Miller endorses Verna Tyner in 8th

Retiring incumbent Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller today endorsed Verna Tyner, one of the candidates in a crowded field seeking to replace her in Northwest Philadelphia's 8th District.

Tyner, a former chief of staff to councilmen David Cohen and William K. Greenlee, has been seen as one of the candidates with the best chance to win, but her fundraising has fallen far behind two others at the front of the pack - Cindy Bass and Howard Treatman.

Bass, who ran against Miller four years ago, has been soaking up the establishment endorsements and money, while Treatman, a wealthy lawyer and businessman, has been largely self-funding his campaign.

What boost Miller's endorsement will give Tyner less than a week before the polls open is uncertain. Miller has not been widely popular in the district, evidenced by the last primary election when she edged out three challengers with slightly more than 30 percent of the vote.

Here is the full text of Miller's statement, released just moments:

Today, after months of consideration, I decided to publicly endorse Verna Tyner for the Eighth Council District race in the May 17th Primary election. My decision was based on Tyner's fifteen years of enthusiastic dedication and work that she has put into the community; and the commitment to those she represented while working for two other Council members.

Verna Tyner has a wealth of knowledge in regards to the operation of City Council and city government; and I know she has the necessary experience to represent the Eighth Council District. While so much has been accomplished, there is still a lot to be done. Verna Tyner brings with her the kind of pragmatic leadership that is required to continue this task.

While many Eighth District candidates are bogged down in idealism, they offer no real solutions. Verna knows what it takes to make things happen in city government. Furthermore, she has the requisite relationships to effectively serve the constituents of the Eighth Council District. I ask you to join me in support of Verna Tyner's candidacy.

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