Pr 898 p

Vol. XIII No. 15

Issue 898

April 13, 2017

“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”

Healthy Spring!

Special Section P. 6 700 S.E.P.T.A. EMPLOYEES JOINED CITY CLEAN-UP

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OVER 700 S.E.P.T.A. EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING GENERAL MGR. JEFF KNUEPPEL, L, WORKED SIDE BY SIDE WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS AND CITY YEAR CORPS MEMBERS AT 13 S.E.P.T.A. LOCATIONS ACROSS PHILA. DURING THE MAYOR’S PHILLY SPRING CLEAN-UP. A JOB WELL DONE! MORE P. 2.

AT ODDS OVER WARD LEADERS P. 3

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700 S.E.P.T.A. EMPLOYEES RESPOND TO CLEAN-UP

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EPTA added more than its usual dependable service to Philadelphians last week as well over 700 of its employees and executives donated their day to the City’s annual cleanup campaign.

State Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-Kensington) addressed over 100 SEPTA employee volunteers, plus Frankford residents and City Year Corps members who came out to clean Frankford Transportation Center and the surrounding neighborhood during the Mayor’s Philly Spring Clean-Up He said, “SEPTA cares about the communities it serves. We can see this with so many employees out on a beautiful Saturday morning, working side by side with residents to make the region cleaner.”

Philadelphia Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams said, “We thank the more than 700 SEPTA employees. Every year, hundreds of SEPTA staff have participated in the clean-up, setting an example for the rest of the city and the region. ” SEPTA employees, including General Mgr. Jeff Knueppel, worked side by side with community groups.

STATE REP. Jason Dawkins addressed more than 100 SEPTA employee volunteers, Frankford residents and City Year Corps members who came out to clean Frankford Transportation Center and the surrounding neighborhood during the Mayor’s Philly-Spring Clean-Up.

PHILA. STREETS Commissioner Carlton Williams said, “I applaud your work and commitment to your community” thanking all the SEPTA employees that came out.

PHLPREK SEEKS PRE-K PROVIDERS

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HE MAYOR’S Office of Education has released applications for pre-K providers seeking to partner with PHLpreK, the City of Philadelphia’s quality pre-K program. A “Continuation Application” invites current PHLpreK providers to continue their partnership with the program, while a separate Request for Qualifications invites new early childhood education providers to apply to operate city-funded pre-K during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Funded by the Philly Beverage Tax, PHLpreK made pre-K possible for 2,000 children who otherwise didn’t have access to free or quality programs in their neighborhood. While

the City originally planned to add 1,000 additional seats this September, further expansion beyond the first 2,000 seats has been halted due to do the beverage industry’s decision to appeal a ruling by the Court of Common Pleas.

The Court dismissed the industry’s lawsuit aiming to repeal the tax in its entirety.

“This application process will establish a pipeline of qualified pre-K providers so the City can hit the ground running to expand seats when the lawsuit is resolved,” said Otis Hackney, Chief Education Officer for the City of Philadelphia.

Interested applicants are required to attend one mandatory information session,

in-person or via online webinar.

The Continuation Application for PHLpreK supports the continuation of current PHLpreK partners seeking to remain in the program during the 2017-2018 academic year.

The application deadline is Wednesday, May 3, 2017, and mandatory information sessions will be held on: • Thursday, April 13, 4-6 p.m., PHMC, 1500 Market Street, Lower Mezzanine • Monday, April 17, 4-6 p.m., PHMC, 1500 Market Street, Lower Mezzanine • Tuesday, April 18, 1-3 p.m., Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street

The Request for Qualifications for PHLpreK supports new quality pre-K providers seeking to apply to become a PHLpreK site during the 2017-2018 academic year.

The application deadline for this RFQ is Monday, May 15, and mandatory information sessions will be held on: • Wednesday, April 19, 4-6 p.m., PHMC, 1500 Market Street, Lower Mezzanine • Tuesday, April 25, 4-6 p.m., PHMC, 1500 Market Street, Lower Mezzanine • Tuesday, May 2, 1-3 p.m., PHMC, 1500 Market Street, Lower Mezzanine Questions regarding these applications can be sent to PHLprek@phmc.org.

communities. We need to take action and work on legislation that will improve public safety and put people back to work.”

Harris also welcomed the news that more than half the State Senate is co-sponsoring “Clean Slate” legislation being introduced by State Sens.

Scott Wagner (R-York) and Anthony Hardy Williams (DW. Phila.). Harris and State Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) are seeking House co-sponsors for the legislation, which would automatically seal the records for certain nonviolent offenses if the person hasn’t committed another crime.

Harris was instrumental in passing Act 5 of 2016, which provides a process for sealing low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors. Harris said the new legislation he’s advocating would improve on Act 5, which requires former offenders to petition the court. The new legislation would implement automatic sealing of records with no action required by the individual.

The legislation has 81% support among Pennsylvanians in the new poll, which was conducted by the Republican firm Public Opinion Strategies for the US Justice Action Network.

Harris noted other key findings of the poll include: By an 83-17% margin, Pennsylvanians strongly agree that “some of the money Pennsylvania is spending on locking up nonviolent offenders should be shifted to strengthening mandatory community supervision programs like probation and parole.”

By an 85-11% margin, Pennsylvania voters strongly support a proposal to “replace mandatory minimum sentences with sentencing ranges so that judges can weigh the individual circumstances of each case, such as serious-

ness of the offense and the offender’s criminal history, when determining the penalty.”

Harris said the finding on mandatory minimums is especially newsworthy at a time when some in the legislature are pushing to revive mandatory minimums.

One such bill, HB 741, was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee this week.

Harris said, “I’m encouraged that State Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, continues to be a strong supporter of reform.

PA VOTERS WANT CRIMINAL-JUSTICE REFORM

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TATE Rep. Jordan Harris (D-S. Phila.), chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, is pleased polling indicates Pennsylvania polls show strong support for criminal-justice reform.

“People make mistakes, but everyone deserves the right to demonstrate that they’ve learned from that mistake and are willing to change their ways,” Harris said. “That’s one of the reasons why over 88% of Democrats and 82% of Republicans in the state agree it doesn’t matter how long people are in jail, it matters that they don’t commit a crime when they return back to their

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vant big-city organizations.

But even he’ll tell you we have too much corruption and too many ward leaders on the ballot. After this primary, a lot of us are going to sit down with Bob about where we have to go.”

But the former governor may want to bring some protective gear, because Brady says he’s not in the mood for meddling. The congressman called Rendell a hypocrite.

“He liked the power of the ward leaders when they were endorsing him for governor and mayor,” Brady said. “Tell him to get over it.”

Among his reforms, Rendell suggests potential candidates should win party endorsements through a simple vote from committee people – the numerous party footsoldiers underpinning the 66 political wards in Philadelphia – rather than (Cont. Page 4)

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operation, and several judges from the Traffic Court.

Fear of the loss of public faith and political power has Ed Rendell leading an effort to reform how candidates are chosen by the party. His answer is to dilute the influence of local ward leaders.

“Given what’s happening, we have to take a deep look at what we’re doing,” Rendell said. “We have to get rid of the rule that ward leaders automatically get the party endorsement or that they automatically get to choose who’s running for an open seat.”

Rendell said he and other Democratic leaders were planning to host an intervention with Congressman and party Chair Bob Brady (D-Phila.) about the state of the local party.

In the article, Rendell is quoted as saying, “Bob Brady has done a terrific job holding together one of the last rele-

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Honorable

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A P R IL 13, 2017

BY JOE SHAHEELI ORMER District Attorney, Mayor, Governor and Democratic National Convention Chairman Ed Rendell has come back to his roots as a reformer, claiming the number of this City’s elected leaders who wind up in trouble with the law can be laid at the feet of the Democratic Party’s ward leaders and how they nominate them.

He made that charge in an article appearing in our sister publication City & State PA, written by Ryan Briggs.

The article cites Rendell’s concerns over the fact many of the individuals elected by the city Democratic Party organization are finding their way to prison. Briggs’ story mentioned former Congressman Chaka Fattah, the indictment of District Attorney Seth Williams, former State Rep. Leslie Acosta, several state legislators caught in a sting

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BRADY REFUTES RENDELL, WHO SEEKS TO LESSEN POWERS OF WARD LEADERS

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BRADY VS. RENDELL (Cont. From page 3) leave the decision to the ward leader alone. He also suggested putting ward leaders back up for re-election every two years, instead of every four years, to help prevent entrenchment – some ward leaders have served for decades.

Rendell said the party should also abstain from doling out endorsements to candidates who have failed to win backing from outside groups – such as judicial candidates who haven’t secured a recommendation from the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Rendell added, “It is incumbent upon the party to open up beyond the traditional ward leader-dominated system,” he said. “I think it would bring a lot of younger people, newer people into the system. Some of those committee people slots are vacant right now.”

The Congressman invited Rendell to remember the past, when he constantly courted and then thanked those same ward leaders for delivering him successfully

to his various offices.

Brady said efforts are continually made to insure judicial candidates have received the Philadelphia Bar Association’s recommendations before making them eligible for endorsement consideration by the ward leaders. “Most often we get those endorsements long after we get the official ballots printed,” he insisted.

He also asked where was “Rendell’s crystal ball? His very highly praised Chief of Staff John Estey, to whom he assigned key roles. He’s now a criminal. Also he recommended from his various offices the very people he now scorns.”

Rendell had pointed to the 197th Dist. special election for a state house seat as a prime example. Acosta, who had previously held the seat, was handpicked by ward leaders and then pled guilty to corruption charges. But Acosta still persuaded the same ward leaders to pick her replacement, Freddie Ramírez, a candidate who quickly lost a residency challenge.

Eventually, 43rd Ward Leader Emilio Vázquez simply ran as a write-in candidate himself, with no Democrat listed on the ballot.

Alison Perelman, who heads dark-money political action committee Philadelphia 3.0, concurred with Rendell’s charges, endorsing many of Rendell’s suggestions. Her group wants to channel post-Trump voter outrage by encouraging residents to run for committeeperson slots to foster bottom-up change to the party structure.

“I would say that Philly Dems are outraged,” she said. “There’s a sense people are moving away from the party because of these actors. But it seems highly unlikely that in the absence of new actors that folks are going to start acting differently on their own.”

But Brady rejected outside interference over corruption issues, saying the former governor had “skeletons in his closet” and calling Perelman “a rich girl with nothing better to do.”

He savaged their notions of “reform” as naïveté.

“Rendell’s allies, such as Alison Perelman of 3.0 PAC, put up a slate of socalled qualified Democratic candidates for Democratic and Republican offices for City Council at large and lost everyone,” he noted.

“We choose candidates together. My committeepeople would pick the exact same candidate as me,” he said, of devolving control from ward positions. “And there’s not a chance we’ll go back to ward elections every two years. We’d have chaos every two years. I changed that rule myself.”

Of fiascos like the 197th Dist., Brady said there was little the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee could do.

“I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said. “You have (Cont. Page 10)

BY JOE SHAHEELI ATS OFF to WHYY’s Bobby Allyn, new to the public service radio station, who revealed to the world the Feds had installed a secret video camera in front of the Overbrook home of our

H

TWO BIG MEN made an appeal at Phila. Mills for volunteers to join Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Eagles safety Rodney McLeod, 2nd from L, and State Sen. Anthony Williams, R, were joined by Marcus Allen of BB/BS, L, and DJ Amir of Boom 103 radio.

Photos by Bill Myers

corded from a pole-mounted camera. Sources say it was positioned outside of Williams’ house. Video files that large could add up to 1,000 hours of footage to screen.”

Thomas Burke, Williams’s defense attorney, responded the Feds have 88,000 documents. He, Representative

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

L-R at the BB/BS event were Marc Torriero, community marketing coordinator; Michelle Miller, BB/BS Independence Region; Rob Murray, city government associate of State Sen. Anthony Williams; Phila. Eagles Safety Rodney McLeod; and Williams;

like us, wonders what could be seen by pole camera … pizza, newspaper, Amazon deliveries, and so on. Again, we believe, a waste of tax money, especially as Burke had commented, they filed a 23-count indictment.

Under federal rules, a defendant must be tried no later than 70 days after an indictment, or the case can be dismissed.

Burke now requests more time, since the feds have just given him disks containing their evidence against Williams. He cited the federal prosecution of former State Sen. Vince Fumo, former

Congressman Chaka Fattah and State Sen. Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.), who all went to trial about a year after being indicted.

So to all you who were duped into believing Seth should resign his office, lay off! He, too, needs a breather. He can mentally and physically handle the decision-making involved in the administration of that office.

The race for Williams’ successor is heating up. Early television ads by Michael Untermeyer give voters the impression he means business. Now let’s see what the others are doing.

(Cont. Page 8)

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State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

1435 N. 52nd St. Phila. PA 19131 (215) 879-6615

Always Hard At Work for You!

State Senator

Anthony Hardy Williams 8th Senatorial District

2901 ISLAND AVE. STE 100 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 FAX: (215) 492-2990 ---419 CHURCH LANE YEADON, PA 19050 (610) 284-7335 FAX: (610) 284-5955 6630 LINDBERGH BLVD.

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District Office: 4667 Paul St. 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.

Room 132 City Hall

Deeley Philadelphia PA 19107

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Joanna E.

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McClinton 191st Leg. Dist.

6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139

1st District City Hall Room 332

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

215-686-3458/59

Represintative

Angel Cruz

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

Boyle

198th District

310 W. Chelten Ave.

172nd Dist.

7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

Phila PA 19148

P: 215-849-6426

215-331-2600 State Rep.

John

Donna

(R) 177th Dist.

4725 Richmond St. Phila., PA 19137

195th Leg. Dist.

2835 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130

215-744-2600

D-185th District 2901 S. 19th St. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164

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

Kevin J.

Youngblood

Taylor

Donatucci

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State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

State Rep.

Rep.Maria P.

Councilman Wm.

Bullock T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629

City Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker 9th District City Hall, Room 577, Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-686-3454 or 3455

www.phlcouncil.com/CherelleParker

Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9

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POLS on the STREET

beleaguered DA Seth Williams to spy on him before they indicted him.

He found that nugget when the US Attorney’s Office asked for more time from the federal court.

Allyn, in his WHYY report, found “a letter submitted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent Gauri under the supervision of Attorney General Jeff Sessions … asking the court to do something prosecutors have already sought in their sprawling corruption case against Williams: more time to get through the evidence.

“According to Gauri, 2 terabytes of video were re-

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STOP BEATING UP ON WILLIAMS

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URGENT CARE ON THE RISE QUICK, CHEAP, CONVENIENT, THESE CLINICS FILL A VOID

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THE STAFF at AFC Urgent Care S. Philly assemble daily to tackle walk-in health-care issues. Above, L-R: Sophy Lack, medical assistant; Dr. Endrit Ziu, Jim Raporte, manager; Bottom: Noelle Hemrick, x-ray technician; Marcy MacMillan, front lead desk. Photo by Eldon Graham

John Macoretta For

Judge of Common Pleas Court Recommended, Philadelphia Bar Association P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0

BY TONY WEST NEW KIND of health-care provider, unknown to our grandparents, has become an important option for Americans seeking treatment for what ails them.

Urgent-care clinics began to form 40 years ago.

They spread slowly into the Northeast but have become a basic feature of Philadelphia’s medical landscape in the last 10 years.

“They have proven their service to the community,” said Mark Austerberry, executive director of the Philadelphia Medical Society. “It seems like they’re filling a need.”

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There are 16 different urgent-care operations scattered around town. They replicate some functions of the old community hospitals, which are now virtually extinct. These are places where you can go to get immediate care, seven days a week, for ills that can’t wait until you can see your primary-care physician.

Today, we spotlight one urgent-care center: AFC Urgent Care South Philly. This clinic, located next to the former St. Agnes Hospital at Broad & McKean, is delivering emergency care for one-tenth the cost of a hospital emergency-room visit, its manager, Jim Raporte, asserts.

“A procedure that might cost you $1,000 if you go to an emergency room, we can perform for $100,” he said.

A full-service hospital is

equipped to handle extremely complicated and expensive cases. They need costly tools, specialized talent, elaborate bureaucracies. As a result, said Raporte, “Hospitals have a lot of overhead, some of which is applied to the emergency room.

They’re not as efficient as an urgent-care facility.”

When you need to see a medical doctor, Raporte suggested you think of your options as a three-legged stool.

The first and best choice is your regular primary-care physician. This person knows you as an individual and is familiar with your medical records. In these times, though, primary-care physicians are tightly scheduled, often months in advance. They cannot help you with problems that pop up (Cont. Next Page)

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AFC is the oldest urgent-care chain. It was started in Alabama in the 1970s by Dr. Bruce Irwin, the son of a small-town cobbler who lost both legs in a train accident. It now has 170 locations nationwide. It opened its South Philadelphia clinic five years ago.

“At first, we were talking about having to educate people about what urgent care is,” he reported. “Today there is such growth. A much-larger swath of people knows what urgent care is.” AFC South Philly now sees three patients an hour, around 40 a day. Its goal is the efficient use of time for quality care. Raporte is proud of his clinic’s online customer rating.

This clinic does not deal with opioids or chronic-pain management, thereby avoiding a quagmire of public risk and responsibility.

As a free-standing chain, AFC is not the only model

ESTABLISHED at 15th Street & Passyunk Avenue, S. Philly Urgent Care is a stable area resource. Photo by Eldon Graham

for urgent care. In Philadelphia, many hospital networks operate their own clinics. Some drugstore chains now provide urgent-care services in house.

There are also “solo practitioners” in the field, independent clinics, although these are more often found in rural communities.

As with the rest of the medical industry, consolidation is happening in urgent care. Brands are being

bought and sold as shakedowns eliminate less-efficient operations.

In return for convenience, urgent care expects self-payment up front. But most insurance plans will work with established urgent-care clinics.

Raporte says 30-40% of his patients are repeat visitors. But his goal is not to take patients from primary-care physicians: “We don’t say, ‘Use us as your

primary.’”

Austerberry stresses this point as well. “You need to have a medical home,” he said. “People need to make sure there is a transition of care.”

AFC has a software system that can transmit reports to a patient’s primary-care physician and urges that they use it. But it cannot legally do so without authorization signed by the patient.

A P R IL 13, 2017

but still need to be tended to right away: coughs, flus, sprains, GI disorders, routine physical examinations required for some official purpose.

And it can be done fast.

AFC expects to get a patient in and out within an hour, on average.

Like other medical practices, many urgent-care clinics employ nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants as well as MDs, although there is always a physician in supervision.

AFC uses only physicians.

Raporte said his typical doctor has 30 years’ experience.

“The University of Michigan surveyed primary-care doctors and found a high level of frustration among them,” said Raporte – “not with patient contact, but with the high volume of management demands.

Our doctors love to work in urgent care because they get to focus on the doctoring.”

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(Cont. From Prev. Page) overnight or over the course of a week. And they seldom keep nighttime or weekend hours.

Emergency rooms offer just that. They are available around the clock, and a patient can show up unannounced. But in addition to being costly, they are time-consuming. While the procedure you need may be done swiftly, check-in and waiting can drag on for hours, depending on the traffic. An incoming traffic injury can bump your cold symptom to the back of the line.

Urgent care is all about walk-in convenience. “We handle cases of low acuity,” Raporte said. “If your leg hurts badly, we have an x-ray laboratory. But if it turns out your leg is broken, then we will refer you on to an ER.” This frees his clinic to concentrate on medical problems that are not immediately life-threatening

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POLS on the STREET (Cont. From Page 5) Working on endorsements from the wealth of progressive organizations, Larry Krasner seems headed toward a big ground organization of volunteers.

NUHHCE Dist. 1199C, one of the largest and most-progressive labor unions in Philadelphia with over 13,000 members concentrated in hospitals and the health-care industry, leads his list.

It also includes Philly for Change, Pennsylvania Working Families Party, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (national), International Brotherhood of Teamsters; BLOC (Build, Lead, Organize, Campaign) and Reclaim Philadelphia. Save for 1199C as a possible cash source, we see his continued need to hustle campaign funds.

Look for Larry to be the star at the Philadelphia Coalition for a Just District Attorney’s free forum with candidates for district attorney, April 18, at Arch Street Methodist Church, Broad & Arch Streets. Child care and Spanish translation will be provided.

(Cont. Page 15)

WE’RE ENDORSING

MARK your CALENDAR Apr. 13- Lawrence Bozzelli is hosted Fundraiser at New Wave Café, 3rd & Catharine Sts., 5:307:30 p.m. For info: (267) 251-7822.

Apr. 13- Lindy Li hosts Reception for state judicial candidate Todd Eagen at Parc Rittenhouse, 228 S. 18th St., 6-8 p.m. Special guest Attorney General Josh

Donation $15. For info: Cynthia Hayward or Pam Jones (267) 225-7902.

Apr 14- Judicial candidate Deborah Canty is hosted Fundraiser at Circles Lounge, 4800 N. Broad St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets $15.

Apr. 15- State Rep. Morgan Cephas hosts Youth Summer Employment Information Session at Rose Plg., 1300 N. 75th St., 10 a.m.-12 m. To register: (215) 879-6625.

Apr. 15- United Block Captains hosts Investiture for all block captains at Drexel U., Bossone Bldg., 32nd & Market Sts., 12-3 p.m. First 100 receive Key to the City! Must bring official card. RSVP by Apr. 7: (215) 309-5754.

Apr. 15- Ducky Birts Foundation hosts Awards at 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market

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Shapiro.

Contribution levels Hosts $5,000, CoHosts $2,500, Sponsors $1,500, Donors $1,000, Supporters $500, Friends $250. RSVP: Seth Skversky (267) 815-1962 or seth@toddeagen.com.

Apr. 13- John McNesby hosts Fundraiser for Judge Vince Furlong at FOP Ha., 11630 Caroline Rd., 6-9 p.m. $50 for Individual Tickets. Sponsorships available. Payable to “Judge Furlong Election Committee.”

For info and RSVP: (267) 571-5328 or info@electjudgefurlong.com.

Apr. 14- St. John the Evangelist hosts Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at 21 S. 13th St., Upper Ch., 4-5 p.m.

Apr. 14- Judicial candidate Deborah Canty is hosted Fish Fry Fundraiser at Circles Lounge, 4800 N. Broad St., 5-9 p.m.

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ITH OUR May 4 issue, we will be endorsing candidates for the city’s important offices of district attorney and controller.

This will be the second time in our 18-plus years of delivering to you the inside workings of Philadelphia’s elected officials at city, state and federal levels, as well as public activities involving organized labor, schools and our many communities.

In many earlier races, save the most recent for mayor, competition was limited to one or two others besides the incumbent. Any

them ideal for the office, yet may lack the money, the charisma and the understanding of how to effectively communicate to voters.

We will judge which power broker is behind which candidate. Which ward leaders are straying from their party endorsements? What “black money” is being funneled in, to whom, and why?

Since the Democratic Party ,under its chairman Congressman Bob Brady, has wisely declared this primary “open,” we believe we will provide a service for committeepeople and voters by suggesting which of the aspirants for the two offices may be the better candidate.

We know and appreciate the fact many of the committeepeople from both major parties as well as asctivists of all stripes, have picked up additional know-how from our coverage through our years of service.

We hope we don’t step on any toes this way, but from now on we will endorse in elections as we see them.

St., 12 m. For info & tickets: (215) 242-1220 or (215) 248-4765.

Apr. 17- Voter registration ends, 5 p.m.

BEaster Monday Dyngus Day Festivities at Polish Eagles Sports Cl.,, 3157 E. Thompson St., 3-8 p.m.

Tickets $10, children under 12 free.

Apr. 17- 65th Ward Democratic Committee meets at Ashburner Inn, 8400 Torresdale Ave., 7 p.m. All candidates invited. For info: John (267) 334-3775 or Colleen (215) 500-0617.

Apr. 18- 11th Ward Democratic Committee hosts Fundraiser at 1900 W. Allegheny Ave., 5-7 p.m. For info: Dwayne Lilley (267) 432-3665.

Apr. 18- George Bochetto hosts Fundraiser for judicial candidate George Twardy at Bochetto &

Lentz, 1542 Locust St., 6-8 p.m. Sponsorship levels $250, $500, $1,000 & $2,500.

Apr. 19- 8th Ward Dem-

LETTER to the EDITOR CLEAN GENE

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S A FULL board member of the Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Drug & Alcohol Abuse, I commend State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (D-Bucks) for

ocratic Committee hosts Spring Fundraiser at Vesper, 223 S. Sydenham St., 6-8 .pm. Sponsorships: (Cont. Page 22) his public opposition to Gov. Tom Wolf’s recommendation that the department of drugs and alcohol be swallowed up into a large state bureaucracy.

When the opioid epidemic is so prominent in our state, now is not the time to be eliminating services or supervision.

Rep. DiGirolamo understands this and is a strong advocate for retaining the services.

All of us at Clean & Sober Broadcasting, the nonprofit which works to educate the public about addiction and recovery, applaud Rep. DiGirolamo for his efforts.

Gary Hendler, Chairman Clean and Sober Broadcasting

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commentary or opinion we would make could only mirror the obvious conclusion, whether we agreed or not, as to who would win.

This time, with no incumbent to challenge, seven Democrats in the race for DA, and all with almost the same low level of recognition, the DA primary is indeed a horse race without a favorite. With the race for controller, we already can call it, but one never knows.

What we hope to provide with this endorsement are the facts, unlike the editorial boards of the dailies, or the decision-makers we hear from on the subject on television. We know many of the candidates. We have had the responsibility to cover them in the course of their public pronouncements and their offthe-field activities as well. We have seen some of them as the human beings they are … and that is good.

We’ll battle here among ourselves, especially when we realize the qualities of one candidate would make

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WARD LEADER TUSSLE

(Cont. From Page 4) to go by the ward leaders who live there, since they know the district the best. I didn’t know Freddie Ramírez. He seemed like a nice man, but how did I know he didn’t live in the district? I’m not going to go flush the toilet and find out who lives there.”

He was doubtful that internal rule changes would or could accomplish anything.

“The Republicans have the same rules, the Greens have the same rules,” he said. “We all play by the same rules.”

Both Brady and Rendell went out of their way to note that corruption was not, despite all appearances, just a problem in Philadelphia or with Democrats, pointing to convictions of former Republican State House Speaker John Perzel, the resignation of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Jus-

THIS committee woman racked up a big write-in tally for her candidate in the197th Legislative Dist. special election under her ward leader.

tice Michael Eakin and the Bonusgate scandal. Rendell said his administration was largely free of corruption during his term as governor – the later trials of his chief of staff John Estey and State Treasurer Rob McCord notwithstanding.

Brady is disappointed at the drop in voter participation, no less than Rendell.

“Voters are disenchanted and they think they don’t count,” Brady said. “Our turnout is a disgrace, but we

do everything we can to get people out. We spend a lot of money. I don’t know what else to tell you.”

The recent presidential election turned that around, with over 60% voting.

Brady believes that benchmark won’t be reached again, depending upon voter interest. “But you can’t lay blame for this at the feet of the people entrusted with putting up candidates from which the voters are to choose,” he insisted.

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(Cont. From Page 8)

PENNSYLVANIA US SENATORS FEELING PINCH? Knowing “money talks and bull__walks” explains why US Sen. Bob Casey’s (D-Pa.) campaign has raised $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2017, leaving the campaign with nearly $3.8 million cash on hand.

During the first quarter of 2017, support for Casey’s re-election came from every one of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and 93% of the campaign’s donations were small donations of $100

or less. That’s all well and good, since the pundits now list his seat as one that can be won by the Republicans.

“Sen. Casey is running a strong campaign based upon his record of fighting for Pennsylvania and delivering results on behalf of his constituents,” said M.E. Smith, Casey’s campaign manager. “This fundraising quarter demonstrates that Sen. Casey’s campaign is powered by grassroots donors in every corner of this state, and he remains in a strong position to compete in this environment.”

Is that another way of telling us Casey hopes the voting phenomena that delivered Pennsylvania to Trump in the presidential

campaign won’t reappear?

A growing field of Republicans indicate they believe the Trump phenomenon is alive and well. They are announcing their intentions to challenge one another in the Republican 2018 primary for the victory that will pit them against Casey. Latest to announce is State Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), joining State Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny) and Berwick Borough Councilman Andrew Shecktor.

The Libertarians are putting up Dale Kerns against Casey in the next go-around.

Casey has made it known Republicans are “eagerly targeting” Pennsylvania’s Senate seat, and a “Mitch McConnell-linked group

has already launched attack ads to defeat me and flip it.

“Republicans want to tear down every check on President Trump’s administration, and they know Pennsylvania is a critical firewall for Democrats.

“The only way to hold President Trump accountable is to win in Pennsyl-

vania and hold this Senate seat, but right now we’re still short of our goal, and time is running out.”

GOOD NEWS, BOB; HANG ON, TOM

As Pennsylvania’s leading Democrats, Gov. Tom Wolf and US Sen. Bob Ca-

sey, face their 2018 re-elec- 15 tion campaigns, they begin with decent approval ratings, according to national political survey firm Morning Consult.

The midterm electoral map for Democrats in the Senate is daunting, as they have to defend 25 seats.

(Cont. Page 21) T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

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BRIGHTER FUTURES AWARDS

COUNCILMAN Derek Green presents a city council citation to Brighter Futures Awards as Lorraine Ballard Morrill of iheart media and Dir. Denise Taylor Patterson look on. Green has a teenager on the autism spectrum and chairs the city council caucus on autism.

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STATE REP. Stephen Kinsey presents a legislative citation to Denise Taylor Patterson, director of IDS, in honor of 25th annual Brighter Futures Awards. Photos by Scott Weiner

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BLACKWELL LAUNCHES SPRING-BREAK LUNCH

PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

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PURRED by 3rd Dist.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, the Philadelphia Dept. of Parks & Recreation is running a pilot program to offer children free lunch during the

School District’s spring break this week.

Tens of thousands of Philadelphia children rely on school lunches for an important part of their nutritional needs. Many families lack the means or the time to provide lunches for these children when school is not in session.

The test program was run

Monday through Thursday at six recreation centers across the 3rd Dist.: Christy, James Wright and Kingsessing Recreation Centers as well as Miles Mack, Mill Creek and West Mill Creek Playgrounds. Lunch started at 3 p.m. and was provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

All Parks & Recreation facilities will be closed tomor-

row, Good Friday, April 14.

BASS HAILS BOOT TO WELLS FARGO

8th Dist. Councilwoman Cindy Bass thanked the Kenney administration for following up on her efforts to remove Wells Fargo as an authorized city depository based on its history of unethical banking practices.

During last week’s council session, the administration transmitted two bills, which Councilwoman Bass co-sponsored, that would remove Wells Fargo as a depository for City employee payroll by the end of 2017 and enter into a contract with Citizens Bank for these services. Wells Fargo is responsible for payroll deposits that average $170 million monthly and $2.04 billion annually.

Last fall, Bass introduced legislation calling on the city to completely divest from Wells Fargo in response to the bank’s fraudulent actions that resulted in thousands of customers nationwide having credit lines and other accounts established in their name without their authorization. Wells Fargo employees were pressured to implement a practice known as “cross-selling” in order to reach the mandated quota of eight new accounts or banking products for unauthorized credit cards issued to customers. The bank fired at least 5,300 employees who followed these practices — 90% of whom were non-management and paid hourly.

“I am gratified there is finally some movement on this issue as there has been

a huge public outcry both here and throughout our country,” Bass stated. “Wells Fargo has faced and settled numerous predatory-lending cases filed by American cities and the federal government,” Bass continued, “so we must carefully evaluate the performance of every financial institution with which the city does business.”

CEPHAS HAMMERS STOP-&-GO ISSUES

State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-W. Phila.) hosted a public meeting on the issues relating to nuisance establishments that sell alcohol and how they impact surrounding communities.

“With the loosening of laws regarding liquor sales, businesses have greater opportunities to expand commerce and product lines; however, we are experiencing some unintended consequences of changing the laws,” Cephas said. “It remains critical for local and state agencies to keep a watchful eye on nuisance establishments that are taking advantage of loopholes and this hearing, and others like it, is a step in the right direction.”

In addition to discussing the effect of these stop-andgo establishments on a state level, the public meeting also addressed how these stores may disrupt local communities.

Cephas is currently working on a liquor control task force by bringing together local and state agencies, (Cont. Page 23)

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

BY DENISE CLAY IKE MANY Public Record readers, I have a key ring filled with discount tag cards from businesses I patronize often.

The DSW Shoe Warehouse tag doesn’t get quite the workout I wish I could give it (In a perfect world, I’d have an entire room filled with nothing but shoes), but the CVS, Walgreens and Shop Rite cards get used a lot. I also have apps that connect me to discounts at Macy’s (another one that I don’t use nearly as much as I wish I could),

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businesses not being able to hire, said Michael Rashid of the Philadelphia Community of Leaders.

Through doing the kind of spending that would allow these businesses to expand and hire people, joblessness in the Black community would take a dramatic drop, Rashid said. It would also help close what seems to be a wealth gap between the Black community and its white counterpart that has often looked intractable.

“Every dollar that [Blacks] earn stays in our pockets for an average of 6 hours,” Rashid said, quoting a study done by economist Brian Williams, founder of PurchaseBlack.com. “In other words, I’ll get paid at 12 o’clock on Friday, and by 6 o’clock all my money has gone and has gone out of the Black community. A dollar circulates in the white community for an average of 17 days, meaning that it’s going from one group of (Cont. Page 22)

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AYOR KENNEY is correct that Conrail has to be an active partner in cleaning up its HEROIN-ADDICT-strewn property in Kensington and Fairhill. BUT there is a problem arising from a cleanup there. Addicts will then take to many different streets, so that the problem is NOT concentrated, and a terror to many MORE neighborhoods.

I heard Teresa Carr DENI, candidate for District Attorney, remark we have one vacant prison in Philadelphia,

CITY HALL SAM

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UDGET hearings consume the attention of City Hall during this season; and rightly so. Council members have from now until June 30 to map out the city’s entire gameplan for the Fiscal Year ahead.

There are always uncertainties when you predict a government body’s financial future. Many worry about the impact of potential punitive moves against the city for its sanctuary-city policy, by either PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S Feds or by Harrisburg Re-

it? Does his use of it imply 19 KENNEY’S endorsement?

Was use of it UNFAIR ADVANTAGE? And the media were quiet as CHURCH MICE over this (?).

GOOD TAX NEWS: Little Egg Harbor, N.J. has a flat budget this year with no new taxes – in fact, a slight tax decrease. The budget for services is $21M. Income is just $15M. But the net worth of the town rose $47M; new ratepayers make up the difference. A lesson for anti-development folks.

PATHWAYS TO PARDONS Program of Lt. Gov. Mike STACK gets good turnout wherever it is held. But when State Sen. Sharif STREET sponsored one of them – 1,000 ATTENDEES were on hand seeking assistance!!

A daily press article was reported to appear online for a half hour or so; then DISAPPEARED. It showed the PROSECUTION in a BAD LIGHT and concerned the (Cont. Page 24)

publicans, as a bill sponsored by STATE REP. MARTINA WHITE would do.

And the Sweetened Drink Tax is in limbo at Commonwealth Court at this hour.

Still, the outlook for our city is sunnier than in recent years. With an improving economy, revenues are up without painful new taxes. The School District’s revenue estimates are gratifying. It’s always easy to look good when the money’s good. And political storm clouds like those cited above often take full budget cycle to gather before they actually burst.

Furthermore, today’s budget team is a remarkably smooth and experienced one. COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL CLARKE has been through many a cycle and is adept at juggling multiple demands while sticking to schedule.

Even some of Council’s freshmen, such as ALAN DOMB, DEREK GREEN and CHERELLE PARKER,

bring depth to budget discussions.

And don’t forget MAYOR JIM KENNEY. He’s been on both sides now, in City Council and the Mayor’s Office.

What to make of the dizzying DA’s race? There are seven convincingly qualified candidates, in a year when incumbent DA SETH WILLIAMS’ woes have heightened public awareness of this row office.

Races like this are so rare that there isn’t much prior experience to learn from.

Theoretically, one candidate could win with 15% of the vote. In practice, a 25% victory is believable.

TERESA CARR DENI has deep social connections and a firm but fair judicial record. TARIQ EL-SHABAZZ has the backing of an important wing of Black Philadelphia leaders. JOE KHAN scored a coup with an endorsement by former GOV. ED RENDELL. LARRY (Cont. Page 22)

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Target and Starbucks.

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Community of Leaders introduced another discount card into the mix, one whose mission is as social as it is financial. It’s called the iBuyBlack discount card and it’s designed to provide an incentive to patronize the city’s Black-owned businesses.

PCOL unveiled the card in the Mayor’s Conversation Room to a room filled with members of City Council, community leaders and some of the business owners who have signed on to participate in the program.

Many of the business owners were handing out flyers and business cards to the audience that advertised the services they provide.

In it’s study, “Philadelphia: The State of the City”, the Pew Charitable Trusts found that Philadelphia has a poverty rate of 26%, the highest in the nation for a city its size.

Much of that poverty is due to joblessness, and a lot of that joblessness is due to

WALKING the BEAT

and it could be converted to a DRUG-treatment facility. The City already has spent tens of millions on the Conrail-site problem; this money could go to operating Holmesburg as a rehab-maintenance facility.

There would be a good bit of work as well for the Building Trades to modernize and reconfigure that solid edifice.

WHY NOT?... There was a fine, state-of-the-art prison left behind in the Navy Yard. The Navy Brig on 26th Street lay vacant at a time when the city was screaming for more jail cells. (Look at overcrowding at CFF in Holmesburg today.)

We had a new facility available for a $1 transfer. Mayor Rendell thought that the use of it as a low-security facility would deter commercial development.

It was demolished for the Tastykake plant.

ED RENDELL endorsed Joe Kahn for DA. And he did it in the Mayor’s Reception Room (?). Should not that room be APOLITICAL? How did he get use of

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AST WEEK, STATE REP. BRIAN SIMS (D-182) issued fundraising literature that included the comment, “I will continue to fight against Republicans like MARTINA WHITE (R-170), who like Trump, wants to deport all of our hard-working immigrant brothers and sisters and whitewash America.”

White has never stated or implied she wants all immigrants deported. A Sims spokesperson, DAN SIEGEL, has been reported as admitting that White had never

honor these warrants.

In response to Sims’ comment, White said, “I find it disgusting that Rep. Sims would try to raise money by blatantly lying about me and using such derogatory terms about a fellow legislator,” she said.

“The fact is that I fully support and welcome legal immigration.” She went on to add, “My concern is rogue public officials who violate federal law to further their own agendas.”

Apparently Sims pushed the truth envelope before as a gimmick to raise campaign funds. Last year, while fundraising, Sims bemoaned that “right-wing extremists” were trying to take his seat. There were no Republicans in the general election. Former Republican, now Democrat, LOU LANNI was in Sims’ primary. While Lanni has voiced concerns over Philadelphia’s fiscal condition, he is hardly an extremist. Lanni (Cont. Page 22)

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ELEPHANT CORNER

said it. Maybe he should have fact-checked his boss’s fundraising materials.

Siegel did, however, compare White to the president, owing to her sanctuary cities bill and DONALD TRUMP’S executive order withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities. Last week, White reintroduced her bill that would block hundreds of millions in state funds to Philadelphia if it continues not to fully cooperate with federal immigration officials.

Siegel went on to say White clearly has a “homogenous” view of America. In the minds of liberals like Sims and Siegel, there is only one reason why you are opposed to city officials illegally refusing to honor federal-government detainment warrants – you are a bigot.

Of course, they conveniently forgot the Obama administration’s Justice Dept. threatened to withhold funding to Philadelphia for failing to

JUDICIAL CYBER SPACE CONCERNS NICHOLS RUNS

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5TH WARD leader Michael Boyle, Esq. toasts Judge Teresa Carr Deni on her campaign for DA at a reception dealing with cyber crime. Photos by Joe Stivala

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G.O.P. FEASTS ON SHRIMP

THE UNITED Republican Club in Kensington was packed with enthusiasts enjoying its Shrimp Night – and good company. Photos by Wendell Douglas

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AMONG the throng at the club were, L-R, Aizas Gill, Ward Leader Mark Wuller and indispensable activist Ross Feinberg.

CYBER crime is a rising concern in America, and one that requires expertise and deft prosecution. Len Deutchman, Esq. is a cyber-crime expert who dealt with the Wall Street investment firms crises of eight years ago. He is a candidate for Common Pleas judge. With him is retired Judge Teresa Carr Deni, District Attorney candidate, who favors increased training and a cyber-crime priority in the DA’s Office. Newly elected 58th Ward Leader James Donnelly supports their efforts.

PURSUING a statewide appellate seat, Philly’s own Judge Carolyn Nichols was hosted a fundraiser at the Klehr, Harrison law firm in Center City. L-R were John Shectman, Teresa Lundy, Ray Garnish, Kendra Adjei, Nichols, Kerry Slade, Dan Mishel and John Branigan. Photo by Wendell Douglas

GOODMAN BUILDS TEAM

LEON GOODMAN began to assemble his strategists in his judicial campaign at the Black Sheep Pub in Rittenhouse Square. L-R were Theodore Levy, Goodman, Patrick Link and David Birnbaum.

KEY POLITICAL strategist Mike Tucker, R, let Leon Goodman know he would be aiding his effort.

NEWMAN FOR GROSSMAN BETH GROSSMAN’S campaign for DA on the Republican ticket will be chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Schultz Newman, R.

AMONG those attending Beth Grossman’s announcement, at Linda Kerns’ office on Avenue of the Arts, were, L-R, activist Joe McColgan, conservative analyst Stew Bolno and Ward Leader Walt Vogler.

PROGS EYE JUDGE RACE

REPUBLICAN City Committee Chair Joe DeFelice greets veteran loyalists Charlie Fairburn, L, and Ed DiGirolamo. DeFelice is resigning to take a post in the federal Dept. of Housing & Urban Development.

PHILLY FOR CHANGE gathered at its monthly meeting at tattooed Mom on South Street to hear judicial candidates make their pitch. L-R were judicial candidate Zac Shaffer, PfC organizer Save Scholnick, candidates Judge Lucretia Clemons and Jennifer Schultz, and PfC organizer Sam Durso.

JOE TORSELLA’S STAR SHINING

Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella’s plan to transition nearly $1 billion in public equity to a passive-investment strategy, significantly reducing fees paid to investment managers, will save an estimated $5 million per year in fees and has earned him the thanks of Gov. Wolf for

MUROFF VS. MEEHAN

Believing President Donald Trump’s enthusiasm among Pennsyl-

organization. In that role, he helped lead efforts to curb gun violence across our state and fought legislation that would have put more guns in the hands of criminals.

Muroff, leader of Philadelphia’s 9th Ward, also served as president of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, promoting sound and sustainable environmental policy.

As an attorney in private practice, Muroff has led efforts to aid women transitioning into the workforce, expedite federal funds for affordable housing for people with disabilities, and secure funding for neighborhood improvements across Philadelphia.

It is reported he will resign as ward leader and move to Montgomery County so he can challenge Meehan.

What gives Muroff the confidence he can topple Meehan is the fact the

7th Dist. includes most of Delaware County and parts of Chester, Montgomery, Berks and Lancaster Counties. Hillary

Clinton won the district 21 in 2016, defeating Donald Trump 49.3% to 47%.

Muroff was born and raised in Havertown.

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vania voters no longer exists, Attorney Dan Muroff, a longtime community leader, announced his candidacy for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th Dist., vowing to take on Donald Trump and his disastrous policies.

“I’ve spent my career advocating for women, seniors, and families across this state,” said Muroff.

“I’ve stood up to the NRA and entrenched special interests and I know that now, more than ever, we need people in Congress who will take on those in power and fight for what’s right. Congressman Pat Meehan has proven he’s unwilling to stand up to Donald Trump and Paul Ryan, and he’ll go along with their destructive ideas as long as it helps his wealthy contributors.

It’s time for him to go.”

Muroff served as board president of CeaseFirePA, Pennsylvania’s statewide gun-violence prevention

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(Cont. From Page 15) However, they can find some comfort in that many of their most vulnerable senators receive strong marks.

Among them is Casey, with a 49% approval rating as opposed to only 29% disapproving.

Wolf’s rating is less shiny but still above water, with 48% approving while 43% disapprove of his performance.

following his recommendation.

Earlier this year, the governor announced the consolidation and transfer of three investment funds that will help cut millions in tax dollars spent yearly. The consolidation moved the investment management of the State Workers’ Insurance Fund, Workers’ Compensation Security Fund, and Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund to the Dept. of Treasury eliminating private managers and achieving savings of $5.6 million annually.

We see a bright future for him, especially since he is young enough to be considered a potential future candidate for governor or the US Senate.

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ELEPHANT CORNER (Cont. From Page 19) is hardly conservative on social issues. He, like Sims, is openly gay.

Last week, Republican LUCINDA LITTLE and Green Party activist CHERI HONKALA filed a lawsuit in federal court asking that

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EVERYDAY PEOPLE (Cont. From Page 19) white folks to another group of white folks. So it’s building wealth for 17 days, when our dollars are building wealth in our communities for not even a quarter of that.”

“If we spent just 9% of our money with [Blackowned businesses], Black unemployment would be wiped out,” Rashid continued. “That’s what this movement is all about.”

MARK your CALENDAR (Cont. From Page 9) Gold $750, Bronze $150, General Admission $50.

RSVP: benwaxman@gmail. com by Apr. 12.

Apr. 20- City Commissioner Al Schmidt hosts Fundraiser at Grey Lodge Pub, 6235 Frankford Ave., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Apr. 20- DA candidate Michael Untermeyer hosts Fundraiser at Rogues Gallery Bar & Restaurant, 11 S. 21st St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Donation $250.

Apr. 20- Joe Toogood. Esq. hosts Reception for judicial candidate George Twardy at 2704 E. County Line Rd., Ardmore, Pa., 6-8 p.m.

Sponsorship levels $250, $500, $1,000 & $2,500.

RSVP: Howard Mosely (267) 310-0033 or info@ TwardyforJudge.Com.

the results of the March 21 special election for the 197th State House Dist. be rejected and that a new election be ordered.

The roughly 30-page lawsuit lists numerous examples of violations of Pennsylvania’s election law by Democrat candidate EMILIO VÁZQUEZ and other Democrats. In addition to Vázquez, the suit names Democratic City Committee, the City Commissioners and

Dept. of State.

US CONGRESSMAN AND DCC CHAIRMAN BOB BRADY appears not to be taking the suit seriously and was quoted as saying, “I wish them (the complainants) well and good luck.”

LINDA KERNS, the Republican City Committee attorney, responded, “Tell Bob Brady I do not need luck. I have the Pennsylvania Election Code on my side.”

The suit cites beyond numerous alleged examples of Democrat election-board workers of permitting, if not actively participating in, electioneering in polling places.

Vázquez and Honkala ran write-in campaigns after Commonwealth Court JUDGE ANNE COVEY ruled their nomination papers were filed after too late.

Little was the only candidate

listed on the ballot.

Four other Democrats pursued write-in campaigns. However, the lawsuit alleges election-board workers and DCC operatives intimidated voters to write-in Vázquez only. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office reported receiving roughly 50 calls and made several dozen visits to alleged problem polling places.

Nine percent of all the purchases made by the 650,000 Blacks living in Philadelphia isn’t a lot, said Earl Harvey, publisher of Black Professionals News and the owner of the Platinum Grille in Chestnut Hill.

But it can make a big difference, he said.

“I have talked with these business owners,” Harvey said. “And they want to expand. But they can’t expand without additional income.

And they’ve told me that 40 to 60 extra customers a week would make that pos-

sible. With $650,000 Black people in Philadelphia, don’t you think we can redirect 40 to 60 customers a week to these businesses? Absolutely, we can. And we’re going to do that.”

Right now, there are 1,500 iBuyBlack cards on the street. The goal is to get to 10,000 by the end of the year, Harvey said. You can find the participating businesses on the website, iBuyBlack.org and if you regularly patronize a Black-owned business that isn’t a part of the program, helping them to change that is as easy as

letting them know it exists, Harvey said.

“We’re going to need for you to be our eyes and ears on the street because we can’t be everywhere,” he said. “But you all can be, and we’re really going to need your support.”

The iBuyBlack card is $10 and all proceeds on the cards go toward the arts and cultural programs that PCOL does, including the return of the Black Family Reunion, scheduled to make it’s return this year.

You can purchase the card at iBuyBlack.org, or at

any retail store participating in the program.

You don’t have to be Black to buy an iBuyBlack card.

All you have to do is be willing to spend money at your favorite Black-owned business. Heck, you probably have a favorite Black-owned business that you patronize all the time and don’t even realize it.

Don’t believe me? Let me ask. Have you ever taken the Philly Cheese Steak Tour?

That’s $5 off with the iBuyBlack card. Just saying.

Apr. 20- State Sen. Art Haywood hosts “State of the State town-hall meeting at Emanuel Rec Ctr., 8500 Pickering Ave., 7-8:30 p.m. For info: Michelle Welk (215) 2428171.

Apr. 20- State Rep. Rosita Youngblood’s 13th Ward hosts Candidates Forum at Triumph Baptist Ch., Germantown & Hunting Pk. Aves., 6-8 p.m. Candidates contact: Charles Carn (267) 269-4608 or Cynthia Vincent (215) 704-4461 by Apr. 14.

Apr. 21- Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and S.W. Phila.

Dist. Services host Candidates Night at Kingsessing Rec Ctr., 50th St. & Kingsessing Ave., 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Free dinner. All candidates invited to attend and can speak in order of attendance.

Apr. 22- State Rep. Jim Roebuck hosts Document Shredding at 4712 Baltimore Ave., 9 a.m.-12

m. No electronic or digital media. Free. For info: (215) 724-2227.

Apr. 22- Sky Community Partners hosts 5K Pt. Breeze Walk & Run at Wharton Sq. Pk., 2300 Wharton Ave., Registration 7:30 a.m., ceremony 8:15 a.m. Join many civic leaders.

For info: info@skycommunitypartners.com.

Apr. 25- Judicial candidate George Twardy is hosted Fundraiser at JJ Bootleggers, 35 S. 2nd St., 6-8 p.m.

Sponsorship levels $250, $500, $1,000 & $2,500.

Apr. 26- Phila. Democratic Progressive Committee hosts Candidates Night at Kingsessing Free Lib., 1201 S. 51st St., 6-8 p.m.

Apr. 26- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts NFL Draft Party at Prime Stache Restaurant, 220 S. Broad St., 6-9 p.m. Special guests, signed Eagles gear. Hail Mary Pass $2,500, Touchdown $1,000, Field Goal $500,

General Admission $100.

Payable to “Squilla for Council,” P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148. RSVP: Brittany@ lperrygroup.com. For info: (215) 893-4281.

Apr. 27- Committee to Reelect Rep. John Taylor hosts annual Historical Site Cigar & Wine Tasting at Colonial Dames of Phila., 1630 Latimer St., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Tickets $250. Sponsorships available.

Apr. 27- Rebecca Womack and Fair Districts PA host “End Gerrymandering & Redistricting” Event at USciences, Griffith Ha. C, 600 S. 43rd St., 7-8:30 p.m.

Apr. 27- Green Party of Phila. holds Membership Mtg. at Shissler Rec, 1800 Blair St., 7 p.m.

Apr. 27- State Rep. Stephen Kinsey hosts “State of the State” town hall mtg. at 2nd Macedonia Bapt.

Ch., 1301 W. Ruscomb St., 6-8 p.m. State & city elected officials & admin-

istrators. For info: (215) 849-6592.

Apr. 28- Mt. Hebron Bapt.

Ch. Hosts Free Community Day at Church Ha., 1417 Wharton St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Items for kids, ladies, men, home, etc.

Free to all. Bring shopping bags & carts. For info: 215) 336-8163.

Apr. 29- State Sen. John Sabatina hosts Shredding at12361 Academy Rd., 9 a.m.-12 m. Free. For info: (215) 695-1020.

Apr. 29- Several elected officials host Shredding at Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, 4301 N. Broad St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Apr. 29- 12th Ward, 23rd Div. hosts Community Breakfast at Wissahickon Boys & Girls Cl., 328 W. Coulter St., 10 a.m.-12 m. For info: Jeff Templeton www.jefftempleton.com.

Apr. 29- United Voices for Phila. hosts DA Candidates Forum at CCP,

CITYHALL SAM (Cont. From Page 19) KRASNER has fired up civil-rights activists like Black Lives Matter and other progressives.

RICH NEGRÍN has awesome management credentials and a gut-wrenching personal story to tell. JACK O’NEILL brings Brehon Society support to his strong experience in the DA’s Office. MICHAEL UNTERMAYER brings sharp ideas to law-enforcement administration, as well as a ton of money to an ad campaign.

This is like the Kentucky Derby for CHS, who will sit back, eat Crackerjacks and watch. If anybody has an inside tip on this race, be sure to let him know.

1700 Spring Garden St., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Apr. 29- DA Candidates Forum is held at CCP, 1600 Spring Garden St., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Apr. 29- Grands as Parents host Skating Party at Carmen Skating Rink, 3226 Germantown Ave., 4 p.m.

Apr. 29- Congressman Dwight Evans hosts Birthday Party Pre-Election Fundraiser at Hilton City Li. Hot., 4200 City Ave., VIP Reception7:30-8:30 p.m., Party 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Patrons $70, Supporters $100, Friends $250, Sponsors $1,000, Hosts $2,500. For info: Mary Kate (215) 242-3213.

Apr. 30- Crisis Intervention Network Reunion Committee hosts Trip to Nat’l Mus. of African American History & Culture, Washington, D.C. Bus leaves Progress Plaza 10 a.m. Tickets $48.

For info: Mike Reed (215) 796-5499.

CASEY HAILS TRUMP’S TRADE ORDERS

US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released a statement on President Donald Trump’s executive orders concerning trade: “I commend President Trump for taking these preliminary steps on trade, but it’s critical that he follow through on his promises by cracking down on countries that cheat and renegotiating bad trade deals.

“I have consistently opposed bad trade deals and called for action against countries, like China, that cheat on trade, yet congressional Republicans have consistently stood in the way, pushing

State Rep. Martina White (R-Northeast) has introduced her legislation to allow those injured by illegal immigrants to sue so-called “sanctuary cities” and municipalities that refuse to co-operate with federal immigration officials.

HB 28 would also withhold commonwealth funds that are not constitutionally mandated from sanctuary cities.

In the last session, the House passed White’s similar legislation — HB 1885. But the session ended without the bill reaching the governor’s desk.

“I am committed to keeping citizens safe and preventing illegal immigrants who commit crimes in our communities from being released back onto our streets,” White said. “This is about the safety of families throughout the Commonwealth, and holding accountable those city officials who consider themselves above the law.”

White’s new legislation would hold any “sanctuary municipality” liable for damages to persons or property as a result of criminal activity by unauthorized aliens if: • It has been determined by federal immigration officials that the person who engaged in the criminal activity is an unauthorized alien.

• The criminal activity occurred in the sanctuary municipality.

• The unauthorized alien is convicted of the criminal activity.

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARINGS

Philadelphia City Council hearings on Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Budget, FY2018 Capital Budget and Program, and FY2018-2022 Five-Year Plan are underway.

City departments with operating budgets of more than $5 million are required to testify before Council. Every city department and office is required to transmit budget testimony to Council. For the first time, 20 departments and offices have transitioned to program-based budgeting, whereby budgetary information is organized around city programs and services.

Council also has asked departments and offices to provide information regarding potential impacts of significant changes in federal and state funding support.

“A turbulent political environment in Washington and uncertainty regarding the state budget compel us to take a longer view on our city’s fiscal health,” Council President Darrell L. Clarke said. “An effort to replace the Affordable

Care Act that would have had a disastrous economic impact on Philadelphia fell short, and will likely be attempted again.

Meanwhile, the Trump budget proposal poses an enormous threat to our city and our most-vulnerable communities. I look forward to productive engagement with the Kenney administration as we work to secure a strong future for our city together.”

The public is invited to testify before Council on the following dates: • Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. (all departments and programs) • Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. (on revenue tax bills only) • Wednesday, May 17, 2017, between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

(School District of Philadelphia budget only) Members of the public may present written testimo-

ny at any time via e-mail to Budget.Hearings@Phila.gov.

Persons not having access to e-mail or needing further information may call (215) 6863407.

All budget hearing materials including departmental testimony, transcripts, videos, and schedule will be available online at the City Council Budget Center: http://phlcouncil.com/budget2018.

PARKER BACKS RETIREMENT SECURITY PLANS

9th Dist. Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker, chair of the Retirement Security Task Force for Private Sector Employees in Philadelphia and Council’s Committee on Labor & Civil Service, blasts the US Senate vote on HJ Res. 67, which repeals a rule recently issued by the US Dept. of Labor allowing large cities to create retirement-security plans for private-sector workers.

“While it is not surprising, it is extremely disappointing that Republicans would

ignore the will of 86% of 23 Americans who believe that the nation faces a retirement crisis and the millions of hard-working people – hundreds of thousands in Philadelphia alone – who do not have access to a retirement savings account through their employer. By blocking cities from addressing their respective retirement insecurity, Republicans are turning a blind eye to the ‘silver tsunami’ that threatens to decimate municipalities when seniors are not financially prepared for retirement.

“Our Task Force will continue its work to make recommendations to City Council regarding potential policy solutions,” she said. “The retirement crisis is not going to be resolved unless there is a coordinated effort at the federal, state and local level, and I look forward to being part of that solution. Helping all Americans to have retirement security is a win-win-win for workers, government and the private sector.”

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The criminal activity is a proximate cause of the injury.

The legislation also prevents an official or employee of the municipality from restricting the: • Sending to or receiving from federal immigration officials any information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of an individual.

• Exchanging information, with regard to an individual, with other federal agencies, state agencies or municipalities.

• Inquiring about an individual’s name, date and place of birth and immigration status after an arrest.

• Requesting an applicant for state or local public benefits to provide proof of eligibility.

A P R IL 13, 2017

(Cont. From page 18) business owners and area residents that are immediately impacted by the operation of nuisance establishments.

“As an organizer of this grassroots initiative and a member of the House Liquor Control Committee, I am using these opportunities to address growing concerns and attack this issue head on,” Cephas said.

Among the testifiers were Officer Frank Gramlick from the 19th Dist. of the Philadelphia Police Dept., personnel from Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the Philadelphia Health Dept., the Philadelphia License & Inspection Dept., and members of ACHIEVEability and the community.

SANCTUARY CITY BILL INTRODUCED

•

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PUBLIC SERVANTS at WORK

trade deals that stack the deck against workers while making billions for big corporations.

“President Trump must stand up to far-right Congressional Republicans and follow through on his promises on trade. For too long, workers in Pennsylvania have seen their jobs lost and the growth of their incomes stagnate due to unfair trade. It’s time for action.”

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WALKING the BEAT (Cont. From Page 19) poor Rob Mc CORD testimony in the IRELAND case. WHERE DID IT GO? Was it a Gigabyte GESTICULATION? The ALL-STAR LABOR

CLASSIC was again a success supporting Cerebral Palsy Cure and Treatment.

John DOUGHERTY’S dad was on hand for his son – at his wife’s bedside. And lovely Municipal Court Judge candidate Marissa BRUMBACH. Marissa has the endorsement of the City Committee and the Bar Association and others! This is

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 170102353 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Eileen Holman, Deceased & Rhonda Hall, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Eileen Holman, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner Defendant(s) To: The Unknown Heirs of Eileen Holman, Deceased & Rhonda Hall, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Eileen Holman Deceased, Mortgagors and Real Owners, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 5753 North Lambert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19138. 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 Phila. County, PA, docketed to No. 170102353, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 5753 North Lambert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19138 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, 215.227.2400/215.981.3700. Phila. Bar Assn., Lawyer Referral & Info. Service, One Reading Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215.238.1701. 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.

HER YEAR! Bravo!

Happy Birthday to DEM Party Chairman Bob BRADY. As a lad, I saw many party chairs whose term lasted no more than a few years. Brady is a survivor that has made the party into one FAMILY. Reporters DATE themselves when they describe the party as a “machine….” Birthday Wishes also to Building Trades and Local 98 leader John DOUGHERTY! A pit-bull mix attacked a small dog, his master, and a man in the Leisuretown, N.J. retirement community.

The little dog had to be euthanized. The local SPCA testified at the township meeting that the reason for the dog’s passing was “unknown” (?).

WHAT? He had to be put to sleep after he was attacked?

Ask the vet who did it. They also testified the attack dog was a “friendly” animal. The township needs to do BETTER. NEW STATE REP. Emilio VÁZQUEZ has taken office. He is already at work for his constituents. Maybe we shall be faced with VÁZQUEZ for ALCADE in the future.

Good Friend Hon. Harris HOLLIN, living in Palm Beach, noted the President is staying three miles from him, while the Chinese leader is three miles in the opposite direction. There is only one road, so the 50-motorcycle convoys go back and forth all day.

Don’t let the GOP Congress pass an AGE TAX. The Obama law says insurance companies can charge ages 50 to 64 no more than three times more than younger folks. They want it changed to FIVE TIMES OR HIGHER! MULTI-TRILLION dollar insurance companies PAY more than Medicare (33% to 20% annually) for our health care. Part of why is that they cannot DENY insurance to ill or highrisk applicants. BOO-HOO, their profits might be decreased slightly.

POW-MIA NATIONAL CHAIR DEDICATED

PHILADELPHIA’S POW-MIA National Chair of Honor was dedicated this week in the Mayor’s Reception Hall.

It was the only empty seat in the crowded Hall. In photo are Vietnam Medal of Honor Mike Thornton, World War II Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Hershal “Woody” Williams, Congressman Robert Brady, Mayor Jim Kenney and Councilmen David Oh. Also present were Vietnam War POW Ralph Galati, MC Veterans Court Patrick Dugan, MC Judge Daniel McCaffery, and Councilmen William K. Greenlee and Mark Squilla. Photo by John J. Kline

BULLOCK WITH SRS.

CONSTITUENT Myra Bannin at State Rep. Donna Bullock’s (C) senior luncheon was delighted to meet Phila. Housing Authority President Kelvin Jeremiah. Photos by Wendell Douglas

the WAFFLE MAN

Y

O! Here we go again with a tale that I just had to pass along; it is priceless.

A man and woman had been married for more than

NELLIE REYNOLDS Homes was the scene of a packed and lively senior luncheon organized by State Rep. Donna Bullock

60 years.

They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoebox in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoebox and took it to his

wife’s bedside.

She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted doilies and a stack of money totaling over $25,000. He asked her about the contents.

“When we were to be married,” she said, “my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doily.”

The little old man was so moved, he had to fight back (Cont. Page 27)

Q

Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action - Law No. 170301582 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of George Jones, Jr. Deceased & Ramona Jones, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of George Jones, Jr. Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: The Unknown Heirs of George Jones, Jr. Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 6929 Garman Street, Philadelphia, PA 19142.

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 Mortggae Company, has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Phila., PA, docketed to No. 170301582, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 6929 Garman Street Philadelphia, PA 19142, 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 claim in the Complaint of 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, 215.227.2400/215-981-3700. Phila. Bar Assn., Lawyer Referral & Info. Service, One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19107, 215-238-1701. Rebecca A. Solarz, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, BNY Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106, 215.627.1322.

tors, you will be discharged from your debts.

But if you play fast and loose with the rules, the bankruptcy court may deny you a discharge which is the

whole reason for seeking 25 bankruptcy protection in the first place.

Next Week’s Question: What steps to take to restore your credit and financial life?

City of Philadelphia Public Hearing Notice

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court is offering you. In exchange for truthful and candid information about your finances and allowing any “non-exempt” assets to be liquidated to pay your credi-

The Committee on Public Property and Public Works of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, April 24, 2017, at 3:00 PM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following items: 170108

170139

170142

170168

170288

170309

170048

An Ordinance authorizing the Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development (“PAID”), tenant under a master lease with the landlord, for space in the building located at 1500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, to house the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, under certain terms and conditions.

An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with The Philadelphia Municipal Authority, for use by the City of a portion of the premises located at 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, all under certain terms and conditions.

An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the use by the City of the premises located at the Callowhill Center, 421 N. 7th Street, under certain terms and conditions.

An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a sublease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the use by the City of the premises located at 1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, under certain terms and conditions.

An Ordinance amending Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Miscellaneous,” for the purpose of improving the quality of life for students, teachers and all City residents by authorizing capital expenditures for improvements to property owned by the City and City-related agencies including the School District of Philadelphia, all under certain terms and conditions.

An Ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to acquire fee simple title or a lesser real estate interest to all or a portion of a parcel of land located in the area bounded by East Bristol Street, O Street, Leiper Street and the Frankford Creek; all under certain terms and conditions.

Resolution authorizing the Council of the City of Philadelphia to investigate the recent sale of tax delinquent properties approved for acquisition by the Philadelphia Land Bank for workforce housing, side yards, and community gardens, to assess Land Bank strategies to better support balanced and equitable neighborhood growth, and to explore a moratorium on all lien and sheriff sales of tax delinquent properties.

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Licenses and Inspections, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed items.

Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

Michael Decker Chief Clerk

A P R IL 13, 2017

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: How to value assets in bankruptcy?

Answer: Undervaluing your assets in a bankruptcy case can be grounds to deny a debtor a discharge of their debts.

When a debtor files for bankruptcy, they must disclose all assets and all liabilities. The debtor must fairly value the assets so as to put the trustee and creditors on notice as to a full picture of the debtor’s financial situation.

In recent case, the debtor owned a minority interest in a land-development company. The debtor paid $65,000 for their 49% interest in the company. This company then held a minority interest in another company that owned over 589 acres of real estate. The debtor said on their schedules the interest was only worth $2,500.

The court acknowledged that with certain assets that are hard to sell, a range of values is certainly reasonable. However, in looking at the debtor, the court noted the debtor was an experienced financial professional with 10 years’ experience in the industry. The debtor used a valuation method that was singularly inappropriate for the asset being valued and because of the experience in finance, the debtor would have known that.

The court then concluded

acceptable values. However, there are some methods that fall outside the range of reasonableness to constitute a “false oath” and this was one of those cases.

The take-away from this and hence the “cautionary tale” is to be candid with the bankruptcy court. Never forget the deal the bankruptcy

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understanding BANKRUPTCY

the debtor had made a false statement under oath (the information contained in the bankruptcy schedules are set forth under oath). This was sufficient to deny the debtor a discharge of debts.

The court wished to make clear that valuing assets can be more art than science and there may be a range of

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the WAFFLE MAN (Cont. From page 24) tears. Only two precious doilies were in the box. She had only

been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

“Honey,” he said, “that explains the doilies, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?”

“Oh,” she said, “That’s the money I made from selling the doilies.”

A prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand my man; Love to forgive him; And Patience for his moods.

But Lord, I will not pray for Strength, because I may beat him to death. Amen!

A P R IL 13, 2017

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PUBLIC RECORD CLASSIFIEDS

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