Delaire Landing hosted a candidates night, welcoming state Sen. Jimmy Dillon and challenger Joe Picozzi; congressional candidate Aaron Bashir; state Rep. Pat Gallagher; City Councilman Mike Driscoll; and city elections commissioner Lisa Deeley.
Stephen Medvec was the moderator, as candidates spoke to the crowd and answered questions.
Dillon spoke of attending Our Lady of Calvary, Holy Ghost Prep and Notre Dame, playing basketball overseas, coaching basketball for the Bustleton Bengals and Our Lady of Calvary, serving as Democratic leader of Ward 66-A and owning a basketball training academy. He has two teenage daughters and cares for his 88-year-old mom.
Dillon has been in office since June 2022 after winning a special election. He has the support of FOP Lodge 5 and the building trades.
Dillon was the only Senate Democrat to vote to accept articles of impeachment from the House against District Attorney Larry Krasner and adopt rules for a Senate trial of Krasner.
“Larry Krasner does not protect the people of Philadelphia,” he said.
Dillon recently announced $5.2 million in funding, almost all of it to the Police Department and $200,000 for surveillance cameras. He’s voted for funding for public schools and tax credits for businesses donating to private schools and supported initiatives at St. Hubert, Archbishop Ryan and Father Judge.
In response to questions, he said SEPTA needs more money, adding that it could come from marijuana legalization or skill game regulation. He was the only Democrat to vote for a bill requiring the attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor – which turned out to be Michael Untermeyer – to prosecute crimes on SEPTA property.
The state has money to fund schools and SEPTA, according to Dillon.
“We have the money. We don’t have to sit on it for a rainy day,” he said.
Picozzi, 29, is a first-time candidate who is giving Dillon a real battle despite not having the support of the local Republican machine. He’s knocked on tens of thousands of doors and built a campaign consisting of about 40 young staffers.
“What this city needs is a reformer,” he said.
Noting the legislature is in session about 50 days a year and lawmakers make an annual salary in the six figures, he promised to be a full-time legislator.
“I will be wearing one hat,” he said.
Picozzi said he will not accept free fancy dinners, golf outings or Super Bowl tickets.
“I will not accept any gifts from lobbyists. Period,” he said.
In response to questions, he said he supports restoring money to the Saint Margaret of Castello Maternity Home in Bensalem. Gov. Josh Shapiro ended a contract with a nonprofit that provides services for the residence for pregnant women.
Picozzi noted that Republicans control the Senate, and he believes his election would help the caucus understand issues of importance to Philadelphia, such as SEPTA funding.
Bashir, a Republican, is challenging Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle. He said he has little campaign funds while his opponent has well over $3 million cash on hand.
Bashir, born in Pakistan, said he is running for “God, family and country.”
“America needs God back,” he said.
The candidate believes the Ten Commandments need to be back in public schools.
“Give kids direction and a sense of purpose,” he said.
Noting that Democrats have controlled the city for 72 years, he blames them for a “disaster” of a school district.
Bashir said he wants to address violent crime, citing the shooting of Northeast High School students at a bus stop, along with high gas and grocery prices, drugs and the open southern border.
In general, he believes the U.S. should increase funding for senior citizens, families and veterans and stop funding nations that hate America.
Gallagher is unopposed for a second term.
One man complained about Mayor Cherelle Parker’s property tax hike and the chronic poor showing of School District of Philadelphia students on standardized tests. Gallagher said public schools have been underfunded for years and he hopes more investments will lead to a marked increase in standardized test scores.
Driscoll, who is not up for re-election until 2027, said the recent city budget funds 300 more police officers. In June, 75 officers graduated from the Police Academy, with all assigned to Kensington.
The councilman said Mayor Cherelle Parker has promised that graduates of future classes will be assigned to other areas of the city, including the Northeast.
“I will make sure she honors her commitment,” he said.
In response to a question, Driscoll said he is undecided on the issue of a new 76ers arena.
“I have not made a final decision yet, and that’s the truth,” he said.
Driscoll said the location is in Councilman Mark Squilla’s district, and members usually honor the practice of “councilmanic prerogative.” Squilla is expected to introduce legislation paving the way for the arena.
Driscoll criticized Larry Krasner.
“The district attorney’s gotta go,” he said.
Somebody asked Driscoll if he expected Krasner to seek re-election next year, and the councilman said the DA will seek another four years.
“He’s backed by that Soros guy,” Driscoll said, referring to billionaire George Soros, a big-time donor to Democrats and liberal causes.
Deeley, in her third term and not up for re-election until 2027, encouraged people to vote in all races on the ballot. She said more information on the election can be found at vote.phila.gov ••
