Newspaper Publisher Fosters An Independent Run For Phila. Mayor
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A new name has surfaced in the Philadelphia mayor's race. Germantown newspaper publisher Jim Foster says he plans to run in November as an independent.
Foster is the longtime publisher and editor of the "Independent Voice" neighborhood newspaper in the city's northwest.
"I know Philadelphia like the back of my hand." says Foster. "I've spent virtually my entire life here. I will speak on any subject. And I think I have an incredible track record, but no baggage."
Foster says no one should assume that Democratic nominee Jim Kenney is a lock to win.
"When the total turnout for the (primary) election is 27%, and Mr. Kenney winds up being crowned as mayor with the votes of 12% of the potential voters, we are far from a democratic process."
And Foster believes voters will find a life-long independent such as himself more appealing than a life-long political insider.
"Jim Kenney is a city of Philadelphia Democrat politician who learned under Vince Fumo and the powerbrokers. As they all do."
The 72-year old Foster would not talk about his fundraising efforts, nor whether he has hired staff for his campaign. But he says come August 3rd, the deadline to file nominating petitions to run as an independent, he will have more than enough signatures to get on the ballot.
The GOP candidate for mayor is Center City businesswoman Melissa Murray Bailey.
