The public is invited to a 5th Senatorial District special election debate on Monday, May 9, at 6 p.m. at Max Myers Playground, 1601 Hellerman St.
Democrat Jim Dillon and Republican Sam Oropeza will discuss local issues as part of the monthly Take Back Your Neighborhood meeting.
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Bill McSwain, a Republican candidate for governor, on Monday introduced Law Enforcement Families for McSwain, a coalition of retired and active law enforcement officers and their families who have pledged to support his candidacy.
The group is led by Maureen Faulkner and Terri O’Connor, whose deceased husbands, Officers Daniel Faulkner and James O’Connor, were both victims of violent anti-police attacks in Philadelphia.
Both Faulkner and O’Connor have become outspoken advocates for policies that will support law enforcement and uphold law and order. Both women have also pledged to support McSwain and his Plan to Restore Law and Order, which is designed to return safety and security to Pennsylvania neighborhoods and would implement the death penalty for anyone convicted of killing a police officer.
Faulkner said, “When it comes to law and order and justice, many of our public officials in Pennsylvania have lost their moral compass. Criminals are portrayed as victims, and the true victims of violent crimes are left unaided and forgotten. The one exception is Bill McSwain, who has been an incomparable ally as I’ve fought to keep my husband’s guilty killer in prison. He is not afraid to fight for justice and expose those who seek to destroy our legal system. This is the kind of leadership our commonwealth needs. I am honored to support Bill McSwain as he runs for governor of Pennsylvania, and extend my full endorsement. I encourage all citizens, especially law enforcement families, to vote for the candidate who will restore law and order and protect our police. Vote for Bill McSwain for governor.”
O’Connor, who spoke at McSwain’s campaign announcement event in September and appears in a digital ad, said, “Bill McSwain was there for me and my family in the days after our loss of my husband Jimmy, and assured us that he would prosecute the thugs who took him from us. Jimmy would have loved Bill and everything he stands for. Bill McSwain kept his promise to my family and will be a strong fighter for all law enforcement families like mine.”
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Heather Miller, a Democratic candidate in the 203rd Legislative District, celebrated her 50th birthday Friday night with a fundraiser at Michael J. Crescenz Medal of Honor Rising Sun VFW Post 2819.
Among those in attendance were party chairman Bob Brady, state Sen. Tina Tartaglione, state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, former City Controller Alan Butkovitz, ward leaders Bill Dolbow and Bob Dellavella and Bob Stewart, a Democratic candidate in the 172nd district. Brady won the raffle for lottery scratch-offs. St. Luke (Jardel) and the Apostles of Soul provided musical entertainment.
Tartaglione presented Miller, a Lawncrest activist, with a citation. Sprinkler Fitters Local 692 was also on hand to show its support.
In all, there are three candidates in the May 17 primary. The others are Anthony Bellmon and Yusuf Jackson. While Miller is backed by Dolbow and the 35th Ward, Bellmon is the party-endorsed candidate with support from the 53rd and 61st wards.
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ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, has endorsed Republican Sam Oropeza in the special election to fill the vacant 5th Senatorial District seat. The election is May 17.
“Sam has demonstrated a deep dedication to his community and a commitment to fight for taxpayers and working families,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr. “He will be a strong voice in Harrisburg for policies that will help grow the commonwealth’s economy and foster job creation. On behalf of ChamberPAC and the state’s broad-based business community, I encourage residents of the 5th state Senate district to vote for Sam Oropeza in the upcoming special election.”
Former state Rep. John Taylor is also backing Oropeza.
“My desire of always wanting the best for our Northeast families didn’t diminish when I retired from the House of Representatives, and that’s why I’m supporting Sam Oropeza for state Senate,” Taylor said. “He will always fight for the best for us – including standing up to Larry Krasner to take back our streets from crime, helping job creators, improving our schools and working to address the politicians’ overspending that is hurting working families and retired seniors.”
Oropeza is a real estate professional, trained tradesman and former professional mixed martial arts fighter. He founded Rescuing Streets Through Clean Ups, a charity that partners with local civic organizations and city government to clean up Philadelphia neighborhoods.
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The state House of Representatives passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Martina White that would limit Philadelphia’s district attorney to two four-year terms. The bill passed 115-88. White and Reps. Kevin Boyle, Mike Driscoll, Ed Neilson and Joe Hohenstein voted for it. Reps. Nancy Guenst, Jason Dawkins, Jared Solomon and Isabella Fitzgerald voted against it. ••
