Editorial for May 24, 2007 edition:


Nice job, voters!

OK, citizens. We’ve had more than a week in which to digest what happened to the City of Brotherly Love, and we should savor the good taste forever.

We just had an election for mayor that was about as close to colorblind as we’ve ever seen. Michael Nutter, a black man who, until he called his opponent Tom Knox a "scumbag" at the 11th hour, had run a clean, issues-oriented campaign, piled up impressive numbers in the Northeast, much of which remains for the most part lily white.

In selecting Mr. Nutter over Mr. Knox and three establishment politicians, and in nominating community activist Maria Quinones-Sanchez for City Council in the 7th District, voters showed that they’re sick of business as usual and that they want to give reform-minded candidates a chance.

Both Mr. Nutter and Northeast Philly’s favorite son Al Taubenberger (who, unfortunately, had no competition in the Republican primary) are very fine and decent gentlemen who, unlike the guy they seek to replace, have no financial skeletons in their past. Both gentlemen have great experience, ideas and track records, and no matter which one wins the Nov. 6 general election, Philadelphia is sure to be in strong and capable hands. Here at the Times we expect our pre-election endorsement decision in late October will be extremely difficult.

Democrats, especially in the Northeast, should give themselves a collective pat on the back for picking the best candidate, not the best black candidate or best white candidate.

Of course, even Mr. Nutter knows his election is not a done deal. As ready as he is to roll up his sleeves and begin fixing the city, he knows he has to win the general election first. One bubbleheaded TV reporter on election night referred to "Mayor-elect Nutter." Not so fast. Al Taubenberger is a force to be reckoned with who theoretically can be elected mayor. Miracles can come true. ••

Respond to this editorial . . .

Letters to the Editor . . .