December 24–31, 1998

political notebook

Mary Frangipanni's Political Notebook

High Hilarity

Candidates running for office next year made the rounds last weekend at all the Christmas parties, of which there were plenty.

On Friday night, Democratic candidates were at South Philly's Swann Caterers for the Democratic Women of Philadelphia's annual Christmas party, hosted by Amelia Barnette and Angela Cinquino.

Buddy Cianfrani was there with his wife, former Inquirer ace political reporter Laura Foreman. Cianfrani filled in as the keynote speaker for U.S. Rep. and Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady, who was in Washington for the impeachment vote.

City Council at-large candidates Terry Gillen, Donna Gentile-O'Donnell, Steve Nesmith and Mark Levy made the rounds. Brady, who usually backs ward leaders, will likely support Gillen. Gillen beat incumbent Stanley White last summer for his spot as 30th Ward leader.

Levy was once Councilman Jim Kenney's chief of staff and in 1995 ran unsuccessfully against 4th District Councilman Michael Nutter in the primary. Levy currently works as a medical researcher for Leland Beloff's nursing homes.

He's confident he has the Big Beloff's support.

Judicial candidates know how to party, too. Among the faces were Common Pleas Court candidates Ira Shrager, Susan Schulman, Chuck O'Connell, Doris Pechkurow, Lisa Rau and Karen Zeitz. Partygoer Frank Palumbo is running for Municipal Court with help from Cianfrani.

Fly Like a Segal

Philadelphia Gay News publisher Mark Segal and his partner Tony Lombardo held their annual Christmas party Saturday night at their Society Hill home.

Segal said that they intended to limit the guest list this year. Sure enough, instead of 200 guests there were 198.

Mayoral candidates at the Segal/Lombardo affair included State Rep. Dwight Evans, John White, Marty Weinberg and Sam Katz. Weinberg arrived in a tuxedo, having just left the DePaul brothers' black-tie Christmas gala.

City Council President John Street was the only mayoral candidate who was not invited. He is constantly under fire from the gay and lesbian community mainly because of his lack of support for domestic partnership.

"We congratulate the citizens of Philadelphia on the occasion of John Street's leaving the city's payroll for the last time," said Segal.

In other news, Mayor Ed Rendell arrived with his wife, Judge Midge Rendell, and a chocolate birthday cake, which Segal later adorned with Hanukkah candles.

"It's my 51st birthday," said Judge Rendell.

Many were surprised to learn her age. "We thought she was in her early 40s," said two men who decided to taste the cake.

Paul Arcure, gay activist, restaurateur and aide to Bob Brady, led judicial candidate Susan Schulman around the party. Arcure is her campaign manager.

Rendell made it clear that Schulman has his support.

But who will he support for mayor?

"I think all the candidates are highly qualified," said Rendell.

Other guests at the Segal soiree included District Attorney Lynne Abraham; Sheriff John Green; Al and Eleanor Dezzi; Councilmen Frank DiCicco, Jim Kenney, Angel Ortiz and Thacher Longstreth; former candidate for lieutenant governor Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky; consultant Melanie Hopkins; Sheriff Green's Chief of Staff Barbara Deeley; former mayoral candidate George Bochetto and his wife, Paula Bochetto; Log Cabin Gay Republicans president David Greer; former Councilman Ed Schwartz; gay activist Mark Smith; DiCicco Chief of Staff Robin Schatz; and Liberty City Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club co-chair Denise Kulp. Kulp is working on John White's campaign.

Ed Hanlon, the legislative aide to State Sen. Vincent Fumo, hung around awhile with his partner John and guests noticed his shoes.

"Ed's wearing sensible shoes tonight," said a few women standing around the buffet table.

They were later chased away by the caterer, William Jennings Bryan Mummert II, because they were messing around with the lid on the chafing dish that covered the corn fritters.

Bras were a big topic at the party.

Maria Merlino-Bykofsky was not wearing the Xena Bra she wore last year.

"I think she's wearing the Miracle Bra," said Rick Lombardo, Segal's brother-in-law.

"My bra is built in," said Merlino-Bykofsky.

Her husband, Daily News scribe Stu Bykofsky, who was standing nearby, didn't seem fazed by all the talk about his wife's bra.

Julie Welker, who showed up with her husband, Harvey, looked particularly glamorous in a black evening dress.

Welker plans to announce her candidacy for the 5th District councilmanic seat soon.

Segal said that he would support her again. Welker last ran in 1995.

Judge Annette Rizzo, who arrived in a red satin cocktail dress, said she will be sworn in next month.

Rizzo (no relation to the Bambino) was appointed to Common Pleas Court by Gov. Tom Ridge earlier this month but has to run again in the 1999 primary.

The evening wore down with Santa playing tunes at the piano accompanied by Inquirer columnist William Speers.

(m_frangipanni@citypaper.net)