Take Action with Philly ADA

On April 26th, the Philly ADA hosted a community meeting addressing what can be done to address violence in Philadelphia. Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey was our featured speaker and was joined by a panel that will included Bilal Qayyum from Men United for a Better Philadelphia, and representatives of Mothers in Charge and CeaseFire PA.

A Year of Change and Growth-- Jean Haskell

This has been a year of change for our ADA chapter. A major change has been in the composition of our Board as young political activists have joined bringing new ideas, vitality and making major contributions. DeWitt Brown is our technological wizard who knows how to create web pages and make wonderful things happen online. Haile Johnston and Tatiana Garcia-Granados, an activist couple, bring us many new ideas for becoming more visible in the community and keeping abreast of what’s going on in City Hall. Haile ran for Council last spring; Tatiana helped develop our up coming forum on safety and often represents us at other community meetings.

For this election, questionnaires were sent by email to candidates only in contested districts. We reviewed the answers and interviewed some candidates. If we did not receive answers to the questions, the candidate was not considered for endorsement. Please support these candidates with your donations and your time.

New ADA board members Haile Johnston and Tatiana Granados founded the East Park Revitalization Alliance (EPRA) in 2003 when they moved to the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood in North Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Public Record writes: "ADA Backs Dicker."

PHILADELPHIA - The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action voted to endorse Byron Davis for Pennsylvania State Representation in the 198th Legislative District. The 198th District includes the neighborhoods of Logan, Nicetown, Germantown, East Falls, West Mt. Airy, Tioga, and Chestnut Hill.

Name: W. James Kernaghan III
Office Sought: State Representative, District 195
Party Affiliation: Republican

1. Why are you running for office?

I think it’s time for a New Direction for the district. It’s time for elected officials to become more accountable, visible and accessible to their constituents. One of the reasons I am choosing to run for office is the result of the non-responsiveness from my district councilman’s office in reference to continual criminal activity that still affects the safety and quality of life for the residences of my neighborhood. It’s all too often that incumbents are never seen or heard from until it’s time for re-election and that is only if they are being challenged. I feel that the lack of competition in this district has built complacency and mediocrity in its elected official’s leadership. We’re still addressing the same issues that we did eight years ago when I moved to the district; Crime, Education, Lack of Jobs, Taxes, Residents and Employer’s leaving the city, etc.

What: A Forum Featuring Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and a Panel of Advocates
When: Saturday, April 26, 2008, 10:00 AM to Noon
Where: First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut Street

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action voted to endorse Anne Dicker for Pennsylvania State Senate in the First Senatorial District.

"I have known Anne for several years and have always been consistently impressed by her commitment to Progressive causes," said Jean Haskell, President of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Americans for Democratic Action. "Anne is a tireless organizer who has changed the political landscape in Philadelphia. We hope she can do the same in Harrisburg."

Name: Byron Davis
Office Sought: State Representative, 198th District
Party Affiliation: Democrat

1. Why are you running for office?

I am running for State Representative because I am committed to making a change to make a difference for the constituents of the 198th District. The 198th District is one of the most economically and geographically diverse districts in the entire state of Pennsylvania. It encompasses the neighborhoods of Logan, Nicetown, Germantown, East Falls, West Mt. Airy, Tioga, and Chestnut Hill. The District boasts multi-million dollar mansions and garbage-strewn vacant lots. This District is a metaphor for society itself as displayed by the disparities, unfulfilled hopes and promise of communities that have not been adequately represented and united.

The 198th District deserves better.