Voters can meet and ask questions of prospective candidates for many key local elective offices at the Kingsessing Rec. Center the evening of Friday, October 11. Formal addresses by the office seekers will begin at 6:00 p.m., but many candidates arrive earlier for informal interchanges with residents.
The helpful evening is sponsored as usual by Southwest Philadelphia District Services. The Kingsessing Recreation Center is located between Kingsessing & Chester Avenues at 50th Street.
“Before casting your vote on November 5, come and hear the candidates in their own voices,” admonished SWPDS President Mike Ross. “The evening’s agenda includes hearing from the candidates from 6:00 to about 7:15 p.m. and then everyone is invited to a free dinner.” This is a non-partisan event stressed SWPDS Director of Communications Kevin Horne who has MC’d the event in the past.
Candidates or their representatives for Mayor, City Council, Sheriff, Register of Wills, City Commissioners, and judges for the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court have been invited to attend (first come – first speak).
As can be seen from the list of invitees, this year’s general election centers on all the important city elective offices. While one party predominates in Philadelphia, City Commissioners strongly advise that voting in every primary and general election is vital. They contend that politicians in Harrisburg look at city voter turnout to determine how much weight and importance they give to the needs of Philadelphians. This is especially true for the Governor and his or her administration. While not on this year’s ballot, voter turnout in every election influences state-wide legislative and administration priorities on an on-going basis.
SWPDS was initially composed of men who grew up in the community and now wish to give back to it through service. The group meets Tuesdays at Kingsessing Recreation Center.
For more information, contact: swpds2@gmail.com or swpds@aol.com or 484-250-9055.
Information for this article was graciously provided by Mike Ross, President, Southwest Philadelphia District Services. Article by Ted Behr
