For the upcoming 2019 primary election on May 21st, 5th Square Endorses:
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District Council 2nd District District Council 3rd District Charter Change Question #4 |
Council At-Large
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Although a first-time candidate, Adrián has indicated strong commitment to improving equitable outcomes in Philadelphia by modernizing our transit, zoning, and streets policies. Adrián supports cheap and simple improvements to help SEPTA connect more people with more places. Furthermore, 5th Square feels he’s ready to address some tougher issues, like local funding for SEPTA and street space for dedicated bus and bike lanes. Our streets are for people, first and foremost, and Adrián supports safety and walkability measures that will help coax more Philadelphians out of their cars. 5th Square is proud to support Adrián for City Council At-Large, and we think he’ll bring a unique and progressive perspective to a Council that’s frequently hostile to Vision Zero safety measures. |
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Councilmember Helen Gym is receiving her second endorsement from 5th Square, having demonstrated ongoing support for 5th Square’s issue priorities during her first term on Council. As she highlighted on her questionnaire, Helen has been successful at incorporating urbanist policies on transit and streets into her larger justice agenda, and we're excited to support several candidates who would build on that approach in Council. |
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Candidate Eryn Santamoor comes with a bounty of prior experience in city government, with expertise on quality of life issues like trash and street cleaning, and implementing the City's 311 program during the Nutter administration. As a councilmember, she would be committed of several initiatives that align with 5th Square’s goals: 1) investing in automated, semi-automated and containerized trash collection systems - both above ground and underground where possible; 2) zoning changes that can increase density, socio-economic diversity, and reduce the need for parking; 3) stepping up the City's Vision Zero pedestrian safety initiative; and 4) supporting transit initiatives like the bus network redesign to increase accessibility all over the City. |
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First-time candidate Justin DiBerardinis comes from a strong public space and organizing background, having spent the last 6 years as Program Director for Bartram's Garden. His “New Deal for Philadelphia” would use increased revenue from economic growth and a reformed and more progressive tax policy to fund a major public jobs and services program targeted at the neighborhoods most in need of jobs and services. On street issues, he calls for an acceleration of traffic-calming efforts and safe real estate for pedestrians and cyclists. On land use and planning, Justin believes more housing choices are a benefit for the vitality, diversity and sustainability of the city. On transit issues, he supports more dedicated bus lanes, all-door boarding, free transfers, and SEPTA's bus network redesign. |
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In the 2nd Council District, we are excited to endorse our long-time supporter and member, Lauren Vidas, who demonstrated real leadership for better planning and public space as President of South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA), and in her career as a public servant and advocate. The 2nd District needs proactive and thoughtful leadership to address its serious planning challenges, from gentrification to the Airport to the Navy Yard, and Lauren Vidas is the right candidate to lead in 2019. |
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In the 3rd Council District, we’re thrilled to see a bona fide urban planner in the race with Jamie Gauthier, the former Executive Director of Fairmount Park Conservancy. Gauthier has run two organizations important to Philadelphia's urbanist advocacy community, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Sustainable Business Network, and previously worked for a third at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). With so many thorny planning issues in West Philly’s future like the continued growth of University City and the affordability challenges in nearby neighborhoods, or SEPTA’s big trolley modernization initiative, it’s time for a change and a new vision for the 3rd District. |
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This charter change seeks to improve Philadelphia's congestion and reduce our pedestrian and cyclist fatality rates through greater enforcement with the creation of civilian (unarmed) traffic officers. Similar units exist in Chicago, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York. 5th Square believes that the potential benefits of this proposed charter change outweigh our reservations enough to issue a "Yes" endorsement. If the measure passes, we will closely monitor its development and look forward to working with the City to ensure the program stays on the right path. Traffic officers should be focused on motor vehicle violates with the most capacity for harm, and should have clear policies to guard against over-policing of black and brown people. Read more about our endorsement of the charter change question here. |
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Charter Change Question #4