Perzel to Host Senior and Safe Neighborhood Expos

Rep. John Perzel (R-Philadelphia) will host his district's senior expos Thursday, Oct. 20, at Vogt Playground, 6700 Cottage Street, Philadelphia, and Thursday, Oct. 27, at Fox Chase Recreation Center, Rockwell and Ridgeway Streets, Philadelphia. Both events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"These annual exhibitions provide senior citizens and their families with resources, information and products that help foster healthy and productive lifestyles, as well as an opportunity to learn about issues important to them," said Perzel. "Admission is free, and information is available all in one convenient location."
Nearly 50 vendors will be on hand to offer information on government services, volunteer opportunities, health care and elder care, insurance, and estate and financial planning.
Perzel also announced that his annual Youth and Safe Neighborhood Expo will be held Friday, Oct. 7, from 7-9 p.m., at the Northeast Community Center. Representatives from more than 30 community organizations, as well as local law enforcement officials, will be at the event with information on how to keep families and neighborhoods safe. There will also be a special appearance by the McGruff the Crime Dog.
Admission is free for all events. For more information, contact either of Perzel's district offices, 7518 Frankford Avenue, (215) 331-2600, or 8140 Verree Road, (215) 725-2100.
Rep. John Perzel172nd DistrictSpeaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives(215) 331-2600(717) 787-2016www.johnperzel.comContact: Beth A. WilliamsPress Secretary(717) 783-8125http://www.pahousegop.com/

Neighborhood Civic PAC and Mayfair Civic Association Team up to Rectify Neighborhood Problems

On Thursday Evening, the Neighborhood Civic PAC and the Mayfair Civic Association will be teaming up to address a problem in the Mayfair Community. We previoulsy posted about this issue http://neighborhoodcivicpac.blogspot.com/2005/09/we-need-to-transform-this-blighted.html. There is a patch of land that has been neglected for far too long. This patch is wedged between the 3400 blocks of Cottman and Ryan Avenue and the 7300 block of Crispin Street. On Thursday September 29, 2005 there will be a meeting of all concerned citizens with regard to this property. This meeting will take place on the lot in question. For more information please contact Mayfair Civic Pres Scott Cummings at 215-776-6777 or at mayfaircivic2003@aol.com or Contact the Neighborhood Civic PAC at 215-292-3926 or neighborhoodcivicpac@yahoo.com. The goal of this meeting is to get inside the minds of the neighbors of this area to help determine the course of action that needs to be taken

Raj for Congress?

Raj Bhakta is a Neighborhood kind of guy, believe it or not. This isnt an old school definition of Neighborhood Guy, rather an updated one. Raj was born in Frankford and spent half his time growing up in Mayfair, where half his family still lives today. Raj can walk in any corner bar in the City and feel comfortable which may seem odd due to his Hill School pedigree. It is good to see a young guy like this using celebrity for the good of the populace. Good Luck Raj.

Courtesy of PhillyBurbs

Reality TV star looks to trump Schwartz
By SARAH LARSON
The Intelligencer
He was known for his bow tie and flirtatious ways on "The Apprentice," and now he's flirting with a run for Congress.
Raj Bhakta, former contestant on Donald Trump's reality show, said he is contemplating challenging Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz in next year's election for the 13th District.
"I think Allyson Schwartz is a formidable opponent, clearly. At the same time, I think she's beatable," Bhakta said, adding that he wants to run "because I think it's very important to have a fresh, progressive, conservative voice representing the parts of the country that are not necessarily blue and not necessarily red."
Bhakta, a 29-year-old businessman from the Fort Washington area, is a Republican. He said he has talked to Montgomery County GOP chairman Ken Davis and Philadelphia GOP leader Vito Canuso and plans to go to Washington, D.C., next week to talk to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Davis - who said he never watched "The Apprentice" - said he had no trouble taking Bhakta seriously.
"Any candidate who decides to do this and is as organized and as thoughtful as I think he is, you have to take them seriously," Davis said Tuesday. "He has a lot of ideas, and he's a very bright young man. I think he is a serious candidate."
For now, he's also the only GOP candidate. Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor had expressed interest in the office, but Davis said he since has decided against it.
Still, the Democratic incumbent is not showing signs of worry. Schwartz's staffers shrugged off an "Apprentice" challenge.
"In the nine months that Allyson's been in office, she has clearly delivered for the residents of Philadelphia and Montgomery County," said her chief of staff, Daniel McElhatton, pointing out that she gave a check for $1 million to Hatboro on Tuesday for street improvements. "I think that level of delivering for the people of the 13th will certainly be rewarded through re-election."
Bhakta grew up in Blue Bell, the son of an Irish immigrant mother, Mary Mullaney, and an Indian immigrant father, Bharat Bhakta. His father owned new car dealerships, Raj Toyota and Raj Chevrolet, which have since been sold and renamed.
DisplayAds ('Middle');

Bhakta went to the Hill School near Pottstown, a private, college preparatory boarding school, then to Boston College, graduating with a degree in history and economics and a minor in finance. He now owns two businesses; one, Vanquish Holdings, deals with real estate, and the other, Automovia, deals with the valuation of used cars.
He also founded a group called the Coalition for the Advancement of the Republic. A blog on the Web site outlines his take on current issues, from foreign policy and immigration to education and social security.
Before he can hammer his opinions into a campaign platform, however, Bhakta said he knows he has a monumental task: figuring out where the cash will come from.
"Everywhere I've gone, even before they ask me what I believe, they ask how much money I can raise," Bhakta said. "For one district in Congress, to know that $10 million could be spent on the election, aggregately. Well, something's wrong there."
As for his chances of winning, even Davis was cautious.
"For somebody who's not well-known by the electorate, except for people who watch the television show, I would say it's an uphill battle," Davis said. "But he knows that, and if he catches fire with the committee people, well, elections can be funny things sometimes. He could be a good candidate, but it's a question of money and message."
On "The Apprentice," Bhakta gained a reputation as a ladies' man, asking for tennis star Anna Kournikova's phone number and even flirting with Donald Trump's receptionist after Trump had just fired him.
Bhakta dismissed the banter as the makings of "good television" and said he hopes women voters would see him as "a forceful advocate for women to play a full and pre-eminent, certainly equal, role in society."
"Another girl who got fired from The Apprentice is off eating bugs," Bhakta said. "I've gotten off and tried to talk about issues I think are important for the country. I care deeply, and that's why I'm doing this."
Sarah Larson can be reached at (215) 345-3187 or slarson@phillyBurbs.com.

Response to Email from Councilwoman Tasco and Apology to Cherelle Parker along with the Email from Ms. Tasco

Dear Ms. Tasco,

I have read your email and compliment you on your professionalism when dealing with this matter. Let it be known that the Neighborhood Civic PAC prides itself on holding up the integrity of the neighborhoods as well as the value that comes with voting. As you may know, Philadelphia was recently named the #1 City for Voter Fraud in the United States by the American Center for Voting Rights. This is an issue that we hold very strongly. This is the City where our republic was born and to see this kind of negative coverage totally appalls us. Even worse than that is the response (or lack thereof) from many politicians who simply just swept this under the rug.
With respect to Ms Parker's case, we offer an apology to her and her supporters. We do not know Ms Parker nor should we have any ill will towards her. However, when looking at the race from the outside, it appeared improper that Ms Parker was in the polling place she did not represent. Yes, we are aware of roving watcher certificates but were confused by Ms Parker telling the Representative from the Committee of Seventy that she just finished voting. Nevertheless, we were excited to see the Committee, under the new direction of Mr Stalberg, taking a stance with respect to ballot integrity and voter fraud and we may have jumped the gun by taking their words at face value. Next, we will be sure to research the facts more clearly. With respect to allegations of voter fraud in the 50th ward, 200th legislative district or 9th council district, we am not sure of what actually exists, but would not want to jump the gun in claiming that there are. That would require some research on our part.
Thank you,
Neighborhood Civic PAC


This is the email we received from Ms. Tasco

From: Tasco
Date:Sat, 17 Sep 2005 19:54:43 EDT
Subject:Cherelle Paqrker
To:neighborhoodcivicpac@yahoo.com

Please read the Committee of Seventy's web site and see that they have finally admitted that they were wrong and have issued an apologyYou should not jump to conclusion and make charges without having all of the facts. That is what the Committee of Seventy did. If we are to trust the organization which is charged with overseeing elections, we must have faith and confidence that they will conduct their business in a fair and honest manner.There has never been any charges of election fraud in our 50th ward, 200th legislative district or 9th council district and I want the record to show that.If your organization desires creditability, I suggest that you conduct yourself in a manner that will gain respect.

Cherelle Parker Accused of Election Impropriety. Is this a surprise,? No, especially not when Coupled with Our DA's Own Impropriety

Once again, the city of Philadelphia receives a black eye. Cherelle Parker won in a landslide victory on Tuesday Night, but not without cheating. For years people have cheated in the Number 1 Fraud City in America and the new State Representative from the 200th legislative District is no different. It is about time the Committee of Seventy, under the new leadership of Zachary Stalberg, got off their tails and made a stink about this. Lets hope this doesn't go away. Some may look and say, "She only brought lunch" or "she only stopped in to say,'hi'". This is not the point. She violated the Election Code. But no one is going to care, tomorrow this will be an afterthought and she will do the same thing next November.

The article even says that the DA's office will look into the complaint. We all know that that is not going to happen. When they were giving awayt free cheese, she was supposed to look into that incident. Well, guess what, after looking at the numbers received from the City Commissioners office, she did not looks into because she wins big in fraud areas. The Democrats in the 35th Ward 20th Division tried to lure voters with cheese and DA Abraham was supposed to look into it. Nevertheless, she has failed to do so maybe because she won that division over Seth Williams with 76% of the vote (this is a housing project) when she only won this division in 2001 over Talmadge by 9 votes however the division right next door 35-20 she only by 1 vote. Why would she want to look into the free cheese it helped out. Also, a major problem in this city is voting in bars and she has the power to step in bc it is illegal and order that polling place moved, but in the 1st ward 6th division she received 84% of the vote (43-9). Also another illegal polling place is the one in Sen. Fumo's office, of course she doesn't want to step in and change that she won that division by 85% of the vote (56-10). It appears Ms Abraham is part of the problem not the solution. The polling place which was house in a bar in the 48th ward 4th division was changed before this Primary after the change she won the division by 2 votes whereas in 2001 she lost this division by 23 votes....

So anyway, Cherelle Parker, congrats on being elected to the State House, even if you did have to do it the old fashioned way.
The Following is the text of the article courtesy of the Daily News...
Accusations of election impropriety spoil Parker's celebration
By DAVE DAVIES
daviesd@phillynews.com
Cherelle Parker had a rough first day as a state representative-elect yesterday.
Within 24 hours of her landslide win in a special election in Northwest Philadelphia, the watchdog group Committee of Seventy announced it has referred several alleged election code violations by Parker to the District Attorney's office.
In a three-page statement issued late yesterday, Committee of Seventy accused Parker of repeatedly entering polling places in violation of the state election code, and of buying lunch for election officials, creating "the appearance of impropriety."
Parker said if her actions violated the election code, it's news to her.
"I visited polling places throughout the 200th legislative district yesterday," Parker said in a telephone interview. "I know you can't engage in electioneering within 10 feet of the polling place, and I didn't."
"I went into polling places to make sure people got their lunch," Parker said. "My campaign bought lunch for committee people and election workers as is customary. It's been done for years. If that's a problem with the election code, that's not something I or my campaign was familiar with."
Committee of Seventy didn't cite the free lunch as a violation of law. But the group's policy director, Christopher Sheridan, said the election code prohibits anybody from entering polling places except voters, election workers and certified poll watchers.
The Committee of Seventy statement said Parker had entered polling places throughout the day even after her campaign was contacted by Committee of Seventy and the District Attorney's office.
"It was election day. There was a lot going on," Parker said. "I remember somebody saying something that you can't campaign in a polling place, but I wouldn't have thought twice about it, because I never do that."
The Committee of Seventy statement said the first time Parker was observed coming out of a polling place in Chestnut Hill, she told a staff member she had just finished voting and was going to visit other polling places.
The committee found that was not her polling place, which Sheridan said suggested she'd misled their staff. Parker said she never misled anyone.
"Someone may have misunderstood what I said," Parker said.
Spokeswoman Cathie Abookire of the District Attorney's office said the office would look into the complaint.

We Need to Transform this Blighted Area

This is an issue that concerns several neighbors in Mayfair. Between the 3400 blocks of Cottman and Ryan Avenues and the 7300 Block of Crispin St (About one block west of Cottman and Frankford) there is a privately owned lot in the shape of a triangle that has been blighted for far too long. We need to take back this property for the public good. Nevertheless, this property would have no value for residential or commercial purposes as it is in the driveway of all three of those blocks. One possible use for this area is a Civic park to used by the residents of those blocks for their enjoyment rather than a place to illegally park their cars and dump their trash (believe me people used to drink back there when I was a teenager - the trees and weeds had been terribly overgrown creating a good camuflage for those that want to conceal themselves from the outside community, however CLIP has stepped in and helped rectify that problem, but they can only do so much). We are going to call a neighbors meeting next week. If you would like more information on this, email the Neighborhood Civic PAC at neighborhoodcivicpac@yahoo.com.

Community Leader Vern Anastasio calls upon Frank DiCicco to Clean up 9th Street

This is the kind of stuff that the Neighborhood Civic PAC is here to promote: communities being their own voice, leaders taking charge and civic leaders promoting the values of their community.

Courtesy of Politicspa.com

For Immediate Release
1 September 2005
215-435-5857

Anastasio Calls on DiCicco to Remove Blight in Passyunk Square
---------Former Democratic candidate for City Council Vern Anastasio called
on 1st District Councilman Frank DiCicco to “develop and implement an
economic development plan for South 9th Street from Washington Avenue to
Federal Street” in the South Philly neighborhood of Passyunk Square.
This section of the Philadelphia Italian Market has been left to decay after
a DiCicco plan to bring a Value Plus Department store to the corridor failed
to materialize several years ago. DiCicco had removed all sidewalk vendors
from the block in anticipation of the Value Plus deal. As a result, blight
and a dangerous beer deli now line the last block of the historic 9th Street
Italian Market.
“In 1994, Joe Vignola and Senator Vince Fumo kick-started the revitalization
of the 9th Street Market. New sidewalks were installed, new streets were
poured, new sewer inlets were put in, merchants suffered through months of
construction and relocation and new awnings began to be installed in
earnest. But over a decade later, almost half of the 9th Street market is
boarded-up and left for ruin because of Councilman DiCicco's lack of vision
for economic renewal from Washington Avenue to Federal Street”, Anastasio
announced.
Anastasio continued, “If, after 12 years, Frank DiCicco doesn’t have a
vision or a plan to revitalize this south Philadelphia block, then he should
step aside and let someone with an actual plan give it a try. The
hard-working volunteers of the Passyunk Square neighborhood deserve a
thoughtful policy.”
Anastasio pointed to the hulking block-long blighted property known as the
“ice house” on south 9th street as the cornerstone upon which his
revitalization plan would be built. Anastasio’s plan calls for the
long-abandoned property to be condemned by the city of Philadelphia, a
responsible developer located and the property conveyed to that developer
for residential and commercial use. Anastasio’s plan would also include the
distribution of façade improvement grants to other property owners to fix
smaller properties.
“If Frank DiCicco spent as much time helping neighbors revitalize their
neighborhoods as he does helping developers with their pet projects, this
part of Passyunk Square would be thriving by now”, Anastasio concluded.
In 1994, the Editorial Board of the Philadelphia Daily News praised the
city’s efforts to revitalize the 9th street market. The Daily News
Editorial Board wrote “credit goes to Anastasio” for “spearheading the
effort” while he worked as a legislative aide to the former 1st District
Councilman, Joe Vignola. Anastasio is a fourth-generation Italian Market
resident and is rasing his two children around the corner from his childhood
home.

Northeast News Gleaner Highlights Several Neighborhood Leaders

Movers and Shakers
By: Edward J. Vassallo and Lauren Fritsky
09/01/2005

A Salute to leaders in Northeast Philadelphia

Martin Bednarek -
Motivated by Personal Pride
Martin Bednarek serves Northeast Philadelphia not only as CEO of Washington Savings Banks but also as a member of the School Reform Commission for the School District of Philadelphia and chairman of the St. Hubert High School President's Advisory Board.

How do you see your role in the community?
As CEO of Washington Savings Bank, I am sensitive to the financial needs of the community and thus provide personalized services. All of our five offices, including our new headquarters, are located in Philadelphia. My employees and I work closely with the neighborhood civic groups and schools near our branches to better the neighborhoods. At no other bank can you call up and speak to the CEO directly. I have in the community. I and my fellow members of the School Reform Commissioners are working tirelessly to improve the education of the children in the district by increasing teacher training, making the schools safer, upgrading the learning facilities, and encouraging partnership with the business community to help stabilize and better our neighborhoods. I also serve as the chairman on the President's Advisory Board at St. Hubert High School and am on various other local boards. I have been a coach of various youth sports for over 30 years teaching young people not only athletic skills but also life lessons to help them grow and aspire to positive goals.
When did you know that you had become a leader?
When I was a junior in high school I was asked to organize a school spirit day, which incorporated motivational speakers and a sports rally. I made a decision to bring in some former drug addicts to speak about their lives and how important it was for us to stay in school and not to abuse drugs. When I looked out into the audience and saw how every person was focused on these speakers, I knew I had done something special.
Who are your role models?
First and foremost are my parents, Joe and Norma, who gave me the foundation of how to treat people with respect. My dad taught me never to lie-if you don't lie you don't have to remember what you told someone; tell the truth and you won't go wrong. My mom taught me to treat people as I would like to be treated. Cuncilwoman Joan Krajewski is not only a friend but also a mentor. No one loves Northeast Philadelphia more than Joan. She does so much for our neighborhoods and is devoted to our community.
What motivates you?
Personal pride motivates me. I enjoy interacting with people, especially children and senior citizens. There is so much to learn from their perspectives. Giving of myself to others has always been rewarding. What image do you hope to convey to the community? I hope that I convey an image of personal integrity, that I am a truly caring person who is a good listener in tune with the needs of the community. Most people know that I am an accessible person and a problem solver. If I give you my word that I will commit myself to a project, then you know that you can count on me 100 percent.
What is your favorite time of day?
I feel good about most of my day. But my most productive time is midnight to about 3:00 a.m. My family is asleep, the phones are quiet and I can get a lot of paperwork and planning done. I also enjoy dinnertime with my kids.
How do you unwind after a long week?
Friday night is "date night" with my wife Lorri. We've been married 25 years this September and after a hectic week of meetings and activities, we've made it a habit of setting aside time alone together to reconnect and catch up on each other. We usually go to one of the many great restaurants in the Northeast, sometimes a movie or a concert.
What are your hobbies?
I am a "gym rat". I love basketball and organized a girls AAU basketball program (Northeast Rockers) here in the Northeast nearly 10 years ago. I am also involved in the Northeast Girls Inter-Club Basketball League. I love to coach and have been very successful because of my positive coaching style. I try to bring out the best in players through respect and honesty. The greatest thrill for me is when my former players call me up to ask for advice or to just chat.
Give us a little know fact about yourself. I love to wear Jerry Garcia ties. The late Grateful Dead band member was an artist whose works have been incorporated into a clothing line of men's ties. I also enjoy listening to the music of Barry White.
____________________________________________________________
Patricia DeAngelis -
Advocated for those in needPatricia DeAngelis,
President and CEO of Nazareth Hospital, began her career as a nurse and now runs a hospital that was ranked #1 for stroke care in PA three years in a row. The Catholic Leadership Institute recently named her one of the 2005 recipients of the Award for Outstanding Catholic Leadership. She runs the hospital while keeping with the traditions of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and also contributes to the community.
When did you know you had become a leader?
In nursing school.
How do you see your role in the community?
I am an advocate for those in need. What image do you hope to convey to the community? Excellence, quality, safety, service and love.
What is your favorite time of day?
Morning. It is another gift and another opportunity to grow and impact the lives of others.
How do you unwind after a long day/week?
Embarrassed to say, but I read People magazine!
Who are your role models?
Mother Theresa; Pope John Paul II; my husband.
What motivates you?
Need and love.
What are your hobbies?
Kayaking, walking and playing ball with my sons and husband.
Give us a little known fact about you?
I met the Pope - It was awesome!____________________________________________________________
Gary Cozens -
His credo is helping others
Gary Cozens works at Heritage Insurance, but he is best known for his work with the youth of Mayfair and as the driving force behind the Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade. Each year, thousands of Mayfair families gather on Frankford Ave. for what has become the largest neighborhood parade in Philadelphia.
When did you know you had become a leader?
My first clue was when the News Gleaner contacted me to complete this questionnaire. Prior to that, I was just a volunteer offering my help as needed.
How do you see your role in the community?
I feel all citizens should step forward and take whatever necessary action is needed to make their community or neighborhood a better place in which to live and raise their families. Don't wait or expect someone else to do it for you. I feel any positive action is always better than a reaction.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
I hope that my image is taken as a neighbor that cares about others.
What is your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day usually comes when I least expect it. To bring a smile, or make a difference in someone's life is always my favorite time of day.
How do you unwind after a long day/week?
Usually, I take off my shirt and tie and veg out with my family. Nothing like watching the History or the Western channel after a long day.
Who are your role models?
Those who enjoy the same things that bring a smile to my face. I respect those community members that honestly care about others.
What motivates you?
Doing a good job at what I attempt to do. Always expect the best from yourself and others.
What are your hobbies?
When my children were younger, I enjoyed getting involved in their sports activities. Now that my girls are older, I enjoy cooking for family and friends as we come together on special occasions. My deviled eggs are supposed to be good.
Give us a little known fact about you?
I'm the only "COZENS" in the phone book. And, I was "All Public" in fencing at Frankford High School. Everyone asks - which kind, cyclone or picket?____________________________________________________________
Reese Hartey -
Striving for a better Northeast
As Chairman of the Mayfair Community Development Corporation, Reese Hartey works to strengthen the community by redeveloping the Devon Theater and through the construction of the John M. Perzel Community Center at Mayfair Playground, which will be opening this fall.
How do you see your role in the community?
I see my role as chairman of the Mayfair CDC as the advocate for the community. As that advocate I work with other organizations within the community, city and state to make sure that Mayfair is well represented and is portrayed in the positive light that it should be. As the chair of the CDC, I believe it is my responsibility to develop programs that will benefit the Mayfair community and make sure that I identify the resources needed to make that program viable.
When did you know you had become a leader?
My first experience at real leadership was as a 20-year-old sailor on board a nuclear submarine and I was put in charge of the forward electrical section. Since then I think I have grown as a leader by watching the examples of others, Tom Forkin for one, and having the benefit of working with and being surrounded by great people.
Who are your role models?
President Reagan, Saint John Neumann, my wife, Teresa. My wife and I have four boys, between them and me it is a full-time job and no matter what the dilemma she seems to pull it off.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
That the CDC is here to make sure that Mayfair continues to be a great place to live and work and that people working together can be a force for positive change in the community.
What is your favorite time of day?
At home, I really like the evenings. Things are usually quieter and I can get caught up with the family. Down the shore, I like the mornings before anyone else gets up, to get a cup of coffee and read the paper.
How do you unwind after a long week?
I spend time with my family, read and watch old movies.
What are your hobbies?
I read and I enjoy watching my boys play sports.
Give us a little known fact about you.
I took three weeks and drove cross-country in a 1967 Mustang after getting out of the Navy.
____________________________________________________________
Sister Francesca Onley -
Devotion to God, fellow man
Sister Francesca Onley has been president of Holy Family University since 1981. She has received recognition is several publications, including the Philadelphia Business Journal and the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she was listed as one of the 2004 Women of Distinction. As a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, she receives no pay for her work as university president, but remains an integral part of the institution's continual growth and success.
When did you know you had become a leader?
Leadership is a "state of becoming." It is a never-ending process of personal development that never ends.
How do you see your role in the community?
As a religious woman dedicated to service and leadership for others.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
The image of a peaceful, progressive educator working for the benefit of others as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
What is your favorite time of day and why?
Early morning quiet time to pray, think and plan.
How do you unwind after a long day/week?
Read, pray, enjoy a movie!
Who are your role models?
All those who live around me and those who have similar goals.
What motivates you?
Other persons who see that the needs of others must be met.
What are your hobbies?
Reading.
Give us a little-known fact about you.
I'm a "Mayfair girl" who has traveled the world in fulfillment of my religious and educational responsibilities.
____________________________________________________________
Tom Forkin -
Heart never far from Mayfair
Tom Forkin, Vice President of the Mayfair CDC, is an entrepreneur and former PIDC member. No matter what area of the city he is developing, his heart is never far from Mayfair, a community he has already helped revitalize in a few short years.
How do you see your role in the community?
Advocate, community liaison and trouble-shooter
When did you know you had become a leader?
In my view, leadership evolves. It is earned and recognized over time. Hopefully, I am working to earn that label through my civic involvement and other activities.
Who are your role models?
Historic? JFK, RFK, Pope John Paul II. Personal? My dad.
What motivates you?
Personal sense of accomplishment; concrete results, betterment of neighborhood and helping people.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
Accessibility and competence.
What is your favorite time of day?
Evening - time to relax (sometimes) and for family
How do you unwind after a long week?
Being with and doing things with my family (Donna, Tommy and Becky), going out to dinner and/or a ball game.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, walking, Eagles, Jersey Shore.
Give us a little known fact about you. I was on the field for part of BP during 1996 All-star game in Philadelphia.