Former Phila. Controller Jonathan Saidel Says He's Being Courted To Run For Mayor
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The latest twist in the Philadelphia mayor's race comes from former city controller Jonathan Saidel, who says labor leaders are now trying to convince him to run.
Some labor leaders had been hoping that City Council president Darrell Clarke would run for mayor, but Clarke on Monday announced he won't.
Now, attorney and former city controller Jonathan Saidel, long a favorite of local unions, says he's being courted.
"I've been approached by a number of labor leaders and political leaders in the city of Philadelphia because they know I care about the city and would work for it 24 hours a day, seven days a week," he tells KYW Newsradio. "And that's a great honor, even to be considered."
But Saidel claims to be ambivalent about the idea:
"What's important to me is not necessarily that I'm a candidate, but that the issues that need to be addressed by the next mayor are addressed by somebody that will follow through and help Philadelphia."
Saidel, 63, had been expected to run for mayor back in 2007, but opted out after his longtime political ally, Democratic party chief and Congressman Bob Brady, decided to run.
The city's current controller, Alan Butkovitz, was going to run this year but opted out in part because a Clarke candidacy would siphon off his union support. Now, with Clarke out, Butkovitz says he's reassessing the situation. No word on when Butkovitz or Saidel will make up their minds. But any candidate entering the race now would be at a fundraising disadvantage compared to those who announced in 2014 -- since the city's campaign limits are capped on an annual basis.
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