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Page 2 The Public Record • April 5, 2012 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Water Dept. Rates Hurt City Businesses Stormwater Bookkeeping May Bust Some Companies

by Tony West (Second In A Series) When life isn’t fair to begin with, it can be hard to make it fairer without hurting some people.

Water is one of the basic costs of life – and business.

Both the water we consume and the rainwater we divert need a complex infrastructure of mains, drains and sewers – 6,000 miles in Philadelphia.

Modern engineers have found ways to separate sewage runoff from stormwater runoff. But Philadelphia’s water system was mostly built before the modern era. Its older neighborhoods have a unified system in which stormwater and sewage are channeled into the same lines.

This works well when the weather is fair. The runoff is chiefly sewage which is channeled into treatment plants.

But these lines can’t handle heavy rains. In a rainstorm, a poisonous slurry of rain and waste flows into the rivers.

Maintaining the Philadelphia Water Dept.’s infrastructure is complicated. Paying for it, on the other hand, used to be simple. People bought water; their revenues went to maintain the system. Water meters were the only way to figure out who was a heavy user and should pay more.

But this wasn’t a fair way.

Roughly one-third of the costs of PWD’s infrastructure – about $125 million annually – come from stormwater, not sewage. But these costs aren’t caused by people who buy lots of water; they are caused by people who own lots of impervious (paved or roofed) land. Rain that falls on impervious land drains into gutters instead of soaking into the soil. Many such landowners weren’t even water customers; they weren’t paying anything at all. But they still used storm drains.

Starting in 1996, PWD set out to make things fairer.

After years of painstaking study, it launched a plan to bill owners of impervious real estate for their share of stormwater costs in 2010.

These charges are being phased in over a four-year period. As of 2012, most property owners are being assessed for 50% of their actual stormwater costs. Next year that will go up to 75%; by 2014, it will reach 100%.

PWD insists this process is strictly revenue-neutral; no overall rate increases have been slipped into its stormwater charge. It doesn’t affecvt homeowners, who pay a simple flat fee. Still, it did create winners and losers. Highrises are seeing their charges go way down; while they use a lot of water, they have a small impervious footprint so they don’t put much pressure on storm drains.

Commercial land-owners with low, sprawling buildings like warehouses or with large paved lots, on the other hand, are watching their charges skyrocket. In fact, tens of thousands of them which don’t have water service are being charged for the first time. Out of 56,974 non-residential land parcels in the city, 23,442 are brand-new PWD stormwater customers – involuntary customers to boot.

Econsult Corp., a consulting firm with a long track record in Philadelphia real estate, prepared an “Economic Analysis of Stormwater Fee Changes on Philadelphia Businesses” for PWD in February 2012. The report takes a sober look at how the new stormwater charges will affect businesses. When the transition is complete, Econsult estimates non-commercial property-owners will pay $84 million for stormwater charges alone, up from $58 million under the old meterbased system.

The biggest hit is to commercial land value. “Property owners are ultimately responsible for paying the stormwater fee, as it is based on the characteristics of the land that they own,” the Econsult report states. “Consequently, an increase in stormwater fees will impact the market value of the parcels. Our analysis

indicates that the market value of private, non-residential parcels will decrease by approximately $190 million, causing a decrease of property tax billings of approximately $3.9 million for these parcels.”

At the same time, the report notes, other land in the city should see a corresponding rise in value. It predicts, therefore, not worth and net revenues to the City will stay the same.

Econsult found a small number of property-owners – 535, about 1% – would face charge increases greater than 100% and more than $10,000 per year.

While impacted commercial property-owners have grieved loudest about these charges, in fact the burden falls more heavily on public properties, Econsult found.

Of the top 100 impacted parcels, private owners would wind up paying $3.4 million more; public owners like the City and the School District will wind up paying $7.7 million more. At a time when every million counts in pinched government budgets, this is a noticeable bite.

Nonprofit institutions, however, come out slightly ahead. Hospitals and universities will save $0.5 million a year under the new system.

Large multi-unit commercial land-owners like shopping centers pass on stormwater charges to their tenants. Because they mostly split this bill evenly among tenants regardless of each tenant’s size, smaller stores may see a bigger proportional increase than large department stores.

Older properties will likely be more hurt by the shift than newer ones. Newer properties were often designed with modern water-management standards built in.

“We are probably in a different situation than a lot of people,” said James Burnett of West Philadelphia Financial Services, Inc., which developed Park West Town Center in Parkside in 2008.

“We were the first property that was built under the new regs. We capture the first inch of water that hits our surface anyway. Our Lowes has a cistern beneath it.”

Older operations, however, must either retrofit their properties to reduce runoff, or pay up to PWD.

Will businesses flee?

Government operations may be hurt by the new charges, but they aren’t going to leave town. Private companies do have that option, however. How many will take that step?

Some members of United Business Owners Association of Philadelphia say this is inevitable. UBOAP was formed two years ago by hundreds of property-owners who were facing stormwater-rate increases.

“You’re going to see a lot of the city’s auto dealers look at suburban locations,” said Kerry Pacifico, Sr., who heads Pacifico Ford in the Auto Mall in Southwest Philadelphia. Pacifico is watching his stormwater charge skyrocket from $13.22 per month in 2010 to $1,063.41 a month in 2014.

Warehousing and auto sales are areas where good suburban locations already have an edge over Philadelphia. Econsult did acknowledge a risk these businesses will flee if rising water rates press them harder.

The Econsult study made light of such worries, however. Retailers are unlikely to move because they need to stay close to their customer base, it said. And Philadelphia will still offer manufacturers an advantage in overall operating costs compared to typical suburban industrial sites.

However, the report observed, “After the stormwater-fee increase, the business has two choices – stay or leave. If the business stays, it pays the increased stormwater fee every year. If the business decides to leave, it would save on the stormwater fee but discover that the value of its land

has decreased by the present value of the savings in the stormwater fee, which offsets the value of annual savings.

Thus, the business is impacted either way, and cannot increase its value by moving.”

Water companies aren’t raising their stormwater rates in most suburban communities. But that’s because they don’t handle storm sewers in the first place. Most of suburbia has separate systems, with private companies often delivering water for consumption.

Stormwater, on the other hand, is managed by municipalities. Like Philadelphia, these municipalities are under federal mandate to improve stormwater-runoff control. So a business which moves to Delaware Co. will pay for stormwater control through its taxes instead of its water bill.

PWD has developed a variety of means to reduce the pain for businesses with new stormwater costs. It has made available $5 million in low-interest loans to companies wishing to retrofit their properties with modern controls which trap stormwater and release it slowly into the soil rather than gushing into the sewers. Another $5 million is available in direct grants from PWD. Both programs are administered by the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp.

Forty-five applications were received for these grants by their Mar. 31 deadline, said PWD spokeswoman Joanne Dahme. The agency will offer a second round of grants in the fall.

“Our intent is to work with impacted customers to the best of their ability,” said Dahme.

This incentive isn’t large, though, as even Econsult admitted. Pacifico’s property, which is typical, would require a $100,000 investment but be stuck with a 20-year payback – an eon in the world of business capital.

And not all properties are suited for it. Lisa Magee, an environmental engineer for Philadelphia Regional Port (Cont. Page 19)

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The Public Record • April 5, 2012

SHOWING support for security-officer organizing efforts were Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, State Rep. Curtis Thomas, AFL-CIO President Richard Bloomingdale, Councilman Bob Henon, State Reps. Angel Cruz and Bill Keller, and State Sen. Vincent Hughes.

Page 3

AFL-CIO Joins Job Rally

COUNCILMAN Wilson Goode was in attendance as was Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who addressed crowd.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

LOCAL 1776 President Wendell Young, III discusses contract problems facing City and State and other locals across Penna. at labor rally with Councilman Mark Squilla.

Page 4 The Public Record • April 5, 2012 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

“Take two pretzels,” a campaign volunteer of Edward Neilson told a supporter. “And don’t forget to vote twice for Ed Neilson.” Mummers, pretzels, roast-beef hoagies and water ice were some of the Philly-style treats ward leaders, elected officials and others enjoyed at Neilson’s campaign office opening at 3356 Grant Avenue.

It was obvious Neilson’s opening demonstrated he had the services of a powerhouse full of support, the kind that suggests the Republican hold on the seat, once enjoyed by Councilman Denny O’Brien, is likely to be broken.

The only question remaining is, “Can that power move enough votes in just four weeks to insure Neilson also wins the special election against Republican David Kralle, long-time chief of staff to Denny O’Brien.

If so, the odds will increase for a Democrat victory in the 169th Legislative Dist. race in November, when the victor wins a two-year stint.

(Cont. Page 5)

Power Behind Neilson

ELECTRICIANS’ UNION LEADER John J. Dougherty introduces Ed Neilson, Democratic candidate in 169th Legislative Dist., at opening of Neilson’s campaign headquarters at 3356 Grant Avenue. A bevy of union members, labor leaders, and City and State elected officials, joined Neilson to lend their support to his campaign.

BACKING Ed Neilson For 169th House Dist. are City Controller Alan Butkovitz, IBEW Local 98 Business Mgr. John Dougherty, State Rep. Kevin Boyle, Councilman Bill Green, State Sen. Mike Stack, Neilson and Councilman Bobby Photos: McGlasson Media Henon.

whose members and retirees vote in this district.

A Who’s Who of Democrat political movers and shakers at the event included City Controller Alan Butkovitz, Northeast Philadelphia-based lawmakers State Sen. Mike Stack, State Reps. Brendan and Kevin Boyle, and John Sabatina as well as 6th Dist.

Councilman Bobby Henon and Councilman at Large Bill Green.

A group of influential Democratic ward leaders were also in attendance – some eating grapes, some taking two pretzels.

Residency Requirement Nixed For Circulators

It has to hurt for those would-be candidates who have STATE REP. JOHN

]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ GOP

(215) 468-2300

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

Councilman Bill

Green

found their nominating petitions for State Senate or State House petitions thrown out because of successful challenges to their petitions based on the fact they did not live in the district. Must be hundreds out there around the state.

Now that’s all ended! For those of you who have missed the news, the Supreme Court has nixed that provision. Your petitions can no longer be thrown out because the circulators were not from within the district. And would you believe, the Supreme Court vote was unanimous?

Chief Justice Ron Castille said the Supreme Court ruled because an earlier Commonwealth Court ruling and a federal ruling on the matter were

DEMOCRAT candidate in 186th Legislative Dist. primary Damon Roberts points to red paint vandalizing sign above his campaign HQ at Broad & Dickinson Streets. “If I’m the underdog,” he says, “why are they reduced to this intimidation?” contradictory and could inter- interest was outweighed by fere with a future election. The the 1st Amendment right of ruling was the answer to an ap- the circulator for freedom of peal from Carl Stevenson ,who political expression. The ran in the 134th Dist. in 2010. Court followed a federal court His petitions were challenged decision on this issue.

Pentecostal Ministers on the grounds many were colEndorse Full Slate lected by an independent canThe Pentecostal Clergy of didate for Congress, who Philadelphia & Vicinity enresided outside the district.

Ultimately, he was knock- dorsed Sam Rohrer, US senaed off the ballot on a line-by- torial Republican candidate, line challenge not related to the and a full slate in the primary residency requirement. But he at its annual Prayer Breakfast asked the Court to issue a rul- attended by 164 members of ing on the constitutionality of the Clergy.

Bishop Leonard C.Goins, the requirement to avoid such executive director and founder confusion in the future.

Very briefly, the Court of the Pentecostal Clergy held the state interest in hav- group, described candidate ing the circulators reside in Rohrer as a “man of God.” the district of the candidate Bishop Goins added, “The and thereby having a direct person needed in Washington

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The Public Record • April 5, 2012,

IN AN UNUSUAL twist, two candidates for same seat in State House, in same election, endorsed each other! Each is seeking to fill vacant 186th House Dist. position formerly occupied by now-Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. But Harold James, left, who held that post before Johnson knocked him out four years ago, is only running in Apr. 24 special election, to hold the seat until next year. Jordan Harris is running in Apr. 24 primary election to be Democrat nominee in November general election. Got all that…? They clinched deal at 20th & Pt. Breeze Avenue Saturday.

Page 5

(Cont. From Page 4) Those at the campaign opening sensed the full import of the big turnout. It’s winner take all in the short and long term.

Kralle, 25, hopes his work as a constituent servant under the tutelage of long-time lawmaker is enough to persuade voters he’s earned the job.

Neilson, a former Deputy Secretary of Labor in Governor Ed Rendell’s administration as well as a former political director for the Electricians Union Local 98, believes his work experience and his record of community activism will persuade voters to vote for him.

Both are campaigning hard on the streets, while raising money at different fundraisers.

It’s no surprise to Philadelphia-area politicos the city’s labor and union officials are backing Neilson for the 169th.

Neilson is a lifelong member of IBEW Local 98. He also worked alongside former House Speaker O’Brien on labor issues in his role in Gov. Ed Rendell’s administration.

John J. Dougherty, business manager of IBEW Local 98, introduced Neilson to the crowd of over 200. Joining Dougherty was Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby, many of

to represent Pennsylvania, and why this endorsement, is for the man and not the party.”

Bishop Goins added in spite of the fact the Pentecostals were the only major African American Clergy group that supported Gov. Tom Corbett during his election bid, it has now retained a civil-rights attorney to file suit challenging the voter-identification law that was recently passed by the Republican controlled legislature in Harrisburg, and quickly signed by him.

Bishop Goins said his group is united behind the belief the voter-identification law was a blatant attempt to inhibit the voting access of minorities, seniors, and lower income individuals who reside in the larger metropolitan areas of Pennsylvania. This breaks the promise, he added, the Governor made to 78 Pentecostal clergy on Sep. 17, 2011 when he claimed he would be the Governor of all Pennsylvanians.

Pentecostal Clergy also endorsed several candidates for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. These included State Reps. Vanessa L. Brown (190th), Michelle Brownlee (195th) and Mark Cohen (202nd), along with Harold James (Special Election 186th), Malik Boyd (198th), Will Mega (192nd) and Michael K. Ellis (201st).

(Cont. Page 6)

Page 6 The Public Record • April 5, 2012

‘Scoot’ Stands Alone (Cont. From Page 5) Also endorsed were Calvin Tucker and Lewis Harris, candidates for delegates to the Republican national convention.

Congressman Chaka Fattah was the keynote speaker at the 12th Anniversary Prayer and Fellowship Breakfast.

Independence Hall Tea Party PAC For Smith

The Independence Hall Tea Party PAC, the tri-state (De.N.J.-Pa.) regional group, announced its Board of Delegates has voted overwhelmingly to endorse Republican Tom Smith of Western Pennsylvania for the US Senate seat currently held by Bob Casey (D-Pa.).

“Defeating Bob Casey is a major priority for our PAC,” said PAC President Don Adams. “Among the four conservatives in the race, Tom Smith is the one candidate who can unite the various factions in the Republican Party while still appealing to Reagan Democrats and Independents.”

Adams added, “He is a successful business owner, devoted family man, and longtime contributor to conservative causes.”

In a recent conservativesponsored poll, Smith has 25.7% to Sam Rohrer’s 17.9%.

The results were: Tom Smith – 25.7%, Sam Rohrer

REJOICING in new solo Democrat candidate Jim “Scoot” Clay for 179th House Dist. at Frankford American Legion Post were Party leaders, from left, 43rd Ward Leader Emilio Vázquez, 23rd Ward Leader Dan Savage, Clay and 23rd Ward Chairwoman Gloria Redd. Clay stands unopposed, now incumbent State Rep. Tony Payton’s ballot petitions have been thrown out.

– 17.9%, David Christian – 4.3%, Steven Welch – 2.2%, Marc Scaringi – 1.7%, Not Sure – 48.2%.

In another poll, Franklin and Marshal-showed Smith with a narrow lead of 9%.

Due to TV in some areas of the state, Smith seems to have caught up to Rohrer in name ID. Rohrer is well known among Pennsylvania conservatives for his gubernatorial bid in 2010.

The five appeared last night to a capacity crowd at the Union League moderated

by Dom Giordano and sponsored by Republicans.

Are Gay Politicos Gambling With Sims?

Brian Sims, an advocate in the City’s gay community,

has been endorsed by the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club and Equality Pennsylvania and has issued the following statement.

He said, “These endorsements, coupled with one from the National Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, means I have the full support of the city, state and the national LGBT political organizations. I won these endorsements not just for my work in the LGBT community, but for my steadfast support and commitment to a woman’s right to choose, health-care reform, funding for domestic-violence prevention and homeless shelters, and a fair and democratic election process.”

But in making those en-

dorsements and showing a united front, has the Philadelphia gay community exposed a vulnerability?

Is it willing to test its cohesiveness as a voting bloc?

Will it survive the onus of disregarding the efforts of nongays on behalf of their political, social, and civic platforms? And does it truly have a strong get-out-the-vote bloc, the kind that can defeat incumbent incumbent State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.), who has truly been one of their champions in the legislature, voting 100% on all legislation reflecting their claims and objectives?

Sims may be the candidate they believe will wrest them from dependence on others to support their causes. He has picked up the endorsement of nine of the 10 divisions from the 5th Ward that are part of the district. But that is a gamble. His loss will be their loss in every political sense.

Babette has a history of not wavering from her social platforms. She has survived many challenges to her candidacy.

Gov. Ed Rendell, who is careful about his endorsements, has emphatically come out for Josephs, stating, “There can be no dispute about the fact Babette Josephs is an effective fighter in Harrisburg for our values and the things we believe in.”

Josephs recently an-

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

Smith Stops By SmokeEaters

GOP SENATORIAL candidate Tom Smith stops by SmokeEaters Pub in northeast Philadelphia on Monday to meet Photo: McGlasson Media supporters. nounced endorsements from the political-action committees representing Planned Parenthood and the Philadelphia chapter of National Organization of Women. She scored 100% on the Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Scorecard issued by the state’s four top environmental groups and she was named a 2011 Legislative Hero by Keystone Progress.

Josephs announced she is introducing legislation that would repeal the provision of Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine that makes it optional for one to seek retreat before using deadly force.

Philadelphia Greens Enjoy Hollywood Buzz

The Green Party of Philadelphia has scheduled a presidential caucus for 7:00 pm on Thursday, Apr. 26, at the Buzz Café, 1800 North Howard Street.

Every voter who is a registered Green Party member in Pennsylvania is invited to participate in the Green Party presidential caucus.

They have two from which to choose: actress Roseanne State Rep.

Mark B.

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Michael K. Ellis, a Democratic candidate for State Representative in the 201st Dist., which includes Germantown, sees that area of the district “a treasure trove of historical and cultural sites. Germantown is called ‘Freedom’s Backyard’ for a reason. Colonial Germantown was a leader in religious thought, printing, and education. The first American anti-slavery protest was published here in 1688. The Battle of Germantown was fought on Oct. 4, 1777, at Cliveden.”

He pledges to work on building a robust tourism industry “which would not only create jobs at Germantown’s numerous historic and cultural sites, it would open the door to new restaurants, shopping (Cont. Page 11) Senator

Vincent Hughes 4950 Parkside Ave. Suite 300 Phila PA 19131 215-879-777

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Anthony Hardy Williams

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Ellis Sees Germantown As Tourist Destination

State Rep. Cherelle

State Senator

Senator Tina

Barr and Dr. Jill Stein.

Anyone may attend, but only registered Green Party voters will be permitted to vote. For more information on the Green Party or the presidential caucus, please contact (215) 243-7103.

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee

Room 312 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927

State Rep.

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215-271-9190

Page 7

The School District of Philadelphia is about to lay off close to 4,000 people because the district’s budget has a $625 million hole in it.

Meanwhile, Gov. Tom Corbett has cut so much out of the State’s education budget that he told school officials that they should consider putting natural-gas derricks on their property to make up for the cuts. Cuts that wouldn’t be necessary if the folks who are basically getting to keep all of the money from the development of the Marcellus Shale tract were actually made to pay for the privilege.

New Jersey’s Governor, Chris “I want to vilify every teacher I see” Christie, is also talking large cuts in the State’s education budget and encouraged voters last week to vote no for most of the school-district budgets in the state, something that would have made it hard for most of the districts to function.

Education funding always seems to be the first place where people take the knives when they find themselves short on funds. Many of the excuses these Governors and other officials make is the shortage comes in the form of mandates that the federal government demands due to things like special education and since that can’t be cut, the money must be taken from somewhere else.

So I’m hoping that the death of Osama Bin Laden at the hands of an elite team of Navy SEALS will make it so the feds can take the money that we’ve wasted as part of the socalled “War on Terror” and apply it toward something we need for our kids: a good education.

When President Obama broke into programming on Sunday night to let us know Bin Laden was indeed dead, I was (Cont. Page 17)

The usual throng of Local 98 working men showed up for the Grand Opening of ED NEILSON’S campaign office at Grant Plaza. But so did a number of VIPs. Mayoral hopeful COUNCILMAN BILL GREEN joined his colleague COUNCILMAN BOB HENON. Neilson served as political director of Local 98 before Henon. He went on to serve in high-ranking positions with the Rendell Administration in Harrisburg in both the Dept. of Labor & Industry and Dept. of General Services. Now he is back to try for the seat vacated by DENNY O’BRIEN, but O’Brien’s aide DAVE KRALLE seems ready to make a race of it. He is riding on the former Speaker’s reputation.

Also on hand were STATE SEN. MIKE STACK, CITY CONTROLLER ALAN BUTKOVITZ and STATE REPS. BRENDAN BOYLE and his brother KEVIN. There was also a positive mix of neighbors and kids who enjoyed soft pretzels and water ice. JOHN DOUGHERTY, the powerhouse leader of Local 98, shook hands and greeted well-wishers. Doc is on a winning streak. He delivered for his close friend Henon in a landslide. He’s also mending fences and building bridges. He is not currently at war with anyone.

CHAIRMAN BOB BRADY hosted a breakfast for legislators from Philadelphia running for election in November. Finance Chair FRANK OLIVER delivered the message that the legislators were expected to support the Democratic Party at a specific financial level. Those in attendance were STATE REPS. ROSITA YOUNGBLOOD, MIKE O’BRIEN and LOUISE BISHOP, to name a few.

PAT MURPHY may have a rougher road to the Democratic Nomination for Attorney General than first thoughts. KATHLEEN KANE is already running hard. The Scranton native is well funded. She is up on television and her ads show her to be tough, young and attractive. She’s got a substantial advantage over Pat Murphy in one area … experience. She’s prosecuted many cases and he hasn’t. He’s been in Congress, but never took the Pennsylvania Bar. There are also rumors he has problems in the African American community. He needs to shore up his support in Philadelphia if he is to win.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Yo! Here we go again with these thoughts as to why men are never depressed. Recently, one of my columns was dedicated to why men are happier. It was male-oriented.

This is what some ladies consider closer to the truth. Ladies, after reading the following make your own decision.

Most men are happier because: Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours.

Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant.

You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas-station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress cost $5,000. Tux rental cost about $100 with free alterations. People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. New shoes don’t cut, blister or mangle your feet. Men have one mood – all the time. One wallet and two pairs of shoes – one color suit for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks and other military hardware. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars.

You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, even decades. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can play with toys all your life.

You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on Christmas Eve in 25 minutes. Men Are Just Happier People. What do you expect from such simple creatures – right, ladies?

MONEY GRAB? The City Finance Dept. in a quest for more revenue, for a long time, championed ACTUAL VALUE INITIATIVE. This tax increase cannot work yet because the market values of all properties WON’T BE READY in time to pass the budget in City Council. To do it properly, Council must lower the tax rate – but cannot know what to bring it to without the market values. The Finance Dept. will offer all kinds of VOODOO-ECONOMICS variations on the theme for subliminal increases that are NOT TRUE A.V.I. Council WOULD BE WISE TO wait a year. THOU SHALL NOT CRUCIFY CITY COUNCIL AND TAXPAYERS UPON A CROSS OF GOLD. It was AGAIN REPORTED in the media: dysfunctional property assessments by City Assessors. It is mathematically impossible for all 60-some City assessors to make poor assessments and market values. The fact is that a DECADE WAS WASTED on trying to get a computer program called REALWARE to assess – it NEVER WORKED. After pouring $10 MILLION of TAXPAYER money into it, it was deep-sixed by a wise Richard Negrin. STOP blaming the hard-working assessors. Why the media seems scared to mention REALWARE is curious.

FRANK J. MONTEMURO, State High Court Justice, passed away at 86. He was the most-decent, caring person.

“Nature might say to all the world – this was a man.” And high court justices in Washington and Harrisburg should EMULATE HIM. MICHAEL MEEHAN, ESQ. and VITO CANUSO, Esq. attended the viewing.... Is it true that employees of Traffic COURT would be fired if they did not (Cont. Page 17)

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Last Friday, 35TH WARD LEADER AGNES TILLEY held a fundraiser. The event was well attended and included many of her fellow ward leaders: WALT VOGLER, CHRIS VOGLER and JOE DeFELICE. Republican City Committee GENERAL COUNSEL MIKE MEEHAN also came, as well as Republican activist CALVIN TUCKER and candidate for the US Congress’ 13th Dist. JOE ROONEY. Rooney is running unopposed in the primary this month and will be facing incumbent ALLYSON SCHWARTZ in November. The Catholic elephants were thankful the spread included tuna sandwiches. We have gone to many fundraisers on Fridays during Lent that only served meat.

Sunday, MATT WOLFE, leader of the 27th Ward, hosted a fundraiser for DENISE FUREY, who is running for Alternate Delegate to the National Convention from the 2nd Congressional Dist. The event was a departure from your typical fundraiser as the highlight of the afternoon was a performance by magician RANDY SHINE. Shine solicited help from the audience.

COMMITTEEWOMAN BARBARA COXE and MAGGIE SCHMIDT (CITY COMMISSIONER AL SCHMIDT’S daughter) came to Shine’s aid. Other attendees included Schmidt, who escorted his five-year-old daughter, as well as Republican activist ADAM LANG and WARD LEADERS MIKE CIBIK and ANDREW GENTSCH. CELESTE MORELLO, author of The Italian Market Cookbook and Before Bruno and How He Became Boss, also enjoyed the event.

A more interesting story is unfolding in the 27th Ward on the other side of the aisle. For the first time in years, STATE REP. JIM ROEBUCK appears to have a serious opponent, FATIMA LORÉN MUHAMMAD. To date, we (Cont. Page 16)

Page 8 The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Straight Talk On Hepatitis C Five million Americans have it. It’s the 10th leading cause of death and the leading cause of liver transplants. But when diagnosed, many patients don’t know much about hepatitis C. In Dr. Tuesdae Stainbrook’s new book, Hepatitis C: What you need to know!, the author helps the newly diagnosed and those with chronic hepatitis C understand their disease.

“It describes hepatitis C in straightforward terms,” Stainbrook says. “It explains what hepatitis C is, how it is treated and what to expect with treatment. It is easy to read and understand.”

Dr. Stainbrook knows exactly what hepatitis sufferers

are going through. Through this guide, she can teach them more about the disease and what lies ahead. The helpful handbook provides answers and detailed lifestyle changes for patients and their families.

“There was no book available that was straight to the point and easy to understand for patients and their families,” says Stainbrook. “I saw a need and decided I could fill it. I want to educate others.”

Hepatitis C: What you need to know! features colorful, detailed illustrations that make it easier to understand this complicated disease.

The disease continues to spread despite millions of dollars spent to inform people of necessity of checking up.

by Michael P. Boyle, Esq. At most hearings, SSA will hire a vocational expert to testify. VE testimony in many cases will determine whether your benefits are granted or denied. The judge (ALJ) will pose to the VE one or more hypothetical questions. These ask the VE to assume a person with the same age, education, and work history as you. The ALJ adds physical or mental restrictions supported by the medical evidence or by your testimony.

The ALJ will first ask the VE if a person with those restrictions is capable of returning to her past work. The ALJ will then ask if such a person is capable of performing other jobs that exist in substantial numbers in the regional and national economies. If the answer is yes, the VE will identify specific jobs and provide the number of jobs that exist at both the

regional and national levels.

If the ALJ accepts the VE’s testimony about specific jobs existing in substantial numbers, he will almost certainly find you are not disabled. SSA does not have to show an individual employer would hire you if you applied for one of these jobs.

by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Can you save your IRA or 401(k) before bankruptcy?

Answer: It’s a really sad thing to get a call from someone asking for bankruptcy who has already spent all their retirement funds trying to avoid bankruptcy. You can’t get it back. And if you still need bankruptcy, you still need bankruptcy.

However, as many know, IRAs and 401(k) and most other retirement plans are ex-

Hypothetical questions are based on medical-source statements or questionnaires completed by a state-agency physician or psychologist, claims adjudicator, or by examining and treating medical sources. Depending upon the questions asked, the VE will be able to identify multiple jobs that you can perform – or will testify you cannot work.

The ALJ should ask the VE to evaluate all of your physical and mental restric-

empt in bankruptcy. What that means is that if you have the foresight to file bankruptcy before draining your retirement funds, you can keep those retirement funds and get a debt discharge.

I understand why some people spend their retirement money on dischargeable debts before bankruptcy. Usually, they are just so used to paying their debts that they will employ any legal means to keep doing so. Bankruptcy may be something in their shadowy awareness, but it certainly sounds scary and to be

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tions supported by the medical evidence. This does not always happen. You or your lawyer, if you have one, may ask the VE questions and include limitations the ALJ omitted.

Remember, the ALJ must decide whether the questions you or your lawyer ask the VE are supported by medical evidence that is part of the administrative record, the ALJ may reject the VE’s testimony that is favorable to you. avoided at all costs. People may even have the more misguided idea that “saving their credit” is vitally important.

(Hint: saving your credit when in serious financial peril is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.)

If you are operating with a permanent deficit and don’t expect it to change, do not draw down your retirement funds to feed that deficit awaiting the day when you have nothing. Have the courage to read the writing on the wall and learn your bankruptcy options. The bankruptcy system protects your retirement funds for a reason.

No one wants you to be indigent in your old age.

Next Week’s Question: Was Bank Of America sanctioned for discharge violation?

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Deborah M. Truscello Call and schedule a free initial consultation.

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Thank You, Jannie!

Your Opinion Town-Watch Fiasco

2862 Germantown Ave., 810 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) 2758296.

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.

Apr. 14- 28th Ward Republican luncheon fundraiser at home of committeewoman Mary Somerville, 2512 N. Myrtlewood Ave., 12-4 p.m.

Tickets $15.

Contact cbrwl@live.com.

Apr. 15- Councilwoman Marian Tasco hosts 13th annual Jazz Brunch at The View, 800 N. Broad St., 8th floor, 1-4 p.m. Featuring

tion, when the service offered is not delivered.

Needless to say, for most of us, it’s a sacrifice attending Job Fairs and finding, once there, only 2-5% of advertised employers are present.

Of those present, tables are manned by staff who are not decision-makers and cannot adequately answer questions about jobs they say they are looking to fill. Last but certainly not least, you find the same employers/presenters at almost every fair.

I’ve spoken to many attendees and we agree this farce is ludicrous and an insult, to say the least. Thanks for the time and attention to my complaint.

Vernon D. Brown Frustrated Job Seeker

“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. 17- Republican City Committee hosts annual preelection gala at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd., starts 5:30 p.m. Tickets $150.

Apr. 17- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts City departments for community meet at LaSalle Univ., W. Campus, Conference Rm. 2, Chew & Wister Aves., 6:308 p.m.

Apr. 18- Walt Vogler hosts 21st Ward Republican Reception at Keenan’s Valley View Inn, 468 Domino La., 6:30-9 p.m. Beer, wine, food, friends. Donation $40.

For info www.21stwardgop.com.

Apr. 19- Phila. NOW honors Gloria Gilman, Sue & Hal Rosenthal, Jocelyn Morris at Phila. Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Sq., 5:307:30 p.m. Tickets $35 at door. For info Kathy Black (215) 893-3770.

Apr. 19Cocktail Fundraiser for State Rep candidate Jewel Williams at Vesper Club, 233 Sydenham St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets $500, $250, $100. RSVP Harriet (267) 861-0126 Apr. 19- Germantown Re-

publican Club hosts Lincoln Day Dinner at Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St., 6-9 p.m. Speaker: Councilman David Oh. Tickets $60.

Send checks to GRC c/o Schuy Wood, Treasurer @ 4100 Angus Way, Lafayette Hills, PA 19444.

Apr. 19- Town Hall Comedy Night, featuring comics discussing Philly’s Political Follies, at New Barber’s Hall, starts 8 p.m.. Sponsored by Jesusi Community Qowncell.

Tickets $130 single. $225 per couple. Group rates available. Included open bar, buffet, business card exchange, giveaways, candidates. For info Jesse (484) 843-1786.

Apr. 21- Ducky Birts Foundation’s Medallion Scholarship Banquet at1st Dist.

Plaza, 3801 Market St., 6 p.m. Sponsored by Brown’s ShopRites. For info (215) 242-1220 or email DuckyBirts@yahoo.com. Tickets $75. Two for $125.

Apr. 26- 2012 Centennial Pk. Celebration honoring Joseph Manko, Ryan Howard and Vanguard at Phila. Horticultural Ctr., Montgomery Ave. & N. Horticultural Dr., 6 p.m. For tickets, etc.

Arthur (215) 988-9341.

Apr. 26- Black Tie Clover Club Dinner at Union League, 140 S. Broad St., starting 6:30 p.m. DA Seth Williams keynote speaker.

Formal. Members seeking info call Clover Club Treasurer Mike Cibik (215) 7351060 or sign on at www.cloverclub.org.

Apr. 26- Phila. Greens’ Presidential Caucus at Buzz Café, 1800 N. Howard St., 7 p.m. Free and open to all, but only registered Green voters may vote. For info (215) 243-7103 or gpop@ gpop.org.

Apr. 26Committee to Re-Elect State Rep. John Taylor hosts Historical Site Cigar & Wine Tasting at Colonial Dames Of Phila., 1630 Latimer St. Tickets $250 , $500, $1,000 and $2,500. For info (215) 5452244.

Apr. 28Ducky Birts Foundation Health Fair, 12 m.-2 p.m. and Gospelrama, 2 5 p.m. at Zion Baptist Ch., 3600 N. Broad St. Sponsored by Keystone Mercy Health Plan.

Apr. 28R e v .

C.W. Gregory 1 Mile Walk & Mt. Zion 5K Walk/Run. Starting from Mt. Zion Baptist Ch., 50th & Woodland Ave., 8 a.m. For info Janice Bullock (215) 206-4627.

May 4- Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Committee hosts annual Contest & Open House at Training Facility, 10401 Decatur Rd., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For info Director Charles T. Brock (215) 8242300.

Poorly Run

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

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- 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. 5Pre-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 Re-Elect Shirley M. Kitchen, POB 50606, Phila., PA 19132.

Apr. 5- Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and W. Phila.

YMCA host 2nd annual West Philadelphia Adult College Fair at YMCA, 5120 Chestnut St., 6-8 pm. PENN Educational Opportunity Ctr. will conduct seminar. For reservation (215) 573-8000.

Apr. 7- GOP 16th Ward Fundraiser BreakfastTickets at home of Harriet Taylor,

Apr. 7- Easter Egg Hunt hosted by State Rep. Vanessa Brown at Horticulture Ctr. in Fairmount Pk., 12-2 p.m.

Children 3-12 invited to egg hunt. For parents, on-hand info from local and state health agencies and medical providers.

Apr. 7-8 Black History & Culture Showcase at Pennsylvania Convention Ctr., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Free, open to public.

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 p.m. Jerry Blavat entertains. Contributions $150, $250, $500.

RSVP by Apr. 5 Linda August (610) 659-5878.

Apr. 11- Phila. Republican Leadership Council at Racquet Club, 215 S. 16th St. VIP reception 5:30 p.m., $250.Reception 6 p.m., $100 or $75 for elected Committeemen. State Rep. Mike Vereb will speak.

Apr. 12- GLBMA Rooftop Business Breakfast. Speakers Mayor Michael Nutter, Michael Kelly and Emilio Cooper at Warnock Village,

I’m normally not one to complain. However, my frustration with Job Fairs has reached a boiling point.

I have found there to be a big difference between corporate and nonprofit events of this nature. That difference is the corporate ones start and end at the times announced, unlike their counterparts, nonprofits, which may start on time (often with several employers arriving late), but almost always end earlier than announced.

It’s very humiliating when employers start packing up 15, 20, 30 minutes and sometimes even an hour before the scheduled end time. However for both, it seems to be simply a response to policy (participate in X number of Job Fairs per month/quarter/year).

Having been on the other side of the table for several years and with different agencies, this is something I’ve noticed before. I was never one to subscribe to this sort of behavior. Yet, I now find myself (now a job seeker) even more irritated by this conduct.

Rather than go into the details, I simply ask you look into and ensure that we jobseekers are not subjected to this disrespect and humilia-

that when they are murdered it is somehow their fault; that violence is part of their nature and follows them wherever they go?

Anthony P. Johnson Kensington

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Trayvon Martin didn’t Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell has called City Coun- have to die. The police should cil’s attention to the role community newspapers play in have been allowed to do their this city with a resolution which she introduced and which job and if that had happened, he would have gone home and the Council passed.

The resolution designated April as Community Weekly maybe the next time we heard the name Trayvon it might Month. have been Trayvon, PhD, In her resolution, Blackwell stated, “Media mergers Senator Trayvon or President continue to threaten the integrity of local news coverage Trayvon of the Republic. ... but Philadelphia has a rich and dedicated network of Unfortunately, an overnon-corporate, home-grown media; and these local news zealous neighborhood-watch outlets serve our community with a special excellence and captain took matters into his own hands killing an unarmed commitment; “Be it resolved that April 2012 is declared Local, In- and frightened child.

However, when law endependent Media Month.” forcement did get involved, The Philadelphia Public Record was among those comthey let the perpetrator of this mended. Also thanks to Hal Rosenthal, who first sug- ghastly crime go home; case gested the idea to the good Councilwoman. closed. How can this be?

2218 N. 18th St., 9-11:30 Have we become so apathetic about African American teens a.m. $10.

Page 9

Our Opinion

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Page 10

Kane Not Able To Get Traction

Kathleen Kane has the money to wage an effective campaign against former Congtessman Patrick Murphy for the Democrat nomination for State Attorney General, a seat never held by a Democrat since it was voted into inception in the ’80s. She even has the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton.

But Murphy got the backing of the state AFL-CIO and is being pushed locally by almost every union in this city.

A straw poll among ward leaders and committee people finds she hasn’t gotten much traction in this city, though she did make one official appearance last week. Instead it looks as if Murphy will be ringing up big-enough numbers in the Philadelphia primary to beat back what she will get in her own Lackawanna Co. backyard where she served as an assistant DA. Her husband, Christopher J. Kane lent the campaign $1.75 million of $2.4 million she has raised. Over the years, the Kane family has been a big backer of local Democrats, most notably the late Gov. Robert P. Casey, Sr., but also his son, Sen. Bob Casey; Mr. Casey’s brother Patrick, a two-time congressional candidate; former Congressman Chris Carney; former US Sen. Arlen Specter; and even Lack-

STATE REP. Angel Cruz, in rear, donated $500 to Phenomenal Women Committee in his district to help them with Photo: LuzSelenia Salas their programs. awanna Co. Commissioner Corey O’Brien’s campaign for Congress two years ago.

Veterans from VoteVets.org PAC endorsed Murphy and want the Kane campaign to apologize for remarks “demeaning his war and law records.”

Campaign Consultants May Need References

Not much has been made of campaign consultants performances in this city over the years, but recent reports of some being sentenced for unethical shenanigans here and around the nation may soon end that.

Candidates, old and new, might soon be demanding to see, from those who seek to be their campaign consultants, not

only “wins and losses” stats, but references from those whose campaigns they’ve handled, whether winners or losers.

Supporting this possibility is the news the other day a California lady who has been accused of “looting at least $7 million from dozens of candidates in her role as their campaign treasurer.”

Then, locally, comes the report a former State Senator is blasting a close friend for mishandling at least $100,000 from his PAC. Some of our consultants are stellar and have been around a long time, but in recent campaigns, the number of consultants have increased dramatically, some credentialed and others not so much.

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

(Cont. From Page 6) areas, farmers’ markets, inns, touring companies, vendors, and trolley services — providing sustainable jobs to the residents of Germantown who are hungry for work.”

Page 11

Gift For The Phenomenal

HOSTING at Champagne was 12th Ward Leader John Connelly, right. With him, from left, are Ward Chairman Irving Vaughn, Zendora Armstrong and Councilwoman Cindy Bass.

Photo: Joe Stivala

Green Hosts At 38th Ward www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

38TH WARD Democrat Ward Leader Mark Green and committeepersons welcome State Rep. Pam DeLissio to gala at Frank’s Restau- WARD LEADER Mark Green shares a morant in East Falls. From left are Venita ment with Mr. & Mrs. Boomer, seated, and Linda Morrison, standing.

Green, Mark, Pam, and Isolene Nelson.

Page 12 The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Danger In Brownouts, Film Warns An education campaign designed to force an end to the Administration’s “brownout” policy affecting rotating closings of fire stations kicked off Tuesday afternoon at the Media Mobilizing Project in University City. It is the first of others planned to educate the public on this detrimental policy with a documentary film.

Two more screenings will be held on Saturday, Apr. 14 at 1 p.m. at Soryarangsky Buddhist Temple at 5415 Rising Sun Avenue and on Apr. 20 in South Philadelphia in the early evening, outdoors in the park at 2nd & Jackson.

“Frankie Marasco, Peterson Taing and Kevin Taing might be alive today if it weren’t for the brownout policy,” remarked Tim McShea, VP of Philadelphia’s Fire Fighters’ & Paramedics Union, referring to three young boys in West Philadelphia and Olney who died in fires close to temporarily

closed or “browned-out” fire stations. Since the city’s “brown-out” policy began, seven people, almost all children, have died in similar situations.

Rallying with the firefighters and paramedics Tuesday were the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, and the One Love Movement.

Each day in Philadelphia, three fire companies are closed, reportedly to save the City money. These rolling closures are believed to be a serious public-safety concern.

“Our message to Mayor Nutter and the City of Philadelphia is simple,” stated Rev. Jesse Brown, former president of the Black Clergy. He explained, “The health and safety of the people of Philadelphia and the lives of our firefighters are being compromised with increased response times and service uncertainty.”

Bill Gault, president of Philadelphia’s firefighters and paramedics union, de-

Walk In’s Welcomed Appointments Preferred

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA AT PREMIERE in W. Phila. of Media Mobilizing Project’s new video about firehouse brownouts were MMP founder Todd Wolfson, right, and IAFF Trustee Lt. Ray Vozzelli, 3rd from right. tailed, “While you cannot put a price tag on human lives, the most appalling part of the brownout policy is it is not even saving us the $3.4 million that it was supposed to save. We are spending more than that in overtime.” He goes on, “We want to be there to save lives and homes. That’s why we do this job.”

A recent Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperative Authority study on the efficiency of the Philadelphia

Fire Dept. (found at www.picapa.org) challenges the effectiveness of the brownout policy.

The report details how in recent years response time to fire and medical emergencies has gone up in Philadelphia, which has likely led to a rise in property damage, more injuries to fire fighters, and the loss of human lives.

The screenings are intended to alert more Philadelphians to the dangers of a continued brownout policy.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA

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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.

This notice is to solicit the submission of applications by those interested in serving on the Commission on Parks and Recreation. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2012.

On November 4, 2008, the voters of Philadelphia approved an amendment to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to create a new unified Department of Parks and Recreation.

The voters also authorized the creation of a new Commission on Parks and Recreation to help guide this new department. Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced his appointees to the initial Commission on July 2, 2009, and their terms are scheduled to expire later this year. New terms will be for four years.

The responsibilities of the Commission on Parks and Recreation include the following: • Develop written standards and guidelines related to land use, preservation of green space, watershed management, sustainability, and the conveyance and acquisition of park and recreation land and facilities; • Advise and assist the Parks and Recreation Commissioner and other supporting organizations to promote and enhance the image of the Fairmount Park system and City recreation facilities;

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, May 1, 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-066C of 2009/10 General Construction George Washington $216,275.00 $100.00 Structural Modifications 10175 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19116 *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on April 5, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

FEE BUDGET B-007 C of 2011/12 General Construction William Tilden MS $329,655.00 $100.00 Structural Modifications 6601 Elmwood Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19142 *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on April 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

Philadelphia Commission on Parks and Recreation

• Expand and diversify funding sources to support park and recreation facilities; and • Hold public meetings at least quarterly to provide an opportunity for public input on matters within the Commission’s jurisdiction.

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Those interested in serving on the Commission must complete an application form which will be available as of March 30, 2012 at www.phila.gov, www.phila.gov/citycouncil, www.phila.gov/recreation, at the Chief Clerk’s Office (Room 402 City Hall), and at Philadelphia libraries, recreation centers, and Fairmount Park facilities. The application form provides details about the Commission’s responsibilities, qualifications to serve, and how to submit the application to City Council’s Chief Clerk’s Office.

After May 9, City Council will hold a public hearing, at which every applicant will have an opportunity to speak.

Council will then nominate 18-25 individuals, from whom the Mayor will appoint nine Commissioners, who, together with six ex officio Commissioners, will constitute the 15member Commission.

Please consult the application form for further details.

Darrell L. Clarke, President Council of the City of Philadelphia

It has been recommended, by critics, as the “kind of book that should be a must-read for high-school students.”

Ducky Birts, early on, began establishing a legacy of service by caring for others, with an emphasis on nurturing the growth of the community’s most valuable resource -- the children. “Molding tomorrow’s leaders today” is his motto and creed.

He understands having an education is a means to

achieving social justice, equity, self-determination and freedom. Attesting to his efforts are the scholarships his foundation has been giving out since its foundation in in 2006.

Birts, who is fully immersed in the political ramifications of government, is also focusing on educating youth on economic development and government operations. The foundation also supports a Christian basketball programs as it continues toward its goal

of building its Youth Academy.

This year’s scholarship banquet is sponsored by Brown’s Family Shop Rite.

The cocktail reception begins at 6:00 p.m.; followed at 7 p.m. by dinner, entertainment, and the awards program at 8:00 p.m. It’s earned an excellent reputation as “the party with a purpose”, as gourmet foods and open bars prevail.

An individual ticket is

$75.00,with two for $125.

For information call (215) 242-1220, fax (215) 2421770, or call David Birts at (215) 605-7102.

Featured entertainment will be provided by Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble, Tamika Patton, Deja Praise Ministry and Bill Jolly Hard Drive Band. Mistress of Ceremony is Thera MartinMilling.

Medallion Award Hon(Cont. Page 15)

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Ducky, a community-service aide to Congressman Bob Brady, can be seen all over town in that capacity. Every morning begins a new day for him. There is never a “samo, samo” answer to the question he is often asked, “How are you doing?”

Ask Birts, and he will pour out a litany of things he was doing yesterday which need him to follow up “TODAY”.

Birts is well known as an entrepreneur and civil activist.

Not well known is the fact he is an author. His book chronicled his life from a young boy growing up in a rough part of Camden, N.J., through his basketball career as a highschool student, his various successful businesses and his growing dream to aid others.

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

There are hundreds of reasons for supporting The Ducky Birts Foundation‘s Sixth Medallion Scholarship Banquet.

The first is its founder Ducky Birts. Then there are scores of students who have been receiving scholarship aid to Cheyney and Lincoln Universities, and even more reasons: the countless numbers of young people who will be visiting and tutoring at his projected Ducky Birts Foundation Youth Academy, now ready to move on from the architectural plans to construction.

This year, the 6th Medallion Scholarship Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 21, at the 1st District Plaza Ballroom, 3801 Market Street.

Page 13

Ducky Birts, An Unusual Guy, Works For Children

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The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Page 14

You’ll like getting ‘mugged’ at City Tap House

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 familiar to wine drinkers. For example, as you would pair a steak with the astringent, tannic qualities found in a fullbodied 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 dining, 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 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

Len Lear drink (9.4% alcohol, $21 for a 750 ml bottle).

Although beer plays the 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) 662-0105 or visit www.citytaphouse.com.

Annual Health Fair and Gospelrama, will be held on Saturday Apr. 28.

The Health Fair runs 12:00 -3:00 p.m. and Gospelrama is 2:00-5:00 p.m., at Zion Baptist Church, Broad & Venango Streets.

Keystone Mercy Health Plan is the sponsor. The purpose of this event is to provide health education and awareness to members and the community at large. The Health Fair will focus on wellness, education, and screenings that target: blood Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board.

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pressure, glucose, phlebotomy, body-mass index.

Girl U Can Do It Inc., in collaboration with the Dorothy Mann Center at St. Christopher Hospital for Children, will provide on-site HIV testing for children and adults.

Information will be provided about diabetes and other chronic diseases, nutrition, and fitness. There will also be gospel dancing and activities for children.

Featured speakers will be Hon. Renee Cardwell Hughes, CEO of American

Red Cross SEPA Chapter; Wendell H. Scanterbury ,of Cancer Treatment Centers of America; Dr. Karen James, Homeopathic Insight; and Cordelia N. Uddoh, RPh, MD, of Premier Vision. All Keystone Mercy members are invited to get an annual mammogram and receive a $15 ShopRite Gift Card. To be eligible to get mammogram and gift card, you must be a KMHP member who has not had a mammogram in the last year and be over 40 years of age. Call to schedule 1

(888) 765-9585.

State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop will be the worship leader for the Gospelrama, which is expected to be a truly spiritual experience. Featured guesst include Soloists Victoria Vines and Gary Giles, Gospel Shouters, Martin Luther King Jr. Mass Choir, Zion Baptist Church Choir, Unity Community Center Praise Dance Ministry and Deja Praise Ministry. This event will be a free-will offering.

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

(Cont. From Page 13) orees are Cheryl Lee; Ahmeenah Young; Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall- Blake; Elmer Smith; Hon. Thomasine Tynes; Hon. Christine Tartaglione; Rev. James Hall; Bilal Qayyum; and Patrick J. Eding. Couples working together, “Making a Difference” awardees are: Mr. &Mrs. Irving Randolph, Rev. & Mrs. William B. Moore, Dr. & Mrs. Kevin Johnson, and Rev. & Mrs. James S. Allen.

The Foundations Second

Page 15

Ducky’s Foundation Marks Sixth Medallion Gala

DUCKY BIRTS ...paving path for youth

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The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Page 16

Elephant Corner (Cont. From Page 7) understand she has received funding from school-choice advocates. Roebuck, the Democratic Chair of the House Education Committee, is strongly opposed to vouchers. What her campaign signifies for this elephant is the school-choice issue may become less partisan.

Also, Muhammad’s concerns about education appear to be focused on the poor. This elephant believes those most in need of vouchers are the working class and poor. They are the ones that cannot afford private schools or can move to the suburbs which have better public schools.

However, the elected officials from Philadelphia who represent our poor in Harrisburg do not believe in vouchers, with the notable exception of STATE SEN. ANTHONY WILLIAMS. Williams is the co-author of a bill in the state legislature that would phase in vouchers over time, starting with the poorest and most-challenged schools.

The opponents of school choice fall into two camps. The first group believes our current

educational system is optimal but we need more funding. The second group is afraid to take on the teachers’ unions. In Philadelphia, we spend roughly $17,000 per student on K-12 education. Is that not enough money? Or is it that the money is not being spent prudently?

The City of Philadelphia lost roughly 70,000 students between 1990 and 2000. However, it took the School District over a decade to decide to close and consolidate schools.

We have a seniority system which mandates in any downsizing that the older and usually

more-expensive teachers are kept irrespective of performance, while the newer teachers are let go. We were told by a TeachForAmerica teacher at local charter school all the TeachForAmerica teachers she knew in the Philadelphia school system were let go last summer.

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.

District schools graduate 60% high-school students within six years of their freshman year.

The city’s charter schools are at 75% and the Archdiocese’s rate is over 90%. Not only do many children never obtain a diploma;

those who do, may not have the skills to work in the real world.

According to a study funded by the Pew Foundation, only 57% and 51% of the District’s students are proficient in math and reading respectively.

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American Indians, Afghans Strong identities Enter trespassers Violent entities.

Invaders mask motives Soldiers become tools Controlled media Cesspools.

Taliban fighters Hate Western culture Sex and MTV Uncle Sam’s vulture.

Native Americans folded Life style swallowed

Afghan nationalists Never followed.

United States politicians Flaunt super egos Great neighbors must be gentle Sweet music begets amigos.

Raucous sounds Drench the globe Vulgar art Viacom probe.

Clintons got $20 million Via MTV owner U.S. debt Noise, the donor. (2.1.10)

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New York Press Club Toast 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.

“What folly is this, toasting to an independent press? We are the tools and vassals of rich men behind the scenes. We are jumping jacks; they pull the strings,and we dance. Our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all the property of other men. We are intellectuals prostitutes.” (excerpt) -- John Swinton, former Chief of Staff The New York Times, 1953 —Nicola Argentina (c) 2012 Framer of TEA PARTY MOVEMENT

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(Cont. From Page 7) at Temple working on a school project. The room started buzzing and all of the students gathered around the television set to watch the President’s news conference.

When the students started clapping at Bin Laden’s death, I didn’t feel too comfortable.

Watching people cheer someone’s death is a bit off-putting to me. But since I’m a silver-lining kind of girl, I’m thinking the death of the one dude that everyone put up as the embodiment of the terror threat might lead to us as a nation being able to free up some money to do some other really important things.

I mean, now that Bin Laden, the face and embodiment of terrorism for the last 10 years (or at least that’s what we were told) is as dead as fried chicken, we can move on, right? We can get out of Afghanistan. We can get out of Iraq. We can shut down Guantanamo Bay. We can use that money to make it so the School District of Philadelphia doesn’t have to get rid of 1,200 teachers or shutter schools in order to save money.

Now, I know that’s probably not going to happen. Too many private contractors are getting far too rich off our obsession with all things “terrorism”.

But it would make sense, wouldn’t it?

long ago the DRPA CEO wrote in the dailies that DRPA LEARNED ITS LESSON. After that, it was disclosed that they still had some $29M to dispense??? They should have kept John DOUGHERTY on the DRPA Board – he was a people’s advocate there. What happened, Gov. Corbett?

THE FUNDRAISER for ED NEILSON for State REP, given by Shawn DILLON, was a huge success. Ed is able and ready to serve. Joe DOUGHERTY, IRONWORKERS’ LEADER, was a great host.

Teamsters Local 830 leader DAN GRACE will be honored in that same room soon. DAN is credited with defeat of the dreaded SODA-SUGAR TAX!... Veterans Post Newsletters are important to keep interest in the post and inform on benefits. The best I have seen are the Jewish War Vets newsletter by Harold FISHER, and Rhawnhurst Post 754 by Joe GALLEONE. POST 405 in the Union League is rebuilding and is on Facebook. Fisher, a WW2 and Korea vet, helped build the State Vets Home here.

Galleone was a respected Fire Dept. Officer for years.

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Out & About

It lacks jurisdiction. In a recent case, the IG charged a school employee, but withdrew and apologized. ALAN BUTKOVITZ should not heed that ruling. When a complaint is filed, the complainant should consider how the common good is affected. Did the presence of these workers cause an Ice Age? THE CITY has to pay the Boy Scouts after the court ruled constitutional rights were violated. Was the City too stubborn on this? It cost taxpayers dearly…. What about the scrapmetal company on 26th Street, which will move 175 jobs to Camden, after ten years of asking for City help to enlarge and locate here. And spending millions. Fewer jobs, less revenue, Mayor.

COUNCILMAN KENNEY’S proposed ordinance asking state and federal elected officials to resign before becoming a candidate? UNNECESSARY.... HOW ABOUT New Jersey Gov. Christie as a Springsteen fan? They seem opposites. CHRISTIE claims credit for closing the Port Authority money machine. Not too

Page 17

(Cont. From Page 7) cooperate with the probe? Is this probe operating within the borders of the United States which is under the jurisdiction of our sacred U.S. CONSTITUTION? HB 832 and 878. HB 832 and 878 were introduced on Mar. 9, 2011 by Louise Bishop and Mike McGeehan. HB 832 would repeal the statute of limitations in civil suits relating to child sexual-abuse cases moving forward. HB 878 would provide a one-time, two-year window in which victims could bring a civil action in cases previously barred by current statute.

Bishop herself is a survivor and after sharing her story with the Philadelphia City Council on Mar. 29, it voted 16 to 0 to pass a resolution urging the state legislature to move forward on bills that would protect victims

of childhood sexual abuse.

On May 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Temple University’s 6th annual Neighborhood Job Fair will be held at Mitten Hall, 1913 N. Broad Street. There are no fees for employers to participate in this event. Interested employers can register by contacting Michael Robinson at (215) 2040677. MORE AT TEMPLE: Sheriff Jewell WILLIAMS will hold a mortgage Foreclosure prevention seminar on Apr. 9 in the Temple Entertainment Center, 1509 Cecil B. Moore Avenue at 6 p.m.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY to REP. RON WATERS and Leon A. KING II, former City Prisons Commissioner. A class guy. And Rep. Ron can “part the Waters” to resolve constituent needs.

HAL ROSENTHAL, ESQ. and lovely wife SUE will be honored by the National Organization of Women in the Ethical Society later this month. Hal is the first male honored by NOW!!!!... THE BOARD OF EDUCATION workers in the City Controller’s office are NOT prohibited from political activity. Why did the ETHICS COMMISSION rule that way?

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The Public Record • April 5, 2012

Page 18

234-0183 ADOPTION: DEVOTED FAMILY promises to cherish your child unconditionally. Financially secure; expenses paid.

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(Cont. From Page 2) Authority, sat on PWD’s Customer Advisory Committee which fine-tuned the new stormwater policy last year.

Magee supports the new system, saying, “The switch in philosophies more accurately reflects true costs,” and commended PWD for being responsive to customer concerns. But some concerns remain, she stated.

“A port requires huge amounts of impervious surface,” she pointed out. “We have seen significant rate increases which we have passed onto our tenants.

But they are often in a close competitive situation with terminal operators in other ports.”

Also, at the river’s edge, stormwater-diversion projects aren’t much use, she noted.

To meet concerns like these, PWD has prepared a plan whereby customers can build stormwater-diversion systems off site and earn credits toward their on-site stormwater charge.

PWD also set a cap on the annual increase in stormwater charges at 10%, so no business would be socked too hard in any one year. All businesses will eventually rise to the new rates, however.

And this is a good thing, insist the business owners who for years had been overcharged for stormwater costs.

“It is a question of equity,” said Don Haas, a legislative specialist for Building Owners & Managers Association Philadelphia.

“It is a small minority that is crying injustice right now. But when the shoe was on the other foot, they said nothing about our problem. Our meters weren’t contributing to stormwater costs at all.”

Nevertheless, Haas said BOMA sympathizes with UBOAP’s members.

“Believe me, I understand their plight,” Haas said. “We worked hard to come up with policies that would help them.

We want to see a system that is fairer for all -- but nobody wants to see another business-owner driven into bankruptcy.”

It’s a complicated policy, but it reflects good-faith efforts to manage a transition that will inevitably stick new costs on some.

It can leave small-businessmen frustrated, though, as they deal with what looks from their point of view like an imperious octopus of public regulation.

“Thirty years ago, we parked all our cars on gravel and grass,” recalled Pacifico. “It was all permeable surface.

“Then the Water Dept. told us we had to pave it over, because the rain was washing mud into the storm drains. So we did.

“Now they’re coming at us about the storm drains again!

We’re supposed to rip it all up and start over.”

(Next week, we will see if the Water Dept. and the City are doing all they can to ease this business transition – and better handle this storm).

The Public Record • April 5, 2012

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The Public Record • April 5, 2012

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