At his first labor rally in his campaign for mayor, Jim Kenney gave a rousing speech to a packed hall at the politically powerful 1199 union hall. Kenney’s speech followed a very enthusiastic introduction by legendary 1199 President Henry Nicholas.
Kenney has been a staunch progressive and friend of organized labor. He has served 23 years on the Philadelphia City Council.
Kenney will likely receive general organized labor support in the mayor’s race.
During the speech, he stressed a renewed focus on public education and free kindergarten for every Philadelphia child.
While on city council he sponsored legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana to stop the unnecessary and life altering jailing of young African-American men.
During the 1199-Kenney rally he talked about being raised as the son of a firefighter in South Philly, his lifelong commitment and membership in unions, and his current membership in 1199.