Drawing First Blood

Democratic 1st District City Council candidate Vernon Anastasio has invoked the name of attorney Richard Sprague.

by Mary F. Patel

Democratic 1st District City Council candidate Vernon Anastasio has invoked the name of attorney Richard Sprague in his latest missive against his primary opponent, Councilman Frank DiCicco. Anastasio is demanding that DiCicco "detail his personal and professional relationship" with Sprague and that "it is widely known that Sprague has represented DiCicco in the past."

Sprague is currently representing DiCicco's padron, state Sen. Vincent Fumo, against a federal indictment that alleges that Fumo defrauded Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods by using funds and employees of the tax-exempt nonprofit for his personal and political benefit. U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan recently asked the court to remove Sprague from the case, claiming Sprague's firm was paid substantial sums from Citizens Alliance. Anastasio is using Sprague as fodder in declaring that "the people have a right to know DiCicco's ties to Sprague so that voters can make an informed decision on Election Day."

In response, DiCicco campaign manager Renee Gilinger said Anastasio should spend more time knocking on doors. "The only connection that Frank DiCicco has with Mr. Sprague is one letter," she said.

University of the Arts Professor Harris Fogel and Michael Nutter at the PFS soiree at the Park Hyatt Bellevue Photo By: Gail Kamenish (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Gilinger went on to explain that about four years ago, Anastasio accused DiCicco and his sons of depressing the real estate market on Passyunk Avenue by buying property, then funding revitalization and selling the property at an increased rate. "They never actually owned any property," she said, "so Sprague sent Anastasio a letter asking for a retraction, which Anastasio never provided. ... DiCicco dropped his portion, but his son, Christian, did not."

Though Gilinger noted that the case was settled two weeks ago — an assertion backed by the court docket — Anastasio denied that. Anastasio said that DiCicco should reveal who paid Sprague to write the letter. "Was it DiCicco or Citizens Alliance?" he asked. Gilinger's answer: DiCicco.

Gilinger added that since Anastasio was interested in voters making informed decisions, he should explain why his PAC, Neighbors for Change, took a $10,500 contribution from local businessman Bob Guzzardi. A member of the ultraconservative Club for Growth, Guzzardi drew the ire of the gay and lesbian community because of his staunch anti-gay views and support of former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum. Guzzardi had been part owner of 12th Street Gym in the gayborhood until, after it was picketed by patrons, he supposedly sold off his interest.

Anastasio confirmed Guzzardi's contribution, and said funds were used to help his campaign in 2003 when he ran against DiCicco in the Democratic primary. (He never made it to the ballot; DiCicco supporters successfully challenged his financial disclosure statement in court.)

"But that was four years ago," said Anastasio of Guzzardi's contribution. "No one knew who Bob Guzzardi was back then. I was one of the people who picketed 12th Street Gym."

Anastasio added DiCicco is very litigious, but Gilinger retorted that DiCicco has only filed one defamation suit against Anastasio in 2005 for calling him "mentally ill" publicly. That case remains active.

This and That

Voters going to the polls for the May 15 primary election should allow themselves plenty of time. Lines are expected to be very long because of the intense interest in the mayor's race, as well as the volume of names vying for all the City Council and judicial candidates.

Bill Rubin of the City Commissioners Office, said the names for the ballot were still being formulated. Rubin pointed out that aside from electing candidates, there will be nine ballot questions that were recently approved by City Council.

The first, propelled by anti-casino activists, asks whether the city's Home Rule Charter should be amended to prohibit council from taking any action that would permit licensed gaming within 1,500 feet of a residentially zoned district.

Several other questions also require a charter change. They ask if candidates who have city jobs should continue to be required to resign to run for another office; if members of the six-member panel of the city Planning Commission all should have a background in city planning; and whether the city should establish a Youth Commission.

On a wider scale, voters will be asked whether the U.S. should continue to deploy troops overseas; whether the city should borrow $129 million for transit, streets, parks and economic development; and whether the city Board of Revision of Taxes should be allowed to go ahead with its plan to assess real estate taxes on the basis of full valuation.

Rubin said there is no word yet on whether polls will stay open longer to accommodate the lengthy ballot.

Michael Nutter was the only mayoral candidate who attended a posh film party Saturday night at XIX Nineteen Cafe atop the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue. Hosted by the Philadelphia Film Society, PFS executive director Thom Cardwell and hotel GM Jeffrey Miller, the party paid tribute to Roy Disney and noted film critic Leonard Maltin, who were in town for the 16th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival which opened last week.

Cardwell said it was unclear how Nutter got there but surmised he was invited by guests who are Nutter supporters.

(rcpatel@aol.com)