John Street says he won't run for mayor

First Milton, now John: Mayor Nutter is officially Street-free.

Being Philadelphia's mayor was a "thrilling experience," John F. Street told The Inquirer in an e-mail Wednesday. But it's not one he wants to repeat.

For now.

"I decline to run, not because I feel too old or lack the energy," said the two-term mayor, 67, who in April switched his registration from Democratic to independent. Street then taunted Nutter by hinting that he might challenge him in November's general election, or run for City Council.

"Frankly, I have never felt better," wrote Street, an avid cyclist, "and maintain an intense passion for local government."

But faced with Monday's deadline to submit nominating petitions for an independent run, Street decided to stay put in his classroom at Temple University, where he teaches political science.

"My decision was in part driven by my interest in traveling" - he has vacationed recently in Africa and Alaska - "and spending more time with my family, including my wife, four children, and four grandchildren."

Many political observers doubted that Street would actually try to unseat Nutter, who sold himself in the 2007 mayoral campaign as the anti-Street candidate.

"Former Mayor Street loves the action and the politics. . . . I think he liked the idea of testing the water," said Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell. "I'm not surprised that he didn't decide to run, but I don't think we've heard the last of him."

Still more intriguing was whether Street might seek to poke Nutter from a seat on Council.

"John Street loves driving Michael Nutter crazy, and this was a way to do it," said Zack Stalberg, president of the Committee of Seventy. "He is a master of political theater, and all this has been a part of the theater."

Nutter, who is on vacation, did not respond directly to a request for comment. His campaign spokesman, Sheila Simmons, said: "Mayor Nutter wishes former Philadelphia Mayor Street the best in his current and future endeavors."

In May's Democratic primary, Nutter defeated T. Milton Street Sr., the former mayor's older brother. A former member of Pennsylvania's House and Senate, as well as a recent convict who owes more than $800,000 in taxes, Milton Street was a nettlesome distraction for Nutter. Campaigning on the concerns and needs of former inmates, the mentally ill, and poor people in general, he received 24 percent of the primary vote.

With John Street now out of the way, Nutter faces only Republican Karen Brown in November, essentially guaranteeing his re-election in this Democratic-dominated town.

Street says not to count him out.

For one, he has been meeting with Brown to pass on some knowledge, he said.

"She deserves the full support of the Republican Party," Street wrote, "which could be considerable if the powers in that party decide to cooperate in her effort to make the general election a competitive and worthwhile experience for the citizens of our city."

He also alluded to an effort to stay active in a "direct and organized way," saying: "Unfortunately, running for public office is inconsistent with my immediate plans - maybe another time."