Logan: Local Residents Voice Their Opinions on Neighborhood Issues

With the Philadelphia City Council Election Day nearing, many local residents have expressed their views on the issues that matter to them and impact the vitality of their communitie

In Logan, which is part of the 9th District, many local residents said they believe that the neighborhood needs a candidate who is not only honest but expresses a strong will to support the declining neighborhood.

Sandra Walls, a resident who participated in the last citywide elections, said that she believes Logan needs a representative who is honest and dependable.

Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco, who is currently up for re-election, has represented the 9th District since 1988 and has also served as the council’s majority leader.

In this year’s election her contenders include Bobby Curry and Lamont Thomas, both of whom are Democratic candidates.

“So many people are struggling,” said Sandra Baylor, a resident of Somerville Avenue. “We need somebody who is honest and who actually goes into office and works and supports the community.”

In addition to honesty and work ethic, many local residents said they believe that the neighborhood is in dire need of a representative who is physically active in their community.

“Logan needs someone that is engaged in the community and someone who actually comes into the community,” Baylor said.

Baylor mentioned the housing dilemma as one of the bigger issues the community continues to face each day. This includes an array of abandon homes, sunken developments and property decline.

“We need a candidate who will help [the community] access lower income housing and improve current housing conditions.”

The community has dealt with a housing crisis that not only includes several property foreclosures and abandonment but urban blight – an issue that has plagued the community for over 25 years.

In addition, many residential properties in the neighborhood have gone into foreclosure or have decreased dramatically in its property value.

In a community that has dealt with increased poverty and neglect, many residents are concerned with the amount of debris that can be found on the street, on the sidewalks and along residential properties in the neighborhood.

Walls said she believes that trash pickup is an issue that needs to be addressed in order to clean up the physical appearance of the neighborhood and improve its overall vitality.

On May 17 residents will be able to cast their vote in the municipal primary. For more information on candidates, districts and voting visit www.seventy.org .