WALKING THE BEAT: Philadelphia Family Court’s ‘Lost Art’ Wasn’t Lost

BY JOE SHAY STIVALA/ To read a banner headline that FAMILY COURT was stripped of antiques was a wasted effort.  On closer reading, it appears the City did not communicate that these items were not to be taken to the DRAB new courthouse – as long portrayed in the press. JUDGES and COURT WORKERS should NOT be blamed! A horrible story that could have been replaced by a recipe for Beluga…. GRINCH TIME: Two days before Christmas when we do not want to read unpleasant news, behold we learn that State Rep. Daryl METCALFE is again calling for the impeachment of State Attorney General Kathleen KANE, because HE questions the ability to “perform the duties of her office.” HE – one person? This after The Public Record made an editorial appeal last week for holiday peace from GRINCH attacks. As far as I know, HE is not a lawyer, but mentions disrespect for the law as a reason. His district on the map appears mostly rural, only two towns shown – good for hunting, maybe? NRA members there? Didn’t KANE refuse to defend a gun law that would have empowered the N.R.A.? HUMBUG, Daryl.

Need a family lawyer that provides you with legal advice at https://www.familycourtlawyers.com/ there is a whole team that will be happy to help you out. Contact a legal expert today!

MICHAEL PIPER, left, was honored in City Council as new City Chief Assessor of Office of Property Assessment. Piper came out of 51st Ward in W. Phila. and began in office as a clerk, moving up through ranks. Many feel Mike was a good choice with his long-term local perspective. He is congratulated by Sandy McKenna; Karen O’Brien, evaluator; Phyllis Stevenson, Mike’s lovely mom; and Deputy Administrator Joseph Solomon. Photo by Joe Stivala

Judge Michael SULLIVAN was acquitted after dragging his reputation and livelihood through federal mud for over a year. Now the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board has filed charges against Sullivan since the Traffic Court “culture” at his trial undermined public confidence in the judicial system. A Deputy Consul for the Board said confidence in the judiciary would continue to erode if Sullivan was back on the bench. If the Consul is worried about EROSION, he should file charges against our former state Supreme Court judges whose war of words caused some WORRY. He might be afraid to do that, however (?). It seems an acquittal is unacceptable to some. They perhaps hold a grudge, determined to find a way (?). It seems some agencies need to show activity? This helps maintain an operating budget.

Chief Justice Ron CASTILLE should now be on the retired list, ending a long career which began as an officer of Marines. The last years were too turbulent. What was accomplished? The Bible argues that “toil is meaningless.”At any rate, FRESH AIR will soon enter the high court. And I have finished the second bottle of Irish Crème in celebration – with ONE TO GO…. The HAPPY news is Judge Matthew CARRAFIELLO will head the ORPHANS COURT!  REJOICE GREATLY!  That court is safe with Allstate-like GOOD HANDS, with Hon. Carrafiello. Or America Express – “Don’t leave home without (him).”

The court ruling on home forfeiture looks like a setback for the DA’s office. The plaintiffs should take no deal, and pursue the matter to the full. If Lynne ABRAHAM becomes Mayor, she might increase the DA budget; so no worry. We do not know if the DA will seek statewide office. Why not? PLEASE RUN!… Today marks the NEW YEAR. Thank you to JIM TAYOUN, Tony WEST, and the Public Record team for allowing me to participate. And to the readers who deserve the best that their representatives have to offer.  DON’T ACCEPT anything less. Remember, Shakespeare wrote, “The empty vessel makes the greatest sound.” We try to speak quietly – but with content.

   Send article as PDF