We are especially happy that in Knox failing, we will not see Janie Blackwell, John Dougherty, Frank Keel, or Mr. Youngblood get any grip on City Hall! I guess loosing is what he gets for associating with the bottom of the barrel...

We are also thrilled that all that money could not buy City Hall!!!! I cannot imagine spending over $10,000,000.00 and countless hours for nothing...

Congratulations to Mr. Fattah, Mr. Brady, and Mr. Evans! You all ran very solid issue-based campaigns. Compared to the norm, it was very enjoyable and classy!

Jimmy and Tommy,

I exposed your connection to Smukler and the Brady campaign on that fateful Friday at City Hall. Although you vowed to return the following week to continue your juvenile and useless harassment of Tom Knox, you vanished, just like the gutless dopes I knew you to be. Go away for good. And thanks for the memory. I will always savor the taste of grilled shark.

Dan,
John Dougherty is not a mobster. Dan, I agree with most of your politics but that is really nothing more than an ad hominem attack on a man that has done a lot of good for his community in Pennsport and throughout the city. Remember, as the business manager of a union, Doc's first responsibility is to make sure his membership is not sitting on the bench and every decision professionally and politically reflects that primary interest: protecting pension funds, living wages, health care and safe job sites. These are the same issues all of us should be fighting for in our own jobs and for all workers in this country.

I worked against Tom Knox and Local 98 on Tuesday as Field Director for The Economic Justice Coalition for Truth. I wasn't affiliated with Brady, as you know I was Chaka's Policy Director during the Exploratory Committee. I did it to stop Knox and to help out my close friend Ken Smukler (with whom I've worked for many years) who has taken a lot of shit in this race but should also be given much of the credit for making sure Tom Knox will not be the next Mayor of Philadelphia.

While it got a little hot at times on E-Day, never once did I feel truly threatened by anyone at Local 98 representing the Knox campaign. One of my closest friends is a business agent at Local 98 and all of the men I know from the organization are some of the kindest most generous people I have ever met in this town.

Elections are bloodsport and they are so for self-interest. With that said, this election is over. This city needs a lot of work and no single person can do it alone. It will take all stakeholders including government actors, unions and other institutions, the non-profit sector, and commercial interests along with all the giants in this town to come together in varying degrees, stop the name calling, and realize that a high tide raises all the ships in the harbor.

We need to get over Fumo/Brady V. Doc, Progressives V. Party/Doc, Black V. White, Black V. Black, Rich V. Poor, Keel V. Smukler and every other masturbatory, self-perpetuating and ever-expanding conflict that keeps holding this city back: No more crabs in a pot because we don't have the luxury.

In 2010 we will take part in the new census and stand for judgement. Wouldn't it be astounding if for the first time in decades we grew our population, employment, home ownership, income and education levels? Alas, it won't happen unless the above mentioned is to happen first.

I guess that's all I have to share right now. I wish we could all declare a truce for the next few weeks, catch our breath and stop the sniping. We have a new Mayor. Let us take some time to think how we can all best work together as a fist in the interest of this city and our citizens.

Have a good night,
Harry

While I am not sure that I understand Mr. Engler's comment about Doc and Keller enjoying their own company, I would like to thank State Representative William Keller and Pennsport Civic Association President, John Dougherty, for all they do for our community. I know many people - who are actively involved in our community - appreciate the hard work and generosity of both men. The pettiness and jealousy is ridiculous. Thank you John and Bill and please know that the community continues to support you. Henry

I'm always curious when people ascribe any criticism of Johnny Doc's political involvement as "jealousy," or deflect it by pointing toward 98's charitable work. There is absolutely no doubt that Local 98 has been a sponsor or participant in any number of good causes; Doc and his associates are to be commended for this, absolutely. And 98, despite its lack of success in some high-profile campaigns (Santorum, Knox), will remain a force on the political scene for years to come.

You have to wonder, though, which Johnny Doc and 98 are so widely regarded as a cancer on the body politic. When asked which of the mayoral candidates they viewed most negatively last, July, 55 percent chose Dougherty. That's amazing. I'm not saying that's a fair perception, but that's how it is. I think the reasons for this are pretty obvious; Doc and Keel are associated with a particularly virulent brand of electoral politics, which spends way more time spinning and trashing other candidates than promoting its own. (See, for instance, Keel's promise to put out an anti-Nutter screed every day between the last debate and the election.) There's a perception that where elections are concerned, Doc doesn't really believe in anything other than his own power, which explains his iffy candidate selections over the last 4 years.

So, while it's great that 98 guys and Doc supporters come on here and promote their interests, I have to wonder whether they wouldn't be better served by changing their tactics and playing a little nicer in the sandbox.

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Volunteering for Michael Nutter

Earlier in this thread someone posted a statement about "Doc and Keller" and, I think, implied that they are all alone. Here is the comment, "I hope Doc and Keller enjoy their own company, they're going to need each other." I cannot comment on the writer's hopes or Doc and Keller's needs, but I can comment on the fact that they are not alone. Further, I wanted to make it clear that there are peolple who appreciate their good work. I understand reasonable people may have different opinions. To me, there is no explanation other than petty politics or jealousy for some of the things written here. Henry

I posted a message about two men; John Dougherty and William Keller. I never mentioned Local 98. Yet, Gaetano, you try to bring Local 98 into the discussion. As for my "love for local 98," I do love my brother. Henry

for their interests, I should stand up for mine: I'll be very depressed (and short of material) if threads like this disappear from YPP.