John,
This is going to be a long email — because it has to be — the issue of public safety is paramount to our City right now; we are experiencing a crisis. I want you to know where I stand on the issue of public safety and how I plan to reduce gun violence by 25% in Philadelphia in year one of my administration.
The numbers are staggering: In 2022 alone, there were over 2,200 shootings across our City, where 74% of the victims and shooters were Black men. For the past 2 years, we have had over 500 homicides each year.
Philadelphians agree: The number one issue facing our city is the gun violence epidemic and the next Mayor MUST have the right plan, the right experience, and the right leadership style to solve it.
So what’s my plan? As Mayor, my public safety initiatives will center around four key principles: Presence, Accountability, Opportunity, and Investment.
Presence: Communities need to know we’re here to help. My administration will create the first ever Gun Violence Suppression Division consisting of prosecutors and City and Federal agents, get the Philadelphia Police Department operating at full capacity through hiring bonuses for local talent, and ensure all officers not only receive enhanced training but spend time becoming members of the community they serve — that starts with being present outside of their patrol.
Accountability: The number of unsolved gun violence cases is unacceptable. This new Division will address the perpetually unresolved cases of gun violence by working with federal criminal justice partners for more effective prosecution of those in possession of illegal guns, and we will revitalize geographic prosecution. Gone will be the days when gun offenders are not afraid of the consequences of possessing and using illegal guns in our City.
Opportunity: The best way to help someone put down a gun is to provide the opportunity to pick up a paycheck. I will expand and strengthen programs that work to employ young people, those that have gone through the criminal justice system, those experiencing poverty, and those without a four-year degree. And I’m going to expand programs that grow local businesses — because local businesses are the best job creators.
Investment: New federal infrastructure funding means we can reallocate local capital dollars to smart technology investments like cameras and street lighting to make our neighborhoods safer. My administration will work to enhance the work of community-based, anti-violence organizations and rebuild our network of after school and after-care programs. And importantly, we will invest in building up the infrastructure of behavioral and mental health services for those impacted by the trauma of gun violence.
Add your name if you agree: The gun violence epidemic requires Presence, Accountability, Opportunity, and Investment>>>
So why am I the one to get it done? As a former prosecutor, I am well aware of the cracks in the system, I know the job of law enforcement, and I know how to hold people accountable to it. As an African American man and father to an adult son on the Autism Spectrum, I know how race plays a crucial role in feeling safe and trusting institutions. As a former small business lender and owner, I know how transformative it can be to provide someone with the opportunity to earn a paycheck and serve the community in which they live — I’ve done it.
So what is my leadership style? Most know I served as Councilmember At-Large for six years with the City Council — in that time, I built strong ties to my fellow council members to build consensus around real solutions like the Green Plan and a city-wide public bank. As a former National President of the Democratic Municipal Officials and as an Executive Board Member of the National League of Cities, I won’t turn a blind-eye at learning from other leaders around the county. And of course, I believe in AND. We must drop our entrenched either-or mentality — and the limitations that come with it.
John, I don’t just have a real, achievable plan to solve gun violence, I have the ability to actually get it done — join me by signing your name if you’re ready for real change for our City.
As your future Mayor, I’m not just calling for a comprehensive plan to solve gun violence, I’m ready to deliver one.
Thanks for your support,
— Derek
