WALKING THE BEAT: Persecuting Traffic Court

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA/ TRAFFIC COURT REVISIT – again. The recent Inquirer editorial “Traffic Court is embarrassing” never told to whom it is embarrassing. No poll results were given. It pokes fun at Judge Mulgrew’s attire when the FBI raid on his home occurred. The raid was around 6 a.m. What does the writer wear in the wee hours? It was not connected with Traffic Court…. Former Judge Singletary’s traffic tickets was mentioned – but no mention that the high court examined the issue – and seated him (?).

The charge that the Democrats control judge selection is BLARNEY. SINGLETARY was not endorsed by the Dems. He simply won an election…. And it said Judge Solomon flunked the test once. She came off a family death – dwelled too long on the essay portion – and PASSED the second time. TWO RETESTS are allowed in this class for jurists. For that matter, attorneys are allowed to flunk their bar exam and take infinite retests.

Judge SULLIVAN was removed as Administrative Judge – but not for any wrongdoing – as Judge Glazer took office. And Judge DeANGELIS was sent packing? I heard she gave a prober “what for” and quit (?). The question of fair hearings – no evidence was presented. District Justices (many GOP) from outside counties also preside in Traffic Court…. We need to get one point straight. Traffic Court Judges need NOT BE LAWYERS. They must attend training and certification, and have a KNOWLEDGE OF THE VEHICLE CODE!

As for the call for an overseer? He is already in place. It’s Judge Glazer – who shows no sign of leaving…. Could that editorial writer live in the suburbs? At least Mulgrew should get a correction notice. An apology at best. Writers know their ethical stand should be, “Do little harm.” Even on a slow newsroom day.

The entire field of multiple candidates for Mayor would vaporize if Nutter left for a Washington job, and Councilman Darrell CLARKE became Mayor. This would be shades of James H. J. Tate, a regular guy from up in the 43rd Ward who rode the subway to City Hall. As Council President, he became Mayor when Mayor Richardson DILWORTH ran for Governor. The question could then be – next City Council President? JANNIE BLACKWELL, to name one possibility…. A MOVEMENT to lower business taxes in favor of higher real-estate taxes seems quashed with the revelation that Philly business taxes, though complicated, are fairer than in suburbia. Large property-owners would benefit from the shift to the backs of ordinary home-owners. City Council: Don’t let them crucify ordinary homeowners on a cross of gold!!

DO YOU WONDER WHY gasoline prices are up at a time when oil per barrel is falling? Could it be the runup to the election?… LABOR IN THE NEWS: Ryan BOYER, Business Manager of Laborers’ District Council, received the Spirit of Life Award at the City of Hope Banquet. It was presented by Sam STATEN, Jr., head of Local 332. Eleanor DEZZI made it all come together again.

NICK PICO, retired Business Agent for Teamsters Local 107, passed away. Pico rose to Vice President of the local. Peace to the “rock solid” Teamster… Delores BOWIE and Audra TRAYNHAM, members of Philly SEIU Local 32, were reported worldwide as knocking on South Philly doors to register people to vote – and vote Democratic. Closer to the election, they will send postal cards to those they spoke with. They even reminded a GOP voter not to forget to vote on NOV. 7 (the day after). Union members will knock on three million doors in a close state.

A CLASS fellow is the long-term description of City Councilman Bill GREENLEE. HE exudes trust and caring. And is a powerful leader of Ward 15…. Negative commercials in the Attorney General’s race seem desperate. I met Kathleen KANE at the FOP convention. And I know her hometown of Scranton. That ain’t her in the opponent’s commercials.

CITY COMMISSIONERS: Please use the voter-ID law LOOPHOLE to ensure that electors are not SHUT OUT of the presidential election. Commissioners CLARK and SCHMIDT, help those in need!… Not sure if there was bad taste remaining over the Finnigan’s Wake renovations. At first, it was heated. I heard a computer may have been hacked. But nothing more since.

We understand the bills are paid for the MADE in AMERICA Concert. But vigilance is needed to see if any remainder emerges. I have not agreed with the Committee of Seventy of late, but their online suggestion Justice Ron CASTILLE NOT RUN for reelection is great! The judge would reach the retirement age before the end of a new term. I will bet that he WILL run, however…. The annual golf outing in honor of slain police SGT. Joseph LE CLAIRE is on 10/27 at the Bensalem Country Club with a Beef & Beer in Knights Tavern. A very worthy cause.

A MEMORIAL service honoring the late jurist THOMAS DEMPSEY is set for 10/17 in the Law Library and Room 653. A wonderful, caring man, jurist and teacher…. VETERANS ROUNDTABLE is to be held in the City Council Caucus Room at 11 a.m. on Sep. 28. Vets, show up with input!

JUDGE JOSEPH WATERS is the principal honoree at the Emerald Society annual dinner, to be held on 10/26. A grand and great time will be had!… WARD 5 Leader MIKE CIBIK, Esq. has made the city GOP into a lively party. He alerts all to the next GOP Happy Hour is set for 10/10 in Paddy Whacks at 150 South Street, 6-9 p.m.

OUR STATE REPS (Ladies in action): State Rep. Vanessa BROWN got high marks for her support of the recent Sickle Cell Run….Rep. Maria DONATUCCI, an avid promoter of the Sunoco-Carlyle refinery operation, helped save hundreds of jobs. Bravo!… State Rep. Michelle BROWNLEE scored the “47%” Romney remark. “Americans are NOT VICTIMS” said she as she helped the needy obtain voter ID.

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