2020 politicians: Stop pandering to black voters and actually come to our neighborhoods

2020 politicians: Stop pandering to black voters and actually come to our neighborhoods

Op-ed by Anthony H. Williams

There has been a lot of discussion about race and racism this political season. While former New York City mayor and billionaire Mike Bloomberg pours millions into ads appealing to African Americans, Sen. Bernie Sanders’s campaign preaches about a coalition including and highlighting African Americans and Latinos. Earlier this month, it was the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania versus the mayor and district attorney. Before that, it was President Donald Trump accusing Gov. Tom Wolf of denying a black Philadelphia girl a scholarship.

Senator Anthony H. Williams to Introduce Expanded Syringe Exchange

Senator Anthony H. Williams to Introduce Expanded Syringe Exchange

Philadelphia, Pa. − November 7, 2019 − Senator Anthony H. Williams today announced plans to introduce legislation that would expand access to needle and syringe programs throughout Pennsylvania. “As Pennsylvanians continue to deal with the impact of the opioid crisis,...
Senator Anthony H. Williams Named to Special Council on Gun Violence

Senator Anthony H. Williams Named to Special Council on Gun Violence

Harrisburg, PA – September 18, 2019 – Governor Tom Wolf this week appointed Senator Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia) to serve as a member of the Special Council on Gun Violence. The Special Council was established by the Governor’s Executive Order...
Sen. Anthony Williams Statement on Folmer Charges

Sen. Anthony Williams Statement on Folmer Charges

Philadelphia, PA – September 18, 2019 – Sen. Anthony Williams releases the following statement on Folmer charges: I echo my colleagues in support of Senator Folmer’s resignation. Leaving the Senate was the only appropriate course of action given the serious...
A. Williams Announces Half a Million in Recreational Funds

A. Williams Announces Half a Million in Recreational Funds

Philadelphia – September 17, 2019 – Sen. Anthony Williams (D- Philadelphia/Delaware) announced today that funding totaling $542,208 has been awarded to projects within his district through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. “Access to parks and recreational...
Senator Anthony H. Williams Calls on PA Supreme Court To Release Inmates Detained For Parole Violations

OP-ED: It’s Time for Nonpartisan Municipal Elections

Op-ed by Anthony H. Williams and David Thornburgh

In Philadelphia, 23% or nearly a quarter-million voters effectively don’t get a say in who becomes mayor, represents them on city council or runs the District Attorney’s office. Despite standing in line to cast ballots and informing themselves on candidate positions, these citizens are locked out of the process simply because they’ve not registered to vote as a Democrat. But what if when you went into a voting booth, there were no party labels – no Democrat, no Republican, no Green – but only names? For voters in 85% of America’s cities and towns, that’s the reality – and Philadelphia should join them.