POLS ON THE STREET: Kenney’s Farewell Was Classy; Williams, Abraham Lead In Mayoral $$

by Joe Shaheeli

CARPENTERS’ host Ed Coryell welcomes State Sen. Anthony Williams and Teamsters’ Dan Grace to labor breakfast. Coryell is pulling together substantial labor support for Williams’ candidacy for Mayor.

WISHING Councilman Jim Kenney the best as he announced his departure from Council to run for Mayor were Council Members Blondell Reynolds Brown, Jannie Blackwell and Bill Greenlee.

Councilman at Large Jim Kenney scored two big hits in the general media, print, radio, and television as he announced he was entering the May 19 Democratic primary for Mayor. It’s the kind of press every candidate wants – but usually finds, after his announcement, he’d have to raise money to get similar coverage.

That showed Kenney has been thinking about this race for a long time. He only needed a little sign he could get substantial initial funding and some labor support at this late stage in the primary game, to jump into the fray.

He first got big press earlier last week by announcing he was planning to resign from Council, although he was considered a shoo-in the at-Large primary race. All the reporters came out to cover him in his office.

On Thursday, he made “a class-act farewell speech,” to quote 6^th Dist. Councilman Bobby Henon, as he announced to a crowded council chamber this was his last day as a member since he was now in the running for Mayor. He said public service was key to his decision making.

Within minutes, on the internet, his announcement was followed by an endorsement from Henry Nicholas, head of Local 1199C Hospital Workers. Many of its rank and file live in the city. That was followed by several liberal activist groups joining in with announcements, led by Philadelphia Gay News publisher Mark Segal, who was urging his followers to march behind Kenney.

Kenney has officially picked up the first of other union locals expected to support him. Those will follow the lead of Local 98 and Democratic 1^st Ward Leader John Dougherty, who has convinced Kenney he can fuel the mayoral campaign with financial, labor and political support.

Dougherty needs a heavy Philadelphia turnout in the primary to ensure his brother Judge Kevin Dougherty succeeds in winning what will be a contentious statewide battle for one of three Supreme Court seats.

Judge Dougherty will announce shortly with the full support of Laborers District Council and several of the building-trades locals who follow the lead of the Laborers when choosing primary sides.

Will Nicholas’ support also mark the end of racial voting patterns in this election? A question remains whether or politically active Black pastors will throw their support to Kenney, who has been a big help to their parishioners.

Carpenters Building Coalition For Williams

The Metropolitan Council of Carpenters last week publicly hung a Williams for Mayor on their building façade at headquarters on Spring Garden Street. This signals a major prize for State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-W. Phila.), who had much earlier announced the kickoff for his mayoral campaign.

Headed by Ed Coryell, secretary-treasurer/business manager, the Council is now the parent body and headquarters for 29 locals with a geographical jurisdiction in 10 counties in the Southeastern section of the State of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Berks and Lancaster), and States of Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland, excluding the Counties of Garrett, Allegany and Washington, as well as Washington, D.C., representing 17,000 members.

Tuesday morning, Coryell hosted a breakfast banquet for union leaders and friends of labor. Among those in attendance were locals from various trades including Local 1 Bricklayers, Local 13 Boilermakers, Local 405 Ironworkers, Local 30 Roofers, Local 690 Plumbers, Local 542 Operating Engineers, Local 107 Teamsters and Local 5 Elevator Constructors.

Powerful New Jersey State Senate PO resident Steve Sweeney was also there, representing Local 401 Ironworkers. While he is not eligible to vote for Williams, Sweeney’s allegiance carries great weight in politics.

Tony, Lynne Lead In Money Raised

The Lynne Abraham for Mayor Campaign raised $549,000 through Jan. 31, 2015 and has $410,000 in the bank.

Abraham stated, “I am gratified by the broad support I’m receiving throughout the City in this campaign. Voters know I am a proven, trusted leader who has faithfully served the City of Philadelphia and will challenge the status quo. I will be nobody’s Mayor but yours. I am excited that so many have embraced this campaign for change.”

Sen. Anthony Williams for Mayor Campaign had scooped up $425, 897 for his till in the same period. He crossed the half-million-dollar mark earlier and at the end of the Carpenters’ event raised over $100,000 more.

Former Judge Nelson Diaz is running a distant third in finances but hopes to catch up. Diaz has not formally announced his candidacy for the mayoralty yet. He did, however, hire a full set of senior staff this week – thanks to preliminary fundraising.

Barry Caro, spokesman for the Diaz campaign, announced, “While not an official candidate or elected official, and with no campaign staff, Judge Nelson Diaz was able to raise more than $87,000 while exploring the possibility of running for Mayor. Since launching his campaign and beginning to hire staff last month, the pace of our campaign fundraising has significantly accelerated. With this initial investment, we’re well on our way to raising more than enough to run a full, winning campaign.”

Ian Rivera is campaign manager. A classmate of Diaz’s at St. John’s University, he has worked with top Democratic media consultants in Washington, D.C.

Adrienne Clark Mitchell is deputy campaign manager and Myles Koven is finance director. Koven has worked on Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign, before moving to Kentucky to fundraise on the Alison Lundergan Grimes’ senatorial campaign.

Eric Adelstein and Ann Liston will lead paid media and strategic communications for the Diaz campaign. Joshua Ulibarri and Daniel Gotoff of Lake Research Partners will handle polling and focus groups.

Building Trades Endorse Deeley For Commissioner

The Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council has unanimously endorsed Democrat Lisa Deeley for the Office of City Commissioner, doing so with a breakfast fundraiser hosted by Building Trades Business Mgr. Pat Gillespie.

“Lisa Deeley is a long-time friend of Philadelphia’s labor community and we are enthusiastically supporting her campaign for City Commissioner,” said Pat Gillespie. “Lisa is well known in the Philadelphia Democratic party for her important roles in the administrations of former State Rep. and current City Controller Alan Butkovitz, and Councilman Bobby Henon’s terrific staff.

“As the daughter of former Philadelphia Sheriff and Democratic Party stalwart Barbara Deeley, Lisa was born into a life of politics. The role of City Commissioner is an important one for all of us who care about fair elections in this city and the current level of dysfunction in the office can no longer be tolerated. We need Lisa Deeley – a woman of experience and integrity – in the City Commissioner’s Office.”

ANDERSON Senior Center in Center City hosted campaign announcement of Sherrie Cohen as she pursues City Council at-Large seat. On her side were, from left, her brother State Rep. Mark Cohen, City Controller Alan Butkovitz, Sherrie Cohen and Democratic 5th Ward Leader Mike Boyle. Photo by Joe Stivala

It was obvious she had the support of Local 98, whose campaign force was very in evidence.

“I am honored by the endorsement of the Building Trades,” said Deeley. ”As a former union member myself, I know how vital unions are to fighting for fair wages and benefits and safe working conditions. Unions are the defenders of the middle class and I am proud to have their support.”

This marks the end of a huge segment of support for Commissioner Stephanie Singer in her upset of Commission Chair Margaret Tartaglione. Marge’s strong leadership of the City Commissioners’ Office had earned her the ire of the main media. Singer had pledged a more-open Commissioners’ Office, but failed to make good; soon she found herself deposed from her chairmanship role.

There is little doubt Lisa Deeley will bridge all concerns from every group concerning her role as Commissioner.

She has spent her entire career serving the citizens of the City of Philadelphia, beginning as the chief of staff for Alan Butkovitz for 12 years. When Alan was elected to serve as City Controller, he chose Lisa to lead the Controller’s first Community Affairs Division. In 2012, Lisa became the director of community outreach for Councilman Bobby Henon. In City Council, Lisa focused on working with civic and community groups throughout Northeast Philadelphia.

In the meantime, incumbent Democrat and Commission chair Anthony Clark continues to be an odds-on favorite, buoyed by the obvious endorsement expected from the Democratic City Committee.

Look for an announcement from the campaign staff of Donna DeRose, a favorite of Northeast ward leaders, in the next two weeks. She reportedly has a good deal of backing as well.

Ten Debates Sought In Johnson-Feibush Race

Ori Feibush, running for Philadelphia’s 2nd Council Dist. nomination in the Democratic primary, has committed to 10 debates to be conducted throughout the district. But his challenge has yet to be addressed by incumbent Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Where, when and other concerns have to be agreed upon by both.

“Repeatedly Councilman Johnson’s campaign has stated that they are looking forward to talking about the issues with me,” said Feibush. “Well, now it’s time for the Councilman to put those words into action,” said Ori Feibush. “Between now and election day, I propose 10 debates to ensure we give residents of the 2nd Dist. every opportunity to hear straight from me about how they can participate and help craft a plan to fix Philadelphia for the better through improved education, raising the minimum wage and job creation, and making our communities safer and cleaner.”

Former Deputy Commissioner Dennis Lee, Ward Leader Carol Jenkins and labor activist Omar Sabir are prominent names in competition as well.

2 Council Challengers Report Major Cash

Two young City Council at-Large hopefuls are serious enough about their campaigns to have raised substantial money already, putting them in good shape to run effective races.

Isaiah Thomas, a North Philadelphia educator, raised more than $72,000 in 2014 and closed the year with more than $67,000 cash on hand, ensuring that he has the resources he needs to effectively move his campaign forward toward the May primary.

“I am honored to have so many Philadelphians from different walks of life place their trust in me,” Isaiah said. “This strong showing of support means I have the message to spread my message of fixing our education system, growing jobs and improving public safety in our neighborhoods.”

Notable contributions include: $10,900 from AFSCME PAC; $6,200 from health-care workers’ Local 1199c; $1,500 from business leaders Joseph and Robert Zuritsky; $1,000 from the Friends of Alan Butkovitz and a $250 personal donation from City Controller Alan Butkovitz; and some prominent law firms.

South Philadelphia neighborhood activist and Center City attorney Tom Wyatt had raised $81,211 by Jan. 31 to fund his campaign. Wyatt reports raising over $65,000 in December alone, for a total of $67,265 in 2014.

“I’m both humbled and excited by the amount and breadth of support we’ve gathered – from neighbors I’ve volunteered alongside of to business leaders I work with daily. We’ve accomplished a lot in a short amount of time, and it just goes to show how hungry Philadelphians are for new blood in City Council,” Wyatt said.

Ducky Birts Mending From Slight Stroke

Donald “Ducky” Birts, longtime aide to Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.), and well known for his efforts to increase educational opportunities for African American children, has suffered a stroke. But a call from him made us happily aware he is mending well and will soon be on the scene promoting his annual educational fundraiser Medallion Scholarship Banquet Apr. 18 at 1st Dist. Plaza, 38^th & Market Streets. For more information on that popular event, call David Birts at (215) 605-7102.

His main goal is to build a school and recreational center to take care of disadvantaged youngsters, preparing them for trades and other occupations.

He has worked actively with ShopRites’ Jeff Brown, helping bring his superb food shops into neighborhoods where they were needed.

He has represented Congressman Brady at many events when that leader was unable to leave Washington to attend. Keep on rolling, Ducky. We all love you!

Germantown GOP Club Marks 126^th Lincoln Day

The Germantown Republican Club will hold its 126th annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 12 at the Union League. Featured speaker will be Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks). US Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) will be the special guest.

Founded in 1888 to support the election of President Benjamin Harrison, this Germantown group is now the oldest Republican club in the nation.

Tickets for the Lincoln Day event are $65 and can be had by calling Calvin Tucker at (215) 844-5382.

GEARING UP for ambitious campaign, Republican State House candidate Martina White held major fundraiser at Toscana 52 in Feasterville Tuesday. From left are Martina White, Republican City Committee Exec. Dir. Joe DeFelice, Frank Ventresca and Tom Manion. Photo by Bill Myers

GARY MASINO, president and business manager of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, gave Democratic State House candidate Sarah DelRicci big leg up with $10,000 check Tuesday.

Republicans Launch Volunteer Survey

The Republican City Committee is going to the web to reach out to its committee people, urging them to sign up volunteers for a host of election-day positions. It can be picked up by going to http://tinyurl.com/pcxd4np.

Pileggi UnhappyWith GOP Picks

State Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware), recently dethroned as majority leader, resigned his chairmanship of the Senate Local Government Committee.

In a letter to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), who is responsible for appointing committee chairmen, Pileggi said he refused to take the chairmanship to which he was appointed due to his seniority in the Senate not being respected in the dolling out of chairmanships.

“The seniority system has traditionally played a central role, formally and informally, in the operation of the Senate and our caucus,” Pileggi stated. “Length of service, although not determinative, has been a key consideration in office space and seat assignment, committee membership, and committee chairmanships. Unfortunately, the recent appointments of committee chairs reflect a lack of respect for this tradition.”

Noting he provided preferred committees to chair in accordance with a request from Sen. Scarnati, he was not appointed to chair a committee in line with his desired choices.

Al Sharpton Targets Pigeon-Popping Judge

Prominent national civil-rights organizations are being urged to investigate Berks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Adolph Antanavage after he was filmed killing pigeons at a cruel and illegal event in front of the Confederate flag.

In a recorded plea to Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the NAACP and the Southern Poverty Law Center, the international animal-protection group SHARK said it was “calling out” the groups to do something about Antanavage.

State GOP Endorses Top Court Candidates

The Commonwealth’s Republicans last weekend endorsed its slate of candidates for vacancies on the state Supreme and Superior and Commonwealth Courts. It looks like no deals for cross paper nominees.

Five GOP Supreme Court nominees filing are Judges Anne Covey (Bucks); Mike George (Adams); Rebecca Warren (Montour); Cheryl Allen (Allegheny) and Judy Olson (Allegheny). Justice Correale Stevens (Luzerne), who is seeking reelection, decided not to ask for the party’s endorsement. He must have fallen asleep at the bench.

The three candidates receiving the party’s endorsements are George, Olson and Covey.

Superior Court candidates are Emil Giordano (Northampton) and Paul Panepinto (Philadelphia), with Giordano getting the endorsement.

They didn’t need to cast an endorsement for Commonwealth Court since only one judge filed, Paul Lalley of Allegheny County. So Lalley won the endorsement by voice vote.

The Democrats will endorse at their Feb. 17 convention.

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