PA House 182: Brian Sims Response to 5th Square Questionnaire

Candidate Name:

Brian Sims

What office are you seeking?

182nd District - House of Representatives

Candidate Introduction:

State Representative Brian K. Sims is a distinguished policy attorney and civil rights advocate from Center City Philadelphia. The former staff counsel for policy and planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association, he has served as both the president of the board of directors of Equality Pennsylvania and as chairman of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP). He also has extensive experience as a lecturer on issues ranging from women’s and reproductive rights to LGBTQ+ equality.

In 2012, Sims Became the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and has dedicated his time in office to making Philadelphia safer, strengthening and protecting public education, preserving services for seniors and other vulnerable Pennsylvanians, making affordable health care more available, expanding civil rights for all Pennsylvanians, preserving our environment while investing in alternative energy, creating jobs and cleaning up Harrisburg.

Under the Wolf administration, Rep. Sims ranks 4th among all 253 Members of the House of Representatives for the amount of grant dollars he has helped bring to Center City, totaling more than $33 million dollars for projects ranging from safety and accessibility improvements to the expansion of medical & research facilities, and arts and entertainment organizations.

As a state legislator, he is honored to represent the neighborhoods of Pennsylvania's 182nd District, which includes part or all of: Rittenhouse, Fitler Square, Logan Square, Midtown/Gayborhood, Washington Square West, Bella Vista, Hawthorne, Fairmount, Queen Village, East Passyunk, Spring Garden and Market East.

Question 1

Some of Philadelphia’s most dangerous streets for pedestrians and cyclists based on injury statistics are PennDOT-owned arterials, many of which are major downtown streets and commercial corridors running through densely-populated parts of Philadelphia. So far, PennDOT has been indifferent to calls from safety advocates for the kinds of engineering changes to these roads that would calm traffic. Would you use your position to support advocates' calls for safer urban arterials? What types of legislative and policy changes are needed to correct this problem at PennDOT? (https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-traffic-fatalities-penndot-20190208.html)

Yes, I have used my position as a State Representative to support advocates’ calls for safer urban arterials and I will continue to do so. Of the streets that are listed on the High Injury Network, two have large stretches that fall within the 182nd District and I have worked for years with local advocates, regional & city authorities, and both SEPTA and PennDOT to address issues ranging from bike lanes and curb cuts, to walkway safety and maintenance responsibilities. The simple fact is that having so many of Philadelphia’s streets fall within the PennDOT system should be the basis of additional safety and maintenance options and resources, not the opposite. I continue to support the City’s Vision Zero initiatives and will work to make sure that PennDOT understands it’s responsibility to the citizens of Philadelphia.

Additionally, I am a co-sponsor of House Bill 792 (Protected Pedestrian Plazas & Pedacycle Lanes), which updates parking regulations so drivers will be penalized for parking inside marked bike lanes. This bill will require that vehicles parking alongside a curbside bike lane must park parallel with their right-hand or left-hand wheels within 12 inches of the outside line of the buffer area between the bike land and parking in the direction of traffic flow.

Question 2

Pennsylvania recently passed legislation enabling automated speed enforcement on Roosevelt Blvd and highway work zones. Do you support the expansion of automated speed enforcement cameras to School Zones and on other High Injury Network streets throughout Philadelphia? (https://whyy.org/articles/roosevelt-boulevard-speed-cameras-represent-rare-bipartisan-win/)

☒ Yes
☐ No

Comment:

I was proud to support Senate Bill 172 last term and fully support efforts to expand the use of automated speed enforcement capabilities such as CCTV cameras in schools zones and on the High Injury Network streets in Philadelphia. First and foremost, traffic cameras save lives. They have a measurable impact on roadway deaths, injuries & accidents, as well as provide for greater accountability and enforcement measures. Additionally, the revenue generated by this technology, when appropriately directed towards transportation safety, will help to make our streets safer.

Question 3

Pennsylvania is the only state in the U.S. that bans local law enforcement from using radar for vehicle speed enforcement. Do you support lifting this ban? (https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/is-2019-the-year-local-cops-in-pa-will-get-radar.html)

☒ Yes
☐ No

Comment:

Yes, I’ve supported these measures in the past and am hopeful that with the backing of the House Transportation Committee last fall of the Senate Bill to allow local police departments to use radar detectors to enforce speed limits, that a full vote on the floor can occur this year. I understand that some opponents, including those in our General Assembly view such measures as simply revenue generators for local police forces, but not only does the current legislation provide for a revenue cap, the data about properly enforced speed limits is irrefutable and demands that we give our local police departments this tool.

Question 4

Do you support state enabling legislation to allow Philadelphia and other cities to use cameras for congestion-related enforcement? Areas that should be enforced by camera include bus zones, travel lanes, corner clearances, crosswalks, delivery zones, and non-curb pickups and drop-offs by ride-hailing drivers. Currently, the law allows for enforcement only upon the observation of an officer. Cameras allow a more cost-efficient alternative and are less subject to human and systemic biases. (https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/traffic-congestion-philadelphia-parking-tickets-ppa-20191211.html)

☒ Yes
☐ No

Comment:

Yes. The use of CCTV cameras to strengthen both enforcement and transportation planning strategies is well documented and clearly needed here in Philadelphia. Combined with the effect of increased revenue from such enforcement measures being used to strengthen safety measures, and this in an initiative that is a must for Philadelphia.

Question 5

Act 89 transportation funds have historically been diverted to pay the state police budget, reducing the funds available to pay for public transit and road projects. What is the best way to safeguard this revenue to ensure that Commonwealth residents see all the transportation improvements they were promised when state lawmakers raised the gas tax? (https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/can-you-pay-for-infrastructure-repairs-without-raising-state-taxes-in-new-plan-house-gop-says-yes/)

I was proud to support the repairs and innovations that funding for road projects, bridge repairs, and critical public transit improvements that Act 89 was intended to fund. As the Member of the House of Representatives with the highest concentration of modes of public transportation in the entire Commonwealth, I argued then that the revenue from Act 89 was necessary to ensure a 21st century transportation landscape for the entire Commonwealth. That some of those funds have been diverted to the police is both wrong, and something opponents have worked for years to combat and I have supported those legislative efforts. I support Gov. Wolf’s attempts to charge a fee to municipalities who use state police coverage instead of locally funded coverage and continue to believe that those municipalities are unjustly enriched by the taxes of Philadelphians.

Question 6

What are some of your own ideas for enhancing mobility and improving road safety in your district and Philadelphia more broadly?

I believe strongly that the PennDOT-owned arterial streets in Philadelphia should open the city up to greater collaboration and resources from the Commonwealth. The fact remains that Philadelphia funds nearly one third of the states nearly $36 Billion dollar General Fund Budget. In short, we are the economic engine of the Commonwealth. It is in the best interests of the state to ensure that Philadelphia’s roads, bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and modes of public transit are the safest, most secure, and highly functional that they can be. Aside from pushing hard for the new operational leadership at SEPTA to work closely with PennDOT to ensure that state funds are appropriately being utilized in Philadelphia, I would like to see bike lanes expanded, an increase in bicycle repair stations, traffic calming measures, and the utmost attention paid to transportation infrastructures around city schools and I will continue to work with local, regional and statewide advocates to demand and create innovative solutions to enhance mobility and safety.

Question 7

Act 44, which transfers $450 million a year from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to public transit agencies, is set to expire in 2022. What is your plan to safeguard and expand the state revenue dedicated to public transit after this law expires? (https://wskg.org/news/pa-turnpike-escapes-catastrophic-lawsuit-but-remains-heavily-in-debt/)

I believe strongly that the Legislature will extend Act 44 funds beyond 2022 and will work closely with my legislative leadership, as well as advocates to ensure that these vital funds are not cut. The passing of Act 89 in 2013 was the result of one of the largest, most coordinated, legislative efforts I have seen in my time in office. I expect that the 2021-2022 will be a similar year and I am ready to fight for the funding out public transit agencies need in order to thrive, not simply survive.

Question 8

Do you support dedicated transit lanes and legislation enabling “Automated Transit Lane Enforcement” cameras mounted on transit vehicles and on roadsides to deter other vehicles from using these lanes? (https://mobilitylab.org/2018/09/17/automated-bus-lane-enforcement-is-more-effective-than-police-among-other-findings/)

☒ Yes
☐ No

Comment:

Question 9

Do you support state enabling legislation for congestion pricing, permitting municipalities and regions to institute tolls on automobiles entering into the most congested areas, and using the funds for improvements to transit, and for infrastructure for walking and bicycling? (https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/congestion-pricing-new-york-philadelphia-traffic-20190402.html)

☐ Yes
☐ No

Comment:

In just the last several years I have seen this type of system utilized in areas like Miami and New York City but I readily admit to not having had the opportunity to hear from advocates about the use of such mechanisms here locally. The questions that it raises about how different members of a community are able to use community transportation equally are something that I’d need to learn more about. Philadelphia remains the nation’s poorest large city and ensuring that our modes of transportation do not disproportionally impact low income communities, seniors, veterans, or others is an utmost concern.

Question 10

SEPTA has the capability to expand its rapid transit service by simply running its commuter rail lines more frequently and integrating its fares with subways and buses. But to do so, the agency will need to prioritize certain capital improvements and implement some operational reforms. Do you support such an expansion for our city's train service? (https://whyy.org/articles/analysis-how-septa-can-turn-regional-rail-in-philly-into-high-frequency-rapid-transit/)

☒ Yes
☐ No

As a legislator, how would you use the power of your office to advance those changes, instead of retaining the current structure which caters more to professional-class suburban commuters?

The historic propensity of Americans, especially America’s middle class and suburban dwellers, to use private, individuals modes of transportation has been detrimental to our economy, our environment, and our citizens. The future of transportation lies in increased public transportation, especially rail and light rail transportation. I will ensure that my voice in this debate is clear and that it is informed by the advocates, communities, and experts who understand that safe, effective public transit, especially to our low-income neighborhoods and revenue generating cities, is my priority.

Question 11

What are some of your own ideas for solutions to improve the quality (frequency, speed, and accessibility) of transit service in your district and Philadelphia more broadly?

I would like to use the upcoming debate about ACT 44 as a larger scale opportunity for SEPTA, PennDOT and Philadelphia to fully study and audit the effectiveness of it’s current public transit systems, and how they are impacted by private, individual, travel. From the current creation, expansion, and overlap of bus routes, to expansion plan for SEPTA, the city deserves a 21st century transit plan to best respond to the safety and infrastructure needs of its citizens now and in the immediate future.

Question 12

California’s legislature recently introduced a pro-housing bill SB 50, which would preempt local zoning restrictions on dense housing construction near high-quality transit, and in high-opportunity areas with large concentrations of jobs or in-demand school districts. Similar bills have also been introduced by progressive lawmakers in Oregon, Washington, Maryland, and Virginia to preempt local exclusionary zoning policies like apartment bans, parking quotas, and minimum lot size rules from the state level. Do you support amending Pennsylvania’s Municipal Planning Code to preempt local exclusionary zoning policies in this way, with the goal of allowing transit-oriented housing near state-funded transit and commuter rail stations? (https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/01/sb50-california/604786/)

☒ Yes
☐ No

Comment:

Yes, I support amending the Municipal Planning Code to preempt local exclusionary Zoning policies that hinder development of housing in high-opportunity areas. In order for Philadelphia to sustainably grow, and to address the current needs for transportation expansion and utilization, limitations placed upon us as a city by Harrisburg, specifically to limit this type of development, are both outdated, and inconsistent with the demands of a 21st century city.

Question 13

The century-old Separations Act requires multiple bids for all different parts of public construction projects in Pennsylvania, which some state officials believe makes public works projects unnecessarily expensive and inefficient, and precluding Design-Build firms from bidding on public construction projects. Will you support and advocate for repeal of the Separations Act? (https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/contributors/2017/03/07/oped-s-time-repeal-separations-act-pa/98857412/)

☐ Yes
☐ No
☒ Other: See below

Comment:

There is no question that Harrisburg often places undue restrictions on public construction projects in Pennsylvania and that such burdens can be costly to both continued development, and future planning. I want to learn more about Design-Build firms and their effectiveness with public construction projects. Simultaneously, I believe we all want to make sure that the safety protocols and regulations are strictly enforced and that wages for Pennsylvania’s laborers is not negatively impacted.

Question 14

Governor Tom Wolf has announced his intentions for Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative—a regional cap and trade program that could push PA to cut emissions more aggressively, while generating revenue for public transit, clean energy, and other priorities. Joining RGGI would likely require an act of the state legislature, and different interest groups within the Democratic Party have taken different positions on this, with some building trades unions on one side and environmental groups on the other. If elected, would you support legislation to join RGGI?(https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2019/10/03/gov-wolf-pennsylvania-regional-greenhouse-gas-initiative/)

☒ Yes
☐ No

Comment:

Question 15

Tell us more about what you bring to the table as an ally for urbanist politics in Harrisburg. What makes you the right person to advance the urbanist movement’s goals politically or substantively at the state level? How would you build support for pro-urbanist policies among your colleagues from outside our region?

As the Representative from Center City’s 182nd District, I have the honor, and the challenge of representing the District most encompassed by the state’s largest city, and the nation’s 5th largest urban area. I represent among the highest concentration of all public transit users, and the most densely packed public transit zone in Pennsylvania. Additionally, my District is home to among the highest density of college students, both local and commuter, in the nation. As an urbanist legislator, I have taken on the responsibility of working with my colleagues, and educating my colleagues, about the realities that urbanist economic, transportation, immigration, workforce, and equality legislation all have the highest potential to positively impact citizens, both here and across the Commonwealth.

As evidenced by the nearly $34 million dollars in grants I have been able to help secure for my district in just the last five years, I feel as though the messages that I convey to my colleagues, and to the Governor have been effective. I will continue to work every day to ensure that our values, our hard work, and the support we need to grow and thrive are conveyed in the most effective ways possible and I’m proud to say that I am committed entirely to the success of this work.