Published in the Philadelphia Public Record by Jim Tayoun on May 7, 2010.

Three civic associations in Roxborough and East Falls sponsored a candidates’ forum at Roxborough Hospital, to the dismay of Green Party candidate Hugh Giordano.

Both he and the Republican candidate for the 194th, Timothy Downey, were not in involved in the May 18 primary, since neither had competition within his own party. So Giordano spiced up the outside of the hospital with supporters flocking to a press conference of his own.

He complained this was the first of three forums he attended in which he was not invited as a participant.

But inside the hospital’s cafeteria were all the five Democrat candidates vying in the 194th primary: Lou Agre, Josh Cohen, Bill Morris, Pam DeLissio and Keith Newman.

The over 100 in the audience were divided almost equally by supporters of each of the candidates. All handled themselves well.

Agre, the leader of the 21st Democrat Ward, which covers Roxborough and Manayunk, is also a union organizer with a great deal of labor support. Cohen, who has a history of working for elected City officials, hopes to parlay that into votes from constituents served by him in that District. Bill Morris, a union carpenter, also has union support, with a history of serving the area as a coach for a host of leagues following in the footsteps of his uncle, legendary Coach William “Speedy” Morris as well as Roxborough activist Dan Pellicciotti. Pam DeLissio, has the support of retiring State Rep. Katherine Manderino and several community groups. Keith Newman, a teacher, has been active in the area.

There are no plans for a fourth go-around, since each of the candidates has scheduled constituent time almost around the clock.