Former mayors have advice for Philly’s likely new leader

Two former Philadelphia mayors have sharply different opinions about how Jim Kenney should spend his summer. 

Philadelphia hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since the 1940s, so Democratic nominee Kenney will most likely succeed Michael Nutter at the city’s 99th chief executive.  

 

Former Mayor Wilson Goode advised Kenney to begin putting together his top aides and preparing his administration.

“When Nov. 3 comes, and you are elected, it’s a short time between then and inauguration day,” Goode said. “Plan as if you are going to be elected, and, when you are elected, you are that much further ahead.”

Former mayor and former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is more cautious.

“Concentrate on the election, don’t take anything for granted, politics is a strange business,” Rendell said. “He’s got a lot of time to campaign and look toward the futureand planning about what he can do.”

Those seeking jobs in the probable Kenney administration have been approaching the candidate.