Philly controller could have competition for his job

It looks like Philadelphia’s incumbent city controller will have some primary competition. 

Rebecca Rhynhart, the city’s chief administrative officer, said she is going over her options as she considers whether to run against three-term incumbent  Alan Butkovitz in the Democratic primary for city controller in May. “I am seriously considering a run for city controller,” she said. Rhynhart is already talking as if she were a candidate, saying “change can be a good thing” for the city. “I think I am very qualified for the position, with my financial background in roles as city treasurer and budget director, so I am considering it,” she said.

Butkovitz seemed unfazed by the potential competition. “I have to run for election every four years,” he said. “I have run contested elections every year I’ve run for controller, so I think it’s normal.” Because of a city charter provision, if Rhynhart declares her candidacy, she would have to quit her job.  Sources say that could come as soon as this week.