Members of the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee on Tuesday nominated state Rep. Ed Neilson to run for the at-large City Council seat that Bill Green recently left to head up the School Reform Commission. It was unanimous, said U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, city Democratic Party chairman.
Neilson represents the 169th Legislative District in the Far Northeast and is completing his first full term. The district, however, has been moved to York County, which means Neilson now lives in the 174th district and would have had to run against incumbent Democrat John Sabatina Jr. if he hoped to stay in Harrisburg. Republicans will pick their candidate for the May 20 special City Council election next week. So far, Matt Wolfe, a West Philly ward leader, has announced he’s interested in the GOP nomination.
If Neilson wins, he will be the second 169th alum on City Council. Councilman at-large Denny O’Brien long held the legislative seat before running for council in 2011. ••
