Former housing chief enters Philadelphia sheriff’s race

Former city housing director John Kromer announced his candidacy for Philadelphia Sheriff Wednesday, promising to try to abolish the office if elected.

John Kromer says he became interested in the sheriff’s office after working on community development projects.  “The fact that thousands of properties are conveyed through foreclosure sales administered by the sheriff’s office with absolutely no consideration given to who’s buying them, what their intentions may be, what the effect on the neighborhood might be, just blew my mind,” Kromer said. 

Kromer says the office would function more effectively if it were run by an appointed professional manager, rather than a politician favored by Democratic ward leaders.

In a normal sheriff’s race Kromer would have almost no shot. But there’s no incumbent now, and the office is embroiled in a growing financial scandal, so the campaign should get extra media attention.

At least three other Democrats have expressed interest: State representative Jewell Williams, former police captain Alan Kurtz, and housing police union leader Rodney Little. The primary is May 17th.