Community Economic Development
Our entire nation is experiencing economic hardship and the 198th Legislative District of Pennsylvania is no exception. Since 2000, Philadelphia has lost 6 percent of it jobs. Philadelphia's current unemployment rate is 11% with at least 39% of the population not in the labor force.
By strengthening Small Business Associations and Community Development Corporations, we can better identify our entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals who have experience in the business sector. Our community must continue to be a haven for members of the "Creative Class" that help bring employment, arts, innovation and technological advancement to the area.
I believe the 198th District should be a shopping destination for consumers inside and outside of our community. By creating incentives for quality businesses to open in our communities, there will be more opportunities to restore productivity and prosperity.
By strengthening Small Business Associations and Community Development Corporations, we can better identify our entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals who have experience in the business sector. Our community must continue to be a haven for members of the "Creative Class" that help bring employment, arts, innovation and technological advancement to the area.
I believe the 198th District should be a shopping destination for consumers inside and outside of our community. By creating incentives for quality businesses to open in our communities, there will be more opportunities to restore productivity and prosperity.
Community Aesthetics & Infrastructure
The 198th
Legislative District is home to many of Pennsylvania’s most prestigious
and historic landmarks. Since the decline of the
industrial boom, many of our neighborhoods have fallen prey to the
effects of urban decay. These areas experience abandoned
factories, vacant homes, and a host of other problems that stem directly
from the downward economic spiral that has swept our communities. We
find ourselves overwhelmed by abandoned lots, wild vegetation, and unkept trees that destroy
our basements, walk-ways and
steps that result in damages that could cost a resident or
business owner thousands of dollars.
Unfortunately,
current leaders have ignored
many of these issues by taking no action at all or covering them up
with short-term solutions. I believe that repairing the damage
done to our streets, sidewalks, and steps by trees should be met with
assistance from the state or municipal government. With a Representative
in the State House of Representatives advocating for solutions to these issues, we
can revitalize areas that have
fallen victim to urban decay.
Education
Community Connections
Times
have drastically changed for the school student in Philadelphia. Over the past few years, we have watched our School District move into unstable
territory with volatile leadership, school closings and the rise of charter schools to pick up where the district has failed. Philadelphia public school students continue to score below the state average on standardized tests and the high school dropout rate continues to linger around 60%.
With stronger community
organizations and community involvement, we can see to it that our
children reach their academic goals. We must ensure that our children are receiving the
knowledge that will allow them to be as competitive in tomorrows
job market as a graduate of any of the top ranked school districts in
the region.
As State Representative, I will fight for accountability in the home, the classroom, the city and in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
As State Representative, I will fight for accountability in the home, the classroom, the city and in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Community Connections
An unconnected community is not a community at all. I believe there should be more support and resources for existing
community organizations, as well as an effort to create new organizations
where there is need. Community organizations provide a
platform for much needed discussion amongst residents, business owners, and public
officials. These organizations understand the issues
that impact each community and should have a direct line of
communication to the office of State-Representative.
Community & Police Relations
Improving relations between the community and members of
the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is a critical element in advancing
our neighborhoods. For far too long, the tensions between young men &
women of the 198th Legislative District and Philadelphia Police Officers have resulted in unnecessary violence and excessive
force on behalf of both parties. There is a common respect factor that
is missing in the relationship between the people and the police. Once
we begin to reorganize our communities, we can begin to work with the
police department to resolve these issues. We must get rid of the “Us
versus Them,” mentality.
LaMott envisions a community where Philadelphia Police Officers actively
participate in youth sports programs and regularly
attend community organized events. This type of action will
improve relations between the PPD and a community
that can no longer settle for appearances solely from trained police
community liaisons in lieu of the officers who actually patrol our neighborhoods.
