Tim O’Brien is back in the city GOP political game. The 20-year incumbent bail commissioner and arraignment court magistrate judge is talking about some very interesting new strategies. First of all, O’Brien believes the city party should completely abandon the national GOP platform. “The policies of the national party are killing us in urban areas. We need a short and direct platform that appeals to the working man and woman.” When asked what that platform will be, O’Brien didn’t hesitate. He said, “The agenda would and should be as follows: 1. Law and order/public safety; 2. Lower property taxes; 3. Stronger schools; 4. Efficient city services…” Then he saved the best for last: “…5. Pro-labor.” O’Brien said good wages and health care benefits equals strong families. O’Brien has wasted little time. At the time of this story he will be the chair of “The Philly Future Fund,” a political action committee that he said will support “Pro-labor Republican candidates.” O’Brien also shared his ultimate goal: “To have a city union member step into the voting booth and have a hard time deciding between the Republican candidate and the Democratic candidate, because they are both solid, labor-friendly candidates.”

By PhillyLabor.com