Pr 836 s

Panepinto Jewelers

Ron Panepinto Karen Panepinto-Minarcik 702 Sansom St. • Phila., PA 19106 Tel: 215-923-1980 email: info@panepintojewelers.com www.PanepintoJewelers.com

Vol. Vol. VIIXVIII No. 3No. (Issue 5 (Issue 328) 435)

Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILA., PA 19114

215-698-7000 PhillyRecord

PhiladelphiaPublicRecord

phillyrecord.com

@phillyrecord

JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com

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

January February16, 4, 2016 2014

A Free Philly School ?!? Hit Like A Girl

Philly Free School Offers Public, Private School Alternative

by Cassie Hepler The Philly Free School, located at 2001 Christian Street, was founded in 2011 by a group of parents, educators and community members. It is a democratic free school, modeled after the Sudbury Valley School (1968) in Massachusetts, and Summerhill (1921) in England. PFS’s founders wanted to create a school where students would drive their own learning, all day, every day, while also governing the school itself.

The school provides a balance between freedom and responsibility that enables kids to juggle individual rights with the needs of a community. The founders wanted to situate this school in the city, where students could benefit from, and share their talents with, the rich urban context. They were also deeply committed to making the school accessible to families from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Don’t be misled by the school’s name however.

“The word ‘free’ in our name refers to our educational philosophy, not our cost,” said Margie Sanderson,

Letter of Thanks!

Reader Reaches Out With Heartfelt Appreciation For Honoring Fallen Officer, Pg. 2

6th DEGREE MASTER Joe Pennisi demonstrates how to break wrist of an attacker with just an adroit move at Positive Force Karate, 1704 Jackson Street.

His dojo is offering free women’s self-defense classes for a two month weekly course.

Read full story, P. 2.

Photo by Maria Merlino

KIDS IN SCHOOL “purposes seminar” get creative at The Philly Free School, located at 2001 Christian Street.

PFS media clerk. “Our school allows students to freely direct their own education, while also being free from standardized testing and standardized curriculum. We have created an autonomous zone where young people can explore their interests without co-

ercion or artificial motivators like grades.”

“PFS is a private, tuition-based school,” she continues. “However, we are committed to being accessible to any family for whom the school is a fit, regardless of ability to pay. Our (Cont. Page 21)

$58.79 $50.79 $13.49

$46.79

South Philadelphia Business Association Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia – Chartered in 1897 The South Philadelphia Public Record • February 4, 2016

Page 2

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

P. O. Box 31425• Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215)-336-1108 (215)-336-1149 (fax) Executive Board- President: Daniel Olivieri Treasurer: Jackie Fitzpatrick

Board Members

Vice-President: Vince DeFino Esq. Secretary: Gaeton Tavella

John Savarese Mark Rago

Louis Galdo Dr. Jim Moylan Vince Giusini Bill Ciampitti

Free Self-Defense Classes For Women PHS Pop Ups Set

By Maria Merlino Who trained with Chuck Norris?

6th Degree Master Joe Pennisi did.

6th Degree Master Hugo Armando said the class teaches women how to identify and prevent dangerous situations.

Women will also learn hands-on defense training in the twomonth weekly course. The course has foundations in education and awareness that also includes lecture, discussion and self-defense techniques. This course isn't simply a list of do's and don’ts. It looks to educate and empower women to be able to make dynamic risk assessments of situations where harmful intent may be present. The program will enable women to defend themselves against common chokes, grabs, bear-hugs

and other attacks. Women also learn how to defend themselves in various scenarios including disarming a gun or knife from an attacker and learning how to break the fingers and wrists of the bad guy.

“Many women go into shock when attacked because they have no frame of reference,” said Master Pennisi. “This empowers the perp. It’s why he does it, for power and control. We will give you the skills to build up a mental library, like getting a book on a shelf. Rape and abuse are hateful acts.

In the philosophy of Aikido, strength is redistributed. Women will learn how to manipulate the strength. It’s not about muscle but how to work the joints. We live in wicked times, but taking this course will give you the street surviving skills, and re-

To Spring Up Again

move any emotion from doing it.”

The course, which normally costs $125 a month, will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings and every other Saturday. Master Pennisi would like to partner with the community to bring these skills to women who want to the lifesaving tools and experiences in o that will allow them to walk with confidence and know that they have a fighting chance to protect themselves when they need it most.

Positive Force Karate 1704 Jackson St. JEBEDIAH IN THE GARDEN of Eden as a large Philadelphia, PA 19145 piece of corn at PHS Pop Up. Instructors: Joe Pennisi, 6th Degree Master Black Belt and Hugo Armando, 6th Degree Master Black Belt Calls will be taken Monday or Wednesday between 4 and 7 p.m. Call (215) 551-1311. to

Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters •

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Our Heartfelt Thanks To 3rd Police Dist.

And The South Philadelphia Community

On behalf of the entire Harkins Family, we would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to all those in the 3rd district, the Philadelphia Police Department and the community of South Philadelphia. Words can never express what your support, generosity, and the out -pouring of love for Gary has meant to our family. We are truly touched.

Although it is almost impossible for me to begin to thank everyone personally, I would like take a moment, and express our personal thanks to Captain Frank Milillo, who went above and beyond for Gary during his illness. Juan “Ace” Delgado, Linda Redanauer, Mike Duffy, Melissa Kromchad for your support and all your hard work making a benefit for a truly good man so successful. I know many more of you helped

and donated your time and baskets. To try and name everyone would be impossible. Please know we know and we thank you. Lastly, to Tushar Shah General Manager of the Holiday Inn who not only was a true friend but also made sure this event happened.

The love and support we have received during this most difficult time will remain in our hearts and with our family forever. Gary truly loved his job, the people of South Philadelphia and all those he worked with. He really did consider you all his friends.

You have all touched our hearts as Gary did yours. Thank you all for loving Gary as much as we did.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Marie Harkins and the Harkins Family

BIKES and strollers are more than welcome at PHS Pop Ups. This year, The Pop Up Garden will spotlight creation of the Rail Park.

The PHS Pop Up Gardens bloomed at two sites for the first time in 2015, and brought new dimensions to the region’s outdoor pop-up phenomenon. The gardens at 15th & South and 9th & Wharton Streets hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society welcomed more than 75,000 guests from early June through mid-October, and each site had its own style and energy.

The South Street garden was a curated collection of elements embracing adaptive reuse to achieve a romantic ambiance designed by Karen Regan, of Tallulah & Bird. The East Passyunk site, designed by the PHS Public Landscapes team, transformed a vacant lot into an urban garden of sustainable practices using reproposed materials, from bicycle parts to Flower Show props. Visitors enjoyed great drinks provided

by Barren Hill Tavern & Brewery and delicious sandwiches by Dietz & Watson on South Street.

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($20 per year Optional Subscription) The Philadelphia Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila. PA 19147 215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun, Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Assistant Editor: Cassie Hepler Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Dan Sickman: Veteran Affairs Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: Ron Taylor Photographers: Harry Leech Kate Clarke Leona Dixon Wendell Douglas Bill Myers Bookkeeping: Haifa Hanna Webmaster: Sana Muaddi-Dows Advert. Director: John David Controller: John David Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico Yousef Maaddi The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. ©1999-2016 by the Philadelphia Public Record. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. The Philadelphia Public Record will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.

Page 3

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Page 4 The Public Record • February 4, 2016

by Joe Shaheeli If Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf were pitted against the Republican-controlled General Assembly in a two-way race right now, Wolf would win by a landslide.

So says a Franklin & Marshall College Poll conducted Jan. 18-23. “The January Poll shows more registered voters continue to hold the State legislature (52%) than the Governor (32%) responsible for the State’s late budget,” it reported.

Ever since the House of Representatives torpedoed a compromise budget worked out between the Senate and the

Governor, negotiations have been stalemated.

But it isn’t easy for a chief executive to run against a legislature. Wolf may find that out to his chagrin if, as he has promised, he plans to campaign for Democrats who will challenge obdurate Republican lawmakers, seeking to tag them with the blame for not compromising to make a budget.

First, Wolf’s reputation is tarnished now too among voters, as the same poll shows. His own favorability rating is down sharply – only one-third of voters give him an “excellent” or “good” rating while 26% of

Voters Sour On Pa. Government

voters give him a “poor” rating.

His second problem is that those negative views will be concentrated in Republican-majority districts. And the legislators who oppose Wolf’s budget (largely because it entails raising taxes) will be increasingly wary of fueling opposition by hardcore conservatives in their upcoming primaries; it is their own party they fear more than Wolf’s.

Perhaps, if it turns out they

face no primary opposition, some Republicans will grow more concerned about their constituents’ grievances over government services that are going unfunded as a result of the budget breakdown. They may then start to explore new compromises in late February.

But rightly or wrongly, they are unlikely to worry much about potential Democratic challengers until summer rolls around. And that will bring a whole new budget to be stale-

mated….

By then, the mood of Keystone State voters may be so sour that no elected official will look good in either party – Wolf included. That would take the luster off Wolf’s power to stump the state for others.

The real kicker in State House races will be the increased presidential turnout, which tends to favor Democrats.

If Dems pick a presidential paladin that fires up supporters, or if the GOP chooses a radical

W. Philly Party Backs Vanessa

Dems Are Happy With Senate Field

FULL RANGE of W. Phila. leaders came out for State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown’s reelection campaign kickoff at Park Avenue in Parkside.

From left are Stanley Straughter, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Lowery Brown, Abdoulaye Coumbassa and Youma Ba. Photo by Wendell Douglas

IN STATE REP. Vanessa Lowery Brown’s corner are Greater Bible Way Baptist Church Bishop Benjamin Peterson, Jr., State Sen. Vincent Hughes, former State Rep. Harold James, Lowery Brown, former State Rep. Ron Waters, and Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Blackwell, Jr. Photo by Wendell Douglas

City Councilwoman

Cherelle L. Parker www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

chieftain who terrifies moderates and independents, an increased Democratic turnout could wound a few Republican legislators in suburban districts. The Republicans who care are mostly in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

In the meantime, 67% of voters – the same voters who elected the Governor and the legislature to oppose each other – told the Franklin & Marshall Poll the state is going in the wrong direction. Dysfunction in State government, they said, is our most-pressing public problem. It’s a level of public dissatisfaction F&M’s top pollster G. Terry Madonna called “historic.”

9th District City Hall, Room 577, Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-686-3454 or 3455 www.phlcouncil.com/CherelleParker Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9

Councilman Wm.

Rep.Maria P.

Donatucci

Greenlee

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

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

All three contenders for the US Senate nomination are looking good to Democratic voters, according to a Republican-leaning pollster.

Currently, former Congressman Adm. Joe Sestak leads the race to take on incumbent Republican US Sen. Pat Toomey with 33% support, followed by Gov. Wolf’s former Chief of Staff Katie McGinty with 29% and Braddock Mayor John Fetterman with 11%. But 28% of Democratic voters responding to a Harper Polling survey released Jan. 28 were undecided, so there is plenty of room for positions to change before the Apr. 24 primary.

(Cont. Next Page) State Rep. Jason

Dawkins District Office: 4915 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215) 744-7901 M. – Th.: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

F.: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

State Rep.

Kevin J.

Boyle 172nd Dist.

7518 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

215-331-2600 State Rep.

R EPRESENTATIVE

A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE

3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you

Mark B.

COHEN 215-342-6340 202nd Legislative District

7012 Castor Ave. Philadelphia PA 19149

Governor in 2014 and later served as Governor Tom Wolf’s Chief of Staff,” 68% of voters said this made them “more likely” to support McGinty.

Hearing Sestak’s biography as “a former US Navy threestar admiral who was born in Delaware County outside Philadelphia. He served two terms in the United States House of Representatives and ran for Senate in 2010. He also served as Director for Defense on the National Security Council under President

Bill Clinton,” 67% of voters warmed up to him more.

Fetterman’s biography as “a native of York and mayor of Braddock, a historic steel town on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. After earning a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University, he joined AmeriCorps and moved to the severely economically depressed town to try to revitalize it” piqued the interest of 64% of voters.

At this stage, the senatorial campaign is a positive and uplifting experience for Democ-

Lanni Bids For 182nd

rats who are pleased with their choices.

On Monday, McGinty won the endorsement of Service Employees International Union at a Philadelphia rally, adding to a rack of organizational endorsements.

That same night, Fetterman showed some financial muscle by releasing his first statewide 60-second ad buy as the Iowa primary caucuses were inducing heavy viewing by political junkies.

Allegheny County DA Stephen Zappala got 18%, Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro finished with 13% and Northampton County DA John Morganelli rounded out the group with 9%.

As Harper Poll’s Managing Editor Nick Field noted tartly,

“It’s probably name recognition, but perhaps not.”

The poll, taken Jan. 22-23 with landline Interactive Voice Response, noted Kane was ahead in all regions except the Southwest, when native son Zappala, heir to an old political family, leads.

(Cont. Page 6)

Kane Still Strong With Voters

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

(Cont. From Prev. Page) That’s so particularly because Democrats like all three candidates the more they learn about them. A test of this is in their response to the candidates’ biographies.

After being told she is “a Philadelphia native who has been an advisor to Vice President Al Gore, Environmental Advisor under President Bill Clinton, and Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Governor Ed Rendell.

She unsuccessfully ran for

Page 5

Dem Voters Like All 3!

The same Harper Poll found Attorney General Kathleen Kane, while she may underwater with legal troubles, remains buoyant with Democratic voters.

Kane led the pack of rivals for the Democratic nomination for AG. In the poll, Kane received 31% in the survey while 30% were undecided.

Among the other candidates, Representative

Vanessa Lowery Brown 182ND LEGISLATIVE Dist. FROM LEFT are attorney Larry Otter, Lanni, Campaign has new contender: real-es- Mgr. Andrew Allison and consultant Shedrick Felton at Lou tate investor and former po- Lanni’s launch for Center City/S. Phila district. lice officer Lou Lanni, who Councilman kicked off campaign at Han Mark Dynasty in Old City. Packed house came to Lanni’s launch affair. Lanni thanked restau1st District rateur Han Cheung of Han City Hall Room 332 Dynasty for excellent spread.

215-686-3458/59

Squilla

State Rep.

John

William Keller 184th District

Taylor (R) 177th Dist.

4725 Richmond St. Phila., PA 19137

1531 S. 2nd Street

215-271-9190

215-744-2600

State Rep.

Donna Bullock 195th Leg. Dist.

2839 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130 T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629 State Rep

Joanna E. McClinton 191st Leg. Dist.

6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139

T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687

State Senator

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

www.SenatorFarnese.com

COMMISSIONER

AL SCHMIDT ROOM 134

City Hall 215-686-3464

State Senator Rep. Rosita

JOHN P. SABATINA JR.

Youngblood

Fifth Senate District

198th District 310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148

12361 Academy Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19154

P: 215-849-6426

www.SenatorSabatina.com

215-281-2539

1435 N. 52nd St. Phila. PA 19131

(215) 879-6615 Advertisement

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www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

State Rep.

190th Legislative District

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

Page 6

Kane Still Has Fans Ready To Cook!

(Cont. From Page 5) But Kane’s support could crumble as opponents get their messages out. Her chief problem: a poor reputation. “Her favorability rating is 43% (17% very favorable, 26% somewhat favorable) while 49% (22% very, 27% somewhat) have an unfavorable opinion of her,” Field said.

Women remain sympathetic to her, however, perhaps because they remember she was the first woman to win the Attorney General’s office in state history. They are about split on her favorability (43% favorable, 45% unfavorable) whereas men, by 42%-53%, are turning against her.

Scrapping to set himself up as the toughest anti-Kane candidate, Morganelli has called

for the firing of Douglas Gansler, Maryland’s former Attorney General, whom Kane has appointed to lead a special investigation into the scandal involving email exchanges between Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices and other law-enforcement officials. Kane has charged an “old boys’ network” that engaged in offensive emails is behind the sea of legal accusa-

tions she finds herself in.

Morganelli would go further. “In addition to the termination of Gansler, the OAG itself needs a house cleaning of all top tier people,” he said.

“If Kane is removed by action of the Senate and Governor, and an interim AG is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, the first order of business should (Cont. Page 11) TONYELLE COOK-ARTIS, 50th Ward powerhouse who is running for 200th Legislative Dist., packed first funder at Alma Mater in Mt. Airy with strong support. From left, Councilman Allan Domb, David Hyman, Ward Leader Pete Lyde, State Reps. Dwight Evans and Stephen Kinsey, Numa St. Louis, former Councilwoman Marian Tasco, Ken Weinstein, Cook-Artis, Councilman Derek Green, Ward Leader Isabella Fitzgerald, UFCW Local 1776 reps John Meyerson and Adam Gold, William Ewing, Esq., Dan Muroff, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, Ward Leader Rondal Cousar and Mustafa Rashed.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

MAYOR Jim Kenney and Democratic Treasurer Frank Oliver with Tonyelle Cook-Artis, announcing candidacy for 200th Legislative Dist. held at Findley Rec Center in N.W. Phila. Other distinguished guests were Councilwoman Cherelle Parker; former Councilwoman Marian Tasco; State Rep. Dwight Evans; union leaders Ryan Boyer, Sam Staten Jr. Wendell Young and Jerry Jordan; and a host of community and civic leaders. Photo by Leona Dixon

FAX: 215-624-9263

www.unionroofing.net

WE DO OUR OWN WORK • NO SUBCONTRACTORS

FROM LEFT, Nina Ahmad, Salima Suswell, Zakariya Abdur-Rahman, Mayor Jim Kenney, Tonyelle Cook-Artis, Douglas Oliver, former Councilwoman Marian Tasco, Walter Reeder, Jr., Rondal Cousar, Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, Wendell Young IV and Stanley Sanders enjoy a photo. Photo courtesy of Jenaye Munford

Page 7

OUR OPINION

Who Else But Clarke?

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

In weighing our choices for the Philadelphia Public Record’s 2016 Public Servant of the Year, our editorial team had to ask ourselves: Who was the linchpin of City government in 2015 and will remain the linchpin of City government in 2016, despite a mayoral turnover?

Who has grappled with all the major issues of Philadelphia in his district? A place where opportunity stands shoulder to shoulder with poverty; great privilege with great disadvantage.

A place where progress is a necessity, not a luxury.

Who has doggedly pursued all the key issues facing our city for 17 years in office?

City Council President Darrell Clarke is not just our choice – he’s Philadelphia’s choice. He is the steady pivot on which City Hall is swiveling from one mayoral administration to the next.

The man is good at his craft of public service. We are always free to disagree with him on any given point, as citizens of a democracy; but we should all acknowledge, regardless of party, that our Council President is interested in making things happen – things that need to happen because they are government responsibilities.

Clarke makes City business happen, promptly and orderly.

And that’s a quiet, steady winning strategy for Philadelphia.

We will be honoring the City Council President at our anniversary banquet at Galdo’s on Mar. 24. Please join us for this memorable occasion.

Letters • Letters • Letters to your “joke”. We view this “joke” as one that is insensitive and hurtful to all Americans who have lost a loved one to homicide, or have suffered from gun violence, and particularly those where the culprit is still on the loose or are among the ones that escape from paying for their hideous crime of murder.

Acts of violence are a horrendous assault on our country and need to be taken very seriously. Each year, over 16000 people are murdered in this country, and two hundred million persons are victims of gun violence. We have seen several mass shootings this year, as well as gang-related deaths. The thought that you say that you would shoot and possibly murder someone and get away with it, is very troubling, because it highlights the sad reality that homicide and violence needs more much attention in our country. In addition to the devastation that families face after a homicide, an overwhelming number of

families live in limbo without justice for their loved ones.

We challenge you and all presidential hopefuls to detail how you will address the issue of murder by homicide in our nation and how you intend to put the full weight of government and its institutions to find resolution of cold cases, assistance to families of homicide and gun violence victims, as well as a comprehensive approach to prevention of homicides and attempted homicides in our great country.

We are planning to use our voice and vote to reward those who will appropriately and effectively address the issue of homicide in this country. To that end, we invite you to contact us so we can share our concerns with this issue.

Aleida García & Wilfredo Rojas Welcomes New District I am writing in response to the Philadelphia Public Record’s discussion of my (Cont. Page 26)

Feb. 4- State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas hosts “Bridging the Gaps Community Building, Behavioral Health & Wellness” Town Hall Mtg. at Temple Stud. Activity Ctr., 13th St. & Montgomery Ave., 4-8 p.m. Addressing the challenges. Focuses on challenges facing youth. Refreshments.

For info Mrs. Natal (215)5603261, ext. 27.

Feb. 4- Republican City Committee hosts Winter Reception honoring Councilman Al Taubenberger at 114 S. 12th St., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $500.

For info (215) 722-8082.

Feb. 4- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts Information Thursday on financial health at 4439 Germantown Ave., 6-8 p.m.

RSVP (215) 685-9182.

Feb. 4- 27th Ward Democratic Committee hosts Congressional candidates Night at USciences, Rosenberger Ha., 43rd St. & Kingsessing Mall,

rah Ingravallo (856) 642-3957.

Feb. 9- State Sen. John Sabatina hosts Mardi Gras Reception at Ladder 15, 1528 Sansom St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. $500 Friend, $1,000 Host, $2,500 Sponsor, $5,000 Benefactor; Checks to Committee to Re-Elect John Sabatina, Jr. 7718 Castor Ave., 2nd fl., Phila., PA 19152. Please RSVP to 215-821-7606 or re.elect.johnsabatina@gmail.c om Donate online www.JohnSabatina.com.

Feb. 9- State Rep candidate Sean Stevens hosts Fundraiser at Winnie’s LeBus, 4266 Main St., 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 9- North Philly candidates Meet & Greet at TLO Events Complex, 1625 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 6-8:30 p.m.

Free food by Brown Paper Bag Sandwich Shoppe & Grands As Parents.Feb. 9Community groups hosts N. Phila. candidate Meet & Greet at Pub Webb, 1527 Cecil B. Moore Ave., 6-8:30 p.m.

Free food.

Feb. 9- State Rep. John Tayhosts Community Mtg. on (Cont. Page 26)

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Open Letter To Donald Trump Dear Mr. Trump, We write you, not as political adversaries, but as the parents of Alejandro RojasGarcia, who was ambushed, shot and killed on Jan. 24, 2015, exactly one year from when you jokingly said, “Everybody says my people are so loyal. I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters.”

Alex was killed by an individual who got his hands on a semi-automatic weapon and fired 14 rounds from this weapon, into his vehicle, while he was pulling out from a parking space near a catering hall. According to authorities and witnesses, our son, a Temple University honor student who was living a fruitful life, was innocently killed.

Respectfully, but in the strongest of terms, as a family that lost a son to the senseless violence which is sweeping our country, we take offense

7:30 p.m. Congressman Chaka Fattah, State Reps. Dan Muroff and Brian Sims, Dan Muroff and Brian Gordon; also State Sen. Vincent Hughes. For info Carol Jenkins (215) 387-0839.

Feb. 4- Save the Children Fundraiser at Shamrock Pub, 1400 S. 2nd St., 7:30 p.m.

Minimum $5 donation and receive wristband valid for $3 Craft Beers & $2 Fireball Shots. For info Fred Druding, Jr. (215) 221-2374.

Feb. 5- State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas hosts “Bridging the Gaps Community Building, Behavioral Health & Wellness” at Temple Stud. Activity Ctr., 13th St. & Montgomery Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Presenting the solutions. Focuses on challenges facing youth. Continental breakfast, lunch. For info Mrs. Natal (215)5603261, ext. 27.

Feb. 5- ILA Local 1291 President Boise Butler is honored with Spirit of Port Award at Seamen’s Church Institute Lunch, Hilton Phila. at Penn’s Landing, 11:30 a.m. Tickets $125. For reservations Debo-

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

Page 8

Page 9

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Page 10 The Public Record • February 4, 2016 www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

A decision by the State Senate on whether KATHLEEN KANE should remain Attorney General has been delayed.

A special Senate committee voted to take the issue of her removal to the full Senate. However, the report noted no action would be taken before the Supreme Court makes a determination regarding Kane’s current Application for Extraordinary Relief for restoration of her law license. So she has a reprieve. Her license had been suspended pending the resolution of these and other charges.

Kane, who is to be tried for perjury and other felonies beginning Aug. 8, is seeking reelection this year. Hopefully the trial will end before November, when she could become a felon. Felons cannot hold political office in Pennsylvania.

However, the way to get her off the ballot is by challenging her petitions which are due by Feb. 16. Now, someone may be able to challenge her petitions if she does not regain her law license by then, but if the Application for Extraordinary Relief is still pending, the issue may be murky. By law, the Attorney General must be a lawyer.

Most sane people think Kane’s decision to run again is comical. But a recent Harper poll has her at the head of the Democratic pack, with 31% of likely voters supporting her.

I guess I should not be surprised. On Monday, 49% of Iowa Democrats (those attending the caucuses) voted for HILLARY CLINTON, who has repeatedly demonstrated that she is far from truthful and possibly may have breached national security law, which is criminal.

(Cont. Page 24)

One of the things I love about Philadelphia is the history that seems to be on every corner.

If you go into Independence Mall, you’re literally surrounded by it. Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell, and the monument to President George Washington’s slaves, the President’s House, to the right. The National Constitution Center to the left. Church cemeteries, the Bourse, the National Jewish Museum….

If you don’t learn something, it’s your own fault.

But the history, and by extension the learning, don’t stop there because, as I said, it’s on every corner.

Like, for example, the corner of 6th & Lombard Streets.

There sits the Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was founded by Richard Allen, a former slave and confidant to Washington, Ben Franklin and other Founding Fathers. He had become a minister and decided to split from the Episcopal Church because he got tired of him and his fellow Black parishioners being unable to go inside the church to worship.

They walked out, and Mother Bethel, and by extension the AME church, were the result.

This year, the AME Church celebrates 200 years of existence.

And the United States Postal Service supplied the first birthday present.

On Tuesday, to a packed house of AME members that came from all over the country and included the eighth gen(Cont. Page 22)

Yo! Here we go again. My friend Charlie tells me one of the best stories I’ve heard this year about the creative practice of illegally reserving parking spaces, which has really become an obsession, even in good weather.

During the recent snowstorm, a guy shoveled the snow from his steps, sidewalk and street in front of his own house. His wife, three daughters and two young sons carefully brought this large piece of furniture down the front steps. They were clearly struggling too. The two family dogs made the job even more difficult for the group, biting at the couch, getting in the way, and barking.

Then a few of the kids in the front slipped, lost their grip and the couch went flying down the steps, knocking everyone down. “Mr. Shovel Guy” warned them to be careful with the couch. The din of their yelling back and forth filled the cold winter air!

Finally, the tribe managed to maneuver the couch into the parking space in the street.

After getting it exactly positioned, the whole family sat down on the couch out in the cold street to catch their collective breaths.

“Mr. Shovel Guy” then walked away with intentions to return with his car. The family sat patiently on the couch out there in the snow, occasionally waving off potential parkingspace poachers while the dogs barked at the traffic slipping and sliding by.

Suddenly, two snowplows made their way through the street. The waiting family and couch, with the open end facing the road, became partially buried in three feet of plowed snow!

The family retreated into their home.

“Mr. Shovel Guy” returned later but not with his car. It seems he got involved in an accident four blocks away and he was beaten up by the three occupants of the car he ran into.

When he finally did get home from the hospital, he also had a very hard time with his two next-door neighbors for shoveling snow onto their property.

And what about the couch? The family had left it outside in the street full of snow and (Cont. Page 24)

The KENNEY Administration is off to a grand FIRST 100 DAYS. The general public view is upbeat, especially after a sterling job of snow removal – VASTLY better than the last eight years!! Nixing the too-grandiose Temple Stadium was a needed deft move.... The nonprofit reorganization of our daily city press included a suggestion that contributors endow an investigative team. NO WAY! Wrong cigarettes.

NON-STORY: The articles on Anthony CLARK’S D.R.O.P. payout are just a bevy of blarney. DROP money is the employee’s OWN money paid into the pension fund.

It is hard to believe reporters do not know this after years of DROP stories (?)…. Hmm. The Committee of 70 jumped in on Commissioner CLARK’S non-voting. Then it came out that the 70 chief missed voting. His supporters said Clark should be held to a higher standard. NO! We are all equal in duty to vote; but Thornburgh and 70 are an assumed paragon of virtue. Clark held a voter seminar and I do not think that 70 or the media showed up. Hmm again.

Dan MUROFF announced for Congress in the 2nd Dist.

He is issue-oriented and appreciates the need for constituent service... Council Majority Leader Bob HENON was a hit on Philly Labor Radio with his great visionary ideas for Philadelphia.

I am behind on BIRTHDAY best wishes to Tax Guru Jackie RICHARDS; political sage Renee AMOORE; Labor action man Bob GORMLEY, Businessman Ken WONG; (Cont. Page 24)

Newly elected MAYOR JIM KENNEY strolled around the Philadelphia Auto Show at the Convention Center. He was dressed smartly in a black tuxedo. He was joined by Lt. GOV. MIKE STACK, also in a black tuxedo. They appeared to enjoy each other’s company.

The Popemobile was auctioned off for $83,000. Some thought that it would garner substantially more loot; nonetheless, it’s a decent price for a car valued at $20,000. David Chapman of the famous Chapman Ford family purchased the car and will likely make a tidy profit when he resells it. The Chapman family is famous also for being the owners of SMARTY JONES. Smarty Jones almost won the Triple Crown and captured the hearts of all Pennsylvanians some years ago.

CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY appears to be endorsing more statewide candidates than ever before. He endorsed Pittsburgh DISTRICT ATTORNEY STEVE ZAPPALA for Attorney General and now is endorsing ALBERT BAKER KNOLL for State Treasurer. Baker Knoll is the son of former Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, and Auditor General CATHERINE BAKER KNOLL. Catherine Baker Knoll often confounded skeptical political pundits by winning statewide elections. She won more statewide elections than any woman, or man for that matter, in Pennsylvania. And her name carries incredible political cachet.

Other contestants for the office of Treasurer are former congressional candidate JOE TORSELLA and Allegheny County TREASURER JOHN WEINSTEIN. Torsella has already been endorsed by former GOV. ED RENDELL. In his only other run for office, Torsella was endorsed by most of the ward leaders yet lost a close election to ALLYSON SCHWARTZ, who went on the serve several terms.

Torsella brings with him the title of Ambassador but no one is quite clear what kind of an ambassador he is. Most Pennsylvanians probably do not welcome such a title when considering a statewide candidate. The electorate tends to embrace the common man or woman.

State Treasurer is a very important job and makes many of the financial decisions as far as investment for the state yet not everyone pays close attention to it. The race will likely be a very competitive one, matching East vs. West yet again.

President of the United States as it is the largest city in a swing state; even the Democrats realize our city’s importance by holding their national convention here,” DeFelice commented. “Our party is not taking this lightly and is out aggressively recruiting in the neighborhoods and wards of the city by reaching out to our neighbors to disrupt the Coronation of Hillary Clinton by wooing voters to register to vote in the April primary.”

State Dems Try For March Meetup Fresh from its cancellation of the State Committee meeting in the onslaught of winter storm Jason, the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee has rescheduled it for the weekend of Mar. 4-5.

All other details remain the same, said DSC Chairman Marcel Groen. It will be held at the Hershey Lodge. “We have set aside rooms for us at the same price that was originally set for the cancelled meeting. We will be following the same agenda that was originally sent out,” he noted.

“Progress on the national convention continues to move forward,” Groen reported.

“The various presidential campaigns have selected their candidates for delegate.

Unfortunately, as many of you realize, there were far more people who wanted to be a del-

egate than slots that were available. Our desire is to try to have events around the convention in which everyone who wants to, can participate.

It is important that this once in a life time opportunity is shared by as many as possible.

There are things we can do beyond just selecting delegates and we are working on those.”

A candidate forum is set for Friday and will have the same dinner and reception in the evening for the same price of $20.16. “Obviously those who have already paid will automatically be included,” he added.

Although Groen personally takes a dim view of DSC endorsements, preferring to leave the matter up to the various counties, an endorsement meeting will be held.

As for the storm, Groen told committee members, “We can control many things, but Mother Nature is not one of them. Your safety is always the most important consideration for us in making those types of decisions.”

Muroff Presses Case In Congress’ 2nd Dist.

Democratic 9th Ward Leader Dan Muroff officially announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional Dist. before a packed house at Alma Mater in his home neighborhood of Mt. Airy.

(Cont. Page 25)

NOW BA CK

Labors Union…Building it right for a better and stronger community And promoting renaissance of North Broad St. 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.

Laborers’ District Council promotes a safe work environment, jobs completed on time and on budget, and represents union members, who are well trained, productive, professional, and take pride in their work. Union labor…building better and safer communities in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.

This ad is presented by LECET The Laborers Employers Cooperation and Education Trust 665 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 Telephone: 215-922-6139 Fax: 215-922-6109 Web: www.ldc-phila-vic.org Juan F. Ramos Administrator

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Philadelphia isn’t quite Iowa when it comes to the making of Republican Presidents. Still, the city is one of the state’s largest pools of Republican voters and they are eyeing their crowded national primary field with great vigor, since they have no statewide primary distractions.

A few days before the Iowa caucuses, Republican City Committee Exec. Dir. Joe DeFelice released the results of a straw poll of city loyalists.

“The Republican Party has put forth a diverse slate of candidates with a wealth of ideas to get this country back on track,” said DeFelice.

“The results of that poll are: Donald Trump, 37%; Sen. Marco Rubio 22%; Sen. Ted Cruz 9%; Sen. Rand Paul 7%; Gov. Jeb Bush 5%; Gov. John Kasich 5%; Gov. Chris Christie 4%; Carly Fiorina 4%; Sen. Rick Santorum 4%; Dr. Ben Carson 3%; Gov. Mike Huckabee 0%.”

The city’s preferences roughly parallel the results of Hawkeye State Republicans, with one large difference: Candidates with a strong base in evangelical conservatism, such as Cruz, Carson and Huckabee, do more poorly here.

“Philadelphia has an opportunity to play an important role in who selects the next

23RD WARD GOP Chair Chris Nawdynski signs Donald Trump’s petition at ward get-together. Ward Leader Bill Pettigrew allowed his committee to circulate presidential candidates of their choice, despite his own leaning toward Marco Rubio.

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

Philadelphia GOP Taps Its Own Views

Chair Trumps Pettigrew

NORTH BRO N O A

TRAINED SKILLS

TREET DS

(Cont. From Page 6) be to ask for the resignations of all top level people. A new AG just cannot be saddled with Kane appointees, people loyal to Tom Corbett and/or people mired in ‘Porngate’. A new AG needs a completely new team of professional prosecutors with no agenda, bias or loyalties other than to the people of Pennsylvania devoted solely to clean up this mess. ‘Porngate’ must end, and the OAG must return to its core mission.”

LABORERS UNION

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Trump Fever Found In Philly

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PROFESSIONAL talent abounded at State Rep. Donna Bullock’s campaign kickoff, including Milton Pratt, Amina Corbitt and Milton Carter. Photo by Wendell Douglas

PHILADELPHIAN condo President June Idzal and Board Mem- FROM LEFT, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, senatorial ber Harriet Williams join Councilmen Darrell Clarke and Bill aide Omar Sabir, State Rep. Donna Bullock, Calvin Williams and State Sen. Vincent Hughes pull together.

Greenlee to boost State Rep. Donna Bullock’s reelection.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

HIGH-POWERED campaign launch at Dilworth Paxson offices fueled State Rep. Donna Bullock’s reelection bid. At her side are State Sen. Vincent Hughes, Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Bullock, Councilmen Kenyatta Johnson and Bill Greenlee, and Ward Leader Bernadette Wyche.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

LABORERS’ 332 leader Sam Staten, Jr. and his charming daughters Laylaa and Juhannah had good time at State Rep. Donna Bullock’s launch.

The South Philadlephia Public Record • February 4, 2016

COUNCILMAN Bill Greenlee, 15th Ward Leader, and John Paone, affordable-housing expert, share moment with State Rep. Donna Bullock. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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Bullock Racks Up Backers In 195th Dist.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Photo by Wendell Douglas

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Photo by Wendell Douglas

COUNCIL President Darrell Clarke announces launch of program to hire released prisoners to maintain 3,000 vacant lots as Terrell Bagby of RISE; Councilmen Derek Green, Bill Greenlee, Al Taubenberger and David Oh; Zakariyya Abdur-Rahman of Nicetown CDC; Councilman Kenyatta Johnson; and Penna. Horticultural Society President Matt Rader.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

STATE REP. Jim Roebuck showed up to tape his monthly Comcast “Newsmakers” interview, when he met up with George D. Mosee, Jr., Esq., 1st Assistant District Attorney, and discovered they were both loyal Central HS Photo by Bonnie Squires Alumni.

New Tourism Chief Welcomed To City

COUNCILMAN Kenyatta John leads townhall meeting at St. Patrick’s Church, asking questions about building safety as worried Rittenhouse Square residents demand answers after major fire last week.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Greens Plan Ticket

The South Philadelphia Public Record • February 4, 2016

TEAMS of interviewers from landscaping contractors were on hand at City Hall to interview returning citizens for jobs as part of Phila.

Landcare Reentry Pilot Initiative.

Central Alums Johnson, Neighbors On Fire

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Green Jobs Offered To Released Prisoners

MEDICAL community plans to rely heavily on Phila. as national meeting center, say MAYOR Jim Kenney embraces his new head Richard Lee Snow of St. Jude Children’s SALUTING Julie Coker Graham’s promoof Phila. Convention & Visitors Bureau Julie Hospital and National Medical Association’s tion are Candace Woods and Councilwoman GREEN PARTY of Phila. met at Calvary Center in Cedar Park to assemble their stateCoker Graham at gala in her honor at Penna. Martin Hamlette and Charles Jeffers.

Blondell Reynolds Brown.

Convention Center. Photo by Wendell Douglas Photo by Wendell Douglas office slate.

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year round.”

“At PFS, there are no mandatory classes.

Rather, students are free to spend their time on their own pursuits throughout the school day.

Students are not separated by grade level or age. They freely mix across ages, which facilitates complex learning. Our spaces are organized loosely by activity – we have rooms for rambunctious play like gymnastics or wrestling, for visual arts, music, quiet activities, and so on. The school has five full time staff members who make themselves available throughout the school. The primary job of the staff is not to teach or instruct, but rather to help ensure the continued wellbeing of the school while facilitating students’ explorations of areas of interest,” she said.

And there is no testing of students, standardized or otherwise. With such progressive views, the school has been growing every year since opening in 2011 with 16 students. They plan to grow to approximately 150-200 students over time.

A lot of information about the school and the model is available on the website, www.phillyfreeschool.org or by phone at (215) 218-9586. For a slice of life at PFS, check it out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. A monthly Open House is where interested families are invited to come see the space and meet members of the community. Open House dates can be found in the Calendar section of our website.

FRONT of The Philly Free School building located at 2001 Christian Street, was founded in 2011 by a group of parents, educators, and community members.

SCHOOL MEETING in art room every Tuesday allows students democracy to voice their opinions about how schooling is going.

The South Philadelphia Public Record • February 4, 2016

(Cont. From Page 1) sliding-scale tuition ranges from $1,800$12,000 and is based on a third party evaluation of a family’s ability to pay. We also have scholarships and several lottery enrollment spots, which provide four years at the school tuition-free.”

The ages of students range in age from 4 to 19 years old.

“We do not evaluate applicants based on their academic or behavioral record,” Sanderson stresses. Instead, the family and the school together determine if the student is a good fit.

The primary criterion is whether the student is ready and willing to take responsibility for their own education. Another important factor is whether the family is ready to trust the student to take this on. This is crucial to strengthen the child’s support system at home.

In order to attend, students must express a desire to be at the school and must embrace and willfully abide by the rules and premises of our program. Because the education model is so distinct from other schools, it also requires that all educational decision makers for a given student be on board with the school.

“We hope that this increases the strength of any child’s support system at home. Most importantly, students at the school must be able to take responsibility for themselves,” she said.

“We currently have about 55 students at the school, and intend to grow to approximately 150-200 students over time. Enrollment occurs

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Philly Free School Offers School Alternative

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by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: How to understand the Chapter 13 plan payment?

Answer: A Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a plan to reorganize a debtor’s liabilities and get a fresh

start unburdened by mounting unsecured debt (credit cards, medical bills, etc.). Such a plan requires payments to a bankruptcy trustee. But how much are those payments?

To a large degree, the amount paid into the plan varies and depends on what is to be ac-

In The Court of Common Pleas Philadelphia County Civil Action – Law No. 151104216 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Nathan Bowman, Deceased, Annette Bowman, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Nathan Bowman, Deceased, Yvonne Smith, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Nathan Bowman, Deceased & Joseph Bowman, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Nathan Bowman, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner Defendants To: The Unknown Heirs of Nathan Bowman, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 1219 South 53rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143. 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, Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, 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. 151104216, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 1219 South 53rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Phila. 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, 1410 W. Erie Ave., Phila., PA 19140, 215-2272400/215-981-3700. 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.

complished by the plan. Payments can include the mortgage on your house or a car payment.

But the most-troublesome part of the calculation is determining what, if anything, needs to be paid to unsecured creditors.

The mathematics of this calculation can be complicated.

The amount to be paid is the lesser of the amount that the creditors would have received in a Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy or the greater of the amount identified in the means test as “projected disposable income” or what it would take to pay off the unsecured creditors in full. Got it?

The first step is to determine

what the unsecured creditors would have received in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. That amount is, roughly, equal to the non-exempt value of the debtor’s assets less costs of administering that property. In many cases this will be nothing, or close to it.

Then take a look at whether or not there is any projected disposable income after doing the Means Test. This is the amount on the last line of the form, and is, theoretically, what is left at the end of each month after paying the mortgage, food, the car payment, and the rest of the living expenses. The debtor is expected to pay that each month to unsecured creditors. If that

In The Court of Common Pleas Philadelphia County Civil Action – Law No. 140904187 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure U.S. Bank National Association (Trustee for The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency), Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Dina L Smith , Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: The Unknown Heirs of Dina L. Smith , Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) whose last known address is 5404 Tackawanna Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124.

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. 140904187, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 5404 Tackawanna Street Philadelphia, PA 19124, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Phila. 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. 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.

amount is not zero; multiply by 60 and compare it to the total amount of the unsecured debts.

Pay the smaller of the two divided by 60 each month.

But the actual amount to be paid each month into the Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan is the

amount just calculated plus administrative costs and any other amounts that are necessary to make the plan work (mortgage, tax obligations or child support) Next Week’s Question: Can I discharge tax on late-filed returns?

OUT & ABOUT

“We started talking about this in 2002,” Walker said.

“Some people gave up, but I had faith that it was going to work.”

It also took, you guessed it, a history lesson. Since Allen wasn’t as well known as he should be, considering all that he did, the Postal Service had to do some research on him, said Joshua Colin, VP for area operations for the Postal Service’s Eastern Area.

Once the research was done, putting Allen on a Black Heritage Stamp made a lot of sense, Colin said.

“He was the Martin Luther King of his age,” he said. “He bought his freedom when he was 20. He founded the AME church. He stood for something.

It was an honor to do this.”

As Walker, Colin and other AME and Postal Service officials pulled the curtain off of the Forever Stamp to unveil it, a roar so loud Richard Allen might have heard it went up from the crowd.

Then again, Mother Bethel is where Allen is laid to rest.

(Cont. From Page 10) eration of Richard Allen’s family, the Postal Service unveiled the new Richard Allen Forever Stamp at Mother Bethel.

Hosted by civil-rights activist and AME member Vernon Jordan, the celebration features choirs, speeches, and a lot of Joyful Noise to celebrate a long awaited honor.

The church’s community room became a makeshift post office as hundreds of AME members scooped up the new stamps and commemorative cancellations.

The road to making Richard Allen the 40th member of a Black Heritage Stamp Club that includes the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, James Baldwin and Shirley Chisholm, wasn’t an easy one, said Jackie DuPont Walker, director of the AME’s Social Action Committee. It was a project that required 40,000 signatures and a whole lot of faith, she said.

Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board.

Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.

We are a debt-relief agency 1500 Walnut Street • Suite 900 Philadelphia, PA 19102

215-735-1060 ccpc@ccpclaw.com

LAMLAW BUSINESS COUNSEL CHRISTOPHER S. LAM ESQ Founder & Managing Member 133 E. Main St. | Suite 2 Moorestown, NJ 08057

NJ | 856.350.5188 PA | 215.913.4944

Lam@lamlaw.com www.LamLawLLC.com

Photo by Eldon Graham

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

FROM LEFT, State Rep. Angel Cruz, Eargilo “Billy” Marlin, State Rep. Leslie Acosta, Victor Perez, and 43rd Ward Leader Emilio Vázquez band together in support of Acosta’s bid for reelection to the 197th Legislative Dist.

STATE REP. Leslie Acosta and Chairman of Penna. Democratic Latino Caucus David Rodríguez aim to keep Rep. Acosta in office.

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Rep. Acosta Announces Reelection

Photo by Eldon Graham

Malik Joins GOP 8th Dist. Primary

(Cont From Page 21) nal prosecutor, and his continuing relationship with the law enforcement community has made him fully aware of the needs and the fears of constituents in both Montgomery and Bucks Counties which lay within the district.

A pro-lifer, Dean will attract socially conservative voters. He also realizes “not being a career politician” may work to his advantage among many Republican voters. “I do have support from among the grass roots ac-

tive Republicans who are demanding a greater say in the direction the party has taken for years.”

Malik has laid out what he calls his “reform platform.” He calls for term limits for all elected offices, redistricting reform to keep communities together, and pushing for legislation limited to single issues, keeping out efforts to insert controversial amendments not germane to a bill.

Dean can be reached at (215) 490-3707 or deanhmalik@gmail.com.

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA

FEE BUDGET B-005 C of 2015/16 General Contract Cook-Wissahickon ES $823,378.00 $25.00 Façade Restoration 531 Righter St. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

Specifications and/or plans and contract documents may be examined and copies thereof obtained from the School Reform Commission, 440 North Broad Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-400-4730. Make checks payable to the School District of Philadelphia.

The Office of Capital Programs reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Sealed proposals will be received by the Office of Capital Programs at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Suite 371, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, March 1, 2015. 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 philasd.org/capitalbids.

All School District Project require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications.

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The Public Record • February 4, 2016

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WALKING (Cont. From Page 10) Kerry “Einstein” LARK; Richard HOY, Esq.; and 32nd Ward Chairman

Bernard LOPEZ!... N. and W. WILDWOOD took a big hit during the last storm.

(Cont. From Page 10) American Legion Post 184 The other announced canand Vietnam Vets Post led didates in the Democratic the way in rescuing resiprimary for Attorney Gendents. eral include Allegheny County DISTRICT ATTORNEY STEPHEN ZAPPALA, Mon t- gomery County COMMISSIONER JOSH SHA PIRO and Northampton COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN MORGANELLI. Kane’s depleted campaign war chest is almost as much a problem for her as her legal problems and negativity ratings in the same Harper poll of 49%. She has only $246,000 in her cam-

ELEPHANT

WAFFLEMAN (Cont. From Page 10) very wet. I guess they figured it would dry out. Two days later, on the normal trash pickup day, the couch was removed from the street by City sanitation workers.

paign fund. She spent $280,000 of campaign donations on legal fees and public-relations services. She also raised no money in 2015 and only roughly $70,000 in 2014, down from almost $600,000 in 2013 before charges of illegal retaliation on political foes. As of the end of 2015, Zappala and Morganelli had roughly $500,000 while Shapiro had $1.5 million. It is scary to think that if this remains a four-man race and she figures out how to raise some money should, she could be the party’s candidate.

Another Pennsylvania Democrat will be on trial shortly. CONGRESSMAN CHAKA FATTAH (PA-2) And here is another story about people shoveling the snow for a parking space in front of their house. This apparently is a problem for the Philadelphia police every winter. What happens is that somebody will slave away for however many hours it takes to shovel out a car-sized space in front of his or her house, naturally so he can park his car here. When he goes back to get his car in order to park it in the newly cleared space.

He finds the space has been taken by another car. He is, well, upset. What most people do is write nasty notes, etc. and place them on the windshield of the offending vehicle. Where the police get involved, however, is the occasional case where the individual vents his wrath in somewhat more-violent means. Tires and throats have been slashed over this and gunshots sometimes ring out.

This fellow got creative.

Instead of doing the usual nasty stuff, he got out his garden hose and watered the automobile down ... real well. I mean, very, very thoroughly.

The water, of course, froze solid. When the owner returned, instead of a car, he found a car-sized Popsicle.

The note on the car read, “You really want the parking space? Here, it’s yours until spring!”

has been indicted for racketeering, money-laundering, misuse of federal funds and other charges. His trial starts on May 9 in Philadelphia. Interestingly, the judge for his trial is to be US District Justice Harvey Bartle – the same judge who presided over the conviction of CHAKA FATTAH, JR. On Tuesday, Fattah, Jr. was sentenced to five years in jail and is required to pay $1 million in restitution.

Fattah, Jr. was convicted of bank fraud, tax fraud and other crimes. At the sentencing, Fattah, Jr. showed no humility or remorse, but claimed he was falsely convicted in large part by negative media coverage. Bartle responded to Fattah, Jr.’s claims with “You made a

plethora of bad choices of you own free will.”

Congressman Fattah, like Kane, is running for reelection. His primary race will probably include five candidates, including Fattah. The other candidates are STATE REPS. BRIAN SIMS and DWIGHT EVANS, as well at attorney DAN MUROFF and Lower Merion Township COMMISSIONER BRIAN GORDON. Criminally indicted Fattah has been endorsed by Democratic City Committee Chairman and CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY (PA1).

GOV. TOM WOLF has shown better judgment and is clearly not supporting his legally challenged Attorney General.

community leader who has worked over the past decade to reduce gun violence in Pennsylvania. As the most-recent past-president of CeasefirePA, he is uniquely qualified to address the growing problem of gun violence in the 2nd Dist., which takes in Northwest Philadelphia and Lower

Merion Township; most of West and North Philadelphia; and parts of Center City and South Philadelphia.

Dan has served as the president of East Mt. Airy Neighbors and as the president of Conservation Voters of PA. He has also worked as a chief of staff on Capitol Hill, giving

him the opportunity to advance a progressive agenda.

Balchunis Gets Nod From Counties Mary Ellen Balchunis has sewn up Democratic Party support in her bid for the nomination in the 7th Congressional Dist.

Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County Democratic Committees are all on board with her, she announced.

After clinching her homecounty endorsement, she told supporters, “This is the mostimportant endorsement I have (Cont. Page 29)

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

(Cont. From Page 11) Drawing on his experience as a long-time advocate for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable, Muroff decided to run because he was dismayed at the lack of attention on Philadelphia’s gun-violence epidemic.

“Illegal guns unraveled the fabric of our communities, and closed off opportunities for them to thrive,” he told the crowd. “Gun crimes destroy lives, families and futures. It’s become America’s present-day sin – our deepest despair – because it’s relentless and routine, and it leaves us astounded yet somehow indifferent.

We’ve been snookered into believing we can’t take this on. I don’t accept that.”

He also spoke of his family – particularly his sister who disappeared almost 20 years ago in North Philadelphia while dependent on drugs. He shared how his sister was unable to secure a job because of a past criminal record, a story not unfamiliar to families across the 2nd Dist.

He stated, “A nonviolent criminal record in youth must not be an indelible mark, a label that a person is something so much less. There are real consequences when a person can’t rightly put their troubles behind them and find a secure job. It creates a selfdefeating cycle – not just for them, but also for their families, and for society. I am committed to fixing this.”

Muroff is an attorney and

Page 25

Muroff Fires First In 2nd District War

Off & Running

STANDING tall as he launched his campaign for 2nd Congressional Dist., Ward Leader Dan Muroff was urged on by colleague Bill Dolbow, Janet Amato, Dan and Pamela Packard.

PROGRESSIVES rallied behind Dan Muroff at Alma Mater, among them Elaine Bender, Sean Vereen, Beth Hagovsky, and future voters Abby and Xavier Vereen.

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

T.J. DOBRESKI joined political strategist David Dunphy at Alma Mater in Mt. Airy to get Dan Muroff’s campaign on the road.

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

Page 26

Letters • Letters • Letters • Letters (Cont. From Page 7) campaign for reelection in the Jan. 21 issue (“POLS ON

THE STREET: Don’t People Realize All Politics Is Local”, Jan. 21). While it is true my

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State Senate district now has more Republican voters than it did when I was first elected in 2012, I reject any suggestion that I am “now vulnerable” as a result.

As the first Democrat to be elected to this Senate seat in 76 years, I was not surprised by the GOP leadership’s attempt to take it back through partisan gerrymandering. Yet regardless of the change in geography, I look forward to running for reelection on my record of fighting for all of my constituents, both old and new.

That includes fighting to bring fundamental reforms to state government. In particular, I am working with colleagues in

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(Cont. From Page 7) drug abuse at Mother of Divine Grace Ch., Thompson & Cambria Sts., 7-9 p.m. For info (215) 708-3139.

Feb. 10- John Teague & Lenny Bazemore host Fundraiser for congressional candidate Dwight Evans at Bazemore Gallery, 4339 Main St., 6-8 p.m. Tickets $100. RSVP Mary Kate (412) 719-4360 or marykate@dwightevans.com.

For info John Teague (215) 520-1676.

Feb. 11- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Town Hall Mtg.

Remarks by Rahim Islam-Phila.

Community of Leaders; Ryan Boyer-LDC Business Mgr. & Chairman of Delaware River Port Authority; Billy MillerCampaign Field Dir. for Pa. Supreme Court Judge Kevin Dougherty; Kareem ThomasRegional VP, Wells Fargo Bank.

Feb. 24- Green Party hosts Election Mtg. at Ethical Humanist Soc., 1906 S. Rittenhouse Sq., 7 p.m. City residents who would like to participate in selecting the Green Party leadership are invited to attend. Free and open to the public. For info (215) 243-7103 and gpop@gpop.org.

Feb. 26- 41st Ward Re[publican Committee hosts Evening with Friends at Ashburner Inn, 8400 Torresdale Rd., 6-10 p.m.

Donation $340. For info (267) 455-2103.

Feb. 28- Fundraiser for 2016 St. Patrick’s Parade hosted by Republican 41st Ward Mary Frances Fogg at FOP Heroes Ha., 11630 Caroline Rd. Mar. 18Elaine Tomlin hosts Democratic 42nd Ward Candidates Night Out at Concilio Ballrm., 141 E. Hunting Pk. Ave., 6-10 p.m.Donation $25 ($30 at door). For info Michele Rhett (8756) 361-3102 or Shantey Lindsay (215) 2058061.

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both parties and from both chambers to take the politics out of the redistricting process.

It’s time for our democratic system to work the way it’s supposed to, with voters choosing their legislators and not the other way around.

Thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.

State Sen. Rob Teplitz (DDauphin)

at Roxborough Mem. Hosp.

Wolcoff Aud., 5800 Ridge Ave., 7 p.m. Topic is safety on Henry Ave. State & City officials to attend. For info www.pahouse.com/DeLissio.

Feb. 12- Sid Booker hosts Reception for State Senate candidate Sharif Street at Stinger Lounge, 4600 N. Broad St., 68 p.m. Shrimp, music. Tickets $25.

Feb. 13- 32nd Ward Democratic Committee hosts Petition Party at Mander Plg., 33rd & Diamond Sts., 12-3 p.m. Candidates $100. For info Gary Williams (215) 906-9009.

Feb. 19- State Rep candidate Matt Darragh hosts Fundraiser at Ashburner Inn, 8400 Torresdale Ave., 7-10 p.m. Dinner, beer. Tickets $40.

Feb. 20- State Rep. Joanna McClinton & State Sen. Anthony Williams host Expungement & Pardon Clinic at Cobbs Creek Br. Library, 5800 Cobbs Ck. Blvd., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For info El Ali by Feb. 12 (215) 7486712 or EAli@pahouse.net.

Feb. 23- GOP 56th Ward hosts Fundraiser at Red Rooster Inn, 7960 Dungan Rd., 710 p.m. Tickets $40. For info Mark Wuller (215) 589-3530.

Feb. 24- Omar Sabir launches Black Business Networking Series at Reef Restaurant, 605 S. 3rd St., 6-10 p.m. Remarks by

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Gym Pushes Hearings On Lead Exposure In the wake of shocking news from Flint, Mich., where State-imposed austerity measures have led to widespread lead poisoning, threatening the futures of thousands of children, Councilwoman at Large Helen Gym presented a resolution calling for public hearings on the best practices followed by the Philadelphia Water Dept. as well as on additional measures that can be used to protect the public from lead exposure in household lines.

Hughes Would Check School Infrastructure After touring an elementary school that had been forced this month to send students home due to failed heaters, State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.), the Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, ordered state-level hearings to better understand

the breadth of the crumbling school-infrastructure problem in Pennsylvania.

Hughes recently toured Locke ES. Afterwards, he remarked, “Children cannot fear for their lives. They can’t learn in freezing classrooms, worry if a boiler might explode, and they can’t sit with 40 other classmates in classrooms designed for 25,” Hughes said.

“Yet more and more schools are in danger of tragic consequences because the policies of the past five years, coupled with the declining support of our schools by the state, are walking them towards that gauntlet.”

Hughes said he wants his Senate Appropriations Committee to lead a public inquiry next week, and he said he welcomes participation from other interested lawmakers. Also, he called for the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education to audit Philadelphia school buildings.

Earlier this month, a boiler exploded in a Mount Airy school (Franklin S. Edmonds) during the school day. No students were injured but an employee was critically wounded.

The Senate Appropriations Committee chairman said the School District of Philadelphia is strapped with a $5 billion backlog of maintenance and repair orders.

The 21st Century School Fund said schools, nationwide, had an estimated $271 billion list of deferred building and grounds maintenance in 2011.

“When the school structure falters, administrators are forced to choose between repairs or new textbooks. Studies have shown adverse building conditions lead to increased absences, lower grades and a poorer outlook on life and their chances,” Hughes said.

Council Pushes SEPTA On Local Hiring Philadelphia City Council

is asking SEPTA to implement local-hiring preferences on a contract up for a bid to build 55 trains estimated to be worth $190 million.

A letter was circulated this week by Council Members David Oh (at Large) and Mark Squilla (1st Dist.) to SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. “Pat” Deon to express Council’s concern for the failure to include a local-hiring preference which may cause hundreds of good family-sustaining jobs to leave the City. That letter was signed and supported by all Members of Council.

In Philadelphia, there is a Hyundai Rotem USA Corp. train-manufacturing facility.

Councilman Oh has been providing leadership to ensure Rotem does not shut down its $30 million dollar plant located in South Philadelphia.

Rotem is only one out of 10 passenger-train manufacturers in the United States.

During the height of production, the company employed 350 workers with an average salary of $56,000.

Furthermore, the company has supported 5,000 jobs for Pennsylvanians through contracts with suppliers throughout the Commonwealth.

Council’s letter to is a followup to a press conference Oh held at Rotem on Jan. 20.

He was joined by former Governor and Co-Chairman of Building America’s Future Ed Rendell, Congressman Chaka Fattah, Council Members Curtis Jones, Jr. (4th Dist.), Squilla and Al Taubenberger (at Large).

Rendell noted Philadelphia’s prominent manufacturing history and stated, “Winning this contract would be an important step for Rotem; an important step for Philadelphia; and an important step for rebuilding our transit infrastructure.”

“With a significant level of transportation infrastructure

projects underway in SEPTA, I believe establishing localhiring goals for those projects by taking advantage of the US Dept. of Transportation’s pilot program will maximize the public investment at the local, state, and federal level by not only addressing the urgent need to upgrade our transportation infrastructure, but also ensuring Philadelphia’s diverse workforce is taken into consideration for such projects that are so critical to improving the city’s and the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness,” Oh stated.

Sabatina Reports N.E. Green Projects…

More than $800,000 in State grant money will be distributed for stream and greenway projects that will benefit residents of Northeast Philadelphia, State Sen. John Sabatina (D-Northeast) announced.

The projects will help protect and preserve the vitality of local waterways and provide recreation opportunities for residents, Sabatina said.

“Waterways in urban districts across Pennsylvania have been impacted by development over the years and these projects will continue our efforts to restore and protect these oases of nature across the Northeast,” Sabatina said.

The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants are awarded by the Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources. The Natural Lands Trust will receive $350,000 to purchase 35 acres toward its continuing efforts to preserve open space along the Tacony Creek, while the City will receive $400,000 to continue the Frankford Creek Greenway project and $60,000 to design the extension of the Pennypack Trail from I-95 to Rhawn Street.

“While we focus our local efforts economic development

and job creation, it’s important to support the effort to preserve the environment and precious open space,” Sabatina said.

…While Farnese Touts His 1st Dist. Grants DCNR grants $1.4 million will help some of Philadelphia’s vital open spaces improve services and aesthetics, State Sen. Larry Farnese (DS. Phila.) said.

These Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) investments target Columbus Square Park, Markwood at Schuylkill River Park, the Delaware River Trail and the Spring Garden Street Greenway.

“I am especially pleased to see the approval of $300,000 for Columbus Square Park,” the Senator said. Its $300,000 C2P2 grant will pay for new seating areas, walkways and pavers; a rain garden; installation of required safety surfacing at play areas; the construction of a spray feature; lighting and utilities; ADA access; and landscaping.

Markwood at Schuylkill River Park will get $388,000 for the construction of retaining walls, paving, and stormwater management control measures; installation of water feature, site lighting and utilities; ADA access; landscaping; project sign; and other related site improvements.

Delaware River Trail will use $250,000 for the construction of nearly a mile of trail from Washington Avenue to Pier 70 Boulevard. It will also support ADA access; landscaping; project sign; signage; and other improvements.

Spring Garden Street Greenway will receive $400,000 to design 2.1 miles from the Delaware River Trail to the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia.

The competition for the (Cont. Page 28)

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

The Commission on Universal Pre-Kindergarten has delivered its draft report to the Philadelphia City Council Education Committee, which is chaired by 3rd Dist. Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell.

“I thank the Commission for their work,” said the Councilwoman, who introduced the resolution calling for the Commission in early 2015. “Affordable access to quality early-childhood education can make the difference between a child who graduates high school and one who drops out, so Pre-K expansion in Philadelphia is critical to turning around our schools and ending the cycle of poverty. I look forward to working with the Mayor to evaluate the Commission’s recommendations and to present a final plan for a vote in City Council.”

The 50-page draft report discusses the city’s current early-childhood education landscape, and also provides options for future workforce development, quality standards, and cost models for an expansion of quality Pre-K to Philadelphia children in need.

This Commission’s executive summary and full draft report are available for download.

Public feedback can be sent to PrekCommission@phila.gov.

The resolution was cosponsored by Councilwoman at Large Blondell Reynolds Brown, 7th Dist. Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez, 3rd Dist. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Councilman at Large Derek Green.

Exposure to lead, especially among babies and children, causes significant permanent neurological damage.

To ensure its safety, Philadelphia’s water supply is regularly tested at the source and treated with protective anti-corrosion treatments. But in cities like Philadelphia with aging infrastructure, many homes still have lead pipes or plumbing components and the public may not understand the continued risk of lead exposure.

The goal of these hearings is to collect and make public up-to-date information on the practices used by the Philadelphia Water Dept. to limit lead exposure, as well as to gather and publicize ways Philadelphians and their local government can further reduce their risk of exposure.

“The national dialogue on water safety calls us to be vigilante and proactive in determining what best practices we are following and to inform the public about lead exposure. These hearings will engage the public and let all Philadelphians better understand, and work to improve, the ongoing efforts to keep our water and our children safe,” said Gym.

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

Universal Pre-K Begins Its March

Page 27

Heard on the Hill / in City Hall

Page 28 The Public Record • February 4, 2016

With the UNIONS “After years of taking programs and services away from the children at Jay Cooke and Huey ESs, the School District has decided to give these schools to charter school companies rather than make the investment necessary to fix them”, commented PFT President Jerry Jordan.

“Since 2011, Cooke and Huey have lost teachers, counselors and other staff; and have endured deep cuts to funding for extracurricular activities, books and materials.

As is the case with schools across Philadelphia, the District has made matters worse by failing to fill teacher vacancies, and paying Source4Teachers millions for not providing substitutes.

“There is simply no justification for giving up on its

neighborhood schools, and the District’s criteria for giving these schools away is nebulous, at best. For example, WS, though no longer on the list for conversion, was slated to be given away despite large gains on the School Progress Report.

“The District is simply holding fast to the now-defunct ‘No Child Left Behind’ reform model: withhold the resources schools need to provide children with counselors, teachers, nurses, librarians, art, music and other essential offerings. Then, when student achievement falters, use it as an excuse to outsource the education of our children to outside firms.

“The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers is calling on the School Reform Commis-

PFT Blasts

Charter Conversions

sion to vote ‘no’ on these conversions. Our city’s elected leaders, parents and educators have a better vision for our schools. It’s time for the District to abandon their ‘starveand-sell’ philosophy and instead work to bring the community school model to Philadelphia.”

Farnese Congratulates Nurses On Union More than 800 nurses at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia have earned the applause of State Sen. Larry Farnese (SD-S. Phila.) for their vote to unionize.

The nurses, who will be represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, or PASNAP, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the

Heard on the Hill And City Hall (Cont. From Page 27) C2P2 grants was significant, Farnese said. “While $28 million in new grants were announced today, DCNR said applications seeking more than $92 million were received.”

www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000

Clarke: Forbid Credit Checks On Contractors City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th Dist.) proposed legislation that would prohibit employers in most cases from obtaining the credit histories of employees and job applicants.

Employers also would be prohibited from using credit histories to make decisions adversely affecting employees or job applicants, unless relevant to duties and responsibilities.

Law-enforcement agencies and financial institutions would be exempted from this regulation, as well as employment situations in which personal financial history is relevant to job duties and re-

sponsibilities.

“It is past time for the City of Philadelphia to formally call out employer credit checks as a discriminatory practice that exacerbates income inequality,” Council President Clarke said. “The difference between ‘good credit’ and ‘bad credit’ can be as simple as an illness, loss of a loved one, or a car breaking down. Unbelievably, employers can negatively impact employees’ credit by reducing their work hours, and then punish or even fire employees for having less-than-optimal credit. When someone’s personal financial history is irrelevant to their ability to do their job, it should be no one’s concern but their own.”

Clarke also called for contractors to inform the public about planned demolitions earlier than is currently required. If approved, contractors would be required to post notice of demolition upon ap-

plication for demolition permit from the Dept. of Licenses & Inspections.

This ordinance, which amends the Philadelphia Building Construction & Occupancy Code, must also be approved by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Labor & Industry.

Donatucci Wages War On Unequal Pay Marking the seventh anniversary of the signing of the federal Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law, State Rep. Maria Donatucci (D-S. Phila.) is renewing her call for the House Labor & Industry Committee to consider her HB 1250, which would update the State’s Equal Pay Law. Donatucci participated in “Equal Pay Can’t Wait Week” along with other legislators nationwide to help bring attention to the gender wage gap.

“It’s downright shameful that in 2016, women are paid, on average, only about 78

move in January.

“It is great to know that the 850 nurses at Hahnemann are now acting as one when it comes to fighting for the right to fair pay and good working conditions,” the Senator said.

“Many elected officials have been doing all they can to undermine unions in Philadelphia and throughout America. This vote by our health-care professionals to be represented by PASNAP gives labor a lift, because it represents one of the biggest organizing victories anywhere in the country in the past year.

“Unions make sure workers are treated properly by the companies that employ them.

PASNAP representation will give Hahnemann medical professionals a strong voice and help to drive better care to the

cents for every dollar a man brings in,” Donatucci said.

“Everyone deserves to be paid fairly for their work, no matter their gender.”

Donatucci’s HB 1250 would increase fines to between $2,500 and $5,000 per day of violation and per violation for employers that knowingly violate the State’s Equal Pay Law, falsify related records or interfere with investigations under the act, among other things. Penalties under the act have not been updated since the law was established in 1959.

In addition, Donatucci is encouraging Pennsylvanians to visit http://www.pahouse.com/Donatucci/TakeAction?ac=49 and fill out the form found there encouraging the chairpeople of the committee to consider her H.B. 1250. The committee has not considered Donatucci’s bill since it was introduced and referred there in June 2015.

Donatucci was joined by colleagues State Rep. Brian Sims (D-S. Phila.) and State Sen. Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin).

Jurists Paint School

1st JUDICIAL DIST. judges and other volunteers gathered at Bartram HS to discuss Martin Luther King’s values of service – after they had pitched in to repaint auditorium and hallways. Included are Judge Karen Shreeves-Johns, President Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper, State Rep. Jordan Harris, moderator, Judge Abbe Fletman, Judge Idee Fox, Judge Sierra Street and Judge Brad Moss. Photo by Joe Stivala hospital’s many patients.”

A vocal supporter for union representation, Farnese has fought attempts to defeat socalled “paycheck protection”

legislation. He has also worked to make sure union jobs are filled, protected and defended at the Port of Philadelphia, and elsewhere.

Kitchen Hails New Expungement Law

fenses – like traffic tickets and contempt of court citations. They also erase criminal charges that were never prosecuted,” Kitchen said.

“This is a great day for Pennsylvanians who have paid their dues and need this second chance.”

Kitchen, who has worked on second chances for nonviolent ex-offenders for more than 15 years, has held expungement clinics with legaladvocacy groups to help Philadelphians clear their names.

Pennsylvanians who have been dogged by legal violations that have prevented them from finding a new home or getting a job won a reprieve, State Sen. Shirley Kitchen (DN. Phila.) said, when the Pennsylvania Senate approved an expungement bill and delivered it to the Governor.

SB 166 will allow some individuals who have served their punishment and remained free of arrest or prosecution for seven to 10 years to have their record expunged.

People with particular nonviolent third- and/or second-degree misdemeanors may petition the court for their record to be cleared.

“I have championed this change in Pennsylvania law because too many good people are unfairly suffering for too long,” the Senator said. “With the expanded expungement law, people will not have to wait as long to clear their names and get on with their lives.

“Expungement helps people seal past summary of-

Tina Wears Red To bring greater awareness to certain health risks facing women, State Sens. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Kensington) and Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) last week dressed in red and ushered a resolution marking Feb. 5 as “National Wear Red Day” in Pennsylvania.

“Women are the caretakers in their families. They take care of their children, spouses and everyone around them.

Unfortunately, they don’t take care of themselves,” Tartaglione said during floor remarks.

Bullock Runs Table With Party Leaders State Rep. Donna Bullock opened her reelection campaign to a packed standingroom-only house at the

Vincent Hughes, 15th Ward Leader and Councilman Bill Greenlee, 32nd Ward Leader Gary Williams and 24th Ward Leader Bernadette Wyche.

Former Mayor John Street and Bullock’s colleagues from the Pennsylvania House, State Reps. Joanna McClinton, Jordan Harris and Jason Dawkins, were also present to show their support.

“I am humbled by the grassroots support my reelection campaign. It amazes me every day,” exclaimed Bullock.

Bullock ended the calendar year with $54,000 in her campaign chest.

The Public Record • February 4, 2016

(Cont. From Page 25) ever received. It makes it even more important because you are the people that I have served with for over 20 years as a Committeeperson. I have stood with you in election after election. I am so proud that you have decided to stand with me today.”

Balchunis is bidding for the right to tackle incumbent Congressman Pat Meehan (RDelaware) in the 7th, an oddly-shaped district that has become an exemplar of gerrymandering nationwide.

Brewerytown CDC in the heart of the 29th Ward. She was joined by her husband Otis and two sons.

More than 100 residents from across the 195th Dist., which takes in Spring Garden, Fairmount, Brewerytown, Strawberry Mansion and Powelton Village.

“I am honored to represent the 195th District in Harrisburg. Today I have my sons, Malcolm and Xavier, with me as I greet neighbors from every neighborhood in the 195th Dist., and for them to see the election process firsthand,” said Bullock. “Service is something we do as a family, not something that my sons have to read about in a book.”

Bullock was endorsed by a very-powerful team of elected officials as well. Elected officials supporting Bullock include Council President Darrell Clarke, State Sen.

Page 29

Davidson Hangs On

Davidson Fares Well With Party Backing State Rep. Margo Davidson (D-Delaware) declared a campaign victory on Jan. 31 when she won her bid for an open primary at the Delaware County Democratic Committee Endorsement Convention.

(Cont. Page 31)

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Businessman and former police officer Lou Lanni announced his candidacy for State Representative for the 182nd Legislative Dist. before a packed house of friends and supporters last week.

The occasion was hosted at Han Dynasty at 123 Chestnut Street.

Lanni pledged to fight to support quality public schools and teachers “with a robust and dedicated funding source that produces results and graduates students who are prepared for college. H wants to attract and recruit new businesses to our city, and get

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(Cont. From Page 29) Davidson, whose district is centered on Upper Darby, has sparked controversy for some stands that strike progressives as unorthodox. Upper Darby Councilwoman Sekela Coles has declared to oppose her in the primary. Smith had hoped to pick up a key County Committee endorsement but was disappointed on Sunday.

“My supporters and I fought for an open primary so that the voters in the 164th Dist. can decide who will represent them. We did not want a few dozen political insiders dictating to the voters who they should support. We proudly stood up for the right of the voters to make their voice heard,” Davidson said afterward. “This was a clear victory for Team Davidson.

“My opponent even submitted 16 proxies during the

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people back to work.

He spoke in favor of passing LGBTQ Anti-Hate Crimes legislation. If elected, he vowed to “not just create, but support and pass legislation which will improve public safety in Pennsylvania; and especially in Philadelphia.”

Lanni cited a bipartisan spirit which he said was necessary to “end the perennial gridlock in Harrisburg. He would work with “both parties to introduce commonsense legislation that serves all Pennsylvanians.”

Lanni, 56, resides in Washington Square West with his partner of 24 years and their two adopted dogs. He is a product of Philadelphia public schools and Temple University. Now a real-estate entrepreneur, Lou was formerly in the Police Dept., serving in a number of assignments throughout the city, including the elite Highway Patrol. His tenure there was cut short as a result of a serious work-related injury.

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vote count – proxies which were questionable at best – which I chose not to challenge for the sake of party unity,” said Davidson. “I am not in this to play games. Despite my opponent’s desperate attempts, I was confident that my supporters and I would be successful.”

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The South Philadelphia Public Record • February 4, 2016

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