3 ballot questions answered, plus Dugan for D.A.
How many watchdogs do we need for the Office of Homeless Services?
Every Philadelphian voting in the May 20 primary, in addition to picking judges and a D.A., will be asked to vote yes or no on three questions, each of which would change the City Charter.
Relatively few people bother to vote on these questions, and very few Philadelphians bother to vote in off-year primaries, such as this year.
Even fewer people research the questions.
I will, so you won’t have to. Here is how I plan to vote; what you do is up to you.
Question #1 asks approval to create an office of ombudsman to oversee the Office of Homeless Services.
It would have a $500,000 budget to keep an eye on OHS, which was found to have squandered millions it did not have and did not perform required services for the homeless.
No criminal charges were brought, but Mayor Cherelle Parker appointed a new executive director to straighten out the office.
I see no need for the extra layer of an ombudsman. We have a city controller to keep an eye on city agencies, plus a managing director, and an inspector general. How much oversight is required?
Vote No on Question #1.
Question #2 asks to increase the minimum amount appropriated for Housing Trust Fund purposes.
Without getting too much into the weeds, Philly has too little housing stock. It would cost an extra $5 million a year, out of a $6.7 billion budget.
Vote Yes on Question #2.
Question #3 asks to create an independent prison oversight board. The prisons, by all accounts, are a mess. The budget would be about $1.3 million.
Vote Yes on Question #3.
And now…
Judge Pat Dugan for district attorney.
It really gets down to one issue — who will fairly, faithfully, and impartially enforce the law. That is Dugan.
We know that public defender District Attorney Larry Krasner, who treats criminals like victims and victims like criminals, is not the man for the job. His ideas are warped, his attitude is anti-cop, anti-enforcement.
A lifelong Democrat, veteran, family man and Eagles fan, Dugan has a calm balance between compassion, for those who earn it, and punishment, for those who need it.
For City Controller, Democrats offer Christy Brady, and Republicans have Ari Patrinos, each running unopposed.
For Judgeships, I follow the recommendations of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association
For Municipal Court
The only candidate recommended is Amanda Davidson.
For Common Pleas Court
Vote for up to 9
The recommended candidates by the Philadelphia Bar are Will Braverman, Leon A. King II, Larry Farnese, Brian Kisielewski, Irina Ehrlich, Anthony Stefanski, Deborah Watson-Stokes, Sarah Jones, Kia Ghee, Taniesha Henry.
For Pa. Commonwealth Court
Vote for 1
Democrat
Stella Tsai, highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar.
Republican
Matt Wolford, highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar.
Pa. Superior Court
Vote for 1
Democrat
Brandon Neuman, highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar.
Republican
Ann Marie Wheatcraft, highly recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar.
Whether in-person, or by mail, do cast your vote.
