Mayoral Candidates Forum - Tuesday, May 3, 2005

Presented by the Alliance for the Revitalization of Camden City

Website last updated:  Monday, May 9, 2005

All four mayoral candidates attended:  Nilsa Cruz Perez, Gwendolyn Faison, Ali Sloan El, Keith Walker.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A TRANSCRIPT OF THE EVENT (in PDF format)

Here are the questions that were asked at the event on May 3: 

Municipal Governance (ALL QUESTIONS FROM MODERATOR)

1. One of the most important elements in turning the City of Philadelphia around during a period of state intervention by the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (PICA) was the positive relationship between then-Mayor Ed Rendell and then-City Council President John Street. As Mayor, what would you do to develop a constructive working relationship with City Council in hopes of yielding similar results?

2. If current trends continue, Camden will have a structural budget deficit in excess of $30 million annually for at least the next 10 years. There are four options for addressing this problem: appealing to the state for increased subsidies, increasing the tax rate, expanding the tax base and cutting the City’s budget. What would be your strategy for addressing the City’s short-term and long-term financial health?

3. There is a perception that city services are unevenly distributed and that delivery of services is based not on any plan but on politics. How will you reconcile the level of services delivered with the expectations of residents for consistent and fair city services?

4. The Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act calls for the establishment of a Regional Impact Council to “…promote coordination among communities within the region surrounding [Camden] and to assist in the formulation of long range strategies to address regional issues, including public safety, economic development, housing and environmental issues…”(C.52:27BBB-40) What do you see as Camden’s place in the region, and how would you work to forge constructive relationships with surrounding communities?

Housing and Redevelopment

1. (MODERATOR-CRAMER HILL LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE) Many residents are concerned about the large relocation effort that will accompany the current redevelopment projects. Considering Camden has never handled relocation of this magnitude, as Mayor what would you do to make sure that the planned relocation of over 1,000 homes is fair, honest and benefits the people of this city?

2. (MODERATOR) As city redevelopment seeks to attract middle income residents, the always controversial issue of gentrification has become a point of contention in the city. Recent studies have attempted to make a case for gentrification by arguing that it has a beneficial impact in terms of reintegrating neighborhoods that have become rather segregated. One researcher, arguing that the fear of gentrification is irrational, said: “We were angry when the middle class moved out…[n]ow we’re angry when they move back in.” As Mayor, how would you balance the City’s pressing need for increased tax base with the needs and concerns of existing residents?

3. (ROSA RAMIREZ, ST. JOE’S LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE) The City’s Code Enforcement Department does not cite homes that are repeatedly reported to be in violation. As Mayor how would you rectify the problem?

4. (IDA NIEVES, HOLY NAME LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE) In the midst of ambitious housing redevelopment projects in parts of the city, there is a perception that neighborhoods like North Camden have been overlooked. If elected, what would you do to eliminate the many abandoned homes there?


Employment and Training

1. (MODERATOR) In the recovery legislation, the “Higher Education and Regional Health Care Development Fund”C.52:27BB-51) provides nearly $48 million to educational and medical institutions-27% of the $175 million package. How would you rate the performance of these institutions in hiring Camden residents and what steps would you take to increase the hiring of Camden residents by the hospitals and universities?

2. (MODERATOR) Also in the recovery legislation, the “Qualified Municipality Economic Opportunity Fund”(C.52:27BBB-1) provides $1.5 million for job training—less than 1% of the $175 million package. How would you advocate for more funding to develop a comprehensive program that will close the skill and readiness gap that is a barrier for many City residents seeking employment?

Education

1. (ANGEL CORDERO, E3) Last year 62% of aggravated assaults with a gun were committed by individuals under 25. In light of the fact that approximately 49% of the City’s population is under 25, it is clear that Camden has a youth violence problem—a problem which is now manifesting itself in our schools. What would you do to demonstrate the leadership necessary to make our schools the safe havens that they should be?

2. (ROBIN PERKINS, EASTSIDE CIVIC ASSOCIATION) 50% of Camden residents have no high school diploma or GED. What do you see as the Mayor’s role in working with the Superintendent and the Board of Education to improve student outcomes, particularly bolstering graduation rates?

Public Safety

1. (MODERATOR) Many police departments have shifted from using uniformed officers for administrative tasks to using civilians. Do you support civilianization? If so, why would it be beneficial and how would you work to move the department towards greater use of civilians?

2. Do you support stronger enforcement of daytime and nighttime curfews as a way to discourage criminal activity among Camden’s youth? What would you do as Mayor to keep our youth busier so that they are less likely to get into trouble?

3. (MODERATOR) The management study suggests that the City have a Public Safety Director. Would you endorse this as Mayor? Why or why not?

4. (SUE BRENNAN, FAIRVIEW MAIN STREET) We have significant problem with intimidation of witnesses in Camden. What initiatives would you put forward to protect witnesses?


Promoting Diversity

1. (ANTHONY WAYS, YOU’RE NOT HEAVY) A survey of 1,000 City residents last summer found that 73% of respondents felt that people of different races in their neighborhood get along. Yet, if we listen to political leaders it would seem that there is tension in the neighborhoods, particularly the Black and Latino communities. What would you do as Mayor to unify all segments of the Camden community?