We’re heading into the final week of campaigning for the municipal primary, an election that could bring significant changes to our city government and judicial systems across the state.
Locally, the mayoral race is, of course, the hottest. While several of the Democratic contenders presented strong campaigns, PGN found Jim Kenney to be the right choice for the LGBT vote.
Kenney has been a friend to the community for decades — and not just an ally, but a leader. Twenty years go, Kenney championed domestic-partner legislation, at a time when LGBT-rights issues were taboo and certainly not politically expedient, a topic he proudly has touched on in campaign commercials. Over the years, he has led efforts like the 2013 measure that offered first-in-the-nation tax credits to companies that provide trans-inclusive health care and domestic-partner benefits, and last year’s successful hate-crimes measure.
His advocacy has not just been limited to lawmaking. In 2012, when the head of Chick-fil-A came out swinging against LGBT equality, Kenney fired off a scathing letter, urging him to “take a hike.” Also that year, Kenney worked to raise money for thousands of school children to see the documentary “Bully,” which highlighted anti-LGBT bullying, and pressed the Motion Picture Association of America to change the film’s rating to make it more accessible to youth. And, following the high-profile Russian law banning LGBT “propaganda” in 2013, Kenney pressed Mayor Nutter to cut ties with Philadelphia’s Russian sister city.
Kenney has also been a ubiquitous presence at local LGBT events, long before he was campaigning for mayor or looking for fundraising dollars. From Pride to OutFest to community protests and celebrations, Kenney has been one of our staunchest and most visible allies. PGN is confident he will continue that role if elected to lead our city. We strongly endorse Jim Kenney for mayor.
This year’s race also presents the potential for Philadelphia to elect our first out LGBT City Councilmember; both Sherrie Cohen and Paul Steinke are running for at-Large seats. Apart from bringing an LGBT voice to the table, both present progressive, community-focused backgrounds that would be a boon for all Philadelphians. Also in the at-Large race, PGN is endorsing incumbents Blondell Reynolds-Brown, Bill Greenlee and Ed Neilson, all of whom have shown both support and leadership on our community’s issues.
Voters will also select nominees for the state Supreme Court, and PGN is endorsing Kevin Dougherty and Anne Lazarus, both of whom have extensive records as fair and inclusive judges. Also in the judicial races, PGN is endorsing out candidates Christopher Mallios, Abbe Fletman and Leon King for Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas candidate Dan Clifford — all of whom boast impressive and diverse legal careers.
This is an important election for our city and community — so get out to the polls May 19 and do your part to bring progressive change to Philadelphia.