A "Taylor Made" Future for the 164th District
There are many pressing issues that need to be addressed in Upper Darby’s 164th District. Unfortunately, not everything can be addressed at once; but we will get there. Below are some of the issues I feel should be addressed immediately and can set us on the right track towards a more prosperous and safe community for all.
Child and Human Trafficking
One of the most pressing issues in our district is the exploitation of children in every avenue that exists. Human trafficking exists in Delaware County, and we must unite as a community to end this tragic situation. The implementation of local task forces comprised of citizens, elected officials and law enforcement in the 164th District will act as a model for exposing and stopping any type of human trafficking behavior or crime that exists.
Elected Official Reform and Solidarity
I will work towards holding locally elected politicians accountable for their actions, and addressing the issues important to the people, not just party affiliation. It will also be my mission to build a more solid government by working with both parties to guarantee the best outcome for our community.
Community and Law Enforcement Advisory Board
Law Enforcement is an important part of any community. It is imperative that we hold those called to serve and protect us to the highest of standards without vilifying them. I plan to introduce an outline for an advisory board comprised of both well informed citizens and various levels of law enforcement.
Homelessness Assistance and Prevention
My goal is to establish a healthy dialog with non-profit agencies, along with county officials, to evaluate the current state of the homeless population in the 164th District, including the ability of business leaders, municipal workers that work in the community, and law enforcement entities to consult and provide accurate reporting on observances made while open or on duty to formulate a strategy which is sustainable and fair to all that are affected by homelessness in the community.
Child and Youth Services of Delaware County Fairness and Oversight
Under the Child Protective Services Law, the Department of Human Services is held accountable for the safety and welfare of our children. There have been summary accounts of this authority being abusive or discriminatory in Delaware County. I will help the community work better with this authority to improve the delivery of protective services to children and families in a collaborative effort to improve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s ability to protect children. I plan to introduce additional legislation to eliminate reports made under false pretense or initiated under discriminate circumstances by one spouse or partner against the other.
Americans with Disabilities (ADA): 2 Parts
1. As it is written law, disabilities are not just confined to physical attributes, but mental as well. Both must equally be addressed. The 164th District has citizens who are quickly confined because of a public act. We must provide continual oversight on “conditions of confinement” at state and local government institutions such as prisons, jails, pretrial detention centers, juvenile correctional facilities, publicly operated nursing homes, and institutions for people with psychiatric or developmental disabilities. These cases must be evaluated prior to any court hearing or incarceration. Education and awareness by court and law enforcement officials is the key to early intervention to bring surety that our citizens who suffer from mental disabilities are assessed and receive the appropriate care they are entitled to, not just confined to a prison only to be released without supervision or access to the much needed sustainable mental and physical healthcare they need to improve their quality of life personally and in society.
2. Local and state departments must be held accountable for the conditions of our ADA right of ways and public thoroughfare to ensure that Americans with Disabilities are able to safely access and navigate our community and our business districts with ease and awareness needed for their personal fulfillment and welfare. Currently there are many sections in the 164th District that do not meet this criteria. Aging ramps, deteriorated streets and outdated pedestrian walkways and safety systems have been neglected for many years now.
Business Development and Business Practice Reform
I will introduce legislation to evaluate incoming business, their services or products, and the legalization thereof, ensure that all businesses are current on all state documentation for incorporation, and review of reported business practices that potentially can harm the community they serve.
Revitalization
I will address the blight in our neighborhoods and create a safe environment for our families through responsible "house by house" dialogue and funding initiatives offered by the state and federal government and work towards protective measures to ensure that drug activity is eliminated at all of our parks and public spaces throughout the 164th District.
Education
I plan to address and assess the curriculum being taught in our schools and seek legislation to provide sustainable education that’s civically correct, culturally relevant, honest, and sound so as to provide all children with a competitive curriculum and safe learning environment.
Mental Health for Children and Students
It is important that our youth have access to more comprehensive school-based mental health services and support initiatives, including implementing a seamless communication process between parents, guardians, health, human services, and educational entities that support the mental and emotional health of children throughout our school districts.
Reinvestment and Responsible Spending
We will ensure responsible and transparent spending on community betterment initiatives, introduce and provide complete transparency to the public on all funding initiatives and state spending and apply community appointees to economic development initiatives.
Clean Streets
We must provide funding to townships and municipalities to implement a street sweep, alley and sidewalk program consisting of not only street sweep vehicles but personnel to patrol the streets with appropriate tools for sanitizing these areas and cleaning up debris and trash.
Immigration
We will assist undocumented immigrants with obtaining the correct documentation and services available for both health and citizenship, as well as a path for them to have a voice in our community. Our immigrant community has become silenced; we can no longer stand for that. They must have a voice in our community as equal and as loud as ourselves.