Democratic mayoral candidate Allan Domb last Friday visited Lower Mayfair Seniors, telling members how important he believes the election is.
“This is 1991 revisited,” he said, pointing to the year Ed Rendell was elected to succeed Wilson Goode.
Domb, 67, told the crowd he grew up in North Jersey, shining shoes at 5, delivering newspapers at 11 and pumping gas, working as a janitor and washing dishes at Howard Johnson in high school.
Domb came to Philadelphia in 1976 and got into real estate in 1983, twice serving as president of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors. He served two terms in City Council before resigning to run for mayor.
In Council, he pushed for wage tax reimbursement for low-income workers, outdoor dining during COVID, appraisals for all city properties before sale and collection of delinquent real estate taxes.
He believes Philadelphia needs better leadership.
Crime is the top issue, he said, adding that he wants prosecution for retail theft, community policing and increased salary and benefits to retain police officers. He asked the crowd to read his plan at VoteDomb.com.
As for education, he favors the teaching of financial literacy, technology, entrepreneurship and home ownership in kindergarten through 12th grade. He’d have high schoolers work one day a week at a job, similar to what’s done at Cristo Rey at 17th Street and Allegheny Avenue.
Domb believes Philadelphia’s taxes are too high, chasing prominent companies such as Destination Maternity out of town.
In response to questions, he suggested the beverage tax rate could be lowered and would support putting a question on the ballot to see if residents approve of Philadelphia being a sanctuary city.
In Council, Domb donated his salary to public schools. He will also donate his salary as mayor. And he donated $40 to the bingo pot at Friday’s meeting.
Lower Mayfair Seniors meet every Friday at 10 a.m. through June at Lower Mayfair Playground, 3015 Robbins Ave. Dues are $5 a month. ••
