Black cops’ group endorses Nutter reelection

Standing in front of the Guardian Civic League’s Girard Avenue headquarters yesterday, Mayor Michael Nutter happily accepted an endorsement from the group representing 2,500 active and retired African-American city police officers.

As Nutter finished speaking, garbage collector and District Council 33 member Doren Carter noticed the incumbent standing a few feet from his trash route.

“Need a fair contract. DC 33 needs a fair contract,” hooted Carter, whose union endorsed Milton Street’s candidacy last week in no small part because they’ve been working without a contract since 2009.

It’s unclear whether Carter heard Nutter retort, “Love to have one.”

“Of course he has the right to speak his mind,” said Nutter. “The reality is, if he was in another city, he might not be working” but Philadelphia has managed to avoid layoffs.

Billy Mahoney, co-chair of the local chapter of the National Black Police Association’s PAC, endorsed Nutter as “a visionary.”

But Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President John McNesby said his group won’t formally back either candidate.

“I have no problems with the mayor. The only thing standing in our way is his issue with DROP,” said McNesby, noting that retired officers rely on pension in lieu of Social Security and chiding the firefighters’ union Street endorsement.

Others endorsed by Guardian

The Guardian Civic League endorsed Nutter along with Jewell Williams for sheriff, state Rep. Kenyatta Johnson in the 2nd City Council District, Charles Erlich for Common Pleas judge and 27 other candidates for various offices including embattled Council incumbent Frank Rizzo Jr.