WALKING THE BEAT: Mayor Nutter, Jim Kenney Get In Schoolyard Brawl

ETHICS – BLEAHTHICS.  I am so tired of reading about how ethics will define the upcoming Mayor’s race. It is NOT a key issue in this race – except if you want to write about it.  And an EDITORIAL about how successful the campaign finance laws are! They are a DISASTER. And who wants to read quotes from former federal prosecutors, et al. So much BLARNEY. And is it ethical for the IG’s Office NOT to share part of the report on the firefighter-sex issue? Amy should give it to Local 22…. What about how the Teachers’ union will prepare to examine mayoral candidates? Don’t forget PETE MATTHEWS who said his DC 33 will take a (post-Nutter) LONG and HARD look at mayoral hopefuls.

Derek Green running for reelection to City Council.

What is all the noise over Jim KENNEY’S pension? A pension is YOUR earned money. Mayor Nutter took a jab at his fellow St. Joe’s student when he said the pension law casts doubt over Kenney’s judgement as a mayoral candidate. This can mean Nutter has a different choice for Mayor (?).  Anyway, it is balderdash…. Like a news clip on the Jay Leno show, the headline saying Nutter ranked high in a NUTTER poll – what did you expect it to say? Did it leave out the disgraceful condition of our streets – of the 5th-LARGEST CITY in America (?). Let the POPE and Convention delegates bounce around on them.

Councilman BILL GREENLEE’S Sick-Leave legislation is MONUMENTAL. He is a real asset to quality-of-life improvements in the city. He is a quiet man – but not to be underestimated. His legislation that the City Finance Dept. (BAA) has to give you NOTICE before they zap you with fines for an unpaid ticket, is a landmark. He will surprise us AGAIN with beneficial law…. When members of the Carpenters’ Union attended the auto show, it must have upset the Convention Center Director. An article described his strong language over the visit. Not 100% professional. If you lose your cool, you should QUIT.

The public lavatory of Traffic Court (lst floor) is still in need of upgrade. I wrote of it during the judges’ investigation. I would like to compare it to an executive john of the court OVERSEER. By the way, WHY does Traffic Court need an Overseer? It is in good hands with Municipal Court. Some time back the overseer testified before the House Judiciary Committee. When asked how long it would take for Traffic Court to go back to the way it was if he left, I think he said five minutes. I refuse to believe 130 employees might be dishonest.  Judge Kevin DOUGHERTY, “tear down this wall” for the light of Municipal Court to shine through.

PEOPLE: Candidates for COMMON PLEAS Judge could number 100.  I was happily surprised to hear Chris McCABE is in the fray. A good guy whose family came out of Bally James Duff. He won the BRICKLAYERS’ UNION endorsement… Derek GREEN announced his candidacy for Council at Large this week. A good CHOICE from the 50th Ward… Also Sean STEVENS for judge – a decent man coming out of the 38th…. Helen GYM announced for Council at Large. She fought for firing the old BRT clerks so their $8m would go to schoolbooks. They were “reformed” and hired as civil service, costing, say, $15m.

When I read the late Walter Phillips, in retirement, used to call prosecutors to give them tips; I thought it was a waste since the tips may not be appreciated – since they MAY THINK they know a  lot.

BOO-HOO Dept. The fired head of the State Open Records is fighting to get the job he created back. This reminds me of a police roll call when an officer complained, “Sarge, you took MY patrol car from me.” SGT. Big Hank VANNELLI had another officer go out and bring in the car title – and then read the owner’s name: “City of Philadelphia.” No one OWNS a government job…. And poor State Sen. Dominic PILEGGI is seeking a judgeship after his senate demotion. President Truman noted, “If you can’t stand the heat, get OUT of the kitchen.”

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