Snooper’s F.Y.I. Files: You probably haven’t noticed yet they’re ‘cleaning up’ our famous statue that sits atop our City Hall – William Penn. Look up, you’ll see he’s getting a ‘makeover’ that was long overdue. Moorland Studios and their people are doing this job, and so far, WILLIE looks great. They’re putting a protective coat on him, and hopefully, it’ll last for quite a while!

Snooper’s Harrisburg “Hotline”: Hon. State Sen. John Eichelberger, Jr., of Blair Co., sponsored a bill that will STOP bonuses from being awarded to STAFF MEMBERS of ALL three branches of Government. His bill has already been PASSED unanimously, yet it came as quite a shock to many “on the hill”. The Senator stated, “This bill is an important FIRST STEP in addressing and remedying these abuses of Public Trust.”

Snooper’s Political Quote: This comes from the Republican candidate for Mayor, Hon. Al Taubenberger. He stated he wants “to develop ‘usable and understandable’ ZONING LAWS and REGULATIONS to help smooth the building process for Real Estate developers here in Philadelphia.” We need a fully funded L & I Dept. that will foster a ‘pro-business & growth” attitude.

Snooper’s SENIOR CITIZEN SPECIAL: Oh yeah, we have good news for all of you. Yes, Social Security benefits, for over 50 million people, will rise 2.3% starting January, 2008. What this really amounts to is an additional $24 to cover the higher cost of living; that includes gasoline, food and medical care. By the way, this is the smallest ‘increase’ since a 2.1% boost in 2004, and a full percentage point lower than 3.3% adjustment for 2007. What is wrong with this picture, please? Somebody explain to all of us how $24 is going to cover all these expenses.

Snooper’s Crime Statistics: Please note, as of this date, Philadelphia crime rate is going up and up with no relief in sight. PARENTS, you are the key to all of this. If you had taken control of your “little darlings”, maybe, just maybe, they would still be alive today. Don’t any of you ever bother to check on them, especially when they are leaving your house, packing a gun? I agree with Bill Cosby 100%, you, THE PARENTS, are responsible for what your “little darlings” do, especially, if they go out and kill someone. Why is it I see 15- and 16-year-old kids, roaming the streets after midnight? Explain this to me.

Snooper “Quickie”: It seems everyone agrees with Joe Vento, of Geno’s Steaks, regarding his sign. Check this out. In Canada, TORONTO’S world famous cheesesteak shops have signs that read, “This is Canada. When ordering, SPEAK CANADIAN”. So why is Joe Vento in the wrong? This whole sign business is all ridiculous, because he is merely expressing his rights to “free speech”. Remember, THIS IS AMERICA! Snooper’s Community Report: Recently we all read and heard about the 10,000 Men rally that was held at The Liacouras Center. Guess what? They even had more. These men ANSWERED THE CALL because they too were fed up with all the killings and senseless murders of young men and women. Yes, they will now be 10,000 strong “safety volunteers” who will be out patrolling their various neighborhoods. Charlie Mack, one of the organizers, stated, “It’s beautiful to see 10,000 men in person,” and Sylvester Johnson, Police Commissioner, echoed the very same feelings. Something must be done.

Snooper’s SPECIAL: Nov. 6, Tuesday, it’s time for all of you to put up or shut up – ELECTION DAY. Here’s your opportunity to MAKE CHANGES, and if you don’t, shame on you and you deserve whatever you get. Remember the Supreme Court Judges, Superior Court Judge, a ‘flock’ of Common Pleas Court Judges, Municipal Court Judges and let’s not forget Traffic Court. Here’s your chance to also ‘shake up’ the City Council because they are ALL up for re-election. Go forth, do your thing, because everyone depends on you. The Public Record is urging all of you to go out and VOTE.

Snooper’s HALO NEWS: Hey Boss, I have gotten so many calls about a photo you printed on the front page of the Oct. 18 issue. The calls all agree, the photo you printed of Hon. John Dougherty, IBEW Local 98, appears to have him with a HALO over his head. These people now think he is ‘connected’ to “The Big Guy” and quite frankly, I’m wondering too. Dougherty looks like a preacher. CHECK IT OUT!

Snooper’s BIG STORY: For those of you who may not know, we lost a great LEGEND here in Philadelphia. It is with deep sorrow I now inform all of you, HON. LISA RICHETTE, former great Judge of the Common Pleas Court (retired), passed away a few days ago. Hon. Frederica Massiah-Jackson, President Judge “Emerita”, was one who knew “Lisa” very well, and she stated, “She was an exceptional jurist and I can tell you, the children of Philadelphia have lost one of their strongest advocates.” Judge Richette will always be known for her famous book, “The Throwaway Children”. She will be missed by her many colleagues on the bench as well as her many friends here in this City.

Snooper’s MEMO: To all you Philly reporters, especially those of you who neglected to mention a few very important facts regarding ‘the number’ you did on a well-respected Judge: The gentleman involved was not let go as you erroneously wrote, but was held on theft of services. More importantly, the Judge held him on the GUN CHARGE; this is a mandatory five-year sentence. Of course, you know I’m referring to Judge Teresa Carr Deni.