Pr 915 p

Vol. XIII No. 32

Issue 915

August 10, 2017

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

PhiladelphiaPublicRecord

BEATING THE HEAT

AS IS HIS TRADITION, COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL CLARKE GAVE AWAY HUNDREDS OF WINDOW FANS TO SENIOR CONSTITUENTS AT MARTIN LUTHER KING RECREATION CENTER. PHOTO BY WENDELL DOUGLAS

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CURBING GUN VIOLENCE P. 9

‘FRESHMAN PREP’ TUNES UP OFFICIALS

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THOMAS MASSARO, who has worked in Philadelphia City administration since 1980, now leads annual “freshman prep classes” in City Hall for newly elected and appointed officials (as well as old-timers who want to bone up). This year’s “faculty” included Republicans, Democrats and independents from national think tanks, presidential cabinet-level appointees, professors from nine institutions, leaders of private-sector fiscal analysts, and the chairmen of Independence Blue Cross and Black Rock Investment Funds. The goal of the sessions is to give arriving public servants a keen overview of top concerns in municipal government today.

SWEET AND STRONG FLOWS THE REVENUE

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ITY CONTROLLER Alan Butkovitz’ latest monthly Economic Report indicated Philadelphia’s “Sin & Sweet” taxes generated more than $500 million over the last five years. This includes revenues from the Liquor by the Drink, Cigarette and Sweetened Beverage taxes.

Of the total revenues collected from Fiscal Year 2013 through FY2017, $313 million was collected from Liquor Tax revenues, which is a 10% tax on the sale of alcoholic beverages at establishments such as restaurants, bars, clubs and hotels. Liquor Tax revenues increased by 40 percent from $52 million in FY2013 to $73 million in FY2017.

“The growth in tourism combined with the ongoing success of beer gardens have contributed to the boost in Liquor by the Drink sales,” said the controller. “Not only has the City realized the advantages but it has embraced the

concept by continuing with its creative ‘Parks on Tap’ this summer.”

The Cigarette Tax, which is a $2-per-pack tax for cigarettes and little cigars, totaled $156 million since it was enacted three years ago.

The current-year collections totaled $47.4 million, marking a 20% decrease over last year. The School District of Philadelphia and the state government entered into an agreement to recover revenues when collections fall short of projections.

“Under state law, if local revenues from the city’s portion of the Cigarette Tax do not reach $58 million, the state will cover the difference,” said Butkovitz.

In addition, the Sweetened Beverage Tax, which adds 1.5 cents per ounce on all sweetened beverages sold in the city, generated $32 million in its first five months from February through June 2017. This was $7 million below bud-

geted projections.

The Liquor and Cigarette tax revenues are remitted directly to the School District of Philadelphia. The Sweetened Beverage Tax is recorded in the City’s General Fund to pay for programs such as Pre-K, the Rebuild Program, Community Schools and many other services provided by the city.

Such taxes are generally expected to lower consumption of the taxed products in the long run, so their revenues may decline over time. But other factors may confound this prediction.

Philadelphia’s booming popularity as a tourist destination – which tends to encourage drinking alcoholic beverages – does not appear to have been fazed by the Liquor by the Drink Tax, revenues from which are soaring. Having come from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or wherever to see our sights, people seem quite content to toast them.

EVANS TARGETS TRUMP CONFLICTS

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AST WEEK, Congressman Dwight Evans (D-Phila.) introduced the No Conflict of Interest Presidency Act of 2017.

The act requires the conversion of the Trump Organization’s businesses, which include real estate, golf courses, hotels, resorts and a range of other investments, into cash; with which he would then be required to buy treasury bills and widely diversified mutual funds, which are considered conflict free under federal law.

“The American people have heightened concerns about President Trump’s untamed business interests,” the congressman said. His measure “aims to calm fears of conflict and collusion by creat-

ing a clear wall between President Trump’s duty to govern and his family and business interests.

“There is a big difference between campaigning and governing,” Evans said. “There needs to be a clear wall, a clear line between President Trump’s business connections and his role as president. My hope is that this act will provide much-needed clarity so that the administration can start to focus on issues that matter such as improving the quality of life for Philadelphians, Pennsylvanians and Americans — things like food policy, school modernization and necessary home repairs that give the residents in our cities and suburbs the tools they need to build strong, healthy neighborhoods.”

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utility bills while the establishment skipped out on local taxes. The tab, which also included free utilities at a café and catering business also operated by Karloutsos, totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars and spanned six years.

Karloutsos said he had simply never been billed, but his brother-in-law would eventually plead guilty to skimming funds.

A lawsuit filed by another part-owner outlined how the restaurant was failing to cough up business taxes.

The business, which garnered mediocre reviews from food critics, ultimately fizzled. Karloutsos converted the space into a catering venue in 2015 and later cut ties with the operation. He returned to consulting and recently hosted a weekly talk show on New York radio station WNYE. The Trump administration has come under fire for its failure to fill numerous diplomatic vacancies at the State Department. Karloutsos, who did not respond to several requests for comment, previously pointed to his political work and attendance at a meeting between Pope Francis and Greek-Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in 2014 to explain his selection.

“I think all those things serve as preparation for me to assume the position at this time,” he said. “I thank God I that have good friends within the administration who saw the work that I have done and they felt I was ready to assume that job.”

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hosting swank fundraisers on behalf of figures like then-Councilman Michael Nutter, who would later become mayor.

But Karloutsos would become best known in Philadelphia for his time at the helm of the troubled Waterworks restaurant, which he reopened in 2006. An upscale eatery that aimed to draw foot traffic to an iconic neoclassical pumping station next to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the venture would end in failure and scandal.

Karloutsos, who had never previously worked in the dining industry, said he was brought in to clear out the bureaucratic and political obstacles to making his vision of a waterfront restaurant a reality. But others said he was selected for the plum opportunity – selling high-priced plates next to one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions – precisely because of his political connections.

The deal was years in the making, and Karloutsos used publicity stunts to draw attention to the outof-the way venue, pulling in appearances from ex-Eagle Donovan McNabb, Rocky actor Sly Stallone, and circulating a story that Donald Trump had demanded that his personal spring water brand be added to the restaurant’s bottled “water bar.”

Karloutsos’ shrewdest move as a restaurateur was a peculiar deal, revealed by the Daily News, that had the city government pick up Waterworks’ enormous

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BY RYAN BRIGGS HE STATE Department has appointed Gladwyne-based political consultant and former Waterworks restaurant owner Michael Karloutsos to a high-profile administrative position.

The appointment, first reported in the Greco-American news outlet National Herald, took effect on July 23. Karloutsos will serve as acting deputy chief of protocol after receiving a personal recommendation from then-White House chief of staff Reince Priebus before his ouster last week.

“The Protocol Office overall serves essentially as the first line of defense in diplomacy for the United Stated of America. They call it ‘the first hand of diplomacy,’” Karloutsos said of his new position in an interview with the National Herald.

“We establish the protocol between the United States of America and every other government around the world with which we engage.”

While the Greek American Karloutsos has extensive ties to religious figures in his ancestral homeland, his background is largely centered on local political consulting and international business, not diplomacy.

His political connections grew after he relocated from New York City to serve under former Philadelphia schools czar Paul Vallas in the 1990s, promoting charter schools through his agency MAK Consulting.

He became known among the city’s political elite for

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your Philly Home Up for Sale

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WATERWORKS RESTAURATEUR LANDS STATE DEPT. GIG

STATE REP RUMBLES ARE UNDERWAY

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POLS on the STREET

BY JOE SHAHEELI S IF THERE wasn’t enough happening in the turbulent political waters of 2017, a few local mariners already have an eye on the distant beacon of the 2018 primary election.

State representative races are the easiest opportunities for newcomers to try to make an entry into elected

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Representative AU G US T 10, 2017

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

officialdom. Two adjoining districts, the 184th and the 182nd, have attracted three interested challengers.

Together, they take in half of Center City and half of South Philadelphia – areas that are seeing an influx of new residents and ascending property values. These new voters have no loyalty to established representatives; indeed, they are unlikely even to know who they are.

They provide fertile ground for insurgents.

State Rep. Brian Sims (DS. Philadelphia) upset an incumbent in 2012 to take the 182nd, which covers Logan Square, Rittenhouse Square, the Gayborhood and Bella Vista. Young and fiery, Sims made his name as Pennsylvania’s first openly gay legislator. He is also restless, having undertaken a brief run for Congress-

State Representative

State Rep.

Emilio Vazquez

William Keller

511 West Courtland Street Philadelphia, PA 19140

215-457-5281

215-271-9190

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.

197th Legislative District Office

184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

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

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man Chaka Fattah’s 2nd Congressional District seat in the 2016 Democratic primary, which was won by the current incumbent, Congressman Dwight Evans.

So it’s poetic justice, perhaps, that Sims faced a bevy of equally restless opponents in both the 2014 and 2016 primaries. He won with a plurality of 40% in 2016 against three of them.

Their leader, former State Senate aide Ben Waxman, who reaped 34% of the vote that year, has long been clear he intended to come back for a second round. Late last month, he made that official.

A former journalist and staffer for State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.), Waxman now works for Wage Change, a nonprofit action group that advocates voluntary wage increases among small employers.

2103 SNYDER AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145 (215) 755-9185 FAX: (215) 952-3375 ---SENATE BOX 203008 HARRISBURG, PA 17120 ROOM: 11 EAST WING (717) 787-5970 FAX: (717) 772-0574

“Paid for with Pennsylvanian taxpayer dollars”

Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday 8:30 - 2 p.m.

Why the early launch?

Waxman’s needs to discourage others from entering the primary. By establishing an early lead, he hopes to draw other progressives who are disaffected with Sims to his banner before they develop ambitions of their own.

Sims enjoys a campaign and is steadily working his base.

“There’ll be plenty of time to discuss the many differences between us, but here’s the biggest: My opponent has made it clear over the years that being in elected office is his dream while I ran for office and have been re-elected twice because I have always been focused on fulfilling other people’s dreams,” he said in his latest statement.

BIG TURNOUT FOR BIZ WORKSHOP

AN IMPRESSIVE turnout filled a Temple University hall for State Sen. Sharif Street’s Diverse & Minority Business Forum. Business people were given workshops and panel discussions – along with dozens of tables staffed by public- and private-sector vendors, complete with shopping lists. Among presenters were, L-R, Deb McClain of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Brittany Rivera of the Minority Development Council, Sherry Nacci of the Women’s Enterprise Council, Mary Brougher of the US Business Leaders network, Mathew Tharakan of SEPTA and Katherine Peters of PennDOT. Street was joined by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Mayor Jim Kenney.

State Rep. Jason

City Commissioner

Dawkins

Lisa M.

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

215-686-3460

State Rep.

Councilman

Mark

Joanna E.

Squilla

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

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

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

Donatucci

Greenlee

Kevin J.

Youngblood

Taylor

Rep.Maria P.

Councilman Wm.

State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

STATE REP.

State Rep. William Keller (D-S. Phila.), whose 184th District picks up below Sims’ at Wharton Street to take in the downtown neighborhoods of East Passyunk, Pennsport and Whitman, is in a somewhat different situation. Two first-timers – Elizabeth Fiedler, a former journalist for WHYY, and Nicholas DiDonato, Jr., (Cont. Page 5)

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

POLS on the STREET

BRADY’S EYES ON 2016 PRIZE

State rep rumbles don’t trouble the Democratic Party chairman, Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.)

“There’s nothing new here,” Brady commented.

“It’s always been like this.

People develop an interest in running for office, and it’s their right to do so.”

(Cont. Page 6)

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(Cont. From Page 4) a former detective, have expressed a desire to boot him out of the seat he has held since 1992.

They are going about it in different ways. Fiedler, who says education and health care are her key issues, is targeting college-educated young professionals who are changing the demographics of this traditionally blue-collar district with close connections to the port. Organized labor is Keller’s home base and his affiliation with prominent IBEW Local 98 leader John Dougherty is of long standing. Fiedler sees this as a fault.

DiDonato comes from a more typical South Philly background. He has caught onto the latest hot issue in his neighborhood – a proposal by Philadelphia 3.0, which bills itself as a good-government lobby, to eliminate median parking on S. Broad Street. This idea is about as popular in the 184th as burning the American flag and DiDonato has made himself the neighborhood tribune in opposition. It will win him attention and recognition for sure.

With two opponents targeting different types of voters, Keller has few worries so far and is keeping a low profile. He knows the votes that count next spring will be rounded up by strong labor and ward organizations, with Local 98 and the 1st Ward in the lead.

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PUTTING HEART IN NICETOWN PARTICIPATING in the 9th annual “Nicetown Gives Back” community gathering were, L-R, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Nicetown CDC leader Majeedah Rashid and Black Lives Matter activist Asa Khalif. Photo

by Wendell Douglas

POLS on the STREET

(Cont. From Page 5) The Democratic City Committee is concerned with ensuring wins for its candidates for district attorney and city controller, Larry Krasner and Rebecca Rhynhart, in the November General Election, when they will be opposed

by Republicans Beth Grossman and Mike Tomlinson respectively. While DCC is confident of victory, it wants to leave nothing to chance.

This year’s primary drew many new voters into the fray. Democrats would like to see them show up again in November – in part for more than local offices.

Brady called the statewide judicial races “very important.” There are four seats up for grabs on Superior Court, two on Commonwealth Court and one on the Supreme Court. For Democrats, it is crucial to retain their grip on the Supreme Court because that will give them muscle to prevent another disastrous redistricting in 2021 like the one that crushed them after the 2010 US Census.

They want to make gains

in the other two appellate venues as well.

Philadelphia has a direct stake in two of these elections. Native daughters Judge Carolyn Nichols and Maria McLaughlin are going for Superior Court and Judge Ellen Ceisler is running for Commonwealth Court.

Insiders know there is more to courts than legal or political philosophy. Location matters greatly at the appellate level, just as in real estate. When Philadelphia cases and Philadelphia issues are heard, it is essential to all Philadelphians that they have adequate representation on these courts.

Judicial races are often ignored by low-information voters. But a judicial candidate’s home county is listed on the ballot, and it is known that some voters in the rest of the state are biased against the City of Brotherly Love. So DCC is hoping for a strong turnout in Philadelphia, preferably with voters pulling the party lever in support of the entire ticket, to counter that and buoy its hometown hopefuls to cruise to appellate seats.

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ased on the bevy of medical marijuana and bicycle-based news in the past week, we could be forgiven for wondering at times if we are living in Amsterdam rather than the Cradle of Liberty.

We’ll address the bewilderingly obfuscating process by which the state has handled the whole medical marijuana process at a later date.

Right now, we’re still trying to catch up with the city’s dizzying pace of creating bicycle-friendly space on the grid.

MARK your CALENDAR Aug. 11- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts Summer Soirée at Keenan’s Pub, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 7-10 p.m. Yachts $5,000, Sailboats $2,500, Paddleboats $1,000, General Admission $250. Payable to “Squilla for Council,” P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148. RSVP: Brittany@ lperrygroup.com or (215) 893-4281.

Aug. 12- State Rep. Jason Dawkins hosts Frankford Community Day at Gambrel Plg., 1900 Wakeling

St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Aug. 12- State Rep. Morgan Cephas hosts “Sound the Alarm, Save a Life” at Shepard Rec Ctr., 5700 Haverford Ave., 9 a.m.-12 m. Free smoke detectors & fire-safety tips for residents of the 192nd Legislative Dist. For info: Gwen (215) 879-6625.

Aug. 12- State Reps. Joanna McClinton & Morgan Cephas host 60th St. Health & Wellness Community Summer Jam at 60th St. between Arch and Chestnut, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids games, moon bounce, stage shows, food, wellness & constituent services. Free. For info: (2315) 748-6712.

Aug. 12- State Sen. Vincent Hughes hosts Neighborhood Block Party at 2401 N. 54th St., 12-5 p.m. New office location. Health & wellness, kids zone, sassy seniors, resistance information, food fun & live music.

For info: Omar Sabir (215) 879-7777.

Aug. 13- State Rep. Jared Solomon & Governor’s

Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs host Town Hall Mtg. at Phat Bao Temple, 6427 Large St., 2 p.m. Free registration: (215) 342-6340.

Aug. 14- State Reps. Joanna McClinton and Morgan Cephas host Health & Wellness Summer Jam at 60th St. betw. Arch and Chestnut, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Health screenings & resources, children’s activities, entertainment, food & refreshments. For info: (215) 748-6712 or (215) 879-6625.

Aug. 14- Cocktail Reception launches book “Arlen Specter: An Oral History” at Phila. Univ., Field DEC Ctr., 4201 Henry Ave., 5:30 p.m. RSVP: whitneyfoote@pcntv.com or (717) 730-6000.

Aug. 17- State Rep. Emilio Vázquez hosts “Meet, Greet, Obtain Constituent Services” at Susquehanna Village, 1421 W. Susquehanna Ave., 3-4 p.m.

Aug. 17- Phila. Young Democrats host Summer Happy Hour at Manayunk

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the ramifications of what this sea change in traffic patterns means for bicyclists, drivers, public transit and pedestrians – then it is incumbent upon the City to do something about the information deficit.

We are not opposed to making it safer and easier for bicyclists to traverse our streets – numbers don’t lie, and the trendlines are clearly in favor of a continuing influx of bicyclists. But why not provide a more coordinated approach to these changes, both proposed and executed? Working together with the numerous rider groups like the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia and neighborhood groups like SOSNA, why can’t the city find a way to better broadcast its plans? The City has been failing in communicating its intentions.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY candidate Beth Grossman joined pupils of the Northeast Karate Academy at the National Night Out at Lincoln High School. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Brewing Co., Jazz Rm., 6-9 p.m. RSVP: John Brady (267) 432-4254 or JohnPBrady215@gmail.com.

Aug. 18- State Sen. Art Haywood hosts “SEPTA Day” at 7106 Germantown Ave., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Residents 65+ can get SEPTA Photo ID. Aug. 19- Ward Leader George Brooks hosts Baltimore Harbor Crab & Shrimp festival, bus at Progress Plaza, Broad & Oxford Sts., lv. 1 p.m.. Free lunch on bus. All you can eat, 35 liquors & beer, 6 p.m. Tickets $175. For info: George (215) 235-2235 or Ron (267) 974-7319.

Aug. 19- State Rep. Angel Cruz hosts Free Community Shredding at 3503 B St., Unit 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Also assistance on CHIP, Medicaid and property tax/rent rebate. For info: (215) 291-5643.

Aug. 19- State Rep. Morgan Cephas hosts Constituent District day at Tustin Rec Ctr., 5901 W. Columbia Ave, 12-4 p.m. Basketball tournament, live music,

games, raffles, giveaways, food and refreshments. For info: Thais Carrero (717) 787-7895.

Aug. 22- State Rep. Rosita Youngblood hosts Back to School Event at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries, 1939 W. Venango St., 4-7 p.m. Free backpacks for first 150 registrants.

Educational, financial and health resources.

Must pre-register. For info: (215) 849-6426 or Robyn Moore rmoore@ pahouse.net.

Aug. 23- 32nd Ward Democrats host “Jazz Under the Stars” at Smith Mem. Plg. & Mansion, 3500 Reservoir Dr., 6-10 p.m. Jazz trios, vocalist, “jazzoetry.” Bring chair (or not). Wine & Beer Bar, first drink free, drink tickets $1. Tickets $30. For info: Gary Williams (215) 906-9009.

Aug 26- State Sen. Art Haywood hosts Back to School Celebration at Lonnie Young Rec Ctr., 1100 E. Chelten Ave., 12-4 p.m.

Aug. 26- State Rep. Angel Cruz hosts Back-to-

School Bookbag Giveaway at 1240 E. Erie Ave., 12-4 p.m. Also recycling bins; fire truck & police car; info on finger-printing, redevelopment grants and public safety. For info: (215) 291-5643.

Aug. 27- Republican City Committee hosts Bill Meehan Clam Bake at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd., 4-8 p.m. Roast Pig, chicken, clams, chowder, corn, hot dogs, pretzels, water ice, open bar, live entertainment. Tickets $100. For info: (215) 561-0650.

Sep. 4- AFL-CIO hosts Labor Day Parade, starts at Sheet Metal Workers’ Ha., Washington Ave. & Columbus Blvd.

Sep. 9- Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 hosts Members’ Picnic at Clementon Pk., Berlin, N.J. Sep. 14- State Rep. Emilio Vázquez hosts “Meet, Greet, Obtain Constituent Services” at Susquehanna Village, 1421 W. Susquehanna Ave, 3-4 p.m.

(Cont. Page 11)

AU G US T 10, 2017

OPINION

Just in the past five days, word has come down that the city plans to: turn both 13th and 15th streets between Washington and Oregon Avenues into Neighborhood Bikeways; create the first-ever parking-protected bike lane, running on Chestnut Street from 45th to 34th Street; and that the plans for a protected bike lane on South Street received an all-important vote of support from the South of South Neighborhood Association.

Between these developments and the sudden rumpus around S. Broad Street median parking, it seems like the asphalt is shifting beneath our very feet. If those of us whose job it is to have a working knowledge of the issues are having trouble keeping up with and understanding

The News in Black in White

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TWO WHEELS, TOO MANY QUESTIONS

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SLAIN NEIGHBORHOOD HERO HONORED

NINE GREEN activists were honored by SustainPHL at WHYY. Neche Harris, right, shown here with White Dog Cafe founder Judy WIcks, accepted an award for her mother Winnie Harris, who was recently murdered.

AU G US T 10, 2017

FOR MEN ONLY

VÁZQUEZ HOSTS FIELD OF DREAMS

HUNTING PARK was filled with action last Saturday as a daylong baseball tournament sponsored by State Rep. Emilio Vázquez drew players from N. Philadelphia and Kensington. An exhibition game was the centerpiece. ACDS baseball team was ready for big-time competition, while a youngster, perhaps with major-league potential, practiced his throw. Photos by Wendell Douglas

60TH WARD HOSTS HOPEFULS L-R, CANDIDATES Rebecca Rhynhart and Larry Krasner joined Ward Leader Bernadette Wyche at the 60th Ward’s Urban Arts Gallery. Photos by Wendell Douglas

REBECCA Rhynhart, L, Kellan White and Vikki Kristiansson talked political strategy.

D.A. CANDIDATE Larry Krasner, 2nd from L, joined a “men only” 10 p.m. peace patrol of S. 60th Street organized by Kayzar Abdul Khabir, R. Photos by Wendell Douglas LARRY KRASNER, L, met Saleem Youmans, who, after a rough patch coming up, now owns Ol’ Boys Restaurant.

ENTREPRENEUR on the rise Siddiq Moore, L, and patrol organizer Kayzar Abdul Khabir flank Larry Krasner during their 60th Street inspection tour.

NADIA Otterly Adawi and Kellan White attended the lively affair.

L-R, LEIGH OWENS, Greg Spearman, Paulette Jones and Larry Krasner.

L-R, CONTROLLER CANDIDATE Rebecca Rhynhart, judicial candidates Vikki Kristiansson and Shanese Johnson, Ward Leader Greg Spearman, DA candidate Larry Krasner and Deborah Canty.

ACTIVE Democrats, L-R, Tim Moragne, Jr., Deborah Canty, Pam Jones and Cynthia Hayward enjoyed the event.

It may take six or seven agencies working together to provide these pathways: police, courts, prisons, human services, behavioral health, education and employment assistance. Some will be public, some private nonprofits. Even addressing

urban blight may become a component of an action plan.

And then there are the guns. A former director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives is on the team.

The Committee has sev-

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila County Civil Action – Law No. 170504067 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Ditech Financial LLC f/k/a Green Tree Servicing LLC, Plaintiff vs. Donna Camm, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Donna Camm a/k/a Donna Guay, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs of Donna Camm a/k/a Donna Guay, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s) To: Donna Camm, Solely in Her Capacity as Heir of Donna Camm a/k/a Donna Guay, Deceased & The Unknown Heirs of Donna Camm a/k/a Donna Guay, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 3158 Agate Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134. 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, Ditech Financial LLC f/k/a Green Tree Servicing LLC, 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. 170504067, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 3158 Agate Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, 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., One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104, 215-2386333. 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.

eral subcommittees focusing respectively on illegal guns, public health, social services and opportunities, intervention and outreach, victim advocates and program review.

There must be follow-through to see which

programs work where, and to adapt to changing situations.

“This is the forever plan,” insisted Johnson, who has made gun violence his cause since he founded Peace Not Guns as a young activist in 1998.

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 170500944 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of Peggy Stone, Deceased, Daniel Stone, III, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Peggy Stone, Deceased & Kendall Stone, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Peggy Stone, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: The Unknown Heirs of Peggy Stone Deceased and Daniel Stone, III, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Peggy Stone, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 5236 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. 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. 170500944, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 5236 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, 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, 215-227-2400/215981-3700. Phila. Bar Assn., 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.

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toll in Philadelphia, which has been too high for a couple of generations now. If the city wants to taste true success, it must drive these numbers down.

And the city may have to bear most of this effort.

Expect no great relief from Harrisburg or Washington, say the committee’s leaders.

“Guns are too easy to get, and we haven’t made much progress nationwide in controlling them,” said DiBerardinis.

“There are no Uzis made in Point Breeze,” sighed Johnson.

DiBerardinis argued, however, that other cities have shown progress against violence as a result of concerted partnerships between city agencies and community members. In Philadelphia, a pilot project in parts of Johnson’s South Philadelphia district, called Focussed Deterrence, has been able to move the numbers, providing a model for action.

The committee’s first step will be to go to communities in all 10 councilmanic districts and hold town-hall meetings. Its initial mission will be to listen and to learn.

“You have to know the social structure of these loosely organized groups in each neighborhood, know who’s connected to whom,” DiBerardinis explained.

It’s as important to learn who’s likely to be involved in crime as it is to learn who will help combat it.

The next step is to offer a carrot as well as a stick – a path out of the culture of violence. “There must be a set of opportunities and services one could receive if these young men decide to cooperate within the bounds of the program,” DiBerardinis said. “If you want to make a shot of moving out of that world, we’ll help you.”

AU G US T 10, 2017

BY TONY WEST fter 50 years of excessive gun violence in its poorer neighborhoods, Philadelphia has decided to study the problem. That’s good.

Council President Darrell L. Clarke appointed Councilman Kenyatta Johnson (D-2nd), Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis and Darrell G. O’Connor, a career FTI expert, the cochairs of the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention.

The formation of the special committee, authorized

by Council last month, shows collaboration between the Kenney administration, City Council, law enforcement, and community advocates with the goal of achieving meaningful and sustainable reductions in incidents of gun violence in Philadelphia.

Members of the Special Committee include Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-4th), chair of the Committee on Public Safety, Shondell Revell, executive director of the newly authorized Office of Violence Prevention; and 17 other lights in the anti-crime movement, from government officials and agency leaders to street activists.

That’s why this committee matters, argues Johnson. Gun violence sounds simple but it is complicated.

Therefore the response to it must be complicated as well. We need many heads at the table, listening to each other and working together.

“There is no silver bullet,” said Johnson. “We must be diligent and comprehensive; we must make a long-term commitment, over many council and mayoral cycles, to focus on this topic. We have to make it the No. 1 priority in Philadelphia.”

“It” is the gun-violence

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AST WEEK, while many were heading to the New Jersey shore, a number of local Republicans were out of town doing party work. The annual meeting of the Young Republicans was meeting in Annapolis and the Republican National Lawyers Association was in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Philadelphia Young Republicans, led by CHAIRMAN ROSS WOLFE, headed to Annapolis. Other local YRs included BRIAN LEIB and SCOTT WALLER. The event included over 200 YRs from

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

BY DENISE CLAY HILE THIS may look like a political column, you’ll see by the end that this week’s offering is dedicated to free speech.

But because political gatherings seem to be where free speech is most tested these days, I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone.

On Monday, Mayor Jim Kenney, City Council President Darrell Clarke and Managing Director Michael DiBernardinis held a news

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around the country. They had a side trip to the nation’s capital, including a tour of the While House.

The RNLA headed to Grand Rapids for the group’s annual conference on Election Law. Southern Pennsylvania RNLA Chair and Republican City Committee ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL LINDA KERNS not only attended but was a speaker. Kerns got the second-most laughs among the speakers behind the editorial chief of The Hill. Kerns was not necessarily trying to be funny, but her material gave the audience plenty of reason to laugh. If not, they would have cried.

She spoke of the March 2017 special election in State Representative District 197.

The reason there was a special election was owing to the forced resignation of STATE REP. LESLIE ACOSTA. Acosta was re-elected to the seat in November 2016.

She had pled guilty to felony charges in March 2016

but managed to have the file sealed until sentencing. Her peers in the State House forced her to resign after she had taken her state paycheck for a seat that statutorily she could not hold for months.

She ran unopposed in the 197th because there are so few Republicans that her opponent could not get the 250 signatures necessary to get on the ballot. I should point out that this district has fewer overall voters than most owing to its immigrant population, which includes many non-citizens In special elections, there are no primaries. Both parties’ ward leaders select the candidate. The Democrats selected Philadelphia Parking Authority employee FREDERICK RAMÍREZ and the Republicans selected chose health care professional LUCINDA LITTLE. One little problem: Ramírez did not live in the district, although he owns property there. One needs to live in the district to (Cont. Page 12)

conference in City Hall to announce the city’s plans for better recycling.

Or at least that’s what it was supposed to be about.

What it ended up being about was the shooting of David Jones at the hands of Philadelphia Police Officer Ryan Pownall, and what folks needed to hear from their City Council president on the topic.

In an exchange that has probably gone viral as I write this, Asa Khalif of Black Lives Matter Pennsylvania and Isaac Gardner of the Justice For David Jones Coalition bum-rushed the show and demanded that Clarke address Jones’s death … and the fact that Officer Pownall – who apparently has shot someone in the back before doing that to Jones – was still on the street.

While he didn’t address it at that moment, Clarke ended up issuing a statement later. He offered condolences to Jones’s family,

promised a thorough investigation, and reminded everyone that folks are capable of thinking about two complex concepts simultaneously.

“We must respect our passionate fellow citizens who are demanding justice in this tragedy,” Clarke said.

“And we must never forget the victims of the hundreds of shootings that occur in Philadelphia every year.”

Because of conflicts of interest, the case has now been put in the lap of Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

Through his spokesman Joe Grace, Shapiro promised a thorough look at what happened.

Now, we’re going to hear more about this. Black Lives Matter Pennsylvania – not to be confused with Black Lives Matter Philadelphia – has promised more actions in support of justice for Jones and his family. So if you find one day that it’s a little difficult getting home (Cont. Page 13)

WALKING the BEAT

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ET THEM ALL RUN: Word is out that State Rep. Bill Keller may have two opponents when he seeks another term. The two could make it an amusing race since they are POLAR OPPOSITES – a retired cop vs. a millennial of sorts.

Making S. Broad Street parking an issue (without offering solutions) might hurt those who NEED the parking spaces. City Council, with KELLER’S urging, might consider authorizing parking in the median UNTIL a solution for all is

CITY HALL SAM

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HERE IS STILL no actual budget for Pennsylvania. After all the song and dance and maneuvering, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE MIKE TURZAI has refused to bring his merry band of conservatives back to work in the capital. They were supposed to come back by Aug. 21 to take a shot at wrapping up the budget passed by the Senate Republicans. But the chances of that are now twofold: slim and none. And Slim has just left town. CHS will

found. The candidate and former WHYY reporter stated her neighbors were elated at her candidacy. That is EXACTLY WHAT the losing candidate in the 192nd said! It is COMMON to say it. The real test of mettle and grit is in the divisions where WHYY has few fans.

Mayor Jim KENNEY endorsed LARRY KRASNER for DA. At the event were Ward Leaders Marian TASCO (50th), George BROOKS (47th) and State Rep. Isabella FITZGERALD (10th). The mayor made a wise decision.

At odds with this are persons moving about the city, in the shadows, arguing that a Krasner win would find murderers and rapists free on each corner.

Sadly, some of the MUCK PERSONS are in law enforcement. They ought to GET WITH IT. Times have changed. I traveled the city during the primary election, in neighborhoods white and Black. They ALL liked what call Mike Turzai “Slim” and more accurately predict he will not come back to town.

Seen having dinner together at the Union League were MAYOR JIM KENNEY and Republican STATE REP. JOHN TAYLOR. Taylor is trying to work on other Republicans to be responsible in coming up with revenue to fund the state budget. It’s difficult. Also on hand were insurance executive CHRIS DRUMM and former STATE SEN. BOB ROVNER. Seen campaigning at the Northeast Pennsylvania Leadership golf outing was gubernatorial candidate STATE SEN. SCOTT WAGNER. Wagner is the Republican senator who likes to carry a metaphorical baseball bat to get things done.

LT. GOV. MIKE STACK attended and was seen meeting and greeting guests with Senate colleagues LISA BAKER, MARIO SCAVELLO and JOHN GORDNER. The Northeast Leadership

Krasner was saying. They are TIRED OF PAYING for incarceration for minor or BS offenses where the accused is worthy of other bail conditions, or cannot make bail. KRASNER has stated he will run a typical DA’s office – not the chaotic one detractors claim.

In the last few years, judicial candidates have been also speaking of defendants who are charged when they had ONE BAD DAY in their lives. If we continue to ensure that many have a CRIMINAL RECORD for a BS offense and no future – then who will pay the pensions and medical coverage for judges and police? The new attack is that you cannot have a PUBLIC DEFENDER as a DA. Blarney. Krasner is a lawyer who WAS a public defender (like many other lawyers).

Larry KRASNER joined others at the GUARDIAN CIVIC LEAGUE picnic last weekend, as well as Greg (Cont. Page 12) Fund golf outing is a charitable golf tournament that usually draws anyone from politics with ambition.

Northeast Pennsylvania is a very important voting block for Democrats but it went heavily for DONALD TRUMP. Democrats must take heed of the economic message that jobs are important. In fact, jobs are the most important thing.

When did Democrats start forgetting this? Around the same time they started losing presidential elections.

Philadelphia is seeing a stir of interest in elections for state representative, particularly in Center City and South Philadelphia, which have seen an influx of new voters in recent years. That tends to make politics volatile. STATE REP. BRIAN SIMS won his own seat just five years ago by knocking off longterm incumbent STATE REP. BABETTE JOSEPHS. But he is not yet secure from challengers.

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CITY HOLDS JOB FAIR

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(Cont. From Page 7) Sep. 21- Phila. Democratic Progressive Committee hosts “Back to Business: Get Involved Happy Hour” at Ladder 15, 1526 Sansom St., 6-8 p.m. Free admission & drink specials.

Sep. 27- Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Phila. hosts Award Banquet at Sheraton Univ.

City Hotel, 3549 Chestnut St., 5-9 p.m. Banquet catered by Michael Chow’s Sang Kee Restaurant. Tickets $75/person, $135/ couple, $650/table. For info: (215) 642-2333.

Oct. 1- Vendemmia festival of wine & food is held at Girard Pk., 21st & Porter Sts., 2-6 p.m. Tickets $500 table of 10, $50 advance purchase, $55 at gate. To enter your home-made wine, return the registration form with your entries

on Sep. 30, 10 a.m-2 p.m. at Prudential Savings bank Community Rm., off parking lot. 1-3 bottles per person. If possible, bring 2 bottles of each entry. For info: (215) 551-3859.

Oct. 3- Pa. Conference for Women features Michelle Obama as Keynote Speaker at Pa. Convention Ctr., Broad & Arch Sts. Oct. 6- State Sen. John Sabatina hosts Senior Expo at Nat’l Guard Armory, 2700 Southampton Rd., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Refreshments. For info: (215) 695-1020.

For info: (215) 952-1999.

Oct. 6- Sheet Metal Workers Golf Tournament at Northampton Valley C.C., 299 Newtown-Richboro Rd., Richboro, Pa., registration 12 m., shotgun start 1 p.m. Lunch, dinner, prizes. Golfers $100, Hole Sponsors $250.

Checks payable to “Local 19 Scholarship Fund.” For info: (215) 952-1999.

Oct. 6- St. Casimir Ch. hosts Designer Bag Bingo at EOM, 144 Moore St., 7 p.m. 10 rounds; wine, cheese & desserts. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at door. For info: Marge Petronis (215) 462-0464.

Oct. 19- State Rep. Emilio Vázquez hosts “Meet, Greet, Obtain Constituent Services” at Susquehanna Village, 1421 W. Susquehanna Ave, 3-4 p.m.

Oct. 26- SEAMAAC hosts 33rd Anniversary Gala at Univ. of Arts, Solmssen Ct., 6-9 p.m.

Nov. 2- 182nd Dist. Progressive Caucus hosts Social at Ladder 15, 1528 Sansom St., 6-8 p.m.

AU G US T 10, 2017

MARK your CALENDAR

ORGANIZERS for the City fair included, L-R, Shumpert Caldwell, Darlene Lewis and Ishaq Shamai.

Photos by Wendell Douglas

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THE CITY of Philadelphia held a career fair for municipal and other public employment. L-R, State Police Officer Bert James, LCB Enforcement Officer Kareem Davis and State Police Officer Brian Chin explain options to a job-seeker.

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(Cont. From Page 10) run according to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania election law to run for state Rep. Kerns learned of this and the RCC took Ramírez and the Democratic Party to court. Under oath, Ramírez admitted to not living in the district and explained that he did not do so as his girlfriend and daughter did not want to live there. He actually tried to defend his residential choice by stating the neighborhood “is not Chestnut Hill.” Yes, the

For Advertising Call Melissa @

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local Democrats not only elected two felons to represent them but then wanted someone who looks down his nose at them.

Acosta’s predecessor also left office with a felony conviction over his head. The Democrats found a replacement for Ramírez but did not get the paperwork done in time to get him on the ballot.

One of the best laughs Kerns got was when she put Democratic City Committee Chairman and CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY’S comment made to another Philadelphia paper about how the “Latinos” could not get along and get their act together. If a Republican said that, we would have been sued and in front of the Philadelphia Civil Rights Commission.

It gets better yet. On Election Day, the Democrats continued to be inept. As only 5% of the district is registered Republican, a halfhearted write-in cam-

paign for Democrat candidate EMILIO VÁZQUEZ would have been successful. But no, they had to cheat. Stamps for the writein were in the polling area – frequently in the hands of election-board workers (a real no-no). Election-board workers were entering the polling machines without written requests of the voters (another no-no) to show them how to do the writeins. Kerns has a lawsuit now winding through the courts to unseat Vázquez.

Kerns only had 45 minutes to speak and had to leave out some really fun data, including Acosta’s June testimony at the corruption trial of RENEE TARTAGLIONE. Renee was charged with embezzling money from a Juniata Community Health Center among other crimes. I am sure Tartaglione’s sister TINA, who is the state senator for Vázquez’ district, knew nothing of Renee’s activities.

WALKING the BEAT

(Cont. From Page 10) SPEARMAN’S 60th Ward candidates’ event at Urban Art Gallery. Judicial candidates Mark COHEN, Marissa BRUMBACH and Vikki KRISTIANSSON were on hand.

Philly is hosting the National Conference of Chief Justices – quietly. Thomas R. KLINE, Esq. donated $7.5 million for soon-tobe-required annual judicial certification. I wish a donor can be found to LOWER court filing fees. Judge Skipper-WOODS, lower them!!

Judge Rose Marie DeFINO-NASTASI was spot-on in her recent hit-run case decision. Hit-run incidents are on an upswing.

The writer who called for a referendum on continued new BIKE LANES is correct.

It is to TRAMPLE rights of others when an AGENCY unilaterally decides on streets for bike lanes. It

could build into a momentum THAT CANNOT BE HALTED, and justifies the agency’s existence and jobs.

That bikes MAY USE FULL LANE signs going up with NO NOTICE to South Philadelphians is just ROTTEN. Congestion is at its worst on 13th & 15th Streets and cyclists are just about 3% of the population. Mayor KENNEY, how can this happen? America was founded on the legal concept of NOTICE to allow for public input. Why and how is this foisted on Downtown?

Another correct observation was made by a reporter who noted that Harrisburg is on a path to irrelevancy.

The worst G.O.P. LEGISLATURE EVER! A writer noted the city needs a safe place for heroin use. CORRECT; it is all over the city and helped by the DIASPORA of addicts from FAIRHILL. BIRTHDAY GREETINGS for Florida-based health-insurance expert

Steve WILHIDE. Steve gets the patriotic word out on Facebook. And Auditor General Eugene DePASQUALE had his born day.

“THERE YOU GO AGAIN” was once uttered

by Ronald Reagan to Jimmy Carter. Time to say it again as the G.O.P. again zeroes in on Hillary CLINTON. Maybe to cover up the gathering storm over its actions (?). When under fire – INVESTIGATE THE OTHER SIDE to distract.

Lou BARLETTA vs. Sen. Bob CASEY – it cannot be boring. Both are from Northeast Pennsylvania, so that vote will split.

An op-ed wanted the TRUTH to come out in the BRADY 2012 race. But it reads to me as a slam against the G.O.P. for not giving the writer and former 1st District GOP candidate proper RECOGNITION (?).

Is this piece a lead-in to a future editorial? Do writers often imagine themselves as THE TRUTH?

understanding BANKRUPTCY BYMICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED uestion: What is a motion for relief from the automatic stay in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

Answer: You filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, yet you’re still getting notices in the mail from the people you owed money to. What’s the deal?

You’re not alone. Most people who file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy get notices in the mail 30 to 90 days after the case is filed. Most people have no idea what it is.

Chances are, it’s a Motion for Relief of Stay (MFRS).

What is a motion for relief from stay? Basically it is a proceeding that is started by a creditor to end the restraining order against them. It lets them continue whatever course of conduct they were pursuing prior to

Especially if they feel you haven’t been listening. Which is what happened here.

I think it was the Rev. Martin Luther King who said – and I’m paraphrasing – a riot represents the voice of the unheard. While riots aren’t good, neither is not listening. And if politicos don’t understand that, they end up losing … as do their constituents.

So, while I understand the impulse to demand that people be polite when addressing their political officials, it might be a good idea to expect that to go both ways.

the filing of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy case.

If they were in the process of foreclosure of a home or repossession of a vehicle, your bankruptcy froze that process. The MFRS simply allows them to pick up where they left off.

If they were about to sell the house, and you filed a bankruptcy the day before the sale date, they can now continue forward with their sale (which has probably been continued from date

to date until this relief order has been entered so watch out since it may even be the day the judge signs the relief of stay order).

How to defend a motion for relief from stay?

In Chapter 7, there are very few defenses to these motions. Most the defenses arise under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which provides for other options.

Next Week’s Question: When can bankruptcy help you pay taxes?

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(Cont. From Page 10) due to jammed traffic, you’ll know why.

My guess is that many of you won’t like this – and that’s OK. I’ve heard more than a few people advocate for running over people who block traffic as part of a peaceful demonstration.

Heck, I spent a big chunk of Monday and Tuesday arguing with a couple of people about the press conference. They felt it was rude, improper, and a lot of other things that

implied that the protestors should just wait until folks feel like addressing their issues.

I felt it was free speech.

See, here’s the thing.

While there are all kinds of time, place and manner restrictions that the Supreme Court has placed on the 1st Amendment, none of them apply in this case.

Why not? Because you can’t tell someone how to speak in their own house. And like it or not, City Hall belongs to Philadelphians. They can go there and air their grievances if they want to.

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LEADERS of the Painters & Allied Trades Union DC 21 gathered at Keenan’s in Wildwood, N.J., to paint the town red at their annual seashore event. Awaiting their leader, Joe Ashdale, are, L-R, Business Agents Eddie Simpson and Mike Laughlin; Jim Steiner, treasurer; board member Carlos Belevan; Chuck Green, business agent; and Bob Mullheney, board member. Photos by Joe Stivala

EDWARD MARKS, left, is the new president of Local 22 Firefighters Union. He was congratulated by many well-wishers during the Insulators Local 14 bash at Keenan’s of N. Wildwood, N.J. Wishing him well are, L-R, Shanese Johnson, candidate for Common Pleas Court; Francis McQuilkin, Local 22’s VP for political affairs: Carmela Jacquinto, Esq.; and Bernard Lopez, political consultant.

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LOCAL 14 Insulators & Asbestos Workers held its annual seashore meet and greet in N. Wildwood. Local 14 was recognized in the labor firmament when its former business manager, Pat Eiding, rose to his current post as AFL-CIO Philadelphia leader. The gala event was hosted by Robert Cellucci, business agent, C, and Bryan McGovern, executive board chairman. They are seen chatting with judicial candidate Shanese Johnson.

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