Rizzo first City Council candidate to file nominating petitions

Frank Rizzo Jr. on Monday became the first candidate in the crowded field vying for a seat on City Council to file his nominating petitions.

Rizzo, a former member of City Council running for an at-large seat, filed 2,399 signatures -- more than double the 1,000 threshold. Rizzo said he has an additional 150 signatures gathered over the weekend and plans to amass several hundred more before the March 10 filing deadline.

"It sends a message that I'm working very hard and I'm organized," Rizzo said. "That's one of the things about me. I'm a detailed, organized guy. I came out ... ready to roll."

In addition to Rizzo, City Commissioner candidates Lisa Deeley and Dennis Lee have also filed petitions, according to the board of elections.

Rizzo is one of more than a dozen candidates, including five incumbents seeking reelection, in the race for City Council at-large. Because he was the first to file signatures, Rizzo gets the first draw in the lottery to determine his spot on the May 19 ballot.

Rizzo said he gathered about 1,400  signatures himself, most while standing outside shopping centers across Philadelphia.

"I want to make sure that I get almost every neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia," he said. "I want my petition to represent the neighborhoods of Philadelphia."

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