POLS ON THE STREET: GOP Dignitaries Pitch In For Al Schmidt

GOP Dignitaries Honor Schmidt

WILT CHAMBERLAIN coaches included Rich Yankowitz and Roger Bogle, seen here flanking State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas. Photo by Leona Dixon

Public Record columnist Maria Merlino covered GOP 5th Ward Leader Mike Cibik’s hosting of City Commissioner Al Schmidt’s fundraiser and reports, “Many good things were communicated about the young politician with his good work ethic. ‘His wonderful parents raised him well,’ confided wife of nine years, Erin. Chairman of the Republican City Committee John Taylor said he was “very grateful for having Al as a City Commissioner. He’s one of the future leaders of the party in Philadelphia.”

“Chairman of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania Rob Gleason also had accolades for Schmidt. ‘I’ve been the Chairman for eight years and I see a change and I see improvements from afar. We have high hopes for Al and recognize him as a great Republican. He will do a lot for Philly, which is a very important city. It used to be a world-class city and we can get it back to its glory.’

“Elected to the City Commissioners in 2012, Al Schmidt rejected many of the perks that came with the office, such as a car. He also voluntarily gave himself a 10% reduction in pay.

“Schmidt told the packed house, ‘We’ve created a website, www.philadelphiavotes.com, for improved transparency. We are working closely with the courts. We have Joe DeFelice helping to get people, both Republican and Democrat, seated on boards. We’ve improved training and pay for election-day workers. We’ve issued reports for anyone from 1939 to 2012 to combat voter fraud, irregularities and non-citizens voting. We are also working with the District Attorney to make sure assistant DAs are out there on election day. I’m happy to say Voter Fraud Task Force has been implemented and it’s keeping us very busy. We are getting indictments.’”

Judicial Primary Slate Will Offer Many Slots

With six appointed judges required to run for election, and several resigning at the end of their terms in time for aspiring candidates to fill their vacancies, look for more than a dozen vacancies in the various courts to be filled by voters from among at least 20 candidates. So from the Supreme Court down to Municipal Court, this could prove to be as competitive as the at-Large Council race, with another 20 challengers expected. Announcing recently for an at-Large Council seat is Paul Steinke, former general manager of Reading Terminal.

Green Party Sides With Clarke Over PGW Sale

MAYORAL candidate Lynne Abraham acknowledges “Love and Loyalty” award she received at breakfast seminar from Sisters For The Cure of Susan G. Komen organization.

The City Committee of the Green Party of Philadelphia approves of the cancellation of Philadelphia Gas Works sale to UIL Holdings Corp. The Green Party is also looking forward to a new plan for Philadelphia to become a hub of sustainable energy.
The Green Party states a terrible disaster had been temporarily derailed. In June 2012, the GPOP City Committee took a firm stand against the sale of PGW, saying, “Mayor Michael Nutter has failed to make his case in favor of selling PGW to the highest bidder.”
“PGW is not unique,” said Kristin Combs of Port Richmond, GPOP recording secretary. “Many of Philadelphia’s services, including public schools, risk privatization. The Green Party will work to ensure that public services are structured to serve the community, not corporations.”
“The Green Party is also opposed to privatization of the Philadelphia Prison System, Streets Dept. and Water Dept.,” added Glenn Davis of Haddington, the GPOP chair.

Singer Sounds Alarm Over Non-Candidate

We noticed a knee-jerk reaction from the main media last week when Commissioner Stephanie Singer tried to get more coins into her campaign war chest by resurrecting the name of a powerful political family, indicating one of its daughters had called her.  That good lady, who is a consummate political servant, did not call her. When the major media called this lady, she gave a big “no” to having challenged Singer by phone and indicated neither she nor her spouse, another powerhouse, were involving themselves in anything but taking care of their wards’ constituencies.

We make an early prediction as we tone down our coverage of the Commissioners’ campaign. If the Democratic City Committee endorses, Singer will not be among the two appearing on its ballot. Singer’s  chances, however, do brighten if a host of candidates enter that race, because she has managed to get her name out, even though, at times, at the expense of her fellow Commissioners.

Already seeking the seat are 27th Ward Leader Carol Jenkins, former Judge Ed Summers, former Deputy Commissioner Dennis Lee, Marnie Aument-Loughrey and Donna DeRose. Being pushed to declare is Lisa Deeley.

COUNCILWOMAN Maria Quiñones Sánchez addresses crowd attending annual parade honoring Discovery of Puerto Rico last week as José Figueroa and Hector Maisonave listen. Photo by momentsbyluz

Condolences To Carlo Matos

Our condolences go out to Ward Leader Carlos Matos, who lost his 53-year-old brother. He died suddenly while at work.

Records Missed, Records Set

Gov. -Elect Tom Wolf spent $32.5 million to become Governor. While it wasn’t all of his own money, Wolf won the governorship spending $32.5 million between the Democratic gubernatorial primary and his general-election campaign against Gov. Tom Corbett.

It’s not a record. But it does prove money talks! Gov. Ed Rendell spent more than $40 million. Gov. Tom Corbett spent $28 million.

Wolf’s Democratic primary opponents in the 2014 gubernatorial election cycle (primary and general) saw $82.3 million spent, smashing the previous record – $69.6 million – set in 2002.

 Fitzpatrick Reported Keeping His Promise

PAUL STEINKE, center, resigned from his post as director of Reading Terminal Market to throw his hat into Democratic politics as an at-large candidate in primary. Warning him of perils are State Sen. Larry Farnese, chief of staff Tony Mannino and State Rep. Jim Roebuck. Photo by Bonnie Squires

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) is honoring a self-imposed term limit, so his competitive but slightly Republican-leaning seat will be open in 2016. While Fitzpatrick beat his 2014 Democratic opponent Kevin Strouse by a 62% to 38% margin, the 8th Dist., which comprises Bucks County and parts of upper Montgomery Co., is rated just R+1 according to the Cook Political Report.

Fitzpatrick’s 8^th Dist. is one of only eight seats classified as “tossup” in their rankings (seven of which are currently held by Republicans).Wolf Forgoes Trip To Pennsy Society

In a letter to the Pennsylvania Society Gov. Elect Tom Wolf wrote:

“For over a century, Pennsylvanians have traveled to New York City to celebrate the holidays at Pennsylvania Society weekend. It is part of a long tradition that brings people from throughout the commonwealth together. Frances and I have always enjoyed this special weekend in New York during the holiday season.

CITY COUNCIL at-Large aspirant Isaiah Thomas, left, is in Judge Stephanie Sawyer’s election corner along with Michael Lambert and Frank Bennett.

“Last year, instead of holding a fundraising reception at Pennsylvania Society as typically is the case, I contributed the cost of such a reception to Pennsylvania food banks so that those who are less fortunate than many of us may enjoy a brighter holiday. My staff and I also participated in our own small day of service on the Thursday prior to Pennsylvania Society.

“This is a tradition I plan to extend. This year, I will again contribute the cost of a fundraising reception to Pennsylvania food banks and volunteer with Frances at a local soup kitchen. My staff throughout the state will volunteer for local efforts, and we invite others to join us.

“Our contributions will be made to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Philabundance and Our Daily Bread in York. We encourage others to join us to help give those less fortunate than us a brighter holiday season.

With warmest regards for a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

Sincerely,

Tom & Frances Wolf”

Could this be the beginning of the end for the Pennsylvania Society – or could the Society be wise to switch its location to Pennsylvania?

Reception hosts and the people on their invite lists defend the weekend. Others call it a “pay-to-play playground.” Eric Epstein of Rock the Capital says he and other groups started their own alternative Pennsylvania Society tradition several years ago.

“What we normally do is provide the Capitol police with pizza,” he said. “We want to recognize and appreciate the folks who keep us safe.”

State Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), former GOP majority leader of the State Senate, has canceled his scheduled reception, but other outgoing politicos still plan to throw parties. Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley is hosting a reception. Governor Corbett is closely guarding the details of a “more-informal” get-together.  Gov.-Elect Wolf will attend a couple of functions.

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