VISION FOR THE 5th DISTRICT

Having a nephew who was tragically murdered due to the gun violence epidemic, I know the effect violence has on mothers and families. I am committed to providing services and advancing policies that are proven to reduce gun violence. As the steward of the budget, I’ll ensure investments are made in programming which have proven to provide our youth with different perspectives and values.

As a graduate of Girard College, I know firsthand what it takes to provide quality education from competent teachers to a vulnerable population. As the Councilmember for the 5th District, I will advocate for changes in public-school education to mandate critical thinking, conflict resolution, behavioral health therapy and social workers in all public schools.

One size does not fit all in service delivery models. More collaborative efforts and engagement between the community and the city service departments is necessary to make government more responsive and accessible to create a safer and cleaner 5th District.

Investing in young people gives them a better opportunity for the future.  We can help young people build a better world tomorrow. Why invest in young people? Adolescence is never easy. Young people—no matter where they live or what their situation in life—need help to acquire the knowledge and skills that will allow them to lead fulfilled and productive lives. These skills are critical to helping young people stay healthy, learn, get work, be productive, and participate fully in society.

Trust in our Criminal Justice and Public Safety institutions is critical to a safe city. I will advance creative ideas to improve this trust so the communities feel served by these institutions, not just penalized. As the 5th District Councilmember, I’ll advance ideas such as resource-based sentencing and supervision, demand transparent and progressive reforms in policing and jailing such as expanding Crisis Intervention Units and increased home monitoring, and provide resources to implement unique community policing.

The pandemic has changed the way the American worker views employment. Philadelphia’s current economy creates too many low paying jobs. 12,000 workers in the 5th District make less than $25,000 per year. As the 5th District Councilmember, I’ll always work toward making it easier to start and expand business enterprises in the City of Philadelphia. Our commercial corridors are the backbone of neighborhoods, and it is essential that we strengthen those within the 5th District be to create jobs locally. We must also increase access to capital for marginalized communities and training for 21st century economic opportunities. 

The 5th District is experiencing once in a generation growth which is a positive for our city. However, we cannot forget the current residents who have worked hard to maintain these neighborhoods. As the 5th District Councilmember, preserving and incentivizing affordable housing opportunities will be a priority.  I will fight to increase access to tangled title services, as the tangled title data directly mirror communities trapped by gun violence. I will continue to educate our seniors and the community on how to properly transfer assets and build wealth. We must also improve comprehensive planning for the development of the 5th District to understand what our communities need locally to grow.

There are multiple barriers to accessing health care for marginalized communities. The infant mortality rate in the 19121 and 19132 zip codes are double the national average. I am dedicated to ensuring equitable access to quality, affordable, and culturally competent health care. I will continue to be an advocate of sexual and reproductive health rights as well as advocate for the right to clean land, air, and water for all.