Patron saint of Philly sanitation workers launches write-in mayoral campaign

When NewsWorks last saw Soxx, she was outside of the East Kensington house of artist Jenny Drumgoole, who created the colorful character, throwing a celebratory party for the city’s underappreciated sanitation workers in October 2013.

“It’s the little things that make people happy,” Soxx said at that Happy Trash Day party. “Clearly, this is a little thing, but it’s great to make them so happy.”

Well, those who appreciated those efforts that day will likely be happy with an announcement she’ll make at a press conference outside City Hall on Friday.

And just what’s the message that attendees will hear? Soxx is running for mayor of Philadelphia as a write-in candidate, and she’s doing so with those same trash and recycling collectors in mind.

“I thought about it a year ago,” said Soxx, referring to being spurred into action because of the longstanding contract battle between the City and District Council 33 which finally ended last August. “The mayor determines how those contracts go. It’s always unions versus the government for workers’ rights. I figured it’d be nice to have someone who is for the workers on the other side.”

Soxx — ok, it was actually Drumgoole explaining everything on the phone, but “after today, there is no more Jenny” — may or may not be planning a visit to the brand-spanking-new Wawa location at Broad and Walnut streets as part of campaign-launch day.

She’s already notified the trash collectors she knows of her intentions, is producing quirky campaign videos blending absurdity with real issues (yes, there’s a pope-related one, per Soxx) and plans “to harness social media” in her run for office.

“It’s ridiculous, but it means a lot, too,” soon-to-be candidate Soxx shared on the eve of her announcement.

After the campaign is formally launched at noon Friday, we will reach out to other candidates to see how this impacts their plans moving forward.