PR-545-S

Lenfest Donates $5.8 Million To Historic SaveOceanSSLinerUnited States Escapes Scrap Heap Philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest has donated $5.8 million towards the maintenance and eventual purchase of the SS United States from a Hong Kong firm.

The SS United States Conservancy has finalized an exclusive purchase option on the famous ocean liner, and full title transfer will occur once pending negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency are complete.

Last summer, Lenfest pledged a $300,000 matching grant towards the

purchase of the ship. But his major intervention began on Mar. 10, 2010, a month after Genting Hong Kong opened up bidding on the ship to domestic scrappers. Over the past several months, Lenfest has worked closely with the board of the SS United States Conservancy to stop the ship from being towed away to a Gulf Coast junkyard.

The fading ocean liner has been moored on the Delaware River for the past 14 years. Norwegian (Cont. Page 2)

MAYOR Michael Nutter thanks M. H. “Gerry” Lenfest and wife Marguerite for $5.8 million grant to help rescue storied ocean liner SS United States from scrap heap.

Local Business Owner Gets In A ‘Tan-Trum’ Over Obama TanTax

by Maria Merlino Tom Baker, owner of Beach Tanning on S. Broad Street since 1996, and who won Best of South Philly 2010, is pitching a fit at Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

Baker calls the politicians “tan tax”, which officially took effect July 1st, “Sneaky.”

The tax imposes a 10% tax on some tanning services. But the little publicized provision, which is part of the new Federal health care act, has caused a lot of consternation.

The 10% tanning tax has replaced the 5% tax on cosmetic surgery that

was originally included in the bill.

That tax, nicknamed the “Bo-tax,” would have included Botox injections and breast implants among other elective surgeries, but was cut out of the bill last year after heavy lobbying from the medical and dermatology industries. Because the Bo-tax was expected to generate $5.8 billion, the $2.7 billion tanning tax is projected to raise will have many tanning-industry professionals furious about the switch. They argue that while the tanning tax targets middle-class, women-owned businesses, the Botax would mainly impact wealthier (Cont. Page 2)

Ron Panepinto Jewelers 700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980

www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds

Vol. IV No. 26 (Issue 143)

The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South Philadelphia The Way It Deserves

Farmers Market Opens Next Week At Fels Center A brand new Farmers’ Market is coming to Broad & Ritner Street.

Starting next Tuesday, Jul. 13, the market will be open at The Fels Community Center, Broad and Ritner Sts. The market will open every Tuesday 2-7 p.m.

The Food Trust, and LoMoyamensing Civic Association teamed in an effort to bring fresh, seasonal produce to the neighborhood.

The Market will accept ACCESS cards, WIC and also the Senior Nutrition Program vouchers.

For more information, please contact The Food Trust at (215) 5750444.

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000 JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com

July 8, 2010

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Refusing To Be Forgotten Queen Village Trio Affects Change One Block At A Time

by JoAnn Greco Blue hydrangeas bloom in pots outside three-story red brick homes, and wooden window-boxes overflow with petunias and ivy along the tidy blocks of Queen Village. A handful of multi-million dollar houses dot the area and $500,000 homes are certainly the norm.

But round a corner and you’re launched into a persistent and unsightly hole in this otherwise scrumptious doughnut. Hidden inside a warren

Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD.

Value 50¢

FORCING A CHANGE … Charlie Moleski, Ted Warren and Peter Lazor did L&I’s homework to clean up a forgotten pocket in Queen Village.

Photos By: JoAnn Greco (www.joanngreco.com)

of alleys, it’s an area blighted by crumbling structures and scarred by squatters. Here, wildflowers grow waist-high in the vacant lots and grass sprouts from cracked sidewalks.

“Having this bombed-out pocket in the middle of an otherwise intact neighborhood filled with expensive homes makes no sense,” says Charlie Moleski, an architectural project manager who’s lived for five years on a small street just west of the derelict alleys.

Moleski, along with two neighbors, recently decided it was time to get the city to pay attention. Dubbing the area between 5th and 6th Streets and Carpenter Street and Washington Avenue “The Forgotten Blocks‘, the trio set off on a deliberate, persistent and thorough plan to change things. Their story serves as inspiration for any citizen trying to affect change, one block at a time.

Each the father of young children, the three were spurred to action about two years ago after a shooting at the nearby Courtyard Apartments at Riverview, a privately managed development on the site of a demolished public-housing project, spilled onto their streets.

Outraged neighbors urged local police to set up a community meeting, at which they complained about drug dealing at the complex and crack houses in nearby abandoned buildings. Then 3rd Dist. Capt. Joseph McDowell committed to an increased police presence on one corner and foot patrols (Cont. Page 2)

Page 2

South Philadelphia Business Association Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia – Chartered in 1897

The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 8, 2010

To join as a member of the SPBA, please call: (215)-336-1108

1904 S. 30th Street • Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215)-336-1108 (215)-336-1149 (fax) Executive Board: PresidentDaniel Olivieri Secretary/Treasurer- Reggie Lozzi

Vice-President- Vince DeFino Esq. Past-President Louis Lozzi, Sr.

Marge Mariziani John Savarese

Jackie Fitzpatrick

Queen Village Residents Promote Positive Change (Cont From Page 1) down the area’s dark alleys, but he also challenged those present to work with each other.

“People were really agitated and freaked out,” recalls Ted Warren, a member of the board of the Queen Village Neighbor’s Association who, along with local architect Peter Lazor, eventually joined forces with Moleski. “People were saying they were ready to move.”

After the meeting, Moleski sent an email out “to every dot gov” he could think of, from Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey to Councilman Frank DiCiccio, on down. “I asked, ‘Why are we tolerating this?”

Moleski says, “and I copied the entire world.”

Soon, Warren continues, “we became impossible for people to ignore. We held meetings and created documents and took pictures. We assembled a bunch of tools to hold people’s feet to the fire.”

The trio’s first step was to walk the forgotten blocks and identify each of the 100 or so

properties in the core area — occupied homes, empty lots and blighted buildings. Next, they gathered information on tax and ownership status. “We very quickly started to see patterns,” says Lazor. “There were, maybe, five delinquent owners responsible for much of what was wrong.”

It took about a year for them to march through the list of properties. “When you begin to look at a neighborhood in this way, you begin to understand how hard it is for L&I to stay on top of these issues, “ observes Moleski. “It demonstrates the enormity of tracking these kinds of problems even in a two-block radius.”

Armed with the resultant spreadsheet, the team approached the City’s Dept. of Licenses & Inspections. “We basically did their homework for them,” Moleski says.”I never thought it would become my job to take matters into my own hands, but it did.”

As L&I methodically sent out inspectors, then notices, long-absent landlords of long-

neglected properties began to act.

One owner demolished a row of four buildings, but others quickly started rehabs.

When DiCicco tried to use NTI funds to seize one set of properties, the owner caught wind and “pulled some permits and started stuccoing the house,” laughs Warren. Even commercial properties, such as a deli whose building featured boarded-up second- and thirdstory windows, quickly spruced up.

“L&I didn’t have to compel one demolition on our behalf,” says Moleski. “We didn’t cost the city one dime.”

There have, of course, been obstacles and frustrations along the way. Some property owners haven’t been able to be identified, and the pace of bureaucracy can be maddeningly slow. “No matter what contacts we’ve made, we have to constantly call back and follow up,” says Lazor. “No one’s ever going to take this project over for you. It’s on you to stay on top of everything and to CC (carbon copy) every-

Lenfest Millions Save Ship www.phillyrecord.com

Board Members Denise D'Eletto Louis Galdo

(Cont. From Page 1) Cruise Line and its major stakeholder, Genting Hong Kong, purchased the ship in 2003 with the intention of restoring her to American-flag cruise service.

However, in early 2009 the company announced they were abandoning these plans and were listing the SS United States for sale, with the provisions that the ship would neither be sold to a foreign entity nor sold for scrap. After a year, however, Genting lifted

the “no scrappers” provision, and domestic shipbreakers quickly began submitting bids.

Lenfest’s connection to the sea began at a young age: his naval architect father helped designed the watertight doors on the ship’s smaller running mate, SS America, and Lenfest believes his father did similar work on the SS United States. After graduating from Washington & Lee University in 1953, Lenfest served as an officer in the United States Navy. Although trained as a

lawyer, Lenfest took a job at Walter Annenberg’s Triangle Publications, and then went on to form his own media company. In 2000, he sold Lenfest Communications to Comcast. He then pledged to give away all of his multi-billion dollar fortune before his death. Recent beneficiaries of Lenfest’s generosity include Columbia University, Washington & Lee University, Abington Memorial Hospital, and the Curtis Institute of Music.

one’s boss.”

Although neighbors have pitched in for cleanups, and the neighborhood associations of Queen Village and Bella Vista meet regularly with them (as do representatives from the police, DiCicco’s office, and the Courtyard Apartments), the day-to-day grind lies mostly in the hands of the three men.

They’re intent on staying on top of things. “It’s frustrating that there are still empty lots with busted sidewalks,” says Lazor. “They’re supposed to be fenced off and kept free of weeds. It seems like it would be easy enough to find one rep for each neighborhood to liaison on these issues.”

Progress keeps coming.

Across the street from Warren, six new houses (asking price: $490,000) are being built, with more slated to break ground shortly. Cameras have been installed on critical corners.

Through his contacts, Moleski is working to market some of the sites — such as a large parcel where a rotting warehouse was recently demolished — to developers.

“Anyone could do these things, anywhere in the city,” Warren observes. “I do think because we’re in this transitional neighborhood, our efforts especially spoke to people. The neighborhood was changing, anyway. We kicked it into high gear by focusing City agencies on the problems

holding it back.”

The Forgotten Blocks has a poignant ring to it, like something out of a Depression-era screwball comedy. But for these ambitious neighbors, the moniker makes a strong point.

“We’ve thought of changing the name,” says Warren, “because maybe it’s too negative.

In the end, though, it’s served us really well so far.”

JoAnne Greco is a freelance Journalist based in South Philadelphia. Her article was originally published on the website Plan Philly, an independent news-gathering entity affiliated with PennPraxis, the clinical arm of the School of Design of the University of Pennsylvania.

Tanning Salon Tax Hike (Cont. From Page 1) Americans who would be more able to handle higher prices.

“More than two-thirds of my clients are women and 67% of the businesses are owned by women,” Baker said.

“This is obviously a sexist tax.”

Does he have a point?

The Equal Protection Clause reads: “No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

This tax was not drafted by congressional staff and did not go through the normal legislative vetting process or any committee consideration. Now, I’m not an attorney, but it seems to me a tan tax is just a national sales tax on tanning

purchases. If this tax is constitutional, then the Federal government can impose a sales tax on any other transaction it targets.

“What’s next?” Baker asks. “If they get this started, they will get you for haircuts and manicures.” He also stressed the unfairness of the tax. “If you own a gym with a tanning bed, you are exempt.

If you own a hair salon with a tanning bed, you are exempt.

And of course if you are a doctor that offers “phototherapy” you are exempt. This is just a money grab. At least air-brush tanning is untaxed.”

In addition to the unfairness, this is also an excise tax which means he has to collect the tax only when the service is rendered. “The IRS can’t figure this out, yet. It’s complicated because in the tanning industry you can buy single sessions but most people buy packages, monthly unlimited or club cards. And it’s more

work for me because I have to keep the paperwork and pay the government every three months.”

As this is his only store, Baker, a member of the International Tanning Association, is highly regarded in the industry. “We give good service, and we’re known for our special attention. Our technicians care about your skin. We have clients that are second generation.”

Baker says his customers mostly shrug their shoulders and say, “Screw Obama!” and blame the government. Or they’ll just get used to things.

They don’t know who Pelosi and Reid are, but I hope they don’t get comfortable with it.

They need to get mad about it and show their wrath in November.”

For more information, you can visit the Web sites: www.stopthetantax.com or www.repealtantax.com or call Mr. Baker at (215) 465-4844.

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Page 4 The Public Record • July 8, 2010

New Polls Find Toomey Leads Again A Rasmussen poll out this week found Republican Pat Toomey maintaining a 6point lead over Democrat Joe Sestak, now just four months from the fall election.

Toomey leads Sestak 45% to 39% with just 11% undecided and 6% preferring a third candidate.

The survey of 500 likely Pennsylvania voters found of those registered Republican, about 80% supported Toomey while 70% of Democrats said they’d vote for Sestak.

Also of interest to the Toomey camp is a new Gallup poll. The poll determined that independent voters across the country are leaning toward voting for Republicans this fall over Democrat by a 10% margin.

Since March, “Independent

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registered voters have consistently preferred the Republican to the Democrat when asked which congressional candidate they would vote for in their District.”

Gallup interviews about 6,000 registered voters across the country each month. In June, 1,982 were independent registered voters.

“The preferences of these voters, as well as which independents turn out on Election Day, will have a major impact on the direction and magnitude of seat change in the midterm elections,” Gallup concluded.

Orie Melvin Facing Grand Jury Probe State Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin will be Councilman Bill

Green Room 599 City Hall P. 215.686.3420/21 F. 215.686.1930

State Rep.

ROBERT C. DONATUCCI 185th District 1809 Oregon Ave, Phila., PA 19145

215-468-1515

the subject of a new Allegheny Co. grand-jury investigation, the attorney for her sister and former administrative assistant charged in another case has revealed.

James DePasquale, who represents Janine Orie, said he learned the information two weeks ago.”It was my understanding the purpose of the grand jury was to look at Justice [Joan Orie] Melvin’s conduct,” he said.

Because of the detailed information contained in the grand-jury presentment returned for Janine Orie and another sister, State Sen. Jane Orie, DePasquale said he wasn’t surprised.

Janine and Jane Orie were charged in April. Jane Orie faces 10 counts, including theft of services, tampering with evidence, conspiracy and violating the State ethics act.

Janine Orie, who is on leave from her job as a chief administrative judicial assistant for Justice Melvin, is charged with conspiracy and theft of services. The charges

stem from allegedly using State employees and equipment to run Justice Orie Melvin’s political campaign and trying to hide evidence about that effort.

DePasquale said he hopes to have the charges against his client dismissed at next month’s preliminary hearing.

“I know defense attorneys say this all the time – that they don’t know why their clients were indicted, but the truth of the matter is, I don’t know why she was indicted,” DePasquale said. “I’m very confident, at this point, she’s going to be found not guilty.”

Sestak Pitches Cause Of Small Business US Senate candidate Joe Sestak is making a pitch to plant himself on the side of small business – and his rival Pat Toomey on the other side.

Sestak visited a Philadelphia small business that is leading the way in a new sustainable industry by convert-

ing grease into marketable biodiesel fuel. Despite its success, BlackGold Biofuels, and small firms like it across Pennsylvania, continue to face serious challenges because of misaligned tax policies that have placed small businesses at a disadvantage to big corporations.

To reverse these tax policies and support innovative and sustainable small businesses like BlackGold, Joe was elected Vice Chairman of the House Small Business Committee. He claims credit for several measures to aid this constituency.

It’s small businesses, which create more than 70% of jobs, that will lead Pennsylvania and the nation to a strong and sustainable economic recovery, said Sestak.

In contrast, Sestak charges Toomey favors corporations and their Wall Street backers above small businesses and their workers. Toomey has dismissed green-energy investment as “waste.”

State Rep.

William Keller 184th District

Constituent Service Office

1610 S. Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 (215) 952-3378

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215-271-9190

State Senator

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

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

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HIGH society turned out for Dell East’s reopening. around table from left are Bob Davis, Maya Burnett and Wanda Davis. Behind them are Warren Haskins, Maxwell Brown, Tumar Alexander and Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller.

State Representative

RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District 6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A

215-748-6712 STATE REP. JOHN

not only must the attorney not withdraw, he must take “reasonable remedial measures” to rectify the fraud, including notifying the court.

Because the lawyer has a duty to tell the court anyway, they should counsel their clients to come clean. After all, the court will find out one way or another. The “we can do this the easy way or the hard way” talk is not only appropriate, it’s mandatory. If, after being counseled to dis-

State Rep. Cherelle

Parker

SABATINA JR. 174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204

MARVELING at beautiful restoration was Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, right, as she chatted with Mr. & Mrs. Cain as summer twilight fell.

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

State Rep.

Frank Oliver

close the fraud, the client won’t come clean, then the bankruptcy lawyer must disclose the fraud to the bankruptcy court and should, of course, withdraw.

So even if the client’s cheatin’ heart won’t tell on him, his lawyer certainly must. Silently withdrawing from the case is not an option after the lawyer discovers the client’s fraud on the bankruptcy court.

Next week’s question: Can the entire reverse mortgage be paid off in Chapter 13 plan after death of debtor?

NEW DEMOCRAT Leader of 43rd Ward Emilio Vazquez is congratulated by City Commission Chair Margaret Tartaglione and Ward Leader Bill Dolbow.

Science Award Jewell Flames Out

STATE REP. Jim Roebuck receives American Chemical Society Award for Public Service. Presenting were Alan R. Heldon and Dr. Judith Summers-Gates of American Chemical Society.

Photo by Bonnie Squires

STATE SENATOR

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE

1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538 WEB SITE

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

www.senatorwashington.com

PROMOTING fire safety at public workshop in Tabernacle Baptist Church on Diamond Street in North Central, State Rep. Jewell Williams, center, joins team from Kidde Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher, which represents state of the art in home fire control.

The deadline to apply for Property Tax/Rent rebates has been extended to Dec. 31.

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 and older, people with disabilities 18 and older, and widows and widowers 50 and older. To obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000), related information, and to check the status of filed claims go online to www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or call 1-888-222-9190.

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PUSHING TO get their three bills through General Assembly are State Sens. Vincent Hughes and Christine Tartaglione. Bill would create more than 40,000 transitional jobs statewide for over two years.

The Public Record • July 8, 2010

AMONG civic leaders who helped pull toLONG-AWAITED restoration of Robin gether $5 million rehab of Dell Music Center Hood Dell was capped Tuesday by Mayor were, from right, State Rep. Ron Waters, Councilmen Curtis Jones, Jr. and Bill Michael Nutter and a host of dignitaries.

Green, and labor leader Sam Staten, Jr.,

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The Dell Is Back! Pushing Jobs 43rd Celebrates

Page 6 The Public Record • July 8, 2010

Sen. Williams Says, ‘Thanks For The Effort’ ENJOYING thank-you dinner sponsored by State Sen. Anthony Williams were State Sen. Tina Tartaglione, seated, and, from left, Ward Leader Bob Dellavella, City Chair Margaret Tartaglione and Ward Leader Carlos Matos.

STATE SEN. Michael Stack congratulates host State Sen. Anthony Williams on his excellent campaign for Governor.

UT O B A ASK ULL OUR F R A 30 YE TEE AN GUAR

LICE N INSU SED REGI RED STER FR ED ROO EE ESTIM FIN AT

INSIDERS enjoying Williams gala were Picard Losier, Marion Wimbush and Michael Horsey.

UNDERSHERIFF Connie Little and State Rep. Jewell Williams were among honored guests.

E RTIF S ICAT E

G CE

CITY WIDE SERVICE ALL TYPES OF

ROOFING 5

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• Residential • Commercial • Industrial 36ivtehrsary Ann

DAWN Chavous and Anthony’s mom share spotlight with State Sen. Anthony Williams and Mayor Michael Nutter.

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201

• New Roofs • Repairs • Hot Asphalt • Rubber & Modified Systems • Shingles • Slate & Tile • Skylights • Siding • Gutters & Downspouts

EMER GEN REPA CY I 24 HO RS UR A DAY S

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:

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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

Philadelphia’s Legendary Bell” offers an insight into the Liberty Bell’s rich and enduring legacy through 50 black and white images dating to its earliest years in an exhibit unveiled on Jul. 2 at Philadelphia International Airport. Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Deputy Mayor, Transportation and Utilities Rina Cutler, Airport CEO Mark Gale and City Representative and Wawa Welcome America Director Melanie Johnson helped dedicate the new exhibit in Terminal A-East, post-security as part of the City’s official Welcome America! festivities. The exhibit will be on display until June 2011.

“The Liberty Bell is America, it is Philadelphia and the Airport provides yet another excellent venue to proclaim that to all the world,” said the Mayor. “It is very fitting that this exhibit is dedicated as an official part of the City’s Welcome America festivities that are in full swing as we celebrate our nation’s birthday right here in Philadelphia.”

“The Exhibitions Program at the Airport continues to be an integral part of our customer service efforts,” said Cutler. “Exhibits such as this capture the attention and imagination of travelers and leave them with a positive impression of the Airport and the City.”

The Public Record • July 8, 2010

In what some historians believe was a gesture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn’s historical Charter of Privileges, the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751 purchased what would become known nearly a century later as the Liberty Bell and one of the world’s most cherished symbols of freedom and democracy. In the nearly 260 years since the Bell tolled for the first time in the steeple of what was then the State House and is now Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell sounded at the deaths of the nation’s earliest leaders and founding fathers, summoned the people to meetings and announcements concerning significant events in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, became the adopted symbol for abolitionists seeking an end to slavery in America, toured the country as a beacon of hope and healing in the PostCivil War era, and served as a beloved symbol to freedom fighters throughout the world.

“Picturing Liberty:

MAYOR Michael Nutter ins p e c t s photos at Liberty B e l l Legacy Exhibit unveiling i n Philadelphia International Airport.

Page 7

Liberty Bell Exhibit Unveiled At Airport

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PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT SINCE 1990

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

The Public Record • July 8, 2010

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority

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

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Page 10 The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 8, 2010

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The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 8, 2010

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The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 8, 2010

Page 14

YouTube combined.

In the spirit of the competition, Brady is inviting constituents to join his social network. “We’re in the midst of a new media revolution that allows for instant

access and feedback regarding the challenging issues we are facing. Hopefully, this competition will help to get people more engaged with government. And I believe the 1st Dist. can rally to-

gether so we can win this contest.”

Already an active member of Facebook and YouTube, last month the Congressman joined the Twitter generation by adding

Twitter to his social-media repertoire.

Brady says he welcomes new and innovative ways to interact with the people in his District. “I admit my first preference as an old-

school politician is to pick up the phone, but I am enjoying learning how to navigate the new media and expand how I communicate with voters and how they can communicate with me.”

The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 8, 2010

Congressman Bob Brady is taking part in a House Democrats New Media Competition between Members who are battling to see who can gain the largest following on Twitter, Facebook and

Page 15

Congressman Robert Brady In Twitter Match

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Page 16 The Public Record • July 8, 2010

Committee Of 70: Its Backers Fight The Sheriff (Second In A Series)

by Joe Shaheeli The Committee of 70 is among the better-funded nonprofits in this city. Once a

good-government workhorse devoted only to helping keep elections clean, it has since grown to become the propaganda force for those who

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stand to gain from reorganizing City government. Now it is focused on ending the existence of the City’s remaining three row offices. These are the offices of the City Commissioners, the Sheriff and the Register of Wills.

Nevertheless, “Seventy” relies on its old reputation for impartiality to engage voters, donors and media in its attempt to reach those goals. Its President, Zachary Stalberg, says over and over again, “We are looking for professionalism in government offices so they will run efficiently and with less favoritism.”

Yet the way it moves to seek its goal leaves a lot to be desired. It feeds a host of charges to the local press, regardless of merit, which deliver them to the general public as gospel. Its surrogates – individuals such as John Kromer, a former head of the Office of Housing & Community Development – feed the mill with clean-sounding pieces aimed at furthering 70’s goals. (More on Kromer in a later issue.)

Why is it whipping up voter

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sentiment through these methods?

Maybe a look at just who is in bed with the Committee of 70 may give the reader some insight into the answer.

The Committee of 70 raises the bulk of its donations at an annual breakfast fundraiser well attended by real-estate companies, banks and law firms with heavy real-estate practices.

Nearly seven out of every 10 contributors who attended the last breakfast fundraiser in November have financial ties to the local real-estate market, or provide professional or consulting services to the public sector.

The Committee of 70 touts its “independence” from special interests on its website and takes great pride in the fact it does not seek government funds.

Yet its take from the realestate sector raises questions, in a city where Sheriff sales have emerged as a major target for the local giants in that industry.

This has become evident with the forecast by commercial real-estate experts of a second huge wave of foreclosures and defaults which will now involve the commercial real-estate sector, including multifamily residential projects and signature buildings.

Without a Sheriff to keep

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bidders honest – with no way to ward off foreclosures except through a substitute entity set up under the control of a pliant City administration – it is evident heavy donors will benefit in the decision-making by that substitute authority. Hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake in this enormous field of financial play.

Citizens Bank, a Royal Bank of Scotland subsidiary, was among 70’s top contributors, and just one of five local banks listed as sponsors. Its parent company in 2008 admitted it was under investigation by the Securities & Exchange Commission for its role in the American subprime-loan crisis. RBS took a terrible dive in the mortgage bubble, sucking up a massive taxpayer bailout; it is now 84% owned by the British government.

A

Philadelphia subsidiary, Citizens Financial Group, has also been under investigation. In January of this year, a Philadelphia developer sued Citizens Bank for a whopping $8 billion, charging it had manufactured “sham accusations of default” in order to prop up its multinational parent, which was deep under water in 2009. Citizens Bank President and CEO Daniel K. Fitzpatrick serves as chair of the Committee of 70 Board of Directors.

John McKeever, Esq., a partner in DLA Piper, is one of two vice chairs. DLA Piper is a real-estate group with over 3,500 lawyers in 30 nations around the world. In 2008, it was the most-lucrative law firm in the United States, according to The Lawyer.

(Cont. Page 18)

Page 17 The Public Record • July 8, 2010

D O G

S S E L B

A C I R E M

A

ESSINGTON IMPOUND LOT 6801 ESSINGTON AVENUE

TIOGA IMPOUND LOT 3201 N. DELAWARE AVE.

ALL AUCTIONS START @ 12 NOON

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SWANSON IMPOUND LOT 2535 S. SWANSON ST.

Page 18 The Public Record • July 8, 2010

Big Business At Stake, ‘70’ Is Gunning For The Sheriff (Cont. From Page 16) Other financial donors included Wachovia/Wells Fargo and Countrywide, which have been cited by consumer-watchdog groups for troublesome racial disparities in the rates charged for their loans.

This heavy reliance on firms with financial interests in real estate raises ethical questions about 70’s campaign to shut down the Sheriff’s office.

Incumbent Sheriff John Green

has taken a hard line with banks and attorneys during the present foreclosure crisis. He has taken extraordinary steps to protect homeowners, drawing nationwide praise for his innovative programs.

Green, an activist African American Sheriff, has been on the frontlines of the crisis. In 2004 he established a Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Committee and charged it with making recommendations to

reduce Sheriff sales. The following year, Sheriff sales in Philadelphia fell 21%.

Twice, Green has postponed scheduled monthly sales of Sheriff-owned property in the city, pitying the challenges faced by constituents who were finding it difficult to get in contact with their mortgage companies to get loan-workout agreements or modifications.

Lenders and local law firms representing these companies opposed the Sheriff’s effort initially. But as a wave of foreclosures washed over Philadelphia, they eventually joined in the effort to save homes.

Despite this record, the Committee of 70 has again launched its campaign to have City Council eliminate the independently elected Sheriff. It has been beating the drums for this cause, stimulating articles and editorials calling for the

abolishment of his Office, which appear in local newspapers as though the fate of this branch of government is the only news that matters. Councilman Frank DiCicco has introduced a proposed amendment to the City Charter that, if approved by the voters, would eliminate this Office.

The Committee of 70 has scored a big one with that introduction. In Philadelphia, the overwhelming number of questions that appear on the ballot usually win by huge margins. It’s a fact most voters don’t even read the questions, but vote yes. The fight now goes to Council members who find themselves barraged with story after story, fact sheet after fact sheet, all orchestrated by Zachary Stalberg, with reasons why the Sheriff’s Office should be eliminated.

And what has the Sheriff’s

Marc Collazzo Gathers Big Republican Support WARD LEADERS Bill Pettigrew (23rd, 54th Wards), Tom Matkowski (65th Ward) and J. Matthew Wolfe (27th Ward) are united for Marc Collazzo. He’s challenging State Rep. Brendan Boyle for the 170th State House seat.

Photo by Nathan Shrader

REPUBLICAN State House candidate Marc Collazzo, right, shares a moment with 13th Dist.

Congressional hopeful Dee Adcock. Collazzo packed Miller’s Ale House on Boulevard.

Photo by Nathan Shrader

Office done to become the 70’s target?

The subprime-loan foreclosure crisis has devastated poor and minority neighborhoods, like to one in which Sheriff Green lives in. It has siphoned off wealth and capital from communities that didn’t have much of either to begin with.

At the same time, the crisis has created lucrative new profit centers for real-estate companies and loan firms.

Foreclosed properties taken back by lenders often are turned over to these companies to sell, often with tidy profits.

Foreclosures and defaults have proved to be a boon for some local law firms as well.

But it’s not just the homes of struggling working folks that have set Sheriff Green at odds with local developers and attorneys since the foreclosure crisis rocked the nation. Some developers who built high-rise luxury condos are now in trouble, as mortgage funding has dried up and consumer confidence and spending has fallen.

Some of them will default, providing opportunities for investors seeking high-end property at rock-bottom prices.

Some of the Big Boys saw tempting opportunities in this looming catastrophe.

Developers and attorneys recently asked the Sheriff to all them to bundle these high-end units into one sales package.

Instead of bringing 130 different condos to sale, they sought to create a single sale of 130 condos.

Green, who has campaigned on a platform of making Sheriff sales more open to local investors, average homebuyers and small-time builders – so more people could have a shot at purchasing properties – nixed that idea.

The Sheriff’s office, citing legal advice from its attorney,

told the bankers and lawyers (some of them contributors to the Committee of 70) they cannot package more than five condos together for one sale.

This is precisely where an elective office serves the citizenry best. An elected Sheriff owes his first duty to the people who elect him, even if they don’t have much money. His job includes shrewd management of big real-estate business – but in the public interest. He must balance the goal of maximizing revenues with the needs of ordinary Philadelphians.

This perspective isn’t always convenient for privatesector interests. Perhaps that’s why the Committee of 70 has been encouraged to keep throwing half-truths or untruths, indifferent to the law, at the Sheriff’s Office.

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a band called Lady). I was told her name was Kate Foust, so I checked her out on YouTube the next day. And there she was — performing at Theater of Living Arts and World Cafe Live (rock music), a stage in Tennessee (bluegrass music), even one video with an a cappella quartet. She has the whole package — great looks, great voice, great stage presence (and great at watering plants and getting your car parked).

What more can you want?

Just remember that when Kate Foust becomes a household name, you read it here first.

Cooperage opened Apr. 10. The name Cooperage, by the way, refers to the art of barrel making, which is relevant to the production of both whiskey and wine. “The concept of Cooperage is twofold,” explained Jen Kremer, co-owner and certified sommelier who hails originally from North Carolina.

“On one side, there’s the wine and whiskey bar. (There are 20 wines by the glass and

bottle, about 40 whiskeys from around the world and several locally produced beers.)

“The second side of Cooperage is the cafe, a to-go store with the same quality and ingredients at a faster pace and without the fuss.”

The cafe offers homemade breakfast pastries, bagels, sandwiches, salads, vegetarian and non-vegetarian soups, and gourmet coffees, teas and sodas. About 80 can be seated indoors and 24 outdoors.

Executive chef Ralph Kane (his nickname should be “Sugar”) previously cooked at Fork, Field House and Bistro 7, among other local restaurants, as well as the world-renowned Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.

His Southern bistro-style menu offers appetizers from $6 to $13 and entrees from $9 to $23, using ingredients purchased from local farmers.

With his Southern dishes like ‘gumbo ya ya’ (with chicken, andouille sausage, tomatoes and okra, $6), Cajun poached

Len Lear shrimp ($10) and chipotlebourbon barbecued wings with buttermilk blue cheese ($9), Kane definitely has his roux-tine down.

A pecan-crusted catfish entree with black-eyed pea ragout and sauteed spinach was a delightful marriage of textures and flavors, with the pecan pieces adding some punctuation to the mild fish ($17), and a special of lemon/nutmeg-scented gnocchi (don’t knock the gnocchi) with crabmeat and summer vegetables — peas, spinach and sundried tomatoes — in a white wine pancetta sauce, truly lived up to the word

“special” ($21).

Desserts are made inhouse. We had a pecan pie tartlet with black raspberry ice cream ($6) and bourbonspiked chocolate beignets with coffee ice cream ($6).

Both were creamy and dreamy, worthy of a fine New Orleans kitchen. Also a plus was the not-overly-loud background music, a nice mix of rock, soul and blues.

Another asset for Cooperage is server Chuck Bischof, who apparently likes his job so much that he insists, “This is the closest thing to not having a job.” Chuck was a history major in college, and he was probably hired as a server because all of the singers, dancers and actors were already taken by other restaurants.

Cooperage is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and for dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information or reservations, call (215) 226COOP or visit www.cooperagephilly.com

The Public Record • July 8, 2010

by Len Lear I thought maybe I needed a new eyeglass prescription when I checked out the website for the new restaurant called Cooperage: A Wine & Whiskey Bar, located in the Curtis Center, 7th & Sansom Streets. (I have seen its address listed in two local newspapers as 601 Walnut Street, but that’s not where it is. It’s a long story.)

The following words are on the website: “Complimentary valet parking is available every Friday and Saturday, beginning at 5:30 p.m.” Now I thought I would see a Jewish president of Saudi Arabia before I would see a Center City restaurant offering free valet parking on weekends, so we called the restaurant to see if my aging eyes were playing

tricks on me.

They were not.

I have seen valet parking signs in Center City in recent weeks hawking prices from $16 to $22, so I was willing to go to Cooperage for that reason alone. When we arrived at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jun. 26, a beautiful young lady with a ring in her nose, a hairdo from ancient Egypt and a million-dollar smile gave us a ticket for the car and ushered us inside.

This young lady was like the Energizer bunny; every time we looked up, she was rushing around doing one chore or another, such as watering plants outdoors, where customers were dining on a perfect early summer evening.

She logged more miles than a marathon runner.

When I asked later to take her photo, I was told she had left to go to Johnny Brenda’s, a club in Fishtown — not as a customer but as a singer (with

Page 19

Cooperage: great food, wine, whiskey and song

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Page 20 The Public Record • July 8, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com

It’s nice to write about something that has brought us all together. Northeast Philadelphia’s 170th House Dist. has a rising star in the local GOP who will hopefully have a bright future in the party. Congratulations to GOP State Rep candidate MARC COLLAZZO, who hosted a successful fundraiser. Collazzo is the first candidate to attempt to unseat freshman STATE REP. BRENDAN BOYLE. In attendance were new 65th WARD LEADER TOM MATKOWSKI, 57th Ward Committeeman MATT GABOR, Collazzo campaign staffer TOM HARARI and many others. Collazzo is making waves above Cottman while trying to unseat this incumbent, who appears to be an island in terms of his political base within his party.

Two important folks within the party have been quiet recently.

Does anybody know what AL SCHMIDT and GEORGE KENNEY are up to? Rumors were rampant months ago about both men running for Council at Large. Of late, those rumors seem to have faded. What are you guys up to? Could it have something to do with DAVID OH’S Facebook wall post: “Thanks to the many people who have reached out to me these past few months concerning my exploration of City Council AtLarge 2011.” While he did not answer the pressing question of whether or not he is running, it is a sure bet, with JACK KELLY’S rumored retirement, Oh will run. Whom will City Committee back? It’s become clearthey control GOP elections in this city. Kenney would be a formidable candidate, but his nearloss in his last two elections make his lock of the Northeast questionable at best. Another rumored candidate has been STATE REP. DENNY O’BRIEN, but he has yet to answer these rumors, despite running unopposed for reelection to the State House. With JOHN PERZEL preoccupied, could O’Brien begin to mend fences within the Party to propel him to City Hall?

This potential open seat will set up some matches for the ages.

Regular readers of this column know, over the years, I’ve singled out one murder here in Philadelphia as this year’s “Murder that made no damned sense.”

Before anyone starts yelling none of the murders that happen here make no damned sense, I know that. To me, any dispute that ends up with one person dead and another looking at spending the rest of their life in prison makes no damned sense.

But each year, there is at least one murder that makes me want to walk up and smack someone upside the head because of how ludicrous it was.

This year’s murder happened on Sunday, Jul. 4 after the fireworks and a Welcome America concert that went on far too long and held up the fireworks until about 11 p.m. A group of teens were coming back from the fireworks when shots began to ring out at the corner of 34th & Haverford Streets.

By the end of the shooting, three kids had been shot. One of them, Kyle Featherstone, 16, died from his injuries on Monday.

According to the article on the shooting in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kyle was a big fan of Cocoa Puffs and was looking forward to his Simon Gratz HS junior prom this upcoming school year.

The Inquirer story also said that Kyle probably wasn’t the intended target of the shooting.

Well, that ought to make his family, friends and loved ones feel so much better, shouldn’t it?

I was at the fireworks on Sunday night with my Significant Other. It was a peaceful night that included our usual visit to the Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream truck, a couple of cold sodas and bottled waters because it was a hot night, a smoking hot set from Philadelphia’s own The Roots, and the good vibes (Cont. Page 23)

SNOOPER’S “CLASS ACTS” FILES: If ever there was a CLASS ACT, in fact, one of the classiest, it was HON. RONALD MERRIWEAHER – JUDGE, Municipal Court.

Last week, this great human being, great gentleman, and great Judge passed away. JUDGE MERRIWEATHER was the epitome of what a CLASS ACT is about and he was an exceptional human being. JUDGE JAMES DeLEON and one of his good friends, JUDGE PETER ROGERS, stated, “Ronnie treated everybody the same. He didn’t care who you were, what you did. My friend always possessed a tremendous SMILE.” Yes, he would tell someone, who he released, “Come back in front of me and you had better have a TOOTHBRUSH and SHOES, because you will be going to JAIL. Just ask MAYOR W.WILSON GOODE about his great friend JUDGE MERRIWEATHER; he’ll tell you he was The Best.

SNOOPER SCOOPER: Last week, I stopped by a CHURCH’S CHICKEN place to get my wife some chicken (what else Chief?).

While in this store, one of their customers orders a couple of chicken meals for $18. He then hands the clerk a $100 bill and she promptly calls over the MANAGER to check it out. Yes, it turned out to be A COUNTERFEIT $100 BILL and all hell broke loose.

The customer tried in vain to grab it back, but this MANAGER was having none of it. She told him it was definitely a ‘phony bill’, and I could tell he knew it was a counterfeit. I then stepped up and told this scumbag, “Either leave now, or I call THE POLICE and trust me, you will be LOCKED UP!” He tells the clerk he didn’t know it was a counterfeit bill, and he’ll pay her with a $20 BILL; this one was good. This scumbag left so fast, really unbelievable!

BEWARE, The Police are still looking for both of them.

(Cont. Page 22)

Yo! Here we go again with this interesting story about gun laws. I offer this tale to the opponents of guns. Here is a new set of laws that could be put in place to control guns by having Congress enacting the following rules.

In order to get a gun, a person must have a consent notice signed by both of his/her parents and notarized within 10 days of their birth. They could not physically get a gun until they are on Social Security after the age of 65. They would have to go to a government agency to get the gun – accompanied by their parents, who must sign for the acquisition of the gun.

The gun must be registered and the proper certification must be carried at all times by the gun-owner. The new gun owner would be allowed to possess only one bullet – total.

The owner would not be allowed to carry the gun concealed, but must keep it in sight at all times. This is necessary to alert any nearby law-enforcement officials someone is carrying a gun, so they can keep them under strict observation.

Should the gun-owner use their gun in any threatening manner, such as pointing it at anyone, the gun would be immediately confiscated and there would be no way to own another gun.

This is in addition to the over 50,000 present gun laws. Would the anti-gun faction be satisfied with these new regulations?

Well, let’s review them. A baby is born and before he/she leaves the hospital, their parents sign a notarized consent notice. The potential new gun-owner waits the required 65 years to insure that he/she are adults and will not use the gun in an immature manner. He/she goes to the agency with his parents to buy the gun. They get the one bullet and required carry permit. As they are leaving the agency, a 15-year-old hood(Cont. Page 22)

Something interesting is stirring among our CITY COUNCIL. Rumors are abound regarding a budding romance in the corridors of City Hall, between a member of this prestigious body and an outsider that always seems to be hanging around.

Is it a coincidence? Work? Or is it play…?

STATE SEN. VINCENT HUGHES is our lucky winner this week. We know you’re working hard, Senator, we get your mail. And your email. And everything else you put out about your numerous events and activities. We also hear your lovely wife SHERYL LEE RALPH is about to hit it big with a new role that will finally give her the acknowledgment and the good material she’s long deserved. Oscar coming her way? Save a seat for me at the Academy Awards….

Our favorite GOVERNOR is in the ‘People Paper’ this week for … nothing. Not his hard work on the budget, not his fight for school funding. Not his many other accomplishments (too many to name) as Governor, Mayor, District Attorney, etc., etc., but for rumors that, really, everybody’s heard before, and no one seems to care about. Is it anybody’s business except his and JUDGE MIDGE RENDELL’S? I think not!

ANGEL CRUZ and CARLOS MATOS…. Can’t we all just get along? You all need to sit down somewhere and work out your differences! These ward fights and battles over the 180th House Dist. don’t help the community, and everybody knows it is a District in severe distress. Get it together, and now. BOB BRADY and the lovely COUNCILWOMAN MARIA QUINONES SANCHEZ, get in there and mediate!

What the heck is the problem, except power and control?

Everybody needs to check their ego at the door and get down (Cont. Page 22)

An interesting statistic about the Democratic Executive Committee members is the number of women. Of the 69 Democrats, 23 are women. PEG RZEPSKI in the 31st Ward appears, among all of the women, to have the most seniority as a ward leader.

She succeeded CONGRESSMAN JIMMY BYRNE’S assistant STATE SEN. JOE SMITH as ward leader and has served actively for more than 30 years. Close behind is the Chairwoman of the City Commissioners MARGARET TARTAGLIONE. She succeeded FRANK GORMAN of happy memory. She comes from an established Democratic family, with her daughter TINA TARTAGLIONE serving as one of Philadelphia’s State Senators. She in turn is followed very closely by COUNCILWOMAN JOAN KRAJEWSKI, who was elected to City Council in 1975 as part of the Rizzo administration. The President of City Council is ANNA VERNA. She succeeded her father BILL CIBOTTI of happy memory in City Council and CONGRESSMAN BILL BARRETT as ward leader.

All of these women have served the Democratic Party for 30 years or more as ward leaders.

When TONI INARILLI in the 53rd Ward (Oxford Circle) died (he was the former chief clerk at Traffic Court), he was succeeded by CHRISTINE SOLOMON. VIVIAN MILLER has been elected to four separate terms as the Clerk of Quarter Sessions Court and has served as ward leader in the 51st Ward for over 25 years.

A member of City Council for over 20 years and ward leader for over 25 years is JANNIE BLACKWELL, who succeeded her husband LUCIEN BLACKWELL of happy memory. Lucien was the head of the Longshoremen’s Union (Cont. Page 22)

Page 21

Our Opinion ...

Let’s Stick With Democracy

Jul. 9- Brian Sims’ EqualityPA House Party at Woody’s 202 S. 13th St., 6-10 p.m.

Suggested contributions $25$50-$100-$500. For info bsims557@yahoo.com.

Jul. 10- SMAA vs. Phila. Fire Dept. softball game at 33rd &

Letters • Letters • Letters Easy To See It’s O’Pake

Need Jackie Chan

school and community violence.

Hopefully, every school and community can have a Jackie Chan ironing out those concerns in building a better tomorrow!

As you know, in your Jun. 10 issue, the young man on the right in the photo sent to you by Bonnie Squires is not State Sen. Vincent Hughes but the Democratic Whip of the Senate, Michael A. O’Pake, who shared the peanut gallery with you when we were both in the House of Representatives! Remember?

Best regards.

State Sen. Mike O’Pake (ED. NOTE – Should have known. You haven’t changed much.)

After watching the 2010 remake of the Karate Kid, I could only reflect on many concerns occurring here in our Philadelphia schools and communities regarding immigrants moving to the Philadelphia area, starting public school, and having to deal with bullying and other negative youth-related concerns, including that of racism and ethnic and cultural differences. When unchecked, this eventually leads to youth-related

Although Phil Innamorato was elected Republican ward leader by a

Welsh at 12th & Washington Ave., site of the Levy Ink Explosion, 11 a.m.

Jul. 24- Tribute to Samuel Staten, Sr. at Convention Ctr., 12th & Arch Sts., reception 5:30 p.m., dinner 7 p.m.

For info DanabradyPR@ AOL.com.

Jul. 24- Brady Bunch at Keenan’s Irish Pub in Angelsea, N. Wildwood, N.J., 5 p.m.-???. Tickets available at door or Democratic City Committee.

Aug. 2- Vaird Foundation, a Police Dept. initiative, hosts fundraising golf outing and banquet at Spring Mill C.C. For info DanaBradyPR@aol. com or call (267) 757-0726.

Aug. 7- Sister Clara Muhammad School’s 1st annual Community Festival at Muhammad Park, 46th & Wyalusing Ave., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For info Wayne Rahman (267) 252-5547.

Aug. 14- State Rep. Ronald G. Waters hosts 2010 Village

Family Reunion and Festival at Frances Myers Rec Ctr., 58th & Kingsessing Ave., 128 p.m.. Enjoy and enter “So You Think You Got Talent” contest. Entry forms at www.pahouse.com/Waters.

For more information (215) 745-6712.

Aug. 29- Billy Meehan Clambake at Cannstatter VolksfestVerein, 9130 Academy Rd. Great food, top entertainment. Tickets $100. For info Republican City Committee

Greg Bucceroni, Coordinator Crime Victim Services Youth Violence & Crime Reduction Partnership

Stacked Deck

vote of 14-13, the contest committee decided a revote was necessary. The result of the 65th Ward revote, by a margin of 18-10, was in favor of Tom Matkowski.

There were a number of committeepersons who had voted for Innamorato in the first election who were not allowed to revote because they were not recognized as winning during the primary on May 18 since, as writeins, they won with fewer than 10 votes.

Elmer Money (215) 561-0690.

Sep. 20- Tri-State Labor & Management Council and City of Hope host Spirit of Life Awards to Larry Christenson and Ralph J. Teti, Esq. at Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing. 6 p.m. For info call Harry Giordano (800) 3448169.

Oct. 2- 50th anniversary of Phila. Council AFL-CIO at Sheraton City Ctr., 17th & Race Sts. Details in future issues.

www.phillyrecord.com

Diamond Sts., 2-6 p.m.

Jul. 10-11- Concilio presents Hispanic Fiesta at Penn’s Landing. For info Gillelmina Ortiz (215) 627-3100 Jul. 17- Lucretia Minitti announces 79th anniversary of Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catherine St., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $25 ($50 at door). For info and reservations (215) 829-0466.

Jul. 21- Memorial Plaque Dedication for Firefighters Robert Malley and John

The Public Record • July 8, 2010

Of late, self-styled “reformers” in Philadelphia have developed the odd conviction that elections are equivalent to corruption. For every flaw in our City’s creaky governmental machinery – and Lord knows it has its share – they come up with the same simple answer: Get the politics out of it. Insulate the people who make the decisions from the people the voters vote for.

Um … why is this a good idea again? How does it relate to the actual functioning of any given branch of government?

For sure, the quest for wealth and power can corrupt political decision-makers. However, admit it: Wealth and power are just as good at corrupting those of us who aren’t elected officials. Taking an elected Commissioner of Cats & Dogs, and making him an appointed Commissioner of Cats & Dogs, will do absolutely nothing to make him less corruptible.

In the end, appointed public officials are appointed by elected public officials. So political pressures remain. As long as we are a democracy, it is necessary that they remain.

But if we wind up, in this city, with only one big elected official – the Mayor – then it’s inevitable that really big money will work really hard to influence him; and his race will become so expensive, only really big money will matter to his campaign. Who wins and who loses then?

True government reform is a piecemeal process. It calls for detailed, task-specific study of the duties of each branch you would reform. This process doesn’t make for glib charges and snap answers, but it is the only right way to do “good government”.

What can citizens do? They can keep a sharp eye on every City official, whether elected or appointed. The more elected officials, the safer the voters are; at least they have a way to fire them directly.

Furthermore, a large pool of elected officials is a natural way to cultivate a training ground for public leadership. Philadelphia needs more leadership, not less.

Finally – citizens should cast a critical eye on those who would strip citizens of their power to vote, under the guise of “reform”. There’s an old Latin saw, cui bono – to whose good? Who gains from this move, especially when big bucks are at stake? Many a corruption, many an evil, was first sold to an unsuspecting public wrapped up in a pretty package of reform.

Page 22 The Public Record • July 8, 2010

Snooper (Cont. From Page 20) SNOOPER SIGHTING: Here I am, here at The Lawncrest Recreation Center, and I was hoping to see TERRY DEVLIN, one of the ‘big shots’ up here. No DEVLIN, so I decided to watch a baseball game between two teams of THE AMERICAN LEGION baseball program. Lo and behold, guess who one of

City Hall Sam (Cont. From Page 20) and served one term in Congress. He was defeated by BILL GRAY, who later resigned to become head of the United Negro Fund.

SHIRLEY GREGORY, DONNA REED MILLER and MARIAN TASCO have all served with distinction as ward leaders for over 25 years. Tasco and Miller are both members of City Council.

A 20-year-plus leader is

the COACHES just happened to be. Chief, it was none other than the former JURY SELECTION COMMISSIONER, and now a Common Pleas Court Judge, HON. ROGER GORDON. He really looked great in his American Legion uniform. In case you didn’t know, he was actually played for THE NEW YORK METS, and he still has the photos to prove it. Yes, his team won, and I might add they’re a great baseball team.

SNOOPER “UPDATE”: I was really flabbergasted to hear from THE VERDI FAMILY, as they thanked THE SOUTH PHILLY PUBLIC RECORD for an item I had in it concerning the passing of their son MICAEL VERDI, also known as “TRENT ACID”, Pro-Wrestler. His Mother ROSE MARY RUDOLPH, his Brother ROBERT RUDOLPH, JR., thank all of his friends, fellow WRESTLERS, and all of you too! “TRENT” really loved what he was doing and he did it well.

Thanks! UPDATE: The CZW plans to have a special show for him on Jul. 10 at The Arena.

SNOOPER’S (SPECIAL INTERVIEW): I was very interested in a RECENT POLL regarding the USE OF DRUGS by females. I went to K&A to find one of these females; I didn’t realize there were so many of them here. “JANE” (not her real name) consented to discuss this matter with me. She stated, “Yeah, it’s true, but there a very good reason why WE do it. My

boyfriend, who uses DRUGS too, got me ‘hooked’, and a few of my girlfriends have the same problem. Sure, there are plenty of us females who ‘do it’, but we have many reasons for doing it. I can tell you MALES are also the blame for what all us females who do use, not only DRUGS, but also ALCOHOL. What THE POLL told you is THE TRUTH.” Today “JANE” gets her money for DRUGS by ‘hooking’ on THE AVENUE! SNOOPER’S TRAVEL BU-

REAU: One of my ‘associates’ tells me he ran into Mr. BOB MANGAM, recently retired employee of The 1st Judicial Dist. He tells me Mr. Mangam was told about his Son KEITH MANGAM, who went to SOUTH AFRICA. His Son is a member of THE PEACE CORPS ands won’t be home for at least 12 MONTHS. His Dad is so proud of him as well as his Mom LINDA. He also told my associate he still misses all his friends too!

longtime Ward Leader from Southwest Philadelphia ANN BROWN. ROSITA YOUNGBLOOD in the 13th Ward has been a member of the State House for over 20 years and a ward leader for at least 25 years.

SHIRLEY KITCHEN is State Senator from the area around Temple University and has been a ward leader for over 10 years.

Ward leaders that have served more than 14 years include MABEL WINDHAM, HELEN FARRELL, DONNA AUMENT and

EILEEN TOMLIN. In the 8th Ward, STEPHANIE SINGER is a recent ward leader. She succeeded NORMAN BERSON, who at one time was the longest-serving ward leader on the Democratic side in the city. New ward leaders include CAROL JENKINS, who is from the 27th Ward in the area of the University of Pennsylvania. Also, MARCIA WILKOF is the ward leader from the area around Rittenhouse Square. BERNICE HILL recently took over the

63rd Ward. LORRAINE BEDNAREK succeeded her husband MARTY not long ago in the 64th Ward.

Citywide, the Democratic Executive Committee is still male-dominated. It is a credit to all of these women that they are able to succeed to leadership.

If you are asked what word keeps coming to mind would you run through the list of the women ward leaders, it’s “charming”. All are gifted speakers. Many, if not all, made themselves speakers and

were not born with silver tongues. Another word that keeps coming to mind is “durable”. Remarkably few of these women have retired.

Recent deaths are DOROTHY BRENNAN and CAROL ANN CAMPBELL and ANN MOSS.

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

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

Lucky Glenwood (Cont. From Page 20) to business. I’m starting to get sick of all of this infighting, and I’m not alone.

As much of a fan as we are of DA SETH WILLIAMS, we can’t help but question why he wouldn’t support measures to stop turning over immigration information of victims to Federal officials, especially when we know the threat of deportation can cause silence about violence to flourish. Seth, what are you thinking about … your duties as District Attorney, or your future in the White House?

It’s common sense that the immigration status of convicted felons should be passed along for deportation after the conclusion of the trial, and not the

status of victims, who may already be fearful of the system and police. It’s common sense – unless you’re adding your own political angle to the mix.

Waffleman (Cont. From Page 20) lum, seeing the gun in the new owner’s hand, decides to steal it, and promptly shoots and kills someone with the one bullet. Due to the criminal’s age, he is brought to juvenile court and given a suspended sentence.

The anti-gun faction, however, is highly incensed at this senseless killing. It demands there be stricter laws imposed on the ownership of a gun.

I say we punish the criminal, instead of punishing the lawful gun-owners with more laws.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA

www.phillyrecord.com

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 3, 2010. 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.

FEE BUDGET B-044 (C) of 2009/10 Electrical Contract Ethel Allen ES $230,000.00 $ 100.00 Fire Alarm 3200 West Lehigh Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on July 16, 2010 at 12:00 p.m.

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.

me. In fact, it saddens me a lot.

But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

It is summertime. It’s been hotter than usual the last few days. And this is the City of Brotherly Love and Put the Damned Gun Down.

Stands to reason that Sunday night went from people doing the right thing and enjoying themselves to Do The Right Thing, the Spike Lee Joint that detailed the tragedy that can sometimes befall folks when it’s too hot for logical thought and fighting becomes the Court of Last Resort.

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The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 8, 2010

(Cont. From Page 20) that come with being on blankets and lawn chairs with a few hundred thousand of your closest friends for a few hours.

This year, we even had beach balls to play with.

Everyone was having fun Sunday night. Most of us didn’t even mind that the Goo Goo Dolls seemed as if they would rather be anywhere else on Sun-

day night instead of the Welcome America stage. (But then again, they followed The Roots. I wouldn’t want to do that in Philadelphia either.) We didn’t even mind that someone on the other side of the Ben Franklin Parkway was making up their own fireworks display before the real one started.

So hearing that a kid who was part of Welcome America birthday party didn’t make it home because some jerkoff who had nothing better to do started shooting at folks as they made their way home from the fireworks saddens

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Out & About

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The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 8, 2010

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