Former ward leader Karen Chizek, who did not get the Republican City Committee's endorsement for an at-large City Council slot at last week's meeting, blasted the committee for its lack of diversity.

"Sam Katz and the Republican Party chose a diverse set of five men," she said.

The party endorsed incumbent Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr., James “Jamie” McDermott, Jack Kelly, David Oh and Dave Hardy. Incumbent Councilman Thacher Longstreth is not seeking re-election. The party had hoped that he would not seek his seat again due to his failing health, and was not intending to endorse him.

There had been much speculation all last year that he would not run, which spurred interest in potential candidates.

Chizek and attorney Patricia Martin both sought endorsements for an at-large seat.

Chizek, former leader of the Fifth Ward, has been involved in politics for more than 20 years. She worked for the late U.S. Sen. John Heinz and is active with the Women's Campaign Group and the Republican Pro-Choice Coalition.

"We need women in the party," said Chizek. "They are all defecting over to the Democrats. We lost over 25,000 Republican women who changed over to Democrats just to vote for Ed Rendell last year and a lot have not changed back."

Katz said that there were women on the Republican ticket, although not on the at-large slate. He added that Chizek is respected and valued and he hoped she would continue to help the party.

The women that Republicans endorsed include: City Council candidates Paula Terrieri for the Second District and Deb Williams for the Eighth District. Anita Zalewski was endorsed for the Register of Wills. In the appellate court, Joan Orie Melvin was endorsed for the state Supreme Court and Susan Gantman for one of three seats on the Superior Court.

Since Katz was only part of the endorsement process, Republican City Committee general counsel Michael Meehan, who was also heavily involved, was contacted. He did not respond by press time.

In the past, the Republican Party nationally has been criticized for not endorsing women and minorities. Over the past few years the party has been working to change its image.

Meanwhile, David Oh, a Korean-American attorney, said he had a tough time getting past the endorsement process. "There was a perception that an Asian American would not get enough support," said Oh. "I can generate a larger base and more turn-out than Frank Rizzo can," he added. "My biggest challenge was getting past the endorsement."

Oh had been the target of rumors within the party regarding his association with a topless bar in Northeast Philadelphia.

"My firm represents the Purple Orchid," said Oh. The bar, which has been in existence since the 1960s, is now owned by Oh's cousin, Steve Paik.

Oh's firm is representing him in court. The bar was closed after a former drug addict, now working for the government, posed as a drug dealer looking to buy drugs at the bar. He was allegedly sold drugs from a Purple Orchid employee, who was arrested. The bar was shut down and the matter is now in court. Oh said that the establishment is licensed and legal, pays taxes and should not be penalized for one employee's criminal activity that was unknown to the owner and management.

Panther Power

A former Black Panther is considering running for a Council at-large seat as an independent.

Will Mega intends to run in the Education Party. He was a former National Field Marshall for the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, an activist organization focused on providing clothes, shelter and self-defense for the black community.

Mega describes himself as a single 30-year-old living in Overbrook. He is the residential supervisor at an emergency youth shelter and a student at night.

"I want to represent the hip-hop generation," said Mega. "They are the largest consumers and need representation. Young people need a voice in Council."

"They are the gay community, the Latinos, the African Americans and young people. I also want to help prevent the destruction of the family," said Mega. "Black men become victims of the justice system. They don't have the education or the jobs and end up in the system."

"Whatever happened to common-sense politics? Will we ever see a time when candidates are elected based on their community track record and platform that best represents the interest of the people? Or will we be forced to choose from machine-backed politicians who brainwash us with their propaganda and subliminal seduction?" asked Mega.