Fenerty said that he had nothing to do with the ballots.
"I am not cutting Al Schmidt as the ward leader," Fenerty said. "Some individual committee people may not be able to back Al Schmidt. Everyone has their own conscience. Under no circumstance is anyone I know in my ward backing any candidate that is not a Republican."
But Schmidt said that he thought otherwise.
"I am dismayed that a leader in my own party would seek to undermine our efforts to improve Philadelphia," Schmidt said. "It is the only place in the city where this occurred, as far as we know."
Schmidt did get some backup. A judge in city Election Court ruled that the ballots were changed without permission and ordered the sheriff's office to collect them. Schmidt said that he didn't know how many false ballots they picked up.
In case you didn't already know, Al, it's a tough town.
New sheriff in town in 2011?
Given the power of incumbency in Philadelphia, open seats draw pols like moths to a flame, even seats that might be gone. That's the case with sheriff, an office that both PICA and the watchdog Committee of Seventy says should be eliminated.
Incumbent John Green, in office since 1988, is not seeking another term. Even though the election isn't until 2011, state Rep. Jewell Williams, a former cop, is actively exploring a run. So is another ex-cop, Alan Kurtz, who was schmoozing at the Famous Deli on Election Day yesterday.
Kurtz, 66, a retired commander of the Philadelphia Police Department's mounted and canine units, does security consulting and real-estate investing now. He's Philly born and raised, and now lives in Center City.
Rolling up, Mega style
