Pols pay a pre-election
visit to Bustleton

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Politicians were out in force at the Greater Bustleton Civic League meeting last week.
Brendan Boyle, the Democratic candidate for state Rep. George Kenney’s seat in the 170th district, and Rich Costello, the former president of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 5, who is the Democratic candidate in the 172nd district, told civic members where they stood on such issues as education, health care and property taxes.
The FOP recently endorsed both men.
"We’re partners on the same team. We’re not running against each other," Boyle said.
Boyle, who lost bids to unseat Kenney in the 2004 and 2006 elections, touted his work on the REACH scholarship legislation, which he had initiated in previous runs for office. The measure, which was introduced in the state House last year by state Rep. Tony Payton, would provide free college tuition to all students who fulfill attendance and academic standards.
Boyle also spoke of his support for tougher laws to crack down on criminals, as well as his support of a property tax homestead exemption for senior citizens who have lived in their homes for 20 to 25 years.
Costello told members of the civic group that while he was known for pounding his fists when fighting for the FOP, he’d have plenty of reasons to continue that in Harrisburg because of key issues like gun control and health care.
John Farley, a Republican candidate for the 5th district state Senate seat, also discussed his campaign with attendees at the meeting.
In other business, Capt. Joseph Zaffino, commander of the 7th Police District, told residents about a rash of GPS systems being stolen from cars across the Northeast. He suggested that owners of such electronic items as cell phones, GPS systems and iPods should unplug the cords from the power source and take the devices with them, rather than just hide them out of sight.
He also noted that some thieves targeted cars because of the little suction-cup circle that remains on a windshield after removal of the GPS system.
Zaffino also praised 7th district officers because crime is significantly down in the district and their efforts have been "through the roof."
During the meeting, civic members voted unanimously to support a zoning variance for 9415 Bustleton Ave. to permit temporary storage of landscaping equipment. That approval would expire in June 2010, with storage limited to the use of existing sheds, three trailers and two plows. No equipment can be left outside, and no cuttings or waste can be stored on the property.
John McKeever also announced that the civic group was awarded a $7,500 grant to cover the organization’s insurance for the next three years, mailing costs, a projector and a scanner.
It also was announced that the civic group’s nominating committee will offer candidates for GBCL officers during the next meeting later this month. ••
The Greater Bustleton Civic League will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the American Heritage Federal Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. For more information, visit www.gbcleague.com
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com