OUR COUNCIL ENDORSEMENTS

TODAY WE'RE making our endorsements in the City Council district races.

Never a slouch, Frank DiCicco has come into his own in the past few years, with deft negotiation of the casino issue. Both of the casino licenses granted are destined for his district, but DiCicco's efforts to respond to the neighborhood uprising, including a court challenge, may make that destiny less manifest. He's our enthusiastic choice over Vern Anastasio.

Never a slouch, Frank DiCicco has come into his own in the past few years, with deft negotiation of the casino issue. Both of the casino licenses granted are destined for his district, but DiCicco's efforts to respond to the neighborhood uprising, including a court challenge, may make that destiny less manifest. He's our enthusiastic choice over Vern Anastasio.

One of the perks of age and experience should be immunity from vicious power struggles, the kind that Anna Verna will face anew over Council presidency. That fight might be less vicious if her rule had been more iron-willed. Challenger Damon Roberts shows potential, but Verna's experience serving her district outweighs it, this time.

One of the perks of age and experience should be immunity from vicious power struggles, the kind that Anna Verna will face anew over Council presidency. That fight might be less vicious if her rule had been more iron-willed. Challenger Damon Roberts shows potential, but Verna's experience serving her district outweighs it, this time.

Jannie L. Blackwell, unopposed, casts an imposing shadow in her West Philadelphia district. As evidence of her independent streak, she's held up construction of a Youth Study Center, and broke ranks with conventional Democrats to support Tom Knox for mayor. But she's pragmatic - and tough. Just ask Councilwoman Marian Tasco.

Jannie L. Blackwell, unopposed, casts an imposing shadow in her West Philadelphia district. As evidence of her independent streak, she's held up construction of a Youth Study Center, and broke ranks with conventional Democrats to support Tom Knox for mayor. But she's pragmatic - and tough. Just ask Councilwoman Marian Tasco.

This diverse district is home to a multi-ethnic population. Since Michael Nutter resigned to run for mayor, interim Councilwoman Carol Campbell has made a seamless transition in handling constituent services for a community that she served as a political force for many years.

This diverse district is home to a multi-ethnic population. Since Michael Nutter resigned to run for mayor, interim Councilwoman Carol Campbell has made a seamless transition in handling constituent services for a community that she served as a political force for many years.

But Curtis Jones Jr. is our enthusiastic choice to replace Nutter. Jones has made an unwavering commitment to the people of the district, where he still lives and where he raised and schooled his children.

As head of the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corp. and former head of the Minority Business Enterprise Council, he's well-positioned to deal with the economic development challenges of this district. His ideas are practical, and he has the energy and drive to implement them.

Darrell Clarke's work on crime, public safety and education makes him an integral voice for issues crucial not only to his constituents, but to all Philadelphians. For that reason and more, Clarke deserves a return trip to City Council. He and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown continue to pound away to replace the Fairmount Park Commission with a smarter governance structure, a much-needed move. Opponents John J. Longacre and Haile Johnston don't bring enough to the table to warrant a change.

Darrell Clarke's work on crime, public safety and education makes him an integral voice for issues crucial not only to his constituents, but to all Philadelphians. For that reason and more, Clarke deserves a return trip to City Council. He and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown continue to pound away to replace the Fairmount Park Commission with a smarter governance structure, a much-needed move. Opponents John J. Longacre and Haile Johnston don't bring enough to the table to warrant a change.

A brief while ago, it seemed unlikely that Joan Krajewski would be on any ballot for re-election this year. But by all accounts, the veteran councilwoman has totally recovered from a serious health scare. She's running unopposed in the primary, but we're happy to see her back.

A brief while ago, it seemed unlikely that Joan Krajewski would be on any ballot for re-election this year. But by all accounts, the veteran councilwoman has totally recovered from a serious health scare. She's running unopposed in the primary, but we're happy to see her back.

Even before Gov. Rendell gave her his blessing, Maria Quinones-Sanchez impressed us with her knowledge of this varied district.

Even before Gov. Rendell gave her his blessing, Maria Quinones-Sanchez impressed us with her knowledge of this varied district.

Dan Savage is the incumbent. Also running is Marnie Aument-Loughrey, a neighborhood activist (and daughter of ward leader Donna Aument) whose enthusiasm and street smarts make her someone to look for in the future. But we believe Maria Quinones-Sanchez is the right person in the 7th.

In last year's special election, Savage was the Democratic party leaders' choice. But Savage doesn't appear to have the vision of Quinones-Sanchez, a vision formed from grassroots experience in the district. Her work with the Hunting Park Community Development Corp., Aspira and the Puerto Rican Federal Affairs Administration, and as an aide to Councilwoman Marian Tasco, gives her the credentials to represent a district that is growing increasingly young and Hispanic.

The district, which includes Germantown and Chestnut Hill, is filled with possibilities. We believe Cindy M. Bass can turn those possibilities into realities.

The district, which includes Germantown and Chestnut Hill, is filled with possibilities. We believe Cindy M. Bass can turn those possibilities into realities.

Many things impress us about Bass.

Her local roots: originally from North Philadelphia, now living in the Northwest. A Temple graduate. Her political background: a special assistant to Allyson Schwartz in the state Senate and a senior policy adviser to Rep. Chaka Fattah. Her civic work: National Organization for Women, East Mt. Airy Neighbors, National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

But it's more than just her resume. Bass exudes the energy and political savvy needed to change things in the district and move it forward.

This is a tough choice, given the strength of challenger Irv Ackelsberg, a former Community Legal Services attorney. He has done valuable work on many issues this page has championed, like busting predatory lenders. Also seeking to unseat Donna Reed Miller is Greg Paulmier, well known in the community.

But it's Bass who has the right experience, connections and drive to serve this district.

Our choice for the 9th is the incumbent, Marian Tasco. The district, which straddles Broad Street and runs from Logan to the Lower Northeast, is an amalgam of blue-collar, working-class precincts. From its northeast corner, where Russian immigrants have settled, to Logan, which Asian and African immigrants call home, the district has grown increasingly multi-ethnic. Tasco has represented their varied interests equitably.

Our choice for the 9th is the incumbent, Marian Tasco. The district, which straddles Broad Street and runs from Logan to the Lower Northeast, is an amalgam of blue-collar, working-class precincts. From its northeast corner, where Russian immigrants have settled, to Logan, which Asian and African immigrants call home, the district has grown increasingly multi-ethnic. Tasco has represented their varied interests equitably.

In one of the toughest issues to face any district, Tasco stood up for residents of Logan's sinking homes as the ground gave way beneath them. But she has stood for all Philadelphians battling bureaucracies in Harrisburg and City Hall as head of the Gas Commission, and in fights to increase funding for health centers and public safety.

Of opponents Cecil A. Hankins Sr., Lamont Thomas and Ray Jones, only Jones stands out as viable choice. He is energetic and smart and has an impressive record of public service in the district.

But Marian Tasco has earned our continuing support.

Incumbent Republican Brian J. O'Neill is running unopposed in the primary. *

Incumbent Republican Brian J. O'Neill is running unopposed in the primary. *