POLS ON THE STREET: Will David Beat Goliath In 177th?

Democrat State Representative nominee William F. Dunbar will host an Open House in the 177th Dist. at the corner of Tulip Street & E. Allegheny Avenue this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. This will mark the beginning of what could be the most-important legislative district race in the City.

If Dunbar succeeds, he will be the first Democrat to do so since 1984 when State Rep. John Taylor (R-Kensington) was elected to that seat. To do so, he will need to help increase Democrat registrations, work to become a recognizable name in the district which wends its ways through the river wards, and be seen as someone who can reproduce the work habits that have earned Taylor the title of “go-to guy” for constituent services.

There is no doubt Dunbar is putting his all on this race. He’s been all over Bridesburg, Fishtown, Kensington, Northern Liberties and Port Richmond, visiting communities he would not have thought of doing until he assessed there were changes in the 177th that could benefit a serious Democrat challenge.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia’s Overbrook Farms, Dunbar is a public-school product who graduated Bartram HS before going on to Lincoln University, where he majored in political science and criminal justice. Dunbar went on to the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his master’s in government administration. He became a special assistant to Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-Phila.), with whom he first served as an intern, following that up as State Rep. Tony Payton’s (D-Kensington) director of community relations. Dunbar moved into the district five years ago, making his home in Port Richmond. Married to Fay Reynolds, he is the father of three boys, the oldest of whom is seven.

He entered the spring primary as a Democrat, with competition from Richard Antipuna, a community activist. This was pleasant surprise for the Democrat ward leaders in the district, who over the years had often been forced to literally concede the seat to Taylor. Dunbar won handily, wooing and picking up the enthusiasm of the same ward leaders, who now see a chance to beat the Republican Goliath with Dunbar, who was indeed a newcomer to them.

Today, the 28-year-old Dunbar is seen as their first real shot to take down Taylor. He’s moving around within the district. Signs are going up. Last week, Dunbar was seen at the Mother of Divine Grace Italian Festival where he was welcomed by parishioners. Earlier in the month, he spent every second introducing himself to potential voters at the K & A festival earlier.

His campaign kickoff will mark the beginning of his door-to-door campaigning throughout the district until November. Unlike the primary, he’ll have with him the full backing of the elected leadership of the Democrat Party.

177th State House Dist. in Kensington and Lower N.E. Phila.

Dunbar has analyzed Taylor’s ability to keep his seat are “the turnouts he gets each time he runs in the 45th and 25th.” Taylor is Republican leader of the 25thWard and Kevin Pasquay is GOP leader of the 45th – two powerful local organizations. Dunbar believes that can change. The registration tide has slowly been changing in favor of Democrat candidates in the district and he sees weaknesses for Taylor in Wards 23, 31, 33, 55 and 62. “I hope to help those ward leaders build up majorities in November,” he avers.

Dunbar also notes the district leans heavily Democrat for presidential elections.

Taylor has the distinction of being the only remaining Republican legislator in the Philadelphia caucus. It’s to him the city must turn to convey its legislative interests to the Republican majorities in the General Assembly. Taylor, who is an attorney and of counsel to the Archer & Greiner law firm, is a major force in the legislature. His effectiveness, this year alone, has resulted in movement toward a Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Foreclosure program; he also helped the city with its land-bank bills, worked to keep Catholic schools open and boosted charter schools. In addition to his role as chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, Taylor has also been deeply involved in the problem of school violence and has been at the forefront of the fight against the abuses of Oxycontin, the prescription pain killer.

A look at Taylor’s website  shows the mild-mannered legislator is constantly involved in community events, while it updates constituents through vocal and motion-picture interaction with him. He maintains three district offices – all supporting his recognition as a “constituent-oriented legislator” – covering sections of the 177th. They are located at 2901 Thompson Street, 1039 E. Hunting Park Avenue and 4725 Richmond Street.

CASEY BREAKFAST DRAWS A CROWD

Fundraisers in Philadelphia are few and far between in this city during the summer months, unless, of course, you go the breakfast route.

This was what drew a packed crowd to the Racquet Club yesterday morning as Democrat heavy hitters sponsored a fundraiser for Pennsylvania’s senior US Sen. Bob Casey. We would have had pics in today’s edition, except for a “no-press” policy.

GREENS AGAINST SALE OF CITY’S GAS WORKS

The City Committee of the Green Party of Philadelphia says Mayor Michael Nutter has failed to make his case in favor of selling PGW to the highest bidder.

Since 1836, the Philadelphia Gas Works has provided citizens with gas for many purposes. Currently, PGW has more than 514,000 customers. PGW is the largest municipally owned gas utility in the US, and the utility’s 1,654 employees are required to live within Philadelphia, where they are part of the city’s tax base.

GPOP Chair Vivek Ananthan, of the 5th Ward, stated, “PGW pays the City an $18-million franchise fee each year.” Green Party leaders point out no one yet knows how much the preparation for a sale will cost Philadelphia, an expense PGW’s customers to pay for.

The Philadelphia Gas Commission commented, “We have grave reservations about the wisdom and appropriateness of such expenditures and how they would be of benefit to PGW’s customers.”

MELLOW LOSES STATE PENSION

Pleading guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and filing a false federal tax return has cost former State Sen. Robert Mellow (D-Lackawanna) his $138,959-a-year pension and the $107,165-a-year share of his pension that his ex-wife received.

The State Employees’ Retirement System last week notified the 69-year-old former Scranton-area Senator the state Public Employee Pension Forfeiture Act applies to the crimes he admitted to committing while he held public office. That law allows pension benefits to be stripped if the public trust has been violated.

FELDER SEEKS BOXING BOON

Jeff Felder is setting his sights on helping boost Philadelphia boxing to the heights it once enjoyed. He’s promoting an “Independence Weekend Boxing” show at the Convention Center, Jul. 7. First Bout at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $100. For tickets (215) 386-7974, (215) 416-1282.

WILL ABORTION STAND IMPACT ON BOB CASEY?

US Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-Pa.) in one way is, like his father was, a popular elected official. But although he followed his dad’s career as he moved up the political ladder, he moved away from his father’s philosophies.

Though it seems pro-abortion and pro-life polls show the Commonwealth’s voters almost equally on both sides of that equation, Junior must reflect that his dad’s anti-abortion stand did not lessen his gubernatorial victory in 1990. Senior won by one million votes.

The younger Casey’s opponent, GOP US senatorial candidate Tom Smith, believes a majority of Pennsylvania voters still believe abortions are senseless killings.

DEBBIE BRADY CHASES THUGS

Debbie Brady, First Lady of the Democratic City Committee and wife of Congressman Bob Brady, did what she was supposed to do when thugs invaded her home. She banged at the window of the closed door that separated her from them and literally ordered them out. Much to their chagrin, they put their tails between their legs and disappeared. Lucky for them! Had she opened the door, Debbie would have made mincemeat out of them. Congrats to Debbie.

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