Nutter backs incumbent Butkovitz in controller race

Mayor Nutter endorsed incumbent Alan Butkovitz yesterday in the May 19 Democratic primary for city controller. Butkovitz will face city Judge John Braxton and Brett Mandel, who worked for former City Controller Jonathan Saidel.

It was Nutter's first endorsement in a local election since he became mayor last year. He did not rule out wading into the district attorney primary or several contests for judgeships.

Nutter praised Butkovitz for the "voluminous" number of audits he has done, saying some had helped the city save money. He also thanked the controller for working with him on a proposal, now in Harrisburg, that would save the city money by extending the time to pay pension costs.

"I certainly look forward to supporting him and voting for him on Election Day," Nutter said, standing next to Butkovitz outside the mayor's office. - Marcia Gelbart