James Roebuck speaking at the Mariposa Food Co-op in 2012. (Archived photo/West Philly Local)

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of Q&A’s with local political candidates before the primary election on May 20. Our first Q&A, with Algernong Allen, is here. Next up is Matt Wolfe, who is running for a seat in Philadelphia’s City Council. Also, today is the last day to register to vote in the primary. For more information, visit: http://www.votespa.com.

Since assuming office in 1985, James Roebuck has represented West Philadelphia and the rest of the 188th district as state representative, and focused on education as the chairman of the House Education Committee.

Roebuck says he leans on his background as a trained teacher and former Drexel University professor to inform his work as an educational advocate. Through his years of service in the legislature, and under former Governor Ed Rendell, Roebuck lays claims to many successes, including an improved pre-K system and an increase in educational funding. And, on his off-time, he says, you can find him at any local school, reading to grade school students or tutoring second graders.

“To me, education is not just about the way you fund the schools, it’s also about the way you involve yourself in local schools,” Roebuck told West Philly Local.  Continue Reading

Photo from allen2014.com

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of Q&A’s with local political candidates. Next up is Allen’s opponent, incumbent Jim Roebuck.

You probably know Algernong Allen. Whether it’s as the former owner of Elena’s Soul or as a community activist, Algernong Allen is a household name around these parts.

Tonight, Allen, along with incumbent James Roebuck, will answer prepared questions and address community concerns in a Candidates’ Forum hosted by the Garden Court Community Association (GCCA). The forum will begin at 7 p.m. at the Community College of Philadelphia’s west campus (4725 Chestnut Street), and is open to the public. A food and networking event will precede the forum at 6 p.m.

Residents of the 188th District can also offer feedback and share their thoughts with Allen through a community survey he is currently hosting on his campaign site, allen2014.com. Click here to complete the survey.

As part of our political interviews series, West Philly Local had a chance to chat with Allen about his campaign, the issues most important to him, and what his vision is for the 188th District.

West Philly Local: Why are you running?

Algernong Allen: I am running to give back to a community that has given so much to me. As a father and husband living here, I am concerned about the condition of nearby schools for my daughter, the safety of our streets, and the deep poverty in some parts of our community. I’ve spent most of my life living right here, I’ve built a business here, and I’ve provided jobs here. I want to be a part of supporting a community vision of growth that respects our differences and acts on our common interests.  Continue Reading

James Roebuck.

As the May primary elections approach here’s a great opportunity for residents to meet local candidates James Roebuck (incumbent) and Algernong Allen (challenger) who are running for State Representative position in the 188th District.

The Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) is hosting a Candidates’ Forum on Thursday, April 10, at the Community College of Philadelphia west campus (4725 Chestnut St.) and all are invited. The event is designed to equip you with the information and perspective necessary to choose the community’s representation at the state level.

The candidates will answer eight prepared questions related to the topics of Economic Development, Education, Safety, Political Ethics, and Gentrification/Neighborhood Development, and will also take questions from the audience. The forum will be moderated by James Wright, a community development professional and West Philadelphia resident.

Algernong Allen.

The forum will begin at 7 p.m., but neighbors are also invited for a food & networking event beginning at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit GCCA’s (newly updated!) website

What:  GCCA Candidates’ Forum
When: April 10, 2014
Candidates’ Forum: 7:00-8:30 p.m.;
Food and Networking with Neighbors: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Community College West, 4725 Chestnut Street

In recent months, the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue has become a politically-charged center of controversy that has West Philly residents both frustrated and perplexed. Should the block, flanked by some boarded-up buildings, evolve with the help of local businesses into a commercial strip? Or should the city step in, reclaim the land and enlarge an existing health center and include parking?

A public meeting scheduled for next Thursday (see details below) will provide an opportunity for business owners and residents to discuss these two possibilities.

As Naked Philly reported earlier this month, community members learned in November about possible tentative plans to redevelop mostly privately-owned properties between 50th and 51st Streets. The redevelopment, which would happen through eminent domain, could make way for an expansion of the Mercy Wellness Center at 5008 Baltimore Avenue as per a proposal currently being considered by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA).

Baltimore Avenue near 51st Street.

For many residents, the tentative expansion proposal, submitted to the PRA by the Baltimore Avenue Redevelopment Corporation (BARC) — the non-profit that owns the Wellness Center—runs contrary to the needs of the community. In business owner Saba Tedla’s view, what the neighborhood needs along the slowly developing stretch are more restaurants and retail spaces that can solidify the Baltimore Avenue Corridor as a destination point—and without the use of eminent domain. (According to a recent City Paper article, the BARC proposal is “in flux” and may have already lost steam as inferred by statements made by BARC’s current president, Dr. Benjamin Smallwood.)

After all, more foot traffic on that block can only help Tedla, who owns Seeds Gallery at 5011 Baltimore Avenue and the restaurant Aksum further east on Baltimore and  plans to open a second restaurant across from the center this spring. She wants the competition.

“People like myself feel that the needs of the community are more for commercial retail than it is to have an expansion of a parking lot and a healthcare center,” Telda told West Philly Local. “If I know I’m opening a restaurant, why am I asking for restaurants? Because I am a member of the community. It’s productive and economical for more people to have more jobs [and] to attract more young professionals.”  Continue Reading

Rumors have been swirling around in the neighborhood for a couple of months and finally West Philly Local can confirm: Cedar Park-based entrepreneur and community organizer Algernong Allen is running for State Representative in the 188th District in the 2014 election.

Allen, 40, a Democrat who grew up near 58th and Warrington, will vie for the seat that Rep. James Roebuck has held since 1985. The primary is slated for May 20, 2014.

Allen is the former owner of the popular Elena’s Soul Lounge near 49th and Baltimore, which was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve 2012. Allen currently serves on the board of Cedar Park Neighbors and is heavily involved in local community organizing, including work as a block captain. Allen is also a board member of the Baltimore Avenue Business Association.

Here is Allen’s launch video on YouTube:

Today is Election Day. Public schools are closed, bars are open and, despite the misleading ads that are running again, the Voter ID Law is NOT in effect (unless you’re a first-time voter or voting in a new district, then you’ll need a valid ID).

Notable races (and there are few this time around) include City Controller and District Attorney. There is also one spot open on Pennsylvania’s Superior Court.

Incumbent Allan Butkovitz faces Terrence Tracy in the race for City Controller, while Seth Williams is running against Daniel Alvarez for District Attorney. This is Philadelphia and Butkovitz and Williams are Democrats, so basically these contests were (spoiler alert) decided in the primaries.

Here is a complete rundown of candidates for the various judicial offices from the Committee of Seventy and you can find your polling place here and your registration status here.

Problem at the polls? Call 866-OUR-VOTE. Polls close at 8 p.m.

– Mike Lyons