Keeping track of "No Comment" (The Next Mayor)

How often do you think we'll be seeing this response to legitimate questions from the print, radio and television media?

[Insert candidate name here] did not respond to requests for comment.

In this case the candidate was Bob Brady responding to Chris Brennan's column about the 70 public health clinic positions that are likely to be cut soon. I've already referenced Brady once regarding avoidance of media questions, but this is an equal opportunity post.

There's been a number of instances in which Chaka Fattah has deflected from questions by assuring us that "he'll be releasing a position paper" soon. Tom Knox gets to play the outsider's "I don't have access to the numbers" card, which is fair enough but then he should also give up his "I knew enough to balance the budget under Rendell" card.

If anyone wants to help out on this and has access either to Lexis/Nexis or wants to comb through our site, the blog and headline archives, feel free to point out instances of "question avoidance" that have already happened. It's something I'll be trying to keep track of as we move forward.

As I said in a recent comment to another post, I'm a big believer that how one campaigns is a good sign of how they'll govern. If the press can't get answers to legitimate questions on a timely basis (ie by deadline time) while someone is seeking votes, what chance does Joe Rowhome have in getting answers or action when that candidate becomes mayor?

On the flipside, if a candidate is responsive, well-versed on issues, and able to chat intelligently with the press and constituents about a variety of different issues, that may be a sign that he or she (I'm not giving up hope for a woman mayor and this applies to council candidates) will be the architect of a responsive government.

Comments (17)

Andy Daven:

I think there's a difference between question avoidance, and wanting to come out with a defensible plan.

If Chaka said he wanted to wait until he released his whole health plan, he probably meant it!

Same for Brady. Unlike a lot of politicians, Brady is a guy who does what he says, so he probably isn't going to come out promising the world, until he's prepared to do just as he said.

That is not a bad thing, that is probably more of what we need from our politicians!

Posted by Andy Daven | February 5, 2007 12:03 PM

Friedman:

Andy - it's probably not a great sign that a candidate has absolutely nothing to say on an issue of importance.

Posted by Friedman | February 5, 2007 12:13 PM

Dave

Isn't "promising the world" exactly what Bob Brady did when he announced his candidacy? Elephants at the Zoo, anyone?

As for Fattah, he finally did come out with a "defensible plan" for public safety and refused to talk about parts of it at the press conference where he released it. Could it be that his "exploratory committee" knows a lot more about the plan than he does?

BTW, did Chaka Fattah pay for the exploratory committee before or after he declared his candidacy and became an official candidate, subject to campaign finance limits?

Oh, speaking of not answering questions, here's what I'm aware of regarding Fattah's record at attending public forums:

- USP forum: didn't attend (Only Nutter, Evans and Knox were there, I think).

- Forum at 1st Unitarian Church: didn't attend first citing congressional responsibilities in D.C., then changing his story to "Brady won't be there, so I won't either." Was later seen in West Philadelphia handing out a check. (Only Nutter and Knox, and Queena Bass, showed up for this one).

- Philadelphia Forward Tax Reform Meetup: hasn't said he'll attend, as far as I know (once again, I think only Nutter and Knox have attended or confirmed future attendance)

- West/East Mt Airy public forum: didn't attend (Only Nutter, Evans and Knox attended, along with the candidate from the Green party, who's name escapes me).

- I hear he did attend a recent forum at Rodeph Shalom, though, so hopefully that's a sign that he's going to start taking this election seriously and will actually be talking to voters in the future (I heard Nutter and Knox were also there -- can anyone confirm Evans' attendance?).

- Any others I've missed?

As far as I know, Bob Brady hasn't made it to any public forums whatsoever, and hasn't commented on quite a few articles, including one that recently ran in the Philadelphia Business Journal (even Johnny Doc responded to that one, but not Brady).

Posted by Dave | February 5, 2007 1:42 PM

I have to point out that to people that sit on their computers all day, scoring the back and forth on policy points is interesting and of merit.

I'm not sure that this is what should really drive a mayor's race in a big city, however.

It almost reminds you of "Dead Poet's Society" where the students are asked to score the value of a poem, until they realize it's nonesence.

No policy idea, no matter how interesting, has any *value* unless the person has the capability to implement it.

Sure, let's beat ideas around. This campaign is about who has a track record of credibility and stregnth to get things done.

Knox? No chance. Nutter? Can't even build consensus in his ward. Evans? Has he tried outside of northwest? Chaka's been around which is why he's first in the polls. And Brady probably has the greatest record in every respect.

Posted by Andy Daven | February 5, 2007 1:42 PM

I don't know why you bloggers are always trying to tare Chaka down...maybe because he's edging out Michael and Dwight.

As for Brady's announcement speach, I wasn't there, but read it on his website (www.bobbradyworks.com). I thought it was pretty on the money.

He doesn't promise the world, he promises a few things. Communities where parents can walk their children in safety to decent schools, go to decent jobs, and come home to affordable housing? How would he do this? Hold the police/courts/da's accoutable, and give more cops, truancy officers, and parole/probation officers. Improve schools by holding them accountable to get more resources from Harrisburg and DC (which he said he'd do himself). And, lower taxes! Wage and eliminate BPT.

In some way, Brady is the most progressive candidate. He's talking about tax reform, arts and culture, and as a guy who was once on welfare, how to make it all create jobs for working folks.

Doesn't sound like he promised the world...he just promised his commitment and a few things.

And when Brady says he'll do something, I gotta tell you, I believe him!

Posted by Andy Daven | February 5, 2007 1:47 PM

Anonymous:

Oh, Dwight Evans seems like a capable enough guy, even if most of his experience has been in Harrisburg. However, I'm starting to wonder about his commitment to ethics in government. First, he supports Bill DeWeese for House speaker. Now, it looks like there's going to be an investigation into whether he paid huge bonuses to his staff in Harrisburg to help him with his mayoral campaign:

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/16624898.htm

Posted by Anonymous | February 5, 2007 2:33 PM

That last comment was me... didn't sign in.

Posted by Dave | February 5, 2007 2:34 PM

That's interesting about Dwight...I didn't know that. I was happy that Brady was the first of all the candidates to universally adopt the Committee of 70's Ethics plan.

Posted by Andy Daven | February 5, 2007 2:40 PM

Andy - you definitely make some compelling arguments for your guy. Why do you think he's last in the polls? I know he just announced, but wouldn't you think that his name recognition would be stronger or his appeal greater after so many years in public life?

Posted by Friedman | February 5, 2007 2:42 PM

In terms of your last comment on managing the budget and city, Brady has Saidel on board his team. Also, didn't the head of PICA just resign to do his policy? I think his team is the most credible on those issues as of yet.

As for getting the money, as former congressmen, Chaka or Brady can walk onto the floor of Congress anytime they want and lobby...they don't need to hire someone. That gives them both an edge. Also Brady's relationship with Murtha and Pelosi would help.

Posted by Andy Daven | February 5, 2007 3:09 PM

What about Brady's relationship with us voters? When does that start?

Posted by Dave | February 5, 2007 3:16 PM

What are you talking about? Brady has been there for so many people for so many years. His phone number is still on the phone book. He's about the most accessible elected official.

Unfortunately, as senior whip, right now he has to split his time between doing his job in Washington and being here for the campaign. Chaka too.

Posted by Andy Daven | February 5, 2007 3:22 PM

Why doesn't Brady just stay Congressman, master facilitator, and all that? It just seems like his skill set is a good fit for exactly what he's doing and not for the other job that he's going for.

Posted by Friedman | February 5, 2007 3:50 PM

You raise a good question... I think the answer comes partially out of the crime summit. That he is tired of the lack of leadership here at home.

So, as a guy who has managed the bench of candidates, he realizes that though some have good ideas, none have the stregnth and experience to tackle what lies ahead.

Remember, the next mayor has all the union contracts up within 6 months, a pension plan that's about to blow, health care costs escallating, and need to pay for more police, tax cuts, etc.

It's going to take a lot of consensus building, and who ever is elected will have to recruit very talented people, and get them to work together.

I assume Brady looked at the task and said none of these guys has what it takes, and it's time for me to serve the city.

Posted by Andy Daven | February 5, 2007 3:53 PM

Maybe Fattah can work with the mayor of Philadelphia to make sure the city's taking full advantage of state and local (or federal?) programs?

Posted by Anonymous | February 5, 2007 11:01 PM

that was me... didn't log in again.

Posted by Dave | February 5, 2007 11:02 PM

nick_pasros:

http://www.message_canobot.com/

Posted by nick_pasros | April 9, 2009 11:41 PM

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