The race gained media notoriety when local businessmen Dominic Falcone awarded $10,000 in his will for anyone who would run against former Mayor Joseph S. Daddona.

Falcone died on May 12, 1981, at the age of 56, claimed to have illegally made a $1,500 donation to Daddona's failed 1969 effort for mayor.

[1] There where two Democratic front runners during the election, city Controller Louis J. Hershman, and former mayor Joseph S.

[5] Daddona was the heavy favorite to win the election, despite the leadership of outgoing mayor Fischl and the qualifications of Smith.

The city, and Daddona, defended the demotions stating that they were to break up a clique of officers who harassed and intimidated other policemen in attempts to gain influence on the force.

[7][8] After his defeat Smith ran unsuccessfully for the 16th District of the Pennsylvania Senate against Democratic incumbent Roy Afflerbach in 1994.