supplement. We also invite you to submit any releases, along with photos of school activities, you may wish to see highlighted in the editorial content carried in the supplement.

The Philadelphia Public Record is the only city wide weekly reaching every segment of our varied communities. It is also the one newspaper ready by the political and elected leaders of this city. Your appearance in our supplement will appear in both papers for the same price.

Should you have any questions, feel free to call John David, Advertising Director, at 215-755-2000.

encourage me throughout my career.

I met him when I working in the WRTI-FM newsroom in the early ’90s. Bryant was hosting a show called “Catharsis” which basically allowed people to say exactly what they thought from 10 p.m. to midnight every Monday.

Between calls, Bryant would play jazz, give his opinions on things, and generally keep things moving.

His booming voice rang throughout the station and his interactions with the regular callers, who kept him company, made putting together the next day’s reporting assignments (I was assignment editor at the station at the time), informative, if not sometimes humorous.

(I learned more about how the Black Panthers were treated in Philadelphia from listening to that show than in any of my African American Studies classes at Temple, that’s for sure.)

Bryant was also the editor of the Philadelphia Tribune’s magazine when I started there as the newspaper’s “School of the Week” columnist. He had the same authoritative bearing there as he did on the radio. When he spoke, people listened.

But what I remember most was he didn’t take any crap.

If you were doing something against his principles or worse yet, against his people, God help you. Bryant was going to do what journalists seldom do anymore: put out the information needed to right the wrongs of the world. He knew his employers bought their ink by the barrel, their tapes by the case and their power through the Constitution.

I will always like that about Reggie Bryant. While he can intimidate those who are unsure of themselves, if you approach him like you’re willing to listen and have a strong backbone to support yourself, you’ll learn a lot.

Bryant was seated at a long table with family and friends when I arrived at the community center. He was dressed in a golden African garment and shaking hands, taking pictures and giving hugs to everyone who came by. He’s been ill for a while and it showed, but it hadn’t done anything to his voice, which was as strong as it ever was.

We talked a little. He asked me if I had become a big-time journalist and I told him right now I was trying to be a big-time journalism professor. He told me to call him so we could talk about it.

He was still willing to mentor me, and I’ll probably sit down and talk with him during the convention this week. But to be honest, I’d rather just bring a tape recorder, talk to him about journalism and play his words for my classes.

Hopefully, they’ll get as much from his example as I did.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, September 1, 2009. A non-refundable fee for each set of bid documents is as scheduled. The School District will only accept bids from companies that have been placed on its current Pre Qualified Contractors List as shown at psit.org.

All School District Project require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications.

B-037 C of 2008/09*

Electrical Service Contract George W. Pepper Middle School Fire Alarm Replacement 2901 South 84th Street

BUDGET $500,000

FEE $100.00

$175,000

$200.00

* Pre-Bid meeting August 14 at 12:00 Noon at the project location B-002 CT of 2009/10* General Contract New IT Core

Various Locations Throughout the School District

* Pre-Bid meeting will start at Frankford High School located at 5000 Oxford Avenue at 9:00 A.M. on August 12, 2009.

B-003 CT of 2009/10* Mechanical Contract New IT Core Site Room

Various Locations Throughout the School District

$525,000

$200.00

* Pre-Bid meeting will start at Frankford High School located at 5000 Oxford Avenue at 9:00 A.M. on August 12, 2009.

B-004 CT of 2009/10* Electrical Contract New IT Core Site Room

Various Locations Throughout the School District

$1,500,000

$200.00

* Pre-Bid meeting will start at Frankford High School located at 5000 Oxford Avenue at 9:00 A.M. on August 12, 2009.

Specifications and/or plans and contract documents may be examined and copies thereof obtained from the School Reform Commission, 440 North Broad Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-400-5225. Make checks payable to the School District of Philadelphia.

The School Reform Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.

under the guise of CA$H FOR CLUNKER$? This makes no sense to me. It’s those who got money who can buy themselves a $25,000 car. And then on top of it, they get a ‘bonus’ of $4,500 for doing it.

Please explain to me, SNOOPER. How does this help our ECONOMY? Instead of destroying all the ‘alleged’ Junkers, why not give them to people who could use them? You know they won’t go to waste.

The President, as with his other programs, really

makes NO SENSE at all.”

Snooper’s “Reliable Source” Bureau: It seems everyone is concerned about a recent article involving CITY OVERTIME. Let me give you my honest opinion, for whatever it’s worth. I have NO PROBLEM with someone getting overtime, especially if they’re short of employees.

I feel the overtime is a lot CHEAPER than hiring another new employee, who, by the way, must now receive a FULLY PAID BENEFIT PACKAGE. Hey

Chief, you do the arithmetic, and you tell me which is more feasible. I really think paying the overtime makes a lot more sense and will SAVE a lot more monies. Let me use The Airport for an example. If, on one of their shifts, an employee is absent, for one reason or other, services MUST still be provided, same as any other business.

Overtime, in this case, is really the cheaper way to go – think about it. This goes for any City Agency.

SERVICE IS THE KEY.

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

(Cont. from Page 9) DITOMASSO, Director, Municipal Court’s SUMMARY DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM, to watch The Nationwide Insurance TV Ad. I want you to look closely at this young lady named JACKIE WALKER. I’m telling you and ALICE FLAMER, she is the ‘spitting image’ of CYNTHIA GREGG, aka NUMBER TWO. This young lady has all her mannerisms, and even the looks of Ms. Gregg. Every time I see this TV Ad, it reminds me of her. Hey NUMBER ONE, look for it on TV! I still see the gentleman on The Hoover Round Scooter TV Ad. He not only looks like FRANK RIZZO, he even sounds like him. I must tell Councilman Frank Rizzo!

Snooper’s COURT NEWS Files: I want to congratulate THE COURT for the installation of a new court, MENTAL HEALTH COURT, and this is one court that has been long overdue. Ever since they closed BYBERRY STATE MENTAL HOSPITAL and EASTERN PYSCHIATRIC INSTI-

SO, do you? The President, who made the remark about STUPIDITY, proved just how stupid he was, because he knew nothing about what really happened. Hey, I just had a racial slur against me.

Do I get a BEER from him?

YOU TELL ME! Snooper’ s EMAIL Service: “I want to ask you this question, SNOOPER, tell me why The President seems to be more concerned with The Auto Industry than he is with the plight of THE POOR. Why give them more money

Page 15

Snooper

TUTE OF PENNSYLVANIA, these poor unfortunate people had no place to go.

This NEW COURT will be presided over by HON. SHEILA WOODS-SKIPPER. She will be responsible for supervising all those who come to her court.

They’ll start out with a number of 15 and then see where they go from here. I also commend our great District Attorney, HON. LYNNE ABRAHAM. Whew, Thank God. Snooper’s OPINION: One of the most ridiculous things, and what a waste of time! I’m referring to the much ‘hyped’ BEER SUMMIT. The Media must be delighted, since they started this whole RACIAL mess.

SGT. CROWLEY proved what a professional POLICE OFFICER is all about, and he finally has been vindicated by his actions in this whole ‘Mediahyped’ affair. The President is an absolute JOKE, especially with all that’s going on in this Country, that he should waste his time and ours on something that was none of his business. Question: If this were the opposite situation, would he get so involved like he did in this case? I DON’T THINK

www.phillyrecord.com

page 16 The Public Record • August 6, 2009 www.phillyrecord.com

Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters

(Cont. From Page 7) Bad Legislation On Jun. 30, the State House Committee advanced a bill which would allow government to shift publications of legal notices from newspapers to web sites. This is an effort of the State “to save money”, but in reality it is an affront to millions of senior citizens living in Pennsylvania.

Notices such as sheriff sales and construction bids are denied to the many, many thousands of homebound seniors, handicapped and computer challenged persons who do not have access to the internet. These individuals would be disenfranchised to information that legally is intended to be available to all citizens.

In a survey taken by the Philadelphia Consumer Council under the supervision of the Council’s Chairman, Joseph Vendetti, it was revealed that 83% of seniors and the handicapped would be adversely affected if this bill

is put into law.

The legislation, sponsored

by State Rep. Thomas Creighton, will affect millions of citizens who now receive this vital information in question via the newspaper.

Joseph Vendetti To Turn Or Not To Turn?

The article, “Four More Red Light Cameras” (Jul. 16) said, “Drivers found in violation will face a $100 fine.“ But the cameras don’t record who the drivers are, as would a Police Officer who would ordinarily pull over and face an actual violator. Instead, it is the car owner who is mailed the ticket. That person could be a rental-car business in any part of the country, a parent who owns a family car but was not using it during the infraction or an innocent friend who also was not driving. Except for the car-rental firm, which would just turn in the car renter, the others would have the difficult or impossible task to prove the negative – they were not driving. They

are, so far, not legally bound to turn in the driver.

Regarding the intersection at York & Aramingo Streets, there is no safety justification for cameras. The Streets Dept. has acknowledged the crash history, from Police records, “does not show that this intersection has a safety problem.”

What this intersection does have is a design problem, which is no fault of drivers. It is often virtually impossible to get through it without a technical red-light violation. To turn left from north-bound Aramingo onto York would take great luck or an almost infinite number of light changes to make “legally”, during heavy hours. Traffic would be backed down I-95 to the Airport, or Wilmingon, if everyone – or even one person here and there – scrupulously obeyed the law about entering the intersection before it was clear, or by not skipping safely through the beginning or end of the red light. As ever, even Police, without

sirens, do this routinely before and after other “illegals”.

Conceivably, the Parking Authority could rake in $300 to $500 per light change during heavy use hours at just that point of the intersection because there is no time offered by the light to let the left-turning cars through. It’s pretty much the same for southbound Aramingo drivers hoping to turn left into the Shopping Center.

Further, the entire intersection has “no turn on red” signs, in effect day and night – even when there is no traffic or no pedestrians. That is an automatic trap – an invitation to turn right on red anyway.

Because one can see clearly in every direction, there is no safety reason not to do so.

If the Parking Authority – or Red Light Authority – puts cameras at this intersection, it is unjustifiably for the sake of revenue enhancement, not safety.

John Jonik Kensington

No More Outsiders Everyone has a stake in the education of Philadelphia’s children, because their education will make or break this region for many years to come.

Our principals and teachers live in the City and surrounding suburbs, raising their families and supporting area businesses.

The School Reform Commission continues to hire outsiders and their staffs at high-level salaries, sometimes more than the mayor’s. Then, after a few years, they leave the area.

The current superintendent is not from this area and has stated her intention to move to New Mexico when her contract is up. She has recently requested and obtained at least one $250,000 contract with a Florida employment agency. Why? Philadelphia doesn’t have an employment agency?

Our education professionals, the teachers and principals have become united

against a common enemy – her.

We might be able to save our schools and region if we pay her contract out now.

Mayer Krain Letter military Thanks To Military Let my grateful tears thank you for the nights you slept freezing in a tent or sweating in the desert, for the lonely days you spent missing your loved ones, for the hours you spent sick in pain and without someone holding your hand, for the moments of sheer fright in the heart of battle, for the wounds you have suffered fighting evil, for the endless days in hospitals undergoing painful surgeries, for the precious occasions you have missed back at home.

For all of these sacrifices I thank You on behalf of millions of Americans who are so grateful for you.

Brigitte Gabriel ACT for America

necessary to implement weatherization programs through classroom instruction, shop and field experience; $100,000 for Impact Services Corp. in Philadelphia to provide job training to unemployed members of the Philadelphia community, including $100,000 for Liberty Resources in Philadelphia to support its job training and workforce development program for persons with disabilities; $100,000 for Philadelphia Shipyard Development Corp. to create a more competitive small business shipbuilding supplier network to reclaim the jobs that are otherwise going to offshore companies.

SEPTA General Mgr. Joseph M. Casey said the funding will help SEPTA in its ongoing efforts to keep customer safe.

SEPTA is one of 15 transit agencies receiving a total

of nearly $78 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Transit Security Grant Program, Dept. of Homeland Security Sec. Janet Napolitano announced.

Stack Bills Aid Returning Vets Bills sponsored by State Sen. Mike Stack that would protect active-duty members’ status in college, and allow certain members of the military notary privileges, were approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.

SB 825 would allow members of the National Guard returning from active duty to pursue their higher-education degree under the requirements in place prior to their military leave if their graduation requirements have changed while they were deployed.

Upon returning from their leave of absence, the service members’ educational status would be restored to what they had attained prior to being or-

dered to military duty, without the loss of academic credits earned, scholarships or grants.

“Many of our National Guardsmen and women are serving actively overseas for long durations. They are giving up their time and, in many cases, their education,” Stack said.

“They should not be educationally penalized for their services.

This bill would ensure they can graduate on time and without any penalties or setbacks to their educational career.”

SB 891 would allow all

military judge advocates and paralegal noncommissioned officers to perform notarial acts when they are on duty or at training.

“This legislation would help the National Guard and other military services process documents for deploying soldiers,” Stack said. “It will make the deployment and other administrative processes more convenient for the military and our servicemen and women who need their paperwork notarized.”

PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT SINCE 1990

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority A Promising Future

By Championing the Channel-Deepening Project And Substantial Port Expansion

Once Again, We Thank Gov. Ed Rendell For Giving Our Port A Great Opportunity And

John H. Estey, Esq. Chairman

James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director

Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

John F. Dempsey

Deputy Executive Director Administrative Offices: 3460 N. Delaware Ave. 2nd Fl., Phila., PA 19134 (215) 426-2600 • Fax (215) 426-6800 www.philaport.com

www.phillyrecord.com

US Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey reported this week the US Senate Appropriations Committee has approved Federal funding for several Southeastern Pennsylvania health, education and labor projects.

The bill must be approved by the full Senate, the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before funding is final.

Southeastern Pennsylvania projects in the bill include: For Medical: $125,000 for the City of Philadelphia in Philadelphia Co. for equipment to develop an Electronic Parental Care Registry; $100,000 for Temple University Health System in Philadelphia Co. for facilities and equipment; $100,000 for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia Co. to purchase interventional radiology equipment and retrofit facilities to house the equipment.

For Education: $100,000 for Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia Co. for the Center for Environmental Sciences and Sustainability create a skilled energy workforce; $100,000 for Lincoln University in Chester Co. for college preparation programs; $100,000 for Project HOME in Philadelphia Co. for afterschool programs; $100,000 for Philadelphia University in Philadelphia Co. for educational equipment related to science. The project is responding to the national and regional need for professionals and technicians trained in science and technology, so that the nation can remain competitive internationally.

For Labor-related: $100,000 for Finishing Trades Institute in Philadelphia to support a training program which will provide workers with the trade-skills

ber of law-enforcement officers in the SEPTA Transit Police Dept. from the current 256 to 268. SEPTA will also use $1.2 million to purchase new anti-terrorism equipment.

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

Feds Fund More Local Projects

Congressman Chaka Fattah, chairman of the Congressional Urban Caucus, reports more than $6.5 million in Transit and Port Security grants have been awarded to SEPTA and the Delaware River Port Authority by the US Dept. of Homeland Security.

The awards, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are $4,458,870 to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and $2,085,000 to the Delaware River Port Authority.

“These grants continue to advance the vital dual mission of President Obama's national recovery program in our great urban areas," Fattah said.

"More than $6.5 million is flowing into the Philadelphia region's economy, which will put men and women to work.”

SEPTA will add 12 police officers to its force and purchase new anti-terrorism equipment with the money.

This will increase the num-

Page 17

SEPTA, DRPA Get Security Dollars

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The Public Record • August 6, 2009

page 18

Unexpected gem sparkles in Roxborough

by Len Lear Maria’s Ristorante, which opened six years ago this month, offers fine dining in a part of town where it is just slightly more commonplace than kosher delicatessens in Pakistan. We first checked out Maria’s at 8100 Ridge Avenue in Roxborough five years ago and fell in love with owner Maria Dalicandro, her family and the restaurant. Maria is the quintessential Italian mom, a ridiculously generous and hospitable host who is as solicitous of her customers as of her three children or her seven grandchildren.

“When you first came here,” Maria, 60, said to us last week, “almost no one but our immediate neighbors knew we even existed. Now there are nights when I have a

room full of people from other parts of Philly.”

During our first visit to Maria’s, some customers, seeing I was interviewing Maria and taking notes, took it upon themselves to come over to our table and offer their unsolicited opinions, which were uniformly favorable. In fact, later in the evening (believe it or not; I have witnesses), a man was seen sobbing at his table. He subsequently told his server that his wife, an excellent Italian cook, had recently died and the food at Maria’s prompted an emotional outpouring because it reminded him so much of his wife’s cooking.

Maria, her three siblings and parents came to the US, speaking no English, from Abruzzi in Southern Italy in 1961. They settled in Philadelphia because of an uncle who was already here.

In 1968 Maria married Guido Dalicandro, and they opened Roma’s Pizza in Kensington.

“If you were an immigrant in those days and did not speak English,” explained Maria, “your job choices were very limited: construction or food or factory work. My husband had done tailoring work and also worked in a factory at Broad & Lehigh, and but his family members were all in the food business in Italy, so we decided to give that a try.”

In 1971 Maria and her husband sold the business in Kensington and opened Roma’s Pizza at 6129 Ridge Avenue. They later sold that business to relatives and ran a catering business for years.

In addition, Maria was manager of food services for the Colonial School District for five years. (She has 40 years of experience, all told, in the food business.) Twelve years ago, the family opened the place in Conshohocken in a sorrowful mood, since Guido

had died the night before.

The Ridge Pike property is a family-oriented establishment that seats 25 and does a huge lunch business with Conshohocken-area corporations.

For a long time, though, the Dalicandros also considered opening an upscale restaurant using years-old family recipes. Seven years ago a deal was finally worked out for the property at 8100 Ridge Avenue that had formerly housed D’Angelo’s for more that 30 years. After an extensive nine-month renovation, the family gave birth to Maria’s. It seats 100 in three beautifully appointed dining rooms plus 20 at the bar, which is run by the superfriendly restaurant manager Anthony Antonina.

Chef Shawn DelBello, a graduate of the prestigious Johnson & Wales Culinary School (whose brother, Alberto, is chef/owner of Il Portico, 1519 Walnut Street), and his staff prepare Maria’s recipes as well as several spe-

Len Lear cials every night. The risotto of the day is often an awesome seafood risotto with clams, mussels, shrimps and scallops. (These tasty fish obviously graduated from the right schools.)

Last week we had a crab and risotto entree ($20.95) that was positively sublime, as was Maria’s homemade gnocchi in a four-cheese sauce ($13.95). An appetizer special of eggplant involtini had three substantial pieces of eggplant lightly breaded and wrapped in a blanket of four cheeses (the sweet ricotta off-

set the dry mozzarella perfectly) and baked in a light marinara sauce ($8.95). Divine. Maria’s signature dish is Tuscany chicken — grilled marinated chicken breasts served with sautéed broccoli rabe, white beans, sun-dried tomatoes and drizzled with a sublime balsamic reduction ($19.95).

Maria makes all of the desserts except for the ice creams and sorbets. Her New York-style cheesecake with ricotta filling, mascarpone cheese topping and a candied orange peel ($5.50) is to live for.

Every Tuesday through Friday there are Happy Hour specials from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with reduced price drinks at the bar, but maybe the best bargain of all is the Early Bird Dinner every Tuesday through Thursday for those arriving before 5:30 p.m. All dinners are $16.95, which includes four courses. For more information, call (215) 508-5600.

Page 19 The Public Record • August 6, 2009

• Community Friends Networking Together

• Creating A Village • Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition

Performers • The

Manhattans • Point Blank • The Gospel Disciples

• Bunny Sigler • Stroke of Midnight • Touch of Class • Frank Jackson's 16 piece Big Band • Brian Evans & much much more

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Sponsors

page 20

Elephant

(Cont. from Page 9) that neighborhood guy who

skips town once you come to collect; nowhere to be found.

LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 5PM (Preview 3PM) LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY SATURDAY AT 11AM (Preview 9AM)

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

LIVE INTERNET AUCTION EVERY SATURDAY AT 4PM AT:

www.capitalautoauctions.com To Register & To Bid 3 BIG SALES WEEKLY

On Aug. 7, there will be a fundraiser at Finnigan’s Wake for CHRIS WRIGHT, former aide to COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY. Wright got jammed up after some inappropriate behavior a while back. A few local Party folks have seen fit to help Chris during this tough time. Former Mayoral

candidate AL TAUBENBERGER, Ward Leaders BILL PETTIGREW and KEVIN PASQUAY, and Finnigan’s owner MIKE DRISCOLL have teamed up to lend Chris a hand. Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. It is right to hold leaders on our side (and the

other side) to a high standard, calling out bad behavior when appropriate. In the end, however, we’re all human. Without forgiveness, life is governed by … an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. Let’s choose forgiveness once the penalty is paid. Fare ye well, long noses!

Waters Keeps Scotland School Alive Continuing his efforts to prevent the closure of the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children, State Rep. Ronald G. Waters has dealt a blow to the plans for its closure by removing the school property from the State’s surplus property list.

The school, with its 185 acres and 70 buildings, was listed in the Dept. of General Services’ Real Property Disposition Plan. The Disposition Plan is a list of State properties for proposed sale.

State law requires it to be developed once a year. SSVC was added to the Disposition Plan by the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs because of the governor’s plan to close the school to save the State money.

“We shouldn’t have to vote against something that will be harmful to the school, its students and the veterans who serve this country,” Waters said. “In fact, it’s precisely because of the war that

Pennsylvania could have a greater need for the Scotland School.

“Many of the students who attend Scotland School are people of color who live in Philadelphia – my constituents,” Waters said.

“They are children of veterans who have served this country and who want their children to have a solid education. I’m going to do everything I can to keep the Scotland School open.”

By law, the Governor cannot sell a surplus State property without approval from the General Assembly. With the House’s unanimous adoption of Waters’ amendment, the State cannot sell Scotland School.

Also supporting Waters’ effort on the House floor were Reps. Bryan Barbin, John Siptroth and Rob Kauffman.

SSVC is located in Kauffman’s district. State Sen. Shirley Kitchen has led the fight in the Senate.

Waters has also co-sponsored legislation which would prohibit the closure or sale of any other veterans’ facility.

For Sale

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Page 21

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

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page 22 The Public Record • August 6, 2009 www.phillyrecord.com

Record Contest Is Your Baby’s Time The race is on to find the cutest baby among our readers.

We have received many cute candidates, and today we will start to spotlight them.

The Philadelphia Public Record newspapers are looking for the cutest babies in the city! It could well be the one baby you decide on may well become a future Mayor, or a top union leader, or a major community advocate, and possibly a super educator.

We want to let you decide!

The Public Record newspapers kicks off its first citywide “Philadelphia Baby Future Leader Contest”… the search for the future generation of leaders in this city” beginning with today’s edition and ending with our Halloween edition, Thursday, Oct. 29.

We will publish all submitted photographs online and a selection in the Philadelphia Public Record and South Philadelphia Public Record, and ask you, our readers and web users, to vote for the cutest.

Your baby could carry off the title of the Philadelphia Public Record Newspapers’ Cutest Baby-Future Leader of 2009.

Go on! You’ve got nothing to lose!

Public Record Newspapers, Inc. has teamed up with PNC Bank and many local businesses, including Chickies Italian Deli and Pennsport Physical Therapy West in South Philadelphia, to give you the chance to win prizes in this great competition.

All you have to do is send us your photos which will then be voted for by our readers.

There are two categories, a baby girl and baby boy, up to a year old.

Each winner will each receive a $500 prize, and a photo shoot with a professional photographer.

Ten runners-up will also receive prizes.

It’s easy to send us your

photos: Email the picture to editor@phillyrecord.com; or drop it in at the Public Record Newspapers office at 1323 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA 19148.

By entering this contest, you will automatically become a subscriber of the Philadelphia Public Record newspaper and the South Philadelphia Public Record newspaper. To opt out of becoming a subscriber, or to find out more information about subscriptions, please call (215) 755-2000.

If emailing, please send us the biggest file sizes you can so that your pictures display clearly here and, if you win, can be easily reproduced in the newspaper.

There will be two categories: Cutest Boy and Cutest Girl. The ones with the highest number of votes will receive the top prizes.

The two winners will be presented with their prize at PNC Bank branch at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Ten runners-up will also win various prizes.

By submitting a photograph in this competition you agree to its appearance on our participating website, and in the local press.

Any photo deemed to be offensive or inappropriate will not be allowed. Please ensure you get the permission of any persons featured in your photograph.

This competition is running in the Philadelphia Public Record and the South Philadelphia Public Record and on their websites at www.phillyrecord.com.

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The winner agrees that their baby photo and any other relevant details, including address, may be used for promotional and editorial purposes.

To vote please call (215)755-2000 or email rory@phillyrecord.com

SEVEN-MONTH-OLD Giselle Michetti from South Philly lights up her parents’ day, especially her proud aunt who sent in this entry.

Kevin, six months old, is such a happy baby and has a fascinating personality. His beautiful smile can melt your heart, according to his parents. He loves to laugh and giggle and make all sorts of sounds. He has brightened up his Mommy and Daddy’s world!

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Cabbies Cook For Peace, Benefits

(Cont. From Page 2) regulations in the workplace.”

Blount said his union has 1,200 members who meet weekly to discuss issues. They have branches in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and 12 other major cities in the US. “New York State legislators cover workmen’s comp. It’s not too much to ask for something in our City,” Blount insisted.

In San Francisco and Chicago, taxi medallions go to people who are actually driving them. In Philadelphia it costs $225,000 to own a medallion cab. Investors typically pick them up and rent them to cabbies for huge fees.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority, which regulates the taxicab industry, gave Blount recent data documenting the income of drivers over a six-month period. PPA concluded a taxi driver earns about $119 per day for 12hour shifts. Blount said even adding $21 for tips, minus

gas, oil and rental fee, a conservative look at what a cabbie really makes comes in at about $4.17 per hour.

“It’s a tough battle,” Blount says. “We have sent a petition to the PPA to reevaluate rental fees drivers are forced to pay.”

Yet someone must be making money off their fares. There are 1,600 medallion licenses in Philadelphia. Their market value has gone up 400% over the last six years, according to Blount. Six years ago the medallion value was $60,000.

In New York City today a medallion is worth $500,000.

Yet times are tough in the industry, Blount says. “With the bad economy, airport travel is down 15%, but rents are increasing even with fewer rides for drivers.”

The medallion owners have to pay $304 to the PPA every quarter for their license. Currently, Blount estimates there are 5,000 taxi

drivers in the city.

“Drivers are always fighting to get in the cabs. If one driver cannot afford the fee, another will. It’s a vicious cycle,” Blount says.

Taxi drivers are also at risk of violence. According to the Dept. of Labor, taxi drivers are 60% more likely to be assaulted than the average worker.

That is why 75 Philadelphia's taxicab drivers led a friendly peace march in their cabs last weekend. They gathered at LOVE Park on Friday, put signs in their windows and flyers in their vehicles promoting the Weekend of Peace.

This event, now in its sixth year, has evolved from an informal series of basketball tournaments hosted at several rec centers into a weekend of free, community-based, youth-oriented activities for the entire family. “We felt honored to kick off the weekend of peace,” Blount said.

The Public Record • August 6, 2009

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The Public Record • August 6, 2009

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