PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After 11 terms in Philadelphia City Council, Republican Brian O’Neill may seem invincible, but he faces one of his toughest challenges yet in Tuesday’s election. Labor-backed Democrat Gary Masino is making a serious run for the 10th District seat.
O’Neill has long been the lone Republican district council member and, since David Oh resigned to run for mayor, he’s been the lone Republican in council — period. But O’Neill said he has survived 44 years in council by putting district over party.
“Not Democrat or Republican,” he said, “but what’s best for the people I represent, and that’s not going down there to fight political battles or ideological battles but trying to make sure my constituents get the best result.”
Masino also eschews labels. “It should be about the person who’s best [suited] to do the job,” he said.
And, Masino believes that’s him. As president of the Sheet Metal Workers union, he said he is used to representing people’s best interests.
“This would just be a bigger union that I’d be representing and making sure that I’m available and can address their issues and their concerns,” he said.
O’Neill says he’s running his best campaign yet. His motivation is the toughest opponent he’s had, at least in terms of money.
Both men are running spirited door-knocking campaigns. And both say they’re getting enthusiastic support.
One difference O’Neill has noticed over the years is turnout. When he was first elected, some 68,000 votes were cast. This year, even with the convenience of mail-in ballots, about 30,000 votes are expected.
Masino said he needed to overcome O’Neill’s high name recognition in the district but believes he’s made inroads and that voters seem to like his message.
“We need some fresh new ideas,” he added. “That’s what I’ll bring to the table.”
The 10th District represents a portion of the far Northeast.