Pr 921 p

Vol. XIII No. 38

Issue 921

September 21, 2017

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

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BUDGET BATTLES P. 4

UPGRADE FOR VAUX MAJOR remake for Vaux High School aims to transform Sharswood neighborhood. L-R at the ribbon-cutting were Rev. Bonnie Camarda, Lynette Brown-Sow, Joe DeFelice, U.S. HUD Secretary Ben Carson, PHA President Kelvin Jeremiah, Superintendent Dr. William Hite, State Rep. Donna Bullock and Council President Darrell Clarke. Photo by Wendell Douglas

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PA Rolls Out Drug Take-Back Boxes

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S PART of the ongoing effort to curb the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania, officials with the Wolf Administration announced the opening of 65 prescription drug take-back boxes at Pennsylvania State Police stations across the commonwealth, including 17 in Philadelphia.

State Police Commissioner Tyree C. Blocker was joined by Acting Secretary of the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs Jennifer Smith and other administration officials at Troop H headquarters in Harrisburg to unveil one of the take-back boxes, which were donated

by CVS Health as part of the company’s commitment to helping the communities it serves prevent prescription drug abuse and misuse.

The goal of the initiative is to create a safe method for the disposal of expired or

unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication.

Medicines that languish in home medicine cabinets and other locations are at risk of misuse and abuse.

“PSP stations provide highly visible, well-known locations for prescription drug take-back boxes with lobbies that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Commissioner Blocker. “By combining existing infrastructure with donated collection units, we are able to provide a valuable public-health and safety resource to the communities we serve.”

In 2016, more than 4,800 Pennsylvanians died from a drug overdose. Facilitating the proper disposal of prescription and overthe-counter medications is one way state police are working to keep dangerous pills from falling into the

wrong hands, said Blocker.

“Providing the public an accessible, safe method to dispose of prescription medicine is a big part of keeping these drugs out of the hands of those who might misuse them,” said Smith. “With the addition of these new prescription drug take-back boxes in the Pennsylvania State Police barracks, we now have almost 680 drug take-back boxes in local law enforcement and other locations.”

Smith unveiled a statewide interactive map to help people find the nearest prescription drug take-back box. Since the program began in 2015, the commonwealth has collected and destroyed 301,388 pounds of drugs, she said.

“The proper use, storage and disposal of unused or unwanted prescription medications are an important

Pardons Pick up Pace

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FTER MORE than 18 hours of testimony over two days, the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons recommended 48 Pennsylvanians for pardons and two for commutations, Lt. Gov. Mike Stack announced.

“This was a particularly difficult week and the board put in long hours,” Stack said. “Some of these cases were very difficult but they represent a new momentum toward second chances and a more efficient and humane criminal justice system.”

Stack sits as chair of the board.

He has been engaging in a systematic campaign to promote pardons and expungements, particularly in his hometown of Philadelphia.

In the public hearings, applicants are given 15 minutes to come before the board in the Capitol’s Supreme Court room to present their cases for pardon and answer sometimes probing questions from the board.

At the end of each session, the board votes on whether to recommend the applicant for pardon to the governor, who has the final say.

Last Thursday and Friday, the board

considered 56 pardon cases, recommending 48 to the governor. The cases covered crimes originating in 29 different counties.

The board recommended commutation of a sentence of life without parole for Tina Brosius, 41, who was convicted in 1995 of murdering her newborn baby in a portable toilet in Dauphin County. Brosius was interviewed by the board in person at SCI Camp Hill on Sept. 14. Her commutation was recommended by a required unanimous vote of the board after hearing from seven witnesses.

By a 3-2 vote, the board also recommended commutation of the 125-to-192-year sentence of Benny L. Ortega Jr., who was convicted in 1996 of trafficking in marijuana and cocaine. The board interviewed Ortega by video conference on Sept.

15. A simple majority of the board is required for commutation in cases not involving violence.

The next merit review is scheduled for Nov. 9 in room 8E-A at the Capitol. The next public hearings will be held Dec. 14 and 15 in the Supreme Court chamber.

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part of the battle against this public health crisis,” Smith continued. “The fight against the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania is a true team effort.

Public-private partnerships and collaboration between the Departments of Health, Human Services, DDAP and law enforcement are critical to preventing and addressing addiction.”

CVS Health donated the collection boxes – valued at $685 each – through a partnership with the DDAP. Any solid prescription or over-the-counter medication (pills and capsules) may be anonymously deposited in the secure boxes, including pet medicine.

“Sharps” (needles, syringes, EpiPens), liquids, and illicit drugs (heroin, marijuana, LSD, etc.) are not accepted.

“We are proud to partner with the Wolf administration and with the Pennsyl-

vania State Police in providing these 65 units as part of our Medication Disposal for Safer Communities program, which has already facilitated the collection of more than 100 metric tons of unwanted medication across the country,” said Nicole Harrington, senior director of pharmacy services for CVS Health. “Our commitment to safe medication disposal builds on our work to prevent and address drug abuse in the communities we serve by increasing access to naloxone and providing community education to prevent the abuse of prescription drugs.”

Contents of the take-back boxes will be safely destroyed on a quarterly basis by the Pennsylvania National Guard. Contents will be weighed, but no identifying information will be recorded or shared.

Bass Eyes Toyota

OUNCILWOMAN Cindy Bass (8th Dist.) is advocating that the Philadelphia region bid become home to the proposed Toyota/Mazda auto manufacturing plant after the car makers issued a blind Request for Proposal.

“The city of Philadelphia has made quite the economic comeback over the last few years,” the councilwoman said. “With billions of dollars of construction happening in the city right now, this is a great time to seize the opportunity for even more out-of-the-box growth and development.”

After Toyota and Mazda announced they would be building a new $1.6 billion United States plant in early August, Bass and her staff began researching the Philadelphia region’s potential to sustain a car-manufacturing plant and found that such a facility would be beneficial to the area. Toyota and Mazda plan to hire 4,000 new employees at their plant, with jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, along with skilled and unskilled manufacturing opportunities.

Construction on the plant would last until 2021 and would employ local residents working in the building trades.

Bass believes a successful bid for the plant would make the Philadelphia region an even more attractive destination for investors and businesses to stake their claim.

“What I’d like to do is start a conversation about the opportunities a car plant could bring to the City of Philadelphia and the surrounding region,” the councilwoman said. “As the city vies to build the proposed Amazon headquarters, we should explore the additional benefits of luring two big-ticket projects to our region.

Philadelphia was once the industrial capital of the nation. As manufacturing grows and evolves, it is vital that we continue to foster that industry and the job creation it can bring.”

Bass has sent a letter to several stakeholders, launching the idea that the Philadelphia region enter the contest to build the Toyota/Mazda facility, with plans to further extend the conversation in the coming days.

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In terms of process, however, Corman said the Senate is disinclined to concur on the proposal sent over by the House.

“I don’t even think most House members want us to concur. I know some do – and some do in our caucus – (but) there’s enough concern over it that we do not want to concur,” he said. “There will probably be some elements of their plan that will get to the final plan, but where it would leave us moving forward by plugging a $2.2 billion budget (deficit) with one-time spending made people really uncomfortable – some of those funds we may be able to access, others we are not so sure we can.”

A scheduled committee vote on the House plan was postponed Monday as the process of re-engaging budget negotiators was in its early stages.

Meanwhile, Gov. Wolf noted that weekend success in conversations with Republican lawmakers has led to optimism that a deal could be reached in the next several days and potentially put up for a vote by the beginning of next month.

“Over the weekend, I spoke with House and Senate leaders to try to finalize a budget that protects investments in critical programs important to the people of Pennsylvania,” he said. “We made progress and, with more work, I believe we can reach a compromise in the coming days. It will take all sides, including both chambers and my administration, working together and considering all ideas to get this done. And if a compromise is reached, there is a commitment from all involved to put up a vote before Oct. 1. It is urgent that we finish our bipartisan work on a consensus, responsible budget immediately or we will face a credit downgrade and further disruption in important programs and payments.”

The Senate was in voting session through yesterday as lawmakers continued to work toward a plan of action to resolve the 81-day long impasse.

The House is not expected to be back in session until Sept. 25.

The Philadelphia Senate delegation was largely on the sidelines of this debate, as it consists entirely of Democrats while the House and Senate negotiators will all be Republicans. However, they tend to look more favorably on their Republican colleagues’ budget proposals, which were also more acceptable to Wolf, a Democrat, than the House proposals, which countenanced no new ongoing revenue sources.

Jason Gottesman is the Harrisburg Bureau Chief of The PLS Reporter, a news website dedicated to covering Pennsylvania’s government.

Parker Hosts School Career Fair

COUNCILWOMAN Cherelle Parker held a College, Vocational & Labor Fair this past Saturday at Enon Tabernacle Church. L-R, Olney Charter High School student Gwynae Seegars, teachers Amelia Buono Schwarzman and Kelly Fleagle, Parker and student Cheryl Wiltshire.

L-R, JOHN STAHL of the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 14, Councilwoman Parker and Dennis McDonough of the Finishing Trades.

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

Philadelphia - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market.

The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

To order a FREE copy of this special report Call toll-free 1-800-560-2075 and enter 5000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

This report is courtesy of Larry Levin, Coldwell Banker Preferred. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2014

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Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said that while the House plan might not be perfect, it did kick-start negotiations.

“I think it accomplished what they wanted to do: make a statement and get back into negotiations,” he said. “They accomplished that and that’s clearly a move Pennsylvanians and taxpayers…they want to see it resolved.”

However, he noted, the plan did not do much to help Pennsylvania’s short-term financial situation, adding that he, like most lawmakers, is concerned about the possibility of a credit downgrade.

“If we want to go down to the ranks of Illinois, we are almost there. We will be the second-worst in the nation.

That doesn’t spur economic development or investment when you have such a credit downgrading,” he said of an impending downgrade from Standard and Poor’s.

“That credit downgrading has an effect on state government, but also municipal government and school districts, and it raises the cost of doing business significantly,” he added. “I’m a fiscal conservative, and you have to factor (those increased costs) into your thought process with what you want to do with budgeting.”

It’s that kind of urgency that has Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) hopeful for a quick resolution to the budget-revenue process as the Senate looks to re-engage the House and the governor in order to find an agreeable plan.

“I think what drives us all is that there is a sense of urgency now. There should be – and there should’ve been earlier,” Corman said after the Senate Republicans held a closed-door caucus discussion on the plan. “Usually, when there’s a sense of urgency, you get compromise – that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

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BY JASON GOTTESMAN HEN THE Pennsylvania Senate reconvened Monday for the first time since July, members wasted no time in beginning a review of the budget-balancing plan the House passed last week.

To recap, last week the House of Representatives – by the slimmest of margins and on a straight party-line vote – passed a budget-balancing plan led by: selling off some future revenue from the state’s Tobacco Settlement Fund for a $1 billion cash infusion; $630.5 million in special fund transfers; $400 million in prior-year lapses; $225 million in gaming expansion revenue; $50 million in liquor license transfers; $20 million in legislative surpluses; and $200 million from taking money from the Joint Underwriters Association fund.

The plan differs greatly from the one the Senate passed in late July that borrowed $1.25 billion against the state Tobacco Settlement Fund money and provided over $500 million in recurring revenue led by over $400 million from changes to the state’s gross receipts tax placed on certain utility services, $100 million from a natural gas tax, the closing of certain sales tax loopholes and implementing a 12 percent tax on fireworks.

To date, Pennsylvania’s combined budget deficit remains at $2.2 billion. Treasurer Joe Torsella has refused to authorize or provide for additional borrowing to keep the General Fund afloat without a sustainable revenue plan.

As a result, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday he was withholding roughly $1.7 billion in scheduled payments to managed care organizations and pension fund obligations to keep the state’s largest checkbook solvent in the absence of a revenue agreement and additional funding.

Senate President Pro

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Senate Gets to Work on House Budget Plan

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How to Balance State Budget? Ask CPAs

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POLS on the STREET

BY JOE SHAHEELI OES THE unending brouhaha over the Pennsylvania budget baffle you? Do you mistrust the positions of elected officials of either party – but don’t know where else to look for expertise?

Maybe you should consult the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. This associa-

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Representative

Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District

tion represents more than half of the Keystone State’s 50,000 CPAs. Recently, it polled its members on the best way to deal with the Commonwealth’s staggering budget deficit.

The General Assembly passed one side of a budget, the spending side, of $32 billion. It was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. But the General Assembly has so far refused to pony up a revenue plan to pay for the expenditures it commanded; in fact, it’s $2.2 billion short.

The House and Senate are in a scrum over how to square their dreams with their thrift.

Should they spend less, tax more or steal more?

These are the three options facing Pennsylvania’s public servants. Some combination of the above must be passed into law very soon, or Pennsylvania taxpayers

27TH WARD Democratic Committee kicked off the official campaign season with a well-attended candidates’ forum at USciences in University City. L-R were Ward Leader Carol Jenkins, Superior Court aspirant Judge Carolyn Nichols and DA candidate Larry Krasner.

Emilio Vazquez

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.

511 West Courtland Street Philadelphia, PA 19140

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”

Philadelphia, PA 19121

215-457-5281

215-271-9190

Anthony Hardy Williams

Sharif

Street 1621 W. Jefferson Street

197th Legislative District Office

184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

State Senator

State Senator

State Representative

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

what tax makes the most sense? What are the other options?” said PICPA President Mike Colgan.

“CPAs, as well-rounded financial experts, are in a great position to provide unbiased advice to legislators regarding tax policy. While there are no easy answers to

27th Ward Dems Host a Forum

State Rep.

Always Hard At Work for You! P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0

will be punished with surcharges by financial institutions if they continue to coddle their deadbeat delegates in Harrisburg.

“State residents and businesses will likely bear the brunt of fixing this issue by way of tax increases or other measures. The question is,

215-227-6161

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

Friday 8:30 - 2 p.m.

State Rep. Jason

resolving the deficit, CPAs can explain the key considerations for each resolution. Raising the personal income tax was a popular selection, but there were a handful of other solutions provided that would likely be of great interest.”

One point was clear, however, among all the responses – “the state needs to become more fiscally accountable,” Colgan concluded.

Most of PICPA’s members, almost 73% – small-business types not known for their radicalism – supported ways for the state to increase revenue.

34% preferred increasing the personal income tax; 10% favored expanding the sales tax; 28% offered other revenue-raising suggestions.

Most of the poll’s respondents, 73%, work in general public accounting. Another 21% work in business and industry. Only 7% work in government, education and nonprofit sectors. This is not the profile of a liberal lobby.

Doubtless, many CPAs would rather a state budCity 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

Councilman Wm.

Greenlee 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

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

The debate over the merits of the Sweetened Drinks Tax – Jim Kenney’s signature issue in his winning 2015 mayoral campaign – could be a major factor in the 2019 municipal elections.

Two years from now, two things may happen here. Some people may be thrilled by the new business generated by the investments in pre-K, parks, recreation centers; others may be dismayed by the old business lost in retail outlets socked by the loss of soda business across the city line.

(Cont. Next Page)

Kevin J.

Youngblood

Taylor

Donatucci

Beverage Tax Can Shape ’19 Election

State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

STATE REP.

Rep.Maria P.

get featuring no increases – only spending cuts. But they are a minority, according to this poll.

Since our legislators have shown they are unskilled at balancing budgets, perhaps they should heed the advice of private-sector professionals who do this for a living before crafting their next public failure.

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

WOC Gathering Drew a Throng

BELMONT MANSION hosted a fall get-together for Democratic Ward Leaders of Color.

L-R were Billy Miller, host Ward Leader Sonny Campbell, City Commissioner Lisa Deeley and Edgar Campbell.

Photos by Wendell Douglas

has promised to dig deeper into the issue. He has indicated the new tax has impacted specific businesses in the city – without serving the purposes it was intended to achieve.

Under the City’s Fiscal Year 2018-2023 Budget Plan, the beverage tax is projected to provide $200 million to fund the city’s new Pre-K pro-

gram. The loss in revenue by reducing the Wage Tax rate is $310 million over the same five-year period.

“This was an unnecessary bait-and-switch with taxes to pay for new programs,” said Butkovitz. “The minimal reduction in one tax took away revenues that could have paid to fill Pre-K seats, along with money to

fund other projects.

“Instead, the beverage tax is killing grocery businesses and is jeopardizing future access to fresh-food stores in our city.”

The controller’s study indicated this tax is paid by all Philadelphia residents, even if they work outside the city.

Wage Tax data lack necessary detail to distinguish be-

tween job growth in the city 5 and Philadelphians working at higher-wage jobs in the suburbs, argues Butkovitz.

In addition, the controller’s study indicated sales at major grocery stores fell 13% in the first six months of 2017. During the same period, sales from suburban stores increased by 2% (Cont. Page 6)

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(Cont. From Prev. Page) Politically, the tussle between these two factions could stir popular sentiment.

More importantly, it could tempt major external investments by opposing industry factions in mayoral and City Council races that year.

If held today, a Democratic primary would find Mayor Jim Kenney invincible for a re-up. But two years from now, who knows what the battlefield will look like? There is no reason for a potential primary challenger to Kenney to embrace his policy that is causing the most outrage at this time. If it shines by 2017, no one can beat

him. But if the outlook is cloudy then, the advantage goes to those who critiqued the Sweetened Drinks Tax starting today.

Already staking out firm anti-soda tax positions are State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-W. Phila.), who ran for mayor against Kenney in 2015, and City Controller Alan Butkovitz, who was defeated for renomination in the Democratic primary of 2017. Butkovitz has also long eyed the mayor’s job.

The latest salvo came from Butkovitz, who is not acting at all like a lame-duck incumbent but more like a man who is still running for something.

Butkovitz has issued an unsurprisingly unfavorable impact study of this tax and

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POLS on the STREET

L-R, WARD LEADERS Tony Faulk and Jewell Williams hung out with Congressman Dwight Evans and Doug Baker.

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L-R were Ward Leaders El Amore Brown and Shirley Gregory with Lillian Holmes.

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SODA (Cont. From Page 5) and the customer count in city stores fell by 10,275 per store per month.

“Multiple reports have indicated these Philadelphia stores are losing significant sales as a result of the beverage tax,” said Butkovitz.

“There is no business that can withstand these types of losses and continue to operate in our city.

“The jobs might be shifting to the suburbs, but it’s only a matter of time before residents discover it’s more cost-effective to live closer to where they work.”

The Kenney administration struck back, stating: “The 2nd quarter of 2016 showed continued strength in Philadelphia Wage Tax collections from businesses related to the distribution of beverages in the city.

“In the second quarter of calendar year 2017, Wage Tax receipts from beverage-related industries were up by 4% compared with the 2nd quarter of 2016 (from $23.2 million to $24.1 million). This was part of a strong six months (January-June 2017) that showed Wage Tax collections from the beverage-related sector grew 5.8% compared to the same period last year.

“In fact, the Wage Tax growth for beverage related industries outpaced the overall six-month growth for all industries (5.5%). The growth in actual wages and salaries paid to employees in these sectors was even higher.”

Revenue Commissioner

Grossman up Close and Personal

REPUBLICAN DA candidate Beth Grossman engaged at close range with voters for three hours at All Good Things Café in Roxborough.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Frank Breslin also disputed job loss was occurring from this tax: “The collections are not just steady; they are growing, and growing at a stronger pace than all sectors combined.”

Kenney argued that subsectors showing growth in Wage Tax collections for the first two quarters of 2017 were supermarkets, convenience stores, full-service restaurants, take-out restaurants, bars and taverns, department stores and superstores, vending-machine companies and wholesale groceries.

Young Republicans Go After Philly 3.0

Philly 3.0, a dark-money progressive lobby, recently criticized the Philadelphia Republican Party. It was a bit like kicking a threelegged dog.

Stung, Republicans lashed back. The fieriest response came from Ross Wolfe, chairman of the Philadelphian

Young Republicans.

“It is sad that Philly progressives cannot energize their base into action without unfairly attacking Philly Republicans,” Wolfe complained. “Recently, purported bipartisan organization Philadelphia 3.0 published an article, under the guise of promoting the need for competitive elections in Philly (which is needed), that focuses on how Philadelphia Republican City Committee ‘is not interested in fulfilling this role [of winning elections].’ Philadelphia 3.0 purports that RCC only cares about keeping ‘patronage jobs for your buddies.’ Every Philadelphia Republican who read that is laughing right now.

“The idea that Democrats give Republicans any significant number of patronage jobs, if any, is laughable.

This is so because, as Philadelphia 3.0 knows, patronage jobs are reserved for Democrat committee people and their associates.

“But the conclusion that Philly Republicans are not trying to win elections is even more absurd than this supposed patronage windfall,” Wolfe retorted. “The Philadelphia Republican Party has put a candidate on the ballot for almost every citywide election and special election, since I have been alive.”

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fter a years-long drumbeat of ghastly publicity – backed up by ghastly personal experience – the general public in Pennsylvania is awakening to the fact that we are dealing with a new drug epidemic, of a severity not seen since the crack crisis of the 1980s.

Drug epidemics come and go. But they cannot be shrugged off. Their human, social and economic costs are enormous. Sound public policy is needed to deal with them. Foolish public policy

MARK your CALENDAR Sep. 21- Bruce Crawley hosts African Bicycle Foundation Fundraiser at Independence Blue Cross, 1901 Market St., 4th fl., 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Renée Chenault Fattah is emcee. Sponsorship levels $50,000-$350. For info: (888) 508-2836.

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. 21- State Rep. Emilio Vázquez is hosted Recep-

tion at Suite 215 Social Cl., 3401 N. 10th St., 6-8 p.m.

Contribution levels $200, $500, $1,000. Payable to “Friends of Emilio Vázquez, 200 S. Broad St., Suite 410, Phila., PA 19102.

Sep. 22- State Rep. Kevin Boyle hosts Senior Fair at N.E. Regional Lib., 2228 Cottman Ave., 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. SEPTA Key photo IDs, health resources, credit & debt info, legal & social services. For info: (215) 695-1016.

Sep. 23- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Shredding at Roxborough Municipal Lot, 514 Dupont St., 9-11 a.m. Free. Four-bag limit per household.

Sep. 23- State Rep. Jason Dawkins hosts Autism Parent Café at 4667 Paul St., 10 a.m.-12 m. Community connections & resources.

For info: (215) 744-7901.

Sep. 23- State Rep. John Taylor hosts Shredding at Lowe’s, parking lot, 3800 Aramingo Ave., Free. Fourbag limit per household.

Sep. 23- Chapel of 4 Chaplains hosts Appre-

ciation Event at 1201 Constitution Ave., Navy Yard Bldg. 649, 11 a.m.

Legion of Honor awards, unveiling of World War II Submarine Vets Memorial, Lost at Sea memorial.

Free-will offering. For info: (215) 218-1943.

Sep. 23- State rep candidate Bernard Williams hosts Birthday Brunch & Campaign Kickoff at Reign Events, 5600 Germantown Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bottomless mimosa! Tickets $35. For info: (267) 2820-1460.

Sep. 25- Phila. Black Republican Council hosts Fundraiser for DA candidate Beth Grossman at Commodore Barry Cl., 6815 Emlen St., 5:30-8 p.m. Donations $50-$150. For info: (215) 694-9278.

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

The News in Black & White

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steps may be tentative but they are needed. Like all work, it will get better with practice. Don’t be shy, then, to push your own shop or agency to invest in this work.

We commend Philadelphia’s organized labor for being a proactive part of the solution. In different ways, Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 and Teamsters Local 831 have taken steps to address opioid abuse, which touches their own people and communities. Surely other unions will follow their lead.

Remember, investment will cost money – in both government and private affairs.

Beware the shrill cheapskates who tell you it can all be done for nothing. They’re lying.

Living with an untreated drug epidemic is also not free. One way or another, we all must tackle it and we all must pay.

STUNNED after viewing a slideshow of comrades who fell victim to opioid overdoses, Sheet Metal Workers ponder the impact of this epidemic on their peers and loved ones during a mandatory Saturday-morning training session at their union hall.

More pics P. 12. Photo by Wendell Douglas. info: (215) 642-2333.

Sep. 28- State Rep. Pam DeLissio hosts Senior Expo at Roxborough Memorial Hosp., parking lot, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. rain or shine.

Sep. 28- State Rep. Joanna McClinton, State Sen. Anthony Williams & Lt. Gov. Mike Stack host “Pathways to Pardons & Expungements” at Myers Rec. Ctr., 5800 Chester Ave., 4-8 p.m. Resource fair on clearing records of minor past convictions. Free. For info: 215)492-2980.

Sep. 28- Councilman Derek Green hosts Cocktail Reception at Time, 1315 Sansom St., 5-7 p.m. Tickets $250, Supporters $500, friends $750, Hosts $1,000. Payable to “The Green Fund,” P.O. Box 4984, Philadelphia, PA 19119. RSVP: Kelly Bauer kbauer1122@gmail.com.

Sep. 28- State Rep. Jordan Harris hosts Town Hall Mtg. at Greater Phila.

Health Action, 1401 S. 31st St., 6 p.m. Legislative developments, Q &A For info: (215) 952-3378.

Sep. 28- Green Party of Phila. holds Membership Mtg. at Shissler Rec Ctr., 1800 Blair St., 7 p.m. Free a& open to the public. For info: (215) 843-4256.

Sep. 28- City Commissioner Al Schmidt hosts Fundraiser at Hop Angel Brauhaus, 7980 Oxford Ave., 6-8 p.m. Contributions $40. Payable to “Friends of Al Schmidt,” P.O. Box 18538, Phila., PA 19129.

Sep. 30- State Rep. Jason Dawkins hosts Community Health Fair at 4900 bl.

N. 5th St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Flu & shingles vaccines, health tests & fitness activities, giveaways. For info: (215) 744-7901.

Sep. 30- State Sen. John Sabatina, Jr. hosts Picnic at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Rd., 12-4 p.m. Tickets $20, Candidates $100, Sponsors $1,000. RSVP: (215) 821-7606 or re.elect.johnsabatina@gmail.com.

Oct. 1- St. Nicholas of Tolentine Ch. Hosts Italian Festival & Procession of Saints at 1700 block

9th St., 12-9 p.m. Rain or shine. Free parking at Neumann-Goretti H.S., 10th & Moore Sts. For info: Rev. Nicholas Martorano (215) 463-1326.

Oct. 1- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts “Eagles vs.

Chargers” at Toll Man Joe’s, 26 E. Oregon Ave., 4-7 p.m. 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 or online MarkSquilla.org. For info: Brittany@lperrygroup.com or (215) 893-4281.

Oct. 2- DA candidate Beth Grossman is hosted Olde City Fundraiser with Councilman David Oh at Han Dynasty, 123 Chestnut St., 6-8 p.m. Donations $50.

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, (Cont. Page 14)

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OPINION

can leave devastating consequences for decades.

It is heartening to see more of the public catching on, this time around, that addiction is not just a “police problem” – although law enforcement plays a crucial role – but a medical problem and a business problem as well.

Some people recover from cancer miraculously; but most don’t. The same is true of addiction. It needs treatment.

Current treatment is not perfect, but it has come a long way over the last century. Likewise, businesses can’t flourish when addictions sweep through their workers and their families. They need to invest in prevention, assessment and treatment. So it can’t all be left up to government.

Worthy programs by schools, churches and community groups are stepping into the breach. Their first

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EVERYDAY PEOPLE

BY DENISE CLAY ESPITE WHAT you might be hearing, the next national election of consequence will be held in 2018, not 2020.

While you hear almost constantly about getting President Donald Trump out the paint (usually from supporters of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who think he’ll get the same glowing treatment he got in 2016), Congress is the branch of government up for grabs in 2018.

And if you ask me, it’s the branch that folks need to be focusing on in terms of get-

D

always brings.

Now, the one group of folks in Congress that everyone either shows respect to or totally ignores is the Congressional Black Caucus.

This group of congressmen includes folks like Congressman John Lewis, a man who took a 2x4 upside the head to get folks the right to vote; Sen. Cory Booker, New Jersey’s first Black senator; and “Auntie” Maxine Waters, the congresswoman from California who has no time for your shenanigans.

If there’s any group of people who can’t afford to look past 2018, it’s the CBC. Because while issues like poverty, a lack of quality education and a lack of quality health care are bad for folks in the so-called mainstream – for marginalized communities, they’re really bad.

So they’ve gotta have a plan of attack, right?

I’ll let you know next week.

On Friday, I’m heading (Cont. Page 13)

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA OW ABOUT GASOLINE PRICES? Many service stations raised the price a week before shortages were to be felt. And the daily press has often said that a pipeline is steadily flowing gasoline north to us, despite closed roads. I fueled up last Sunday, and the station operator told me that he planned to RAISE PRICES AGAIN! That is pure BS! What irks many folks is that government continues to DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!

H

CITY HALL SAM

S

TATE SEN. ANTHONY WILLIAMS hosted the exciting Neighborhood to Neighborhood salute to Prince over the weekend. The event was held in a plaza in University City and drew thousands of excited neighbors. Everyone wore purple to commemorate the life of music star Prince. One of Prince’s former bandmates, SHEILA E., mesmerized the crowd with a great musical performance.

Among the political types were several leaders from Darby Township. Also on

from the group of individuals 11 who decided to run.

City Controller Alan BUTKOVITZ continues to work until his last day in office. Witness his uncovering of missing electronic items.

Taxpayers got their MONEY’S WORTH with him.

TRAFFIC COURT needs attention! We need to know what sort of work the Chadwick Group is doing there, and HOW MUCH they are to be PAID? This is important since we need to know if there is a DOWNTURN IN REVENUES since the high points when Judges sat. And WHY is the OVERSEER still there. There should be no Common Pleas Overseer in a MUNICIPAL Court.

HOW ABOUT THE BLARNEY STORY that Philly is the POOREST big city? I see it once a year. On Google it CONTINUES to say that Philly is the 5TH POOREST. It classifies BIG CITIES AS BEING OVER (Cont. Page 13)

hand, wearing a purple polo shirt, was COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON. STATE REP. JOANNA McCLINTON led the charge for the other state reps wearing purple, including STATE REP. JORDAN HARRIS. Harris’s mother was wearing purple pants that matched the purple pants worn by LT. GOV. MIKE STACK. CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY was well received and so was district attorney candidate LARRY KRASNER. COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL was also nicely received. DAWN CHAVOUS, the lovely wife of COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON, was also there to make sure the program was nicely organized.

The Chinese American community celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Republic of China at Ocean City Restaurant. COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA joined Stack at the event.

SECRETARY OF STATE PEDRO CORTÉS joined PETER LONGSTRETH, former head of PIDC, at Mexican Independence Day in Harrisburg. Longstreth comes from a well-respected political family. His father, THACHER LONGSTRETH, was a longtime city councilman who ran for mayor against FRANK RIZZO in the 1970s.

The recent attacks on Rizzo’s legacy and the desire to relocate his statue are cynical and unwarranted. FRANK RIZZO, JR. is usually left in the position of defending his father and does so very well. The times in which Rizzo served as mayor are far removed from ours and we do not always hear an accurate portrayal of the way he led. It is best to leave the icons of the past at rest on their pedestals.

Our challenge is to create new heroes for our time who will someday deserve monuments of their own.

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

ting folks out the paint.

The only legislative body more collectively useless than the Pennsylvania General Assembly is the United States Congress. I have never seen a group of elected officials so dedicated to telling their constituents to kick rocks in flip-flops in my entire life.

How else can you explain Congress’s single-minded dedication to ensuring that people don’t have health care, good schools, or bridges that don’t fall down as you drive over them?

So in 2018, we have a chance as Americans to get the most egregious of them out the paint and replace them with people who want to, well, I don’t know, govern.

Granted, voters will have to fight gerrymandering, Dark Money and all other manner of stuff designed to make folks so disgusted that they sit things out and perpetuate the self-fulfilling prophecy that voter apathy

WALKING the BEAT

Rania MAJOR, Esq., found an airfare of $2,500 to Jacksonville (Northern), Florida. Greed gouging?

The SCISSORS RAMPS are coming down near Penn’s Landing. Market Street cannot now be accessed from Columbus Boulevard This is a premature action since the 1-95 cover with access streets will not be ready – maybe for a few years. The waterfront plan was sold on BRINGING AUTOS AND PEOPLE TO THE RIVER. It is stupid to cut off access.

A candidate for legislator downtown said that there “is an appetite for change.”

How was this determined – among friends? Does it mean the appetite is for her? And the new GIMMICK is to say that the candidate is building on the “wreckage of establishment candidates.” There was no wholesale wreckage??

Establishment candidates SOMETIMES LOSE. The DEM Party hears candidates in a forum, and endorses

SE P T E M B E R 21, 2017

R

EPUBLICAN candidate for district attorney BETH GROSSMAN made international news on Monday night. A film crew working for Dutch national television taped a fundraiser for Grossman at the home of SUSAN SATKOWSKI. Grossman addressed the crowd briefly.

She believes she is the best candidate, owing in large part to more than 20 years as an assistant district attorney, including supervisory experience running a unit.

She believes the DA’s re-

WARD LEADER MATT WOLFE (27th), former WARD LEADER LINDSAY DOERING (8th) and WARD LEADER JAMES WILLIAMS (50th). Williams is also Grossman’s campaign manager.

Last Thursday through Sunday, the Federation of Republican Women held its biennial national conference in Philadelphia at the Downtown Marriot.

The Pennsylvania NFRW Chapter was the host committee, headed by PRESIDENT MARY BARKETT of Northampton County.

Thursday mostly saw meetings of executive and other sub-groups. Friday was the first day of the general event. The opening night reception on Friday was at the Constitution Center.

Prior to that, the regents of the NFRW heard from U.S. SEN. PAT TOOMEY (R-Pa.).

Other speakers included Pennsylvania Republican (Cont. Page 13)

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sponsibility is not limited to making sure that cases are tried, but should take into consideration the impact of the office’s activities on victims and all people impacted by crime.

The event was sponsored by the Republican Women of Philadelphia, of which Satkowski is a member. Grossman was introduced to attendees by RWOP 1ST VP BARBARA COXE. Other RWOP members in attendance included BARBARA GELMAN, KYLE MIDKIFF, DAPHNE GOGGINS and DENISE FUREY. Salem County, N.J. FREEHOLDER MELISSA DeCASTRO and Delaware County Republican activist MICHELLE MATTUS were in attendance as well as local politicos, including Philadelphia Young Republican CHAIRMAN ROSS WOLFE, Republican City Committee COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR GENEVIEVE MALANDRA,

Williams Throws Princely Party

2nd PDAC Holds Its Day

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STATE SEN. Anthony Williams, in Prince shirt, and his wife Shari made the legendary artist the focus of this year’s N2N Festival in Cedar Park. Major name acts celebrated Prince’s heritage. Photo by Leona Dixon

POLITICAL headliners Congressman Bob Brady, L, and Lt. Gov. Mike Stack appeared at West Philadelphia’s premier event of the weekend.

Photo by Leona Dixon

SE P T E M B E R 21, 2017

SHERIFF Jewell Williams took a brief period to enjoy the N2N Festival with his son Xavier, 7. He was joined by Gregory Cojulun, president of Malcolm X Park.

Photo by Joe Stivala

2ND POLICE DISTRICT held its PDAC Community Day at Fox Chase Elementary School. A “Ride for Peace” began with PPD bike and district officers, community children and adult riders. Photos by John J.

STATE SEN. Tina Tartaglione and Democratic 53rd Ward Leader Janice Sulman.

EVENT sponsor State Sen. Tina Tartaglione was supported by 2nd District officers and Capt. Thomas McLean, Community Relations Officer Mark Mroz, Lieut. Crag and Sgt. Weber.

Local 19 Faces Opioid Abuse

An Old Master

Domb Smokes Out Danger

TONY LUKE shared his son’s tragic experience with addiction as Bryan Bush and Gary Masino listen.

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RESTAURATEUR Tony Luke, R, joined Business Manager Gary Masino for this training session.

MANDATORY training on abuse for all members took place at Sheet Metal Workers Hall last Saturday. L-R, Assistant Business Manager Bryan Bush, Mike Dougherty and Chris Cunningham made sure all understood the dangers and knew how to seek help for co-workers, loved ones or themselves. Photos by Wendell Douglas

NUHHCE leader Henry Nicholas, L, enjoyed a day of honor at the Convention Center. A noted connoisseur of art, Nicholas received a handsome portrait painted by Mark Gaines. Photos by Wendell Doug-

FIREFIGHTERS went door to door on the 3000 block of Page Street in Strawberry Mansion to distribute 300 free smoke detectors.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

COUNCILWOMAN Maria Quiñones Sánchez, along with dozens of guests, signed another portrait of Nicholas, this one a sketch.

BOXING legend Joe Frazier’s daughter Weata posed with Mayor Jim Kenney at Henry Nicholas’ affair.

COUNCILMAN Allan Domb, R, thanks Lowe’s Store Manager Patrick Kirby for donating the smoke detectors to the First Alert program – and receiving a City Council citation for his pains.

the WAFFLE MAN

Y

O! HERE we go again with this tale of murder at the Ack-a-me.

Tired of constantly being broke and stuck in an unhappy marriage, a young husband decided to solve both problems by taking out a large insurance policy on his wife, with himself as the beneficiary, and then arranging to have her killed.

A friend of a friend put him in touch with a nefarious dark-side underworld figure that went by the name of “Artie.” Artie explained to the husband his

going price for snuffing out a spouse was $5,000.

The husband said he was willing to pay that amount, but that he wouldn’t have any cash on hand until he could collect his wife’s insurance money. Artie insisted on being paid at least something up front to seal the deal. So the man opened his wallet, displaying the single dollar bill that rested inside. Artie sighed, rolled his eyes, and reluctantly agreed to accept the dollar as down payment for the dirty deed.

A few days later, Artie followed the man’s wife to the local Ack-a-me supermarket. There, he surprised her in the produce department and proceeded to strangle her with his gloved hands.

As the poor, unsuspecting woman drew her last breath and slumped to the floor, the manager of the produce department stumbled unexpectedly onto the murder scene. Unwilling to leave any living witnesses

behind, Artie had no choice but to strangle the produce manager as well.

However, unbeknownst to Artie, the entire proceedings were captured by the hidden security cameras and observed by the store’s security guard, who immediately called the police. Artie was caught and arrested before he could even leave the store.

Under intense questioning at the police station, Artie revealed the whole sordid plan, including his unusual financial arrangements with the hapless husband, who was also quickly arrested.

The next day in the newspaper, the headline declared – oh, you’re going to hate me for this – Artie Chokes 2 for $1.00 at the Ack-A-Me! Don’t groan about this stuff – I receive it from my warped friends and then send it on to you. Hope it got you to smile. Thanks to Andrea M.!

WALKING the BEAT (Cont. From Page 11) 500,000 IN POPULATION. Use of the word “BIG” is clever.

District Council 47 heard from DA Candidate Larry KRASNER and Judge Carolyn NICHOLS hosted by President Fred WRIGHT. Local 47 now has popular Mike BONNETTI back on the payroll; good pick.

The Sunday press featured that CYCLISTS and motorists are on a collision course.

But it seemed that it was PRO-CYCLING rather than objective reporting (?). To find out, we have to ask the reporter if she is PRO-CYCLING (It is said that many young reporters have replaced the daily press’s older heads)? When City Council passed the bike-car responsibility bill, it determined that cyclists were 2% of the population; today maybe 5%.

But they are vocal and have a

coalition. What bothers me is the many who seem to be eager to defend their rights – without noting that it is a two-way street of RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY. At corners, they seem reluctant to brake for red lights or stop signs, since it would slow their momentum. The bike law says that you pedal

EVERYDAY PEOPLE (Cont. From Page 11) to Washington, D.C. for the annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hoedown. The Nation’s Capital will be abuzz with politicos, activists, celebrities and regular Joes just trying to find out what the plan for 2018 is. And their constituents are hoping that they have one.

While the foundation is better known for its parties, especially the closing-night ball that former President Barack Obama

in the DIRECTION OF THE 13 FLOW OF TRAFFIC, and NOT on the SIDEWALK. Bikes approach from driver blind spots with no horns to signal (or any signal), and often are UNLIGHTED at night, and many cyclists wear dark clothing. Coalition: SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO about this and report back!

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University, as did Durbin.

She noted that at that time there were four required theology classes, and she wonders what class that he took that used that term.

I was 4 years old in 1960, the election of Kennedy v. Nixon; thus, I have few memories of what happened. I do have two memories. One was being taken to the Cheltenham Mall to see this man with orange hair and skin. As a redhead, I related to the hair but wondered about the skin (JOHN F. KENNEDY had Addison’s, which affected his pigment). The other memory was the day after the election, watching the television news with my Irish/German Catholic mother, who was crying because she never thought she would see one of her own become president of the United States.

I thought this country had moved beyond that bigotry. I guess not.

probably won’t be gracing with his presence this year, there will be workshops on redistricting, policing in the Black community, education and health care.

Hopefully, a plan for 2018 will emerge.

It’ll be interesting to see if anyone from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will show up. If anyone does, it’ll probably be Omarosa, who would do well to avoid repeating her performance from the National Association of Black Journalists convention and cause the kind of commotion that benefits no one.

LEGAL NOTICE SUMMONS AND NOTICE Fourth Judicial District Court, for the State of Utah In and For Utah County

SE P T E M B E R 21, 2017

(Cont. From Page 11) Party CHAIRMAN VAL DiGIORGIO, U.S. SEN. ROY BLUNT (R-Mo.) and New Jersey LT. GOV. KIM GUADAGNO. ALLISON BALL, the Kentucky state treasurer, nailed why Republican women are Republicans. She asked the crowd to “prove there’s no such thing as women’s issues. Only people’s issues.”

She, I gather, does not appreciate the left’s pandering to us over abortion rights and access to cheap contraceptives.

Last week, U.S. SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-Cal.) proved that the left believes in religious freedom – if the religion is secular and liberal. In hearings for AMY CONEY BARRETT, nominee for the U.S. Appellate Court for the 7th District, Feinstein challenged Barrett’s ability to

be a judge because she is a practicing Roman Catholic. Feinstein asked Barrett about issues of abortion and capital punishment. One would think a liberal like Feinstein would be happy to see a judge who does not “personally” approve of the death penalty. Barrett clearly stated that she would uphold the laws of this country and the tenants of the U.S. Constitution if they were in conflict with her personal beliefs. But that appeared not be good enough for the senator from California.

While I found Feinstein offensive, one senator, RICHARD DURBIN (D-Ill.), crossed the line into partisan idiocy. I guess he felt he needed to support his fellow Democrat when he asked Barrett if she was an “orthodox Catholic.” I attended 16 years of Catholic schools and am not familiar with the term “orthodox Catholic.” I know a woman who attended Georgetown

In the matter of the adoption of Baby Boy M., a minor child.

Case No. 172300016 STATE OF UTAH TO:

Unknown

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT a verified petition for termination and determination of birth parents’ rights has been filed in the Fourth Judicial District Court, County of Utah, State of Utah, by Mother Goose Adoptions of Utah, regarding a child who was born to a woman whose initials are B.M., and who resides in Philadelphia: Baby Boy M was born on May 29, 2017.

IF YOU INTEND TO INTERVENE IN OR ANSWER AND CONTEST THE ADOPTION, YOU MUST FILE A MOTION TO INTERVENE OR AN ANSWER TO THE PETITION WITHIN 30 DAYS. IF YOU DO NOT, THE COURT WILL ENTER AN ORDER OF DEFAULT CONCLUDING THAT YOU HAVE WAIVED ANY RIGHT TO FURTHER NOTICE IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE CHILD, FORFEITED ALL RIGHTS IN RELATION TO THE CHILD, AND ARE BARRED FROM THEREAFTER BRINGING OR MAINTAINING ANY ACTION TO ASSERT ANY INTEREST IN THE CHILD. Any response to the petition or this notice must be filed with the Fourth Judicial District Court, 775 W. Center Street, Spanish Fork, UT 84660, and a copy mailed to Larry Jenkins, at Kirton McConkie, 36 S. State, Suite 1900, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. The petition is on file with the Court. For a copy of the petition, contact Mr. Jenkins at (801) 328-3600.

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MARK your CALENDAR (Cont. From Page 7) 2700 Southampton Rd., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Refreshments.

For info: (215) 695-1020.

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, din-

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understanding BANKRUPTCY

BY MICHAEL A. CIBIK AMERICAN BANKRUPTCY BOARD CERTIFIED UESTION: Can I go to jail for not paying my bills?

Q

ner, prizes. Golfers $100, Hole Sponsors $250.

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

Oct. 6- Councilman David Oh hosts Green Beret Foundation Fundraiser at Saigon Maxim Restaurant, 612 Washington Ave., 6-10 p.m.

Guests include Gov. Ed Rendell & House Speaker Mike Turzai. Buffet dinner with live entertainment, auctions & raffles. Platinum $10,000,

Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000.

Tickets $65, table of 10 $500. Payable to “Green Beret Foundation,” David Oh, City Ha. Rm. 319, Phila., PA 19107.For info: Donald Tippett (215) 686-3452.

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.

Answer: Let’s start with the basics. Debtor’s Prison is jail time for failing to pay a bill.

There is a famous line in the Charles Dickens’ story, “A Christmas Carol,” as he is asked for a donation to the poor and he retorts. “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” If you did not pay your bills, you could be sentenced to prison or to a factory to work off your debt. Even Dickens’ family ended up there for a while.

The United States and most individual states outlawed the practice in the early 1800s.

How can I go to jail for

not paying my bills? Easy: Ignore a court order. When a creditor sues you, the court will order that you pay the bill, most times in weekly installments. The judges recognize that you probably don’t have the money to pay it all at once.

But beware: Most judgments do carry interest at various rates set by rule or statute. If you don’t pay the installments, the court won’t order you to jail, but it will give the creditor some power to pursue your assets.

This can come in various forms such as a lien on your home, a pay garnishment, an attachment of your bank account or some other seizure of your property. If you have nothing to seize, no worries; still no jail time.

The final step in frustration for the creditor who has a judgment is to subpoena you to an examination to see what they can recover from you. This is where you get into trouble. Ignore that subpoena and now you are in contempt of court.

You are ignoring a judge’s order to appear and that is punishable by jail time and sometimes a hefty bail bond and/or fine.

Now, if you file for bankruptcy first, the Federal Bankruptcy system preempts the state court system and you’ve avoided going to jail. You can think of bankruptcy as a “Get Out of Jail Free” card.

Next Week’s Question: What are four steps to a successful Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

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NOTICE

City of Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA GAS COMMISSION PUBLIC NOTICE

To whom it may concern: Notice is hereby given that the City Commissioners, sitting as the County Board of Elections, will begin their weekly meetings concerning the November 7, 2017 Municipal General and Special Election on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in The City Commissioners 6th Floor Hearing Room, Riverview Place, Columbus Blvd. & Spring Garden St. Meetings will continue every Wednesday thereafter until further notice.

AVISO

A Quien Corresponda: Se avisa que Los Comisionados de la Ciudad en sus funciones como la Junta Electoral del Condado, comenzaran sus reuniones semanales con respecto al 07 de Noviembre de 2017 Elecciones General Municipal y Elección Especial el Miércoles 20 de Septiembre 2017 a las 11:00 A.M. en el 6º piso de Riverview Place en la sala de audiencia de los Comisionados, Columbus Blvd. & Spring Garden Sts. Reuniones continuaran cada Miércoles adelantes hasta nuevo aviso.

Anthony Clark Chairman, City Commissioners Presidente, Comisionados Municipales

Lisa M Deeley City Commissioner Comisionada Municipal

Al Schmidt Kevin A Kelly Vice Chairman, City Commissioners Acting Supervisor of Elections Vicepresidente, Comisionados Municipales Supervisor Interino de Elecciones

www.philadelphiavotes.com

SE P T E M B E R 21, 2017

Handsome SWM Gentleman 60, seeks love and Companionship with fun independent woman, possible marriage.

P.O. Box 11452, Hsbg., PA 17108

vania Department of Agriculture Title 7 regulations, GROWMARK FS, LLC. hereby gives notice of ground application of "Restricted Use Pesticides" for the protection of agricultural crops in municipalities in Pennsylvania during the next 45 days.

Residents of contiguous property to our application sites should contact your local GROWMARK FS, LLC. facility for additional information.

Concerned Citizens should contact: Michael Layton, MGR. Safety & En-

THIS IS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC THAT THE PHILADELPHIA GAS COMMISSION WILL HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS DURING FISCAL YEAR 2017-2018 ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2017 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018 AT 10:00 A.M.

THESE MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION’S HEARING ROOM ON THE 18TH FLOOR, 1515 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA. COPIES OF THE AGENDA TO BE CONSIDERED AT EACH MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, PRIOR TO EACH MEETING AT THE GAS COMMISSION OFFICE, 1515 ARCH STREET, 9TH FLOOR, PHILADELPHIA, PA. THESE MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. DEREK S. GREEN, CHAIRMAN

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Miscellaneous: SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 – MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N Notices: Pursuant to §128.85 of the Pennsyl-

T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

SMALL ADS BIG DEALS

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P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0 SE P T E M B E R 21, 2017

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