A Republican ward leader plans to issue a legal challenge to incumbent Councilman-at-large Frank Rizzo Jr.’s nominating petitions after they’re filed. J. Matthew Wolfe, an attorney, state committeeman and ward leader from University City, is basing the challenge on Rizzo’s enrollment in DROP.
“The issue will be a pure legal question as to whether he can run for re-election after his voluntary entry into DROP,” Wolfe wrote in a letter to President Judge Pamela Pryor Dembe dated Monday.
It could potentially spill over into other campaigns, as incumbent Council members Frank DiCicco and Marian Tasco are also enrolled.
Wolfe, who reserved the website name DropRizzo.com, said he’s spoken with individuals and attorneys “considering similar actions.” Rizzo is slated to receive a $194,000 lump-sum payment.
