Jim Hasher, Republican candidate for City Council at large, on Saturday held a campaign kickoff at his bar, Jimmy’s Timeout Sports Pub, 5001 Linden Ave.
The event featured the Quaker City String Band, a balloon artist, hot dogs and soft pretzels.
In addition, registered Republicans had a chance to sign nominating petitions for Hasher and other endorsed candidates.
Hasher needs 1,000 signatures to get a spot on the May 16 primary ballot. The other endorsed at-large Republican candidates are Drew Murray, Gary Grisafi, Mary Jane Kelly and Frank Cristinzio. Sam Oropeza is also running at large.
In the general election, Democrats will likely win five of the seven at-large seats. Hasher and Murray were the GOP candidates in a November special election and, since Republicans have a shot at just two seats, the other endorsed candidates could drop out after the primary if nominated. Oropeza will not drop out if nominated.
Waiting in the general election will be Working Families Party Councilwoman Kendra Brooks and running mate Nicolas O’Rourke.
Hasher is a longtime real estate broker, with an office in Mayfair, and is president and athletic director at Torresdale Boys Club. His priorities are public safety, small business support and tackling the opioid epidemic. He thanked his family, ward leaders, committee people and volunteers for their support.
“This is for you, your children, your grandchildren and the future of the city,” he said of his campaign.
The Hasher campaign is hoping to turn in 3,000 signatures by the March 7 deadline.
Grisafi attended the kickoff, along with city elections commissioner Seth Bluestein and Roslyn Ross, the Republican candidate in the 9th Councilmanic District. ••
