8th Division Endorsement Letter

Primary Election Day is May 17th:  This primary will decide the fate of Pennsylvania—and the nation.

Polling Place:  Chestnut Hill United Church 8812 Germantown Ave

For Vote by Mail: Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is May 10, by 5 PM. Apply online at pavoterservices.pa.gov. Your completed ballot must be received (not postmarked) by May 17, at 8 PM. Drop boxes available at City Hall, Room 142 (1400 JFK Blvd), Dorothy Emanuel Rec Center (8500 Pickering Street), and Pleasant Playground (305 Slocum St.)

Dear Democratic Voter:

With a crucial US Senate seat and the Governor’s mansion in the balance, we urge you to make your voice heard this May 17 in what may be the most consequential primary of our lives.

While the PA GOP tramples democracy, voting rights, women’s reproductive freedom, racial equity, and efforts to clean up our air and water, we need to fight back. We must elect Democrats who will stand up for the right to a fair minimum wage, healthcare, and LGBTQ+ rights and action to fight climate change.

US SENATE  PA holds the key to control of the US Senate in 2022. After 11 long years of “representation” by an arch-conservative Republican, we have the responsibility to reclaim a Senate seat— not just for our commonwealth but for our country. The next US Senator from PA will be casting deciding votes on every piece of legislation on the Biden administration’s agenda, as well as on judicial nominees, possibly including the Supreme Court. We believe Conor Lamb has the electoral experience, energy, and integrity to defeat the forces that seek to take our country back to the dark ages. Over his four years as a Congressperson, Lamb has been an advocate for veterans’ services, women’s reproductive rights, raising the minimum wage, and expanding Medicare. Lamb stood up to the mob attacking the Capitol on Jan. 6, and has been a fierce proponent of accountability for those conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Lamb has voted 100 % of the time in accordance with President’s Biden ambitious legislative agenda. Endorsed by groups ranging from PA NOW to Philly’s Black Clergy, Lamb will build bridges across the commonwealth and finally give us the representation we deserve. The 9th Ward strongly endorses Conor Lamb to be the next US Senator from Pennsylvania.

PA GOVERNOR  Democrats have had to rely on the power of Gov. Wolf’s veto pen to strike down the reactionary bills the GOP-controlled PA House and Senate have passed in session after session. We cannot let the governorship come under GOP control. Without the veto power of the governor, nefarious GOP bills restricting abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, access to the ballot, and even a teacher’s right to teach students without fear of prosecution will become the laws of the commonwealth. Josh Shapiro is the most eminently qualified candidate to make sure this critical office remains in Democratic hands. Having served as a state rep, a county commissioner, and PA’s Attorney General, Josh has proven that he has the vision, progressive track record, and focus to lead our commonwealth in these very uncertain times. The 9th Ward strongly and unanimously endorses Josh Shapiro to be the next governor of Pennsylvania.

PA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR  The lieutenant governor oversees the parole board, presides over the PA Senate, and is a vital partner in assisting the governor in the day-to-day functions of the state. The 9th Ward strongly endorses Josh Shapiro’s chosen running mate, Mon Valley State Rep. Austin Davis, to be PA’s next lieutenant governor.

US CONGRESS  In his six years in office,Congressperson Dwight Evanshas advocated for healthcare for children, seniors, and veterans; fought for tax fairness, civil rights, better housing, and the revitalization of our neighborhoods; and steadfastly upheld the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans and all citizens who struggle for visibility and representation. The 9th Ward strongly endorses the reelection of Rep. Dwight Evans to the US Congress.

PA SENATE  State Sen. Art Haywood has been a steadfast advocate for public education, raising the minimum wage, restricting access to guns, and fighting for solutions to the scourge of gun violence.The 9th Ward strongly and unanimously endorses the reelection of Sen. Art Haywood to the PA State Senate.

PA STATE HOUSE  Because of redistricting, most of Chestnut Hill will no longer be represented by our Representative, Chris Rabb. We believe that Tarik Khan, who is running to represent the newly drawn 194th District, would best continue the tradition of progressive advocacy that Chestnut Hill Democrats want from their State Rep. Khan is a nurse who became a leading advocate for Affordable Care Act as head of the PA Nursing Association. During the pandemic, he created a network for inoculating homebound and disabled people with the COVID vaccine that has become a model for such efforts. The 9th Ward believes that Tarik Khan has the passion, energy, and commitment to progressive values to be an effective leader in Harrisburg, and we strongly endorse him for State Rep of the 194th District.

DEMOCRATIC STATE COMMITTEE  We endorse Nina Ahmad and Ahsan Nasratullah to serve.

9th WARD COMMITTEE  Please reelect your division’s Democratic committee people, Victoria Green & Jason Young.

CHARTER CHANGE BALLOT QUESTIONS  The 9th Ward recommends “yes” votes on all four ballot initiatives: (1) amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to increase the number of mayoral appointees to the Zoning Board of Adjustment from 5 to 7; (2) amending the Charter to remove all gender-based references; (3) amending the Educational Supplement to the Charter to remove all gender-based references; (4) amending the Charter to establish the Fair Housing Commission as an independent commission to adjudicate unfair rental practices and issues concerning landlord and tenant relationships.   

 9th Ward Democratic Committee –  Jason Young 917 575 5026 jpy1974@gmail.com; Victoria Green 215 370 0311 vgreen@greenleadershipconsulting.com