Steve Odabashian to run for Philadelphia City Council

PanARMENIAN.Net - Steve Odabashian, a 41-year old attorney and entertainer, is in the midst of a very competitive election campaign for a Republican at-large seat on Philadelphia's City Council, with the vote set for May 17. At-large Councilmen represent all of Philadelphia, as opposed to a specific geographic division of the city.

Odabashian's first hurdle was collecting well over 1000 signatures from registered Republicans living in Philadelphia, in order to appear on the primary election ballot. This was no easy task, as Republicans make up less than 15% of the city, according to The Armenian Reporter.

Now that he is on the ballot, Odabashian's next challenge is advancing past the May 17 primary election. The way Philadelphia City Council at-large elections work, the top 5 Republican finishers in the primary election, along with the top 5 Democrat finishers advance to the general election in November. The top 7 finishers in November earn at-large seats (in essence, guaranteeing 2 Council seats to the minority party - which is always the Republican Party in Philadelphia).

His political platform centers on Philadelphia's fiscal irresponsibility and out-of-control spending and taxation. Odabashian also argues that Philadelphia needs to do more to attract new businesses and residents, while not scaring away those currently in Philadelphia. According to Odabashian, "Philadelphia leadership has developed a real sense of complacency, and it seems to be content with mediocrity. This city has so much to offer, but the current administration is leading it down a dangerous path towards financial chaos. The city must stop spending beyond its means, and must increase its transparency. Philadelphians are fed up with politics as usual and the frequent scandals that are giving Philadelphia a bad name. It's time to clean up the city, both inside and outside of City Hall."