Milton Street makes it official

Milton Street went to the heart of West Philadelphia Wednesday to announce his candidacy for mayor.

Standing on the bed of a rented pickup at 52nd and Market, Street pledged to campaign for the poor and disenfranchised and especially ex-offenders looking for a second chance. He said he won’t worry about voters wary of him because he recently served federal time for failing to file tax returns.

“I don’t say anything to (them), because they’re not the people going to vote for me. They’re the penthouse people,” he said. “They don’t know anything about the people who walk around with no jobs.”

Street said he knows who his potential voters are.

“I think I have the ability and the credibility to excite ’em,” he said.

If that’s true, most of the excitement still lies ahead. Street drew little attention among commuters at the busy street corner.

Those asked about Street had a variety of opinions. And most were surprised to hear he’d decided to run for mayor.

“Milton Street? He is? Oh my god,” said one woman. “Oh my god — that’s my opinion.”