Joe Picozzi, Republican nominee in the 5th Senatorial District, recently held a beef-and-beer fundraiser at Sharkey’s Grill & Ale House, 7401 State Road.
Picozzi is challenging Democratic Sen. Jimmy Dillon.
Among those attending the fundraiser were state Rep. Joe Hogan and former Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley.
“Northeast Philadelphia needs bold leadership,” Picozzi said in his speech.
Picozzi described himself as an Eagle Scout and graduate of St. Christopher Elementary School and Holy Ghost Prep.
As he campaigns door to door, he hears worries about fentanyl overdoses, car break-ins, violent crime, potholes, absentee landlords and trash. He also sees for sale signs.
“I want to stay here,” said Picozzi, a Somerton native now living in Tacony.
Picozzi said he does not want to see the problems plaguing Kensington pushed into the Northeast.
If elected, he’ll hold weekly meetings with law enforcement leadership to ask, “What do you need to do your jobs?”
His first bill will be to provide funds for equipment, training and recruitment of first responders.
Calling himself a “labor Republican,” he said he’d work with trade unions on summer jobs and apprentices.
Picozzi believes it’s important to provide young people with after-school and summer programs and access to art, music and physical education.
In office, he’d hold town hall meetings. He wants to strengthen civic associations, bring back the Friends of Pennypack Park and help Philadelphia get a new district attorney.
“I will lead the charge to remove Krasner and let the cops do their job,” he said. ••
