Gov. Josh Shapiro last week attended a fundraiser for Gary Masino, the Democratic candidate in the 10th Councilmanic District, at the District Council 21 union hall, 2980 Southampton Road.
Others in attendance included party boss Bob Brady; Ryan Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council; former City Controller Jonathan Saidel; state Sen. Jim Dillon; and Councilman Jim Harrity.
Among those on stage with Shapiro and Masino were three candidates appearing on the Nov. 7 ballot: John Sabatina, running for register of wills; Dan McCaffery, running for Supreme Court; and Lisa Deeley, chairwoman of the city election commission.
Shapiro urged a vote for McCaffery, now a Superior Court judge, saying issues such as the right to join a union and choose to have an abortion are on the line.
“He’s been there for us,” the governor said.
As for the Council race, Shapiro said Northeast Philly is made up of gritty people with common sense.
“That is Gary Masino,” he said.
Shapiro said Masino will be a good partner with Cherelle Parker, the favorite in the mayor’s race.
“Gary Masino has a servant’s heart,” he said.
Masino, a South Philadelphia native now living in Morrell Park, is married with five children, four boys and a girl, and a granddaughter. He’s been in Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19 for more than 40 years, and is now president and business manager. He is challenging Councilman Brian O’Neill.
On the campaign trail, Masino said it’s been humbling to meet voters and receive financial support. His top issues include unsafe streets and crumbling public school buildings.
“We’re down 2,000 police officers from seven years ago,” he said.
Masino said his local Rite Aid has been robbed multiple times.
“We need to put more police on the street,” he said.
Masino said he can bring people together and get things done, like he does for Sheet Metal Workers Local 19.
“I’m a fighter,” he said.
Masino asked the crowd to support his campaign by joining the phone bank. ••
