Sharif for Candidate At-Large

by Mary F. Patel

It's good to be the mayor's son, particularly when you need to raise some funds. Sharif Street, son of Mayor John Street, will be the beneficiary of a pricey breakfast fund-raiser next week at the Loews Hotel. Tickets range from a mere $500 to $2,500.

The host committee boasts a cadre of power players, most of whom have mayoral connections. Names gracing the invite include Kenny Gamble, Ken Jarin, Alan Kessler, Arthur Makadon, David Hyman, Michael Karp, Len Klehr and Len Ross.

The only thing missing from the invitation is the office the young Street is seeking. Word is that he intends to run again against state Rep. Frank Oliver next year or possibly for a City Council at-large seat in 2007, the same year his father leaves office. Sharif, an attorney at Wolf Block, ran unsuccessfully against Oliver in 2002.

"I am honored to have some of my friends host a fund-raiser in my honor," he wrote in a statement. "I am deeply committed to public service and one of the prerequisites is having cash on hand so that when I do decide to become a candidate, I will be a viable one."

Phuturistic

The pursuit of billable hours was set aside last Wednesday as the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Philadelphia Bar Association held their annual luncheon at the Bellevue.

Natalie Klyashtorny was installed as the 2005 YLD chair after being elected by her peers. Her speech focused on a new incentive she called Philadelphia 2020.

"Unfortunately, the rate of economic and population growth here is not what it should be for the world-class city that we all know Philadelphia could be. As we are a service profession, these two factors adversely impact the legal profession's economic growth and job-creation potential. As young lawyers, we need to lead the charge in shaping the future of this city," she said. "Right now, Philadelphia's future poses more questions than answers."

The city has its negatives — what with various FBI probes going on — but for young professionals who want to stay here, it's a start. Klyashtorny mentioned the real-estate boom going on — as every square inch of space left in Center City is being developed.

"Who … will live in those buildings?" she asked. "The Philadelphia 2020 committee has as its goal to work with other young professionals groups to study the issues that affect Philadelphia's potential."

The 76ers' General Manager, Billy King, the keynote speaker for the lunch, concurred with Klyashtorny during his remarks. "Philly gets a bad rap because of our sports teams, but I'm not forgetting about this city," said King. "The players stay here and come back here, and they can live anywhere."

Later, YLD members voiced their opinions on Klyashtorny's and King's remarks.

"Philadelphia has grown in leaps and bounds in the 15 years I've lived here," said Alan Nochumson. "I've lived in New York and D.C., and I'd rather be here."

Brett Feldman, who is representing clients who have bought a unit at the Symphony House, a massive, yet-to-be-built luxury condo project at Broad and Pine, tried to answer Klyashtorny's question.

"They are empty nesters. And those who want to take advantage of the restaurants and nightlife," he said. "People want more amenities, like a pool and gym and 24-hour security. They want a lively community."

Mayoral Go-Round

Some potential mayoral candidates have been making the rounds to court young professionals, like those at the Bellevue event, of late.

Last month, City Councilman Michael Nutter made an appearance at Blank Rome to speak to a group about his vision for Philadelphia, although he was careful not to make any overt campaign announcements since he'd have to resign his council post to run for mayor.

Earlier this month, Local 98 union leader John Dougherty was a special guest in Andrew Hohns' office to talk to young people about his long-term plan for the city. Sources say Dougherty likes to attend a lot of events, particularly when there are lawyers involved. Rumors have him pushing his younger brother, Kevin Dougherty, a Common Pleas Court judge, to run for district attorney in the near future.

The Green Old Party

Last Thursday, Republican City Councilman at-large Jack Kelly hosted a fund-raiser at Tir Na Nog in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Kelly has been picking up the slack for constituents complaining about the lack of response from Democratic 5th District Councilman Darrell Clarke, who represents parts of Center City.

A good number of Democrats attended, and bar talk included what looks like will be a nasty fight between Democrats Michael Sullivan and Mike Horsey for the one seat on Traffic Court this year.