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REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMMarch 1, 2007 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3/1/07
CONTACT: Brad Katz, Communications Director
PHONE: 215-636-0660
PHILADELPHIA – Over burgers and beer at Yards Brewing Co. Wednesday night, nearly 75 Fishtown and Kensington residents peppered Democratic mayoral candidate Tom Knox with questions about crime in their neighborhood, the cost of housing, and the city’s future.
Area resident Bill Brumbach asked what could be done to ban assault weapons. Knox, who publicly petitioned Harrisburg last summer to give the city the right to make its own gun laws, pledged to reduce the number of guns on the street. “We need to reduce the number of guns on our streets. As your Mayor, I will take up the fight against assault weapons,” he said.
One woman described an open drug market in her community. Her concerns were echoed by the pastor of a local church, who said when he and church members went out during neighborhood cleanups; they were openly approached by men seeking to sell drugs and needles.
Knox said the City of Philadelphia needs “new leadership” from City Hall on drug enforcement and promised it would be a priority in his administration when elected. “If you call me and tell me there’s a drug house in your neighborhood, I’m going to send in the police. If you call me a week later and tell me they’re back, I’m going to tear it down,” he said to enthusiastic applause.
Another resident also expressed worry about the high cost of new construction in Fishtown. “I worry about my mother paying more taxes. She’s 94, and I worry about myself, too,” she said.
State law permits an exception to real estate taxes, Knox told her. “Under the state constitution, everyone has to be taxed equally,” he said. “I will go to Harrisburg and lobby for greater tax relief for the elderly and others living on a fixed income.”
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