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Philly, we fought for all of this because of how much we love you.
The outcome of this election wasn't what we hoped for, but I am left with nothing but pride with our campaign's performance.
When people ask me what made me want to run for City Controller and get involved in Philly politics, I tell them about how I used to be an EMT.
Sometimes, a patient wouldn't be doing too well.
And, you’d try everything you could to try to improve the situation. And you’d do that so that you could look people in the eyes afterwards and honestly say: I'm sorry. I did everything I could.
That's how I saw running for Controller.
Running for City Controller and getting involved in politics was my way of doing everything I could to improve the living conditions of Philadelphians. And with the results of this election, it shows me that this fight is far from over.
When the results are in, we'll have over 58,000 votes. Not enough to win, but enough to make a statement that there is an urgent need for a Public Bank, Sheriff Sale accountability, fossil fuel divestment, and more. We raised important issues that can be tackled through the Controller's Office and educated Philadelphians all over the city on the powers of this Office and what it can do to improve our lives.
The quality of life in Philadelphia is not what it should be — and Philadelphians deserve better.
I want to thank every single one of you here. With your help, we built a platform on which we could discuss the issues that matter to the people in Philadelphia — the corruption in the Sheriff's Office, the need to bill non-profit organizations like the University of Pennsylvania for their real estate tax, and why the Board of Pensions should divest from fossil fuels and how some of those fund could help capitalize a public bank that would spur the local economy. The only way you beat a machine is with a movement and our movement is growing stronger.
I want to thank all of you and every single Philadelphian who trusted me with their stories and their support. We went on the offense early and forced an endorsement of someone who hadn't even announced their candidacy for office. We went up against the entire machine and ran a hard and competitive race.
I deeply feel our communal need for urgency, and it remains what gets me out of bed every morning (also, my dog Kona who makes for a great and sometimes sheddy alarm clock).
As for what's next?
I'm still figuring that out. Right now, I'm still getting back to being a normal 30 year old. I don't know what the future has in store for me. I do know that I want to keep up with all of you — so for now, keep up with me on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. And follow along, as I figure all this out...
As always, Philly I love you. The machine might cast us in the shadows, but look at what we're capable of building while we're being overlooked.
Let's keep fighting for a better future, together.
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