Veteran Northeast Councilman defeats challenger

Northeast Philadelphia City Councilman Brian O’Neill was victorious in yesterday’s election, retaining his spot as the only Republican District representative on Council. O’Neill handily defeated Democratic challenger Bill Rubin.

The race for the Northeast’s 10th Councilmanic District was seen as one of the most competitive in Philadelphia, with Councilman O’Neill fighting to keep the seat he’s held since 1979.

Democrat Bill Rubin attempted to tie O’Neill to the controversial DROP retirement program, even though the incumbent has said he will not take advantage of it. O’Neill thinks that tactic hurt his challenger.

“That was his strategy – obviously it failed,” O’Neill said in an interview last night. “But he lost in a landslide and I think it sends the message that don’t throw mud. Negative campaigning’s okay if you’ve got the facts behind you, but when you try to fool the voters? I think the voters are pretty smart. as long as you have the facts behind you.”

Rubin said a lot of things need to change in the city, and he believes his campaign sent a loud and clear message that politicians have to pay attention to their voters.