Pols On The Street: Early Mayoral Bids Miss The Point

So we won’t give our growing list of announced mayoral candidates much space between now and the November election, because as fast as they declare, almost as fast some will reconsider and drop off before the deadline for filing nominating petitions.

SPARKS FLY IN 1ST GUV DEBATE

In the main arena remains the gubernatorial race. Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, now an underdog in the polls to Democratic challenger Tom Wolf.

With polls giving Wolf a strong edge, finances now seem to be going Wolf’s way as well. Wolf has about a million and a half dollars more than Corbett into the last six weeks of the campaign. Wolf’s camp indicating it raised about $9.6 million and spent more than $6.2 million, and still has nearly $6.5 million in cash, while the Corbett campaign said it raised and spent just over $8 million in the period, with nearly $4.8 million in cash.

In their first television debate before a friendly business audience of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Monday, Corbett came alive. He emerged as feisty and human. Wolf remained unflappable and unperturbed, noting he was also a Chamber member and calling himself a non-traditional candidate – a big businessman able to effect changes.

The State’s budget indicates $27 billion is set aside for education; Wolf said more was needed but left unanswered how much.He carefully noted, “Money doesn’t solve the woes, especially when it comes to education.”

Corbett leaned forcefully on the school-pension shortfall, saying, “Pension cost and end of stimulus money created the funding problems for schools”. Wolf said, “We need an education system that delivers an educated work force, regardless of cost while reducing property taxes.” Corbett added the key is “a fair funding formula,” noting the General Assembly is working on a bill to form a Commission to arrive at such a formula.

Wolf often insisted he can turn the state’s economy around as he did with his company. He sees a need to increase private-sector growth, which increased taxes prohibit. He wants to reduce tax burdens. He said, “We haven’t made it possible for businesses to grow.” He might have lost some oil and coal votes by calling for taxes on those industries where none exist now. But Corbett’s spirited defense of his Marcellus Shale tax policies drew no applause either.

Grilled on why he defied conservatives to raise gasoline taxes, Corbett sidestepped by calling them “fees.” But the crowd roared approval when the Governor claimed gas prices had fallen “by 50 cents” this summer anyway.

The applause meter showed more response in Corbett’s favor as a “steward of the people’s money”, asking Wolf, “where is your plan?” He scored well on pressing to curtail state-employee pensions. Wolf struck back at the Commonwealth’s shrinking cash balance – something he would never tolerate as a CEO, he stated.

Wolf sent shudders through Democratic leadership around the state when he called himself “a free agent,” winning the primary without party support. He acknowledged large labor contributions.

Corbett hammered Wolf for his call to raise income taxes for wealthy people like himself – a stand that didn’t go over well in a banquet hall full of executives.

In the end, Corbett stood on his past performance, having delivered on his 2010 promises, while Wolf held his own as a cool business analyst.

This was a debate where we saw Corbett with an edge, but not enough to sway much of the electorate which has already made up its mind to vote as the polls suggest.

The next debate will be in Wolf territory, in Philadelphia, on Oct. 1, as ordinary voters start to wake up. Whether Philadelphia delivers for Wolf won’t be known until election night.

BUTKO CALLS FOR END TO 3-1-1 SYSTEM

Did we say we wanted to ignore mayoral possibles? Alas, we find ourselves drawn back to the subject. Not a declared candidate just yet, Controller Alan Butkovitz, if he runs, could win votes from those citizens who have fallen asleep while waiting to get a live voice on the end of their 3-1-1 calls to City Hall. When rewarded with a live response, they find they often are put on hold while the operator goes off looking for a response.

Butkovitz says his auditors found there is another service line, the “VIP hotline”, for the well-connected who desire and get around-the-clock city services.

The Mayor’s chief of staff Everett Gillison said that system is to answer calls only from city employees and elected officials.” This is continuity of government,” Gillison said. “This is not, ‘I’m a VIP and I want to get something done.’”

CIGARETTE TAX DONE – HERE COME THE SMUGGLERS

We understand 28-foot-long trailers will soon be in demand should the General Assembly finally give Philadelphia its cigarette tax, increasing the cost of a pack of cigarettes to $2.

That will resurrect the days of the late ’60s and early ’70s when an industry of cigarette smugglers blossomed. One vending firm counterfeited Pennsylvania tax stamps which it affixed to each pack in its vending machines. They got caught.

But smugglers need only bring their trailers loaded with legitimately bought cigarettes up from North Carolina to Delaware, Bucks or Chester Co. From there it is easy to bring in cigarettes to Philadelphia Co. for sale. We will watch and ponder as we wonder.

PA. NEW MAJORITY COUNCIL TAPS JAMES

Pennsylvania New Majority Council has endorsed Armond James in the 2nd Congressional Dist. Ella Butcher, its executive director, now needs to find the bucks for him to get on television. This is one of those moments when a golden opportunity exists for an upset. But the message has to get out and that takes big dollars.

SEN. HUGHES SUPPORTS FUNDING FOR COMPLAINTS

State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W. Phila.) has joined with his Democratic colleagues from across Pennsylvania to demand the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education investigate more than 800 complaints originating in the School District of Philadelphia.

He noted these complaints, which are all from the previous academic year, are a result of the lack of funding provided by the state to local public-school system. So he and his peers are supporting the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia and Parents United for Public Education, two organizations that have filed a lawsuit attempting to get the Dept. of Education to investigate.

IF WOLF WINS, HE’LL NEED TO WIN SENATE TOO

If the polls are right and Tom Wolf wins the gubernatorial race, he would appreciate sporting coattails long enough to bring along a majority in the State Senate.

Odds look dim at this time. The Dems failed to file candidates in 10 GOP districts, even though Democrats hold a registration advantage in a majority of them and have a strong gubernatorial candidate who could swing votes.

Only three Senate seats are considered as possibly winnable.

Wolf needs to gain a majority in the Senate and make some gains in the House. If not, he’ll need to concede much of his platform to the Republicans. Surprising Dems aren’t trying harder to make that happen.

SINGER URGES MORE ABSENTEE VOTERS

City Commissioner Stephanie Singer notes, “When people are away, it’s harder for them to vote. It takes time and forethought to request an absentee ballot by mail, receive it, vote it and return it. The voter has to start the process early, before most media outlets and political campaigns have started reminding people of the upcoming election. “The time is now! It is not too early to request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 4 election. The deadline for returning a regular absentee ballot is the Friday before election day (Oct. 31, 2014), but that’s just the last step in the process. “What if someone is in the hospital? In the military? Called away the day before election day? Physically unable to get to the polls? Detailed procedures are available at www.VotesPA.com and at the County Board of Elections (215) 686-3943. Absentee ballot request forms are available there too.”

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” was sung to City Council President Darrell Clarke by attendees at 11th Ward Fish Fry. Cheers were raised by Alex Talmadge, Esq.; hostess Tuti Edwards; Clarke; and El Amor Brawne Ali, 37th Ward Leader. Photo by Joe Stivala

THANKING men who literally had his back, Councilman Bobby Henon was accompanied by Local 98 Business Mgr. John Dougherty and Building Trades Business Mgr. Pat Gillespie at Henon’s fundraiser at Estia in Center City.

JOINING Mike Driscoll at his fundraiser at Quaker City Yacht Club were Mike Kates, Christine Hope and Pete Tonner.

AMONG attendees at FOP fundraiser for Councilman Brian O’Neill were former Councilman Jack Kelly, host John McNesby, attorney Vince Furlong, O’Neill and GOP Ward Leader Bill Ivers.

SENIORS in Ron Waters’ Kingsessing district always enjoy his splendid outdoor Fish Fry at Presbyterian Home, like political activist Beverly Dowdy.

STATE REP. Stephen Kinsey with Health Partners Plans employees Elizabeth Barrabee, events coordinator, and Frances Ortiz, CHIP ambassador at Health Partners Plan Logan Day Festival.

ENJOYING fine Italian cuisine at Michelangelo in Far Northeast were these supporters at State Rep. John Sabatina, Jr.’s fundraiser. From left are Ward Leader Bill Dolbow, possible City Commissioner candidate Donna DeRose, Rep. Sabatina, Ward Leader John Sabatina, Sr. and Joe Guerra.

LATINOS WILL HAVE REASON TO VOTE

Nelson Diaz has done one smart thing early on as he explores a run for Mayor on the Democratic ticket. He’s hired Elliot Curson to do some of his ad work and make an exploration on Youtube. So has Ken Trujillo, who is in the race with Ken Snyder by his side.

Seasoned political advisers can often mean the difference between success and defeat.

Highlighted in the ad is Diaz’ time at Temple Law where he was the first Puerto Rican to receive his Juris Doctorate. He became the first Hispanic elected to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where he served as judge for 12 years.

Outside of Philadelphia, Diaz worked for the Clinton Administration as the first Latino general counsel to the United States Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, where he developed plans to reform public and mixed-use housing programs. Diaz also gained Washington experience as a special assistant to former VP Walter Mondale on a White House Fellowship in 1977.

Diaz has served on the Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus and the Mexican American Business Association.

The formal candidates for Mayor of Philadelphia include Terry Gillen, former aide to Mayors Nutter and Rendell, and Ken Trujillo, former city solicitor under Mayor John Street.

FINNIGAN’S WAKE UNDERGOING SALE

Finnigan’s Wake, the Irish pub which has been home to innumerable functions for 17 years, is reportedly up for sale … a casualty to politics.

One of its owners, and a key manager, Mike Driscoll appears to be heading for a seat in the House of Representatives. He knows it’s tough to serve two masters.

It had been listed for $3.9 million.

Settlement is expected within six weeks, and the prospective buyer – an investment group – has not disclosed to our sources what its future is.

Finnigan’s – whose colorful Spring Garden Street facade resembles a block of shops – has long been a political hangout, thanks to Driscoll.

Co-owner Chuck Volz has confirmed Finnigan’s is under agreement of sale.

2ND COUNCIL DIST. RACE IS ALREADY ON

Don’t look for street signs are window signs or any signs advertising candidates in the 2nd Council Dist. But politicos and laypersons in the district alike are feeling the heat generated by challenger Ori Feibush and incumbent Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.

Knocking at Kenyatta’s gate, Feibush has released a profile video starring Point Breeze neighbors who speak highly of him and why they believe he is the right man for City Council.

Feibush’s website indicates worked with Councilwoman Anna Verna to demolish several blighted houses in the neighborhood.

Wasting no time, Kenyatta has staged innumerable street safety walks and community events and is making himself highly visible. He knows his district well.

This will be a campaign rivaling the Mayor’s race in interest.

GILCHRIST SUPPORTS MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Fourth Senatorial Dist. Republican candidate Robin Gilchrist is a registered nurse licensed in the Commonwealth.

He has affirmed his support for medical-marijuana legislation now pending in Harrisburg. His medical training makes his comments noteworthy.

Gilchrist states, “After a long career of witnessing needless suffering and hearing from patients and families who would benefit from medical cannabis and carefully looking over the bill, I believe this is the right direction to go.” The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act or SB 1182 was brought to the Pennsylvania Senate by State Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) after listening to his constituents who wanted to seek an alternative option to treat children with seizure disorders.

The use of medical cannabis for its active chemical THC has been supported by research from the National Cancer Institute dating back to the 1970s.