Nutter presence in city ad campaign questioned

Given that Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is running for re-election this year, City Council is wondering if he should be the city’s face on signs and a TV ad.

City Councilman Bill Green raised the question during budget hearings.

“Do you think it’s appropriate to use the image and likeness of an elected official in promoting a city because that’s not sustainable when the individual’s gone?” sad Green Tuesday.

City Representative Melanie Johnson responded she had no problem with the “With Love Philadelphia” campaign and the welcome sign at Philadelphia International Airport.

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“He is the mayor, and the one we have at the airport is a campaign. We made changes because when people came in there was a sign that was not very friendly to visitors,” she said.

Johnson, who worked on Nutter’s first campaign, was appointed to her job by the mayor.

The mayor’s spokesman said using Nutter’s face is completely appropriate because he is the leader of the city and it’s his job to promote Philadelphia.

 

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