Question 1: What talent, experience, and expertise would you bring as Congressperson?
During my career in politics my driving focus has been to make ideas matter. I’ve tried to take the desires of my constituents, either as a state legislator and now as a member of Congress and convert them into policy to effect change. Whether it was the financing of the nation’s first CHIP program, the Fresh Food Financing Initiative to marry private and public dollars to build grocery stores in food deserts. Other examples are my Reconnecting Communities legislation that passed in the Infrastructure bill to help communities split by interstate highways or my legislation to allow school buildings qualify for historic tax credits to assist with rebuilding our schools. I also know that I can’t do this change alone. I have always worked to bring together other elected officials from state, city and the federal level to coordinate approaches to tackling the problems and issues that we face. We must work together to best serve the people we represent. I view myself as a convener to bring all of the relevant parties together to make change happen.
Question 2: What is your plan to win this election with regards to fundraising, field, and votes?
I have a team of individuals that run an election program that will touch every single area of the 3rd Congressional district through earned and paid media, social media and out in the communities by knocking doors and connecting with voters. We raise money online through email solicitation, small dollar grassroots events and dialing for dollars over the phone. Every election gives me the opportunity to reach out to the voters and ask for their support as their representative. It is their office, I just occupy it at this point in time. I must earn their support each time. The people pick their elected official and not the other way around.
Question 3: What endorsements are you seeking or do you have to date, if any?
I have received endorsements from The Progressive Turnout Project, The Collective PAC, the CBC, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, DC 33, APWU Local 88, UFCW 1776. I continue to work towards seeking support from others in organized labor and other progressive organizations. The most important endorsement though will be the one from the voters of the 3rd Congressional District.
Question 4: What would be your three highest priorities in Congress?
Breathing life back into BBB to do fewer things but over a longer period of time. If this is the approach that leadership takes I would like to see the ability to negotiate drug prices, the Child Tax Credit and the climate change provisions in the earlier bill included in this new version. Finding resources to fund and build more affordable housing here in Philadelphia. There is a tremendous need for it here and across this nation. We need resources and dedicated funding to tackle this issue. Finally trying to find ways to tackle the gun violence in Philadelphia and elsewhere. It needs to be a comprehensive approach with all levels of government involved.
Question 5: What steps will you take as a Congressperson to address gun violence?
We need to bring back community policing first. Police officers need to have a better understanding of the community they protect and form relationships with those living in the neighborhoods. It’s hard to effectively fight crime from just sitting in police cruisers and by being out in the community you can build trust between the police and the neighborhood. Additional funding for forensic staff/technology and more police officers is extremely important. Funds should also go towards hiring individuals with social work and mental health backgrounds to assist the police. I have legislation with Congresswoman Val Demmings that will bring more money to police departments to address these issues. I also have legislation with Senator Bob Casey that provides resources for individuals and families impacted by gun violence. I’m also an original co-sponsor on Congressman Adam Schiff’s Gun Manufacturer Liability legislation that would remove the legal shield limiting individuals from suing them in civil court. We must also approach the issue at the root as well. Affordable housing, a better educational system that doesn’t allow children to fall through the cracks and an economy that all people can make a living wage. Improvements like these would have a positive impact on violent crime nationwide.
Question 6: What changes should be made to protect voting rights?
The passing of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to restore portions of the VRA struck down in Shelby County v Holder and Bronvich v DNC is a start. We must also pass the Freedom to Vote Act to standardize voting election laws across the country and expand voting access for all voters. Finally, the passing of an update to the Electoral College Act of 1887 so we clear up the role of the Vice President, increase the number of objectors needed in the House to question a states election result and deal with the submission of electoral college electors by the states so we avoid rogue slates.
Question 7: How do you plan to address housing access, affordability, and equity?
It is one of the top issues facing the city of Philadelphia. Federal housing originally was supposed to be temporary, but over time it has become permanent. One of the reasons is the shrinking # of affordable housing stock in cities because of investors buying properties as investment vehicles. In Pennsylvania the federal government is the sole source of affordable funding unlike other states. We need to get access to the American Rescue Plan funds currently sitting in state government coffers to assist with building more affordable housing not only in Philadelphia but also Pittsburgh, Allentown and other cities that need it. I’m working with Governor Tom Wolf and PHA to this end. I also think we need to limit the ability of hedge funds and other similar investment companies from buying up homes. Every home they snatch up is one less option for a family in need. Another way to provide more affordable housing is to update zoning codes and laws. Wisconsin is leading the way and I’d like to try this approach in Philadelphia. Allowing multi-family dwellings in single family areas, commercial areas and prioritizing affordable housing applications above others is just a few ways we can spur more affordable housing development. We should make sure there are project labor agreements in place for fair wages and opportunity of minority firm access. I also have a Housing is Essential Plan which I will send along with this questionnaire.
Question 8: What should Congress be spending more money on? Less money on?
It is hundreds of billions greater than the next closest country and funds can be better purposed towards things like Family Paid Leave, Pre-K, Child Tax Credits, Green Energy Development and other programs. We should also spend more money on making government run better. The pandemic showed us that decades of hollowing out of government agencies by Republican Presidents and Governors had a huge impact when we needed them most. Hours or days of waiting on the phone to access unemployment assistance, a postal system breaking down with deliveries taking weeks or months and a social security administration overtaxed are just a few examples of what we faced over the past few years. This leads to frustration in government and a lack of faith that it can do anything well. That trust needs to be rebuilt and additional funds to do this is a priority of mine.