Taubenberger makes his
pitch at Northwood Civic

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Republican mayoral candidate Al Taubenberger opposes any effort by the Board of Revision of Taxes to implement a full-value assessment of properties.
At present, the BRT uses a complicated formula to determine property taxes.
By going to a full-value system, the board would lower the millage rate, but Taubenberger thinks many homeowners would be penalized.
"It will shoot your property taxes up very high," he said, adding that he supports a cap on property tax hikes of 4 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
Taubenberger spoke at last week’s meeting of the Northwood Civic Association. He acknowledged his underdog status to Democrat Michael Nutter, who has a big fund-raising advantage.
The Republican candidate is president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and heads the Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association.
On the issue of crime, he supports a bill introduced by state Rep. John Perzel (R-172nd dist.) that would add 10,000 police officers throughout Pennsylvania, with the state picking up half of the tab. Philadelphia would gain 1,300 officers.
Taubenberger is a big supporter of the city’s curfew centers, favors more beat cops and would be so deliberate in his selection of a new commissioner that he might ask Sylvester Johnson, the retiring commissioner, to stay on the job a little longer.
The state legislature should pass, he believes, a bill that would increase the penalty for removing the serial number on a gun.
"That should be a felony of the first degree," he said.
Taubenberger also indicated his support for smaller class sizes and more mayoral appointees to the SEPTA board of directors.
In other news from the Oct. 16 meeting:
• Gary Grisafi, the Republican candidate in the 7th Councilmanic District, said he opposes city-funded programs that provide free needles to drug addicts, condoms to prisoners and sex-change operations.
"I think the money should go to more teachers, job training and police," he said.
Grisafi, a music teacher, is running against Democrat Maria Quinones-Sanchez and independent Luis Pineda.
The Republican is focusing much of his campaign on education. He wants curriculum to include anti-drug and anti-gun messages, along with respect for neighbors and pride in neighborhoods. He favors more after-school programs for art, music, dance and academic learning.
• Phil Kerwick, a Republican candidate for an at-large Council seat, is running because he fears that Quinones-Sanchez and the rest of Council will be too radical.
"They’re going to make San Francisco and Berkeley look moderate," he said. "The Democratic Party is a party of socialism."
Kerwick, a Burholme resident and Republican leader of the 35th Ward, owns Blasius Chocolate Factory on East Venango Street. He brought two boxes of candy for residents to sample.
The candidate believes the School District of Philadelphia overpaid for the site that will become the new Samuel Fels High School and for its new headquarters, once the home of the printing plant for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Kerwick stands with Councilman Brian O’Neill, the only member of Council who voted against a bill that would force the Boy Scouts out of its longtime headquarters because the organization does not permit gay leaders.
• Stephanie Kruel, community relations coordinator for PhillyCarShare, spoke about her organization, which recently opened a location at the Frankford Transportation Center.
One of the goals of the organization is to improve the environment by taking cars off the streets.
Members receive personal keys for cars parked in their neighborhood. There’s a $15 monthly membership fee along with hourly and daily rates. Reservations are made online.
For more information, call 215-730-0988 or visit phillycarshare.org
• Caitlyn Gallagher announced that City Year is serving Frankford High School this academic year. The organization is made up of young adults who offer academic support.
At Frankford, seven members are assisting in the classroom. They serve as tutors, help students develop effective study and learning habits and act as role models and mentors.
• Nominations were taken for civic association leadership positions.
Barry Howell, a member of the board of directors, will face Tom McAvoy for president in next month’s election.
Nominated for vice president were incumbent Michael Bane and Kathleen Fitzpatrick, the group’s secretary and a member of the board of directors.
Gina Panchella, who became president in the summer when Joe Menkevich resigned, is running for a spot on the five-member board of directors. She’ll be joined on the ballot by Joanne Ryles and incumbents Fitzpatrick, Lou Kubik and Renee Hudson. The other incumbent, Bill Rodebaugh, will stay as treasurer.
• Northwood Civic Association’s next meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com