"Do Not Pass Go... Go Directly To Jail."

Disgraced Former State Rep. Acosta Heads To Jail!

HUNTING PARK - Former State Representative Leslie Acosta (D-197) was a rising star! Until her own flames burned her down. Acosta, indicted and disgraced in a scandal that began before she was elected was sentenced to 7 months in a Federal Pentitentiary. Likely somewhere like Allenwood, which is more like a Country Club than prison, but prison is prison when your movement and activities are strictly limited and controlled. (It's where the late, former City Councilman Jimmy Tayoun spent 2 years). 

Lies, extortion, money laundering and more lies have enduring consequences. The figures don't lie; and liars never figure.

Acosta was the first Latina State Representative in The PA House of Representatives. In the 1980's her father Ralph Acosta blazed the trail as the first Latino elected to a then mostly White, 180th District in mostly Kensington/Fishtown. Now, 85 years of age and "Retired" he lives mostly in Central America. 

As someone who knew Acosta (since she was 9 years old), I was outraged by her actions. Leslie was active in the early formative days of ONE Feltonville and our Town Watch.(Though I was leery of her involvement equalling an "Agenda"). Acosta replaced another indicted Representative in the same seat, J P (Jose) Miranda In fact, the 197th PA Legislative District has been a disgrace itself since long time incumbent Bill Reiger held the seat [in what was then the 179th District]. Later held by Tony Payton ( a housing activist and community organizer from the Frankford neighborhood), and now, Jason Dawkins, a former City Council Aide to Maria Q. Sanchez.

I can't say I was an ardent supporter. I was around and with Leslie a lot during her campaign. But, had adopted a wait-and-see attitude. I was often, accused, tongue-in-cheek, mostly of being a 'spy' for then write in, perennial Candidate Edward Lloyd, a Democratic Committeeperson, activist, and loud mouthed conspiracy theorist. Meanwhile, I constantly accused Acosta of being "just another politician!". She constantly countered "No, no, really (Blackie) I'm not like them. C'mon. Seriously, I want to help people.".

Meanwhile, it seems, at the end of the day she had ben helping people all along. Helping them to what Former (Convicted) State Senator Vince Fumo called "OPM" ("Other People's Money").

Though Acosta resigned her seat (forced to resign) she stayed active in the behind-the-scenes, politics and corruption of the District and maintained strong ties to the Matos-Tartaglione clan and their corrupt clout!

Voters in the District just chose one non-resident of the District over another, over the incumbent. Neither Candidate Freddy Ramirez (An Acosta ally), nor Danilo Burgos (Former City Council Staffer to Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez (D-7th District) and Alan Domb (D At Large), live IN the 197th District. Incumbent Emilio Vasquez does live in the District, was the Ward Leader of the 43rd Ward, but was ineffective, near inept at the electioneering necessary to keep his seat. (Maybe, he'll have his political patronage job at the Philadelphia Parking Authority to fall back on).

I can happily say, I don't live in the 197th anymore. In my Olney community, now, State Representative Jason Dawkins is my Representative. I have his ear. We may not have each others' respect. (We had our 'issues' with each other about his former Boss-lady). But, for my vote, he gets the job done. So far, I haven't heard about him having his hand in anyone else's money drawer! So far, ...

Meanwhile, stay tuned for more and more indictments to keep coming down in the dirtiest district in the city... possibly the entire Commonwealth. (PHOTO: ©Philadelphia Daily News)

This "Commentary/EDITORIAL"
© DMB dba ARGO-Liberty Communications~Philadelphia
29-Jun-2018
Previously appeared in a different format/version
with © Philadelphia Daily News/Philly dot com
content on My facebook page, HERE
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© D. Michael Blackie, Principal/Owner 2018 aka Brother Michael, OSL ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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