It’s hard to be a Republican leader in Philadelphia, a city where they are outnumbered by Democrats seven to one. That’s why their job is never done, according to Republican Ward Leader Linwood Holland. “It’s a lot of work to really get our views and ideologies out to people,” he said. “We’re on the ground year round.”
Holland says he knows that it’s hard to get people to completely move to the other side of the aisle, but he wants to “let them know that there is another choice,” he said. This summer, that task has gotten a lot harder with the Democratic National Convention on everyone’s minds. Holland feels the convention overshadows what he is doing. “We (Republicans) don’t get as much exposure that the Democrats do.”
Republican Councilman At-Large David Oh feels differently. “I’m happy the DNC is here because it highlights our city,” he said. “Philadelphia is a city people remember from 20 years ago.”
Because Oh is a Councilman, albeit a Republican one, he says he still wants to play host to visitors from around the Nation. He just won’t be going to any parties with them. “Because I’m a Republican, I don’t feel comfortable going to all the DNC events…but I think on a personal level we should be able to interact,” he said.
Calvin Tucker, another Republican Ward Leader, says he won’t let his conflicting views stop him from attending parties to get something done for his ward. “I will talk to folks to advance the cause of economic growth,” he said. “We need someone in our communities and neighborhoods who is going to support what we’re trying to do.” He says it should not be all about the short term benefits, like increased revenue and visitors throughout the week. He says, “I want to look at the bigger picture.” To achieve this, while he is at the convention, he’s telling everyone to “enjoy yourself, but consider where you are.”
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