WALKING THE BEAT: Joe’s Back, Touring The Wards

TURNING OUT for breakfast at 14th Ward were judicial candidate Tracy Roman, Committeeman Jerry Jackson, candidates Henry Lewandowski and Derek Coker, Suzanne Carn, Ward Chairman Rogers James, candidate Omar Sabir, Ward Leader Arthur Green, candidate Donna Laws and Committeewoman Jocelyn Wims. Photo by Joe Stivala

It is good to be back and “kicking” – and on the campaign trail. My foot cast hurt less when I learned that I followed the DEM CHAIRMEN with a similar ailment. And then I saw the leg bandage (including stitches) of 57^th Ward Leader Pat PARKINSON. Get well, PAT…. There is nothing like new life, so first congrats go the Apr. 10 birth of Chloe-Rose KRESCHOLLEK, who came to life at 7lb., 2oz. & 20¾” length. Parents are well but grandmom LAURA fainted. Laura, by the way, is a Social Security expert in Congressman Bob BRADY’s office.

APRIL is a month for birthdays: Rich DeMARCO, Esq., class lawyer; John DOUGHERTY, IBEW 98 LEADER; T. Milton STREET – who with no cash got 25% of the vote for Mayor (imagine with cash); and energized public servant Obie KERNODLE! Best wishes! Charlie GRAHAM, a respected 36^th Ward Committeeman, passed away. Anna VERNA, former Council President, led the mourners. Many await to learn who ANNA will pass the 36^th leadership baton to…. IN COUNCIL, Marian TASCO showed what she is made of by obtaining the funding to rehab Sturgis Playground for constituents. The funds seemed quarantined by the man in Room 215 until Marian gave him what-for! Bravo!

The rededication of the playground at FDR Park which had been destroyed by fire was curious. A few days after the fire, it was in use by kids. The fire seemed mostly confined to a flooring of flammable wood chips. The burning was not “evil”, just dumb – by a mentally challenged man (It never came out)…. A stirring support of America after the Boston Marathon came not out of Washington but from ED McBRIDE on Facebook! Ed is EOM Club Prexy, and an IBEW 98 AIDE. Councilman Mark SQUILLA tendered a glowing tribute to fallen fire Capt. Goodwin on FACEBOOK.

And JOE DOUGHERTY of the popular PHILLY LABOR WEBSITE sent out a strong admonishment to potential home-grown terrorists (People are taking action instead of waiting for heads of state to say something). It is good to know that Dockworkers are operating under a six-year contract…. Endorsement of “BOYLE for Congress” is good. Not good is any Boyle attempt to take over leadership of the 63^rd Ward – especially during a congressional race (?).

Dr. ANDY MILLER, Methodist Hospital Director, keeps earning high praise for quality service in the OR and ER and an Orthopedics Unit of high reputation…. Mayor Delores Butler of Yeadon is up for reelection against a GOP candidate turned Democrat. She is the LIFELONG Democrat and Grandmom that can GOVERN Philly!

Top lawyer Nick CLEMENTE was seen in the MARINE CORPS Law Enforcement magazine during the recent Philly Gala. Nick is a veteran always ready to help others…. Defense lawyer Rania MAJOR’S Contempt zap may have actually helped her campaign for a judicial seat. She SHOWED a caring for her client.

The City Integrity Officer’s involvement in a commission meeting does not seem right. She should now do the right thing…. The suspension of Christine Solomon as TRAFFIC COURT judge for three months without pay is just VERY WRONG. Justice McCaffery deserves praise for his dissent. Solomon, a grandmother, came to office AFTER alleged wrongdoing. She allegedly stood up to Judge Glaser and the Chadwick probe – exercising her constitutional rights. McCaffery and the high court took AN OATH TO “preserve, protect and defend” our Constitution; ex-Marine McCAFFERY remembered it. I took that same oath a few times, and would love to march Glaser and Chadwick on a 20-mile hike, even with my club foot. When some say the TRAFFIC COURT issue isn’t a CLASS WAR – prove it by taking away the PAY of the high court for three months.

To hear that Council PREZ Clarke regretted voting for mayoral control of the Assessment office (OPA), then wants to take it back, is moot. The Mayor already had effective control before a vote. Mike PIPER of the OPA is reported as second in command there. Incredibly, this New Orleans music buff began his work in the old BRT as one of the alleged “political” clerks – coming out of the 51^st Ward!… The FINEST AVI packet prepared for citizens is the Jannie BLACKWELL MODEL: totally complete.

POLICE were reportedly called to the OPA after an employee complained about actions of a manager. Will OPA erupt?… The big problem with AVI is that it is not done right. City COUNCIL asked for the computation formula BEFORE the Budget Hearings. It asked DURING the Budget Hearings. So WHERE IS and WHAT IS the SUPER-SECRET FORMULA? Taxpayers must accept the results without knowing the HOW! Matt RUBEN, Northern Liberties citizen, explained taxpayer thoughts exactly. Let’s study individual sales and values; start with the home of the Finance Director. AVI will soon spawn a plethora of APPEAL-PREPARATION businesses. In the meantime, Councilman MARK SQUILLA fights on ALONE.

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