Sorry.  I just couldn't resist.

Yesterday, Tom Knox threw out the first pitch for the "Montco Phillies" – a men's adult baseball league.  Invited by Philadelphia Forward's Brett Mandell, Tom got a nice break from a hectic schedule to have a little fun in the sun. And my, my.  What a pitch!

This weekend, Tom also spoke to the members of several area churches, visited many local businesses, spoke at community meetings, and participated in a mayoral forum and a televised debate.

During the debates, Knox supporters gathered around WPVI 6 studios to rally and cheer on the Next Mayor.  From the reaction of passerby (Honk 4 Knox!) Tom is the ONLY choice for Philadelphia.

Mayoral candidate, problem solver, business expert, family man – those, I get.  But I have to admit that I was a little surprised that Tom is also a great pitcher.  Can this man do everything?

We think so.  But we'll need your help on May 15th if we're going to Knox out the competition (oh, there I go again!). 

We know that Tom Knox has surged to first place in the polls.  But it's up to YOU to take action and GET OUT TO VOTE in the Primary Election to make sure that Tom becomes the Next Mayor of Philadelphia.

It's time for a real change.  Here's to the power of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

Last week, Tom and Linda Knox visited Wilson Park's public housing development in South Philadelphia. They spent time getting to know its families and making many new friends. Though many had questions about issues specific to Philadelphia's public housing system, most residents just wanted to know more about Tom's background. They asked about his experiences as a youth growing up in Abottsford's public housing. They wanted to know about his family, and his phenomenal success in turning around failing businesses. They wanted to hear about his vision to heal the city. They wanted to share their personal stories.

Tomorrow morning from 10am-noon Knox for Philly will be hosting a community breakfast in West Philadelphia. I apologize to those who were looking forward to spaghetti and meatballs, but it will be strictly yummy breakfast foods this Saturday morning. I hear that the Knox for Philly team makes some delicious eggs, so please come hungry! The breakfast will be held at the Urban League Building at 4601 Market Street. If you and your family are interested in attending please call our office at 215-636-0660. See you tomorrow morning!

They've been waiting a long time.  Their list of concerns reads like a nightly news broadcast-crime, drugs, shootings, dilapidated schools, unfair taxes, a neighborhood neglected, and families in need.

Some have lived here for years. Others recently relocated in the hopes that things would change.  Many don't have a choice.  A few do, but are determined to stay.  All of them care; this is a group determined to find the answers for real change.

These are the families of Frankford.  In a community meeting held at the Frankford Hospital, a host of neighbors-all from different walks of life, but united in the hope for a better Philadelphia- arrived armed with questions for mayoral candidate Tom Knox. 

Knox, a native Philadelphian and former resident of the Northeast, knows the neighborhood well.  He understands (both literally and figuratively) where the Frankford residents are coming from.

One resident noted that politicians come and go-promises are made, but rarely are circumstances changed for the better.  She wanted to know what made Tom Knox different from other politicians.

For one thing, Knox is no career politician.  A successful businessman, he has the know-how to run a large organization (i.e. city government).  He is ready to repair our broken city.  Not only will Knox restore our neighborhoods, but he will improve them to the point where we can again be proud of this great city that we call home.

The residents of Frankford were glad to hear Tom Knox's message-and gladder still to hear specific solutions for the Frankford area.  To find out when you can share ideas with Tom about your neighborhood, please visit the Events section of our website, or contact us at info@knoxforphilly.com or 215-636-0660.

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I'm not a "morning" person.  And I exercise (albeit sporadically) in the comfort of my own home.  So why was I happy to set the clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time and trek miles through the City?

Because St. Patty said to.

A bright sky and warm weather set the stage for the perfect St. Patrick's Day Parade.  Cheered on by the crowds, Tom Knox and a green-clad Knox for Philly crew greeted supporters along the 2.13 mile parade route. 

Spectators were wowed by traditional Irish music and dancing (gotta love the Irish step dance teams!), and had the chance to mingle with many dignitaries and local celebrities. 

The beautiful sea of Irish green reminds us that Spring really is just around corner.  With it comes new life, fresh air, and a clean start….in more ways than one!

Wishing you the luck o' the Irish!

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The area?  South Philly

The crowd?  Diverse.

The response? Overwhelming.

I could sense the excitement. For many in the banquet hall of Marconi's Five Stone Community School, the chance to meet the next Mayor was the chance of a lifetime.

"I can't remember any other candidate taking the time to do this," said one guest.

Everyone had heard of Tom Knox and knew a bit about his background.  But many were eager to hear in detail his policies and plans for the future.  They also wanted to know specifics for South Philadelphia.

One man quipped, "We're always overlooked.  Especially the parking."

"But I'm really worried about the crime."

Though the crime epidemic is on the minds of just about all Philadelphians, the recent murder of 82-year-old Julia Kay weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of these South Philly residents.  The brutal attack, which occurred in broad daylight, again evidenced a dire need to bring an end to violence.

The undecideds. The curious onlookers. The avid fans.  All were eager to hear from mayoral candidate Tom Knox ideas for tackling crime in Philadelphia. More importantly, they wanted to know about real, solid plans for implementing these ideas.

Tom outlined many of the short and long-term solutions- more police, better technology, and career training opportunities for ex-offenders, schoolchildren, and our workforce.  He discussed the need to get our budget under control, enabling Philadelphia to pay for these necessary improvements. 

Other issues of concern to residents were jobs, schools, gentrification, and real estate taxes.

Today, we visited a Political Science class at Central High School.  Now, I graduated from Central, and (all bias aside) I know full well that Central has some of the best and brightest students in the city.   These kids are sharp.  But, of course, so is mayoral candidate Tom Knox!

During Q&A sessions, Tom Knox often gets asked about specifics for his policy plans-and these Central High Seniors were ready to pitch a wide range of hardballs.   Tom, as always, stepped up to the plate.

The students were well-prepped to ask about the details, and rightfully so.  (Afterall, this election will greatly affect their future.) Tom, only too happy to delve into the heavy topics, discussed in detail his plans to fix our budget, correct our tax structure,  fight crime, boost opportunities for career training, and fully fund Community College.  The session was so enjoyable that they decided to extend the time.

If you missed Tom at Central and would like to know more, please check our website for information about Tom's upcoming visit.

Go Lancers!

The Pig, The Drums, and The Jellyfish.

What do they all have in common?

On a regular day, not much.  But they're all part of the party during the 2007 Vietnamese New Year Celebration.

 (Yes, it was a stretch.  But how often do you get to write drums and jellyfish in the same sentence?)

The Vietnamese American Mutual Association hosted a great New Year's event. Tom, Linda, and the Knox for Philly crew headed to Maxin Restaurant in South Philadelphia to enjoy the festivities.  And a fabulous party it was!

To the delight of several hundred onlookers, colorful dragons (pretend, of course) and a troop of talented musicians opened the ceremony to ring in the New Year.  Guests dined on course after course of Vietnamese cuisine -jellyfish included!-while the band played on. 

A time for friends, family, and tradition, the Vietnamese New Year has a rich history. Check it out!
 

The 12^th District Police celebrated Valentine's Day a little early at their annual luncheon in Southwest Philly.  The sketchy February weather certainly didn't dampen the turnout-all were eager to enjoy home-cooked food, fun, and offer a BIG thank you to our officers.

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Tom and his Valentine, Linda Knox, also were out to show their support of the 12^th.  The only mayoral candidate in attendance, Tom spent a great deal of time talking with officers about their concerns for the district, the force, and the city.