Former Mayor Street endorses Isaiah Thomas for Council

Former Mayor John Street, who has been largely quiet this election season, endorsed non-incumbent, Isaiah Thomas for council at-large today.

Thomas, a public charter school dean and adjunct professor at Lincoln University, ran in 2011 as a relative unknown. This time around, he has the support of Street, two sitting council members, labor unions and the big bucks independent expenditure, Philly 3.0.

Street said in a statement Thomas shared his views on how to improve police relations with the community and improve schools. He also touted Thomas' youth.

"Philadelphia is at an important intersection. Tens of thousands of illegal, unconstitutional searches of black and Latino males have made community relations with the police department worse then ever. Our schools are under -funded and our teachers are under assault," Street said. "Many of our reliable leaders are preparing for a much deserved retirement. We need to integrate some young, smart, courageous youthful persons into the ranks of the city's political leadership. Philadelphia needs Isaiah Thomas."

A major obstacle for Thomas, 30, is his ballot position. He picked second to last in the lottery last month. Seventeen candidates are vying for five Democratic seats, one of them vacated by mayoral candidate and former councilman Jim Kenney. The primary is May 19.

Thomas said in an interview Friday he got to know Street through a campaign worker in 2011 and the two have remained friends since.

"When I lost, I made sure I was a student of politics, understanding how to run a race ethically, morally and maintaining integrity and I think my message is resonating with Philadelphia," Thomas said. "I'm proud and appreciative to have his endorsement."

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