Tayoun sells Phila. Public Record to NY politics site

City & State Media, the New York firm that publishes that state's popular First Read NY political and government newsletter and startups First Read PA (digital) and City & State PA magazine, has bought the weekly print Philadelphia Public Record from former city councilman James Tayoun, and will run the paper as of tomorrow's May 5 edition, City & State CEO Tom Allon says.

Seller and buyer wouldn't say how much Allon paid. "It's not enough to retire on," cracked Tayoun, who is 86. "We're very happy to get it," he added. "I'm getting to be an old man. God has kept me alive this long in good health, but I see the machine (his body) beginning to wear down."

The sale winds down Tayoun's 15-year late-in-life career as a political publisher. His 1991 racketeering, mail-fraud, tax evasion and obstruction of justice conviction ended his years as an elected official. He was also proprietor of the Middle East restaurant and nightclub, among other ventures. 

Allon's company is backed by former hedge fund manager Michael Steinhardt and NY media pro Steve Farbman. Tayoun says his paper, with the South Philadelphia Public Record has a free print circulation of about 50,000. (Corrected)

Allon promised the Public Record "will remain the paper of record each week for all those who are civic-minded in the Keystone State" and keep its offices on S. Broad St., at least for now.  City & State PA publisher David Alpher and editor Greg Salisbury, who joined the company after local-staff cuts at their former employer, the Jewish Exponent, "will work closely with Tayoun to bring in a stable of new writers and columnists to supplement the current team." They say they hope to expand from the current staff of 10.

Staff "will begin to focus more on daily digital journalism and bringing high-quality events to the Philadelphia Public Record's loyal audience," the new owners said in a statement. Salisbury promised "weekly cover stories in the Philadelphia Public Record" that "go behind the scenes of the halls of power in Philadelphia." The group plans a launch party at Independence Visitors Center on May 18.

"I'm lucky for someone to continue this paper," Tayoun told me. "I think it's been an asset to political people, unions and everyone who has a stake in the city. I'm looking forward to working with them and teaching them the ropes of Philadelphia political intrigue." Tayoun, who said he served as a Daily News sports-page makeup editor in the 1950s, added that he expects he could profitably advise the Inquirer how to improve its presentation.