Meeting the New Boss

by Mary F. Patel

Hundreds of political-minded Philadelphians packed the Cruise Ship Terminal at the Navy Yard Monday night for Mayor Michael Nutter's inaugural party. Dubbed "The Nutteral" by those witty writers at QueerTimes, the event was mobbed to the gills with all kinds of luminaries.

Billed as Philadelphia Realized (whatever that's supposed to mean), the event cost $50 a person and it sold out quickly; since the Nutteral was announced over the holiday week, many locals did not find out about the party until there were no more tickets.

A high-level VIP donor party was held earlier in the evening at Urban Outfitters, near the Terminal. According to guests who attended, and who did not want to be named for obvious reasons, it was a disaster with long lines for drinks, little food and very loud music that did not impress the 500 or so attendees who complained as they drifted in the main reception.

Despite the hot and sweaty crowds, food was good and plentiful as six major caterers in the city were in the mix.

Numerous entertainers took the stage throughout the evening to offer services such as Ana Ortiz, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dukes of Destiny and the Philadelphia Suns.

Nutter was due to make his speech at 10 p.m., but arrived onstage much later with wife Lisa and daughter Olivia. The newly minted mayor reiterated the new open-door policy he plans to implement and how he was going to effect change as the new mayor — a major, but well-deserved, slam to his predecessor, John Street. In so many words, Nutter was saying he planned to take back the city from its trappings of bad government for the last eight years.

Never one to miss a good party, U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan circulated throughout the crowd, obviously building up his base when he runs for governor as a Republican in three years.

While guests strained to hear each other over the loud music, talk was how Nutter has yet to announce key cabinet positions. While Duane Bumb, deputy commerce director in the Street Administration, is now acting commerce director, Licenses and Inspections (L&I) officials in attendance said Commissioner Robert Solvibile packed his bags earlier in the day. Since he was not informed of his employment status, he assumed he no longer had a position. Calls to Nutter press secretary Doug Oliver were not returned by press time.

Meanwhile, Terry Gillen, a key campaign adviser for Nutter, will serve as his senior adviser for economic development.

Prior to taking over City Hall, Nutter made the rounds at various Christmas parties, including Philadelphia Gay News (PGN) publisher Mark Segal's annual confab. Nutter was the center attraction because Gov. Ed Rendell and his wife, Midge, who usually carry the party — particularly when Midge sings Christmas carols with the Gay Men's' Chorus — had other plans. (They were hosting an engagement party for their son, Jesse, and his fiancée, Beka Nave.)

The police presence outside the offices of PGN (the party is held at Segal's loft above the paper) was an indication of how many people were there. It was so crowded that breathing became difficult. Nutter remained for a long time, the party animal that he is.

Republicans for Vignola?

Former Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority CEO Joe Vignola may be getting some GOP support for his run for state senate.

Planning to announce his candidacy against the federally indicted incumbent Democrat state Sen. Vincent Fumo later this month, Vignola attended the holiday party of Kelly Boyd and her public relations firm, KB Consultants, at Boyd's spacious manse on Delancey Place. Also on hand was George Bochetto, who had considered running for mayor on the GOP ticket in past elections.

Bochetto, who indicated he may consider assisting Vignola but said it was too premature to discuss support, has raised a substantial amount of dough for a variety of different candidates in the past on both sides of the political aisle at his private bar below his law firm.

Vignola was coy about his campaign strategy. "All will be revealed," he noted.

Meanwhile, Boyd, whom Philadelphia magazine recently tapped as one of the top 75 people to watch, is focusing her attention on political fundraising activities. Boyd, who is a Republican having worked for the late U.S. Sen. John Heinz, will host fundraisers for City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and a St. Patrick's Day event for City Councilman Jim Kenney, who is absolutely thrilled to see Nutter in office.

(rcpatel@aol.com)