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Vol. XIV. No. 4 (Issue 626)

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January 26, 2012

Lithuania May Link Us To China

by Tony West Something is going on in Lithuania which is a lot bigger than that small Eastern European nation. A handful of far-sighted trade experts are exploring if Philadelphia can become part of it too.

It’s a long way from Philadelphia to Lithuania by sea – 3,700 miles.

From there, it’s another 3,000 miles rail to the Chinese border.

PPA Orders Taxis by But that border is bursting with the explosive growth of the world’s secTo Convert For ond-biggest economy. And that total Wheelchairs mileage is only around one-third the See Story Page 2 distance from China to the Northeastern United States, as opposed to 18,000 if you take the eastward route by sea through the Panama Canal.

Why Lithuania? Because its Port of Klaipėda is far east up the Baltic Sea as a ship can get, and still find an icefree harbor. To serve this young port, NEW OVERLAND route from China leads straight to Lithuanian port of Klaipėda, a gatemassive European and Chinese invest- way to Europe and N. America. That rail line saves China thousands of miles, linking Chi(Cont. Page 2) nese exports to Eastern US ports like Phila.

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Page 2 The Public Record • January 26, 2012

China Exports Behind Lithuania Port Link

(Cont. From Page 1) ments have been pouring in for 20 years – with much more to come.

Can Philadelphia tap into some of that westbound business? The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority is working to make that happen.

Last week, the Republic of Lithuania and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding that promises to open Philadelphia ports to the European and Asian shipping trade via Klaipėda.

Lithuania’s Transport & Communications Minister Eligijus Masiulis led a delegation of that country’s leaders to meet with PRPA Chairman Charles G. Kopp and Executive Director James T. McDermott, Jr.; various Pennsylvania state and city officials; Leo A. Holt, president of Holt Logistics Corp., the organization that operates the PRPA’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal the Port of Philadelphia’s largest facility; and Robert Palaima, president of Delaware River Stevedores, Inc. and a Lithuanian American.

Together, they signed an MOU which pledges increased support for expanded trade between Philadelphia

and Klaipėda. The delegation also included Lithuanian Ambassador to the United States Žygimantas Pavilionis and Eugenijus Gentvilas, the director general of the Klaipėda Seaport.

The agreement came after extensive discussions between Lithuanian officials and the Port of Philadelphia, led by Krista Bard, US Consul of Lithuania; PRPA officials; and representatives of Holt Logistics.

“Today’s agreement is another step forward for the Port of Philadelphia,” said PRPA Kopp. “Under Gov. Corbett’s leadership, the PRPA is committed to revitalizing the Port, both through continued support of the River deepening project and through partnerships that expand trade opportunities with important port cities like Klaipėda.”

“We live in an increasingly interconnected world, and this agreement significantly improves the Port of Philadelphia’s ability to compete for the cargoes that mean jobs and opportunity for our region,” said Holt. “The Port of Klaipėda is a gateway to greater shipping and trade opportunities throughout Western Europe and Asia.”

Klaipėda is the thirdlargest city in Lithuania. As a

major-league port, it’s scarcely 20 years old. During this period, it was deepened from 25 feet to 45 feet. The port’s annual cargo-handling capacity is now up to 45 million tons.

With more to come…. A trial container train arrived in Lithuania from China just last fall. Rail shipping across Eurasia is still tricky because the gauges of the rails in China, Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet Union countries like Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus) are different. Lithuania is an eastern junction where the European rail network links to CIS rails.

So Lithuanians have become expert transshippers.

China is a now a world leader in rail technology and Chinese investors have dramatic plans to upgrade their rail links to Europe. Even on the existing rail lines, the trial shipment from China to Lithuania took only 12 days; it would have taken 30 days to ship the same containers by sea.

In East Coast shipping, all eyes are currently on the widening of the Panama Canal, which will double its capacity in 2014, unleashing a tide of large new freighters on our shores. But Lithuania will

open a back door to China as well. Holt wants to beat a path from that back door to Philadelphia.

An MOU is largely a symbolic gesture that does not, in itself, deliver any containers.

“But it is a powerful symbol,” Holt insisted. “It starts a sales conversation. We have identified a common thread between our two ports. If these ties are nurtured, an MOU can lead to great opportunities.”

All indicators predict Chinese trade with Europe and the USA will continue to boom in coming decades. Part of Klaipėda’s appeal as a port (like Philadelphia’s) is it has ample room for growth. A short distance up the coast, space has been reserved for a second port equal to Klaipėda in size. So international investors are building for tomorrow as well as today.

There already is a federally mandated partnership between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Republic of Lithuania, and this event marks another historic step in strengthening these ties.

Philadelphia was a major port of entry for Lithuanian immigrants 100 years ago and there is a strong Lithuanian American community in the Keystone State.

“We are honored to partner with the Commonwealth and the private sector to create new opportunities for expanded trade between these two vital port cities,” said Bard. “The Commonwealth, the PRPA, and the Holt family have worked hard to make this agreement possible, and we thank them for their outstanding support.”

The Port of Philadelphia’s marketers have been hustling in other places besides Lithuania during the recession and their work has paid off. With many national ports showing no gains and, some showing decreases in shipping, the Port has shown a solid 10% increase in cargo for 2011.

When 2011 year-end totals came in, McDermott reported the 3,993,616 metric tons of cargo handled at its waterfront facilities “marked a solid gain” when compared with the 3,628,312 tons of cargo handled in 2010.

Gains in both containerized cargoes and several non-containerized cargoes contributed to this gain. Cargo showed a 17% increase in 2010 over 2009, surpassing pre-recession levels.

Container cargo, moving through the Port of Philadelphia at the Packer Avenue (Cont. Page 4)

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

PPA Seeks Wheelchair-Accessible Cabs Noting the ever-escalating demand for taxi service from wheelchair-bound passengers, Philadelphia Parking Authority Executive Director Vince Fenerty announced his agency “has begun the process to require more than 300 taxicabs in Philadelphia to become wheelchair-accessible before the end of this year.”

Under the draft regulation issued for public comment, 300 taxicabs will be required to be wheelchair-accessible this year, and all taxicabs will be required to be wheelchairaccessible by Jan. 1, 2016.

According to Fenerty, “Attempts over the past several years to encourage taxicab owners to voluntarily

Vince Fenerty ...a handicap must provide accessible taxicab service have resulted in only three active wheelchair-accessible taxicabs in all of Philadelphia.”

“We can no longer wait for taxi companies to voluntarily step up and address the needs of our disabled individuals.

We must address the need for accessible taxicab service in Philadelphia now,” Fenerty said.

He noted, “Our draft regulation outlines the process for the eventual conversion of the entire taxi fleet in Philadelphia. That regulation will have to go through all of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s review procedures that apply to a Commonwealth agency,” Fenerty said.

Under the draft regulation, 300 medallion taxicabs would be selected through a lottery system. Those 300 medallions

could then only be attached to wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The lottery would occur this year. Also, 20% of the fleet of any non-medallion taxicab company would also have to be wheelchair-accessible this year. The vehicles used to provide wheelchairaccessible service will need to comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to Deborah Sinni, whose husband was confined to a wheelchair for 10 years until his death “SEPTA does not have enough wheelchair-accessible stations. SEPTA Connect is so overscheduled that wheelchair customers are time-lim-

ited on usage. Also, if you cannot afford to either purchase a wheelchair van or rent a wheelchair van at over $110 per day, then as a wheelchair patient your mobility is dismal.

“With wheelchair-accessible taxicabs, especially if the cabs go with rear entry, any wheelchair or scooter can be accommodated any time, day or night, simply by hailing a cab. How normal! Disabled people can now freely go to theater district, enjoy the Philly night life, etc.

“Remember, we have a lot of scooter-bound patients due to cardiac and respiratory problems. Often scooter patients are ignored.”

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ordinating their activities with candidates.

Since then, pressure is building for Congress to eliminate the loopholes that have permitted the creation of Super PACs. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten “The effects of Citizens United are corroding our democracy and giving powerful corporations a disproportionate amount of influence in our elections. Big corporations are using their record profits to try to silence the voices of Americans who work hard every day teaching our children, healing our sick and serving our communities.

“Instead of working to create jobs and build a better future for our children, big corporate donors are hiding their identity while they flood the system with hundreds of millions of dollars in an effort to pass an extreme agenda that will gut the salary, health care and pensions of workers. They are siphoning more money out of our classrooms and communities and into the pockets of those who don’t need it.

“It’s time to restore balance and guarantee that the teacher in Cleveland has the same voice in our democracy as the CEO on Wall Street.”

The top Super PAC spender was “Restore Our Future”, which spent over $4 million attacking Newt Gingrich in Iowa. Restore Our Future reported raising over $12 million in the first six months of 2011; Councilman Bill

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it is apparently the best-funded of the new breed of PACs, and has received a few seven-figure donations. Another is Citizens for a Working America Inc., which worked for Romney’s Iowa eight-vote victory that turned into a 34-vote loss.

The Super PACs are not united. They are split over the leading Republican contenders for President. Former Senator from Pennsylvania Rick Santorum got a last-minute boost of $631,000 in supportive spending by outside groups.

“Priorities USA”, a Super PAC supporting President Obama, was also active, spending a little more than $306,000 on advertising opposing Romney.

Pennsylvania State Treasurer Rob McCord is urging the US Securities & Exchange Commission to act in the interests of the public and investors by drafting new regulations that would shed light on corporate political spending.

“As an institutional investor and, more importantly, the fiduciary of public funds, we have an obligation to ensure tax dollars invested in publicly traded corporations generate positive returns for the Commonwealth and are not spent on political campaigns,” said Treasurer McCord.

PennEnvironment, a non profit received a big boost from Congressman Bob Brady (DPhila.) as it seeks to gain support for the new clean-car standards proposed by the Obama administration.

According to its analysis, the standards will save the average Pennsylvania family $200 at the gas pump in 2030, according to an analysis outlined by PennEnvironment.

The analysis comes as the Environmental Protection Agency is in the midst of a public-comment period on the new proposed clean-car standards.

The analysis also found the new proposed standards for cars and light trucks in model years 2017-2025 would in 2030 save Pennsylvanians $991 million annually at the pump, cut oil use in the state by 701 million gallons, and reduce global warming pollution by 8.29 million metric tons.

“Clean cars are a win-win for Pennsylvania’s economy and our environment,” said Macy Zander of PennEnvironment. “By moving ahead with the strongest-possible clean-car standards, the Obama administration is poised to help move our country away from oil, save Pennsylvanians money at the gas pump, and cut dangerous carbon pollution.”

Brady said, “I strongly support the President’s leadership

State Sen. Shirley M.

Kitchen

City Hall P. 215.686.3420/21 F. 215.686.1930

A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE

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Larry Farnese

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First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121

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Schaer Toddy law firm, opened one of the first public electric-vehicle charging stations on the East Coast.

He discussed his incentives for his entrepreneurship with charging stations and the role electric vehicles play in cutting our dependence on oil. “The development of electric vehicles replacing oil-driven vehicles is part of the alternate-energy revolution,” commented Baum.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has created an insurance program called the PA FAIR CARE program. It helps Pennsylvanians with pre-existing health conditions. Many Pennsylvanians with pre-existing health conditions may find private health insurance plans to be unaffordable. The PA FAIR CARE program is subsidized with money from the federal government to make health insurance more affordable for people with pre-existing conditions. For more information or to submit an enrollment application, please call toll-free 1-888-767-7015 or visit www.pafaircare.com 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

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R EPRESENTATIVE

in working with labor, business and environmental activists to move toward an end to our dangerous oil dependence. The time to act is now. This is the single largest step our country has ever taken to deal with global warming, while reducing our addiction to oil and saving money at the gas pump.”

Norman Zarwin, chairman and a founder of U-GO Stations, Inc and chairman of Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

Together, 12 Super PACs spent $13 million to denigrate Republican candidates vying for their party’s Presidential nomination in the Iowa campaign to woo less than a couple hundred thousand voters. The millions spent in South Caroline and now being spent in Florida will surpass by far the millions spent in the first primary state.

The Center for Public Integrity reported this analysis of Federal Election Commission campaign filings.

Because of the existence of Super PACs and their spending prowess, the 2012 election will be the most-expensive and least-transparent presidential campaign of the modern era.

Super PACs can now accept unlimited donations from corporations and wealthy individuals. And they know how to spend! They love television ads and know how to fund getout-the-vote groups.

Voters around the country going to primaries aren’t getting a sense of who is behind the political television ads with which they will be deluged. If interested, they can look up campaign-finance reports after it’s all over.

Federal court decisions in 2010 made it possible for individuals, corporations and labor unions to give unlimited contributions to political organizations (super PACs) and certain types of nonprofits, which can then spend the money to elect or defeat candidates. These groups are prohibited from co-

Page 3

What Is A Super PAC? Brady Pushes Clean Cars

Page 4 The Public Record • January 26, 2012

Port Cargo Keeps Increasing

TWIN PORT heads James McDermott, Jr. of Phila. and Eugenijus Gentvilas of Klaipėda sign Memorandum of Understanding linking their harbors in trade.

(Cont. From Page 4) Marine Terminal and the Tioga Marine Terminal, recorded 2,028,011 metric tons handled in 2011 compared to the 1,860,097 tons handled in 2010.

Many of the Port’s regularly-handled breakbulk cargoes (all non-containerized cargoes except automobiles and liquid-bulk cargoes) also saw big gains in 2011. These included forest products

(432,270 metric tons, an 11% gain); cocoa beans (111,773 tons handled, a 15% gain); and project cargo (41,996 tons, an almost 4% gain).

Steel (167,353 tons) and fruit (290,146 tons) performed at about 2010 levels last year.

The Port’s cocoa-handling center at Pier 84 handled a record cargo of cocoa beans (19,328 metric tons) in early January, and forest-products carrier Spliethoff Line will re-

turn to the Port later this month, regularly delivering high-quality paper and other goods to the Port’s Forest Products Distribution Center at Piers 78/80 and 74.

The biggest highlight among the Port of Philadelphia’s 2011 non-containerized cargoes was undoubtedly automobiles, due to continuous growth in the Port’s Hyundai and Kia automobile business.

(Cont. Page 6)

PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT SINCE 1990

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority Moving Forward! ...as we continue to deepen the Delaware River’s main shipping channel to 45 feet.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Seeking new business opportunities, new cargo, and the jobs that go with it...

Charles G. Kopp, Chairman James T. McDermott, Jr., Executive Director

Robert C. Blackburn

Senior Deputy Executive Director

John F. Dempsey

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

the Port of Philadelphia, where, together with State Sen. Michael Stack (D-Northeast) and Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.), he’s kept dredging on the front burner and is responsible for the Port’s receiving its coveted “Military Strategic” designation by the Defense Dept.

Stack, in the meantime, invited several Senators to visit the city, hosting them for dinner.

Ortiz Pushed Latin Agenda On Hill Of interest, but not noticed during the redistricting conferences in Harrisburg, was the continued presence of former Councilman at Large Angel Ortiz, who is proud of the fact he helped convince Republican legislators to draw at least two districts with large Latino votes. He operated under the organization label of Latino Alliance, a nonprofit he founded.

Ortiz continues his political activity as he was seen at the home of former State Rep. Ben Ramos, who held a party for key supporters as he seeks the Democrat primary in the 197th.

That seat may see Ramos battling another of Sheriff Jewell Williams’ children for the seat as well as possibly another Latino.

Ben Ramos kicked off a bid for the open 197th Legislative seat at Tierra Colombiana restaurant in North

Philadelphia.

GOP Tempest Should Remain In Teapot Philadelphia’s lone GOP legislator John Taylor, who has long been a household word in the 177th Dist., has become the guy to go to between the factions dividing the Republicans in the City.

He’s also become the conduit to the Republican leadership in Harrisburg and often finds himself in contact with Mayor Michael Nutter and other City leaders.

He reports some caucus endorsement meetings have shown unanimity as the caucuses accommodated candidates from all sides.

He feels, with all the enthusiasm shown, “It’s time for the Republicans to run challenges in every legislative seat, no matter the odds.”

His message to the city’s Republican factions is “concentrate on making a presence in the primary and general election, rather than throwing around allegations.”

McColgan Available If Called To Serve GOP Council at-Large candidate Joe McColgan apprised the Public Record its “Elephant Corner” column of Jan. 19, “falsely states I

have withdrawn my name from consideration for the position of Chairman of the Republican City Committee if, in fact, that position becomes vacant.

“For clarification, I received the attached invitation on Tuesday (Jan. 17) afternoon and responded that night my unavailability to participate in this event was due to a prior commitment.

At no time did I state I was ‘withdrawing’ my name from consideration for the position in question.

“Having had conversations with many ward leaders, I am humbled by their support and encouragement.

My desire to remain engaged after the City Council atLarge race is strong and my sole intention in a Republican City Committee reorganization is to lead – to change the discourse and win elections!

“Any questions, feel free to reach out. Be well. McColgan Joseph M. McColgan (215) 514-2742 or Joe_McColgan@verizon.net.”

The column did not, in fact, state McColgan had withdrawn from consideration for City Committee chair, but merely for a debate between candidates.

That debate itself has since

been canceled.

Senator Kitchen Begins Reelection Campaign State Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen (D-N. Phila.) will kick off her reelection campaign for the 3rd Dist. today at 2 p.m. at her campaign headquarters, 310 W. Chelten Avenue.

Notwithstanding her popularity in the district, Kitchen believes, “It is not too early to begin the campaign, particularly since we have an early primary on Apr. 24.”

The Senator added, “The 3rd Senatorial Dist. is large, it’s diverse and it touches

many of the treasured communities that make up Philadelphia. The district includes North Central Philadelphia, Nicetown, Tioga, Logan, Lower Germantown, Olney, Fox Chase, Lawndale, Crescentville, Lawncrest, Roxborough, E. Oak Lane and Melrose Park Garden, encompassing some 252,000 residents.

“Opening this office on Chelten Avenue will enable supporters from the Northwest section of the city easy access to my campaign. In fact, transportation via (Cont. Page 25)

The Public Record • January 26, 2012,

by Joe Shaheeli The Public Record is constantly fielding queries from potential candidates which are neither plausible nor probable and just don’t make sense.

Most susceptible are the neophytes – those contemplating legislative or senatorial races for the first time.

Our advice to them is to worry about their petitions, to make sure they have their campaign committee registered, to fill out their petitions properly, to avoid ditto marks on those petitions and to get them to Harrisburg on time.

There is nothing worse for a potential campaign than to have a lady or man sitting at the filing desk, leafing through your petitions and invalidating them for mistakes you and your team have made on those petitions.

Smart candidates know to make sure their notaries see the individuals turning in the petitions and witness their signatures. Smart candidates also know their petitions, should they have primary competition, will be subject to intense scrutiny.

While we are getting rumors out of the way, the most ludicrous we heard is State Rep. Bill Keller (D-S. Phila.) was planning to retire. He laughed as loud as we did and tells us, “I’ve got too many things on my plate to think of retiring.”

We know that is true because of his vital presence in

Page 5

Challengers Should Ignore Rumors

Fundraiser For State Representative

Rosita Youngblood Fish Or Chicken Fry Friday, January 27, 2012 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM at

Lou & Choo’s Lounge 2101 W. Hunting Park Ave. Philadelphia, PA Donation....... $10.00

STATE SENATOR

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE

STATE REP. JOHN

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

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

WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com

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

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee

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

State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 Always Hard Working .. . for You!

Senator Tina

Tartaglione 2nd Dist.

127 W. Susquehanna Ave. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124

215-291-4653

215-533-0440

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

State Rep. Cherelle

Page 6 The Public Record • January 26, 2012

China’s Export Strategy May Be Big Boon For Port (Cont From Page 4) Ports compete fiercely with each other. For Philadelphia to build trade with Klaipėda or any other new port, says Holt, it must provide “high productivity at a reasonable cost and with a high ‘touch’ factor – the ability to adapt to individual shippers’ needs.”

All these prospects for growth depend on completing the Delaware River channeldeepening project on sched-

ule. If the ships that sail from Klaipėda have a 45-foot draft, they’ll need to berth the same 45 feet when they get to the Northeast. This work can be completed by 2014, but it must get continued federal funding in a timely manner. If new traffic from China is allowed to settle in at Baltimore or New York instead, it will be much harder for Philadelphia to bid for its fair share in the decades to come.

HOLT LOGISTICS President Leo Holt, at head of table, organized trade exchange that led to historic agreement between Phila. and major Lithuanian port.

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Page 7

Our Opinion ...

Open The Door, Please

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

The City of Philadelphia is sending investigators around to gather statistics to evaluate how much more our new assessments will be. So brace yourself; although we don’t blame you for not opening your doors as you see strange faces approach, you do need to let these workers in.

But we ask you to open the door more gladly to your neighborhood politician, better known as your committeeperson, as he or she comes around to get legitimate signatures on petitions for State Representative and senatorial candidates.

Starting last Tuesday and going through to Feb. 14, they need to gather more than the required signatures for those offices. So far, they’ve been blessed by the weather. So don’t hesitate to add yours.

Supreme Court Should Have.... handed down its decision on challenges to the new redistricting lines within hours after hearing the many challenges. As of press time, they hadn’t. But we see no other course for them to throw out the challenges. Otherwise, to accede to them would create chaos in the election calendar, and literally force a change in the primary date to a later one.

Registration Commission Election and Finance Document Specialist Tim Dowling advised us the redistricting changes have affected 911 of the city’s 1,687 election districts (which we all know as divisions). His office has worked yeomanly to bring those up to date so street lists, maps, etc. as well as the election binders are in synch with the redistricting-ordered changes.

The Supreme Court should know this, as well as the fact a good majority of Republican and Democrat members in the General Assembly voted to pass the Commission’s recommendations.

We trust they will have affirmed the new districts by the time you read this.

Our Opinion

Save The Schools

But there it was: St. Laurentius in Fishtown, St. George in Port Richmond and Pope John Paul II in Bridesburg. Our Lady of Consolation, Our Lady of Ransom and St. Hubert’s High School – all closed.

Of course, the documents read “combined,” but the reality is they will be closed.

So what should we do?

First, there is going to be an appeals process. Thus far these closings are “recommendations.” They will be accepted by the Archbishop unless there is an appeal.

In his statement describing the appeals process, Archbishop Chaput clearly stated the appeal must articulate why the commission is wrong in its basis for the recommendations. In other words, a school community needs to show why they feel there is

Mark Your Calendar Jan. 27- 8th Dist. Councilwoman Cindy Bass and staff will host Coffee Meet with residents at Jim & Rita’s Fine Cuisine, 4938 N. Broad St., 8-10 a.m.

Jan. 27- State Rep. Rosita Youngblood holds Fish or Chicken Fry at Lou & Choo’s, 2101 W. Hunting Pk. Ave., 59 p.m. Tickets $10.

Feb. 4- Green Night Out features Prof. Eileen Appelbaum to discuss “Paid Sick Leave & Paid Sick Days” at Singapore Restaurant, 1006 Race St., 7 p.m. Space is limited, so RSVP Green Party (215) 2437103.

Feb. 8- Judge Angelo Foglietta is sworn in at City Hall Rm. 653, 4:00 p.m. Recpetion follows at Law Library.

Feb. 9- Steve Aldrich of IBEW Local 269 invites all to reception for State Rep. Tina Davis at Bailey’s Bar & Grille, 6922 Bristol Emilie Rd., Levittown, Pa. Host

$1,000, Patron $500, Friend. $250, Supporter, $50. RSVP Seth Skversky (215) 5501186.

Feb. 10- Fundraiser for cancer survivor Vicki Cummings at SmokeEaters Pub, 7681 Frankford Ave., 7-10 p.m.

Donation $35. If you cannot make event, donation to “Friends of Vicki Cummings” c/o The Lucas Family, 3128 Cottman Ave., Phila., PA 19149. For info Friendsofvickicummings@yahoo.com.

Feb. 10- Arthur Green presents 14th Ward Pre-Valentine’s Day Cabaret at Barber’s Ha., Broad & Oxford Sts., 9 p.m.-??? Donation $10. For info Arthur Green (267) 9867948.

Feb. 10-12- Penna. Progressive Summit at Convention Ctr., Broad & Arch Sts. Variety of registration fees, $50$150.

For info paprogressivesummit.org.

Feb. 13- Fundraiser for State Rep candidate Al Simpson at Breen’s Pub, Huntingdon Pk., 6-9 p.m. Ticket, $35, sold at door.

Feb. 21- Alliance Française

de Philadelphie Mardi Gras celebration at Restaurant School, 4207 Walnut St., 6:30 p.m. Roaring ’20s theme, prize for best costume. Tickets $60. For info (215) 735-5283.

Feb. 23- State Rep. James Roebuck celebrates Birthday Party at Warmdaddy’s, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd., 5:30-8 p.m. Jazz, food. Friend $125, Sponsor $250, Benefactor $500. RSVP (215) 382-1268.

Feb. 25- Mothers in Charge holds Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s, 9141 Roosevelt Blvd., 8-10 a.m. Donation $10, $5 for kids under 11. For info (215) 228-1718.

Mar. 12- Cocktail Event for State Rep. Tina Davis at Zia’s at Red Door, 110 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg, Pa. Tickets $50, $100, $500 and $1,000. For info Seth Skversky (215) 5501186.

Mar. 17- State Rep. Mark Cohen , NAACP and AARP host Health Fair at Zion Baptist Ch., 3600 N. Broad St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Screenings, workshops, pharmacist’s advice and more. For info Lenise Miller (267) 582-9489.

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by State Rep. John Taylor As I waited for the Archdiocese briefing on the Faith in the Future Plan to begin, which occurred just a few hours prior to the official announcement, I glanced down at the packet of information that was handed out as you entered the room. Someone next to me said, “This is the only paper you really need.”

It was the list of the affected schools.

As I looked at the list, I was shocked at what I saw.

While I expected massive closings throughout the Archdiocese, I somehow thought our neighborhood would be spared because we already endured recent closings and mergers which left us with only five grammar schools and without North Catholic.

Surely, they would not do this to us again.

long-term viability for that school.

File an appeal if the commission is wrong in its conclusions. I would like to help in this regard in any way I can. If there are meetings among parents, teachers, pastors and/or administrators, please let me know and I will be glad to participate.

I don’t want to pretend any of this will be easy. It will not. But it may be worth a try.

In addition, for details about the plan and to get questions answered, please go to www.faithinthefuture.com. If your questions are not answered after consulting the site, please call any of my offices and we will get you answers.

This is all a sad development for our neighborhoods and our church. Many of us have already been through the pain and inconvenience of school closings and the transition that follows. If I can help in any way, please feel free to contact me at (215) 425-0901, (215) 744-3009 or (215)-744-2600.

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Uptown Theatre Renovation Should Spark North Philly

RENOVATIONS beginning now at Uptown Theatre seen sparking more N. Broad Street renovations.

Photo: Gabriel Gottlieb

by Blogger Gabriel Gottlieb The famed Uptown Theatre, a landmark theater on N. Broad Street that had entertained generations of Philadelphians and launched many musicians and singers to stardom, has finally started its long-awaited renovation.

The renovation is being

spearheaded by the Uptown Entertainment & Development Corp., which owns the theatre and runs several youth arts and educational programs.

The first phase of the project is to renovate the multistory building in the front of the theatre, above the entrance and historic marquee on Broad Street, into an educational and

community center for those youth (and some adult) educational and arts programs.

Funding, from government sources and private fundraising is in place for that phase, while the UEDC is still raising money to renovate the large, historic auditorium for modern entertainment uses.

The UEDC had also lit up the famous letters over the old marquee, during the holiday season, to draw attention to the renovation efforts.

The Uptown Theatre first opened in the 1920s as an art deco “movie palace” for Warner Brothers. From the 1950s through the 1970s, it was a musical venue and was the location for R & B, Blues singers, and Motown acts. In the ’70s, it also became a place for many Philadelphia singers and bands to perform

and get noticed.

The list of performers included James Brown, The Supremes, Patti LaBelle, The Jackson 5, The O’Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Marvin Gaye, and Hall & Oates. The theatre closed in 1983 and had been used intermittently as a church until 2003.

If you are interested in buying or selling an investment property or home along, or near, N. Broad Street, feel free to contact me at gabriel@thecondoshops.com or sign onto my Facebook page, Gabriel G. Philly Realtor, or follow my twitter page @GabrielGPhilaRE. And check out our Condo Shop website, www.thecondoshops.com, sign onto our Condo Shop Facebook page, The Condo Shop, or follow our new twitter page, @The_Condo_Shop.

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PFT President Jerry Jordan Reelected To New Term President Jerry T. Jordan will serve another four-year term at the helm of the state’s largest school-employee union, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, after running unopposed for President.

It is only the second time in the union’s 47-year history that a standing president has run unopposed.

Also elected was Jordan’s slate, the CB (Collective Bargaining) Team, for PFT Executive Board as well as delegates for the 2012 American Federation of Teachers’ biennial convention and the 2013 AFT Pennsylvania state convention.

“I am honored to have the privilege to serve our dedicated teachers and support staff who give so much to our students every day,” Jordan said. “This is an extraordinarily challenging time for Philadelphia educators, parents and students, but I will never stop advocating for teachers and staff to have the resources they need to ensure that students have the opportunity to get a good education.

“Too often, the remedies to School District budget prob-

lems target students, public schools, teachers and staff disproportionately,” Jordan added.

“You can’t provide a 21st-century education by stripping schools of every last resource.”

Jordan has been president of the PFT since 2007.

His new term begins Jul. 1.

Jordan joined the School District of Philadelphia as a Spanish language and English as a Second Language teacher in 1976.

He joined the union that year and served as a PFT building representative, legislative representative on the Executive Board, a PFT staff representative, a special assistant to the PFT President and general VP. He has been a member of the PFT Negotiating Team since 1992 and chief negotiator since 2000.

Jordan was elected at an Executive Board meeting Monday night when PFT Secretary Freda Sydnor-Joell cast a single ballot on behalf of Jordan and his slate, as specified in the PFT Constitution. The new PFT officers, Executive Board Members and delegates are listed on the PFT’s website, www.pft.org.

determine whether you are disabled. It takes on average from 90 to 120 days after you apply before the BDD issues a decision concerning your application.

You need to be sure to provide to BDD a complete and accurate list of your medical providers and any medications you are taking. Keep in mind the BDD must consider the combination of all your impairments – physical and mental – in deciding whether you are disabled.

Medics Are Firefighters Again, Court States Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court “Reversed” a September 2011 decision by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board that Philadelphia Medics aren’t firefighters and could not bargain a new contract under PA Act 111 provisions.

“This is a great decision that restores our brother and sister life-savers to the full union where they have been for years,” stated Fire Fighters Union Local 22 President Bill Gault.

“We work out of the same fire stations. We have the same life-saving goals. We are and always have been a team in every sense of the word,” added Gault.

The Medics were stripped from Local 22 and their Act 111 rights by the Nutter Ad-

SEPTA Offers Real-Time News SEPTA has launched a new online tool that gives riders real-time updates for all modes of travel in one place.

Called ‘System Status‘, it offers a complete view of the SEPTA system with just the click of a mouse or touch of a screen. In one neat snapshot,

you can see the status of all bus and trolley routes and rail lines.

This new feature is available on SEPTA’s Website at http://www.septa.org/realtime/status/systemstatus.shtml.

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monwealth Court restores the Medics to the Local 22 fraternity and re-enfranchises their rights under the law.

“Maybe this Administration will heed the message from yesterday’s PICA study: Stop fighting and appealing any and every action that benefits medics and firefighters. Stop morale-sinking pettiness in the name of fairness and doing what’s right,” concluded Gault.

The Judge writing the decision, Dan Pellegrini, concluded the Court’s decision by writing, “Accordingly, I would vacate the order of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.”

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ministration in a move Gault called “vindictive.”

The story began when a handful of medics sued the City for overtime pay in 2003. Eventually, the medics prevailed and won their case and back overtime pay. The City used that precedent to seek to separate the medics from the firefighters and make their lives and ability to protect their collectivebargaining rights more difficult.

The Nutter Administration used that decision as a wedge to separate medics from firefighters and from their union.

This decision by the Com-

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

by Michael P. Boyle, Esq. Once you file an application for disability or SSI benefits, your case is assigned to a disability claims adjudicator. DCAs work for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Disability Determination.

That’s correct – the Social Security Administration contracts with each State to determine initially whether to grant an application. The BDD is responsible for obtaining copies of your medical records. You will need to complete a Disability Report-Adult.

In the Report, you will list the names and addresses of all of your treating doctors, any hospitals to which your were admitted or went for emergency services, the medicines you are taking, the names of your employers and the job duties that you performed, information about your education, and the like.

You may also be asked to complete a Function Report in which you list how your injuries and impairments limit your ability to perform routine activities of daily living such as washing and dressing yourself, meal preparation, laundry, food shopping, and such.

BDD may ask you to attend a consultative examination with a doctor or psychologist of its choosing. After receiving copies of your medical records, your DCA will consult with a doctor or psychologist hired by BDD to

sisted person in return for the payment of money or other valuable consideration, or who is a bankruptcy-petition preparer under Section 110. Persons who fail to disclose this status are subject to penalties that could include payment of damages and attorney fees.

In Milavetz vs. United States, the Supreme Court of the United States was asked to decide whether bankruptcy lawyers had to comply with the requirement to call themselves a debt-relief agency.

The Court ruled in a unani-

Page 9

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: What is a debtrelief agency in bankruptcyreform law?

Answer: The term debt “relief agency” appears in a legal context for the first time in bankruptcy law in the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 [The Act]. Section 101(12A) defines the term “debt-relief agency” to be any person who provides any bankruptcy assistance to an as-

mous 9-0 decision that the debt-relief agency provisions of the bankruptcy reform act applied to lawyers.

Although the phrase contains the word agency, the definition clearly refers to any person. You may see and hear media advertisements such as newspaper ads, radio spots, or internet ads where a person refers to oneself as an agency.

While that appears to be grammatically incorrect, it is in keeping with the legal definition set forth in the new bankruptcy-reform law.

An important note: The same section excludes certain types of persons or organizations from being a debt-relief agency, including officers, directors, employees or agents.

Also excluded are certain creditors, nonprofit institutions, and some financial institutions.

Next Week’s Question: Can bankruptcy save your business?

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purposes were only about 18 % of actual values.

That is far below the 32% predetermined ratio. When there is a substantial variance, by law, taxpayers are able to appeal to have their tax bills based on the lower number.

The BRT affirmed that idea and told the appealing property owners they were due the reductions for which they had asked, according to Brett Mandel, a leading critic of the City’s assessment processes, “If this ruling is upheld, the City and School District could lose as much as a combined $80 million, blowing big holes in their respective budgets.”

Court Decision Hurts Over the years, sales figures sent to the State Tax Equalization Board helped the State establish a common level (assessment) ratio. Recent figures sent up to STEB by the new Office of Property Assessment show an 18.1% ratio, as opposed to the former 32% sent up by the Board of Revision of Taxes.

OPA replaced BRT during the recent BRT “reform” effort. But the effort seems to have replaced the wrong people.

The City reformers and major media tried to sweep with a new broom and swept – but in the wrong place.

Clerks, with a take-home pay of about $300-600 a week, were branded as “political” and their appointed jobs were eliminated in favor of more-costly civil-service positions.

These were the individuals who set up the 32% ratio but, under pressure, produced the new 18.1% figures. This allows homeowners as well to file appeals. Equity demands all property owners can appeal.

But such a movement by taxpayers would severely cripple City finances. The City would have to concoct an arrangement whereby homeowners get relief from the City’s planned Actual Value Initiative.

City Council would be under pressure to offset this by lowering the tax rate, which it must in order to assure the assessment change in policy remains revenue-neutral.

Worry is not that they will lower the ratio. Will they lower it enough to create a revenue-neutral scenario, though, or will the ratio be lowered to insure the City gets a major increase in revenue from a new, higher ratio?

He believes the ruling will almost certainly be appealed by the City and School District and because “the City is arguing the numbers it submitted to the State board are actually incorrect and that the ‘real’ numbers will show the City is not in variance with that predetermined ratio.”

Mandel stated, “This argument is worse than when Charles Barkley said he was misquoted in his autobiography. For years, the City submitted bogus numbers to the state to remain in compliance with the predetermined ratio, but — once the responsibility for property valuation shifted from the Board of Revision of Taxes to the Office of Property Assessment — failed to cook the books last year.

Now, the City wants to go back in and tweak the numbers until they can hammer their square peg back into round-hole compliance.”

He is campaigning for a public examination of which sales were originally included, which sales would now be excluded and why, when the State takes a look at the City’s “new” numbers.

Mandel concluded, “Looking forward, the City’s actions here bode ill for the prospects of completing the fair and transparent citywide reassessment Philadelphia so desperately needs. If protecting the budget comes before promoting the fairness that taxpayers deserve, we should all brace ourselves for tax increases.”

A bill to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to 153 members, from the current 203 members, heads to the House floor, Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) said after the bill passed out of committee.

The bill, HB 153, authored

by Speaker Smith, passed the House State Government Committee by a vote of 18-6.

“There is nothing magical about the number 203; in fact, it came about by accident; yet reports and studies have indicated that groups more than 150 tend to be less efficient,” Smith said.

“Reaching a consensus with 203 people on major and controversial issues has proven

more difficult in recent times.”

With 203 members, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the second largest in the country.

“In order to right-size Pennsylvania’s government, the legislature needs to put its own house in order,” Smith said. “Today’s committee vote positions the bill for consideration by the full House in the next several weeks.”

To change the size of the legislature requires an amendment to the State Constitution, which means the same bill must be debated and passed in two consecutive sessions, and subsequently approved by referendum vote of the people of Pennsylvania.

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

If you are among the lucky commercial property owners who have filed appeals before the Board of Revision of Taxes, that Board has ruled you have won a 44% reduction in their tax bills.

The ruling springs from a discrepancy between the true relationship of actual values of Philadelphia properties to the values the City sets for tax purposes and the official, predetermined relationship, that is supposed to exist for those values.

Last summer, the State board in charge of determining such things looked at sales data submitted by the City and determined that values for tax

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Property-Tax Appealers Win Major Reductions! Pa. House To Debate Shrinking Numbers

Ringside With The Shadowboxer

Brady: Frazier Statue

Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.) joined a slew of boxing dignitaries at City Hall honoring “Smokin” Joe Frazier on what would have been the champ’s 68th birthday.

Brady told the crowd the time has come for a statue of Frazier and that he would do whatever he could to help.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell also attended and was a sponsor of the birthday ceremony.

Joe’s daughter, Municipal Court Judge Jacqui FrazierLyde, introduced numerous speakers who addressed the capacity crowd that assembled into the City Hall Caucus Room. Although all the speak-

ers shared personal reflections, the theme present throughout was that Philadelphia must have a statue of our beloved boxing icon. Although talked about for some time, momentum for the statue seems to be mounting.

A statue of legendary middleweight Joey Giardello was recently installed in South Philly.

Giardello Statue Committee Member Fred Druding, Jr., predicted an outpouring of support for the Frazier statue. “I always said the Philly boxing community is the biggest and most tightknit family in the city, and this crowd verifies that.”

Former Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner George Bochetto, Esq. pledged a $5,000

NORTH PHILLY’S “King” Gabriel Rosado along with his trainer Billy Briscoe looked sensational beating Jesus Soto Karass this past Saturday at Asylum Arena. Resounding victory, which was nationally televised on the NBC Sports Network, could position Rosado into a title fight also in 2012.

HARROWGATE BOXING Club’s Danny Garcia has already secured his chance at a world title and will fight Mexican legend Erik Morales on Mar. 24 in Houston for WBC Jr. Welterweight Championship. donation while Laborers’ Local 332’s Sam Staten, Jr. said not only would his union donate, but he would be soliciting do-

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Lucky has been following the most unfortunate case of a local legislator vigorously fighting off a charge that, if convicted, would likely snuff out the candle on a bright and promising career. It is quite certain a guilty verdict would force this young go-getter to stay put in the State House by all accounts.

While I certainly agree with much of the sentiment going around, which is basically that elected officials should not get preferential treatment when facing the bench, they also should not get treated worse than the general public just to make a statement. Thus, many tongues were wagging and fingers pointing when Common Pleas Court JUDGE PAULA PATRICK reinstated charges that were thrown out by the defendant’s Facebook friend who also heard the case, Municipal Court JUDGE CHARLES HAYDEN. Judge Patrick admonished Hayden for not recusing himself, which makes sense (note to judges: Get rid of Facebook pages). But hey, should Judge Patrick have done the same thing? After all, the legislator and Judge Patrick are well acquainted, which could be proven by membership in a women’s organization both have actively engaged in for years.

Further complicating this tangled web is the rumor another esteemed jurist served as President of this membership organization and could speak up on behalf of the accused to verify the connection, and the need for Judge Patrick to recuse herself as well, but has not. Why is that? Inquiring minds want to know.

Word is Judge Patrick has an axe to grind with local Dems after they denied support for her candidacy to a higher court on two separate occasions. So, voilà! After changing from Democrat to Republican, and with the support of her mentor and friend in the State Senate who also has an ‘issue’ with her former friend, we arrive at the end of this sordid tale, certain justice is impossible.

The last time I participated in a Career Day, I was placed in a group with a police officer, a zookeeper, and a member of the Tuskegee Airmen.

I probably paid more attention to the Airman than I did to anyone else because you should always do that when you’re standing next to history. There aren’t very many of the Airmen, Black pilots who distinguished themselves during World War II, left to talk about their experiences.

Fortunately, the Philly area is home to a lot of these veterans.

So on Saturday, I braved the snow, ice, slush, and a busted stop light at the corner of Broad and Oxford to check out the new movie about the Tuskegee Airmen, Red Tails, at the Pearl Theater.

Or at least that’s what the movie was technically about.

It was actually more about ways to make 16-year-old boys want to read about the Tuskegee Airmen … and rent Star Wars afterward.

George Lucas, (who directed and produced Star Wars, by the way) had been trying to make a movie about the Airmen for 25 years, but couldn’t get financing. Why might the creator of a movie franchise that has made billions of dollars around the world have problems producing a movie, you might ask?

According to Lucas, it was the fact that this film would be telling an all-Black story … with an all-Black cast of protagonists.

Usually, I avoid anything that features Terrance Howard or Cuba Gooding Jr., and I really avoid anything that fea(Cont. Page 26)

Yo! Here we go again with this tale of The Old Lady Next Door by 9th Street Nanny….

I moved into my little house in South Philly about 30 years ago. Mrs. Surminaro lived next door to me. She was 70 years old and had the most beautiful long fingers that she used so gracefully gliding over her piano. Mrs. Surminaro would play her piano in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. I would visit her and watch her beautiful fingers tap each key with ease.

But on one very cold winter day, Mrs. Surminaro wasn’t feeling good and she phoned me.

I rushed over, to her house, and she was slumping over her piano – she had suffered a stroke.

The stroke affected her motor skills, so she had problems with walking and using her beautiful fingers to float over the keys of her beloved piano. Mrs. Surminaro had much physical therapy, but remained in a wheelchair; however, she did regain some movements in her hands.

She played the piano again, but a bit slower and with more thoughtfulness.

Mrs. Surminaro was getting more and more depressed as her health was declining. The last day I visited Mrs. Surminaro, she had her beautiful fingers on the piano keys but she couldn’t move them. Her fingers were frozen like the icicles on a cold January day. I phoned the ambulance because Mrs. Surminaro had suffered another stroke. God took Mrs. Surminaro home that evening. I am sure she is playing the piano to all the angels in heaven.

A young couple moved into Mrs. Surminaro’s house. The piano was left in the middle of the living room as if waiting for another musician to glide talented fingers over the keys. This young couple had two little pre-school children, a little boy and a little girl.

Julianne, the older sister, would climb the piano bench, place her tiny fingers on the keys and like magic she started playing lullabies. I was amazed to see her delicate little fingers glide over the keys. She played and played year after year and as the years went by I enjoyed her playing more and more.

Now I am the old lady next door. I don’t play the piano keyboard but I do have a limited talent on my PC keyboard, but it is a quiet talent compared to Mrs. Surminaro and Julianne.

Life goes on and talent emerges with each new generation. And may the talent of each new generation be the most wonderful music for its time, to be enjoyed for decades.

ROBING CEREMONIES for Judges Carolyn NICHOLS and Jonathan IRVINE were uniquely interesting. NICHOLS ceremony was intimate and warm with family and Sharon Church friends in number. Bishop Keith REED of Sharon spoke with great wisdom. Councilwoman JANNIE BLACKWELL, also of Sharon, was praised as one who kept her word on support. Sharon is a power church.... Judge Jonathan IRVINE’S robing was full of happy recollections of his busy career. Judges Kevin DOUGHERTY, Paula PATRICK and Lori DUMAS-BROOKS spoke along with special guest Judge Abram Frank REYNOLDS. Jannie BLACKWELL was praised again, and Ryan BOYER, Secretary Treasurer of Local 332, spoke for Labor.

The recent ruling of Judge Paula PATRICK was a required ruling for the event. The high court, I believe, was in error.

Judge HAYDEN’S view of their “FACEBOOK” law seems right.... As BILL DeWEESE gets ready for trial on “Bonusgate”, he seems energized as any former Marine might be for battle. When I was involved as state director of a national group, I found him well liked in Western PA., and involved in high-integrity groups. It seems like a Fumo-type battle against the power and resources of non-elected prosecutors again.

THE BRUTAL beating of the 64-year-old decorated Vietnam Vet is beyond reprehensible. I hope he can recover damages from this event.... “We don’t need career politicians (for State Attorney General).” That from Rob Gleason, who is state GOP Chairman. Is Rob a career politician?

The recent Qui Tam ruling of federal Judge Ronald BUCKWALTER is a trip into the mind of the judge. He (Cont. Page 26)

Major intraparty infighting may have been adverted this week. The potential battle was over the endorsement of delegates for the Republican National Convention in Tampa later this year.

Delegates are chosen in the April primary with three delegates and three alternates being selected for each Congressional district. The center of the controversy strangely enough was in the 2nd US congressional Dist. The 2nd Dist. is not exactly awash with Republicans. It is considered one of the safest US Rep seats for a Democrat in the US. MIKE MEEHAN handed over the endorsement process for this district to WARD LEADER FRANK HENDRIE (9th). Initially Meehan stated he wanted VAHAN GUREGHIAN, a Montgomery Co. businessman, to be one of the delegates and was indifferent as to who comprised the other five seats. Later he also requested that CALVIN TUCKER, Republican activist from the 22nd Ward, also be a delegate. The 2nd Dist. Caucus meeting last week at the United Republican Club, however, unexpectedly turned out to be contentious. Eventually, the 2nd Dist. ward leaders selected three delegates and three alternates that did not include Gureghian. However, after a discussion with Meehan, Tucker agreed to have his name removed from the ballot, to be replaced by Gureghian.

The selection process for delegates and alternates in the 1st and 13th congressional Dists. was less contentious. In the 1st Dist., two of the positions appear to be going to Delaware Co. FRED ANTON, chairman of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, as expected was endorsed for delegate.

Some of the herd will be going to Hersey this weekend for the Winter Meeting of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. Former Governor of Minnesota TIM PAWLENTY will be the keynote speaker at annual Lincoln Dinner. We expect the focus of the meetings on Saturday will be endorsements for the upcoming elections. We expect DAVID FREED to be endorsed for Attorney General, DIANA IREY VAUGHN for Treasurer and JOHN MAHER for Auditor General.

While Gov. Corbett has endorsed Chester Co. businessman STEVE WELCH, we are not certain the PAGOP will endorse any Senate candidate. The endorsement process first involves a vote as to whether the party will endorse and if that that passes, then a vote is taken for the individual. About 35-40 % of State Committee Members believe we should have unendorsed primaries. If those who would typically vote for endorsement, fail to do so this time (Cont. Page 26)

Local Tea Party Miffed At Maher

Mike O’Brien Begins 175th Reelection Bid State Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Kensington) will officially kick off his bid for reelection this Saturday at the Transportation Workers Union Hall, 500 N. 2nd Street from 1 to 4 p.m.

Expected in attendance will be labor officials, ward leaders, and many of his voters.

Devon Cade Pushing For Democrat Aud. G. Educator and community leader Devon Cade is in the Democrat Party for State Auditor General.

He states his experience has made him ready to serve.

Cade grew up in a row house in West Philadelphia, where he learned value of public serviced from his mother Deborah Cade, who was a Bell Telephone/Verizon operator for many years.

Devon has served as a Philadelphia School District student advisor, and later as a

school resource liaison.

In 2010, Devon was nominated and confirmed by Gov. Edward G. Rendell to serve on the US Selective Service Board.

As a Chief Executive Officer, Devon worked with local youths, and seniors to have them join in a partnership called the “CEO for a day program” to allow youths and seniors to understand business, leadership, and accountability.

Controller Wins A Gold Medal City Controller Alan Butkovitz’ Office has been recognized for its excellent work on numerous occasions, especially its performance audits. Its most recent award, “2011 Gold Medal Winner for Best Website”, was given by the Association of Local Government Auditors.

It’s the fifth consecutive year the Controller’s Office has received an award from ALGA.

Same goes for Sam Rohrer, who has begun campaigning for an open primary.

Newt Has Irish Bettors Worried Following Newt Gingrich’s win in South Carolina, Europe’s largest betting company Paddy Power is sweating over its decision on Friday to pay out early on Mitt Romney winning the Republican nomination.

While Romney remains the favorite for the Republican nomination his odds have taken a significant slide from 1/14 to 2/5, while Gingrich’s odds have been chopped from 6/1 before the South Carolina Primary to 2/1.

For Florida Primary, Romney and Gingrich are joint 5/6 favorites for the win with Ron Paul and Rick Santorum both at a very unlikely 66/1 to record their first victory of the campaign.

A spokesman for Paddy

Power said, “It looks as though we could have jumped the gun too soon by paying out on Romney. Newt Gingrich is continuing to build momentum and if he succeeds we could end up with some very expensive pie on our face!”

Supremes Weigh Redistricting Suit The seven members of the State Supreme Court heard arguments about whether to order changes in the newly redrawn State House and Senate districts. The court heard oral

arguments for 10 challenges, with another three filed in writing, to the 203 realigned House districts and the 50 Senate districts. Opponents who don’t like the new lines asked the court to “remand” the new district maps back to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission for more work. The five-member panel approved the maps in December. The court’s decision would impact over 900 election districts (divisions) out of 1867 and affect 10 legislative districts.

Primary Seems Sure For GOP US Senate Tim Burns, Tom Smith and Steve Welch seem to be in the primary to stay despite what happens when the state GOP meets to caucus on nominees in Hershey this weekend.

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The Independence Hall Tea Party PAC, the first Tea Party group to formally endorse Mitt Romney for President, is calling on HBO to fire “Real Time” host Bill Maher for making slanderous remarks about the Tea Party.

On his “Real Time” broadcast, Bill Maher said, “They finally see somebody they like…. I mean, Newt Gingrich, I’m sorry, but he does mirror who they are: Mean, snarly, borderline racist….

I’m sorry, not borderline.”

“First of all, many Tea Partiers are not backing Gingrich for President,” said PAC President Don Adams.

“While the Independence Hall Tea Party PAC has endorsed Mitt Romney, additional Tea Party leaders have also endorsed Mitt Romney, while others are supporting Rick Santorum. (According to one recent national poll, Romney was garnering 29% Tea Party support versus 28% for Gingrich.)

“But most appalling was Maher’s charge that Tea Partiers were ‘mean, snarly, borderline racist’,” said PAC New Jersey VP Bill Green.

“Why is Maher permitted to use HBO broadcasting to slander and smear 60 million Americans who sympathize with the Tea Party message of less government spending, lower taxes, and more free enterprise to put Amer-

icans back to work?”

“What evidence does Maher have to back-up his outlandish charges against the Tea Party? This is not the first time Maher has crossed the line. He should be fired – immediately.”

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

(Cont. From Page 5) SEPTA or by car is an easy route to take from anywhere in the city. Thus we expect many visitors, volunteers and supporters at this office. Since this is also a presidential election year, I plan to carry the name of our President, Barack Obama, for reelection as well.”

Kitchen says her goal is to open a satellite campaign office in another part of the district, after the petition process has been completed. All are welcome to stop by the Northwest campaign headquarters this afternoon.

Page 25

Is GOP Primary Fight Unstoppable?

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

Page 26

Walk The Beat (Cont. From Page) spelled the case out in a clear way. It was good that Vince FUMO was in front of a fair and reasonable jurist.... THE LEGAL INTELLIGENCER front-page story told that another $1.79 million in expenses was paid for the new family courthouse. This was prior to the $1.9 M paid (?).

SHERIFF JEWELL WILLIAMS’ press conference told of his current efforts to upgrade the City’s out-of-date computer system in his office.

His improvements range from transport, domestic court, accounting and employment actions. The office needs 35 deputies.... The School Reform Commission was critiqued by JERRY JORDAN, Teachers’ Union Prexy. Jerry said, “We don’t have enough to offer our kids.”

STATE REP. BILL KELLER was a key player in a giant labor rally in the Capitol Rotunda. He is a key person as Democrat Chair of the House Labor & Industry Committee, and a major supporter of Labor.... UNITEHere Local 274 has been

fighting for six months for a contract with the Center City Sheraton Hotel. Their labors in the hotel have made it one of the top stops. Hey management!

The NEWT win in South Carolina interrupts what had been a slow dance of Romney and Santorum with Paul.

Their differing views would be resolved in the end with a fusion ticket. Oops, Newt slowed the train.... Now DO YOU think that the effort to smear NEWT and CAIN before him came from patriotism?? Who searched these folks out or did they hear a

call to serve the USA? Was it expensive?

WITH the EPA delivering water in Dimrock, Pa. –will there be more towns with contaminated water from shalegas fracking? The State DEP seems to disagree on this matter. Corbett is, we know, in favor of the drilling. If it is proven the state water table is

Elephant Corner (Cont. From Page 24) we may not have a partybacked candidate. Even if Welch is endorsed, we expect Armstrong Co. businessman TOM SMITH, former STATE REP. SAM ROHRER, Philadelphia-area businessman DAVE CHRISTIAN and Harrisburg lawyer MARC SCARINGI will stay in the race. However, GOV. TOM CORBETT has summoned the leading candidates to an emergency meeting before the conclave to come up with a decision at headquarters..

damaged, Corbett will be long out of office by then.... The patent on the profitable LIPITOR drug expired. The money-maker drug stands to

Out & About (Cont. From Page) tures both of them. But since the folks at PABJ had organized this outing, I gave it a try.

It was okay. And it made over $19 million at the box office, so there’s proof folks will go to a Black-oriented action movie.

But HBO did it better years ago … and not just because Laurence Fishburne was in it.

What really drove me nuts about the whole Red Tails thing was George Lucas had to put out $60 million to get the film made.

Why nuts? Because my people will be the first ones to complain about how our stories are told … yet we won’t put our money where our mouths are when it comes to

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“The Pied Piper (KarlFriedrich Schmidt) plays as Queen Elizabeth waves to the crowd in Hamelin, Germany, yesterday. She is on a two-day visit to the country.”

—Associated Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Friday, Nov 5, 1993

Former Philadelphia Orchestra Leader: “Riccardo Muti, La Scala’s embattled conductor.., in Rome with Queen Elizabeth II in his office at the (La Scala) theater in 2000.”

—The New York Times, Sunday, April 3, 2005

Footnote: 1. “All From The Oboe Sound System: Someday, the world will discover that ‘the winds of Glasnost’ came from the 1973 visit to China by the Philadelphia Orchestra, i.e., the Philadelphia Oboe Sound System, and that Ronald Reagan is the Alexander Graham Bell of the telephone, i.e., the theft of Antonio Meucci’s invention of the telephone.”

—The Philadelphia Exclusive (letters), January 19, 1990

—Nicola Argentina (c) 2012 Framer of TEA PARTY MOVEMENT

lose out to generics which cost less. The maker is working on deals with insurers to cover only their drug. Is this the USA way? that. With the number of Black millionaires out there, someone’s gotta have $60 million to tell our own stories.

(And no, I don’t mean Tyler Perry.)

I must end this column on a sad note. But it fits here because I’ll bet this person was among those who hit the local theater when Red Tails opened.

On Tuesday, WURD-AM radio host Fatimah Ali died.

She was 56.

Ali was a native of Philadelphia who had done a lot of her professional work here. Before hosting her show, “The Real Deal” on WURD, she was a columnist and an associated editorial board member of the Philadelphia Daily News, and wrote a automotive column for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun. (I used to edit it. She taught me a lot about cars.)

Ali was also a radio reporter for several news stations including Power 99, WDAS-FM and New York’s 1010 WINS. Activism was also a part of Ali’s life. She worked with One Step Away, a newspaper written and edited by the homeless and the We Are Black Women Network. She was also an advocate for schools who was the first to interview former School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Arlene Ackerman after she left the district.

That she did most of her best work here in Philly was no accident because Ali was a Philly girl. Born Susan Hughes to Dr. Deuward and Mary Hughes, she grew up in West Mount Airy. She graduated from Germantown Friends School and attended Wesleyan University.

She was married to State Sen. Vincent Hughes and to fellow journalist A. Brahin Ahmaddiya, who died in 2000.

Ali is survived by her partner, Natu Ali; four daughters, Khadija Ahmaddiya, Ariell Hughes; Rashida Ali and Yasmin Ali; a son, Malik Ahmaddiya; two sisters, Diane Webster and Brenda Miller; and two grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements weren’t available at press time.

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Sling, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, peach liqueur, peach puree and sour mix; and Gin Fizz on Walnut, made with Bluecoat gin, Aperol, cava, lemon and egg white. The wine list will consist of American boutique wines in a “Good, Better, Best” format. Another beverage option will be “spiked” milkshakes such as “Banana Split”: VanGogh banana and dark chocolate and Stoli raspberry vodkas, chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream topped with a splash of Frangelico.

In 2010, chef Levin earned a “Three Bells: Excellent” review from the Inquirer’s Craig LaBan for Adsum, his former bistro in Queen Village, but his highly unusual dishes with many unfamiliar ingredients were a hard sell to customers. In 2006 Levin received one of LaBan’s very rare “Four Bells: Superior” reviews during his tenure as executive chef at Lacroix at the Rittenhouse. He left Lacroix, though, reportedly because he considered the hotel restaurant’s menu too traditional and conservative.

At Adsum, his own menu creations were anything but traditional and conservative.

Designer Owen Kamihira, who designed Bar Ferdinand in Northern Liberties among other local restaurants, will

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Square Peg will serve lunch Monday through Friday and dinner seven nights a week. For more information, call (215) 413-3600. The website, squarepegrestaurant.com, was not ready when this was written.

Fancy new Mexican Brian Sirhal and Tim Spinner, who formerly teamed with José Garces to make Distrito a monster success at 40th & Chestnut Streets, left a little more than a year ago to open their own place, Cantina Feliz, in Fort Washington.

And just last week they opened their second upscale Mexican operation, La Calaca Feliz, which serves dinner only at 2321 Fairmount Avenue, near the Art Museum, formerly occupied by Illuminare. More information at (215) 787-9930 or lacalacafeliz.com.

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Tacos galore on Tuesdays Copabanana has been at 4th & South Streets for 34 years, and the age shows, but every Tuesday they do showcase one of the best bargains around. All day long on “Taco Tuesdays,” they offer all-you-can-eat tacos for just $7.95. Hard to believe but true. More information at (215) 923-6180 or copabanana.com. There are also newer Copabanana outposts at 4000 Spruce Street in University City and 1619 Grant Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia.

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

by Len Lear Restaurateurs Barry Gutin and Larry Cohen, who also own and operate Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar at 2nd & Market Streets, will open Square Peg at 927-929 Walnut Street in the Midtown Village area (previously occupied by Marathon), a casual, split-level restaurant and bar offering American dinerinspired food, in March.

Executive chef Matt Levin said he will showcase his original twists on traditional dishes alongside a selection of domestic micro-distilled spirits and craft beers as well as cocktails and gourmet “spiked” milkshakes. Square Peg will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a

week.

Dinner menu items will include fried chicken tacos with coleslaw and black pepper caramel; and meatloaf with 24-hour cooked onions and bacon-Heinz 57 marmalade. Levin will highlight a signature item each day such as homemade pierogies with fried onions, thyme, bacon and buttermilk; Korean fried chicken with chili sauce; and a meatball sandwich with Italian goat cheese served on onion-parmesan rolls.

All-day breakfast items will include French toast “sticks” bananas Foster with coffee caramel; and fried eggs with sausage gravy and bacon. In addition, Levin plans to offer weekend brunch shortly after opening.

“Designing this menu was a lot of fun and also personal because it includes a lot of my favorite things to eat,” said Levin last week. He expects much of his customer base to consist of visitors, students and employees of Jefferson and Pennsylvania Hospitals and the surrounding area.

Square Peg will offer a selection of American craft beers on tap, as well as bottled and canned brews, domestic micro-distilled liquors and house-made cocktails including Apricot Julep, made with High Plains bourbon, Rothman’s apricot liqueur, sugar, muddled mint and strawberries; Philadelphia

Page 27

Culinary Square Peg opening on Walnut Street

Page 28 The Public Record • January 26, 2012

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HUSAIN Thompson dishes out steak sandwich he says will rival Geno’s and Pat’s at his newly opened Southside Zabihah Sandwich Shop at 422 S. 60th Street.

He offers Middle Eastern as well as American cuisine.

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Butkovitz Queries School Budget Gap

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City Controller Alan Butkovitz has asked Thomas Knudsen, the new Chief Recovery Officer for the School District of Philadelphia, to address a “number of conditions” which raise substantial doubt over the School District’s continued viability.

Those concerns, said Butkovitz, include the district’s continued ineffectiveness in solving its growing budget gap and its inability to identify additional funding streams as well as the lack of any formal plan on how it will overcome the budget gap for fiscal year 2013.

Public Servant 2012 March 8th 2012

Also!

Here’s Your Chance To Meet And Greet This Year’s Primary Candidates From Both Parties!

As You All Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

And!

In his over three and half decades as this city’s custodian of family estates, marriage licenses, and a host of other court-related responsibilities that impact on the lives of all Philadelphians, his office has never suffered a deficiency in any of the audits made by the City Controller or other city or state agencies.

When he first took office, he had over 80 fulltime employees. Despite the increasing demands made on his office since then, he’s reduced personnel by 25%.

His self-effacing demeanor has earned him the plaudits of all who know him, as evidenced by the fact he recently was elected President of the Board of City Trusts, among the many other trusts and board positions he holds.

A dynamic political leader, many of this city’s elected officials owe their elections to his committed support as Democrat leader of the 26th Ward, a position he has held for 37 years. He heads a family which has contributed its members to public service in the House of Representatives and City service. He served as a State Representative prior to assuming his present elected position.

His pro-Labor posture has earned him the support of the major Labor Unions in this city.

These achievements are the tip of the iceberg of the many reasons why Ronald Donatucci has been named to be The Philadelphia Public Record’s “Servant of the Year”, an honor reserved for those whose influence has benefitted all Philadelphians in every walk of life and occupation.

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Join With Many Of Our Previous Public Servant Of The Year Honorees As We All Salute Ron Donatucci 2011 Public Servant

Register of Wills Ronald Donatucci has set the hallmark for Row Office holders in this city and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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The Public Record • January 26, 2012

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Page 29

Don’t Say You Didn’t Know!

Page 30 The Public Record • January 26, 2012

Rep. John Sabatina, Jr. Hosted At Shrimp Night

FUNDRAISER for State Rep. John P. Sabatina, 5th from left, who has earned reputation as innovative lawmaker, was a high success at Harmonia Club. Showing their support are Joseph Russo, dad John Sabatina, Sr., and Ward Leaders Pat Parkinson, Dan Savage, William Dolbow, Robert Dellavella, Esq. and Photo: Joe Stivala State Rep. Angel Cruz.

BRADY BUNCH! Congressman Bob Brady enjoyed being AMONG a packed house was Congressman Bob Brady, cen- with the significant others of some Northeast ward leaders. ter, who is joined by Robert Dellavella, Matthew Myers, John Flanking Congressman are Angie Dellavella, Donna Sabatina, Jr., John Sabatina, Sr., Emilio Vazquez and Bill DeRose, Eileen Sabatina and Lisa Sabatina.

Dolbow. Photo: McGlasson Lens Photography Photo: McGlasson Lens Photography

An Open Sheriff's Office

SHERIFF JEWELL WILLIAMS explains his reform initiative to the weekly news media, detailing what improvments he has initiated to bring this important office into a modern and open agency. Seen interviewing him, from left, is Public Record’s Hon. Charles Hammock and other weekly members of press. Publicist Harriet Lessy, standing, looks on.

Photo by Joe Stivala

Friends 4 Tennis In Yeadon

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YEADON MAYOR Dolores Jones-Butler receives threeyear $12,750 grant from Phiadelphia Tennis District for Friends 4 Tennis in Yeadon at Yeadon Borough Hall Council meeting. Mayor Jones Butler is seen with Owen L. Wooten, Ronald Stokes, Jack Ladden, Kitty Perrin, Bernie Chavis Photo: Craig Lewis and Blair Wilson.

Ready For The Avalanche NEWLY ELECTED City Commissioner Chairwoman Stephanie Singer has her staff ready and geared for an increase in statewide petitions and election challenges. Singer wants individuals to file explicitly through State and not through her office.

Photo: McGlasson Photography

CLIP Winner at Mayor’s ONS Luncheon

CLIP MEMBERS were among awardees at luncheon for Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services which consists of CLIP, Vacant Lot Program, Anti0-Graffiti Network, Community Partnership and Community Services Programs. Standing from left are Jim McPeak, John Tucci, Steve Meeker, Dave Sosa, Manny Ramos, Chris Andrisio. Seated, Catherine Burns-Riloff, CLIP Director Tommy Conway and Cindy Lustick.

WITH CLIP director Tommy Conway, center, are awardees John Horvay, Mike Beuttenmuller, Rochelle Smith and Jerry Eley.

Congratulating Judges At Robing Ceremonies

OFFICIALS of Local 686 City Gas Workers congratulate Judge Carolyn Nichols on her Robing Ceremony. They are Shop Stewards Brian Horsey and SAl Tennant; Joe Huran, business manager; and Robert Merritt, business agent.

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Congratulations were extended to Judge Jonathan Irvine at his robing, by Family Court President Judge Kevin Dougherty; Eileen Irvine, his mother; and Judge Paul Panepinto, who gave Irvine his start as a Probation and TruPhoto: Joe Stivala ancy Officer.

JUDGE JONATHAN IRVINE greets staff of his former job in Protection from Abuse Unit Sonte Reavis, Esq. and Eileen Photo: Joe Stivala Flood.

Chester Dems Celebrate

CONGRESSMAN Bob Brady, at right; Anita M Lewis, Health Partners; Chester Mayor John Linder; and Arlene Stewart-Mingo, Health Partners, are pictured here attending Chester Democratic Committee Inaugural Ball, at Harrah’s Photo: Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography Chester Casino.

COUNTY Commissioner Chairman Stephanie Singer shares a laugh with newly robed Judge Carolyn Nichols. Other attendees in Courtroom 653 were Judges Glynnis Hill, Angelo’Foglietta, Joseph O'Neill, Jonathan Irvine and Amanda Photo: Joe Stivala Cooperman.

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best time ever!! 6AC- along snowmobile trail WAS: $29,995 NOW: $13,995. 51AC- Near Salmon River WAS: $69,995 NOW: $49,995. 5AC- Beautiful woodlands & riverfront WAS: $69,995 NOW: $39,995. 97ACTimber & trout stream WAS: $119,995 NOW: $99,995. In house financing. Over 150 land bargains. Call 800-229-7843 Or visit www.LandandCamps.com

Get an Insider’s Look

ATTORNEY Will Help You Get A Business Loan 1819 JFK Blvd Suite #400 Near 19th & Market Phila., PA 19103

Presque Isle, ME, BostonLehigh, PA. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com Owner/Operator's $5,000 SignOn Bonus! Relocate for tons of warm South TX runs! Frac Sand Hauling. Must have tractor, pneumatic trailers, blower. 1800-397-2672 LAND FOR SALE NY SPORTSMAN & OUTDOOR FAMILY LAND BUYS! This is the

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

ADOPTION OR PERSONALS UNIQUE ADOPTIONS. Let us help! Personalized Adoption Plans. Financial assistance, housing relocation and more.

Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us first! 1888-637-8200 24-hours hotline.

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Public Record Classifieds: small ADS BIG Deals

Name: __________________________________________

BARRY FISHER

215-927-0234

Wanted Late Model Cars & Trucks in need of repair.

Up to $5,000. in cash.

Same day pick-up

215-605-4429 "Also Highest Prices Paid for Junk Cars"

Say You Saw It In The PUBLIC RECORD

Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Signature:_________________________________ [ ] Check/MO enclosed [ ] Bill me [ ] Charge My Credit Card: ________________________ Expiration: ______/_______ Visa: [ ] MC: [ ] AX: [ ] Today’s Date: _____________

Cost is $30.00 yearly 1321 S. Broad Street Philadelphia PA 19147

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

LICENSED ELECTRICIAN Over 42yrs experience low prices, fast service 100-amp Circuit breakers $65+ ceiling fans $25+ • Outlets $6+ AC/WD Lines $10+ lic/ins* FHA/VA Cert

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • January 26, 2012

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