Broad Street Brief: Judge Ballot Withdrawal; School Cafeteria Workers Strike

September 15, 2023

City Hall

Philadelphia Democratic State Representative Announces Candidacy for Attorney General

State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) announced that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania Attorney General. Solomon is joining a crowded field of Democratic candidates including former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former federal prosecutor Joe Kahn, and former head of Philadelphia’s public defense lawyers, Keir Bradford-Grey. Solomon stated that, as attorney general, he would work to combat corruption and focus on public safety and violence prevention.

Election Update

Judge Withdraws from Court of Common Pleas Ballot

Judge Genece Brinkley withdrew from the ballot to be retained for another term on the Court of Common Pleas. Philadelphia’s Democratic City Committee now has three key Court of Common Pleas seats to fill on the general election ballot in November. Judge Rayford Means withdrew from the ballot in June, and Judge Joel Johnson dropped out in July.

Meet Gary Masino, the Democrat Running for City Council

Gary Masino is the head of a sheet metal workers union, and is now challenging City Councilmember Brian O’Neill for the Northeast Philadelphia-based 10th City Council seat. Masino is focused on issues such as police and public safety, development, and neighborhood interests. While Masino is a Democrat and O’Neill is a Republican, both are moderates focused on community issues rather than partisan politics.

Around Town

Philadelphia School District Under Scrutiny for Early Closures Due to Heat

The School District of Philadelphia is under scrutiny for how it handled early dismissals during the first week of school with questions surrounding whether the district properly planned for the unexpected high temperatures. Parents expressed frustration around a lack of after school care and concerns for their children’s safety.

Statistics Show Philadelphia Safer Than Public Perception Suggests

A recent Gallup poll found that fewer than half of people who have visited Philadelphia perceive it as safe. However, year-to-date homicides and shootings in the city have fallen more than 20% since last year, and other violent crimes including aggravated assault with a gun and armed robberies are also down.

Philadelphia School Cafeteria Workers and Climate Staff Authorize Strike

1,900 Philadelphia School District cafeteria workers and climate staff across the district’s 216 schools voted unanimously to empower union leadership to call a strike if it so chooses. The vote by the union, Unite Here Local 634, represents an authorization, not a strike, and employees will continue working unless a strike is called. The union is engaged in ongoing negotiations with the district and the next bargaining session is scheduled for September 15.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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