Call to action
There is a critical election approaching, yet many people seem unaware or are not giving it the detention it deserves. Historically, elections for offices such as district attorney and city controller have experienced the lowest voter turnout within the four-year election cycle. This year appears to be following that trend, as evidenced by only about 16% of registered voters participating in a recent contested primary.
We cannot allow low turnout to repeat itself in this year’s general election. The stakes are simply too high. Larry Krasner is seeking reelection as district attorney. Drawing on my career experience as both an assistant district attorney and a deputy attorney general, I believe that Larry Krasner is the worst prosecutor in America.
Krasner, a former criminal defense attorney, is perceived as prioritizing criminals over victims. He has been criticized for refusing to prosecute many crimes and for implementing bail policies that allegedly allow dangerous individuals to remain on the streets while awaiting trial. There are concerns about the declining quality of attorneys hired under his leadership, and about his office failing to notify some crime victims about important proceedings. Additionally, he is often seen as negotiating plea deals that enable offenders to plead to lesser charges, thereby avoiding more severe sentences. One recent example cited is the downgrading of a murder charge to manslaughter, even though available video evidence reportedly showed a cold-blooded killer executing a woman.
As a lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia, I have witnessed firsthand the negative changes in our neighborhoods, which I attribute to Krasner’s approach. Families no longer feel secure. The community has experienced a rise in petty theft, vandalism, carjackings and shootings. Other neighborhoods have suffered even more. These policies are not only creating more victims but are driving neighbors and businesses away from Philadelphia. The consequences include declining property values and a greater decrease in the quality of life for all residents.
The solution is clear. We need to fire Larry Krasner. The upcoming election on Nov. 4 presents that opportunity. Former Judge Pat Dugan is running on the Republican ballot, having secured his spot through write-in votes during the primary. Dugan, a lifelong Democrat, resigned from his respected position as president judge of Municipal Court because he recognized the necessity of challenging Krasner. Mobilizing voters – especially those who do not typically turn out – could make a decisive difference. Encouraging these individuals to vote in person or by mail can help Philadelphia elect the district attorney it deserves.
E. Marc Costanzo
Winchester Park
Embarrassing test scores
It’s really scary that the school district accepts that 75% students don’t meet state standards in math and 66% don’t meet the standards in reading. That is embarrassing. It’s a shame that the teachers will get a new contract. And the taxpayers will continue dumping money into this broken system. If this wasn’t a public entity it would have been bankrupt years ago.
Richard Donofry
East Torresdale
Thanks for the leaf cleaning
A lot of us write complaints about the city, including myself. Today I want to write a thank you for the leaf cleaning that took place on our street last week. I am on a one-way street, and I saw a city truck and people with leaf blowing and cleaning up our leaves. We saw this last year as well. It is nice to see tax dollars put to good use. We have a few senior citizens who live on our street, so I know it was very beneficial to them.
Eileen Teti
Castor Gardens
Art of the Deal
Peace has finally come to the Middle East, all thanks to the “Art of the Deal” initiator aka “The Donald.”
Not since Jimmy Carter has brokered peace in the Middle East between Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin has a U.S. president been successful to bring peace into that region again, until now.
The once beloved real estate mogul who brought forth the magnificent skyline of New York City with Trump Towers, to the casinos in Atlantic City, as well as to be the star of his own highly rated TV show, The Apprentice, to become the most hated person in American politics.
So to all the stokers of hate against Donald Trump from the Hollywood left, eat your heart out.
Because the world has just witnessed the Eighth Wonder of the World added to President Trump’s accolades, the one and only “The Peacemaker,” because he is, the Art of the Deal.
Al Ulus
Somerton
