Matt Wolfe, Republican candidate for City Council at large, condemned District Attorney Larry Krasner’s decision to withdraw his opposition to Mumia Abu-Jamal’s attempt to argue for a new trial in front of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
“Mumia Abu-Jamal savagely murdered Philadelphia police officer Danny Faulkner in 1981. The evidence is clear, and the trial has been reviewed time and time again in the almost 40 years since the murder. No court has ever given any credence to the arguments that he was innocent or did not have a fair trial. Larry Krasner owes Danny Faulkner and his family better treatment.”
Abu-Jamal was on death row until 2011, when the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, after consultation with Officer Faulkner’s widow, Maureen Faulkner, withdrew its fight to have the death penalty enforced.
Mrs. Faulkner learned of Krasner’s decision when she received a phone call from the police union.
“Once again, our district attorney makes decisions that benefit the convicted criminal without consultation with the victims,” Wolfe said.
Last December, Common Pleas Court Judge Leon Tucker reinstated appeal rights to Abu-Jamal. Former Abu-Jamal lawyer Rachel Wolkenstein told WHYY the decision could lead to his freedom.
“Freedom?” Wolfe said. “All Philadelphians should stand with the Faulkner family against releasing that convicted murderer onto the streets.”
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Meanwhile, Krasner endorsed Mayor Jim Kenney for re-election to a second term.
“Jim Kenney has been a leader in the movement for progressive criminal justice reform. He dramatically reduced our local jail population and led the effort to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in our city. He has been a strong advocate for ending mass incarceration and eliminating cash bail. I’m proud to support him so that together we can keep fighting for a fairer and more equitable justice system.”
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Beth Grossman, Krasner’s Republican opponent in 2017, was given a “Recommended” rating by the Philadelphia Bar Association in her campaign for a seat on Common Pleas Court.
Grossman, a former longtime assistant district attorney, is running on both the Republican and Democratic tickets.
“Whatever your party affiliation may be,” Grossman said, “please know that I seek to serve everyone with fairness, integrity and compassion. Judicial positions are, and should be, nonpolitical. My experience speaks for itself, and I ask you all to consider that come Election Day.”
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City Councilman Bobby Henon (D-6th dist.), who is seeking a third term in office, last week came out strongly in opposition to proposed safe injection sites to combat the opioid epidemic.
Henon previously opposed a methadone clinic in Holmesburg.
“I am unequivocally opposed to so-called safe injection sites in the city of Philadelphia,” he said. “There is nothing safe about injecting heroin into your body. I understand the thinking behind the concept – ‘If they’re going to continue to shoot up, let’s at least provide them with clean needles and a safe, monitored environment in which to get high.’ I get the thinking, but I don’t agree with it at all. Safe injection sites don’t help lift people out of addiction; they serve merely to perpetuate the addiction. The focus should be on funding more prevention, intervention and addiction treatment services. I will use my influence as a two-term member of City Council and majority chair to prevent the establishment of safe injection sites in our city. And I will fight any and every attempt to place such a facility in my district. They are not the answer.”
Pete Smith, Henon’s Republican challenger, is already on record as opposing safe injection sites.
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AARP PA will host a listening session on Wednesday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, 8025 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 200.
Guests are welcome to voice their opinions and concerns on issues such as transportation, housing, parks and green spaces.
The information will be shared with mayoral candidates.
Dinner will be provided.
The Frankford Community Development Corporation is cosponsoring the event. ••
