CITY HALL SAM: Best Parties Of The Season

The holiday cheer and good tidings were overflowing at MARK SEGAL’S annual holiday party at the offices of the Philadelphia Gay News.

The crowded gathering featured politicos singing a stunning rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.

The politicos joining in the fun included CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY, former CONTROLLER JONATHON SAIDEL, City CONTROLLER ALAN BUTKOVITZ and STATE SEN. MIKE STACK. Segal joined the Holiday Choir for the song and the group threw in some perfectly timed leg kicks.

Other politicos attending the party, but not joining the choir, were the Congressman’s top political consultant and Wise Man KEN SMUCKLER. Ken was seen talking to former GOV. ED RENDELL’S top political consultant and Wise Man DAVID L. COHEN. There is no doubt that they were engaging and reveling in the electoral success of Democrats and plotting strategy for the upcoming races for Governor and City Row Offices.

The ubiquitous BILLY DOLBOW was on hand with fellow WARD LEADER BOBBY DELLAVELLA. Aspiring judge candidate SIERRA THOMAS-STREET was seen speaking to political operative CHRIS MALLIOS.

Segal is the outspoken and exuberant leader of Philadelphia’s LGBT community. It was quite a sight to see Segal making remarks using a bullhorn in the PGN newsroom. Mark rarely needs a bullhorn to be heard. Smart, confident and full of vigor, he is a strong advocate for equal rights.

Joining Segal for the festivities were fellow gay-rights advocates TED MARTIN, executive director of Equality PA; Equality PA President ADRIAN SHANKER; and PGN Editor JEN COLLETTA. Equality PA has worked to set up a LGBT Caucus within the General Assembly. Most of the Philadelphia House and Senate Delegation have joined.

PCN Bank Mid-Atlantic PRESIDENT BILL MILLS was seen working the room at the PGN Holiday party. Mills is a smart, talented chief executive who lives in Philadelphia. Could he be considering a run for Mayor? Bill is a Democrat and would certainly have the support of the Philadelphia business community, not to mention access to their substantial pocketbooks. With his leadership capabilities and ability to fundraise from the business community, CHS believes Mills would be a formidable mayoral candidate.

Mills and many other business and political leaders gathered in New York City for the annual Pennsylvania Society Weekend from Dec. 6-9. A great time was had by all, but five events stood out. Here are the CHS’s Top 5:

1. JOHNNY DOC’S IBEW Local 98 Party Friday night party at the Waldorf. Reason for the Ranking: Best dance music, best food and a free book.

2. Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Reception, Saturday evening before the Pennsylvania Society Dinner. Reason for the Ranking: great shrimp, great reception room and great Republicans.

3. Waste Management Party, Saturday night at the Waldorf. Reason for the Ranking: great small room, easy to work the crowd, easy-to-handle appetizers and easy-access bar.

4. AUDITOR GENERAL JACK WAGNER’S Cocktail Reception, Friday evening at the Waldorf. Reason for the Ranking: free ginger brandy takeaways, relaxed atmosphere, and of course, Jack Wagner.

5. Temple University Breakfast, Sunday morning at the Waldorf Starlight Room. Reason for the Ranking: You know you’re leaving, you get to see everyone one last time, and the cheese blintzes are heaven.

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