CLIFTON HEIGHTS — On the corner of Springfield Road and Oak Avenue, music and balloons accompanied the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers sizzling on an outdoor grill.
Some thought it was an impromptu block party. Others guessed it was an early Labor Day barbecue.
The truth was hidden behind dozens of pedestrians, “hanging out” on the corner outside the air-conditioned building, serving cold sodas and lemonade.
“This is a celebration. I am now the only candidate for county council that has their own campaign headquarters,” explained Democrat county council candidate David Landau Sunday, standing inside the former AFL-CIO headquarters in Clifton Heights.
The building officially became Landau’s campaign headquarters this year when he signed a lease that will expire the day after Election Day.
“The days of unaccountable, Bush-style government end today. With your help, we can take back the county courthouse and usher in a new day in Delaware County,” he said, amidst cheers on the sidewalk from Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
County Council Chairman Andrew Reilly, the campaign manager for all three Republican candidates — Christine Fizzano Cannon, Thomas McGarrigle and Andy Lewis — said Landau was using “attack tactics” he learned as a lawyer in Washington, D.C., for the American Civil Liberties Union.
“Once again, David Landau has tried to inject George Bush in a local race,” said Reilly in a telephone interview. “It’s become a pattern now that (Landau) mentions George Bush and lies about county government.”
He said it was “no surprise” that U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont, and state Rep. Greg Vitali, D-166, of Haverford, joined Landau Sunday in support.
One of Landau’s running mates, John Innelli, was also in attendance to offer encouragement. Innelli said the third Democratic candidate running for county council, Anne O’Keefe, was on vacation, but “sends her regards.”
“Democrats and Republicans can both agree,” Landau said. “What this county needs is honest, homespun government.”
