Philadelphia's Mayoral Candidate Breaks First Promise

With Philadelphia's murder rate out of control, the accidental comedy of mayoral candidate Milton Street, brother of current Philly mayor John Street, is always appreciated. Never mind the fact that he also goes to trial on federal corruption charges the day after the May primary.

On Thursday, March 1^st, Milton held a support rally for himself to which he announced weeks earlier- "If five-thousand people do not show up at this rally, then I will not run for mayor... because men will not care much for a people who do not care for themselves."

"We want no more caskets, no more deaths. We can't have our young people going this direction." he said with a hearse and a casket nearby as props. Thus far his platform has only focused on the ridiculous murder rate in Philadelphia.

Barely 500 supporters came out, and they were outnumbered by police, media and quite observers. Hope was not as alive as he'd envisioned, but that's not stopping him.

"We're up to 59 killings. I didn't read today's paper, it might be up to 65- we went through another night." Street said during an interview on KYW 1060. He'd made similar remarks on 94.1 WYSP's Kidd Chris Show where they dubbed the rally "the Milton Man March". The Kidd Chris Show is known for their racy and racist commentaries.

Alas, Street is no stranger to Philadelphia politics. What little he has done for the city has often been overshadowed by his own questionable business practices.

Last week Street was arrested in Moorestown, NJ on a four-year-old warrant for not paying some traffic tickets. He was quick to claim the arrest was politically motivated. An assertion that's quite possible since he's not without plenty of enemies. Another minor issue would be his residency- a question that Street has been a champ in scooting around.

He also fancies himself as the black mans black man. Among the swipes he took at fellow democratic opponents, Michael Nutter seems to be his favorite punching bag, claming he's "only black on the outside."

"Man, this guy's the Watermelon Man. Michael Nutter cannot relate to the people who need him most," said Street on 610 WIP.

Whitey isn't safe either in regards to the black community- "And that's true. They don't feel them, they don't connect."

Mayor John Street, who's wisely not getting involved, has offered only this-"Milton is colorful person who has many interesting things to say and I think people will be listening,"

The race will be interesting should Milton stay in the game, but he needs to recognize that Philadelphia isn't 100% black. Racial issues always need to be addressed and dealt with accordingly, but never should a race be singled out as a means to victory. He stands about a 1.046% chance of winning. Good luck Milty.

Sources:
CBS Writer, "Milton Street's Latest Controversial Comments" CBS3
URL: http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_058174403.html

Staff Writer, "Tomorrow: Milton Man March" Philadelphia Weekly
URL: http://willdo.philadelphiaweekly.com/archives/2007/02/tomorrow_milton.html

Marcia Gelbert, For Milton Street, lunchtime of destiny" Philly.com
URL: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/16806013.htm

Vernon Odom, "Low Turnout at Milton's Showdown" 6 ABC
URL: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=politics&id=5081615