Other endorsements: City Councilman Brian O’Neill endorsed Martina White in the March 24 special election in the 170th Legislative District.
Democratic ward leaders in the 7th Councilmanic District last week endorsed challenger Manny Morales over Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez.
Morales, of Frankford, is taking on Quinones Sanchez, who has served for two terms. The primary is on May 19. The district includes the neighborhoods of Castor Gardens, Northwood, Frankford, Juniata, Feltonville and Kensington.
“I am very proud to receive the endorsement from the Democratic Party caucus, ward leaders and elected officials,” Morales said. “Having their vote of confidence and support provides a tremendous opportunity to continue building coalitions to support the residents of the 7th Council District. I am a public servant, and in that, I look forward to an opportunity to serve the residents, citizens, voters of the 7th District and the great city of Philadelphia.”
Morales was raised in Puerto Rico and has a degree in criminal justice from a university there. Today, he is a block captain and 62nd Ward committeeman. He and his wife, Tisha, have five children. He has worked as an investigator for the state Department of Labor and Industry.
“The district has a multitude of needs, and the constituents are calling for solutions,” said state Rep. Leslie Acosta. “The current Council representation is not interested in working on solutions with the Democratic Party leadership in the district. Change is necessary to move the community forward.”
The Republican candidate is expected to be Jeff Little.
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International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22 last week endorsed former City Councilman Jim Kenney in the Democratic primary for mayor.
“Jim Kenney has been a steadfast ally of firefighters for over two decades,” said Local 22 president Joe Schulle. “Whether it was fighting for city funding to cover firefighters’ HepC medical costs, or opposing brownouts or forced firefighter rotation, Jim went to bat for us time and again. For the last twenty-three years in Council, Jim showed his deep concern for all of the neighborhoods in Philadelphia and repeatedly proved himself a responsible leader now ready to lead our city. I look forward to working with Jim as our next mayor to make Philadelphia a better and safer city.”
Kenney said, “I grew up the son of a firefighter, and I will never forget the relief I felt upon hearing my father walk through the door after a shift, knowing he was safe. Our firefighters and their families make tremendous sacrifices, and I have been proud to stand by them for the last two decades in the fight for fair wages, quality equipment and safe working conditions. I look forward to working with President Schulle to make sure that those who put their lives on the line to protect Philadelphians do not have to struggle to get by.”
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City Councilman Brian O’Neill (R-10th dist.) endorsed fellow Republican Martina White in the March 24 special election in the 170th Legislative District.
“Martina was born and raised in our community and knows the concerns of our families and seniors. She has the experience, ideas and understanding to stand up for the Northeast in Harrisburg,” O’Neill said.
O’Neill, a nine-term councilman, added that, “Having someone in Harrisburg who is 100-percent focused on the issues that affect the Northeast and refuses to play partisan games is vital to the future of our neighborhoods. I am sure Martina is that person.”
A financial adviser, White’s agenda includes public safety, support for schools, creating good jobs and looking out for taxpayers.
“I am honored to have the support of Councilman O’Neill and look forward to working with him to make the Northeast stronger, safer and more affordable,” she said.
White faces Democrat Sarah DelRicci in the special election.
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Common Pleas Court Judge Kevin Dougherty, a Pine Valley resident, last week announced his candidacy for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Dougherty, a Democrat, is administrative judge of the court’s trial division.
In a campaign video, Dougherty is praised by District Attorney Seth Williams and Alba Martinez, former commissioner of the city Department of Human Services.
Dougherty has served as a judge since 2001. For a decade, he served as administrative judge of Family Court.
On Saturday, the Democratic State Committee endorsed Dougherty and Superior Court Judge David Wecht for Supreme Court. The committee did not make an endorsement for the third seat.
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Rhawnhurst’s Lisa M. Deeley, who is running in the Democratic primary for city elections commissioner, last Friday became the first candidate for elective office in the city to turn in her nominating petitions.
Deeley and campaign staffers and volunteers collected more than 1,600 nominating signatures in just three days in cold weather. She and her mother, former Philadelphia Sheriff Barbara Deeley, delivered the signatures to the Board of Elections.
Deeley plans to turn in more signatures by the March 10 deadline. She has the backing of the Philadelphia building trades, City Controller Alan Butkovitz, City Council President Darrell Clarke, City Councilmen Bobby Henon, Ed Neilson and Mark Squilla and Sheriff Jewell Williams. ••
