The Holme Circle Civic Association last week welcomed 12 candidates to its monthly meeting.
Here are the races that were represented:
• 6th Councilmanic District: Republican Pete Smith is a Father Judge High School graduate and former president of the Tacony Civic Association. He opposes safe injection sites for opioid addicts. “Give them real treatment and rehabilitation.” He wants to focus on quality-of-life issues such as abandoned cars and mattresses left at curbs. He wants to recruit more block captains and is no fan of District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 president John McNesby spoke on behalf of City Councilman Bobby Henon. He thanked Henon for working to get new buildings for the 2nd and 15th police districts and voting for funding that has enabled the local police districts to be fully staffed. McNesby also criticized Krasner for lowering the charges in the stabbing death of Sean Schellenger. “What he did to that family is unconscionable.”
• Mayor: Republican Billy Ciancaglini vowed to end the sanctuary city policy on his first day in office. He said safe injection sites are illegal. He believes the beverage tax is chasing consumers to the suburbs and hurting mom-and-pop shops. He invited people to visit Facebook.com/WeNeedANewMayor.
• City Election Commissioner: Since there are only three candidates for three spots, Lisa Deeley is guaranteed re-election. She said there should be no problem with the new touch-screen voting machines next Tuesday. “If you can order a hoagie at Wawa, you can vote.”
• Council at large: Those appearing were Republican Councilmen David Oh and Al Taubenberger, Republican challengers Bill Heeney and Matt Wolfe, Democratic Councilmembers Helen Gym, Derek Green and Allan Domb, Democratic challenger Katherine Gilmore Richardson and independent Clarc King.
In other news, Blaise Sabatina, an aide to state Rep. Ed Neilson, said his office is collecting new or gently used coats, gloves, hats, scarves, snowsuits, boots and earmuffs for distribution to the needy. Donations will be accepted at 16 Old Ashton Road until Nov. 26. The office is also accepting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Call 215-330-3714. ••
