The Spin

From public housing to mayoral candidate

Tom Knox

People are curious about Tom Knox. After all, it’s a compelling story. He grew up in Philadelphia’s Abbotsford public housing, became a very successful businessman and eventually decided to run for mayor.

It wasn’t an easy childhood. Tom’s father was injured on the job, so Tom joined the Navy at 16 so he could send half his pay back to his family. Both his parents died within a few months after Tom got out of the Navy, so he was responsible for raising his three brothers. Tom started out as a door-to-door salesman and eventually started his own businesses and turning failing businesses around.

His career was so successful that in 1992, then-Mayor Ed Rendell asked Tom to help him clean up Philadelphia’s financial mess. Knox became Deputy Mayor for management and productivity, working for $1 a year. He left Rendell’s cabinet as soon as the budget was balanced, 18 months later.

During that time, Tom’s efforts helped to erase a quarter-billion dollar annual budget deficit, created a surplus, saved vital city services, and prevented a major tax hike.

Tom Knox hasn’t forgotten his roots. He worked his way out of poverty, created jobs, and helped Philadelphia tackle its massive budget deficit.
Now he wants to serve the families of Philadelphia again. Join Tom Knox in the fight for a better Philadelphia and help him turn Philadelphia around by ending the costly politics of pay-to-play.

Check out our campaign website (www.knoxforphilly.com.) Help take the “For Sale” sign off City Hall!

Leave a Reply