As the dust settles following a crowded Democratic mayoral primary, Cherelle Parker’s victory means she could become Philadelphia’s first female mayor. But with heightened sensitivities around safety and violence, some North Philly residents lack optimism that change will occur.
Philadelphia Neighborhoods spoke with a few residents in North Philly’s Poplar neighborhood to discuss what may help lead to Parker’s election as mayor on November 7. Here’s what they said.
“Everyone promises a great tomorrow, but no one has delivered yet”
Longtime Poplar resident Richard Thornton said he can feel the reality of the Philadelphia’s violent crime statistics daily.
“We want someone that cares about the people, the community,” Thornton said, explaining that his lack of interest in any of the candidates kept him from voting in the election. “Everyone promises a great tomorrow, but no one has delivered yet.”
When asked how the next mayor could improve the neighborhood, Thornton suggested they should “build a couple of rec centers, give these children somewhere to go, [and] maybe it won’t be as wild.”
“Use our common sense”
Others say that the proximity of Temple University to this North Philadelphia neighborhood has an impact on the communal environment.
Moraima Morales is a property owner in the area who manages some residential properties formerly owned by her late son. She rents to many Temple University students.
For Morales, “the violence and kids roaming around with their bikes harassing people at nighttime” is the most pressing issue in the neighborhood.
Morales urged Parker to work with the District Attorney’s Office and exclaimed that” whoever does a crime goes to jail and pays for it, not leave them out in the streets.”
If Parker is elected mayor, Morales hopes Parker is conservative in managing violence and disturbances in the neighborhood. She suggested that we must “use our common sense.”
“She can do it”
Despite some residents’ skepticism, other residents like Larry Bonner reserve some faith in Parker’s ability and is hopeful the senseless violence will end. When asked if he thought the Parker had any chance to make an impact, Bonner said, “She can do it.”
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