The following is a press release issued today by a group that I strongly support in an effort to bring democratic practices to the Democratic Party in Philadelphia.
A group of Democratic committeepeople in Philadelphia’s 22nd Ward met on Thursday May 9th for the purpose of endorsing candidates who will be on the May 21 Democratic primary election ballot. The political association, known as the 22nd Ward Open Caucus, was created earlier this year to promote a more open, accessible, and democratic ward system; to share knowledge among committeepeople; and to increase voter participation.
The caucus issued a written request to all candidates appearing on the ballot asking them to provide brief questionnaire responses and appear at the recent candidates meet and greet at the New Covenant Church in Mt. Airy, and 35 candidates responded. “This response lends legitimacy to our caucus and our efforts to give voice to the elected committeepeople in the 22nd Ward and the people they represent” said acting caucus coordinator, Michael Swayze. “The active members of our caucus represent the divisions of our Ward with a high number of registered voters and some of the highest turnouts of all divisions in the City of Philadelphia. Many of us will canvas our divisions for these endorsed candidates.”
The Open Caucus voted to endorse the following slate:
Mayor: Jim Kenney
Council-at-Large: Erika Almirón, Justin DiBerardinis, Derek Green, Helen Gym
City Commissioner: Jen Devor, Kahlil Williams
Court of Common Pleas: Anthony Kyriakakis, Tiffany Palmer
The candidates were approved with a 60% majority vote requirement of those members present and voting.
This press release is also available to download.
Michael Swayze's Community Resources 