This is a follow-up story to our  coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoods funded by J-Lab.

If any assumption was ever made about the Northeast, by any Philadelphian, it would be its position as a younger brother to Center City Philadelphia, not unlike Philadelphia in comparison with New York. However, Mayfair Civic Association President Joe DeFelice said that was an image his neighborhood aimed to defy.

One year ago, after and extreme fundraising effort, DeFelice met with NEast Philly to discuss the renovation and reopening of the Mayfair Memorial Playground. At the time, Mayfair was struggling with the recent political changes caused by the indictment of Pennsylvania House 172nd District’s Rep. John Perzel. The indictment, coupled with a downturned economy, forced the district into a difficult era.

State grants, which were freely given in previous years, dried up. Pennsylvania voted in a Republican governor and a Republican majority who created serious budgetary constraints. In the 172nd District freshman Rep. Kevin Boyle was elected in 2010. continue reading »

This is part of ongoing coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoods funded by J-Lab.

The self-professed architect of a Pennsylvania House Republican scheme to pay for political campaign computer software with taxpayer dollars is headed for jail.

The former state House Speaker, John Perzel, has been sentenced to up to five years in prison. He also was ordered to pay $1 million in restitution, as well as thousands in fines. continue reading »

The Stokes House at 2876-80 Welsh Rd. in Holme Circle. Photo/Shannon McDonald

There are major developments happening in Holme Circle. Or at least there will be.

The Stokes property at 2876-80 Welsh Rd. has a new owner, though he insists whatever is to come for the property isn’t happening any time soon.

John Parsons of BSI Constructors was at the Holme Circle Civic Association meeting Wednesday night to deliver the news of no news. BSI has purchased the home from Samuel “Buzz” Stokes to, as Parsons put it, “help a family friend.”

Stokes was unable to care for the rambling property and instead decided to attend to his legal fees accrued in the corruption trial for former Pa. Rep. John Perzel, in which Stokes pleaded guilty to helping divert state money to Perzel’s political funding. BSI has hired Perzel, Stokes’ brother-in-law, as a consultant. You might recognize Parsons for his work at Island Green Golf course, numerous charter schools and the Holy Family University proposal for Liddonfield.

“Termites have taken over that property completely,” Parsons said. The spacious lot once compromised many of the surrounding neighborhood before the Stokes family sold off portions of it for development in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Now it’s limited to a single home facing Pollock School and Winchester Swim Club with property that backs up to the 2800-block of Walnut Hill Street. And it’s decaying. continue reading »

Al Taubenberger at the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. File Photo/Morgan Zalot

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with comments from incumbent Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-172nd).

State Rep. Kevin Boyle has already announced his re-election bid for the 172nd Legislative District.

And if Al Taubenberger accepts the endorsement the Republican City Committee has offered, the two will square off in the general election.

Taubenberger, of Burholme, told NEast Philly today he’s still considering the endorsement and weighing whether he’ll run. We spoke with him after the Public Record reported he’d already decided to enter the race. continue reading »

Just a year after taking state office, Rep. Kevin Boyle has announced his re-election bid for the 172nd District seat.

Fox Chase attorney Robert Nix hasn't decided if he'll run for the 172nd Legislative seat in the next election. Photo by G.E. Reutter

Fox Chase attorney Robert S. Nix had been mulling over a run against freshman State Rep. Kevin Boyle in next year’s race, but it seems unlikely he’ll go for it.

“Before I would make such a decision, my considerations include, first and foremost, my family,” he said. “It was an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience to run for state Senate in 2008, but it was also highly demanding on my wife and three daughters. I would fully expect that at least several qualified Republicans in the new 172nd District will seek the nomination, and if so, I will not run.” continue reading »

Calling for a wave of young civic engagement in Philadelphia, state Rep. Kevin Boyle followed Mayor Michael Nutter in speaking at the State of Young Philly final showcase Friday night.

The close to the two week event series, organized by Young Involved Philadelphia, was held in the cavernous and ornate Gershman Y in Center City. Boyle, 31, was invited to represent a younger order in state representation.

continue reading »

This is part of ongoing coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoodsfunded by J-Lab.

With Perzel and three co-defendants having already pled guilty to their roles in a corruption scandal, Perzel’s former campaign aide Don McClintock testified in court Tuesday that state-paid technology staffers, computer software, and equipment were routinely used to fuel Perzel’s reelection campaigns over a decade.

In what’s expected to be a weeks-long trial, McClintock solidified his guilty plea in court when he explained how the “Computergate” scandal worked to use taxpayer money to further Perzel’s GOP campaign for his seat in the 172nd District, now occupied by Rep. Kevin Boyle.

This is part of ongoing coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoodsfunded by J-Lab.

John Perzel, former Pennsylvania House Speaker and 172nd Legislative District rep, pleaded guilty today as expected to eight of 82 counts of corruption, conspiracy, theft and conflict of interest.

Both Perzel and Rep. Kevin Boyle, who defeated Perzel in last fall’s election, have released statements about the plea:

“I have decided today that my fight has come to an end,” Perzel said in court. “The truth is that as the legislative leader of my caucus, I oversaw the spending of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds, and I bear the responsibility for the improprieties that occurred in the spending of those dollars.” continue reading »

This is part of ongoing coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoodsfunded by J-Lab.

John Perzel, former 17nd District representative and former House Speaker, is expected to plead guilty tomorrow to charges of public corruption. He was set to go to trial this fall. continue reading »