Priorities for a Better Philadelphia

...of our teachers puts a strain on resources, hurts students, and is a constant stress for administrators. 75% of our public schools don't have air conditioning.

At the start of the 2018 school year, five out of the first seven days of school had early dismissals because of the unbearable heatwave. There’s lead paint still covering the walls of our schools, posing a health risk to everyone inside. We must provide an environment conducive to our students learning and our teachers teaching.

We need to do more and we will do more to support teachers and students.

We can lessen the divide between the haves and have-nots by supporting businesses that support our residents. There is no quick fix but there are common-sense steps we must take now.

I will work with communities to take on the root causes: poverty and a lack of opportunities that start with our schools and neighborhoods. We need job skills training program for young adults. We must end the school-to-prison pipeline. I will work hard to create a public bank and increase funding to our public schools for repairs, support staff, mandatory conflict-resolution trainings, and after-school programming.

Stop and frisk is unconstitutional and the data proves the practice is racist and ineffective. African-Americans are 48% of the city population but 69% of the stop and frisks. Less than 1% of frisks lead to the recovery of a firearm. I will fight to eliminate the cash bail system. The US is one of only two countries in the world still using this unfair practice that favors the wealthy and punishes the poor. I support expanding “ban the box” to include all areas where someone with a criminal record faces discrimination, including college applications. Our system is broken. We need action now.

Philadelphia's crumbling infrastructure was built decades ago and has not been properly maintained. Our water pipes burst frequently causing the loss of millions of gallons of water, safety issues, and service interruptions for miles. Our roads are filled with tire-busting potholes that hurt our economy. Reacting to these failing infrastructure disasters at the point of crisis comes with exorbitant costs and endangers public safety. We can do better. By responding to early warning signs and anticipating and prioritizing our infrastructure needs, we can fix small challenges before they become big ones. As a thriving city in the richest country in the world, we must be able to guarantee basic dignities like clean air and clean water to all residents.

I will implement tax incentives for companies to decontaminate, restore, and build renewable energy projects on this site. We must act fast to reduce the negative effects we have forced on our planet. It takes ideas big and small to meet our goal.

Rooftop gardens are another way to cool off the city and provide fresh food for people who don’t often have access to affordable healthy food. We must continue our leadership in the area of stormwater management and expand it to include other environmental reforms.

Tax abatements and other incentive programs are also very effective and helpful when done responsibly. Mixed-income neighborhoods are more economically stable and offer rich cultural diversity, unique shops, and exciting restaurants. Together, we can ensure that all of us can afford to live and thrive in Philadelphia.

When we know better, we must do better. We must take steps to counter these factors to ensure that all people are starting from a level playing field. Providing advantages to try to counter the years of marginalization they have experienced does not take away from those of us who have been privileged. There is enough for all of us.

...The economic growth from the tax abatement for businesses results in job creation and tax revenue for the city, which is far more valuable than the revenue from ending the abatement. The cost of construction in Philadelphia is the same as New York City. However, the return on investment is only a quarter here. The tax abatement program must continue to include construction for business and industry, though potentially at a shorter length.

...neighborhood recreation centers, and community programs like Rebuild, which will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in neighborhood projects and supports minority and women-owned businesses. So I will work to find an alternate funding source and we must continue to fund these programs crucial to the future health of our city and residents.