Former IBEW 98 staffer jumps in the 8th District City Council race

Long-time Germantown resident Robin Tasco considers running for Philadelphia City Council as a natural evolution of her community activism.

Tasco has served as a block captain and a Democratic committeeperson. Most recently, Tasco was the business representative and community liaison with the politically influential electricians union I.B.E.W Local 98. In that position she kept union members informed about upcoming job opportunities and she met with contractors seeking union labor.

The veteran certified electrician has also taken her knowledge of the building trade to the streets, volunteering her time to teach residents the ins and outs of breaking into the industry.

“With my background as a blue collar worker, I did politics for my job, I did organizing for my job, I did union representative work, which got me on the streets,” said Tasco, who is currently unemployed.

“Being a councilperson will just put me in a position to do more of that on a larger level,” she added.

Tasco said it’s too early to discuss specific actions she’s prepared to take as a district leader. She said those would become clearer as she continues to visit with residents across the Eighth District.

“We really haven’t reached and done what the people in the community wanted. And the issues that we have in Germantown are going to be different from the issues we have in Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill or North Philadelphia,” said Tasco.

More generally, Tasco said she’d like find ways to reduce blight, crime, drugs and improve opportunities for education and employment – issues she suspects most everyone is concerned about.

This is Tasco’s first run for city council.

“People these days are so upset. They’re so down and out. I just want to be able to make somebody smile in spite of what the situation looks like,” said Tasco.

If you’re wondering, Tasco is related by marriage to Ninth District Councilwoman Marian Tasco. She is married to the nephew of Marian’s first husband.

Tasco is one of ten Democratic candidates running for the open Eighth District Council seat, being vacated by Donna Reed Miller.

Names of other expected candidates include:

• Cindy Bass

• Jordan Dillard

• John Churchville

• Andrew Lofton

• Donna Gentile O’Donnell

• Greg Paulmier

• Verna Tyner

• Anita Hamilton

• Bill Durham