Politics & Government

Brian Rudnick Fights to Get on 8th District Ballot

The Green Party candidate, and Chestnut Hill resident, has only a few days to gather 750 signatures.

Chestnut Hill resident Brian Rudnick is hitting the street, trying in a short amount of time to get the signatures he needs to get on the ballot this November.

Rudnick decided late in July that he wanted to switch from a write-in campaign as the Green Party candidate for the 8th District City Council seat.

“I hope to pick up some momentum and get into the race. I started in earnest with a write-in campaign, “ Rudnick said. “The Green Party of Philadelphia was reluctant to give support a write-in campaign because they already are long shots. Other people advised me, that I was expending a lot of energy, why not use that energy to get on the ballot.”

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Rudnick and his supporters have been circulating the petitions to get enough signatures to get on the ballot, and they have been working overtime. The campaign has only until Aug. 1 to submit the signatures. They need 750 perfect signatures, but they are aiming for 900.

“We want to allow for a buffer of imperfect ones, maybe misspelled or have challenged and stricken... we’re trying extra hard to get enough signatures to withstand a Cindy Bass challenge,” Rudnick said.

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As of July 26, he estimated 400 signatures. His supporters have been at grocery stores, parks, community centers and all over the 8th District collecting the signatures. He is passionate about making sure that voters have a choice in November, instead of one candidate running unopposed.

“There is a strong and determined minority that thinks the city should have a two-party system at least. Because the Republicans are so weak, we hardly have a two-party system. That second party could be the green party,” Rudnick said.

He said voters won’t have a reason to show up to the polls if there is only one candidate, and that’s part of the reason he wants to be on the ballot.

“Even if it’s a chance to vote against me, all it does is gives you a choice,” he said.

As for the chances for the Green Party, he said, “They are a political force, and their values are peace, social justice, grassroots democracy and non-violence, and what I seek to exemplify in my life and as a council person.”

Rudnick and his supporters will be at Wednesday night’s concert at to collect signatures. If those interested in signing the petition do not see him at the park, or on the streets, at the grocery store, wherever he might be, they can also stop by Walk a Crooked Mile Books, 7423 Devon St., in Mt. Airy. A copy of the petition is there to be signed.


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