Katz mulls another try for Philly Mayor

If he runs again, he says it will be as a Democrat.

While one campaign season is ending, another is already beginning. A once and possibly future candidate for Philadelphia mayor is preparing to make a decision on his status for the 2011 race.

Sam Katz says he will announce this week or next whether he will run against Mayor Michael Nutter in next year’s Democratic primary. Katz says he is weighing his options, knowing there is discontent among Philadelphians with the current administration.

“There are people in the community who feel that the concerns of the most needy among us have been sort of tossed under the bus, that the city’s fiscal condition and tax raising have created stresses for family and businesses and I think generally people don’t and generally feel like they connect to their city government in a way they can have influence over their own destiny.”

Katz ran and lost twice against John Street and says he understands the power of incumbency. Sources also say City Councilman Brian O’Neill who’s been in office for three decades will face a serious Democratic challenger next year.

Mayor Nutter isn’t phased by the potential challenge. The mayor says there is time for campaigning but he has work to do.

“You know its a free county, people have to make up their own minds and will make their own decisions, what I’m focused on is staying focused on helping make Philadelphia a safer city make sure our children and others who want to get an education can do so and ultimately that there are jobs and economic opportunity available for everyone.”