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The Other Election

    by Patrick Kerkstra
    Published 

A powerful, long-time incumbent will be replaced today.

And we're not talking about Lynne Abraham.

John Dougherty is stepping down from his post as president of the Pennsport Civic Association after 16 long years as the neighborhood group's leader. The civic is holding its own election today, and one Tom Otto is running for president unopposed by Dougherty or anyone else.

We asked Doc spokesman Frank Keel why his boss was stepping down.

"It's been 16 very productive years. He thinks it's time to pass the torch at Pennsport and focus on IBEW Local 98," Keel said in an email.

Asked if Dougherty was stepping aside out of concern he might lose a re-election bid, Keel said "God no."

Otto could not be reached for comment.

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