Lisa Deeley often hears voters say something like, “The November election is a foregone conclusion.”
Deeley, a Democrat from Rhawnhurst, is running for city elections commissioner. Her running mate is incumbent Anthony Clark. The only Republican running is incumbent Al Schmidt.
Since three candidates are elected, unless an independent or minor-party candidate jumps into the race, it will be a foregone conclusion that Deeley, Clark and Schmidt will capture four-year terms.
Last week, Deeley urged members of the Take Back Your Neighborhood civic association to vote in the fall, in part, because three justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will be elected.
“November the 3rd is a big, big election,” she said.
Deeley worked 18 years for Alan Butkovitz, 12 years when he was a state representative and six years in his current post as city controller.
Deeley received flowers from Jared Solomon, president of the civic group. He worked as a college intern with Deeley in Butkovitz’s two offices, and credits her with helping the civic group form and providing funding for projects.
Before entering the race for commissioner, Deeley resigned as an aide to City Councilman Bobby Henon.
Clark is the current chairman of the commissioners, but has been subject to unflattering news stories documenting missed Election Day votes and not showing up at his office.
Each commissioner gets one vote for chair.
Deeley would seem to have the inside track on becoming chairwoman, with Clark’s woes and Schmidt being a Republican.
In other news from the July 20 meeting:
• The civic group will hold its annual Northeast Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Max Myers Playground, 1601 Hellerman St. The event is free and will feature food, children’s activities, performers and service providers.
• Helping Hand will be one of the vendors at the celebration, two representatives of the Bustleton-based agency told the crowd. The agency provides hospice and home health care. Call 215–698–8888 or go to www.helpinghandagency.com
• Members voted 37–1 in favor of the owner of a grocery store at 6711 Castor Ave. being able to serve hot food. The owner is seeking a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Town Watch Integrated Services will hold a National Night Out kickoff rally on Monday, Aug. 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Target, 7400 Bustleton Ave. There will be music, entertainment, refreshments and giveaways. To join, call 215-MU6–4518 or visit www.townwatch.net ••
