Mayoral Candidates to Face Off on City's Future When American Jewish Committee Presents Forum for Candidates for the Democratic Nomination for Mayor

TUESDAY, MARCH 6 AT UNION LEAGUE

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Five candidates. Five different visions. Which one will be best for Philadelphia's future? While television ads touting backgrounds and personal passions have overtaken the airwaves, it is solutions to such issues as the continuing increase in crime and violence, corruption in city government, education, tax reform, poverty and more, as well as an overall pro-active vision, that will ultimately decide the upcoming election. And it is insight into those answers and visions that the Philadelphia / Southern New Jersey Chapter of the American Jewish Committee hopes to provide next week, during one of the first high-profile candidate events leading up to the May primaries.

Slated for Tuesday evening, March 6, from 7 to 9 pm at the Union League's Lincoln Hall, the American Jewish Committee's first Forum for Candidates for the Democratic Nomination for Mayor of the City of Philadelphia will feature all five of the Democratic candidates: Bob Brady, Dwight Evans, Chaka Fattah, Tom Knox, and Michael Nutter. Moderated by renowned broadcast journalist and author, Larry Kane, and chaired by AJC Board members Sonia Silverstein and David Hyman, the program is free and open to the public and will include audience participation via submitted questions. Each candidate will have the opportunity to deliver a ninety second opening statement.

"It is important for the citizens of Philadelphia to engage with the candidates and the real issues as each person sees them," stated co-chair Sonia Silverstein, local attorney and AJC Executive Committee member. "Intelligent voting decisions are made through education and information sharing."

Said Kane, a veteran of decades of city, state and presidential campaign coverage, "This is a high-profile event, in the heart of the city, featuring all five face-to-face, with tough questions from the audience. In the end, it's all about issues, and what a fantastic way to get straight answers in a public forum and all the drama that surrounds spontaneous, non-rehearsed responses."

Celebrating a century of leadership, the American Jewish Committee combines Judaism's humanitarian tradition with America's call for liberty and equality for all people. An international think tank and advocacy organization with 33 U.S. offices and 18 international posts, AJC works worldwide to build understanding among religious and ethnic groups, to combat anti-Semitism, racism, and all forms of bigotry, to ensure the security of Israel living peacefully with her neighbors, and to foster respect for the dignity of all.

The Forum for Candidates for the Democratic Nomination for Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, presented by the Philadelphia / Southern New Jersey Chapter of the American Jewish Committee, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6 beginning at 7 pm at the Union League, Broad and Sansom Streets, Philadelphia. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact AJC Executive Director Ilana Krop Wilensik at 215.665.2300 or wilensiki@ajc.org, or Assistant Director Lani Moss at mossl@ajc.org. For press access or interviews, please call Nina Zucker Associates at 610.667.0706 or nzapr@aol.com.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Last Updated: March 1, 2007