Laborers' District Council of Philadelphia & Vicinity Endorsed Candidates
Vote May 16, 2023
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker proudly serves the Ninth Council District in Philadelphia, which stretches through northwest and northeast communities, including East Mt. Airy, West Oak Lane, East Oak Lane, Olney, Lawncrest, Lawndale, Burholme and Oxford Circle.
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Raised by her grandparents, Cherelle’s mission to bridge the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” continues to be her driving force for change. She has dedicated her life to using her voice to advocate for the passage of much-needed public policies that will enhance the quality of life for the working class, senior citizens, women, children and families alike, while promoting job creation and sustainability, economic development, an equitable public school system and consumer protection laws.
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As chair of Council’s Labor and Civil Service Committee, Cherelle is working to ensure that all workers have financial security in their retirement. She is also focused on addressing deteriorating infrastructure and an overall lack of investment in Middle Neighborhoods, illustrating her passion for neighborhood stabilization and home preservation.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Mark Squilla represents City Council’s First District, a diverse and growing area that stretches along the Delaware River from his native South Philadelphia across Center City, Chinatown, Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Kensington and Port Richmond.
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First elected in 2011, Councilmember Squilla’s life in public service began nearly two decades earlier, when he brought his Whitman neighbors together to save their local park, Burke Playground. When the City gave the space to the community’s oversight, Mark coordinated the efforts that resulted in a complete, neighborhood-led renovation. The work’s enhanced lighting, paving and new equipment increased Burke’s profile and use as a safe haven for area kids.
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Councilmember Squilla’s experience as a community organizer, public servant, husband and father have taught him that strong families and engaged neighborhoods are the key to Philadelphia’s future. As the city grows and evolves, Mark believes that bringing together the best of each community’s tradition and new life is crucial to Philadelphia’s success, block by block and group by group. Since taking office, he has shown his commitment to this belief by immersing himself into efforts like the move toward revitalizing the Reading Viaduct and the planning work of the Central Delaware Advisory Group, to the ongoing growth and challenges of the East Passyunk Business Improvement District, which has become one of the East Coast’s most prominent emerging hotspots for living, dining and nightlife.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
A man with a mission to serve, Philadelphia City Council member Kenyatta Johnson represents the Second Council District, which represents more than 150,000 residents in the neighborhoods covering parts of Center City, South and Southwest Philadelphia and also includes the Sports stadium area, Philadelphia International Airport, and the Navy Yard.
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I will also proudly support the PRO Act, which will protect and expand workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively for better wages, benefits, and protections. And I’ll fight to raise the minimum wage to at least $15/hour.
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A lifelong resident of the Point Breeze neighborhood in South Philadelphia, Councilmember Johnson is a product of the School District of Philadelphia. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mansfield University and a Masters Degree in Government Administration from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. He also has completed the Governing for NonProfit Excellence Certificate Program at the Harvard School of Business. A Pennsylvania State Senate staffer for six years prior to running for the House of Representatives, Councilmember Johnson is a former volunteer for AmeriCorps, the national service organization that allows citizens to serve their communities. He was also a founding staff member of City Year, the non-profit AmeriCorps organization whose primary goal is to build advocacy through service.
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Councilmember Johnson is committed to improving education, affordable housing, business development, public safety, job training and access to employment for his constituents.
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PA GOVENOR
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Jamie R. Gauthier represents West and Southwest Philadelphia as the 3rd District City Councilmember. Since assuming office in January 2020, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier has fought for her constituents’ right to live with dignity and remain in the neighborhoods they’ve called home for decades. She is the only elected official in the City of Philadelphia with a planning degree, offering her a unique perspective on a range of social and economic issues.
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Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s agenda prioritizes creating and preserving affordable housing, combating gun violence, empowering young people, connecting residents to family-sustaining jobs, advancing small businesses, and investing in community-based assets like our Recreation Centers.
Alongside Councilmember Brooks and former Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier also created the Emergency Housing Protection Act (EHPA), which provided extensive relief to tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EHPA included the Eviction Diversion Program, which enables landlords and tenants to arrive at an agreement without having to go to Court. The EHPA and Eviction Diversion Program are considered national models and resulted in a 75% decrease in evictions citywide two years in a row.
SENATOR
Endorsed
Democratic Party
The Honorable Curtis Jones Jr. represents the 4th District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which includes Allegheny West, Belmont Village, East Falls, Manayunk, Overbrook, Overbrook Park, Roxborough, Wynnefield and sections of West Philadelphia. Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr.’s consistent and dedicated approach has earned him the trust, loyalty, and respect of both his constituents as well as his colleagues as he was unanimously elected Majority Leader on January 2, 2012 to January 4, 2016. Currently in his third term, Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. is the Chairman of the Committees on Public Safety, Commerce & Economic Development and Vice Chair for Parks & Recreation & Cultural Affairs.
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Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. lead the charge to enforce new public safety regulations for fire escapes, create the Philadelphia Mortgage Diversion Program, which prevented thousands of residents from losing their homes, along with a second moratorium on Sheriff Sales during the month of January 2011 to further protect, preserve and defend the homes of Philadelphians, and The Philadelphia Internship Tax Credit, which will allow high school, college, and vocational students in our City to receive a stipend for their work.
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Endorsed
Democratic Party
Raised in North Philadelphia, Jeffery “Jay” Young, Jr., Esq. is a Partner with Legis Group LLC. Jeffery’s legal practice focuses on real estate transactions and litigation, as well land use, zoning, and code enforcement matters. Jeffery also assists individuals with estate planning and advises small businesses and non-profit organizations.
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Jeffery served on numerous boards and commissions including the City of Philadelphia’s Mayor’s Commission on African American Males, the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, the Union Benevolent Association, and the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation. Jeffery is a Democratic Committee Person in the 32nd Ward 18th Division and is currently counsel to the 32nd Ward Democratic Executive Committee. He was selected as a fellow with the New Leaders Council, a national organization working to recruit, train and promote young progressive leaders, and Leadership Philadelphia’s Connectors and Keepers program.
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In law school, Jeffery worked as a program assistant to the Chad School Foundation, an education policy organization, and has interned in the Washington DC office of U.S Senator Bob Casey Jr, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, and the New Jersey RedevelopmentAuthority. Throughout college he worked as an aide in the Managing Directors Office for the City of Philadelphia during the John Street Administration and was the first 5th District Commissioner on the Philadelphia Youth Commission. Jeffery is engaged to his fiancée Jennifir, a cancer survivor and is the proud father of a son, Parker Jeffery.
Mike
Driscoll
CITY COUNCIL
DISTRICT 6
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Councilmember Michael J. Driscoll was elected in 2014 to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing the 173rd Legislative District. A well-known civic leader in his native Northeast Philadelphia, Driscoll earned his undergraduate degree at La Salle University before completing his master's in government administration at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Following his victory in the special election for the 6th Council District seat held in May 2022, Driscoll resigned his PA House seat and was sworn in as a member of Philadelphia City Council on June 10, 2022.
Driscoll is a strong supporter of educational initiatives. He believes in making more funding available for early education and fostering a climate that will enable hard-working college graduates to find good jobs in the state. Developing the Philadelphia riverfront is another priority for
Driscoll, as is attracting manufacturers to his district. Driscoll is looking forward to continuing these initiatives in City Council for the constituents of the 6th District.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Quetcy M. Lozada was born and raised in Philadelphia. She is the mother of two radiant children Alexis and Jaime Jr. Quetcy was formerly the Senior Director of Community Engagement for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Prior to her working for DA Larry Krasner she served as the Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez for 12 years. In both functions, the community was and still is a vital part of her work. She coordinates a wide range of public affairs that directly impact the quality of life for Philadelphians. Some of the programs and public affairs Ms. Lozada has been directly responsible for include: Tu Gobierno (Your Government) a weekly community radio show which was hosted by the Councilwoman and provided the community with available city services, Operation Thanksgiving where she was able to obtain food basket donations for over 900+ less fortunate families, LiHeap Drives where hundreds of applications were completed in the community for assistance with utility bills, Student Forums giving students a voice in what was happening in their community, Conversations with clergy and government to discuss policies and partnerships, and varies programs geared towards helping our veterans and homeless population. Quetcy is also responsible for hundreds of community clean-ups that resulted in cleaner, safer neighborhoods.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Councilmember Cindy Bass is a tireless fighter for quality of life issues affecting Philadelphians. Since taking office in 2012, she has fought against blight and trash in our neighborhoods, worked to organize schools and community leadership to stay connected to neighbors, and has identified and spoken out on the issues that people care about. Councilmember Bass is honored to take on these challenges on behalf of her constituents and all Philadelphians.
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Councilmember Bass has experience working in the United States Congress and Pennsylvania State Senate. She has also worked on numerous campaigns, supporting progressive candidates from Presidents to local committee people. She has served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012, and has been a member of Democratic State Committee for more than 12 years. She has also been a local Democratic Committeewoman in the 22nd Ward since 1998.
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Beyond her political background, Bass has had extensive experience in the areas of economic development, banking, housing and civic engagement. Councilmember Bass is a life-long Philadelphian, having grown up in North Philadelphia, public school graduate, and recipient of a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University. She has resided in East Mount Airy for the past twenty-five years and is the proud mother of her eight year-old daughter.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Councilmember Anthony Phillips believes in the words of his late mother, “your actions matter more than your words.” His mother's words have been what motivates him every day to work hard and hold himself ACCOUNTABLE to getting things done.
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Anthony has led a youth workforce development program and engaged in mentorship & academic tutoring programs. In addition, he has been a public-school teacher and now serves as a Director of College Access at TeenSHARP, helping youth in Philadelphia access college at an affordable cost.
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Anthony’s commitment to activism and serving his community led him to start Youth Action at age 14, where now as the Executive Director, he continues to serve as a role model for young people. Hard work, integrity, open communication, faith in God, innovation, respect for elders, encouragement for children and young people, and responsive services to neighbors are hallmarks of his life and work.
As a Committee person & 1st Vice-Chair of the 50th Ward, Anthony has served his neighbors for many years. As the NEW 9th District Councilperson, he will create meaningful policies for neighborhoods. Anthony will create initiatives and legislation addressing issues important to the people of the NEW 9th District. And he’ll cut through the red tape and bureaucracy to ensure the people of the 9th District get the services they deserve. He believes in listening and collaborating with neighbors to ensure concerns are taken care of.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Gary Masino, president/business manager of Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 and assistant business manager of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, announced he is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 10th Councilmanic District.
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Masino represents more than 4,000 sheet metal workers locally and serves as a general vice president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, which represents over 225,000 members in 185 local unions across the United States and Canada.
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Masino was appointed to the city Department of Licenses and Inspections’ Board of Appeals in 2012 and to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2014. In 2015, Gov. Tom Wolf appointed him to his Transition Committee for Labor and Industry. In 2016, Wolf appointed him to be a commissioner on the Delaware River Port Authority board, where he oversaw the bridges and ports in the tri-state area for three years. In 2018, Wolf nominated him and the Senate unanimously approved him to the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority board. In 2020, he was appointed to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Board of Directors, and the Senate unanimously appointed him to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.
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Information and image originally published by the Northeast Times.
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Endorsed
Democratic Party
Katherine Gilmore Richardson is serving her first term as Councilmember At-Large for the City of Philadelphia. Gilmore Richardson is the youngest woman ever elected citywide and the youngest African American woman ever elected to Philadelphia City Council.
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Katherine Gilmore Richardson has passed legislation that bolsters transparency and accountability in city government, requires businesses to provide information about workforce development training, cracks down on nuisance businesses, and integrates climate risk disclosure and sustainable investment decisions into the City’s Pension Fund operations.
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In 2021, Katherine Gilmore Richardson was appointed to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). She is also the Vice Chair of the LGAC’s Environmental Justice Working Group.
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Katherine Gilmore Richardson previously served as a staff member for Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown for 11 years in roles ranging from Constituent Services to Chief of Staff. A lifelong Philadelphian, Gilmore Richardson is a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls and West Chester University. She is a member of Ridge Avenue Church of God of Prophecy and a proud life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Gilmore Richardson resides in Wynnefield, where she serves as the 52nd ward chair, with her husband and three children.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Throughout his career, Isaiah has worked in the non-profit, public and private sectors in positions that directly impact the important issues our city faces. He has helped children get a better education as an educator and Associate Dean; provides high school students with mentorship and positive after school time as the school’s Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach; and volunteers time to advocate for and strengthen organizations focused on issues that impact communities of color including the Mayor’s Commission for African-American Men, the
Cambodian Association for Greater Philadelphia and as the co-founder of the Thomas and Woods Foundation, which provides free summer programs for children across the city.
Isaiah doesn’t just believe city government can and should work for all 1.5 million residents of Philadelphia, he has been in communities working to achieve it. As the Director of Community Affairs for the City Controller, he visited every neighborhood throughout Philadelphia to connect people with resources to resolve long-standing municipal service issues and tools to strengthen their financial education.
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Isaiah is a graduate of Penn State University and holds a graduate degree from Lincoln University. He lives in East Oak Lane with his wife, Klissa, and their son, Isaiah Jr.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Elected in November 2022, Jim Harrity is one of seven Council Members At-Large on Philadelphia’s City Council. In this capacity, Jim represents all residents of Philadelphia, regardless of their district.
Prior to his election, Jim has served in various positions with the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, first as an Auditor in the City Controller’s Office and most recently as Political Director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
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Jim has dedicated his life to serve the people and currently provides drug and alcohol center information to those who want another chance. He also mentors the children on his block by providing tools to fix their bikes, parental advice, and encourages them to pursue opportunities to advance their education or careers.
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Jim lives in the Kensington area of Philadelphia, with his partner Marnie, and their children.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
With a BA in Administration of Justice and Minority Studies from Penn State University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University, Donavan S. West has developed, created, and envisioned systematic blueprints to manage community partnerships and workforce development initiatives. He has held various leadership positions, including COO of PFP, Inc, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia, Delaware and New Jersey, and has been recognized for his expertise and intimate knowledge of the issues faced in these communities. Donavan interned on Capitol Hill for Senator Carol Moseley Braun as a college senior, and he has leveraged his vast network to create opportunities for other community organizers and entrepreneurs to showcase their passions and perspectives.
He is the CEO of Culturally Congruent Solutions, providing workplace solutions to entrepreneurs, executives, and management staff. Donavan is also a media personality and co-hosted a radio show on WURD, a Black-owned radio station before declaring his candidacy. He is a motivational speaker, mentor to Black youth, and provides relationship coaching to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, guiding them through emotional trauma using introspection and reflection, hopefully leading to a healthier, holistic view of themselves and their relationships.
Donavan is a member of the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on African American Males, most recently participating in the 2nd Annual Black Generational Wealth series and various community listening events. Donavan S West is a highly accomplished, well respected community development catalyst, activist, entrepreneur, critical thinker, and strategic planner. He has built a reputation as a vocal community advocate, unapologetically committed to promoting positive outcomes and driving diversity, belonging, equity, and inclusion in all arenas.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Nina Ahmad is a first-generation American, scientist, and former President of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Organization for Women. She is running for City Council At-Large.
Nina grew up during a violent civil war in South Asia, and came to the United States alone when she was twenty-one. After improving her English by watching American television shows, she earned her Ph.D from the University of Pennsylvania, and achieved success as a molecular biologist and entrepreneur.
In addition to her professional life, Nina has been a successful civic leader who takes on big fights and wins. As President of the Philadelphia N.O.W, Nina led a fight against the District Attorney’s office when they refused to fire three prosecutors who had e-mailed degrading pornographic images. She has led important efforts to fight workplace discrimination and harassment which undermines woman and people of color economically. As one of the first woman of color to serve on the board of the Philadelphia Foundation, Nina has helped raise millions of dollars for local non-profits that improve the quality of life for working and poor families.
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Nina fought for progressive change as an organizer for Howard Dean's insurgent presidential campaign in 2004, and served as a national delegate for Barack Obama. She has taken on Philadelphia’s political machine by recruiting and training candidates to run as local committee people.
As a public servant, she has served as Deputy Mayor for Public Engagement under Mayor Jim Kenney, overseeing the Commission for Women, the Office of Black Male Engagement, and the Youth commission and worked closely with the office of LGBT Affairs. She has also served on President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and on Mayor Nutter’s Commission on Asian American Affairs.
Nina and her husband Ahsan have lived in Philadelphia for over 25 years. They raised their two daughters, Joya and Priya, to share in the values of community and service that they hold dear.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Elected Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans Court 2019- current. First Woman and Black American ever to served as Register of Wills in Philadelphia Pa.
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Tracey Gordon is the Philadelphia Register of Wills in Pennsylvania. Gordon assumed office on January 6, 2020. Gordon's current term ends on January 1, 2024.
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Gordon is running for re-election for the Philadelphia Register of Wills in Pennsylvania.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
​​Sheriff Rochelle Bilal was sworn into a four-year term to lead the Office of the Sheriff for the City and County of Philadelphia on Jan. 6, 2020. She is the first elected African American woman sheriff in the 181-year history of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office. In fact, Sheriff Bilal is the department's first-ever elected woman.
Bilal, a 27-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, formerly served as Secretary of the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP and she is the former President of the Guardian Civic League, a law enforcement community oversight organization, made up of over 2,500 active and retired Philadelphia police officers.
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Currently, she serves as an appointed member of Philadelphia City Council’s Special Committee on Child Separations.
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As a Philadelphia police officer, Sheriff Bilal served in units that focused on sex crimes and drug trafficking, including work in HIDTA (high intense drug and traffic area), a joint task force with the FBI and DEA.
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She also spent time in patrol and taught recruits at the Philadelphia Police Training Center, where she launched the Steer Straight initiative. Steer Straight, which is still in existence today, helps new police recruits to identify and avoid situations that may pose potential risks to their future careers in law enforcement. Bilal retired from Philadelphia Police Department in 2013.
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Sheriff Bilal’s experience also includes time spent as the director of public safety in Colwyn Borough, where she managed the police and fire departments while developing a community outreach program for the Colwyn Police Department.
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Sheriff Bilal is an advocate of criminal justice reform and encourages community engagement and outreach with her office. As sheriff, she will implement policies and procedures to improve the efficiency and engagement of the more than 400 employees of the department. The Sheriff’s Office has a $26 million + budget and oversees court security, prisoner transportation to and from the court, as well as managing sheriff’s sales, court-ordered sales of foreclosed and tax-delinquent properties.
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Sheriff Bilal is a lifelong resident of Philadelphia.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
I will Follow the Money and ensure that your tax dollars are not being wasted!!!
It's vitally important to prioritize the needs of our neighborhoods and our citizens. I'm running for City Controller to make an impact on long disadvantaged sectors of our city - while also exposing waste, fraud, and mismanagement in city government. I will fight for changes and improvements in the way the city operates, and the way city services are delivered.
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John Thomas will focus on advocating for policies that encourage more minority-owned businesses to participate in government contracting and procurement processes. He will work to ensure that contracting opportunities are more accessible to small, minority-owned businesses, and that the contracting process is transparent and fair.
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John Thomas will focus on initiatives that encourage economic development in underprivileged neighborhoods. This could involve providing incentives for businesses to invest in these communities, supporting local small businesses, and creating job training programs that provide skills and opportunities for underprivileged residents.
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As City Controller, John Thomas would be responsible for overseeing the city's finances and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently. He will focus on ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending, and working to identify areas where government waste can be reduced to free up funds for other important initiatives.
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Endorsed
Democratic Party
Omar Sabir was elected on November 5, 2019 and sworn in as City Commissioner of the County of Philadelphia on January 6, 2020. His primary goal as Commissioner is to empower and enable all Philadelphians to participate in the voting process by addressing voter apathy and educating communities about the importance of civic engagement.
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Prior to his election, Commissioner Sabir focused his career on community advocacy. He served as a senior staffer in the Office of Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes and held senior roles at the Nathaniel Sabir Memorial Scholarship Fund, Citizens for State Representative Louise Williams Bishop, and the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Early in his career, Commissioner Sabir served as a union construction worker where he gained critical insight into the issues and concerns of working families.
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Commissioner Sabir is committed to increased voter turnout across Philadelphia, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities. He has been honored by former Congressman Robert Brady for his work as the Founder of Vote Philly Vote, an initiative that aims to increase voter turnout across the City of Philadelphia until more than 90% of all registered voters participate in all city elections.
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Commissioner Omar Sabir has been the recipient of numerous awards from organizations such as The Elvira B. Pierce Scholarship Fund and the Hispanic Media Group. Most recently, Commissioner Sabir was commended by President Joseph R. Biden for his exceptional work in supporting voter participation in Philadelphia elections.
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Commissioner Sabir is a proud graduate of Cheyney University and a graduate of the DiverseForce On Boards Program, an initiative hosted by the University of Pennsylvania which is designed to train professionals of color on board governance and facilitate their placement on governing boards. He is a husband, father of 6 children and a lifelong Philadelphian.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Philadelphia needs trusted leadership to continue the progress we have made at the City Commissioners Office.
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Since 2016, I have worked to modernize the Office of the City Commissioners, to make it more transparent and to expand our outreach to make sure that every eligible Philadelphian knows how to cast their ballot.
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I’m proud to say that, over the course of my time in office, we’ve seen record-breaking turnout in national and local elections.
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But there is still more work to be done.
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As City Commissioner, I will work with our elected leaders in Harrisburg, from Governor Shapiro to legislative leaders to members of the Philadelphia delegation, to modernize our outdated election laws — which make it difficult for men and women across our commonwealth to exercise their most important rights in our democracy.
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We need an experienced hand at the wheel to help administer the City's elections.
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My proven leadership will help ensure an efficient, orderly election.