Brian Sims Endorses Paul Steinke for City Council

Along with openly gay business owners from Tavern on Camac, Unite Fitness, Chatterblast Media and more.

A contingent of Philadelphia LGBT advocates and business leaders attended a press conference this afternoon to announce their official endorsement for openly gay City Council At-Large candidate Paul Steinke.

Among the most notable endorsers was State Representative Brian Sims, who told the crowd that Steinke “has devoted his entire career to making Philadelphia a better city in which to live, work, play and visit. His proven leadership has produced real results, whether it’s from his time at University City District, Center City District, or the Reading Terminal Market. Philadelphians need results-focused leaders like Paul to address the enormous challenges they face.”

Malcolm Lazin, a longtime community advocate, remarked that Steinke “has spent his entire career fighting for our community, not just through his advocacy but by winning the respect of so many through his work in economic and community development across the City. … A candidate of Paul’s caliber doesn’t come along every day, and I am confident that voters who get to know him will realize an incredible opportunity to improve City government.”

Others who were there to lend their thumps-up were representatives from local gay-owned businesses, including Tavern on Camac and U Bar owner Stephen Carlino; Gavin McKay, founder of Unite Fitness; Ms. Tootsie’s owner KeVen Parker; Marc Coleman, president of The Tactile Group; and Evan Urbania, CEO of ChatterBlast Media.

Steinke, who would be the first openly gay person elected to Philadelphia City Council, responded by saying that he is “so proud to have the backing of these wonderful leaders who work every day to make Philadelphia a better and more competitive city. … The LGBT business community knows that challenges ranging from rampant street litter to poorly regulated development to underfunded public schools hurts everyone in the business of promoting Philadelphia. Their excitement for my candidacy is a humbling honor.”

Election day is May 19th.