(Philadelphia) – A flyer has been circulating online suggesting that Democratic nominee for Mayor, Cherelle Parker, would be participating in a “Latino Town Hall” on Wednesday, August 30th.
However, the Parker Campaign received no formal invitation or communications regarding the town hall prior to a vague email with a copy of the event flyer sent by Phillip Fhisher, a Republican Ward Leader, on Saturday, August 26th. At no point did the Parker Campaign confirm Ms. Parker’s participation. In subsequent conversations with the campaign, Mr. Fhisher, while trying to secure Ms. Parker’s attendance, said repeatedly that he was not the organizer of the event, but he could also not name a single person associated with the town hall’s planning or organization.
“This ‘town hall’ scheduled for Wednesday has no organizers that have spoken with our campaign; no official format; no phone number, email, or website associated with the event – and the only person who has reached out to our campaign is a Republican party operative,” said Parker campaign spokesperson John Dolan. “We can only assume that this is the type of typical political dirty tricks that we are used to seeing from the Republican Party, meant to deceive and mislead voters for political gain.
“During the most competitive, expensive, and intense Primary election in recent history, Cherelle Parker has participated in a record number of forums and debates this year,” continued Dolan. “In doing so, we have become accustomed to a professional process in planning these events: like coordinating logistics in advance; communicating with the candidates and event organizers; all things which have not happened in this instance. Given the overt partisanship and lack of coordination, we are left to believe that this ‘town hall’ is a hoax, and our campaign will not be participating in this fictitious event.
“Ms. Parker will continue to travel to neighborhoods throughout our city, directly engaging with residents to share her vision and listen to their concerns about the future of Philadelphia,” said Dolan.
