October 04, 2015
Howard Eskin, the "king" of local sports media who's never a stranger to controversy, wants to be Philadelphia's next leader.
It all started after Eskin weighed in on Twitter following the intense security measures enacted for Pope Francis' visit to the city, which drew criticism from some.
The Sports Radio WIP and FOX 29 host posted a photo Thursday of materials from the event that hadn't been cleaned up near both stations' studios on Market Street in Old City.
1 of few handicapped parking spots on market st still unusable because of Phila lack of cleanup. @michael_nutter pic.twitter.com/dJWFcnBGwO
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 1, 2015
Then, well, things began picking up steam. After one person responded suggesting he run (the general election is a month away, for the record) he criticized Mayor Nutter for partly blaming the media for the event's turnout being potentially smaller than expected:
I know I can do a great job. Thx. I would not have blamed media for frightening people before Pope visit https://t.co/aXKbRgf5fc
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 1, 2015
Eskin then announced that he was taking a potential shot at the office more seriously:
I am now considering a run for Mayor. Phila needs leadership https://t.co/aYtdUo8AEs
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 2, 2015
Rob Tornoe of Philly.com picked up Eskin's political musings in an article Saturday, and that only fanned the flames. The host began dipping his toes into actual comments on civic policy, got an endorsement from chef Marc Vetri (who also was critical of the papal security), and stopped just short of officially announcing his candidacy:
Saw story on http://t.co/4I2tPRALVm by @RobTornoe about my desire to run for Mayor of @PhiladelphiaGov. Phila needs better leadership
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 3, 2015
I'm tired of @philadelphiagov always operating at a deficit. We are too good a city to allow that to happen. pic.twitter.com/i5dBLdZ0pN
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 3, 2015
To get support from a great chef that is a staple in Philadelphia makes me proud to take on this responsibility https://t.co/zsdQiTrp3v
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 3, 2015
We need change in Philadelphia. Rather than have the same stale people. #kingformayor https://t.co/OvxpeBp3Rr
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 3, 2015
To reiterate, the general election is just a few weeks away, but it would certainly make the race more entertaining having Eskin square off against Democratic nominee and likely next mayor Jim Kenney.
What would an Eskin administration look like? It's hard to say, but you have to imagine it would involve a lot of fur.
Either way, if the idea of a Mayor Eskin ignites your sense of civic pride (or terrifies you), remember to register to vote.
Registration can be completed online, and the deadline is Monday, Oct. 5.
