By John Cole
Democratic candidate for city controller Rebecca Rhynhart made stops in Northeast Philadelphia in the afternoon to thank supporters and sway undecided voters as they made their selection.
Rhynhart defeated three-term incumbent Alan Butkovitz in the Democratic primary, shocking the political establishment.
Rhynhart goes into the general election in a much different role than the primary. She’s the favorite over Republican candidate Mike Tomlinson.
While stopping at the Sprinkler Fitters Union Hall in the Far Northeast, Rhynhart credits her broad coalition of support for why she is the favorite.
“I have a coalition that started out very grassroots; millennials, progressives, the laborers unions, black clergy, the Inquirer endorsement, Gov. Ed Rendell,” Rhynhart said. “That’s how my campaign started and now I’ve been able to pick up much more of the union support, which is great because I’m a union supporter. I think that people deserve a living wage, and that it’s our job as government to run government well.”
Although turnout is traditionally low in non-presidential election years, Rhynhart believes 2017 is a unique scenario.
“People are engaged coming off of the election last year with Trump winning,” she said. “I think there’s a good energy around this election.”
Rhynhart said her last pitch to voters this Election Day was, “I want to make this city work. There’s millions of dollars that can be saved, that are currently being wasted. I think my experience really makes me the most qualified candidate to make the city run as effectively and efficiently as possible.” ••
John Cole can be reached at JCole@bsmphilly.com
