Brendan and Kevin Boyle endorse O’Brien for city council-at-large

State Rep. Denny O’Brien Friday announced bipartisan endorsement from Reps. Brendan and Kevin Boyle concerning his candidacy for City Council At-Large.

The announcement took place late afternoon at Poquessing Creek Park in the heart of Parkwood, which both Brendan Boyle and O’Brien represent. Supporters driving past the park honked in support of O’Brien, while others actually pulled over to shake his hand.

“I am proud to stand here,” said Brendan Boyle during the announcement. “O’Brien is one the finest people in public service.”

Both Boyles acknowledged the rarity of bipartisan support, but made it clear their endorsement was about the candidate, not the political party.

“It’s not ordinary for democrats to endorse a republican, but O’Brien is an extraordinary republican,”  Kevin Boyle said.

O’Brien stressed that there is an increasing need for bipartisan support. “The spirit of bipartisan needs to begin again,” he commented during the announcement.

The state representatives have worked together on legislation in the past, and said they hope to continue their work with O’Brien as a council member.

“Brendan and I are moderate democrats, and Denny is a moderate republican,” Kevin Boyle said. “We and Denny have common purposes.”

O’Brien, along with his staff and a handful of supporters, seemed pleased with the endorsement from the Boyles. “I am excited and humbled to be endorsed by these young democrats,” he said.

The three politicians said they  hope that through their continual work together, the Northeast will be benefited. “This neighborhood will only thrive if we come together,” O’Brien said.

Both democrats echoed O’Brien’s sentiments. “If you care about the Northeast, the decision is obvious,” Brendan Boyle said. His brother agreed: “The Northeast needs a champion down in City Hall. Many in City Hall treat Northeast Philadelphia as an after thought.”

Supporters were also on hand to offer their support to the City Council at-Large candidate. “O’Brien is such a good hearted person,” said Bobbi Mills, a long-time supporter of the state representative. “He is truly someone for the people.”

O’Brien faces four other Republican candidates for council-at-large: Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce President Al Taubenberger, Northeast resident and former Navy Officer Joe McColgan, former D.A. candidate Michael Untermeyer and Army vet David Oh.