May 13–20, 1999
primary '99
The Tote Board
Who do you think will win the Democratic primary and why?
compiled by Mary Frangipanni Patel
Dr. Mary Ellen Balchunis-Harris, assistant professor of political science at La Salle University:
"Marty Weinberg. I think all the candidates have good credentials, but Marty is running effective commercials and the black community will split their vote and Marty will win."
Tyree Johnson, publisher and editor of the Westside Weekly and former John Street heavy bag:
"John White. He is the dark horse and will surge ahead in the end."
Leland Beloff, former Councilman and de facto South Philadelphia ward leader:
"Marty will win. He has an organized campaign and has turned in a lot of registrations. Plus Marty has [brother-in-law] Tommy Leonard. Tommy is effective and knows how to run a campaign."
Jeremy H. Gonzalez Ibrahim, Esq., commissioner for Commission on Human Relations and member of the U.S. Task Force for Minority Affairs:
"John Street. He has been around for 20 years and he knows how to get things done. He doesn't respond to the negatives."
Renee Amoore, president and CEO of the Amoore Health Care Group, deputy chair of the Republican State Committee and vice chair of the National New Majority Council:
"John Street. Because of his work in City Council and his ability to say no when necessary."
Michael Youngblood, block captain:
"Marty Weinberg. He's the type of guy who can work a crowd. What John Street didn't do in 17 years, Marty will do in four. One of the best things about Marty's campaign is Tommy Leonard and one of the worst things is [spokesman] Bill Miller."
Garth Weldon, restaurateur, The Prime Rib:
"Marty Weinberg. He's popular and my customers like him."
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Richard Glanton, Esq., cultural figure:
"Marty is strong because of Vince Fumo's support. John Street is looking good in the polls and has a dignified element of support if the white community holds up, and John White has Henry Nicholas and the black church groups."
A. Charles Peruto, Esq.:
"Marty Weinberg. The mayor's race is like jury selection. You reject before you select."
Franny Price, executive director, Diversity of Pride:
"Marty Weinberg. Because of his experience and funding and he has a powerful way of speaking. He doesn't sound like a mouse like some of the others."
Sal Paolantonio, former Inquirer political reporter:
"Marty Weinberg. It's like the old Rizzo strategy, divide and conquer."
Cody Anderson, president and general manager, WHAT radio:
"John Street. He's ahead in all the polls so far."
Henri David, jewelry designer and impresario:
"Marty Weinberg. He's a no-nonsense guy, has a lot of experience and he doesn't care what people think."
Sylvia Mann, founder of the Mann Music Center:
"Marty Weinberg. He's had a lot of experience. I think he did a good job when Rizzo was mayor."
Sayde Joy Ladov, Esq.:
"There will be no clear winner. It will be a knock-out, drag-out fight."
Bill Wood, owner, Woody's Bar:
"Marty Weinberg. He looks good in the polls and I like his ideas about lowering the wage tax. I hope he takes a look at the drink tax."
