John,

As Mayor, my job is to ensure that every Philadelphian is safe and feels safe. When I talk to Philadelphians around the city, they tell me they want action — visible action — and change.

That’s why I have called for a citywide emergency declaration on gun violence — because every agency in this city should be focused on anti-violence efforts. John, we could use your support here. Will you stand with us in our call for a comprehensive plan to address gun violence?

We must reduce homicides and shootings and improve 911 response times. When people call for help, they must know help is on the way.

Here’s what else I’ll do:

• I’m going to make sure available police officers are deployed strategically in neighborhoods to protect the public and improve community relations. 
• When a vast majority of shootings go without even an identification or an arrest, I will ramp up the number of violence interrupters and trained conflict mediators on the ground. We must dramatically expand employment and other programming which guarantee real opportunity for individuals most impacted by violence. 
• I’m taking a hard stance on illegal guns. This means reviewing gun permits carefully, starting a federal county task force on straw purchases and illegal guns, and making sure the District Attorney and police department collaborate on making sure the right charges are filed.

But we also need a people centered approach toward healing, justice, and restoration. That’s why I’m laser focused on young people in the path of violence. Thousands of young people cycle through the juvenile justice system who are in desperate need of intense services and support to prevent them from being hurt or hurting others.

We must support victims of crime. As a Councilmember, I spent time helping victims of crime relocate, receive housing and rent assistance, seek therapy and counseling, and support their children. We must help communities and families heal so generations do not live with the trauma of today’s tragedies.

And we can immediately improve lives by cleaning up our streets, lighting up neighborhoods, greening vacant lots, and towing abandoned cars. Research has shown such improvements lower crime rates and improve the quality of life for residents.

This plan to address gun violence addresses the immediacy of violence but also focuses on strengthening communities and people who are most at risk of harm. 

Add your name right now to support our call for a comprehensive plan to end the gun violence crisis.

I have never sat on the sidelines when people are being hurt and harmed. I turned around one of the most dangerous high schools in the state, South Philly High, in less than two years. I made sure to fund community-based anti-violence efforts and a campaign to improve city services like sanitation and street lighting in neighborhoods most impacted by violence.

What I learned is that this isn’t about 10-point plans or yet another program. It's about leadership and accountability and action, and it’s what I’m known for. My number one priority is restoring safety and dignity to this city, and it will start Day One.

Helen