A Democratic candidate in the 177th Legislative District, Joe Hohenstein said he’ll be a better champion for the city than John Taylor.
Joe Hohenstein, a Democratic candidate in the 177th Legislative District, last week welcomed supporters to a beef-and-beer fundraiser at the Polish American Citizens Harmonia Club, 2404 Orthodox St. in Bridesburg.
Hohenstein, an immigration lawyer, was the Democratic candidate last year, when he took almost 45 percent of the vote against Republican Rep. John Taylor, who is not running for another term.
Hohenstein said Taylor, elected in 1984, has been in office “too long,” and believes the veteran Republican is retiring because of his relatively close call last year.
If elected, Hohenstein believes he’ll be a better champion for the city than Taylor.
“Philadelphia is the economic engine of the state,” he said.
Hohenstein believes a Democrat will win the seat, and he is trying to position himself as a strong contender who can convince others to sit out the primary. Besides his showing last year, he points to a strong campaign team. He plans to continue raising money and will begin knocking on doors early in 2018.
“I’m the strongest candidate,” he said.
Hohenstein plans to be a progressive voice on issues such as wages, public schools and what he sees as mismanagement in the Philadelphia Parking Authority. He favors a nine-member school board consisting of five appointees and four who are elected. He wants action on lead found in buildings and in the ground. And he’ll promote development projects on the Delaware River.
Hohenstein said too many Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, have failed to talk to voters about issues such as jobs and economic security.
Other Democrats running are Sean Patrick Wayland, who served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve and spent time in Iraq in 2008; Sean Kilkenny, a plasterer who is said to be building union support; and Justin Salmasi, who is raising money on CrowdPac.
Others who’ve said they are considering runs are community activist Dan Martino; Tom Forkin, an aide to state Rep. Mike Driscoll; Harry Enggasser, a ward leader, aide to U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, two-time challenger to Taylor and president of the Bridesburg Civic Association; and Patty-Pat Kozlowski, director of park stewardship at the city Department of Parks and Recreation and a former top aide to late Councilwoman Joan Krajewski.
Other Democrats mentioned include Sean K. McMonagle, an aide to Councilman Mark Squilla; former Councilman Dan Savage; and Maggie Borski, daughter of former congressman Bob Borski.
Possible Republican candidates are Kozlowski; Chris Vogler, Republican leader of the 55th Ward; Brian Caputo, a former aide to Councilman Brian O’Neill; and Tim O’Brien, a former Municipal Court arraignment magistrate.
Some Republicans favored Taylor aide Mia Hylan, who lives just outside the district. She had until Nov. 7 to move into the district to be eligible to run, but did not move.
The 177th district consists generally of Bridesburg, Northwood and parts of Port Richmond, Tacony, West Mayfair, Holmesburg and Lexington Park.
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Democrat Daryl Boling plans to challenge state Rep. Tom Murt (R-152nd dist.).
Boling has worked for nonprofit performing arts organizations in Manhattan and the Bucks County Playhouse.
Murt, first elected in 2006, took 63 percent of the vote last year against Democrat Albert DerMovsesian.
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The 57th Ward Donkeys & Elephants Team Up for Alex’s Lemonade Stand will take place on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub, 9241–43 Roosevelt Blvd.
The event is hosted by Pat Parkinson and Brian McCann, the Democratic and Republicans leaders, respectively, of the 57th Ward.
The minimum donation is $40.
The evening will include beer, soda, wine and a buffet dinner. There will be a raffle for a year’s supply of Auntie Anne’s pretzels.
Cosponsors are City Councilmen Bobby Henon and Al Taubenberger and city elections commissioners Al Schmidt and Lisa Deeley.
To make an online donation, go to https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1384463
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
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City Controller-elect Rebecca Rhynhart issued a statement following reports of accusations of sexual harassment by Sheriff Jewell Williams.
“I continue to be deeply concerned about the operations of the Sheriff’s Office. The allegations of sexual harassment, its history of financial mismanagement and the lack of transparency in how contracts are awarded warrant a much deeper review of the office, its operations and spending. Taxpayers and city workers deserve much more and much better, which is why I intend to begin a detailed audit of the Sheriff’s Office next year.”
Philadelphia Commission for Women executive director Jovida Hill released a statement in response to reports that three current and former employees have accused Williams of sexual harassment.
“As allegations from these women have surfaced, along with details of a settlement awarded to one of the victims, we believe that Sheriff Jewell Williams should resign his post,” Hill said.
The Philadelphia chapter of the National Organization for Women is calling for Williams to step aside until an investigation of the reported intimidation and sexual harassment of employees is completed by the office’s integrity officer.
NOW believes Williams, a Democrat and former state representative, intentionally curtailed the trajectory of his alleged victims’ careers.
“The victims of harassment are often left with a deep feeling of shame and we, as a community, must embrace anyone brave enough to speak up with a resounding assurance that they have nothing to be ashamed of and we are proud of them for coming forward,” said Grace Palladino, a NOW member and public school teacher.
Monique Howard, executive director of Women Organized Against Rape, said, “Due to the heightened awareness and attention to sexual harassment and violence, there will be many more allegations of misconduct. It is encouraging that many people are finding their voice and telling their truth. It’s our duty to support their stories regardless of who is being accused and what positions of power they hold. To those who are victimized, Women Organized Against Rape is available for those who want to tell their truth at our 24-hour hotline: 215–985–3333.”
NOW is demanding a safe, streamlined option be made available for victims to report incidents of sexual harassment, without fear of reprisal, and in the full support of city agencies. Federal legislators are calling for an overhaul of the process, and NOW wants Philadelphia’s government to do the same.
NOW blamed city Democrats for failing to be proactive in Williams matter.
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State Sen. Scott Wagner, a Republican candidate for governor, last week released a letter of support he received from Republican county chairs and state committee members.
Wagner has endorsed businessman Jeff Bartos for lieutenant governor.
The letter faults Gov. Tom Wolf for failed policy and lack of leadership. It reads, in part, “When we look at a ticket with Scott Wagner for governor and Jeff Bartos for lieutenant governor, we see two conservative outsiders with over 60 years of combined business expertise…the team to win in November of 2018…and ensure our Commonwealth reaches its full potential.”
Wagner, who has criticized Wolf for what he calls “gross spending and mismanagement,” said, “We are very pleased to receive this support, because it reinforces how critical it is that Pennsylvania has leadership that actually knows how to build business, manage assets, compete and win. Gov. Wolf has only demonstrated he knows how to spend taxpayer money. His handiwork has left Pennsylvania broke, ranked at the bottom, and people hurting.”
Wagner said the state can do better when it comes to jobs, growth and taxes.
“Gov. Wolf only sees taxpayers’ wallets. He doesn’t see how what he’s doing impacts real people. I do, and I see a tremendous opportunity to apply what I know about building business and winning — to make Pennsylvania the comeback state, a winner for its people.” ••
