Rue Landau (Democrat)
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What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?
Growing up my parents taught me that we all have a role to play in Tikkun Olam, a Jewish concept that means ‘to heal the world.’ To me, that meant doing everything in my power to fight for equity and justice for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities. Part of that work included my time spent as an attorney at Community Legal Services helping thousands of low-income renters in Philadelphia avoid eviction from their affordable housing. Through that work, I kept thousands of families together and successfully challenged government bureaucracies, including the Philadelphia Housing Authority and the Department of Licenses and Inspections. My work at Community Legal Services– and the individuals I helped keep a roof over their heads – will always guide me and I will fight for every Philadelphian on City Council, no matter how much money they make or their background.
What would be your top three policy priorities in office?
I am running for City Council to champion the following issues: 1) Creating safer communities - I will prioritize community solutions to gun violence by utilizing proven methods from other jurisdictions that focus on targeted positive interventions; scaling up community policing and de-escalation training, and mental health interventions; and supporting programs for positive police-community relations; 2) Reinvesting in neighborhoods - I will increase investments in neighborhoods, including public school facilities, rec centers, libraries, and community spaces; with a particular focus on historically dis-or underinvested neighborhoods; and 3) Improving affordable housing opportunities - I will ensure the City supports more affordable housing models, invests its funds in low-income housing, and sustainably refurbishes its existing stock.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I believe my background, professional experience, and the connections I’ve built over decades uniquely position me to be a very effective member of City Council on day one. In addition to my strong values and proven track record fighting for the most vulnerable Philadelphians which I have shown throughout my career, I have the rapport and connections with key stakeholders across the city to build bridges and coalitions. I believe this sets me apart from most of my opponents in this race. I’ve proven in my career that I know how to deliver the kind of lasting, community-led change that makes our city stronger and more equitable. I’m now ready to take the next step to fight for justice as an elected member of City Council. I’ll do everything in my power to use the office to make the city work for all of us. Also, I will receive concentrated support from the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, as I will be the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Council ever elected if I win.
How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?
I’m a bridge-builder and I will work with all members of council and the Mayor to identify and accomplish our shared goals, including addressing gun violence, investing in our neighborhoods and providing real solutions to our housing crisis. I have a reputation as someone who is a straight shooter and a coalition builder. I have no doubt that together we can overcome Philadelphia’s challenges. My approach will include providing top-notch constituent services and having an open-door policy for community groups and people from every neighborhood across Philadelphia to weigh in on what’s happening in their backyards.
The Committee of Seventy has partnered with the Carter Center to promote the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections to improve the voting process, encourage honest leadership, and promote civic engagement. Do you support the Candidate Principles?
Yes
