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Blight Problems In Point Breeze A group of leaders and community activists want to rid Point Breeze Avenue of vacant and trash-strewn properties around 22nd (Cont. Page 2)
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Vol. V No. 13 (Issue 234)
March 29, 2012
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NEIGHBOR Arlene Wilson has complained without success to get this house on 2200 block of Sears street demolished or boarded up.
by Rory McGlasson
A world-renowned theatre group has found a new home on Mifflin Street. Now they hope its neighbors get to know who they are.
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by Rory McGlasson Three Former Philadelphia Flyers worked overtime this week to get the new Broad Street Bullies Pub ready for tomorrow’s opening night. Flyers legends Bob Kelly, Bernie Parent and Joe Watson helped union carpenters put the final touches to the Broad Street
Bullies Pub. It’s been three years since a wrecking ball demolished the old Spectrum. Tears were shed, but memories have been preserved. The Broad Street Bullies Pub has memorabilia from old Spectrum with hockey jerseys and signed pucks on the walls. Tonight another Spectrum legend, (Cont. Page 2)
PENNSPORT’s Michael Remshard, one of 12 brave men who shaved their hair during Fifth Annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for children’s cancer research, helped raise over $31,000 for kids cancer research ast event held at Second Photos: Tom Keenan Street Irish Society. (More photos Page 2)
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South Philadelphia Business Association Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia – Chartered in 1897 To join as a member of the SPBA, please call: (215)-336-1108
P. O. Box 31425• Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215)-336-1108 (215)-336-1149 (fax)
The South Philadelphia Public Record • March 29, 2012
Executive Board: President- Daniel Olivieri Treasurer: Jackie Fitzpatrick
Board Members
Vice-President-Vince DeFino Esq. Secretary: Gaeton Tavella
Educating You On Fire Safety by Maria Merlino Fire and safety officials are urgings residents to get smoke alarms fitted and installed ... now! Lt. Frank Squillace of the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Dept., and assistance officer Jen Leary are taking their message to the classrooms in South Philadelphia. “A smoke alarm will not put a fire out or get you out of the house, it will just give you a chance,” says Squillace. Squillace and Leary are demonstrating the new 10year lithium-battery smoke alarms, which are available for free to needy Philadelphians, to a crowd of almost 100 immigrants at the Southwark Elementary School at 9th & McKean.
There are four interpreters dissecting his words for various Asian adults and children happily eating tangerines and drinking bottled water. One of the interpreters, Van Tsang, says newly arrived refugees or immigrants have no idea that when a smoke alarm goes off, they must evacuate the house. “They hear the sound, but don’t know what it means,” says Tsang. It’s a simple concept to us, but you have to remember: Some of them come from areas of the world that are quite poor and rural.” Included in the demo are Rubik’s cubes, one for adults and one for children, whichhave clear illustrations that are self-explanatory and need no words. These cubes have
LT. FRANK SQUILLACE holding new 10-year smoke alarm and Officer Jen Leary holding fire-education cube. Photo: Maria Merlino
been paid for by private donations or grants. I played with one and they’re very addictive! “We can’t give these out in the beginning, because all
John Savarese Mark Rago
Louis Galdo Dr. Jim Moylan Vince Giusini Bill Ciampitti
we hear then is the clacking sounds as kids and their parents work the unit,” says Leary, “But as a teaching device, they are great reminders to have a plan of escape as a family.” Of the 32 people who died in fires last year, 84% or 27 of them died because the smoke alarm had dead or missing batteries, or were unplugged. It’s the law to have one per level, but Squillace highly recommends one in every room except the kitchen and bathroom. If you are deaf, a “trembler device” is available that’s strategically placed under your bedding to shake you awake. It’s also a law to have a carbon monoxide detector in the bedrooms or sleeping areas of the home. “Inhaling this odorless gas
will put you to sleep permanently,” Squillace says. “That’s why it’s called the silent killer. The department does not have these devices to give away, but you can pick them up at Home Depot or Lowe’s for about $25.” In order to get the new smoke alarms, you have to fill out a form. If you have children in public schools, contact Mrs. Tsang at the School District and she will explain if you are eligible and give you the form to fill out. If you want to donate money, there is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization called Citizens for Fire Prevention Committee. Philadelphia Fire Dept. Fire Prevention Division 240 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia PA 19123 (215) 686-1382
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
Bold Is Beautiful For Men Of Second Street
Pt. Breeze Blight CONGRATULATIONS to members of Second Street Street Irish Society who shed their locks for a worthy cause. The brave men shaved their hair during Fifth Annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser for children’s cancer. Event raised over $31,000. In five years, funder has raised over $98,000 Photos: Tom Keenan for children’s-cancer research.
XfinityLive! Opens Friday Some 48 nuisance properties were identified Damon Roberts, State Sen. Anthony Williams, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, and Jordan Harris during tour of Point Breeze Avenue.
(Cont. From Page 1) Bruce Springsteen, who played a record-setting 59 shows, plays the second show of his Wrecking Ball world tour at the Wells Fargo Cen-
ter. Perhaps he will bring good luck to this new venue. XFINITY LIVE! opens to the public tomorrow, Mar. 30, 2012.
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EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Associate Editor: Rory G. McGlasson Medical Editor: Paul Tayoun M.D. CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Columnist: Hon. Charles Hammock Dan Sickman: Veteran Affairs Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: Ron Taylor Campaign Finance Reporter : David Lynn Photographers: Donald Terry Harry Leech Steven Philips Production Manager: William J. Hanna Bookkeeping: Haifa Hanna Webmaster: Sana Muaddi-Dows Advert. Director: John David Controller: John David Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. ©1999-2011 by the Philadelphia Public Record. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. The Philadelphia Public Record will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.
Democrat caucus endorsement for Kevin Boyle, the loss of Sabatina’s support, and possibly the support of one or more of the other ward leaders in his district. Kevin maintains he has the support of the majority of committeepersons in many of the wards, especially “the 63rd, whose committeepersons, with whom I have strong rapport, will be there to win for me the seat.” Kevin says his work on behalf of his constituents is a factor that can’t be challenged. Eight of his fellow representatives in Northeast Philadelphia, he noted, were in agreement with the redistricting plan passed by the legislature. He added, “Neither Rep. Sabatina nor Ward Leader Sabatina was any way slighted by the redistricting plan.” Placing an additional burden on Kevin’s reelection is well-liked Democrat challenger Daniel Collins, who has the support of Sabatina as well as labor leader Joe Ashdale, both co-hosting a fundraiser
for him. One ward leader, leaning toward him, said, “Kevin is formidable, but he needs this lesson to learn he’s not an island unto himself.” The biggest surprise in the local district races was the announcement State Rep. Tony Payton (D-Kensington) finally conceded in higher court his petitions did not have the required 300 necessary to remain on the 179th Dist. ballot. The challenge, lodged by Doris Robinson, a Democrat committeewoman in Dan Savage’s 23rd Ward, resulted in voiding at least 1,600 of his 1,854 petition signatures. Once again, the continued warnings of this columnist and the editorial staff of the Philadelphia Public Record to candidates to make sure their petitions have the proper number of validated voters’ signatures, must have gone over his head. He is the only incumbent Pennsylvania lawmaker seeking reelection not to make the ballot. In luck is Democrat James “Scoot” Clay, the only candi-
date challenging Payton in the primary. He wasn’t a likely winner, though his father is an associate minister at the 2nd Baptist Church. His family has been active with Frankford community groups. Payton, who was one of the youngest members of the legislature when he was elected at age 25 in 2006, has not returned calls made to him by this paper. He can still choose to NORTHEAST Councilman Brian O’Neill hopes to transfer his launch a write-in campaign, popularity among voters to David Kralle, who is seeking to win which is extremely difficult in the 169th District for the Republican Party in November. the best of circumstances, or run as an independent in the general election, since his name will not appear in the primary. Savage is reported as saying he will support Clay in the primary. Payton made the error of translating his status as a hardworking legislator into a free pass on the dull chore of getting valid petitions. Payton was admonished in the past by the Court for tuning in petitions that had similar problems. It’s a tough loss for his district, since many saw him as (Cont. page 5)
Rep. Jim Roebuck 215-724-2227 4712 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19140
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We honor WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH by standing with all the courageous women who are speaking out for women's rights!
The Public Record • March 29, 2012
by Joe Shaheeli State Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Northeast) did it the hard way, trying in three challenges over a six-year period to wrest the 170th Legislative Dist. seat from Republican control and succeeding in 2008. His third challenge found him taking on the Northeast Chamber of Commerce executive director’s son Matt Taubenberger, who couldn’t cut through the Obama coattails, carrying long Republican-held seats into the Democrat column. His previous two efforts challenged Republican State Rep. George Kenney, who saw the trend in that district leaning away from the GOP, and had resigned, leaving Taubenberger to take on Boyle. In just four years, Brendan moved rapidly up the ranks of the Democrat caucus in Harrisburg and last year was awarded the role of raising dollars statewide to help fund Democrat incumbents and challengers. He then saw the opportunity to position his brother Kevin to challenge the wounded former House Speaker John Perzel in the neighboring 170th Dist. and he won. The two began operating in tandem, working together for their districts. When it came time to redistrict the legislative seats, the brothers Boyle were able to have their districts redrawn to mitigate the possibility of challengers who just might garner the support of attorney John Sabatina, Sr.’s 56th Ward, which has the most divisions in that district. Sabatina was reportedly upset his ward would lose divisions to other legislative districts, and his son, State Rep. John Sabatina, Jr., would not have the Democrat registration edge his 174th Legislative Dist. enjoyed before redistricting. But as everyone should know, especially in the political realm, the best-laid of men’s plans often go astray. The State Supreme Court invalidated the 2011 redistricting legislation, insuring Sabatina’s ward would remain a key player in the Democrat primary. The fallout resulted in no
Page 3
Pa. S.C. Decision Backfires On Brothers Boyle
Page 4 The Public Record • March 29, 2012 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
Will Water Dept. Send Businesses Down The Drain?
by Tony West Kerry Pacifico, Sr. opened his water bill earlier this month and his jaw dropped. In 2010, it had carried a line item of $13.22 for a “stormwater charge.” Now that same line read “$538.54.” It will get worse. And none of it pays for the water his company, Pacifico Ford in Southwest Philadelphia, is using. It pays for the rainwater that flows down his storm drains instead. By 2014, Pacifico will be paying $1063.41 a month for those drains. This could mean stormy weather indeed for Pacifico and many other businesses. Water rates have been rising for years. That’s because of fundamental changes in the way the Philadelphia Water Dept. handles and accounts for stormwater. This process has been slow, and alerts went out long in advance. But the rise for some classes of customers is accelerating. Now, a dam of popular reaction is about to burst. This
month, a round of new assessments was mailed out. Commercial rate-payers with large acreage of impervious paved surface cry they are being clobbered by water charges that have already quadrupled – with more to come and no end in sight. They charge they are being discriminated against and they warn entire industries may wink out of existence if they don’t get relief. Some contend their properties are now unsellable. City Council President Darrell Clarke heard these complaints and took action. Two weeks ago, he introduced legislation that would allow for a change in the way water rates are charged. “Right now, PWD can petition for a raise in rates every four years, pretty much at their own behest,” explained Clarke’s aide William Carter. “The Council President would like to see more participation in this process by the public and by elected officials.” Clarke has had some meet-
STORM DRAINS are a major and costly part of Water Dept.’s business. New method of charging for its costs will redo the real-estate map of this city, with major winners – and losers. ings with PWD regarding their latest round of increases, and “we’re really not clear how they’ve arrived at these numbers,” continued Carter. PWD is in the midst of a four-year process to change how rate-payers cover the costs of its vast, aging com-
bined system of storm and sewage lines. Meter usage – how much water customers buy – has always been the source of its revenues. But many costs the utility faces don’t stem from the water you draw; they stem from the water that falls on your prop-
erty and runs off. This cost is built into your land, and the amount of impervious surface on it. Rain that falls onto your lawn soaks into the soil; rain that falls onto your driveway runs into the gutter. Your water rates never used to pay for that runoff; now they will. After years of mapping, PWD has determined every land parcel’s “IA/GA” (Impervious Area/Gross Area). As of 2012, stormwater costs have been 50% reallocated from water-buyers to landowners. By 2014, land-owners will be paying 100% of stormwater costs. This dramatic change has, among other things, nearly doubled the number of PGW’s customers. New on its billing rolls are 23,447 parcels of land which had no water service. Previously, their owners had paid nothing to maintain the storm drains. Now they will be paying. This change was initially driven by customer complaints, explained PGW
spokeswoman Joanne Dahme. “Large users pointed out they were paying off their meters for parts of the system they weren’t responsible for,” she said. “The new billing method is fairer.” The change is supposed to be revenue-neutral. The average homeowner won’t notice much difference. But many large commercial properties are seeing vast swings in their costs. Big winners, in general, are “vertical” properties with lots of plumbing stacked on top of a small footprint, and properties with large lawns. “Eds and meds” – care facilities and universities – come out ahead in this switch. Losers are often “horizontal” properties – those with small water consumption but large areas of paved surface. Auto dealers, shopping centers, factories and warehouses are being hurt. Those operating on tight margins could be driven out of business. Their property values will plummet; in some cases, it’s not clear (Cont. Page 23)
Leaders Rally By Roebuck
The Public Record • March 29, 2012,
LINING UP beside State Rep. Jim Roebuck are a host of community IMAM Nur ed-Din of Phila. Masjid implores W. leaders including, from left, business leader Thelma Peake of Peake’s Philadelphians to retain State Rep. Jim Roebuck in Little Angels, 46th Ward Committeewoman Lynn Williams, State April primary as Roebuck opens campaign office on Rep. Curtis Thomas, 27th Ward Leader Carol Jenkins, Roebuck, Baltimore Avenue. In a time when public education Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell of 46th Ward, 51st Ward Leader is under siege, said ed-Din, seniority of Roebuck, who Vivian Miller, Friends of Malcolm X Park President Gregorio Coju- is Democrat chair of House Education Committee, is lun of Garden Court and 46th Ward Committeeman Shawn Kelly. vital: “We need his experience now.” Other Neilson endorsements has the support of most ward bette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) has Clean Air Council, Bicycle include Fraternal Order of Po- leaders in her district as well. agreed to one debate with her Coalition of Greater Philadellice Lodge 5 and Northeast Also in the race is Iraqi challenger Brian Sims. He phia and Pennsylvania League Democratic ward leaders, in- War veteran and Lincoln Uni- wanted six. She knows the rule: of Conservation Voters. Unions Endorse Ramos cluding State Sen. Michael versity graduate and Masters’- Incumbents should never give In 180th Dem Primary Stack, former Councilwoman degree holder Jamil Ali, a equal exposure to challengers. The Fraternal Order of PoJoan Krajewski, Pat Parkinson, clinical supervisor at Girard Sims is hoping to wrest Shawn Dillon and Mike Medical Center. He hopes to away the LGBT community, lice has endorsed 20-year reMcAleer. capitalize on his community strong in the district. Josephs tired police veteran Jonathan Ms. Jewel Williams re- involvements. Among them is has long been the champion Ramos for the 180th Legislaceived a major boost over the a nonprofit in the 2500 block for the LGBT community and tive Dist. FOP Lodge 5 repreother Democrat aspirants to of N. Colorado Street, where has been endorsed by the sents 14,600 active and retired the primary nomination for the 20 Black men, including some Planned Parenthood PA PAC officers of the Philadelphia 197th Legislative Dist. vacated ex-cons who can “preach” to and Philadelphia NOW PAC Police and Sheriff’s Depts. He has also received the enby her father, Sheriff Jewell inner-city eight- to 13-year- and is among those legislators Williams. She was endorsed old kids about avoiding crim- receiving a perfect 100 on en- dorsement from DC 47, which represents over 4,000 municiby Laborers District Council inal elements. vironmental votes. last week, as were also State In the 186th race, Jordan Brian feels, as a gay advo- pal employees. Jonathan came Reps. Cherelle Parker, Ron Harris received caucus en- cating for the same commu- within 124 votes of victory in Waters and Louise Bishop. dorsement Tuesday night at nity, he is more in tune with 2010. He has opened a campaign office at 2663 N. 5th The Laborers District Council the 36th Ward Democrats’ its needs than Josephs. TEAMS OF supporters have been fanning across 188th has the most-experienced get- meeting for the general elecJosephs is a member of the Street, 2nd floor. House Dist. in W. Phila to boost energetic campaign of Vickie Won’t Budge out-the-vote cadre, with a tion. Harold James was en- Green Dog Legislative Caucus young challenger Fatimah Muhammad. Here a wellFrom 16th GOP Ward strong record of successes for dorsed for the special election. in the House, PennEnvironequipped team is working crowd at Farmers’ Market in Vickie Freeman doesn't care candidates it has backed. She In the 182nd, State Rep. Ba- ment, PennFuture, Sierra Club, Clark Park. (Cont. Page 6)
Page 5
(Cont. From Page 3) It’s a tough loss for his district, since many saw him as a potential leader for the city in the State House. In other legislative-district news, Anthony P. Johnson’s petitions, challenged by incumbent Angel Cruz (D-Kensington), were upheld by the State Supreme Court in the 180th. The 169th Legislative Dist., which may not belong to Philadelphia if the Supreme Court finally approves the 2011 redistricting plan, will prove hard fought this November. It pits David Kralle, long-time chief of staff to popular Councilman Denny O’Brien, who had held that seat before mov-
ing on to Council, against Democrat Ed Neilson, who has already gathered a slew of labor endorsements and a united Democrat front on his side. Kralle this week picked up the support of popular, and it seems unbeatable, 10th Dist. Councilman Brian O’Neill, who stated, “It is a pleasure to stand side by side with Dave Kralle as he endeavors to join me in representing the great people of Northeast Philadelphia.” Kralle is favored to overcome a primary challenge from John McCann. His opponent Neilson was former Deputy Secretary of Labor under Gov. Ed Rendell. A lifelong union member, he has picked up support from the 4,000-member Fire Fighters Local 22.
Fatima Launches Bold Bid
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RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District 6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A
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Larry Farnese First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121 1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.SenatorFarnese.com
3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave. Suite 104 Phila., PA 19132
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R EPRESENTATIVE
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Page 6 The Public Record • March 29, 2012
(Cont. From Page 5) who says she is or isn't the Republican Ward Leader of the 16th Ward. She knows she was elected ward leader in June 2010. On her side is the newly organized Black Republican Ward Leaders Coalition. The Republican City Committee hasn’t recognized her, since at one point she had been the only elected committeeperson in her ward. Not having others, she could not be duly elected to lead a ward. Since then, she has registered others as Republican in this almost 100% African American ward and even has a chairwoman, Daphne Goggins. She now claims she has 14
committeepersons and has herself been elected treasurer of the Black Republican Ward Leaders led by Lewis Harris, Jr. She is also holding a fundraiser breakfast at the home of one of her committee people, Harriet Taylor, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Mar. 31, at 2218 N. 18th Street. Tickets are $10. The Coalition meets every two weeks at the Wharton Center, 1712 N. 22nd Street. Folmer Backs Pinto For Auditor
Frank Pinto is running against the endorsement for Pennsylvania Auditor General. The GOP State Committee backed State Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny). At the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, he picked up the support of State Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon).
A Blackwell Tackles 190th
BACK FOR another try at 190th House Dist. seat is Audrey Blackwell-Watson. Pictured here at her HQ opening are, from left, her brother former State Rep. Tommy Blackwell, who once held that seat; her sister Brenda Blackwell; her husband Rev. Larry Washington; and candidate herself.
Farnese Scores Well With Environmentalists
State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) received a 100% rating from Pennsylvania environmental groups for his green voting record. The Marcellus Shale Scorecard gives each State Senator and Representative a grade based on their Act 13 votes. “I’m honored to receive a 100% from Pennsylvania’s Environmental Groups,” said Farnese. “I’ve always thought we need strong champions of the environment, and I’m proud to be recognized as one. So I’ll continue to do all I can to preserve and protect our great Commonwealth for generations to come.” Forty-two State Representatives and 14 State Senators earned perfect 100% scores on the scorecard. All 14 Senators are Democrats. Its Labor Unions Vs. Clinton In AG Race
Former Congressman Pat Murphy has locked up five of this area’s top labor organizations, representing nearly 300,000 working families, in his bid to win the Democrat nomination for Attorney General. In addition to the endorsement from the 900,000-member Pennsylvania AFL-CIO meeting here this week, he has logged in endorsements from the Pennsylvania State Education Association, AFSCME Council 13, AFSCME District Council 47, the Penn-
Free-For-All In 172nd
CHALLENGER Dan Collins will take on State Rep. Kevin Boyle in 172nd Legislative Dist. Primary and he's assured support of 56th Ward Democrat Leader Attorney John Sabatina, who’s not been happy with incumbent. Photo: Harry Leech
sylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals and the United Mine Workers of America Dist. 2. The Iraq War Veterans has the bulk of organized-labor endorsements in the Commonwealth. Prosecutor Kathleen Kane has announced President Bill Clinton formally endorsed her candidacy for Pennsylvania Attorney General. He said, “The Attorney General can have an enormous positive impact, so it’s important to elect someone who understands how to use the office and the legal system to protect and advance the lives of Penn-
STATE SENATOR
LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE
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1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538
DAN COLLINS finds ready support Elizabeth Mullin and Pat McCardle. Without a Democrat endorsement for either he or incumbent Rep. Kevin Boyle, this could turn out to be a free for all priPhoto: Harry Leech mary, too close to call.
sylvanians. Kathleen Kane would make a great Attorney General. She’s smart and tough. She’s prosecuted more than 3000 cases, protected senior citizens, and put child molesters and violent criminals behind bars,” remarked President Clinton. “I hope she’ll become the first woman ever elected Attorney General by the people of Pennsylvania.” “Pennsylvania has always been Clinton Country,” said Kane, “so I am energized by the President’s endorsement and the momentum it provides my campaign.” The negative side of that endorsement is he is not registered in Pennsylvania and can’t vote for her. GOP US Senate Race A Fight
It’s rare State Republicans experience a primary fight for a statewide office. They do State Rep.
Mark B.
COHEN
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202nd District 6001 N. 5th St.
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Tartaglione 2nd Dist. 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124
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Vincent Hughes 4950 Parkside Ave. Suite 300 Phila PA 19131 215-879-777
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200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker
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2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 Always Hard Working .. . for You!
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this time and it is a winner, drawing attention from party loyalists throughout the state. Though Steve Welch is the endorsed candidate, he has no guarantee he will win the laurels to challenge US Sen. Bob Casey. To add to his chances, he’s begun 30-second TV ads. Thinking otherwise is former State Rep. Sam Rohrer, who has picked up the support of former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, now traveling with him on a bus trip around the state. In addition, Rohrer has tucked away the endorsement of the city’s Pentecostal Clergy Political Action Committee of Philadelphia & Vicinity. Founded in 2003, The Pentecostal Clergy is a group of African American ministers that represent over 75 churches and more than (Cont. Page 20)
Councilman Wm.
Greenlee
Room 312 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927
State Rep.
William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
215-271-9190
Page 7
Our Opinion ... What Is Right?
Another Opinion No Roads, No Bridges, No Jobs statewide, yet there is no plan in sight for a sustainable funding source for all the work that needs to be completed. Last summer, I introduced legislation (HB 1834) to set in motion the steps needed to create as many as 30,000 of the jobs, jobs, jobs that would result from this endeavor. Just recently in the House, we debated the existence of a community economic development program that has helped restore the crumbling infrastructure of buildings through the Commonwealth. Some form of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program has been in place since 1986. It is a matching-grant program, funded through government-issued bonds. It has helped to provide critical matching funds to rebuild public structures such as libraries, courthouses, medical facilities, educational institutions, urban business corri-
FIRST TIME in 12 years we’re missing cartoon from our Creative Editor Ron “RT” Taylor. He’s been ill, and hopes to be cartooning again soon. Here he presents one of his cartoons to former governor Tom Ridge as Councilman David Oh looks on.
Mar. 29- City Council honors Vietnam Veterans Day at City Hall with 82nd Airborne Honor Guard, recognizing 25th anniversary of Phila. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 9:30 a.m. Mar. 29- Ed Neilson, Democrat candidate for 169th House Dist., opens campaign HQ at 3356 Grant Ave., 4-6:30 p.m. Mar. 29- Fundraiser for State Rep. Pam DeLissio at All Seasons Wash & Lube, 6722 Ridge Ave., 5:30-7:30 p.m. For info (215) 808-9167. Sponsor: $150, Friend: $75. Bring checks or send to DeLissio State House Campaign, POB
46-606, Phila., PA 19127. Mar. 29- 66A Ward Leader Shawn Dillon hosts fundraiser for Ed Neilson, Democrat State Rep candidate, at Bridgeman’s Ha., 11600 Norcom Rd., 7-9 p.m. Tickets $30. Beef and beer. For info Shawn Dillon (215) 637-6360. Mar. 29- State Rep. Rosita Youngblood hosts fundraiser at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 7-9:30 p.m. Dinner, open bar, dancing. Tickets $75. For info (215) 745-4306. Mar. 30- Fish Fry fundraiser for State Rep candidate James “Scoot” Clay at Wilson Amer. Legion Post, 2006 Orthodox St., 6-9 p.m. Food, wine and beer. Tickets $20. Mar. 30- Retirement Party for Jimmy Lewis, School District,
at Phila. Ballrm., 2041 Hornig Rd., 7 p.m. Open bar, Dinner, Music. $45. Make checks payable to J. Lewis Retirement. For info Bob DeVincent (215) 651-8009 or Fran Kelly (215) 964-4775. Mar. 31- Harold James endorses Jordan Harris for State Rep at 26th & Wharton Sts., 10:30 a.m. Mar. 31- 38th Ward Family Style Cookin’ Party at 3521 Bowman St., 1-5 p.m. $20. Apr. 1- Fundraiser for Denise Furey, GOP candidate for 2nd Dist. Alternate Delegate to Republican National Committee at 4256 Regent Sq., on 43rd St. between Woodland and Chester Aves., 4 p.m. Entertainment by Magician Randy Shine. Tickets $40.
For info (215) 387-7300. Apr. 2- 22nd Ward GOP hosts Reception for Calvin R. Tucker, candidate for National Delegate at The Irish Center (Also Known as Commodore John Barry Club), 6815 Emlen St., corner of Emlen St. & Carpenter La., 6-8:30 p.m. $50 to $150. For info (215) 694-9278. Apr. 3- Jefferson-Jackson Day Celebration at Sheet Metal Workers Hall, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. $150. For info (215) 241-7804. Apr. 4- Democrat Ward 39B hosts Spring Fundraiser at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 1526 Packer Ave., 5:30-8 p.m. Tickets $50. For info Matt Myers (215) 467-4643. (Cont. Page 24)
dors, and even sports stadiums and arenas. Dozens of communities statewide have reaped the benefits of this program. However, legislation to reduce the amount of debt allowed for the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program was approved recently by the House. The proponents of the legislation have completely ignored the fact that not all debt is bad debt; that, in fact,
when government issues bonds for various projects, that money jumpstarts the economy, adding jobs, jobs, jobs and prolonging the life of the critical infrastructure needed to attract private industry to invest in our communities. Government cannot create jobs, jobs, jobs but it certainly can have an influence on those who do. If Pennsylvania is to be the business-friendly desti-
nation that the Governor and my colleagues claim they want, we need to do more, not less, to entice the private sector to invest its dollars and manpower in the Commonwealth. We need to take action on the four-bill (HBs 2181, 2182, 2183 and 2184) package I introduced earlier this year – Made in PA – to retain, create, and stimulate jobs, jobs, jobs. Instead of cutting dollars to
basic and higher education, the incubators of Pennsylvania’s future workforce, we must consider more creative ways to invest those dollars, not eliminate them. We must provide additional incentives so that private industry is willing to take the entrepreneurial chances necessary to stimulate the imagination and that result in family-sustaining and rewarding jobs, jobs, jobs. It is time to act, act, act.
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by State Rep. Dwight Evans We need to do more than talk, talk, talk about jobs, jobs, jobs. With all the talk around the country about jobs, jobs, jobs, one has to wonder why so many public office-holders or holderwannabes are so determined to undermine any potential for job, job, job creation. In Pennsylvania, it has taken an odd turn. In spite of a year-old set of recommendations from his own transportation advisory commission, Gov. Tom Corbett has yet to put forth any kind of plan to maintain or repair our state’s crumbling infrastructure of roads, bridges, transit systems, and other critical avenues needed for an economy that involves moving people and goods on a daily basis. We are facing a $3.5 billion transportation crisis
The Public Record • March 29, 2012
Protests! That’s what’s right! And that’s what makes this country so grand ... protests without government troops blasting away at you with tank guns as happens in other countries. No matter the protest, its level of interest – whether an abandoned house on the block or a pressing national agenda (save those starting as riots with the real aim at pillaging stores in the process of course) – show the citizens of this country still care. This week, protest marches, picket lines, and demonstrations took front stage in Philadelphia. We expect them to continue, since the weather has turned supportive for larger turnouts. We could comment on the validity of some, the misdirection of others, and the futility of still others. But we refrain, since all involved have their own opinions and don’t need ours. But, what has been missing is the one protest which should be taking place every afternoon and evening as neighborhoods and neighbors take to the streets en masse to protect their children and seniors coming home and patrolling their own streets when the sun goes down. The more bodies on the street, the less likely the opportunities for crime and mayhem now sweeping through this city.
Page 8 The Public Record • March 29, 2012
Addiction: A $600M Problem The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports drug addiction is at its highest level in 10 years, with an estimated 21 million people abusing drugs over a one-month period. Especially difficult about addiction is that it not only affects the person abusing drugs but also all those connected with the addict. Reports indicate addiction costs society a total of $600 billion annually. In addition, nearly 80% of crime is related to substance abuse.
Is addiction something that someone is genetically predisposed to? This is something that has been argued for many years with no proof of validity. The same goes for the theory that addiction is an incurable brain disease or that it exists because of some chemical imbalance in the body. How addiction starts is simple: An individual had a problem for which he does not have a solution. He or she turns to drugs or alcohol to
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handle the problem. Then, because of their addictive potential the drugs or alcohol become a much greater problem. This is a very short summary, but in each and every addiction one can see how this would apply. Many people who have a loved one struggling with substance-abuse problems don’t understand how their loved one got addicted. The reason why some end up as substance abusers while others do not boils down to how they confront and handle barriers or problems in their life. Another influence on who uses drugs and who will not deals with the environment – more specifically, how many pro-drug and pro-alcohol influences the individual is in contact with and how much drug and alcohol use is accepted in the environment. Addiction can be cured with the right treatment. Although it is very painful to break free from, it is 100% possible to do so and it happens every day. A rehabilitation program should help an addicted individual to face every aspect of his abuse problem and handle it so that he or she does not have to use drugs or alcohol as a solution to his problems.
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when you have no income and no job prospects appears to be the “right” time to file. That perversity is the result of the means test, which gauges your ability to repay your debts in the future by looking at your income for the past six months. Under BAPCPA, there’s further peril, even if your income looking backwards is next to nothing. One of the subsections of 707 allows the UST to object to your discharge based on your future
income, even if you pass the means test. What better time to take the means test when there is neither money in your past, nor money in your future to pay to creditors. It hurts me to say to someone living on unemployment or the support from family that they need to pay for a bankruptcy now. It seems like a poor use of money. Yet, if you wait till you have a job, some of that income may appear in the means-test look -back period, and a steady income is shown in the bankruptcy schedules that look at your income and living expenses going forward.
So the legislators who were so clever at figuring out how to stick it to those poor folks who “didn’t want to pay their bills” just created an incentive to file sooner to discharge debt when we know it will be dischargeable. Next Week’s Question: Can you save your IRA or 401(k) before bankruptcy?
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ties, including your capacity to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, reach, handle, finger, bend, stoop, climb, crawl, kneel, squat, and function when exposed to environmental irritants; and mental limitations that impact on concentration, attention, social functioning, and activities of daily living; 3) your ability to perform ADL; pain and its effect on functioning; medications you take and their side effects, if any; and why you feel you cannot return to your past work or perform other work; 4) medical expert testimony
regarding whether your impairments meet or equal one or more of the Listing of Impairments; keep in mind that the ALJ has the discretion whether to schedule ME testimony, meaning that one may not appear at your hearing; 5) vocational expert testimony about your work history, and whether you can return to past relevant work or perform other work that exists in substantial numbers in the national economy when considering your residual functional capacity, age, education, and work history.
The Public Record • March 29, 2012
by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Unemployed? Is now the time to file bankruptcy? Answer: Before the bankruptcy laws were “reformed”, my rule of thumb was not to file bankruptcy when you were out of work. For most folks, they had nothing that even a creditor who sued and got a judgment could take from them. Under the new Bankruptcy Law change, now
tive law judge. Unlike proceedings in most other courtrooms, there is no lawyer present at the hearing who represents the Social Security Administration. While the ad-
tory during the last 15 years, including exertional levels, whether work amounted to substantial gainful activity and was performed at skilled or semi-skilled levels, and whether you gained any skills transferable to other kinds of work; 2) how your medical impairments affect your ability to perform physical activi-
Page 9
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Page 10 The Public Record • March 29, 2012 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
This past Monday, LEWIS HARRIS, JR., the Republican Leader of the 29th Ward, and Chairmen of the Coalition of Black Republican Ward Leaders, met with MIKE MEEHAN, the General Counsel of Republican City Committee, and, from what we heard, most of the African American ward leaders. Harris, like many of the other ward leaders, wanted to know why Meehan appointed three white people from South Philadelphia to head predominantly minority wards in North Philadelphia. This elephant also heard Meehan did not contact any of the committeepersons in these wards prior to making the appointments. This is not surprising. Two years ago, when he decided to replace the duly elected 46TH WARD LEADER MARK SUPPLE with himself, he did not speak to any of the committeepersons. It should be noted that those committeepersons have subsequently reelected Supple as their ward leader. Many members of the herd question Meehan’s ability under the RCC by-laws to replace VICKI FREEMAN, the duly elected leader of the 16th Ward, and to fill the vacancies in the 13th and 49th Wards. The by-laws allow the Chairman of the RCC to fill the vacancy in the 13th which was caused when the leader resigned. The vacancy in the 49th is because the ward never organized; instead of appointing someone, the RCC should help the ward organize. It should be noted Meehan is not the Chairman of RCC. Many ward leaders and the Republican Party of Pennsylvania believe VITO CANUSO is not the Chairman of the RCC as the RCC did not properly organize in 2010. The herd wonders why Meehan choose to take these actions at this time. The buzz in the jungle is that he was ne(Cont. Page 25)
I often say it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is to defeat an incumbent in Pennsylvania. But over the last few years, this particular line of thinking has been disproven. Before becoming a City Councilman, Kenyatta Johnson was a State Representative. He got that particular office by beating a long-time incumbent, Harold James, in the Democratic primary. This year, there are a lot of folks hoping to be the next Kenyatta Johnson. Among those is Fatimah Lorén Muhammad. Muhammad, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and former director of the university’s Greenfield Intercultural Center, is taking on State Rep. James Roebuck for the right to represent the 188th Legislative Dist. While on its face it would seem taking on a longtime incumbent (Roebuck has represented this West Philadelphia legislative district for 25 years) is a daunting challenge, it’s not the first one Muhammad has faced in her life. In fact, it is those challenges that have led Muhammad into the political sphere. “As a child, my family was homeless,” she said. “We were homeless by the time I was eight years old. And it radically changed my perspective on everything. To go hungry … to have to go to school … to have pencils without erasers on them to do my homework … I was confused about, as a child, why society would allow children and mothers to go hungry. And I committed myself to doing anything in my power if I ever got out to supporting people, supporting communities, making sure that this doesn’t happen. I’ve devoted my life to that and everything I’ve done has connected to it.” (Cont. Page 25)
Yo! Here we go again with this letter from an 88-year-old grandmother and still drives her own car. She writes: Dear Granddaughter, The other day I went up to our local Christian bookstore and saw a ‘Honk if you love Jesus’ bumper sticker. I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper. Boy, am I glad I did; what an uplifting experience that followed. I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, just lost in thought about the Lord and how good he is, and I didn’t notice that the light had changed. It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he hadn’t honked, I’d never have noticed. I found that lots of people love Jesus! While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy, and then he leaned out of his window and screamed, ‘For the love of God – Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ, Go!’ What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus! Everyone started honking! I just leaned out my window and started waving and smiling at all those loving people. I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love! There must have been a man from Florida back there, because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach. I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle finger stuck up in the air. I asked my young teenage grandson in the back seat what that meant. He said it was probably a Hawaiian good-luck sign or something. Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii, so I leaned out the window and gave him the good-luck sign right back. My grandson burst out laughing. Why, even he was enjoying this religious experience! A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me. I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is when I noticed the light had changed. So, grinning, I waved at all my brothers and sisters, and drove on through the intersection. I noticed that I was the only car that got through the intersection before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had to leave them after all the love we had shared. So I slowed the car down, leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good-luck sign one last time as I drove away. Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks! Will write again soon, Love, Grandma
COUNCIL MEMBERS BEWARE: to rush into AVI is VOODOO ECONOMICS. A Councilman told me that he heard Councilman Squilla’s ordinance to halt AVI ( REAL ESTATE TAX INCREASES) may not legally POSSIBLE. THIS IS MISLEADING. AVI is state law, but the City botched the AVI preparations over the last DECADE and the Commonwealth DID NOT penalize the City. The State will recognize the GOOD-FAITH efforts of City Council to reconcile the tax rate with late-arriving Market Values. Proponents of AVI who are NOT with the City WILL visit or have visited Council members. They are for AVI for different reasons. If City Council is PUSHED into AVI and sets the tax rate incorrectly, it will be an embarrassing disaster for Council. The City Administration WILL NOT be blamed. Scare tactics fly since Council has no expert of their own to quash them. IT IS GREAT TO HEAR Pittsburgh will have a major refinery. And that Sen. BOB Casey is like a dog on a bone to keep the Sunoco refinery open here. Its CEO was reported on a charm offensive to downplay the closing. No matter what he says, does or dances – the closure will cause job loss, hurt gas supply in our area and could drive up the price of gas. Sunoco seems bent on sliding from a major corporation to 7-11 Store status. HEY CEO MacDONALD, you do have GOOD sandwiches in your gas stations. IN MASSACHUSETTS: Barney Frank will not seek reelection. 325k new constituents would cause him to get up $2M. JOE KENNEDY III, 31-year-old former prosecutor, is the candidate in the 4th Congressional Dist. Before he announced, he was 2-1 in the lead. If you thought the Kennedy (Cont. Page 24)
The Rabbi to the Stars, SOLOMON ISAACSON, hosted another blockbuster event at the City Line Hilton. The Rabbi’s synagogue is home to many new Philadelphians, often of Russian or Ukrainian origin. New COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA was at the head table with former City CONTROLLER JONATHAN SAIDEL. He was joined by STATE SENS. ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS and MIKE STACK, TONYA STACK, GARY BARBERA and GENO BARBERA. STATE REP. TONY PAYTON was not there. Payton will soon be out of a job due to a petition challenge. The two-term Rep could not provide the 300 necessary good signatures out of 1,500 filed to stay on the ballot. Thus, his challenger for the seat, JIM CLAY, will take over unless Payton has a miracle in his back pocket, which no one believes he does. DAN SAVAGE is getting the credit for taking Payton out. Savage felt disrespected by Payton, who never sought his support. Four years ago, Savage caught Payton engaging in petition monkeyshines and challenged him fiercely but did not succeed in knocking him off the ballot. Savage also played a significant role in taking out another prominent and seemingly unbeatable incumbent. Note to aspiring politicos in the Kensington area: Play nice with Savage. Will either Savage or Payton set their eyes on the Senate seat currently occupied by TINA TARTAGLIONE, or will it be STATE REP. ANGEL CRUZ? Lately, he’s been able to build friendships and alliances with a large number of ward leaders including JOHN SABATINA. Tartaglione, however, is no slacker. Any challenger will not be able to rely on her to commit elementary blunders like the one Payton made. STATE REP. JOHN TAYLOR may get a race from newcomer WILLIAM DUNBAR. Taylor has been rumored to be leaning Democrat for decades but has remained a reliable Republican from Philadelphia. He has shown an ability to vote for Philadelphia along with Philadelphia Democrats. But he did help the R’s pass their crazy voter-fraud bill. The bill is clearly designed to suppress Democratic voter turnout in Philadelphia in the presidential election. A good week for ED NEILSON, who was endorsed by COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON and Pennsylvania AUDITOR GEN. JACK WAGNER endorsed in the 169th House Dist. Neilson will be facing Republican DAVE KRALLE in all likelihood in the special election Apr. 24.
attention by complaining about improper School District costs.) I say “allegedly,” because in 2009, when this was an issue with Bureau of Revision of Taxes’ having employees who engaged in political activities on the School District payroll, Mayor Nutter was reported as saying,“Following a review by City Solicitor Shelley Smith, those workers have been deemed City employees.” One would think it would be a cut-and-dried case for the City Controller employees as well. Not so, it now appears. I remained in touch with BoE and for the first part of the year, its spokespersons said there was an exchange between the Board and the Law Dept. to get an opinion from the City Solicitor on the law. Up until December, BoE was still waiting on an opinion from the City Solicitor. Nine months, and still the City Solicitor couldn’t decide if someone was a City employee subject to political activity laws. At the beginning of January, I spoke to BoE again and was informed the Law Dept. promised a response by the end of the month. At the beginning of February, I called again just to be told the Law
Dept. said they needed two more weeks because they were busy. At this point, I informed BoE I would be attending the February board meeting to express my concerns about the whole process with this complaint. I explained my concerns to the Chairman and Board about the complaint and how it seems the Law Dept. is obstructing the Board of Ethics. The response was: No comment, because it was an
enforcement issue (Regulation 5). I then asked what the Board’s procedures were on dealing with City departments that don’t respond in a timely manner. No comment, because of Regulation 5. But if the Board can’t comment on its own procedures, where does the public go to address these concerns? No comment, because of Regulation 5. This raises several questions and observations about (Cont. Page 17)
SOUTH PHILLY attorney Alfonso Gambone drew broad coalition of Democrats and Republicans together at IATSE Union Hall in Whitmanfor his first fundraiser as he seeks to challenge 1st Dist. Democrat State Sen. Larry Farnese. Turning out for Iraq War Veteran were, from left, S. Phila. community activist Fred Druding, Jr.; Mrs. & Mr. Bill Pettigrew, GOP leader of 23rd & 54th Wards, and Councilman David Oh. Large crowd also included both sides of intra-Party GOP fight, as Chairman Vito Canuso and insurgent 5th Ward Leader Mike Cibik were both in attendance.
UT O B A ASK ULL OUR F R A 30 YE TEE AN GUAR
The Public Record • March 29, 2012
by Adam Lang Does an ethics complaint make a sound if no one answers it? Or more aptly, “What happens to an ethics complaint if City Hall refuses to respond?” I have been a big fan and supporter of the Board of Ethics ever since its creation. I have also frequently put in complaints for a variety of activities I thought the Board should look into. While I was not always happy with the result, that has always been more a problem with the laws than with the Board’s investigative work. Over the last year, though, I have grown concerned about BoE because of a specific complaint I filed and the disturbing events surrounding it. On Mar. 2, 2011, over one year ago, I submitted a complaint to BoE about political activity of City employees, specifically in regards to the employees the City Controller has on the School District payroll. Many are committeepersons and work on the campaign of Controller Alan Butkovitz – activity expressly prohibited by the City Charter, but allegedly a gray area because the School District is paying their salary (in an ironic twist, Controller Butkovitz himself has sought
Page 11
Is Board Of Ethics Being Unethical?
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The South Philadelphia Public Record • March 29, 2012
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Want A Free Tree? TreePhilly Campaign, sponsored by the city’s parks and recreation division and Wells Fargo bank are making
available free trees for front or back of your property. Deadline is March 31. Call 215683-0217.
CONGRESSMAN Bob Brady, center, and WURD DJ Bill Anderson interview Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell on Bob’s monthly three-hour morning program. Photo: Joe Stivala
the legislation for the Board of Ethics and now, as Mayor, the City Solicitor answers to him. Why is he allowing his Law Dept. to ignore the Board of Ethics? What is in it for him to protect Controller Butkovitz’s employees? Is ethics for
ALSO SHARING guest time were, from left, Paul “Earthquake” Moore, Ed Thornton, Ann Brown and State Rep. Maria DoPhoto: Joe Stivala natucci.
him only as far as it is politically expedient? Finally, why is the cashstrapped School District still paying for City Controller employees and why is City Hall is actively working to keep them there? (Adam Lang resides in
Sharswood. A community activist who fights for clean government in Philadelphia, he is a candidate for Delegate to the Republican National Convention in the 2012 primary election. He can be reached at www.adamlang.com.)
The South Philadelphia Public Record • March 29, 2012
MARCH OF DIMES conferred its Services to Humanity Award at its 19th Transportation, Building and Constructions Award luncheon to Philadelphia Regional Port Authority Executive Director James T. McDermott, above, and PRPA Board Member Teamsters official Shawn Dougherty.
(Cont. From Page 11) how BoE operates, as well as about the goings on in City Hall. First, is it that easy to block an ethics complaint – just by refusing to respond to the Board? In this instance, we are talking about an opinion that was rendered by the City Solicitor (but not on paper) just a year and a half prior. It is hard to believe it required another year of legal research. Second, how is the Board of Ethics held accountable and certified free from a political agenda? Third, where does Mayor Nutter fit in to all of this? As Councilman, he created
Page 17
Is Board On Radio With Congressman Brady Unethical?
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The Public Record • March 29, 2012
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Oh Eyes Bikers Convention will be held Apr. 18 at 7:30 p.m.at SmokeEaters Pub on Frankford Avenue in Mayfair.
Len Lear lead role at City Tap House, the food is not exactly a bit player. Some of the dishes we thoroughly enjoyed were the Tartufo brick oven pizza with roasted mushrooms, taleggio cheese, black truffle and fried egg ($15); roasted butternut squash salad with baby spinach, maple-glazed bacon, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and maple-sherry vinaigrette ($10); dry-rubbed baby back ribs that fell right off the bone ($21), an entrée special of whole roasted pork loin stuffed with apple-currant chutney, accompanied by
roasted asparagus and potato gratin. Excellent service was provided by an efficient Drexel student named Brian with a sensible-shoes personality. One might think parking is impossible to find on the 3900 block of Walnut Street, and it may be because we have a “parking fairy,” but both times we have gone to City Tap House, we found spaces right on Walnut Street, about 75 yards from the restaurant. And the kiosks actually worked both times! Shocking! I thought that maybe we were on some of “Candid Camera” TV show. During the week, City Tap House is populated mostly by students. We were told by manager Jason Runzer that on weekends there are more families and students with their parents. City Tap House has live music or a deejay every night, Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call (215) 6620105 or visit www.citytaphouse.com.
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Cost is $30.00 yearly
Councilman David Oh ...Driving Force
1835 Arch Street. And in January 2008 they opened Field House, a sports bar in the Reading Terminal’s old Independence Bar & Grill location. Last year, they opened Chestnut 7 in Chestnut Hill. They also own restaurants in New York City, Stamford, CT; Wilmington, Del.; Baltimore and Washington, D.C. These guys are definitely on their way up the gastropub escalator. During our most recent visit to City Tap House last week, a few suds we thoroughly enjoyed were Southampton Double White, a scary-good American wheat beer with a spicy clove aroma and citrusy taste (6.7% alcohol, $6.50); Troegs Dreamweaver, a velvety smooth, feather-light match for salads or seafood (4.8% alcohol, $6.50); and Sly Fox Raspberry Reserve, which tastes like a sweet, carbonated, delightful after-dinner drink (9.4% alcohol, $21 for a 750 ml bottle). Although beer plays the
1321 S. Broad Street Philadelphia PA 19147
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City Councilman David Oh told a membership meeting of ABATE, a motorcycle-rights group, believes this city would welcome large motorcycle shows. He also called to the attention of the motorcyclists the fact the Philadelphia Parking Authority offers special discounted motorcycle parking. Sites can be found on their web site www.Philapark.org. ABATE — Alliance of Bikers Aimed Towards Education —is a national organization that lobbies elected officials and nonriders about the motorcycle community. Its next meeting is open to those interested in joining It
ing, including a row of five fire stone pits overlooking Walnut Street.) The first executive chef at City Tap House was Al Paris, a peripatetic South Philly native who has worked in at least a dozen area kitchens and is currently chef/partner at Heirloom, a BYOB in Chestnut Hill. The City Tap House kitchen is now run by Ralph Kane, who formerly worked backstage at Cooperage and Bistro 7, among others. City Tap House was started by a local quartet of 30-somethings — Gary Cardi, Brian Harrington, Frank Falesto and Chris Coco — and you can definitely say this is not their first time out on the dance floor. Their business, Public House Investments, opened Public House in 2005 in the former home of Dock Street Brewery at 1801 Arch Street in Logan Square. In February 2007, the enterprising quartet opened Mission Grill, a huge operation (140 seats and three private rooms) with a Southwestern ambience on the ground floor of the old Bell Telephone Building at
The Public Record • March 29, 2012
by Len Lear City Tap House, which is kind of like an American version of Munich’s legendary Hofbrauhaus, opened in May 2010 on The Radian Balcony, the second floor of a building at 3925 Walnut Street, just a few six-packs’ length from the campuses of Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. For beer buffs, City Tap House has more hooks than a commercial fishing boat. Each line for the 60 or so draft beers is fed straight from a changing array of kegs, managed by beer steward Andy Farrell. With so many craft beers to choose from, it is fun to pair light beers with lighter foods and darker beers with heavier foods, a pattern fa-
miliar to wine drinkers. For example, as you would pair a steak with the astringent, tannic qualities found in a full-bodied Merlot or Cabernet, one can just as satisfactorily match that steak to a heavily hopped beer at City Tap House. (When I see so many draft beers, I think of Snooki on “Jersey Shore,” who gets drunk, passes out on the sand and cannot get up. In New Jersey, that’s known as flirting.) The menu of New American pub fare is served to guests in a 120-seat dining room that is flanked by an open kitchen with a brick pizza oven on one end and a bar the length of an airport runway on the other end. To work up a hearty appetite, you just have to jog around the bar a few times. (There is also extensive outdoor din-
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You’ll like getting ‘mugged’ at City Tap House
Page 20 The Public Record • March 29, 2012 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
(Cont. From page 6) 10,000 parishioners throughout the city of Philadelphia. “The Pentecostal Clergy are great men and women of faith and I am humbled to have their support,” stated Rohrer. “These ministers and their churches are in an area that is critical toward winning this election and I am proud to stand with them in their mission to promote faith and in their commitment to a better Pennsylvania.” “The Pentecostal Clergy choose to support the man and not the party,” stated is leader, Bishop Leonard Goins. “Sam Rohrer is a man of God and he is the man we need for this time. On behalf of the Pentecostal Clergy, we are proud to support Sam Rohrer in his bid for the United States Senate and we stand with him in this fight.” Undaunted is David Christian, whose US Senate candidacy was endorsed by three Pennsylvania legislators: State Sens. Tommy Tomlinson and Chuck McIlhinney of Bucks
Tomlin Swings In Her 42nd Ward
LAVISH dinner dance brought together Democrat Elaine Tomlin’s 42nd Ward at Bakers’ Hall in Feltonville with, from left, Sharon Vaughn, Tomlin, Kenyatta Cooper, Antoinette Grant-Ross, Linda Sistrunk and Otis Jones. Co., and State Representative across Pennsylvania.” Tom Murt of Montgomery Co. Tom Smith, campaigning “I’m honored and grateful as the conservative in the to have the support of these race, has the support of Citifine leaders. Their endorse- zens United, whose case bements mean a great deal to fore the Supreme Court me,” said Christian. “State resulted in that body’s tossing and federal legislators should out campaign spending limits partner together to draft solu- for third parties. tions. This is another step in Its president, David N. that direction, and when Bossie, said, “Tom Smith has elected, I will continue to es- a truly American story, from tablish these partnerships starting out on his family’s
STATE SEN. Shirley Kitchen, left, was glad to visit lively 42nd Ward affair and congratulate Ward Leader Elaine Tomlin on ELAINE TOMLIN, seated center, an early dynamo in her impressive fundraiser at Obama reelection effort, has mobilized these activists to lead her Obama 2012 Neighborhood Team. Bakers’ Hall. farm, to owning a small busi- sored Republican Party of did in Louisiana. Santorum is ness that eventually employed Philadelphia, is looking to be reported having 37% of likely more than 100 people. Wash- the compromise chairman re- Republican voters in the state to Romney’s 24% and Ginington needs entrepreneurs uniting the two factions. That scenario calls for Joe grich’s, 21 %. like Tom Smith in the halls of If Gingrich is removed the US Senate to right a ship DeFelice to be the executive from the race, the latest poll of state that has been adrift director. Santorum May Have shows 61% of Gingrich’s supway too long.” Lock On PA Primary McColgan Seeking porters would choose Rick Republican Presidential Santorum, while only 22% of Republican Chair? It's reported Joe McCol- Candidate Rick Santorum Gingrich supporters would gan, popular with elements shows every sign of repeating choose Romney. within the Republican City in the Apr. 24 Pennsylvania (Cont. Page 22) Committee and the state spon- Republican primary what he
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The Public Record • March 29, 2012
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Page 22 The Public Record • March 29, 2012
Ringside With The Shadowboxer
Carter’s Call To The Hall The Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame has released the names of the inductees who will be enshrined at this year’s Hall of Fame banquet. Honorees were chosen in three categories (Living, De-
ceased, & Non-boxer) and will be highlighted by South Philly’s Johnny “Dancing Machine” Carter. Carter was one of the best bantamweights of his era. He was a tremendous amateur
who went on to turn professional winning the USBA Bantamweight and Pennsylvania State Jr. Featherweight Championships, but was best know for his rivalry with fellow South Philadelphian, the legendary “Joltin” Jeff Chandler, whom he beat as an amateur. Chandler would take their rematch as professionals in a nationally televised bout from the old Philly Civic Center. Today, Carter gives back to the sport he loves by train-
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. 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. BUDGET FEE B-025 (O) of 2011/12 General Service Contract Various Schools $40,000.00 $25.00 Trailer Modernization 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.
ing boxers at the Marion Anderson Recreation Center in South Philly. The other living honorees are Philly lightweights Dorsey Lay and Eddie Corma. Posthumous honorees include Joey Rowan, Jessie Smith, Frank Moran, and former WBA Super Middleweight Champ Steve Little who was known as the pride of Reading. In the non-boxer category, it will be former Ring magazine editor Nigel Collins and promoter Joe Hand, Sr. Also that evening, the
Penna. Veteran Boxers Association will honor Vic DeWysocki as their Person of the Year. The banquet will be held on Sunday, May 20 at Romano’s Caterers (Castor Avenue & Wingohocking Streeet) starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are $55 which includes ceremony, buffet, open bar, music and can be purchased by calling John Gallagher at (215) 920-8791. To place an ad in the program, Philly's Johnny please call John DiSanto at South "Dancing Machine" Carter (609) 377-6413.
DeLissio Rides The Ridge (Cont. From Page 20) Senator Orie Found Guilty
IN HER TRY for reelection, State Rep. Pam DeLissio has scheduled a number of fundraisers at small local businesses in her district. Here at Coyle’s Café on Ridge Avenue, beaming DeLissio is flanked by committeepersons David Focer and Marlene Schleifer.
An Allegheny County jury convicted state Sen. Jane Orie this week of 14 of 24 charges she faced. The Ories and prosecutors had waited through nearly five days of deliberations that followed three weeks of testimony in her retrial on charges she used state staff for political work. Jane Orie is another victim of the change in rules and traditions affecting PA state and municipal governments.
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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.
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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, April 10, 2012. 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-021 C of 2011/12 General Construction Mayfair $75,000.00 $100.00 Asbestos Abatement 3001 Princeton Ave., Phila, PA 19149 *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on March 23, 2012 at 9:00 a.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.
Bob Brady NEW WORLD ORDER TRAP Birthday Bash Set
NOISE CENTURY Part 68/70 “More wars happened in the 20th Century than any other.” —Framer, TEA PARTY MOVEMENT World War I — Radio Contest between cultures Jazz Age — Depression One slave -- one master World War II, Korea, Vietnam... Measured thumpings triumphed Sound obsession. Thanks to broadcasters. Middle fifties U. S. tipping point Pop music imploded Out of joint.
The Blues made a baby Named Rock n’ Roll Melody and harmony Moved down the totem pole.
Loud, clamourous sounds Nationally emerged Rhythm challenged melody Cultures converged.
21st Century, now United States is lost Trillions in debt Noise is boss.
One African, other European Met at “American Bandstand” The beat moved on top Chain of command.
U.S. exports of noise 9/11 mystery solved “The Raucous Neighbor” Noise century evolved. 6.6.11
Footnote: “Rock music... emerged in... the United States and Britain in the prosperous years of the 1950s, the era when the word “teenager” came into common usage for the first time... Rock always risks becoming stale. . .to maintain excitement, rock artists have continually replenished the music by using it to challenge social conventions. . .Despite its huge international popularity, (rock) is created and performed primarily in the Western democracies… Authoritarian governments.. .loathed rock, which they uniformly brand as immoral and depraved...” —“Society, A Brief Introduction,” by Ian Robertson, 1989 —Nicola Argentina (c) 2012 Framer of TEA PARTY MOVEMENT
Jerry Blavat will be the featured M.C. and DJ at a Birthday Bash honoring Congressman and Democrat Party Chairman Bob Brady to be held April 10 at the IATSE Ballroom, 2401 S. Swanson Street. The event, a fundraiser sponsored by the Brady for Congress Committee, kicks off at 6 p.m. and runs to 8 p.m. Contributions range from $150(line dancers) to $250(twisters)and $500 (jitterbugs). RSVP is requested before April 5. Call Linda August at 610-659-5878 or email augustL@msn.Com.
audience of unquestioning supporters, the once-courageous reformer has recently taken to using his massive security apparatus to turn away the unwashed masses. When a group of citizens in wheelchairs visited the Capitol in February, the former criminal prosecutor who spent a dozen years as a National Guard infantryman, took no chances. Capitol Police were de-
ployed and barricades were erected to keep the dangerous wheelchair people at bay. This wasn’t too difficult. The security detail explained they were told to not to let people in wheelchairs on the elevators. Blocking the elevators was all it took to keep them on the ground floor, a safe distance from the Governor’s lair. Meanwhile, lobbyists, pages, pizza-drivers and politicians continued to enjoy access
as usual. It was a breathtaking metaphor for the Corbett administration, a policy-asperformance-art moment that wrapped the Corbett fear and loathing in a tidy package. It might be illegal. Does that matter? It should at least matter to the tough, law-and-order prosecutor who boldly took on the entrenched Harrisburg powerbrokers before running off to his Capitol
Sheriff Holds Free Mortgage Prevention Seminar Learn how to prevent your property from falling into foreclosure at no cost by attending a free Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Seminar offered by Sheriff Jewell Williams. The Seminar will be held at the Temple University Entertainment and Community Education Center at 1509 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Monday, Apr. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Those wishing to take advantage of this seminar should register by calling (215) 686-3539. Sheriff Williams said such initiatives are necessary. “Many Philadelphia property-owners have fallen behind in real-estate tax and/or mortgage payments and find themselves facing court ordered sales of their home,” he said. “Homeowners have op-
tions open to them that can help prevent a court-ordered foreclosure or tax sale on their homes,” added the Sheriff. “With knowledge there is understanding. That’s what this workshop is designed to do. It will offer options and steps many homeowners can take to try to prevent the loss of their properties.” This seminar is the first offered in his administration’s free series of seminars to be
presented to homeowners facing financial problems and in need of valuable advice on how to save their properties. Topics of soon-to-bescheduled Sheriff seminars will cover loan-modification programs; short sales; second-mortgage opportunities; how to beware of predatory lenders; financial management and planning; and selling before the courts order a tax or foreclosure sale.
office and blocking the elevators. And it should matter to the millions of Pennsylvanians who don’t have lobbyist credentials and Capitol security badges. As the new security policy was explained by underlings in the administration, you can not only be banned from the building for causing a ruckus, but you can be banned if the administration thinks you might cause a ruckus. Or if somebody who looks like you has caused a ruckus. It’s scary where this leads. Any justification that can be mustered for a people-inwheelchairs policy can be rolled out again for race, religion, shoe-size, hair-do or lack of proper manicure. But there is no justification for the administration’s unilateral security actions. No legal justification anyway. If the Governor thinks the wheelchair people will quietly roll away in deference to his show of force, he doesn’t know what the view
of the world looks like from this seat. On the occasions I have been asked about how my accident changed my life, I often say: “It took my legs, but it opened my eyes.” There are more than a million Pennsylvanians who use wheelchairs for one reason or another and I’ve met a lot of them. The weakest and most vulnerable among them have shown me more courage than this Governor. Sure, there’s a tendency when you’re faced with adversity to lock yourself in a dark room, surround yourself with friends and block out the world. But one day you realize that whatever the adversity, it must be faced directly. Boldly. Courageously. When the Governor sent his security team to stop the wheelchairs, it wasn’t just a cowardly overreach of executive authority. It was also a missed chance to overcome his own disability: a blindness to the plight of ordinary people.
The Public Record • March 29, 2012
by State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione The barricades and the extra police at the end of a Capitol hallway tell you everything you need to know about the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett. From Day One, the Governor, who campaigned bravely about ordinary citizens reclaiming their government, has shown curious fear of those same citizens. Feeling safer with a small
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Why Did Corbett Shun Wheelchair Visitors?
New Stormwater Rates Make Big Winners, Losers “This was strictly an increase on small businesses. They’re taking the costs from the highrises, alleviating their water bills 70%80% and putting it on us. They did this to offset their compromise with big-building owners.” Dahme disputed Parmet’s charge of bias. “UBOP had a representative on a Citizens Advisory Commission which met 10 times last year,” she said. “We adopted every suggestion they made and they supported the CAC’s final report on Dec. 15, 2011.” Dahme acknowledged there were different points of view on the committee. “We heard from UBOP, but we also had to hear from BOMA (Building Owners & Managers Association of Philadelphia),” she said. BOMA’s members handle 100 million square feet of commercial footage. It is true that Center City real-estate comes out ahead under the new rules. The
Marriott Hotel at 12th & Market will see its monthly stormwater charge drop from $2,275 in 2010 to $1,045 in 2014. The Municipal Services Building at Broad & JFK will go from $7,275 to $2,940. Meanwhile, “My water bills have gone from $200 a month to $4,000 a month,” Parmet grimaced. “This could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.” At UBOP’s suggestion, PWD agreed to limit annual stormwater-charge increases to 10% for owners who plead hardship. This may delay the arrival of 100% stormwater billing by a few years but it will not prevent it. That stormwater rates needed to be changed looks true. But Philadelphia’s sewer system isn’t its only aging infrastructure in need of special care. By and large, the industries and neighborhoods that benefit from the new billing system – Center City eds and meds – were
doing pretty well even under the old system. They could afford to subsidize stormwater control. Vast stretches of the city’s outer neighborhoods, however, are littered with older impervious properties, many dating from a century-old industrial era. Nobody expects these lots to be filled with a forest of highrises. Where they have been successfully recycled, it has often been with shopping centers, which need the same impervious surface the old factories did. PWD is offering a package of loans, grants and incentives to help customers with a large impervious footprint reduce their stormwater runoff, and thereby their bills. These are just now being implemented, however, and it is not yet clear how well they will work. (Next week: A look into business winners and losers. Will the Water Dept.’s bold new stormwater rates help or hurt Philadelphia?)
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(Cont. From Page 4) any new buyer would look at their properties at all. This could lead to a vicious cycle of abandonment and blight, killing the very revenue stream needed to pay for public infrastructure and creating new brownfields of unusable land It doesn’t seem fair to Stuart Parmet. The owner of American Box & Recycling Co., a manufacturer in North Philadelphia, Parmet founded United Business Owners of Philadelphia two years ago when the stormwater changeover started. He now claims 130 small-to-midsized businesses as his members, representing 25,000 employees. His property, a 10-acre factory which is mostly impervious, is a good example of those which are being hard hit by the switchover in WATER COMMISSIONER Howard Neukrug shows off stormwater billing. “Joanne Dahme told me new PWD storm-drain project in Germantown, designed to this has nothing to do with divert stormwater from sewers. Private land-owners must do likewise, under new Water Dept. regulations – or pay green footprint and infrastructure,” Parmet said. hefty charges in monthly bills.
Page 24 The Public Record • March 29, 2012
Mark Your Calendar (Cont. From Page 7) Apr. 4- Vendemmia Winemakers Award Dinner at IATSE Ballrm., 2401 S. Swanson St., 7 pm. $45. BYO wine. Checks payable to Vendemmia Foundation, 1841 S. Broad St., Phila. 19148. Apr. 5- State Sen. Larry Farnese hosts Senior Expo at S. Phila. HS, Broad & Snyder Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Seating limited. RSVP (215) 952-3121. Apr. 5- Councilwoman Marian Tasco hosts 13th annual Jazz Brunch at The View, 800 N. Broad St., 8th floor, 1-4 p.m. Featuring “The H. Factor”. Complimentary mimosas, bloody marys and wine. Contribution $65 per person. No tickets sold at door. Call Jalila Brown or Nedia Ralston (215) 437-3294, ext. 209.
Apr. 5- Meet and Greet Dan Collins, Democrat challenger to State Rep. Kevin Boyle, at St. Stephen’s Green, 1701 Green St., 5:30-8 p.m. hosted by John Sabatina, Sr. and Joe Ashdale, DC 21. Donation $100 (ticket), $250 (friend), $500 (patron) includes open bar and food. Apr. 5- Pre-Primary Evening Reception for State Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen at Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant, 1314 South St., 6-7:30 pm. $250, $500, Host $1,000. RSVP (215) 848-1283 or send checks payable to Committee to ReElect Shirley M. Kitchen, POB 50606, Phila., PA 19132. Apr. 7- Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by Epic Ch., various age groups starting at 10 a.m. For info Pastor Joanne Domagala, (610) 324-5281. Apr. 9- 5th Ward Republican Party Fundraiser and Candidates Night at Paddy Whacks, 150 South St., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $30 at door, include wine,
beer and food. RSVP required for headcount: mcibik@gop 5thward.com or (215) 7351060. Apr. 10- Fundraiser for Congressman Bob Brady at IATSE Ballroom, 2401 S. Swanson St., 6-8 pm. Jerry Blavat entertains. Contributions $150, $250, $500. RSVP by Apr. 5 Linda August (610) 659-5878. Apr. 12- GLBMA Rooftop Business Breakfast. Speakers Mayor Michael Nutter, Michael Kelly and Emilio Cooper at Warnock Village, 2862 Germantown Ave., 8-10 a.m. RSVP, seating limited (267) 385-1939. Apr. 13- SW Phila. Dist. hosts Candidates Forum at Kingsessing Rec Ctr., 50th & Kingsessing, 6-9 p.m. For info Louis Wilson (215) 275-8296. Apr. 13- Fundraiser for Congressman Bob Brady at Anthony’s, 4990 State Rd., Drexel Hill, Pa., 6-8 p.m. Contributions: Friends $500, Supporters $200. Make checks payable to Brady for Congress. For info Linda August (610) 659-5878. Apr. 13- Dan Grace honored as Outstanding Irish American Labor Leader by AOH 40 in “Day of the Rope” Dinner at Bridgeman’s Ha., 11600 Norcom Rd., 7-11 p.m. Apr. 13- Victim/Witness Services Fundraiser at Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catherine St. Ticket $50. Light fare, beer/wine, music and parking. For info (215) 551-3360.
Walk The Beat (Cont. From Page 10) era was over – a Mass. historian said on voting Kennedy, “You swear off chocolate cake, but you keep coming back to it.” Start humming “The Boys From Wexford!” NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS are in the news with opposition to a new proposed one in North Philly. This is an area where older folks fear the large number of buildings converted to student apartments. These conversions drive the taxes up on those long-term citizens, who have lived there for decades. Owner-occupants also get the student-party noise, etc. A former elected official talked of NIDs as providing a job for a well-paid executive director and one or two large-pay assistant directors. In addition, they give up a bit of councilmanic sovereignty when they take charge of street cleaning, etc. Council Members are elected to do this! NID groups are not elected by the electorate, but benefit by income from rentals and suzerainty. Does Council believe community groups do not do a good job?... PLAN PHILLY chimed in on the North Philly NID. I think they are saying developers only pay the special assessment, but owner-occupants benefit (?). The sincerity of Plan Philly could be demonstrated if they
move into a home between two student apartment buildings. When can they do this? THE BEST NEWS in CITY COUNCIL is it is Councilman Bill Greenlee’s BIRTHDAY this week! Many happy returns!... In THAT South Philly legislative race, pols speculate why former State Rep. Harold James runs for the unexpired term of Kenyatta Johnson – and not for the full two-year term. Word has it he ran to improve his pension, but the short unexpired term may only add a dollar to his pension. Some say he runs to announce his support for his successor. Do we know who that is? BILL RUBIN’S new job in the City Controller’s Office was a great find. He brings a lot of wisdom to the job. Bravo Butkovitz.... An elected official having relatives working as civil service workers for the City IS NOT nepotism!!! It is about passing the Civil Service test! Some commercial folks say Corbett’s travels can help the state! Let him pay for it. We do not need our Governor in Europe. He cut the budget to save money. WE REALLY NEED the jobs at the UPS airport facility. They do not want to move to a smaller location so a new runway can be built. Years ago the State National Guard wanted to sell its hangar on Island Road (old airport) to a
private buyer. Airport officialdom strongly told me they had other plans. If we lose UPS, from hardball, will the Mayor take responsibility?... ACME and Local 1776 are in contract talks. It is a tough one. ACME lost market share and its offers to workers were small. Wendell YOUNG is working hard on it. HOW can anyone stomach Congressman Paul RYAN’S legislation to save the rich $3 trillion and cost seniors 35% more on health care? It is like France before the Revolution: “LET THEM EAT CAKE.”... KING ARTHUR could do better than Ryan, with good music that is on 92.1 FM, Sundays 9-11 pm. IT LOOKS LIKE a great week, starting today with the windup of the AFL-CIO State Convention. PAT EIDING was a great host! Tonight is the fundraiser for Ed NEILSON for State Rep, given by Shawn DILLON in the Local 401 Hall. Also a meet-and-greet for State Sen. Shirley KITCHEN at the Gate House on Henry Avenue. DEM City Committee holds its JEFFERSON-JACKSON Cocktail party on the 3rd. Get ready for MATT MYER’S annual good time in Chickie’s & Pete’s on the 4th. The 5th has a doubleheader with State Sen. Larry Farnese’s Expo for Seniors (one of the best), and Danny BAUDER’s Young Democrats night in Finnigan’s Wake!!!
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CITY OF PHILADELPHIA The City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, is requesting PROPOSALS for “ON-CALL CIVIL ENGINEERING”. All proposals are to be submitted to www.phila.gov/contracts/ by 5 pm APRIL 16, 2012 and also as directed in the REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Interested firms are invited to download the RFP directly from http://www.phila.gov/contracts/ (click under “eContract Philly”).
2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: 215-423-2223 Fax: 215-423-5937
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA The City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, is requesting PROPOSALS for “DBE CONSULTING SERVICES”. All proposals are to be submitted to www.phila.gov/contracts/ by 5 pm APRIL 5, 2012 and also as directed in the REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Interested firms are invited to download the RFP directly from http://www.phila.gov/contracts/ (click under “eContract Philly”).
Walk In’s Welcomed Appointments Preferred
Elephant Corner
the 1st, 2nd and 13th Congressional Districts. The deals were undermined not by the insurgent ward leaders but by ward leaders who had ostensibly been on his side in the intra-party fight. A number of interesting events is scheduled over the next week. Tomorrow, the Commonwealth Club will be hosting a luncheon at the Union League. The keynote speaker will be JON RUNYON, Representative from New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District and former Philadelphia Eagle. The Commonwealth Club is a fundraising group for PAGOP. On Sunday, Apr. 1, there will be a fundraiser for DENISE FUREY’S run for Alternate Delegate. This event is a departure from your typical political fundraiser as it will feature a performance by magician RANDY SHINE. Perhaps he can make a few Democrats disappear. Next Wednesday, Apr. 4, there will be a debate among the Republican Senatorial Candidates also at the Union League. Radio host DOM GIORDANO will moderate the debate. The debate will be sponsored by the Loyal Opposition, the Philadelphia Young Republicans and the Philadelphia Republican Leadership Council.
(Cont. From Page 10) Toward that end, Muhammad has devoted her life to the community as a community activist, focusing on programs that benefit children
(Cont. From Page 10) gotiating with the insurgent side of the party to find a Chairman acceptable to both factions. Was this action his way of indicating he was not really interested in a compromise Chairman? Or was he just doing what he has done for years without thinking of the ramifications? Perhaps he thinks the current intra-party fight is similar to the Republican Study Group’s challenge to his father BILLY MEEHAN’S power in the late 1970s. The Republican Study Group rather quickly folded when the candidates they backed did not prevail. However, 2011/2012 is a different story. Last November, two of the four Republicans elected to City offices were people Meehan opposed (DENNY O’BRIEN for City Council and AL SCHMIDT for City Commissioner). Although he endorsed DAVID OH for City Council, Oh has more in common with Meehan’s opponents. Recently, Meehan cut deals with Party chairmen in the surrounding Counties and with the insurgent faction of the Party to form slates of Delegates and Alternate Delegates for the Convention from
FOR SALE
Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative conferences, Muhammad has been trying to fulfill the promise she made to herself as a child. In the West Philadelphia area she hopes to represent, Muhammad has seen the needs of her constituents. Among the most important needs, she believes, is the need for a better education for the city’s children. “Education got me out of my situation,” she said. But while she has made an impact with what she has done so far, Muhammad believes she can do more as a
member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. While she would be in the minority in Harrisburg, she believes she can make a real impact, Muhammad said. “I think that I can play a better role and bring a lot of new ideas to the table,” she said. “People don’t want more of the same ideas, they want new energy and passion. I’m trying to get the community organized, on board and engaged. We’re working as a team, which is important for the success of the district.” But while Muhammad is optimistic about her chances
of winning, she also recognizes she’s taking on an entrenched incumbent. Roebuck, Democratic chair of the Education Committee, has been in the legislature for almost as long as Muhammad has been alive. (She’s 27.) Longevity may have its place, but it’s not necessarily in public office, she said. “The voters elect people to office,” Muhammad said. “You have to go through a process. Contested primaries engage people.” However, the reaction she’s received from the people she wishes to represent
has been encouraging, Muhammad said. “This has been the most interesting part of the campaign,” she said. “One day, when I was talking with our seniors, I met this one woman who lives in the 60th Ward. She looked at me, and when seniors look at you, they look at your spirit. She said to me ‘You know who you are. Don’t let anyone get in your way.’ As a young person and a woman, what she said opened my heart. It was incredible.” The Pennsylvania primary is scheduled for Apr. 24.
The Public Record • March 29, 2012
and families. From organizing daycare centers as a means of making their voices stronger on behalf of the children they serve, to presenting her concerns to one of the nation’s largest and most powerful audiences at President
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Say You Saw It In The PUBLIC RECORD
discovered a method to bridge his African roots and inherited European and American culture to create archetypal theatre that transforms by relieving audiences of suppressed feelings that is at the root of our alienation from one another. In 2000, Alan and Glenn Weikert, a musician and multimedia artist, founded ArcheDream For Humankind and established itself in Philadelphia. Through the use of black light, mask and dance to touch the human heart, to communicate universal emotions, and to inspire the soul, ADHK brings transformative performances and workshops to diverse audiences throughout the Delaware Valley. UV light accentuates the supernatural aspect of its performance. The group had a home in West Philadelphia up until last year, but the rented building was in serious disrepair, so ADHK had to move. The group performs workshops, which is what makes its new South Philly studio at 1324 Mifflin Street a great venue. “ When are you guys performing again?” was a question one South Philadelphia audience member asked after a 30-minute performance last Wednesday night. The problem is, the group does not know when they can perform again. They do workshops, though. South Philadelphia propertyowners Bob Santoro and Marsha Shiflet rented the space to the group. Now the troupe wants to get to know its neighbors.
TAKING A BOW! Performers from Archedream for Humankind, a archetypal blacklight mask dance and theater company, gave a 30minute performance at its new home at 1324 Mifflin Street during “Friend-Raiser last week.”
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(Cont. From Page 1) It seems bizarre that Archedream for Humankind, a archetypal blacklight mask dance and theater company is wellknown around the world, but not in its hometown. It’s true, though. While on a family vacation out West, community activist Andy Toy seen the group perform. ‘When they told me they were from Philly, I was amazed I had never seen or heard of them,” said Toy. “How can a jewel like Archedream be known around the country and the world, but not in its hometown?” The Philadelphia-based group has performed in San Francisco, Taiwan and New York City. Last week, the group performed in South Philadelphia at its “Friendraser.” Over 75 people crammed into the a side street at 1324 Mifflin Street for the performance. Councilman Mark Squilla was in the audience, as was Toy. The troupe is the vision and voice of South African native Alan Bell. Growing up in the age of Apartheid, he resolved to find an art form that would unify the racially divided audience. In 1976, Alan fled to Amsterdam where he discovered the power of the tradition of mask theater to convey stories and unifying truths in a dreamlike and mythological way, resonating with the audience subconscious perceptions and outward expressions. By combining the bold subtleties of mask theatre with the medium of black light, Alan has
The South Philadelphia Public Record • March 29, 2012
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Public Record Classifieds: small ADS BIG Deals Theatre Group Finds A Home
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The South Philadelphia Public Record • March 29, 2012
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