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PhiladelphiaPublicRecord

Vol. V No. 42 (Issue 263)

215-964-9577

The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South/Southwest Philly The Way It Deserves

Police Officer Honored At Hero Plaque Dedication

POLICE and fire officials join dignitaries and family members to salute Joseph J. DiDomenico at Police Hero Plaque ceremony, 1500 S. 19th Street.

P/O DiDomenico, 38, of the 17th Dist., died in line of duty on Friday, Oct. 30, 1953. Officer DiDomenico was on duty en route to hospital with a stabbing victim. While in transit, Officer DiDomenico’s vehicle was hit by an oncoming fire engine. He was survived by his wife Margaret and three children, Joseph Richard, Thomas (deceased) and Cathyann DiDomenico Colaiezzi. Plaque is 108th tribute to a fallen officer and second dedication in Photo by Rory McGlasson 2012.

October 18, 2012

Investigation Shows Southwest CDC Has Major Financial Problems

OFFICES of Southwest CDC at 6328 Paschall Avenue has problems inside and outside of its operations. One of its buildings has a damaged roof. Some of its officers, board members, and community leaders charge its internal operations are in shambles as well. See Story Page 2.

Business Community Honors Pescatore

by Maria Merlino

Galdo’s Catering & Entertainment Complex was wall-to-wall with South Philadelphians dressed to the nines last Tuesday.

They came to honor Raymond A. Pescatore, 70, CEO of C.A.T.C.H (Citizens Acting Together Can Help), a well-established and credentialed provider of community behavioralhealth and developmental-disability Services located at 1409 Lombard Street.

“We looked at people that were the RAY Pescatore is congratulated by most active in South Philadelphia,” Danny Olivieri after receiving Per- said President of the South Philadelson of Year honor from business phia Business Association Danny community.

(Cont. Page 3)

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Page 2 The Public Record • October 18, 2012 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

MAJOR CDC IN CRISIS!

S.W. Philly’s Rainmaker May Be Sinking

by Tony West Bitter dissent has been brewing among the employees and board members of the Southwest Community Development Corp. for the last year over that agency’s management practices. Now it has spilled into the community, even as community activists have stormed its board meetings to demand the opening of its books and the removal of its Executive Director Donna Henry.

Southwest CDC is the chief conduit for grant money to improve the real estate and the lives of Southwest Philadelphia, which is mostly a hardscrabble section of aged working-class housing, troubled by crime and blight – but also includes the popping Eastwick area, with the Airport as well as the adjacent Island Avenue commercial and Bartram Avenue office corridors.

With a budget of $880,000 and a staff of 22, the CDC is the main game in this part of town for whatever technical assistance comes down the pike from outside sources.

Critical residents say they’re not getting the help they need from Southwest CDC, though. They say the CDC is bobbling grants and stiffing applicants.

The CDC’s board members who were recruited from its own Neighborhood Advisory Committee complain the books are shaky and the management operates in secrecy.

More disturbing are charges the CDC has been diverting earmarked grant monies – and even an employee’s pay (without that employee’s knowledge) – into its general fund; that it isn’t paying taxes; that its properties may be hazardous; and that top employees are pocketing handsome salaries even while the corporation is kiting checks to survive.

In the sometimes-seedy world of small private businesses in the outer wards, these behaviors might not stand out.

But CDCs live off public or charitable grants which are all held strictly accountable.

“It is just a matter of time before you feel the CDC will fail. All the bad financial decisions which were made will drag it down,” said Brice Baker.

Baker is a Siemens supervisor for airport security systems. He has been active in Eastwick public affairs for 22 years. He is one of the three NAC members named to the CDC board. And he is disturbed at what he’s found there.

“When I joined,” Baker related, “Executive Dir. Donna Henry’s cousin Hugh Organ was the Treasurer.

There was never an entry on his so-called ‘Treasurer’s Reports’ that told you what was in the bank at the beginning and at the end, what went in and what went out.

“And $700 in bouncedcheck charges for one year?

That tells you something’s going on.”

Henry declined to show a current Treasurer’s Report to the Public Record, saying she would have to clear that with the board. She released an annual audit for 2010 instead.

In October 2010, Organ had to resign when he took a new job which determined his office at Southwest CDC was a conflict of interest. There was no rush to fill his position. One of Baker’s new NAC colleagues on the board, Craig Melidosian, volunteered. He is a modest numberhead with a background in Southwest Philadelphia real estate.

Melidosian became the new Treasurer – and was blown away, both by what he found out, and what he couldn’t find out.

For starters, Henry wouldn’t release the CDC’s books to her Treasurer. An odd policy, to say the least. His every request for root data ran into a stone wall. “I repeatedly requested basic financial infor-

mation, and was always put off,” said Melidosian.

This is a no-no. A CDC that operates this way would be “very strange,” according to Rick Sauer. He is the executive director of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations, which represents about 45 CDCs, about two-thirds of all in town.

Sauer’s group has national standing as a leader of the CDC movement. Southwest CDC is not a member of PACDC, however.

Melidosian’s job is an unpaid, part-time position. But it’s the mission of a nonprofit board member’s duty to provide impartial oversight for the management of the agency.

Melidosian, Baker and Rev. Christina Williams were fresh blood on the Southwest

‘$700 in bouncedcheck charges for one year? That tells you something’s going on.’

CDC board from its Neighborhood Advisory Committee. In 2008, OHCD called for interlocking boards between a CDC and an affiliated NAC. Originally separate kinds of bodies, CDCs and NACs have been evolving to work as teams. Prior to then, Southwest CDC’s board had been a quiet club hand-picked by the executive director.

The newcomers found much going on underneath the surface.

The Case Of The Garnished Pay For one thing, the worker who coordinated the NAC for the CDC later discovered her employer had been diverting part of her own pay unbeknownst, for years. We are withholding her name because she still works at the CDC, and there is legal action between her employer and her which neither wishes to comment on. But board members affirm her complaint is true.

Starting in 2007, her wages were garnished to repay an educational loan from the Pennsylvania Dept. of State. By her arrangement with the State to repay her loan, her employer withheld $140 biweekly – but never forwarded these funds to the State, funneling them instead into the CDC’s general revenues. This went on for four years. The employee only discovered she had been rooked when she went to buy a car and found her credit was in ruins.

“Initially, she had owed $14,000,” said Baker. “But the CDC garnished $18,000. It stuck her with penalties accrued because it had failed to forward her payments as legally required.”

Neighborhood Sherlocks began to home in on the CDC’s payroll practices. Marsha Wall, a veteran block captain who is president of the Southwest Community Advisory Group, was blunt about her findings.

“Payments to employees were not being paid on time. Employees were getting paid late, not going through the payroll system. Deductions were not taken but just paper checks were issued. This was common knowledge,” she said.

Grant money was also not being spent on its required purpose. Small regular yearly grants from the Grandom Institution, a Quaker charity, were earmarked to aid low-income people with heating costs as a bridge until their LIHEAP payments kicked in. But by spring 2012, Melidosian suspected these grants had been poorly advertised and found much of the money had gone into the general fund instead – $9,000 of this restricted money had sat unused for fuel oil for at least the last three years, according to audits. Director of Operations Lorraine Thomas told Melidosian and Board Chairman Paul Moore some suitable applicants for the program had been turned away, Melidosian attested.

Carol Walz, director of grantmaking for the Grandom

Institution, declined to comment on the issue but said her own board will discuss it at its meeting this month.

Henry denied any Grandom money had been allocated elsewhere. “That is restricted income which must be spent on oil. In the 2010 audit there is money from this grant reported as unspent.”

The CDC owns two parcels of land with three buildings on them. Melidosian stated it is not meeting mortgage payments on these properties. One of the buildings, 6330 Paschall Avenue, had a severe roofing failure earlier this year. The organization has budgeted no money for repairs or capital improvements, he said; this creates a liability risk and threatens to invalidate its insurance coverage.

Henry declined to say if the CDC’s mortgage was in arrears, saying she would have to clear that with the board.

After buying the properties, Henry, who had handled the transaction, failed to file for tax-exempt status as a nonprofit, Melidosian said. As a result, it owes property taxes – which it also has not been paying. Now, he reported, there are multiple liens on one parcel and one has been referred to a collection agency.

Henry said the CDC is seeking property exemption as a nonprofit. “We have been approved for 2012 and forward; we are now working on 20092011,” she advised.

Southwest CDC also operates a biweekly newspaper, the Southwest Globe-Times – or does it? Its publisher, Ted Behr, works out of the damaged building. The CDC’s website states it “took over operations” of that newspaper in 2005. In practice, the newspaper is 70% owned by a forprofit corporation which in turn is 100% owned by the CDC. But no such asset is listed on the CDC’s IRS Form 990 for the year 2010 (which was filed Oct. 3, 2011), the (Cont. Page 20)

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Honored

FRAN RAFFERTY, Lisa Corrado, Sister Paula Beierschmitt, The Hon. Dominick Cermele, his grandchildren, Dominick and Brenna, wife Barbara, Rudy Valintino, Joia Massaro and Eileen Farley gather to pray and sing in honor of Our Lady of Fatima, World Photo by Maria Merlino Peace and Steven Girard.

laid a wreath, provided by The South Philadelphia Business Association, as a tribute for Steven Girard. ”It’s very appropriate praying the rosary for World Peace,” Cermele said. “And it’s even more appropriate for children to participate. Steven Girard was a Catholic and he left the bulk of his fortune to the city and to have them make a school.”

“Saying the rosary is very powerful,” added Beierschmitt. “The prayers keep souls from going to Hell. The road to Hell is a broad path and the path to Heaven is nar-

rower, so fewer go on.”

It’s a review of things on a daily basis. Prayers are a remembrance of the life of Christ. It keeps it fresh in our mind, the descent of God to become a man. He lived with us for 33 years. We have a most-loving God. We decide our destiny by our actions.

We can be chastised by God, but not punished. We see it in earthquakes and famines. It’s a way to pray for life is passing away. We can’t put our concentration on life. We must think about the very short time we have to live. It determines our eternity.”

(Cont. From Page 1) Olivieri. “Raymond has a great background in business, job creation and he’s also a first-rate individual. Not only was he the best choice but he was the handsdown choice of the committee.”

Pescatore is a native South Philadelphian who attended St. Rita’s Parochial School and was in the first class that went all four years in Bishop Neumann HS. He graduated from La Salle College with a Bachelor’s in economics and Temple University with a Master’s of Science in Education. He also was the mental health liaison at Thomas Junior HS, now Mastery Charter School, and Barrett Junior HS, now Childs ES. As the CEO since 1980, Pescatore said, “We have been serving the area for 35 years. We have 185 different beds alone, outpatient services for children, adult programs, outpatient care, drug and alcohol treatment, and also two homeless programs at 8th & Girard Avenue. We are proud of our programs in schools and our 15-apartment public

ans back to work.

“This award is great honor,”he told the group. “Not so much for me, but for everything that C.A.T.C.H. does now and in the future.”

LAW OFFICE OF

MICHAEL P.

BOYLE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY, SSI, VETERANS’ BENEFITS

No Fee Unless You Win

The South Philadelphia Public Record • October 18, 2012

by Maria Merlino A Rosary Rally was held a Sunday at Girard Park. It was the anniversary of The Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, Portugal in 1917.

The original solar event happened 95 years ago in May. Three shepherd children spoke of experiencing a vision of the Virgin Mary in the Cova da Iria fields close to the town of Fatima. It was the 13th day of the month. They were to repeat the experience on the 13th day of each month until October, the last day of the apparition. The eldest child was Lucia, aged 10, and she was accompanied by her two cousins, Francisco, aged nine and Jacinta, aged seven.

“The Blessed Mother requested that the rosary be said for World Peace,” said Sister M. Paula Beierschmitt IHM, president of The American Academy of the Sacred Arts.

Sister Paula, as she is known in the community, organized the event and distributed rosaries for anyone who wished to pray.

Hon. Dominick Cermele

housing for homeless veterans.”

The housing is Patriot House, located in the 1200 block of S. 15th Street in Point Breeze. Not only does this project help veterans, but it puts 124 Philadelphi-

Page 3

All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance Pescatore

215-546-7035 123 S. Broad St. Ste. 2140 Philadelphia, PA 19109 michaelboylelaw.com

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Page 4 The Public Record • October 18, 2012

270 Votes All That Matters

by Joe Shaheeli There exists a possibility, based on a census of polls, Mitt Romney could win the nationwide vote by a percentage or two. But the odds show President Obama still holds a majority, though narrowing in the states that could deliver him the 270 electoral votes he needs to assure reelection.

Imagine having to live through another four years with that scenario in play.

Americans hate a split verdict and history shows dissatisfaction ran rampant when that happened, which it has four times in our history.

Rest assured, if that happens this time around, whoever wins the electoral college vote will state emphatically only the Electoral College matters since that result is the constitutionally mandated criteria for winning the presidency.

If Romney wins, Democrats will make a case, saying the national vote should not be discarded. The Republicans can’t, since George Bush won the electoral college vote and not the popular vote.

It’s understood the Obama and Romney campaigns have teams of lawyers ready to legally challenge narrow defeats in individual states .

Conestoga Bank Hosts

PROF. TERRY MADONNA, right, political analyst and pollster, discussed present election trends at Loews Hotel Luncheon hosted

by Conestoga Bank. He is welcomed here by Conestoga Bank President Richard Elko.

Prof. Terry Madonna, political professor and pollster, recited these facts, among others, to a luncheon crowd at a seminar hosted by Conestoga Bank president Richard Elko at Loews Hotel last week. His take on the election as of that moment showed the key to victory would be decided by nine to 12 states. These were leaning one way or the other. But counting what could safely be said to be in the treasure chest of either candidate, Obama held a comfortable lead in the race for the 270 electoral votes.

Predicted by recent polls were Obama holding 143 electoral votes from ten states, while Romney had 13 states for a total of 76 electoral votes.

A Quinnipiac University Poll this week stated Gov. Mitt Romney has narrowed a 12-point gap with President Barack Obama and now trails the President 50–46%among Pennsylvania likely voters.

Their last survey on Sept. 26 had Obama ahead 54-42.

In this week’s Quinnipiac University poll Pennsylvania survey, men back Romney 54–43%, compared to a 49– 48% split Sep. 26. Women back Obama 57–39%, little changed from last month.

White voters back Romney 53–43% while Black voters back Obama 97–1%. White Catholic voters go Republican 56–43%. Voters with college degrees back the President 54–43% while voters without degrees are divided with 49% for Obama

and 47% for Romney.

Only 7% of Pennsylvania likely voters say they might change their mind in the next 21 days. Pennsylvania has far more undecided voters in the presidential race than most people thought, confirmed by the latest poll from the Siena College Research Institute. That poll showed President Obama leading Mitt Romney by 3 points with a whopping 17% of voters not aligned with either candidate.

That’s more undecided than has been shown by any Pennsylvania poll in the past month. Three percent said they’re voting for someone else, and 12% said they haven’t made up their minds.

“With a month and two more debates to go, Pennsyl-

vania’s direction on the road to the White House remains in doubt. The final tally depends upon the sizable group of voters that in early October had yet to decide. With clear differences in the Presidential race by party and area, turnout will make the difference,” said SRI’s Director Don Levy.

Levy’s statement puts an onus on both the Democrat and Republican Parties in this city.

Democrats need an impressive turnout to cinch the state. Anything under a majority of 350,000 could put that in peril.

Republicans, though split into two groups, had opportunity and dozens of reasons to show why their team was bet-

Freed Taps Philly

COMING to town for fundraiser at Ward Leader Mike Cibik’s Society Hill villa was Republican Attorney General candidate David Freed, center, joined here by Penna. Manufacturers Association President Fred Anton, left, and Cibik.

State Rep.

STATE SENATOR

Kevin J.

Boyle

LEANNA M. WASHINGTON

172nd Dist.

7518 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

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DISTRICT OFFICE

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

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215-533-0440

With less than a month to go before America goes to the polls Paddy Power, Europe’s largest betting company, can report that close to three times more money has been staked on President Barack Obama than his election rival Mitt Romney.

The Irish betting house has seen only 25.5% of money staked on their next President betting line placed on Romney since he was formally named as the Republican candidate on Aug. 30 while 74.5% of the dough has been placed on Obama in the same period.

Meanwhile, the former Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, has seen his odds of winning the presidential race improve significantly from 9/2 to 2/1 since his powerful display in the first debate but still trails Barack Obama who remains the favorite to win the election at 4/11.

(Cont. Next Page)

Rep.Maria P.

1610 S. Broad St Phila PA 19145 P: 215-952-3378 F: 215-952-1411

D-185th District 2115 W. Oregon Ave. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164

James

Donatucci

State Rep. Cherelle

Parker

Anthony Hardy Williams

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

8th Senatorial District

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

Where Are Bettors Putting Their Money?

State Rep. Harold

State Senator

Senator Tina

ter in voter registration, absentee ballots, than the other.

But those results are yet to be totaled. Total registrations, including both parties, are expected to match the 2008 figures, which were heavy.

In the realm of absentee, alternative, military, etc. ballots, the City Commissioners report 11,507 have been filed to date. That is approximately 6,500 less than was recorded in the 2008 election.

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee

Room 506 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927

State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

Tom Smith gets a make or break debate with Sen. Bob Casey on Oct. 26, at WPVI’s studio here in Philadelphia.

The debate will be broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 28, and available for rebroadcast after 2 p.m. on Oct. 28 (and within 72 hours of the original airdate & time) by any television/cable outlet, or radio station that wishes to do so.

The debate will be moderated by Jim Gardner, Action News anchor at WPVI-TV. Gardner will be joined by two panelists: Monica Malpass, Action News anchor, State Rep.Louise

Williams Bishop D-192nd District 1991 N. 63rd St. Phila. Pa 19151

215-879-6625

President Obama’s 2008 campaign inaugurated the election version of blitzkrieg with a get-out-the-vote field organization never before mustered. This campaign is no different and his field forces have been working well before the Democrat National Convention.

However, this time the

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Big Door-Knocker

SHEAMUS BONNER, a 38year Army veteran, knocked at estimated 20,000 doors, hoping he’d get positive answers for his 163rd Dist. challenge to 34-year incumbent Republican State Rep. Nick Micozzie.

Photo by Rory McGlasson

State Representative

W. Curtis Thomas 530 W. Girard Avenue Phila., PA 19123 P: 215-560-3261 F: 215-560-2152 Getting Results for the People! www.pahouse.com/Thomas

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pected, made sense since Samantha became the object of scorn by her teacher and classmates at Caroll HS for wearing a Romney-Ryan campaign T-shirt.

Romney’s call came in at 8 p.m. and was answered by Kristine. She said at first, she didn’t believe it was the candidate calling, but quickly recognized his voice. He said, “I want you to know Sam is a great kid and she is standing up for what is right.

Tell her not to quit expressing her views and fighting for her rights. Tell her not to quit. and that she is very courageous for what she is doing.”

Samantha was literally shocked into a sense of fear and frustration when her geometry teacher, Lynnette Gaymon, held her up for (Cont. Page 8)

Councilman Bill

City Hall 215-686-3464

170th Dist.

14230 Bustleton Ave. Phila., PA 19116

Sixteen-year-old Samantha Pawlucy, forced out of her high school class by a bullying teacher, found she had new support in her battle to preserve her right to free speech and opinion last Wednesday night.

Presidential Republican Mitt Romney telephoned her Port Richmond home to speak to her, but she wasn’t home. She was at Tae KwonDo martial-art classes with her father, Richard.

Instead, Romney spoke to her mother Kristine and asked she pass on his words of encouragement.

His call, though unex-

SABATINA JR.

GOP

Boyle

City Controller Alan Butkovitz’ review of construction activity in North Central Philadelphia showing poor city monitoring and enforcement of contractors and developers has enforced organized labor concerns for the public’s safety in those construction areas. That has earned him continued support as he prepares for reelection.

Butkovitz stated, “The lack of proper enforcement has allowed contractors to vi-

RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District

AL SCHMIDT

Brendan F.

Butkovitz Underlines Union Concerns

Romney Reaches Out To Samantha

STATE REP. JOHN

]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ

State Rep.

Libertarian candidate for President Gary Johnson and his US Senate running mate will be on the ballot in all Pennsylvania polling places as well as in 47 other states.

They’ve survived court challenges. Though not expected to get big numbers, they could affect the outcomes in close states.

State Representative

COMMISSIONER

(215) 468-2300

Will Gary Johnson Be The Spoiler?

olate various codes and negatively impact the quality of life for surrounding residents.

As our city continues to grow and new construction projects take place, the city needs to take an aggressive approach to protecting the quality of life for citizens in the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Unions know and follow the rules and remember their friends.

The Public Record • October 18, 2012

Smith-Casey Will Debate

GOP Took Voter Leaf From Obama Book

Republican National Campaign Team reports it has 30,000 volunteers in the field and they’ve contacted almost 35 million voters.

Page 5

(Cont. From Prev. Page) A spokesperson for Paddy Power said, “Obama looked to be home and dry in our customers’ eyes about two weeks ago; however there’s been a recent surge in support for Romney which would suggest that Obama might be in a Mitt of trouble.”

Possibly boosting Obama’s betting edge was the news his campaign will have set a record, becoming the first campaign to raise a billion dollars. No wonder trillions seem small.

and Vernon Odom, Action News R=reporter.

The debate will be sponsored by WPVI-TV, 6ABC, and The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund. Let’s hope we hear more from the debaters than the moderators.

In the meantime, Tom Smith is making a lot of noise and gaining in the polls, shrinking the gap from double digits to single with US Sen. Bob Casey still in the lead. This race could depend on which party has the better turnout rate.

It is reported Casey took time out from campaign to endorse William Dunbar in the 177th.

Page 6 The Public Record • October 18, 2012

Talk of the Town CHEESESTEAKS Presents the 2012

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SCHEDULE 215.551.7277/8 • FAX: 215.551.1801 3020 S. Broad Street HOURS OF OPERATION: Sunday - Thursday 10:00 AM - Midnight Friday - Saturday 10:00 - 1:00 AM Free Delivery Follow Us On Facebook

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Page 7

Our Opinion ...

CDC And Charter Schools

The Public Record • October 18, 2012

Both community development corporations and charter schools share the same responsibilities to their shared constituency: the taxpayers. Biggest reason is they get most of their funding courtesy of what the government spends out of the taxes it receives.

Our Southwest Community Development Corp. report this week highlights the chronic failure of close-knit groups, which are often found in the development of both CDCs and charter schools ... likeminded people coming together for a common purpose.

Over the years, studies have found, those in control have a tendency to become increasingly insular, looking to themselves more and to federal, state, and city guidelines less. They forget they need to make reports, live up to expectations and show fruitful production.

This CDC case, like reports over the mishandling of several charter schools in a similar fashion, demands our responsible legislative bodies revisit the laws creating these institutions. They should develop amendments to increase oversight at every level and almost every moment. It is good the State Senator has ooposed a major rewrite of charter school law.

Joe Biden

Paul Ryan

Love Is All

Voting machines should be secure, accurate, recountable and accessible. Thirty-four states have chosen to require physical copies of every ballot cast on an electronic system. This should match the electronic record before being cast. In case of a recount, it will then be possible to produce the needed evidence.

Our state of Pennsylvania

unfortunately is not one of those states. There are other swing states which do not use the paper trail.

Since the election industry is not regulated, it has not been possible to see that every polling place in the US has the Optical Scan machines with paper receipts. Added to this situation is the fact states are changing the times to vote and the documents needed to vote, as well as rules for absentee ballots or military voting in some cases. Some cities or states are testing email balloting and tracking.

Two counties in Pennsylvania are trying poll books which enable the workers to record data about the voter electronically.

Any type of automated voting contains more errors than the average for paper voting systems. The people who produce the voting machines are not directly accountable to the public. A Federal Election Commission does exist and the Help America Vote Act is the reference for those who want to know about the effectiveness of the laws in their state. The

Government Accountability Office is also in existence for allegations of problems resulting in loss or miscounts of votes.

Privacy rules make it illegal for poll workers to see the inside of the machines. The votes are on a memory chip that adds up the votes, but it will not be available for anyone to read. Companies do certify the machines are complete and accurate, but whether someone has tampered with them after they leave the factory and get delivered at the polls is anybody’s guess.

For this year at least in some of the states, all that can be done is to see if the totals make sense. There should be suspicion when they are quite different from the exit polls.

Whether exit polls will be done this year in any great numbers is uncertain because of all the new methods being worked on by the election officials.

In any case, every citizen should hope this will not be a close election on Nov. 6.

Ellen Kadransky Upper Darby

Oct. 18- Craft Beer Tasting For State Rep. Ed Neilson Fundraiser at Katie O’Donnells’ house, 4501 Woodhaven Rd., 710 p.m. Admission $50. VIP early tasting $100. Pay at door.

For info Jennifer Slavic (215) 241-7975.

Oct. 19- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen and Community Legal Services offer free seminar to those owing criminal court costs and fines at Phila. Recovery Community Ctr., Unit 6, Lehigh Pavilion, 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. For info (215) 227-6161.

Oct. 19- Committee to Re-Elect State Rep. John Taylor hosts golf outing at Torresdale C.C., Grant & Frankford Aves., shotgun start 12:30 p.m. For info (215) 545-2244 by Oct. 12.

Oct. 19- 26th Ward Republican Committee hosts Fall Festival at Waterfall Rm., 2015 S. Water St., 7-10 p.m. Tickets $50. For info (215) 468-2300.

Oct. 19-20- State Sen. Vincent Hughes and Dr. Tom Joyner invite all to Health Festival at Liacouras Ctr., 1776 N. Broad

St., 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Oct. 20- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts Fish Fry at Reflections Café, 17th & Wingohocking Ave., 3-7 p.m. Tickets $10.

Oct. 20- Laborers’ Local 332 Friends of Labor Tribute Dinner honoring Walter Higgens and Lynette Brown-Sow at Sheraton City Center, 17th & Race Sts., 6 p.m. Cocktails. 7 p.m. dinner.

Oct. 22- State Rep. Pam DeLissio holds Town Mtg. at Simpson Ho., Belmont Ave., 10 a.m.

For info (215) 482-8726.

Oct. 23- State Rep. Brendan Boyle will host House Democrat Policy Committee meeting on Parole procedures resulting in killing of Police Officer Moses Walker, Jr., Mast Charter School, 1800 Byberry Rd., 10 a.m. For info (215) 342-1700.

Oct. 23- Celebration of State Reps. Brendan & Kevin Boyle at Benny The Bum’s, 9991 Bustleton Ave., 6-8 p.m. Buffet, beer & wine. Tickets $30, Supporters $60, Hosts $100. Checks payable to Friends Of Brendan Boyle.

Oct. 24- Nat’l Electrical Contractors Assn. hosts Fundraiser for State Rep. Ed Neilson at 3 Monkeys Cafe, 9645 James St., 8-9:30 a.m. Contributions $250.

For info Jennifer Slavic (215) 241-7975.

Oct. 24- Democratic Ward 39B hosts Fall Fundraiser at E.O.M. Club, 138 Moore St., 5:30 p.m. $50 donation. Checks payable to Friends of Ward 39B For info (215) 467-4643.

Oct. 24- State Rep. Pam DeLissio holds Town Mtg. at Wolcoff Audit. Roxborough Mem. Hosp., 5800 Ridge Ave., 7 p.m.

For info (215) 482-8726.

Oct. 25- State Rep. Mark Cohen hosts “Loving, Living & Laughing” Senior Expo at Protestant Home, 6500 Tabor Rd., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free health screenings, medical experts.

Free lunch. For info Sonja Thomas (215) 200-6144 or (215) 924-2120.

Oct. 25- State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas hosts Private Sector Job Fair at Gray Youth Ctr., 12th & C. B. Moore Ave., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oct. 25- Ward Leader Shawn Dillon hosts 66A Ward pre-election celebration at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 11000 Roosevelt Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $35 payable at door. For info (215) 637-6360.

Oct. 26- Reception Honoring State Rep. John Sabatina at Moriarty’s Pub, 1116 Walnut St., 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For tickets Danny Bauder (215) 8219842.

(Cont. Page 24)

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Electronic Vote Dagger

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HOW MUCH OF IT WAS MALARKEY?

Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters To all my children … I’d like to share my belief with you.

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Let’s keep striving with the ship we’re in and enjoy the garden with all the beautiful flowers. Life is beautiful and we are all beautiful.

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Barack Obama

word to get out she had literally been bullied from the school. The Daily News continues to deprecate that event, but keeps writing about it.

She didn’t go back to school. She felt alone, ashamed, and forsaken by all except her family. Her dad Richard and mother Kristine didn’t know where to turn.

Then came a turn of events, as a veterans group heard what happened and held a rally outside the school as she returned finally to school.

That outpouring of support made her realize she was no longer alone.

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Samantha and her siblings seek another school where neither she nor they will be bullied.

Her dad said his four high-school-age children in his home will either succeed in that quest or resort to home schooling.

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Calls for her teacher to apologize brought back a response which was anything but a simple “I’m sorry” one.

That -- plus the fact, when she returned to classes she found classmates carrying signs supporting their teacher and denunciating her -- led to her decision to not return to the school.

In the meantime, the family has solicited and has received the support of their local legislator, State Rep. John Taylor, in helping

s

(Cont. From Page 5) ridicule for wearing that shirt.

She was brought to tears as the teacher chased her from the class, then followed her into the hall and rallied students to join in adding their CONGRESSMAN Patrick Meehan presents Phila. Veterans Comridicule. fort House Presley Award for Trooper of the Year to Sgt. Edwin That moment and that tGonzalez of the 103rd Combat Engineer Battalion of Phila. Award shirt has propelled her into the was presented to Gonzalez family, since Sgt. Gonzalez is training at national media spotlight. but Fort Indiantown Gap for deployment to Afghanistan.

Photo by Joe Stivala it took a few days for the

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The Public Record • October 18, 2012

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He’s not only the go-to guy for political causes, but the go to guy for other causes as well.

Those in Philadelphia’s Irish community have learned that as well. IBEW Local 98 Business Mgr. John J. Dougherty, Jr., recently underwrote a dinner hosted by the Brehon Law Society and the Irish American Business Chamber for Irish Prime Minister Enda Kennedy at the Union League.

US Sen. Arlen Specter was well known to the publisher of this paper. Their relationship goes back to his earliest days as DA. Many of the tales of their interaction over those years have been heard by our editorial staff. Suffice to say, they were all good and mostly funny.

He will be sorely missed!

Union Labor…

Building it right for a better and stronger community!

AMONG DePasquale supporters with Congressman Bob Brady were Mark Craven, and Ward Leaders John Sabatina Photo by Harry Leech and Matt Myers.

TEAMSTERS Local 830 President Dan Grace discusses labor support with candidate Eugene DePasquale.

Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and vicinity is comprised of four unions: Local 332, Samuel Staten, Jr., Vincent Primavera, Jr. Business Manager/Co-Chairman L.E.C.E.T. Co-Chairman Local 135, Daniel L. Woodall, Jr., Damian Lavelle Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 413, James Harper, Jr., Fred Chiarlanza Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 57, Walt Higgins Harry Hopkins Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Laborers District Council, Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager.

Photo by Harry Leech

Debate Spins Do More Than Help

The flood of interpretations of who won the second Obama-Romney from the respective spin-machine moderators and editors continues to make those who seriously watched the debates believing, more than ever, they live in a world similar to that experienced by Alice in Wonderland.

Viewers know who won, and predictably Democrats overwhelmingly favored Obama as Republicans did Romney.

Those who matter, the undecided, who had yet to make up their minds, will in the end, not come to a conclusion until they enter the polling booth.

It has been an axiom for years that 4% of the voters don’t know for whom to vote until they close the curtain behind them.

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We Remember Specter Well

CONGRESSMAN and Democrat Party Chairman Bob Brady gives Democrat Attorney General aspirant Eugene DePasquale an endorsement hug at gala rally hosted by Photo by Harry Leech Northeast ward leaders.

The South Philadelphia Public Record • October 18, 2012

(Cont. From Page 8) radio time on three conservative stations in the Philadelphia media market — WPHT, WNTP, and IQ106.9 — to get volunteers in this city to help “ensure voter integrity election day. We are going to monitor Philadelphia precincts that have not been watched in years. The goal is to have fair and honest elections in the city for the first time — maybe ever.

“In the recent ballyhooed voter-ID dispute, all the attention was focused on the socalled disenfranchisement of citizens who would not be able to obtain a photo ID.” He added the voter photoID controversy was a “political red herring. It seemed everyone completely ignored Philadelphia Commissioner Al Schmidt’s report on the 2012 Pennsylvania Primary which found, after surveying only 15 of Philadelphia’s more that 1,600 precincts, there were numerous incidents of voter fraud in that election — including voter impersonation, double voting, voting in the wrong primary and 23 cases of voting without prior registration.”

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DePasquale Hosted In Northeast

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SEN. ARLEN SPECTER passed away last weekend, and his funeral was on Tuesday at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley.

Specter served as District Attorney of Philadelphia and went on to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the US Senate for 30 years. For most of that time he was a Republican. He changed parties in 2010, fearing his vote for the Obama Administration’s stimulus package would cause him to lose the Republican primary to PAT TOOMEY. He had barely beaten Toomey in the 2004 primary. He entered the Democratic primary with the support of the Democratic Party but lost to former CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK. Despite his leaving the party, a number of Republicans attended his funeral, including Pennsylvania delegate to the Republican National Committee BOB ASHER, COUNCILMAN DENNY O’BRIEN, City COMMISSIONER AL SCHMIDT and State Rep candidate AL TAUBEN BERGER. CONGRESSMAN PAT MEEHAN served as a pallbearer. Meehan had worked on Specter campaigns and as a Senate staffer. Republican WARD LEADER MATT WOLFE, who was a staffer on two of Specter’s campaigns, also paid his respects. Specter was eulogized by former GOV. ED RENDELL, who was an Assistant DA when Specter was DA. VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, a longtime and close friend, bid a heartfelt farewell to Specter.

A very different Biden came to the Vice Presidential debate with CONGRESSMAN PAUL RYAN last Thursday. We expected him to be combative, but his unending sneering smile and condescending laughs, frequently at inappropriate times, were off-putting. This elephant has always liked Biden despite his left-leaning views and frequent bouts with footin-mouth disease. The Biden that came to the debate was not (Cont. Page 24)

One of the more-unique experiences you get when you live in a large, urban center like Philadelphia is the fun that comes with going to the movies here.

If you’ve ever gone to a movie theater that’s frequented by mostly African Americans, like, say, the AMC Riverview on Delaware Avenue, there are times where, depending on the movie, you get some of the best commentary going.

For example, if you’re watching a scary movie and someone’s about to go into a room in which they will surely die, you will hear people either shout, “Don’t go in there!” to that person or say, “You big dummy!” after they’ve met their demise.

Now imagine that you’re at one of those movie theaters.

People are watching something and yelling their thoughts at the screen. In fact, at this particular gathering, there’s a lead yeller who’s providing commentary.

That’s the experience I had on Tuesday night as part of Michael Baisden’s Presidential Debate party at the Universal Audenreid Charter School at 33rd & Tasker.

About 600 people came out to see President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, Gov. Mitt Romney, go at it in the second debate from Hofstra University in New York. The auditorium at Audenreid, one of the nicest schools I’ve been in for a while, was filled mostly with Obama partisans.

While the massage and manicure tables, a photo booth that allowed you the chance to take a picture of a cardboard cutout of President Barack Obama, a room filled with food and drink and even a Michael Jackson impersonator (please (Cont. Page 24)

Yo! Here are some questions that are interesting and will cause you to think about them.

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak? Why do banks charge a fee due to insufficient funds when they already know you’re broke? Why is it that when someone tells you there are one billion stars in the universe, you believe them but, if they tell you there is wet paint, you have to touch it to check?

Why do they use sterilized needles for lethal injections? Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard? Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him? Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Whose cruel idea was it to put an “s” in the word “lisp”? If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that, no matter what color bubble bath you use, the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale? Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the first end you try? How do those dead bugs get into enclosed light fixtures?

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table, you always manage to knock something else over? Why, in winter, do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat? How come you never hear father-in-law jokes? Do you ever wonder why you gave someone your email address in the first place? Why does someone waiting for an elevator always press the up or down button even though it is already lit?

And my favorite…. The statistics on sanity say one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they’re OK, then it must be you.

Now ask your friends these questions to make them smile too! And remember this fact: A day without a smile is like a day without sunshine! And a day without sunshine is, like – night.

So it’s all right if you choose not to smile while you’re sleeping. While you’re awake, though … remember to turn on your light.

COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON is our city’s 22ndcentury leader. His APPS are changing the way government reacts much better than “311”.... It was welcome to hear from City Controller ALAN BUTKOVITZ on developer disrespect in the Temple University area. It has been going on for a long time – too long. The Mayor’s office said Alan’s report was vague. That is always a good reason not to address an issue. Seniors in this area also have complained their once-quiet streets are noisy with late-night college revelers, as home after home is converted to student apartments, driving up market values and taxes.

I CANNOT FIGURE how a former Fire Commish can call on-location actions during the Kensington fire “disgraceful.” The retiree from Florida was not there. It is reprehensible to attack fire personnel from the Commissioner on down, when you were not at the fire. His recommendations seem like a HOLY GOSPEL from afar.... Fire Commissioner LLOYD AYERS thanked personnel from GlaxoSmithKline for designing the new fire-prevention posters.

The first SEPTA bus to get a poster saw students from the Laboratory Charter School affix them. Harry MAGEE, a 38year fireman, has been selected as “Fireman of the Year.”

ROMNEY made a call to reach the Kensington T-Shirt girl. He didn’t. Sincerity demands that you call again. He didn’t.... ABOUT the lengthy publicity of the Romney Tshirt: ENOUGH ALREADY! LABOR: Boots to the Ground is the plan of AFSCME to get the vote out.... LOU AGRE, Labor and Ward Leader, invites all to the LABOR WALK for OBAMA on Oct. 20 at (Cont. Page 25)

KEN TRUJILLO is a former member of the State Gaming Control Board and GOV. TOM CORBETT’S nominee to the State LCB. His nomination is currently stalled in the State Senate.

Some observers are baffled that Philadelphia members of the Senate do not support Trujillo. He is a highly respected in the Hispanic community. A large contingency of Latin voters gathered outside Gov. Corbett’s office demanding that Trujillo be confirmed. One of the opponents is STATE SEN. TINA TARTAGLIONE, who claims her opposition is about “process”. Will it be difficult for her to reconcile her opposition to Trujillo with her large Hispanic constituency?

Others are opposed to Trujillo’s nomination out of fear he will vote to allow privatization.

CITY CONTROLLER ALAN BUTKOVITZ shook hands at Somerton Community Day. The controller wore a polo shirt and jeans, a true rarity. He was joined by former Council candidate BILL RUBIN. CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY continues to work his new district. He appeared at the 300th anniversary of the Pennypack Creek Bridge in the 65th Ward of Northeast Philadelphia.

The Congressman donned a blue congressional windbreaker as opposed to the uniform blue business suit of most politicians.

Speaking of blue suits, also in attendance were STATE REPS. JOHN SABATINA, MIKE McGEEHAN and KEVIN BOYLE. Newly elected COUNCILMAN BOB HENON stood next to Brady. STATE SEN. MIKE STACK noted Northeast Philadelphia played a significant role in the War for Independence. GEORGE WASHINGTON crossed the Pennypack Creek Bridge to fight the British, and BENJAMIN RUSH lived in Burholme Park and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Port Richmond’s Harmonia Club was packed with supporters of Auditor General candidate EUGENE DePASQUALE. The event was thrown by WARD LEADER BILL DOLBOW. Also in attendance were JOHN SABATINA, SR., CONNIE DOUGHERTY, PAT PARKINSON, State Rep. John Sabatina, Congressman Bob Brady, FOP head JOHN McNESBY, Teamster Turnpike Union head JOHN ROWE and PGW Union leader KEITH HOLMES. Ever popular and becoming a party where it pays to be seen is SHAWN DILLON’S 66A Democrat War Party. Now in its sixth year, this time around it will be held on Oct. 25 at Chickie’s & Pete’s in the Northeast. Tickets are $35. The price is well worth it for the hobnobbing one can do, especially in the coming primary election where a lot of seats are expected to be open in the judiciary.

The South Philadelphia Public Record • October 18, 2012

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Agency Fumbles Grants, Strands Neighbors (Cont. From Page 2) latest information which is publicly available. The 990 does not list revenue or expenses from the Globe-Times entity, although the 2010 audit refers obliquely to its ownership arrangement. Behr claimed the newspaper pays the city business-privilege tax but declined to produce evidence.

Melidosian could see no firewall between the newspaper’s operations and those of the CDC. He pushed to have it reported on a unified basis. Henry declined, telling him the newspaper’s books were a mess, according to Melidosian.

These problems pose headaches for board members.

Southwest Philadelphia residents, however, are more concerned about what they’re getting from the CDC – or not getting.

The Street That Missed The Bus For instance, a $130,000 Commerce Dept. grant to rehabilitate the Woodland Avenue commercial corridor. Tyrone

Beverly, an Eastwick activist of long standing, charged because Henry missed a meeting with the Commerce Dept., Southwest CDC missed snagging this grant.

“They do not want to be accountable for the amount of money they’re taking in and how they service the community. So they’re not fulfilling their mission statement,” Beverly said.

Henry admitted the grant opportunity was lost. The staffer in charge of the business corridor quit abruptly during the grant window, she said.

Sandra DuBose bought a rehabbed house through Southwest CDC near 57th & Chester in 2005, with a one-year warranty. Like much of Southwest Philadelphia, it is an area with a high water table. Within the year, moisture-related mildew problems triggered asthma in her son. DuBose reported the problem to the CDC; it arranged for a cheap repair which soon failed.

DuBose persisted in looking

for help. In 2010, an agent at OHCD told her he had found funding for the $15,000 repair she needed. It targeted her precise neighborhood. But the request had to come through the CDC, she was told. And there was a time window.

DuBose went to Southwest CDC and asked them to apply for grants for her. But the twoyear period passed without the CDC’s applying for the grant.

“They blew it,” said DuBose. Her house still has mildew and her son is still sick.

An OHCD spokesperson, Paul Chrystie, could not provide any details about this grant. But he stated, “There was no involvement of Southwest CDC besides pre-purchase counseling before Ms. DuBose bought her house.”

Chrystie did not provide any information on the missed remediation grant, which other residents also tried in vain to get through the CDC. Tracey Gordon, president of Southwest Concerned Citizens, said she has been “privy to in-

formation” about Southwest CDC’s missteps for years – rumors, but nothing she could substantiate. Reports from the new board members began to clarify the rumors for her, she said. Gordon is a Deputy City Commissioner with an outreach mission; she gets around town a lot. “I’m looking at other CDCs around the city and I’m seeing

‘They do not want to be accountable for the amount of money they’re taking in and how they service the community. So they’re not fulfilling their mission statement.’ how things are working,” she said. “We may need a new direction here.”

Beverly, a former Democrat ward leader in Oak Lane, moved to Eastwick 32 years ago. For decades he was active in Eastwick Project Action Committee, a group that pro-

vided neighbors’ input on all major developments in Eastwick – the post office, the airport runway, the Family ShopRite supermarket.

Five years ago, though, EPAC blew a deadline for a funding application. Not wanting to see Eastwick go without community input, OHCD asked Southwest CDC to extend its coverage area southward to take it in.

That didn’t work well, Beverly said. Beverly lives in the Town Gardens development.

When a church wanted to build in its area, Town Gardens residents opposed it and Beverly conveyed their disapproval to the CDC. He was surprised when Southwest CDC later recommended the project to the Zoning Board of Adjustment anyway.

“All the big commercial deals are now with the CDC,” Beverly said. “The community is shut out.”

Beverly began attending CDC board meetings and asking questions. “I was told I couldn’t

get any answers or see the books,” he related. He began to get calls from other neighbors who’d had similar experiences.

“The impression you get when you go there as a neighbor, is they really don’t want you there,” Beverly said. “You’re considered trouble.”

A Neighborhood Gripped In Change Southwest CDC was founded in 1986, when the CDC movement was starting to take root in distressed urban areas across the nation. Southwest Philadelphia in that period was a stronghold of long-established Irish American and Italian American leaders. Today, it is largely Black American, with important African immigrant communities.

Henry is related by marriage to the politically influential Glancey clan, whose members include former Democrat City C o m m i t t e e Chairman David Glancey and former Common Pleas President Judge Joseph Glancey. She is paid $85,000 a year.

(Cont. Page 22)

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Working To Save A Community’s Savior (Cont. From Page 20) For a tight circle of managers, Southwest CDC is a good deal. But newcomers find it hard to break in.

The agency is unused to professional employees or board members, commented Regina Young. A Master’s student in community development at Eastern University, Young interned at Southwest CDC and was hired as a community organizer in October 2010. She was fired by Director of Operations Lorraine Thomas in May 2011.

Thomas “doesn’t like to have a challenge,” said Young.

“She’s used to supervising people who are not qualified or have a certain level of education. It caused her to be faced with her

own limitations.” Young said Thomas had trouble interpreting the language of contracts – and didn’t like to hear about it.

Young called the CDC’s management “top-heavy,” noting there are three managers who make $150,000 combined.

That wouldn’t make them stand out at a Romney fundraiser, but it’s a lot of money on the Southwest’s gritty streets.

There is nothing unusual about an individual job that doesn’t work out. But high turnover seems to plague Southwest CDC and may lie at the root of many of its snafus. Gordon recounted the story of a woman she met who had tried to utilize the agency’s job bank. “She told me she had to go into the office three

times – and had five different counselors,” Gordon said.

“Each time she saw a new face, she had to start all over.”

Funny paychecks, high turnover and shoddy work often run together.

The Board Meeting That Exploded Southwest CDC board meetings are usually cozy affairs. For the February 2012 meeting, however, dozens of community members showed up unannounced. They were angry about the employee whose garnished wages hadn’t been paid. And they came with other grievances as well.

Wall was among them. She has attended every board meeting since – uninvited. “I see a lack of transparency,” she said.

“I don’t know where the funding is coming from, but it isn’t going into the community. A number of questionable issues have been going on for a long time. This agency should be providing better services for us.”

Relations between Henry and Melidosian turned sourer this spring. As of June, the agency

was still in arrears on paying the garnished employee’s deductions to the Dept. of Education. But the agency was struggling to pay its other bills. Melidosian asked Henry to reduce her compensation and those of other man-

‘She had to go into the office three times – and had five different counselors. Each time she saw a new face, she had to start all over.’ agers. She did so by furloughing herself and them – and by working less. More crucial filings fell behind deadline, more grants were imperiled.

Melidosian went to Sovereign Bank and asked to see the corporation’s account information. It is an account on which he is signator. They grudgingly released one month’s statements; he is awaiting two years’ worth.

When the CDC’s auditor Haefele Flanagan released a preliminary, sunny, nothing-tolook-at-here-move-along-folks

audit for 2011, in July 2012.

Melidosian hunkered down. He refused to sign off on a Client’s Management Representation letter which, among other things, testifies the numbers are truthful and free of fraud or other legal taint.

The boardroom air turned poisonous. Chairman Paul Moore, a minister and peace activist, moved to dismiss Melidosian as Treasurer. Nothing came of that. Haefele Flanagan tweaked its audit but Melidosian still didn’t budge.

Dozens of community residents, among them Wall and Beverly, stormed the September board meeting. Moore tried to turn them away, saying, “This is a private meeting.”

That didn’t stick. Gordon, who has been attending some of these meetings, called the crowd “very volatile.” She commented afterwards, “You might have had to call the police.”

Beverly called for Henry’s resignation – a suggestion she did not take him up on. “The board said they couldn’t fire her because she might sue them,”

Beverly reported.

Southwest CDC may have learned a lesson from these unruly meetings. October’s board meeting was hastily rescheduled to a new location on Monday night, which few community members found out about.

October is a busy month for many CDCs. It is the time when a NAC election is normally held. But this year’s Southwest NAC election has been delayed, at OHCD’s request, so that the CDC can form a nominating committee, to vet potential candidates for the NAC. It’s part of a citywide effort to seat NACs firmly beneath CDCs as subcommittees, rather than as independent bodies.

Henry warned that raising questions about Southwest CDC could prove harmful to a community with many needs. “All this has the potential of damaging the funding, damaging the people who need the services the most: people in foreclosure, people with utilities turned off and businesses needing support,” she said. She stated people who complain about the agency “cannot be working for the good of the community if they are working to stop the programs we provide.”

Southwest Philadelphia is the pivot of State Sen. Anthony Williams’ district. His office is investigating the woes of Southwest CDC. “I am concerned about the way its finances have been handled,” said Williams. “They raise questions about the fiscal responsibility of this agency, and also about its sustainability.” He denied any personal animus against Henry: “This is all about the needs of the community.”

Sustainability. That’s the boogeyman haunting everyone on all sides of this mess. While many people would like to see Southwest CDC get fixed, nobody wants to put it out of business. Southwest Philadelphia has far too many problems and far too few resources to be throwing away any arrow in its quiver, no matter how bent or how blunt.

So all the fixers are trying to figure out how to save it and put it on a viable new path. It’s a path that may need some new shoes on it, though.

entire page. But I want to list some of them so you get an idea of the vastness of Specter’s influence across three decades of service in Congress. Among their number were Sen. Bob Casey; Congressmen Bob Brady, Chaka Fattah, and Pat Meehan; Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz; Gov. Tom Corbett; former Sens. Harris Wofford, Chris Dodd and Ted Kauffman; former Congress Members Marjorie Margolies and Bob Borski.

Judges, lawyers and US Attorneys; academics and heads of charities; and former Specter staffers by the score populated the seats at Specter’s funeral.

Candidates and former candidates from both sides of the aisle came to pay tribute to a mover and shaker.

But the people asked to speak

by Joan Specter were close personal friends, like Biden. Like Ed Rendell. Like Flora Becker, widow of Judge Ed Becker. Like Judge Marvin Katz. Like Steve Harmelin, Esq. Like Shanin Specter’s long-time law partner, Tom Kline. Like Shanin Specter,

the Senator’s son, and two of Arlen’s four granddaughters.

Perhaps most remarkable, in all of their praise of Specter’s fairness and acumen, was the telling of how, less than two weeks before his demise, Specter insisted on teaching his class on the Constitution at Penn Law School.

Probably half the people in the throng owed their careers to Arlen Specter, either through having been hired by him when he was either District Attorney, or having been appointed by him when he chaired the Judiciary committee.

Gov. Rendell’s anecdote was remarkable. When Specter lost the third time he ran for DA, Rendell decided to leave the DA’s office and set out on his own. Specter offered to recommend Rendell to the then-chair of the Republican City Committee.

Rendell sheepishly said he was a Democrat, something which Specter had not known, because he never asked and did not care what party his assistant DAs belonged to. He only wanted the best and the brightest.

SHERIFF JEWELL WILLIAMS gave honorary Sheriff badges to James P. Baker, Jr., left, and the Right Rev. Gregory Ingram, right, 118th elected bishop of AME Church at an informal ceremony in office of Sheriff. Others in picture are Chief of Staff Kevin Lamb and Leonard Heard.

“Houses left empty by foreclosure represent more than individual family misfortune. They easily devolve into breeding grounds for crime. And like a cancer, this one-two punch devours neighborhoods, especially economically fragile ones already on the edge.

“That’s why this workshop and others like it are so critical,” said Williams. “Too often, the difference between losing a home and saving it is a matter of outreach and information. So it’s essential to offer both, in a collective fashion — particularly as people continue to battle to survive in

this economy.”

The Veterans Support Group of America will also be available with information on options available to veterans and their families in similar situations, as well as how to qualify for home ownership, disabled-veterans real-estate tax exemptions and benefits eligibility.

Registration is requested for those attending the workshop on Oct. 20th at the Boy’s Latin Charter School.

To reserve your spot, call (267) 385-7624 or go to www.saveyourphillyhome.co m to register.

In The Court of Common Pleas Philadelphia County Civil Action – Law No. 120801915 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure U.S. Bank National Association, Trustee for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Plaintiff vs. Daniel Paramore, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Evonne Palmer, Deceased & Unknown Heirs of Evonne Palmer, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: Daniel Paramore, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Evonne Palmer, Deceased & Unknown Heirs of Evonne Palmer, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 411 West Delphine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120. This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client. Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, U.S. Bank National Association, Trustee for the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 120801915, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 411 West Delphine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia County. Notice: You have been sued in court.

If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a Lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. Community Legal Services, Inc., Law Center North Central, 3638 N. Broad St., Phila., PA 19140, 215-227-2400/215-981-3700. Phila. Bar Assoc., One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104, 215-238-6333. Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 191061532, 215.627.1322.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

In The Court of Common Pleas Philadelphia County Civil Action – Law No. 030402593 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Acquirer of Certain Assets and Liabilities of Washington Mutual Bank f/k/a Washington Mutual Bank, FA from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Acting as Receiver , Plaintiff vs. John Doe, Paul Shim & Steve Shim, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: John Doe, & Steve Shim, Defendants, whose last known address is 618 League Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client. Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Acquirer of Certain Assets and liabilities of Washington Mutual Bank f/k/a Washington Mutual Bank, FA from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Acting as Receiver, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 030402593, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 618 League Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Philadelphia County. Notice: You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a Lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee.

Community Legal Services, Inc., Law Center North Central, 3638 N. Broad St., Phila., PA 19140, 215-227-2400/215-981-3700. Phila. Bar Assoc., One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104, 215-238-6333. Michael T. McKeever, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106-1532, 215.627.1322.

State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-W. Phila.) will host a free foreclosure- and tax-sale prevention workshop operated by Sheriff Jewell Williams on Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Boy’s Latin Charter School, 5502 Cedar Avenue in West Philadelphia.

Sheriff Williams welcomed the collaboration, saying, “Rarely is one thing responsible for the start of the slow slide from home ownership to serious debt, to loss of a home, which is harmful to the most vulnerable, which are usually the children.”

Topics addressed will include loan modifications, short sales, secondary financing, financial management, and individual sessions with counselors.

“We cannot expect to have safe, stable communities when the real threat of homelessness and desperation looms over families struggling to do the right thing,” Williams said.

The Public Record • October 18, 2012

by Bonnie Squires You know someone very important has died when the President of the United States, Barack Obama, issues a declaration announcing all American flags to be flown at half-staff on all government properties, military bases, embassies, etc., in the nation and around the world, to salute Sen. Arlen Specter on the day of his funeral.

And you know how important Sen. Specter was to the nation and to the state of Pennsylvania when the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, is one of the speakers at the funeral, having foregone campaign stops in two critical swing states: Colorado and Nevada. He was there to pay tribute to his dear friend.

Har Zion Temple was the site of the funeral, and the thousands of people who poured into the main sanctuary, which had to be opened up to include the ballroom behind it, represented a cross-section of America.

If I were to list all of the notables who showed up to honor the memory of a 30-year veteran of the US Senate, I would need an

Sen. Williams Hosts Sheriff Workshop

Page 23

Specter Honored For Service

The Public Record • October 18, 2012

Page 24

Elephant (Cont. From Page 10) the Biden I have watching for 30 years. The polls following the debate were mixed. The most-interesting one was the CNN poll that had Ryan winning. CNN’s reporting of the debate used a split screen where both candidates were visible even when they were not speaking. This did not help Biden with those who found him boorish. The Philadelphia Young Republi-

Out & About (Cont. from Page 10) don’t ask) would indicate that the mood would be a festive one, Baisden, who hosts a syndicated radio show that is on weekdays broadcast WDAS-FM, felt it was time

cans sponsored a party to watch this debate at the United Republican Club with the help of WARD LEADER KEVIN PASQUAY, who is a member of URC. YR CHAIRMAN STEVE BOC reported attendance at the party exceeded 150. The crowd included members from both sides of the intraparty dispute.

On Tuesday night, a debate-watching party was held at Paddy Whacks for the Presidential candidates’ town hall at Hofstra University. The 60plus crowd clearly thought

MITT ROMNEY won. Some of the polls show PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA winning. Obama clearly did better than he did in the first debate, and this time he had some help from the moderator CANDY CROWLEY. At one point she decided to play fact-checker. She was right that the day after the murder of a US Ambassador and three other Americans in Libya, that the President referred to the act as “terrorism.” But she declined to point out that for 14 days, Obama and his Admin-

istration, including his Ambassador to the United Nations SUSAN RICE, claimed the cause of the violent terroristic acts were a spontaneous response to US made derogatory video of the Prophet Muhammad. The administration now acknowledges the murders in Libya were coordinated by an Al Qa’ida-related group. JIM LEHRER, who moderated the first presidential debate, was criticized for giving Romney too much leeway. Oddly, it was noted in the Washington Post this week that Lehrer al-

lowed Obama 4½ more minutes than he did to Romney.

Monday night, Supreme Court JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA was the guest of the Federalist Society at the Union League. The Federalist Society is a conservative group comprised primarily but not exclusively of attorneys. It was founded on the principles that state exists to preserve freedom and that the separation of governmental powers is central to our constitution.

Given the Federalist Society’s conservative bent, most mem-

bers are Republicans. LINDA KERNS, who is also the chairwoman of the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the National Republican Lawyers Association, was there, as well as local Republican lawyers Matt Wolfe and WALLY ZIMOLONG. Scalia is considered by many to be a strict “constitutional originalist”. In layman’s terms, that means he does not believe the Supreme Court, or any court for that matter, should be legislating from the bench.

to party with a purpose.

“We get together for a lot of things that are fun,” he said. “I wanted us to get together for something civic and there’s nothing more important civically than voting.”

Because WDAS is a partner of the charter school, it asked the school to host the

event once they found out that Baisden wanted to come to the city, said Kenny Gamble, founder of Universal Cos. Before the debate started, elected officials (and potential elected officials) like City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and State Rep. candidate Jordan Harris came out and

spoke to the crowd. Also on hand was Pennsylvania (and Philadelphia) NAACP President J. Wyatt Mondesire and Thompson, Vincent spokesman for the Pennsylvania Voter ID Coalition.

But once the debate started, the Black Movie Theater theme was in full effect.

People yelled things at the screen whenever Obama or Romney did something they either liked or disliked. And Baisden provided his own commentary on the events.

You haven’t lived until people start shouting, “You a liar, Romney!” or “Go get him Barack!” at the screen during a presidential debate.

It turned from political commentary to a street fight in the room.

When Obama and Romney came at each other face to face, I couldn’t help but think that if this crowd had its way, someone would get punched in the face.

Because this was a proObama crowd, they were of course happy with the President’s performance.

But what I found most in-

teresting about it was that the President actually stood up, sometimes literally, for himself. He didn’t let himself get walked over.

For the people in this crowd, a people who had been reading poll numbers that made their guy look like a one-term president, it was exactly what they needed.

The last debate is on Monday. Would popcorn and a scoreboard be too much? oring 646 heroes and Candle Ceremony at Front & Spruce Sts., 6:15 p.m. R&R Reception Society Hill Sheraton, 8-10 p.m., $30.

Contact VEAPDD214@gmail.com. Followed on 27th with PVVM “Operation Brotherly Love” Parade commencing at Washington Ave. & Columbus Blvd., 9 a.m., ending at Memorial for 25th Anniversary Ceremonies 12-1:30 p.m.

Contact Strehle.Lincoln@pvmsec.org.

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Get an Insider’s Look RAP MUSIC SCAM at Politics in Philadelphia For $30 a Year, Get Yourself a Weekly Digest of the Activities of State and City Political Leaders and Behind the Scenes Reports. Subscribe to the Public Record Name: __________________________________________

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Part 91/100 RE: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union... insure domestic tranquility... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

--Preamble, U.S. Constitution RE: "YOU ARE WHAT YOU LISTEN TO." --Nicola Argentina, 2012 Continuing the dissection of rap culture, little wonder why big city mayors are impotent when it comes to criminals, and why excessive numbers of U.S. prisoners are ethnic Africans--probably 99.9% are followers of rap's influence and life style. Incarceration and drop out rates have become "the new plantation" reinforced by the rap industry. Rap's genre of sound cannibalizes the very group it portends to uplift --guiding some to commit crime. These souls become victims of noise believing they are listening to music.

The science behind the victimization is "the exclusion of music's diversity," namely building blocks: "MELODY and HARMONY." Rap's building blocks are based on one aspect of sound, "poetry set to rhythm."

The roots of music are the intergration of sounds, i.e., melody, harmony, rhythm and tone. The Rap idiom practices 'sound discrimination' with its exclusions--thereby becoming 'anti-music.'

So called 'rap music' conforms to these definitions: (a) MYTH: "any imaginary person or thing spoken of as though existing," and (b) COUNTERFEIT: 1. "made in imitation of something genuine with the intention to deceive, or defraud." Practioners of this form of aural expression make followers "patsys," or "people who are easily manipulated, or victimized."

The real story behind this alleged form of music, is: Who is responsible for this cultural trend in which the artist is called 'a rapper' instead of 'a musician', and why the controlled media calls it 'music?' Author Steven Feinstein leads us to this clue based on the principle "location, location, location." It may also tell us "the motivating reason" behind the events on September 11, 2011, re: "RAP MUSIC...

STARTED IN THE LATE 1970s IN THE SOUTH BRONX.” (Further exploration may also lead us to a government room in Washington, DC that holds many undisclosed secrets. It is called "the Oval Office.")

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

Cont. From Page 7) Oct. 26- Democrat 33rd Ward leader Donna Aument host Halloween Celebration at Juniata G.C., M & Cayuga Sts., 8 p.m.12 a.m., $25. BYOB. Costumes optional.

Oct. 26-27Phila.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial 25th Anniversary Name Reading hon-

GIVE THE GIFT OF NOSTALGIA Give the 5 Waffleman Books Memories they’ll always Cherish.

They will remember you everytime they read them!

Call: Joe “Bag-A Donuts”

215-463-2632

HOLDING $1500 check donated by Sb1 Federal Credit Union to nonprofit teaching children financial literacy are Tom Swierzy, Sb1’s president CEO, left; LDC chief Ryan Boyer; Curtis Singleton of Change 4a Dollar nonprofit; and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.

Nonprofit Credit Union Opens At Navy Yard

financial transactions. In addition, members can make an appointment with a financial advisor to review their current retirement accounts as well as discuss long-term goals. WiFi and a coffee lounge provide additional comfort while visiting the branch.

“Our move to the new location allows us to continue to serve our original sponsor, GlaxoSmithKline, as well as to conveniently serve the Navy Yard population,” said Swierzy.

Governed by a volunteer board of directors since 1977, Sbl is a not-for-profit credit union owned by its members.

Profits are returned to the members in the form of better rates, fewer fee and convenient technologies. Sb1 is one of the largest federally insured financial cooperatives in Philadelphia with more than $550 million in assets and 31,000 members. For more information please visit sblfcu.org.

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Historically serving only select employer groups and their families, Sb1, a nonprofit credit union owned by its members, has opened its roles to Philadelphians as it dedicated its new branch at 4613 S. Broad Street in the Navy Yard.

Anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Philadelphia, south of Lehigh Avenue, is able to bank with Sb1, stated Tom Swierzy, Sb1’s president/CEO. “This new location will allow us to continue to grow within the Philadelphia community and provide an exceptional breadth of lending, saving and investment products and services.”

At the event, Sb1 made a special donation to Change 4a Dollar, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching children financial literacy.

The new 2,600-square-foot fully staffed branch has a 24/7 ATM. Members can use the location to establish accounts, apply for loans and perform

paign issue. In the Foreign Service there is the acceptance that you may die at your posting. Stevens knew the Libyan army, still organizing, was not able to disarm tribal groups.

He was smuggled into the country on a freighter with a mission. He may not have wanted an obvious Marine Guard with him on that day, as he moved about.

To bring our soldiers’ deployments and withdrawal schedules into it is slick. Do not use our soldiers. They, more than RYAN, know death is over their shoulder. And to bring in 10% unemployment in SCRANTON – some aide thought it would trip BIDEN (it did not). Scranton has suffered a long time before the downturn as companies moved out. My hometown – I know Scranton, Mr. Ryan; you do not.... Ah, debates – do they tell us a person can govern?

Ace pol CHARLIE BERNARD, when asked, sang the old Betty Hutton song: “I can do anything better than you – No you can’t, yes I CAN!!” Nuff said.

BILLY GRAHAM supports Romney, so what else is new?... TOM KNOX may run for Governor. Please don’t.

The Public Record • October 18, 2012

WHAT was once an officers home at Navy Yard is now home of bank, Sb1 Federal Credit Union.

(Cont. From Page 10) 9 a.m. from the Adam Kowalski Polish American Vets Post at 133 Shurs Lane.

Parking is available.

JOHN DOC helped support the Irish PM reception in the Union League. The Celtic Tiger is on the rebound!...

JOHN McGRATH of the CARPENTERS’ Union calls attention to a feature on the importance of flooring in “Green” building construction. It appears in Floor Covering Installer magazine.

State Sen. ANTHONY WILLIAMS’ Urban Affairs Committee met on controlling the tax rate for Philly’s upcoming AVI, to prevent large tax increases.... State Rep. W. Curtis THOMAS wants legislation to reinstate cash assistance for the disabled and needy children. He says there is a $219 million surplus available.

AL STUHL, a Democrat Committeeman in the3rd Ward, 13th Division, has been elected to serve over 40 years!

In that time he has performed hundreds of civic tasks – a one-man municipal department! Bravo!!... DANNY BAUDER AND TODD FARALLY have got to be the two most-active Young Democrats.

Both are committeemen.

Todd, a labor leader with SHEET METAL Local 19, recently staged an encounter play featuring Big Bird vs. MITT near Sesame Place. Danny, a consultant to know, is support-

AN ADMISSION, and Medicare will not cover you.

Be sure to get admitted; it could cost you otherwise!...

THAT $716 MILLION that Romney-Ryan says was taken out of Medicare by Obama IS MALARKEY! The Economist reports this money is savings in payments to hospitals and care facilities.

CALIFORNIA leads the way with judges coming up with alternatives to lockup.

They have to; prisons nearly broke the fiscal back of that state, and strain other states – not the least our own. What are Justice CASTILLE and Judge HERRON doing in this area? “Loose thy bonds and let the oppressed go free.”

BIDEN-RYAN: So much has been said of their debate.

It is true that a lot of folks just tune into facial expressions.

Biden LAUGHED too much, but Ryan had a SMIRKING face that reminded me again of the “teacher look at me, I am smarter” kid in class. All those notes he took did not win for him…. And bringing Ambassador Chris Stevens into it was a bruise upon a wound for the Stevens family.

Stevens’ dad has asked that his son’s death NOT be a cam-

Page 25

Walking

ing reelection of State Rep. John SABATINA, Jr. HAPPY BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK to: Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, John “Teamster-Cakes” VENDITTI, Billy GAULT, Local 22 Prez, and Flavia COLGAN herself!...

Two soldiers from my Battalion, the 103rd Combat Engineers, made news. SGT. Robert Allen MANSFIELD, injured in Iraq, is running against Chaka FATTAH for congress. It will be a tough race.

SGT. Edwin GONZALEZ’s family received The Trooper of the Year Award from the Phila. Veterans COMFORT HOUSE from Congressman Patrick MEEHAN. Edwin was in Fort Indiantown Gap at the time of the ceremony on USS OLYMPIA in Penn’s Landing.

He is training for deployment to Afghanistan. State National Guard soldiers will be among the LAST to leave AFGHANISTAN when the pullout is completed! They will be in harm’s way.... Command Sgt. Maj. Jim JOHNSON and other military guys are wondering if shows like Rush Limbaugh on Armed Forces Radio gives the soldier the impression of implied command acceptance of the view expressed. I share his concern.

MIKE CIBIK, ESQ., Philly GOP Goodwill Ambassador, will host a debatewatching party in Paddy Whacks, Society Hill....

AARP is warning seniors that being taken into a hospital “under Observation” is NOT

Page 26 The South Philadelphia Public Record • October 18, 2012

by Tom Flynn and Rocco DeGregorio Question: When is the best time to buy a car?

Answer: You can ask anyone this question and probably get a different answer. There is some truth to any answer to this question.

If you ask me, I’d tell you the best time to buy a car is the end of the month. At the end of the month you are likely to be able to negotiate a good deal, as salesmen are trying to make their quotas.

There are many other times

you may hear, such as the beginning of the week, at closing or during the holidays.

The bottom line … the best time to buy a car is the time that is right for you. Just do your research and check for things like rebates and incentives and your salesman will help you make the best deal for you.

Tom has been serving automotive customers in the Philadelphia area for over 20 years as a salesman and then General Manager of Pacifico Autogroup. Rocco is a top automotive consultant.

by Michael P. Boyle, Esq. This week, I will discuss what you need to prove to meet Listing 3.03 of the Listing of Impairments. Listing 3.03A. refers to asthma with chronic asthmatic bronchitis.

This Listing incorporates Listing 3.02A. criteria, which contains FEV1 (“onesecond forced expiratory volume”) values measured by pulmonary function testing.

Someone who is 72 inches tall (without shoes) whose FEV1 is 1.65 or less meets

Listing 3.03A. A person who is 70-71 inches tall whose FEV1 is 1.55 or less meets the Listing. A person who is 61-63 inches tall needs a FEV1 of 1.15 or less to meet the Listing.

SSA will use the highest FEV1 value expressed, and generally requires the administration of bronchodilators— i.e., medicines that relax the airways and make breathing easier— following the initial FEV1 measurement (if the FEV1 value is less than 70% of predicted value). If the administration of a bronchodilator results in an improved FEV1 score above Listing levels, that is the score that SSA will use.

Listing 3.03B. refers to asthma attacks—“prolonged symptomatic episodes lasting one or more days and requiring intensive treatment, such as in-

travenous bronchodilator or antibiotic administration or prolonged inhalational bronchodilator therapy in a hospital, emergency room or equivalent setting.” Section 3.00 C., 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1.

To meet Listing 3.03B., you must establish asthma attacks “in spite of prescribed treatment and requiring physician intervention, occurring at least once every 2 months or at least six times a year”. Listing

3.03B. notes in-patient hospitalization for longer than 24 hours for control of asthma counts as two attacks, and an evaluation period of at least 12 consecutive months must be used to determine the frequency of attacks.

A judge must consider additional and cumulative impact due to obesity (body mass index of 30 or above) in deciding if a claimant meets or equals these Listings. Id., Section 3.00 I.; Social Security Ruling 02-01p.

by Michael A. Cibik, Esquire American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: What is the wildcard exemption?

Answer: This is a very useful exemption and what allows most bankruptcy debtors to keep all their property. Section 522(d) of the Bankruptcy Code states, in relevant part:

“The following property may be exempted…. “(1) The debtor’s aggregate interest, not to exceed $20,200 in value, in real property or personal property that the debtor or a dependent of the debtor uses as a residence, in a cooperative that owns property that the debtor or a dependent of the debtor uses as a residence, or in a burial plot for the debtor or a dependent of the debtor.... “(5) The debtor’s aggregate interest in any property, not to exceed in value $1,075 plus up to $10,125 of any unused amount of the exemption provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection.”

Subsection five is the wildcard exemption. These two subsections work together to allow the debtor who doesn’t use the so-called federal homestead to exempt over $10,000 in “any property”.

This, coupled with the other asset-specific exemptions found elsewhere in Section 522, usually allows a debtor exempt all his property in bankruptcy.

Note: The dollar amounts in the statute adjust up every three years and will do so again in 2014.

Next Week’s Question: Alternatives to bankruptcy: Debt settlement – is it feasible?

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The Public Record • October 18, 2012

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