Pols Of The Street: Black Clergy Backs Williams For Mayor

by Joe Shaheeli

STATE REP. John Sabatina gets kiss from his wife as he launches campaign to win 5th Senate Dist. seat left vacant by now Lt. Gov. Mike Stack.

The tide was rolling along for the last couple weeks Jim Kenney’s way with a well-orchestrated effort by his campaign team, bringing out endorsements from various groups for their candidate.  But today, what was considered a must-have endorsement for the Kenney, campaign to give him greater impetus, did not come his way.

Stopping the pendulum swing in his direction, for the moment at least, was the announcement today by Rev. Terrence D. Griffith, president of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, his group had endorsed State Sen. Anthony Williams.

That brings two Black clerical groups in Williams’ camp, both reaching many churches and many parishioners. The second was that headed by Bishop Leonard Goins, whose group is the Pentecostal Clergy Political Advisory Council.

On Tuesday, Williams had picked up the coveted endorsement of United Ward Leaders of Color. Sonny Campbell, chairman of the group, said Williams stood for the issues that are on the mind of Black voters in their neighborhoods.

“We are selecting Sen. Williams because he has a proven record of providing for the community,” Campbell said. “Philadelphia is going to be depending greatly on the State for education and other needs; Tony has the track record to show he is the best to negotiate for the resources available in Harrisburg and bring back the benefits to the city.”

Williams, who is a past chair of the group, called this is an important endorsement for at a time when his election effort is feeling the momentum of a broad spectrum of support from significant elected leadership around the city.

The ward leaders in the group represent neighborhoods in West, North Philadelphia and Germantown. Averaging 8,000 voters per ward, the group represents more than 100,000 residents.

The sides are now drawn; now the battle is on, each side hoping to bring out their vote.

Díaz May See Big Latino Turnout                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

BELLWETHER? Famous restaurateur and political activist Sid Booker has decorated his famous eatery and night club at Broad & Belfield with Kenney for Mayor signs.

Judge Nelson Díaz’ efforts to get 50,000 Latinos out to vote for Mayor may happen. If they do come out, what’s easier for them to recognize as a Latino than his name?

Adding hype for Díaz last week was the endorsement of Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-Cal.), the Chair of the House Democratic Conference.

“In a year, I’ll be joining Democrats from across America as we travel to Philadelphia to nominate the next President of the United States,” said Becerra. “As we gather in the birthplace of America to start writing the next chapter in our history, the symbolism of being greeted by the first Latino Mayor of a big city in the Northeast or Midwest will be lost on no one. That’s why I’m especially proud to endorse my friend Nelson Díaz for Mayor of Philadelphia.”

Díaz announced the endorsement of the School Police Association of Philadelphia and a coalition of Latino Firefighters led by SAPFA President Eduardo Rodríguez.

But the war increasing in intensity between LUPE (Latinos United For Political Empowerment) and 7^th Dist. Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez should dig out votes never before seen in that district in a primary, if the reports we hear bear fruit.

Key powerhouses fueling LUPE are Ward Leaders State Rep. Angel Cruz (D-Kensington), Carlos Matos and Emilio Vázquez, as well as State Rep. Leslie Acosta (D-N. Phila.). In the Councilwoman’s previous races, at least one of the three was on her side in those campaigns.

The group endorsed Jim Kenney for Mayor last week.

Diaz reacted, charging, “If supporting Manny Morales is the price of this endorsement, it is not a price I am willing to pay. Apparently Jim Kenney is willing to make that deal. I am profoundly disappointed but not surprised. He values his own election more than his integrity, and more than basic progressive values.”

Though neither Quiñones Sánchez nor Morales is endorsed by the Democratic Party, the incumbent has picked up labor support. At a City Hall rally late last week, she won the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, SEIU Local 32BJ, health-care union DC1199C, TWU Local 234 and AFSCME. These include earlier labor endorsements by the FOP, DC47, Laborers District Council, Plumbers Union Local 690 and UFW Local 1776.

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SPEAKERS and audience rallied for Tony Williams to demonstrate their support in a move against an earlier announcement by Democratic political leaders, led by Councilwoman Marian Tasco and State Rep. Dwight Evans, who declared their support for Jim Kenney.

GOP Gears Up For 5^th Senate

Buoyed by the fact they finally won a legislative election, as they just did with State Rep. Martina White (R-Northeast), Republican City Committee is firing up its troops to challenge Democratic candidate State Rep. John Sabatina, Jr. (D-Northeast) for the 5^th Senatorial seat left vacant when Mike Stack moved on to the Lieutenant Governorship.

But their chances look slimmer this time. White ran on Mar. 24 in a special election which involved only the voters of her district. The seat had been held by now-Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Phila.).

This time, the 5^th Dist. winner will be selected in the same election as the May 19 primary. That gives the Democrats a stronger edge due to heavier registrations. A total of 140,301 are registered in that district. Democrats account for 90,999 and Republicans 34,768.

The Democrats have endorsed Sabatina as their candidate to take over the seat vacated by now-Lt. Gov. Mike Stack. The Republicans have picked Tim Dailey, who, like Sabatina, is a Father Judge HS graduate. ewh He also has a degree from nearby Holy Family University.

“Tim understands what it is like to be a husband and parent and the struggles of putting children through Catholic School. His commitment to education is unparalleled: serving as a high-school English and history teacher for over 20 years,” stated Philly GOP Chairman and State Rep. John Taylor (R-Northeast).  “We need more people like Tim to step up and run for elected office; he is the type of person that understands the issues in the Commonwealth and I look forward to having an ally from Philadelphia in the Majority Caucus in the Pennsylvania State Senate.”

7TH COUNCIL DIST. incumbent Maria Quiñones Sánchez demonstrated additional labor support in rally outside City Hall. In photo are Alfred Williams, Gene Blagmond, Jerry Jordan, Henry Nicholas, Councilwoman, Will Vera and Randy Robertson, all representing unions.

What makes this an even-steeper climb for the GOP is the fact Sabatina is better known to voters in the district. He has been a member of the General Assembly since 2006 and his legislative seat is in a portion of the senatorial district. Also, one of the stronger get-out-the-vote wards in the primary is the 56^th Ward, led by his dad John, Sr.

However, RCC Exec. Dir. Joe DeFelice believes the rejuvenated Republican Party can induce Democrats to jump over in the special election to Dailey, believing voters “need to see fresh faces.”

Lynne Abraham Has Jobs Solution

Lynne Abraham joined Robert Cassell of Millstone Spirits Group at New Liberty Distillery to release her comprehensive jobs plan and celebrate the growth of the craft industry.

“Right now, middle-class families are struggling because there aren’t enough good-paying jobs in Philadelphia. Income inequality is growing and we need real solutions to address it. That’s why, earlier this afternoon, I released my jobs plan to create more jobs and better paying jobs in our city,” said Abraham.

Abraham’s job plan calls for several major policy and philosophical changes in order to attract employers and reduce income disparity. “I am the only candidate with a real and specific plan to bring more and better paying jobs to Philadelphia. My plan has real solutions to upgrade our education and job training, revive key commercial corridors, build world-class infrastructure, and ensure a safe, livable city so we bring good-paying jobs to Philadelphia.”

NORTHWEST community leader Sherman Toppin promoted his candidacy for Common Pleas Court judge in style at Luther Rogers Center in Germantown with jazz concert by Millennium Flow.

To Whom Will N.W. Voters Listen On May 19?

Clergy, community, and union leaders addressed a crowd of concerned voters outside Mt. Airy Church of God at 6400 Ogontz Avenue last Thursday to declare their support for State Sen. Anthony Williams’ candidacy for Mayor.

The speakers, headed by publicist William R. Miller IV, denounced the move by a coalition led by 9^th Dist. Councilwoman Marian Tasco and State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-N. Phila.), who have endorsed former-Councilman Jim Kenney for Mayor.

The speakers included Bishop Leonard Goins, founder and executive director Pentecostal Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, told the audience, “Their support for Kenney shocked the voters in East and West Oak Lane and Logan. Whatever their reasons, they are ignoring the fact a Kenney win will set us back to plantation days.”

Others addressing the crowd were Donna Miller, retired Councilwoman, 8^th Dist.; former State Rep. John Myers; former Deputy Mayor George Burrell; Bishop Caldwell, Pentecostal Experience; Bishop Ratliff, Cathedral Tabernacle of Praise; and Pastor Marshall Mitchell of Salem Baptist Church.

Labor leaders addressing the audience included Ryan Boyer, business manager of Laborers District Council; Willie Brown, president of Transport Workers Union; and Brian Pollitt, executive VP of Transport Workers Union.

The Neighbors & Friends of the Northwest Coalition Committee consisted of Joanna Bell, Barbara Chavous, Jerry Mondesire, George Burrell, Anthony Fullard and Linda Miller.

Kenney Releases Policy Papers

WARD Leader George Brooks and Louise Bundy welcome mayoral candidate Lynne Abraham to 47th gala. Photo by Joe Stivala

Jim Kenney’s campaign earns kudos for getting out their candidate’s messages in a fast and efficient manner. So we note a host of policy papers generated by his having been a City Councilman for 23 years. Democratic mayoral candidate Jim Kenney knows that in order for Philadelphia’s economy to thrive in the long term, city government must make Philadelphia an attractive and an inclusive place to do business. His policy paper on “Developing an Inclusive, Fair Economy” includes proposals to reform our regressive tax structure, improve government business services, create living wage jobs and secure our pension fund.

Kenney continues to pick up endorsements, most recently those of PASNAP and 10 wards from the Northeast, many of them allied with 1^st Ward Leader John Dougherty.

“Jim Kenney will be a great Mayor because he has never forgotten where he was from,” said State Rep. Mike Driscoll (D-Northeast). “The son of a firefighter in a rowhouse neighborhood, Jim worked with me on numerous occasions to honor Irish American history in Philadelphia. He’s always believed that by educating people about their own history, we can increase respect and cooperation among everyone. Those are the values we need in City Hall.”

Oh Pushes City’s International Image

Councilman at Large David Oh, facing stiff opposition from fellow Republicans, continues to push the city as an international destination for world markets. This past week he hosted the City’s first energy symposium on liquefied natural-gas export opportunities for Philadelphia.

At a recent City Council hearing, an LNG export proposal highlighted the potential to attract billions of dollars in private investment and generate $150 million of recurring annual revenue for 20 years for the city. His signature efforts should attract Republican voters.

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