School Activists, Students, Dropping In on Williams Campaign’s Wealthy Backers
The headquarters of Susquehanna International Group in Bala Cynwyd.
[ORIGINAL: 3: 50 p.m.] Well, we’ve apparently reached the stage of the mayoral campaign where theatrics will start to play a larger role.
The first sign? Parents and students affiliated with Action United — a “community organizing” group founded by former members of Acorn — said today that they’ll show up at 4:30 this afternoon to the offices of Susquehanna International Group to meet with firm’s three principals who are throwing large chunks of cash at the Tony Williams campaign.
In a statement, Action United parent leader Kia Hinton said it appeared the trio’s agenda consists of “closing more schools, privatizing education and busting unions.”
“That’s help we can do without!” Hinton said.
Hinton also co-wrote an op-ed for today’s Daily News criticizing Williams and his backers. “Their candidate, Williams, is a longtime voucher and charter-school advocate,” she wrote. “His record as a legislator in Harrisburg shows that the Susquehanna partners have good reason to invest in Williams’ candidacy.”
A spokesman for SIG was not immediately available for comment. A spokesman for the Williams campaign did not immediately comment, as well.
[UPDATE: 5:12 p.m.] The activists have arrived:
Billionaires billionaires, we're no fools you and tony want to close our schools! pic.twitter.com/aNv3BIhDI5
— Action United (@ActionUnited) May 6, 2015
#PHL2015 Tony Williams can't buy the mayor race. @YUCphilly pic.twitter.com/YAFLSHPP7l
— Action United (@ActionUnited) May 6, 2015
Shutting down SIG for a better #PHL2015. Our election won't be bought. #philly pic.twitter.com/sG8bItvz2z
— Action United (@ActionUnited) May 6, 2015
Billionaires can't buy our mayors office ! pic.twitter.com/S23QUcs5dQ
— Action United (@ActionUnited) May 6, 2015
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