Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

ConfiaEnElProceso OP t1_j5pr6kj wrote

I thought that Rhynart was positioning herself as an outsider, technocrat, and anti-corruption candidate. This seems like an odd endorsement. I wasn't around for most of Street's time as mayor but wasn't it marked by widesṕread corruption to the point of an FBI bug being discovered in the mayor's office?

https://www.inquirer.com/philly/blogs/attytood/Have-you-forgotten-Philadelphia-about-what-John-Street-did.html

https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/20131006_Ten_years_ago__a_bugging_at_the_mayor_s_office_shook_Philadelphia.html

How is this not more of the same corrupt cronyism that has marked Philly politics forever?

3

Hoyarugby t1_j5ptckf wrote

It would highly depend on whether or not she was promising to appoint Street friends to her administration. Street's policy goals were generally good, his big problem was terrible appointment of his corrupt friends and associates and family to important positions

Street left office pretty popular and he's got connections and name recognition to the black North Philadelphia voters that are going to by Rhynhart's big weakness

25

ConfiaEnElProceso OP t1_j5pu215 wrote

Having just returned to Philly in 2020 after 25 years away, I am not as up-to-date on the recent history, so I may be off base here. But, isn't Nutter way more popular than Street at this point? And way less tainted by corruption?

−2

Hoyarugby t1_j5pxwfq wrote

Nutter is also popular, but his base was west philly instead of Street in north philly. And there are rumblings that Nutter might endorse Rhynhart as well, which would be quite the accomplishment considering that Street and Nutter hate each other

20

Unfamiliar_Word t1_j5q4pxn wrote

Having endorsement from John Street and Michael Nutter might be quite a coup. Just imagine if she could get one from Ed Rendell for the hat trick. (I have no idea of how plausible or useful that would be, but it amuses me to ponder)

12

oliver_babish t1_j5qm7u3 wrote

Given his current health issues (the only former Gov not to attend Shapiro's inauguration), Rendell may not endorse anyone. If he does, it's likely Rhynhart, Brown, or Domb.

1

trashpandarevolution t1_j5qjibt wrote

She can’t win as an outsider technocrat

She can win as a reformer who understands Philly and how things work

9

ConfiaEnElProceso OP t1_j5qjw5q wrote

You don't reform by getting into bed with the most corrupt mayor in recent history. You may well get elected, but you don't reform.

1

Ng3me t1_j5riff4 wrote

This ain’t a bed. Street isn’t her running mate. He’s not on her campaign team. He’s not in line for a job. He’s an old man former mayor making an endorsement. You always accept that endorsement. There isn’t much to this.

8

oliver_babish t1_j5rrapw wrote

He's on her campaign team.

>“He is providing expert advice from his experience on a daily basis to my campaign,” Rhynhart said. “Mayor Street is a huge asset to my campaign with the endorsement and then also, his time, energy, knowledge and constructive criticism.”
>
>“I am going to be in meetings. I’ll go to the wards,” Street said. “I will be helping with public policy. I am going to do whatever I can.”

2

Ng3me t1_j5t7ezy wrote

That’s Just how you accept an endorsement from a former mayor. You let him volunteer. That’s all. You’re all overthinking this.

5

oliver_babish t1_j5t9a6r wrote

That's some nifty Wall Street accounting trick to let you simultaneously claim "he’s not on her campaign team" but "he is providing expert advice from his experience on a daily basis to my campaign."

I don't know why a Rhynhart supporter would want to minimize Mayor Street's role if they're proud of having his endorsement.

1

Ng3me t1_j5tnqrg wrote

Well I guess John Street will be the shadow mayor and Rhynhart will restart whatever crooked airport deal got him in trouble 20 years ago. You’ve all figured it out.

I’m not some super Rhynhart fan. I don’t think she’s really come out with many actual policies other than vague talk of efficiency. Like what does she think we should do on safety, parks, libraries, land use, transit, etc. but people are going Q anon level goofy on Street endorsing her. It’s a fucking endorsement from a former mayor saying “she’s qualified for the job. A job that 6 living people have ever done. And I’ll use my network to help her and give any advice she asks for.” Y’all are nutty.

3

ConfiaEnElProceso OP t1_j5uerax wrote

That's exactly the point. I couldn't tell you a single specific policy that she is pushing. The ONLY thing i hear is good governance and her record of calling out corruption. That is the entirety of her campaign thus far.

This undercuts that. If you don't think it's hypocritical to campaign on good governance and then make a show of receiving the endorsement and advice of a corrupt former mayor, that's your choice.

0