Pols On The Street: If Kenney’s Out Of Council, Who Gets In?

by Joe Shaheeli

Veteran Councilman at Large Jim Kenney’s sudden, decisive plunge into the Democratic mayoral primary race has raised the stakes for the large and growing flock of at-Large candidates. With only four incumbents left in the race, it is now certain that at least one newcomer will fill his empty chair. This gives every incentive for all at-large candidates to try harder – and for serious donors and sponsors to sniff out the field carefully and invest more heavily.

The odd math of Philadelphia government explains why. City Council has 10 district seats, each representing one part of the city, as well as seven at-large positions, whose Council Members are elected by the whole city. All Council Members have the same one vote. But their electoral careers are quite different.

JIM KENNEY takes giant stride toward Phila. mayoralty as he announces launch of his campaign. Along with other prime candidates, he now must rapidly organize his team and his message. Photo by Leona Dixon

By law, two at-large seats are reserved for the top two candidates of the minority party. These days, that’s the Republicans. So it’s certain that five Democrats will be elected at large in the fall general election. Which five they are will be determined this spring in the primary.

Incumbents always get the endorsement of Democratic City Committee and have an edge in collecting endorsements and funds. But at-large primaries are fluid, with a fat field of candidates and a poorly informed electorate that can easily be moved by recommendations from neighbors, from diligent street workers – and by sheer ballot position, which is a random lottery no one controls. So incumbents can be knocked off by challengers who are industrious and lucky.

But now there are only four incumbents. Now every challenger has an honest shot at a party endorsement. And there is leeway for ward leaders and big-time funders to pick respectable unendorsed candidates and push them over the goal line without too many hard feelings the day after.

Though all they win is a council desk, at-large candidates must run a mayoral race – geographically at least – but with far fewer resources. An incumbent wants to have $150,000 to work with. Challengers should be prepared either to ante up more, or to deliver a monster volunteer ground game across large parts of the city.

Two new candidates have leapt into the fray this week. Helen Gym, a former teacher, has carved out a role as a feisty, well-prepared critic of Philadelphia’s school system. No friend of Tom Corbett (but no sycophant of Rendell’s either), she has never gone out of her way to curry favor with politicians.

But she has won the favor of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and its 12,000 members, whose President Jerry Jordan stood beside Gym (pronounced with a hard “g”) when she announced her candidacy at the Ethical Society in Rittenhouse Square Monday. If elected to City Council, she would be a staunch liberal voice on public-school issues who would not shrink from controversy.

HELEN GYM threw her hat in ring Monday to win at-large seat on City Council – a goal made more reachable by Kenney’s resignation to run. But she’s not alone.

“It is time for us fight to make the lives of working Philadelphians better by raising wages and benefits, to fight for economic policies that encourage small businesses and entrepreneurs and make sure that everyone pays their fair share, to fight for transparency so that the days of buying access and doing business behind closed doors finally come to a close, and to fight for our public schools,” she said in her maiden speech as a candidate.

Gym was joined by students, faith leaders, parents, teachers, small business owners, and working men and women. Mark Tyler, public school parent and Pastor at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church; Sadie Sprague-Lott, high-school senior at SLA; and Jordan spoke about their support for Gym.

In Southwest Philadelphia, Eastwick’s Wilson Alexander announced his run at large at Christ Haven Worship Center, a thriving Pentecostal congregation on Lindbergh Boulevard where he is a deacon. This well-regarded community organizer has drawn unusual support from citywide activists as well as rival neighborhood teams. Most sides say he’s a natural public servant and a reliable guy with a good heart.

Gym and Alexander join George Matysik, Isaiah Thomas, Jenné Ayers, Sherrie Cohen and Paul Steinke in the at-large hunt. Soon to announce is long-standing chief of staff for 9^th Dist. Councilwoman Derek Green. He has run for Council at large before and is well connected in political circles.

 So far, 2015 isn’t a clown-car election. All seven challengers announced are credible public servants with decent records and logical claims for support. All seven deserve a close look by the electorate this coming May 19. Since we’ll likely wind up with a couple of these up-and-comers in City Council next year, we may as well learn who they are before we choose among them.

Doug Oliver Launches Mayoral Campaign

DOUG OLIVER joins mayoral fray in what is now four-way contest.

Doug Oliver, who recently quit a vice-presidency at Philadelphia Gas Works to run for Mayor, made it official: He is ready to do more than gas you up.

This lifelong public-sector expert has never run for elective office but he has been walking the corridors of power most of his career. As Mayor Nutter’s press secretary, he handled city communications with aplomb.

Oliver “has the passion, energy and belief in the future of our city that is needed in a campaign for Mayor,” noted former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell. He has serious public-sector chops.

Oliver announced in front of hundreds of cheering supporters at the Flying Horse Center on Pulaski Avenue in Germantown. The youngest candidate in the race, and the only one with fresh, significant business success, Oliver energized the crowd when he told them Philadelphia “cannot rely on the old guard or the political establishment to make that change. If they haven’t created the change by now, it’s either because they’re unwilling – or they don’t know how.”

Oliver expressed surprise that every other candidate is proclaiming the need for change, despite their having mostly graduated from the same flawed political system, which eh calls “flawed.” Oliver charges they are largely supported by lobbyists, vested interests and members of the political elite.

“The change Philadelphia needs is real and urgent,” Oliver said. “Clearly, we cannot rely on the old guard or the political establishment to make it,” he added.

Throughout his speech, Oliver reminded people only 18% of registered voters had voted in the last mayoral election. If people don’t exercise their power at the ballot – and encourage others to do the same – then the change they seek will remain out of reach, he said.

Doug has been adjunct professor at LaSalle University’s graduate School of Communication and has taught online courses for National University’s graduate Communications program. He earned a degree in journalism/mass communication from Lock Haven University, a Master’s in communication from LaSalle University and an Executive MBA from St. Joseph’s University. He is father to a 12-year-old son, Douglas I. Oliver II.

Oliver has some catching up to do when it comes to fundraising. We’ll all be closely watching his next campaign-spending report. In fact, most political pros will make up their minds about his clout over the next three weeks. His petition circulation will be an early tipoff to potential donors as to how viable he is.

 For more information about Doug Oliver and his policies, visit www.dougoliver2015.com.

Kenney Sets His Team In Place

TEMPLE University Beasley School of Law announced creation of Penna.’s first endowed law chair in Latino Civil Rights. Dean JoAnne Epps received $450,000 check from Judge Nelson Diaz presented to Temple University as part of process of endowing chair. Judge Diaz, now running for Mayor, is Temple Law graduate.

Jim Kenney has rapidly pulled together seasoned campaign staff and consultants to mount his campaign for the Democratic mayoral nomination. The team includes veterans of the Wolf, de Blasio and Obama campaigns as well as long-time Kenney staffers and advisors.

Only these individuals should be considered official campaign sources for the purposes of media interviews.

Jane Slusser is his campaign manager. Kenney picked her up from Ken Trujillo’s abortive campaign. Slusser’s résumé lists Equality Pennsylvania and Human Rights Campaign’s Americans for Workplace Opportunity statewide campaign. In 2008 and 2012, she worked on President Obama’s election and reelection campaigns in South Philadelphia and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Deborah Mahler is senior advisor. She served as Kenney’s chief of staff on City Council during his 23-year tenure. She’s a 21st Ward stalwart.

Kenney tapped Anna Greenberg of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research to do his polling. She was named pollster of the year by the American Association of Political Consultants in 2014. This Harvard PhD has a dozen years’ field experience working on campaigns such as Gov. Tom Wolf’s, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s, Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis’ and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’.

Snyder Pickerill Media Group is a national campaign strategy and media firm with a proven track record of electing over a dozen Democrats in Philadelphia. Ken Snyder and Terrie Pickerill’s successful clients in Philadelphia include City Councilmen, state legislators, Congressmen, Mayor John Street and Gov. Ed Rendell. This year, Snyder Pickerill provided the media and strategy for Brendan Boyle’s primary victory for Congress and Mike Stack’s primary victory for Lieutenant Governor.

Marty O’Rourke is a long-time Philadelphia-based media and communications consultant who goes back to the Rendell era. Lauren Hitt most recently served as the communications director for Ken Trujillo. Previously, Hitt worked on an Ohio gubernatorial race and on Bill de Blasio’s campaign in New York City. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Hitt also worked in communications for President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign in Pennsylvania.

Steve Preston is field director. He cut his teeth on the Obama 2012 campaign. Steve worked with Organizing for Action managing Western Pennsylvania. He spent interesting time in the trenches on Jeanne Shaheen’s successful senatorial reelection campaign.

Vaughn Ross is Kenney’s finance director. He’s a pickup from the Ken Trujillo campaign as well as US Sen. Ross also worked on the finance team of Sen. Bob Casey’s reelection campaign as well as for Mayor Michael Nutter, doing grant-writing. Lindsey Perry, finance consultant, has been a funding pro for gubernatorial, mayoral, city council, judicial and state-representative campaigns as well as for nonprofits since 2009.  She handled the Dan Onorato campaign in 2010, the Michael Nutter campaign in 2011 and the Mike Stack campaign in 2014.

Richie Lazer is Kenney’s deputy political director. He served for 10 years as community liaison in Kenney’s council office, handling numerous duties and connections.

 TWU Tells Williams It’s On Board

State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-W. Phila.) has picked up another labor endorsement for his mayoral race, from the Transport Workers Union Local 234.

 “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the dedicated transit workers of Local 234,” said Williams. “The union represents men and women that work hard to ensure the safe travel of nearly a million Philadelphians and non-residents across the region every single day. Whether residents are headed to work, school, or home, TWU members interact with them every day. Their jobs are tremendously important to our economic growth, and I look forward to partnering with them in building One Philadelphia together.”

Williams has long been a supporter of unions. He helped to negotiate TWU’s contract settlement with SEPTA, for which its endorsement is payback. He co-founded the Diversity Apprenticeship Program that prepares youth of color for careers in the building trades. Williams says strong unions protect workers’ rights and work to counter the tide of rising income inequality.

“Throughout his career, Tony Williams has dedicated himself to fighting for the good of all Philadelphians,” said TWU Local 234 President Willie Brown. “He has been on the front lines working to bring people together. He’s a consensus-builder and problem-solver with the skills that will be required of the next Mayor to meet the challenges of this city. I know, and all of us at Local 234 know Anthony Williams is up to the challenge.”

8% TAX on Marcellus Shale revenue could deliver $2 billion in revenue to fund schools and pensions, State Sens. Art Haywood and Vincent Hughes said at press conference in School District HQ. They are introducing legislation to institute such a tax. From left are Hughes, State Sen. Larry Farnese, Haywood and PFT President Jerry Jordan.

TWU Local 234 represents more than 5,000 bus drivers, subway and trolley operators and maintenance workers at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority. The local union is an affiliate of the Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO.

Steinke Claims Strong LGBT Nod

Philadelphia City Council candidate Paul Steinke has announced his endorsement by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the nation’s largest resource for out LGBT individuals in politics.

“Philadelphia is a leader on LGBT issues, but nobody from its LGBT community has ever been elected to the City Council. It’s especially important to young LGBT people to see themselves reflected in the city’s elected leaders. That’s why the Victory Fund is proud to support candidates like Paul, who are fighting for their entire communities and doing so while being open and honest about who they are,” said Denis Dison, senior VP of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

Before stepping down to seek an at-large seat on City Council, Steinke managed operations of the Reading Terminal Market for 13 years. He oversaw a 30% increase in visits and a $4 million renovation and expansion, and last year the 122-year-old market was named one of the 10 Great Public Spaces by the American Planning Association.

In addition to his work with small businesses in the private sector, Steinke also served as the first finance director for the Center City District and as the first executive director for the University City District. He plans to use his private-sector and community-development experience to help Philadelphia achieve its full potential as a sustainable, equitable and inclusive magnet city for families, students and businesses.

S.W. PHILA. activist Wilson Alexander launched campaign for City Council at Large at Christ Haven Worship Center in Eastwick, where he is deacon. His strong congregation will give Alexander a leg up in community outreach during campaign.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this endorsement from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund,” said Steinke, who if elected would be Philadelphia’s first openly gay elected official. “If I am chosen by voters to represent them, I will fight every day to make sure all Philadelphians – regardless of background, nation of origin or sexual orientation – have opportunities to grow and succeed.”

Steinke, an economist by training, lives in West Philadelphia with David Ade, his partner of nearly 20 years.

SEIU Goes With Isaiah Thomas

Isaiah Thomas, Democratic candidate for City Council at Large, has just accepted the endorsement of the Service Employees International Local 32BJ.

 Local 32BJ, which represents 10,000 security guards, building maintenance personnel and school district employees in the Philadelphia region, is just the latest major labor organization to endorse Thomas’ candidacy. Thomas has also received endorsements from AFSCME, which represents the City of Philadelphia’s civilian workforce, and the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees District 1199c, the city’s largest union. Taken together, these key endorsements highlight the momentum building for Thomas’ campaign.

 “I am honored to accept Local 32BJ’s endorsement,” Thomas said. “Local 32BJ and its members share my vision of fixing our schools, bringing middle-class jobs to Philadelphia and making our city safer. My candidacy has been about bringing people together, and I am excited to roll my sleeves and get to work with our partners in organized labor, the business community and ordinary people across Philadelphia.”

Thomas is the only City Council candidate who is not currently serving on Council to receive Local 32BJ’s endorsement.

Thomas has also received endorsements from City Controller Alan Butkovitz, State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D-Northeast) and former State Rep. Tony Payton, Jr.

JENNÉ AYERS hopes to continue on City Council her father Lloyd Ayers’ public-service tradition.

Jenné Ayers Takes Aim At City Council

Her father fought fires. Now the daughter wants to set off sparks in the heated May City Council race.

Jenné Ayers, daughter of former Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, is the youngest person to enter the field for one of the five Democratic at-Large ballot slots which will be fiercely contested.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, this graduate of Masterman HS and Harvard University has always been civically engaged. As a teenager she was co-president of the NAACP Youth Council; she administered a Philadelphia Foundation program called Youthadelphia which gave out $100,000 in grants to other youth groups.

After graduating college with a degree in government, she took a job with the Bridgespan Group, a nationwide nonprofit consulting firm. She traveled the country addressing education and community revitalization, strategic planning and financials.

“I had the opportunity to see examples of best practices,” the younger Ayers said. “I am ready to put them into practice in my home town.”

In Cincinnati she organized a database to share key student information between schools, afterschool programs and mentors. In Atlanta she worked on public-private partnerships between city agencies, community leaders, businesses and philanthropists to turn troubled neighborhoods around.

Most importantly, she learned patience. “You must build up an oasis on a long-term basis,” she explained. “You can’t give out money and expect it to miraculously grow. Leadership is the key ingredient.”

Jenné confesses to having a “passion for the media.” She served as a Pennsylvania press assistant during Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. Subsequently she worked in an international aid mission in the African nation of Rwanda, where she saw first-hand how media are repressed by a dictatorship.

She will finish Yale Law School this spring – in time to celebrate victory in the primary, she hopes.

Ayers intends to rely on her youth, energy and people skills to fuel her campaign. She has been reaching out to civic leaders and youth groups around the city. She has an active online campaign with a strong website and is working social media systematically.

These methods are suited to a low-budget campaign. Ayers stated she has already received “a lot of small donations from everyday citizens.”

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