October 24–31, 1996

political notebook

Mary Frangipanni's Political Notebook

By Mary Frangipanni

Life After Rendell

Even though this is a presidential election year, talk in the local business world is not about the next leader of the nation, but about who will be the next leader of Philadelphia.

Ed Rendell is ending the first year of his second term as mayor, and already the exodus of his administration has begun.

Concerns stem from the fact that Rendell and his chief of staff, David L. Cohen,have done such an effective job that even Republicans are impressed. Who could possibly follow in their footsteps?

A city that was once only known for hoagies and Rocky has now become an acceptable place to live, work and visit. The city's bond ratings are as good as they can be and there is even a budget surplus. With booming restaurants, a boost in culture from the Avenue of the Arts and a slick tourism marketing package, Philadelphia has seen a massive improvement from the days of Wilson Goode.

Of course, there are some ominous clouds over the horizon. Jobs and residents continue to flee the city and the school system is facing massive deficits.

So what's next?

The money men who helped fund Rendell's 1991 campaign will most certainly be back for the next race. They're hopingthat gains made under the Rendell administration will not unravel.

Politicians are fully aware of the private sector's interest in the next mayor. And although they are being coy — some are office-holders — the feelers are out there.

Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Director John White, City Controller Jonathan Saidel, City Council President John Street,Councilman Angel Ortiz,State Rep. Dwight Evans and District Attorney Lynn Abraham are the most often-named Democrats in the '99 Mayoral Derby.

But Republicans are taking a more aggressive approach — they're already building coalitions and raising money. Center City attorney Ben Paul announced his candidacy last summer, organized a campaign committee and says he will raise a million dollars in the next three years. Rizzocrats have decided to run Councilman Frank Rizzo —whether he's ready to or not. Other possibilities include another Center City attorney, George Bochetto, who has maintained a high profile as the state Boxing commissioner. State Rep. John Taylor said he is really thinking about it, and unlike a city elected official, he does not have to resign from office.

A lot of the money that funds both Republicans and Democrats in mayoral campaigns comes from attorneys. Lawyers are always interested in who runs the government.

Carmen Nasuti, who helped fund the campaigns of both Democrat Russell Nigro and Republican Sandra Newman when they ran successfully for PA Supreme Court last year, says he would put his money on Saidel and Bochetto.

"Jon Saidel has eminent qualifications. He has a good financial background and he can raise the money," said Nasuti. "John Street is also good at finance, but I don't think he'll be able to raise the money he'll need."

Nasuti sees Bochetto as the Republican candidate. "George is savvy and has a good reputation in legal circles, and he will have no problems raising money."

Marty Weinberg, the former Democratic chairman under Mayor Frank Rizzo and now the manager of the law firm of Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell and Hippel, says that his relationship with the Rizzo family goes back many years. Weinberg was instrumental in Frank Rizzo Jr.'s campaign last year. "Frank Rizzo is doing a good job at being a councilman," said Weinberg. "George Bochetto is a friend of mine, too," he added. "But I don't believe that both Frank and George will run at the same time. I think there will be some kind of shake-up with Republicans before the primary. And it's still too early to tell with the Democrats. What about Sam Katz? What's he doing?"

Apparently , he is sticking with the money business.

Katz said he is flattered that people are thinking about him but he has no immediate political plans at this time. "I am very busy with my new firm," Katz explained. Katz is a principle in Stafford Capital Partners, a Main Line finance investment firm.

Richard Sands, of the firm Sands and Saidel (formally Saidel, Sands, and Saidel before Jon Saidel was elected as the controller), said he would support Jon Saidel all the way.

"But I would be in a quandary if John Street came to me before Jon Saidel did to ask for my support," said Sands. "If that happened, I would have to insist that Jon Saidel make a decision."

Dennis George, an attorney and real estate developer who gave contributions to Rendell, former Mayor Rizzo, and Councilman Frank DiCicco, said he thinks Joe Egan would be a good candidate. "Joe was just a sacrificial lamb after Frank Rizzo died," said George. "He did such a good job at PIDC [Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation]. I would like to see him run when there is an open seat."

A. Harold Datz, who sits on the board of directors of the Trial Lawyers Association, said nay to the district attorney.

"One person I would not support is Lynn Abraham," said Datz. "Not after the position she's taken with private prosecution and insurance fraud. I like Sam Katz and I think George Bochetto is going places."

Several other attorneys said they heard that Tom Leonard might run for mayor. Leonard ran for the seat in 1983 as an independent candidate. This year he has been active in the Clinton campaign as the state Finance chair.

He could not be reached for comment.

Good Luck Melanie

Melanie Johnson, the pleasant and efficient press operative for Mayor Rendell, is heading out into the public sector.

Johnson, who has an extensive background in marketing and promotions, has accepted a position with Synergestic, a marketing and public relations firm on City Line Avenue.

"The job was just too good to pass up," she said.

Johnson says she really enjoyed the time she spent in the press office and that it was a real learning experience. "I will certainly miss working here. I have met some great people and made enormous contacts," said Johnson.

Valerie Lagauskas is the owner of Synergestic. Johnson embarks on her adventure Nov. 4. Her last day in the Mayor's press office is Nov. 1.