POLS ON THE STREET: Friendly Former Foes Break Bread

by Joe Shaheeli
Seeing Jim Kenney’s primary foes at a luncheon table with him didn’t shake up Democrats nor put more fear into Republicans. But with District Attorney Lynne Abraham, Judge Nelson Diaz, Doug Oliver, former state Senator Milton Street and state Senator Anthony Williams clasping hands with Kenny at the unity lunch, the message meant “it was time to focus on the enemy in the general election.”
“As we head into the General Election, Democrats must unify behind our candidate for a more inclusive, connected Philadelphia,” said D.A. Lynne Abraham in a statement. “I am endorsing Jim because I know he believes that Philadelphia must become a city where every citizen, no matter what neighborhood they’re born into or who they know, has a real chance to succeed.”

DEMOCRATIC candidate for mayor Jim Kenney with Ferrari owner at the East Passyunk Avenue car show and street festival last Sunday. Photo by Jean Donohue

“One of the major issues that we all agreed upon during the primary was that the next mayor needs to lessen the opportunity gap between the haves and the have-nots” said State Senator Anthony Williams. “In order to achieve that common goal, we must elect a mayor who is committed to providing every child with a quality education. I know Jim Kenney has the experience to achieve that goal.”
“As a primary candidate, I was proud and humbled to be the voice for so many young Philadelphians who want to see our city going in a better direction,” said Doug Oliver. “I am proud to join the Kenney Coalition because I know he is dedicated to involving those young people in our electoral process. He understands that old and new Philadelphia must come together for our city to move forward. Jim understands that, as the city continues to evolve, we must embrace new ideas and new approaches, and come together to move our city forward.”
“While at times we may disagree, Jim and I share a passion for public service,” said Judge Nelson Diaz. “His commitment to the people of Philadelphia regardless of race, gender or creed will serve the city well.”
“Jim’s plan to address the city’s violence crisis is a step in the right direction” said former State Senator Milton Street. “There’s no question that he’s the best qualified of the General Election candidates to focus on the issues crippling so many of our neighborhoods.”
Not given much weight to date as serious opposition is Republican choice for mayor is Melissa Murray Bailey. The 36 year old is new to Philadelphia, and a former Democrat from South Jersey. What she needs now is some of Donald Trump’s money to raise eyebrows.

Where’s All The Beef??

Melissa Murray Bailey vows to make government spending transparent as it happens in Montgomery County.
“As I am out meeting people across Philadelphia, the most common question I get is, ‘Where is all of our money going?’ That is a great question: How is the city of Philadelphia spending our tax dollars? We the people deserve to know where our money is being spent without having to go through a bureaucratic nightmare to figure it out.

RAISING CAMPAIGN funds is order of day for Democrat 195th Legislative candidate Donna Bullock seen here at fundraiser at Fergie’s On Sansom Street with Otis Hasband, Commissioner Candidate Lisa Deeley, Host David Forde and Zac Shaffer.

“As Mayor, I will follow Montgomery County’s lead and launch a public website that would let everyone see how each dollar is being spent. This will allow the people to hold my administration and City Council accountable for how we spend your money.”
“The transparency provided by online government ‘checkbooks’ has the potential to reduce corruption, promote fiscal responsibility, and enable greater democratic participation.”

191st Left Open By Black Clergy

It was a no-brainer when Rep. Ron Waters held the 191st Legislative Seat. But now it is turning into a puzzler for this August 11 special election which is being sought by GOPer Charles A. Wilkins Jr., Democrat Joanne McClinton and Tracey Gordon.
Normally endorsements come easy in a race like this, but shying away and calling it open is the Black Clergy. They read what we have been writing and that is Gordon right now is the more popular of the trio. Her only worry is the strength of the Democratic organization headed by Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams.
Let’s hope some of the ladies from NOW go to the polls to promote her. She got the endowment of SEPA NOW Pac and its president Nina Ahmad, Ph. DS, who said Tracey’s “positions are consistent with those of NOW. She is a fierce advocate for the underrepresented communities in this region, and we look forward to working with her as a State Legislator as she crafts laws to protect women’s rights and create opportunities for all.”
Doing well in her bid to win the August 11 election for 195th seat is Donna Bullock.
The Greater Philadelphia Realtors Association, represented by Angie Bowen and Danielle Lawless, presented a $1,500 campaign contribution to Democratic Representative candidate Donna Bullock at her campaign headquarters located at 1205-07 N. 29th Street.
“The Pennsylvania Realtors Political Action Committee is proud to support Donna Johnson Bullock in the upcoming 195th House of Representatives special election,” says Jack Malloy, Trustee for the Pennsylvania Realtors Political Action Committee and chair of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors Government Affairs Committee. “Donna has a keen understanding of the issues critical to realtors and homeowners, and we believe her experience and expertise will help her represent us well in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.”

Foster To Seek Mayor’s Seat

Jim Foster, Northwest Philadelphia Publisher of two well-received weeklies, believes he will get well over the 1325 signatures needed to place his name on the ballot for mayor. He expects to double that figure by August 3rd deadline. He’s not sure his nominating petition signatures will be challenged, but he is prepared if that happens. Handling his defense is Attorney Larry Otter, who has developed a reputation for doing well for his clients in such challenges.

HOSTESS retired sheriff Barbara Deeley, second from left, welcomes guest of honor Sen. John Sabatina Jr., to fundraiser in his honor hosted by her at Cuba Libre. In group are Charles Carlin, Anita Lewis and Ken Bode.

What bugged Foster into this race is his disbelief that so few came out to vote.
“Kenny won his election because so few came out to vote and that with six candidates running makes one wonder if money is being spent to keep down the vote rather than bring up the vote,” he said.
Foster understands his task is momentous. “But someone needs to bring out the real issues, ask the vital questions, and awaken people to the fact they ae getting to be pawns because they don’t come out to vote.”
A total of just over 27% of the total eligible electorate did their duty and that with six well known personalities running. Kenny got 12% of that vote.

Isenhour In For McGinty Wins Republican Approval

When Gov. Tom Wolf announced the resignation of Chief of Staff Katie McGinty, he announced Secretary of Legislative Affairs Mary Isenhour as her replacement, Republicans praised the move as a positive development in terms of ongoing budget negotiations.
“Mary Isenhour is a great pick and probably should have been his pick from the beginning,” said House GOP spokesperson Steve Miskin. “It’ll be good to have someone who actually factors in these meetings.”
Miskin praised Isenhour’s consistent efforts to work with members of the legislature and listening to their concerns in an attempt to work through issues.
Senate Republicans were of the same opinion.
“We view it as a positive,” said Senate Republican spokesperson Jenn Kocher. “There’s a lot of respect for Mary and Mary’s ability to carry forward the governor’s agenda as opposed to her own agenda.”

Metcalfe Pressing To Impeach Kane

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) has introduced a new impeachment resolution for Kathleen Kane that is more expansive than one he introduced earlier this session.

HUGE crowd turned out to greet Sen. Arthur L. Haywood III at his new district office, 7106 Germantown Ave. Leading VIP attendees was Councilwoman Marian Tasco, who said “He’s got my wholehearted endorsement.”

“Kathleen Kane is not above the law, yet she has created a Constitutional crisis by refusing to perform her assigned role as the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer,” said Rep. Metcalfe in a statement.
“Regardless of the current grand jury situation, the attorney general is failing the citizens of this state and no longer deserves to be sitting in that office. If she is not removed by her own resignation or through some other criminal proceeding, then impeachment by the Legislature becomes the most appropriate mechanism to rectify her repeated pattern of unethical misbehavior in office and abuse of power.”

Don’t Sell Sestak Short For Senate

He walked 422 miles across Pennsylvania, starting from Independence Hall in March. Since then, he’s authored another book called “Walking in Your Shoes to Restore the American Dream.” He’s now crisscrossing Pa., promoting the book with tours set for book signings in Warrington tomorrow.
Tough it is obvious, he needs to hurdle over steep opposition from soon to be endorsed Democratic US Senatorial nominee Katy McGinty, his campaign team likes what they see and hear.

Would Six Forums Put Voters to Sleep?

There is obviously keen interest in the outcome of the races for three Supreme Court vacancies.
Whichever Party comes off the dominant winner, stands to be the beneficiary of what is in the pot at the bottom of this rainbow.
So Superior Court David Wecht’s call to all SC candidate contestants to join in a series of forums to keep voter interest alive, gets mixed views. Nevertheless, forums are being planned. How many, we don’t know.
Picking up interest in this race is the announcement by popular Philadelphia jurist Judge Paul Panepinto that he has more than the over 22,000 signatures needed to run as independent for the Supreme Court. With seven running, he could create a problem for either party, depending on the position of his name on the ballot. He has done well in similar state wide races, though never getting the golden ring. Look for his petitions to be challenged.

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