Only 1 Candidate Makes Timely Appearance at Latest Phila. Mayoral Forum
By Kim Glovas
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Lynne Abraham was the only Democratic mayoral candidate to show up today for the start of a pre-primary forum in West Philadelphia.
The forum, sponsored by Global Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that works to promote the city internationally, was held at International House, at 37th and Chestnut Streets in University City.
One other candidate on the May 19th Democratic primary ballot -- Nelson Diaz -- showed up, but he was an hour and fifteen minutes late. And two others -- Anthony Williams and Jim Kenney -- sent representatives in their behalf.
One of the questions was how Philadelphia could be marketed internationally. Abraham said this city is beautifully situated overall.
"Sometimes we are too modest about our cultural attractions," she said. "This must be exploited. A great city, in the whole, is just a welcoming, warm city -- very knowable, very navigable. And we are, in spite of what the New York Times said, very friendly."
Global Philadelphia promotes the city through the arts, commerce, education, and heritage.