Nelson Diaz, Tom Wyatt air TV ads
Nelson Diaz became one of the last candidates to air an ad, which his campaign described as a “six-figure buy” running on city broadcast stations through Election Day.
With 13 days until the election, more political ads are hitting the airwaves.
Nelson Diaz became one of the last mayoral candidates to air an ad, which his campaign described as a "six-figure buy" running on city broadcast stations through Election Day.
Former Councilman Jim Kenney, former District Attorney Lynne Abraham, and state Senator Anthony H. Williams have all aired spots on broadcast stations. Former city spokesman Doug Oliver has ads on cable stations.
Diaz' ad is titled "Voices," and shows images of the Harlem tenement where he grew up, shots of him a child and college graduate. Accomplishments flash across the screen as a voiceover lists them: First Latino judge, a White House fellow, a life spent fighting against racial prejudice.
The narrative then transitions to the offensive, calling out Williams and Kenney.
That's why as mayor Nelson Diaz won't accept the voices that say we can't fix schools without vouchers. (Zoom in on Anthony Hardy Williams face) We can't stop police brutality (Zoom in on Jim Kenney's face).
Can't. Impossible. Won't Nelson Diaz hasn't heard those voice, on May 19th let's hear yours.
Williams has said he supports vouchers as well as charter and traditional public schools. The Kenney mention refers to comments Kenney made in 1997 in which he defended police use of force. Kenney has since said he's embarrassed by the comments, made shortly after a friend's home was burglarized.
In the Council at-large race, attorney Tom Wyatt became the second candidate to air an ad. Condo developer Allan Domb hit the airwaves weeks ago.
Television is rare in council contests but this year with 17 candidates running for five seats, name recognition is key.
Wyatt's ad describes him as "just like Philadelphia."
"Hard knocks, fresh starts and big dreams, it's the story of Philadelphia and it's my story," Wyatt says as images of Philadelphia flash on the screen. His ad is attack-free. He describes a childhood of tough choices that landed him in a rough spot. He says hard work and education saved him. "I'm running for City Council because Philadelphia isn't just where I live, it's who I am."
Wyatt's campaign said the ad will run at least throughout the week.
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