On the campaign trail: State Sen. Anthony Williams held a fundraiser at the Palm for his “Williams for Senate” campaign on Sept. 17. He’s unopposed this year, and is almost certain to run for mayor. MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTO
After some fierce battles in the primary, the general election campaign has been kind of sleepy.
The 2015 campaign promises to be an exciting one, with a crowded ballot expected for judgeships, election commissioner, City Council, mayor and a couple of special elections for state legislative seats.
The mayoral race began to take shape last week, with one official announcement, a promise of a future announcement, a fundraiser at a fancy Center City restaurant and a video release.
Former state Sen. Milton Street has said he plans to run in the Democratic primary. Earlier this month, former city Redevelopment Authority executive Terry Gillen announced her candidacy.
On Sept. 17, former city solicitor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Trujillo jumped into the race during a news conference outside School District of Philadelphia headquarters at 440 N. Broad St.
“It’s time for the SRC to go,” Trujillio said, calling for local control to replace the School Reform Commission.
Later that night, state Sen. Anthony Williams held a fundraiser at the Palm for his “Williams for Senate” campaign. He’s unopposed this year, and is almost certain to run for mayor.
“At the appropriate time, we’ll make a comment,” he said. “We haven’t made that decision yet.”
Also last week, former city solicitor and Common Pleas Court Judge Nelson Diaz released a biographical video on YouTube.
And former District Attorney Lynne Abraham told reporters she will run.
Now, all eyes are on City Council President Darrell Clarke and City Controller Alan Butkovitz, who are allies. Unions like both of them. Clarke is said to be leaning against a run, while Butkovitz seems willing to resign as controller to enter the race.
On the Republican side, possible candidates include Doug Oliver, a former spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter; Farah Jimenez, a member of the School Reform Commission; and Kelvin Jeremiah, president of the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Retiring Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Castille has been mentioned, but he’s a longshot to run.
Trujillo spoke of his 23 years as chairman of the board of Congreso, a leading anti-poverty nonprofit.
“I want to do that for every child in Philadelphia,” he said.
Trujillo called for universal pre-kindergarten classes. He twice declined to express support for charter schools, including when he was asked by a man wearing an “Alan Butkovitz for Controller” sweatshirt.
“We’re failing our children,” Trujillo said. “Education is the seminal issue of our time. The status quo just won’t work for our children.”
On other issues, Trujillo said he wanted to make Philadelphia the “small business capital of America.” He’d consider giving away unused lots to create jobs and eliminate blight. He called for an end to racial profiling by police, adding that he favors installing body cameras on cops. He described stop and frisk as “bad policing.”
Meanwhile, Williams listed education, safety and the economy as the top issues facing the city. He believes the city needs to work with the state and federal governments in those areas and others.
“There are a number of issues Philadelphia can’t solve by itself,” he said.
Williams was joined at his event by District Attorney Seth Williams, City Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez and even former Eagles defensive tackle Darwin Walker, now a Fox 29 football analyst.
While Williams and other confirmed and likely candidates are staffing up, some are holding off on an official announcement until after voters go to the polls on Nov. 4 for a pretty big choice.
“They’re picking a governor,” Williams said, referring to the showdown between Gov. Tom Corbett and Democratic challenger Tom Wolf. ••
