Curtis Segers III
At-Large
Campaign website
What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?
Friday, March 13, 2020 is a date that stands out to all of us for different reasons. As a school administrator I thought my students would be back in the classrooms in two-weeks but reckoned that two-weeks without instruction would be too long. As a parent of a school aged child I watched as his private school shifted to a full day of virtual learning during week two. Meanwhile students across the city of Philadelphia had to endure varying levels of instruction based on the school they attended. There is a certain weight that comes with having students, families, neighbors and colleagues leaning on you for encouragement and hope. Yet, it is also a privilege and an honor to be sought out for leadership during times of uncertainty. The pandemic turned everyday people into heroes. It made us take a hard look at what matters most while also exacerbating the inequities that exist in education, health care, criminal justice, housing, the job market, etc. I realized that all of us have a role to play and that it is time for me to play a larger role in serving our community.
What would be your top three policy priorities in office?
Philadelphia is a city with great potential. Activating this potential will require a multifaceted approach that addresses all aspects of city life. Nonetheless, my top three priorities include the following:
Education: Every Philadelphian deserves a quality K-12 public education that prepares them for college or the workforce despite their zip code or family income level.
Gun Violence: We need to activate a public health approach to ending gun violence in our city. This requires collaboration with our youth, elected officials, health professionals, businesses, non-profit organizations, etc.
Clean Streets: Clean neighborhoods denote pride. As the city of brotherly love, we have to put resources in place to highlight what makes our city a special place to live, grow and do business.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
Like many of the candidates running for City Council At-Large, I choose to live here because I believe in our city. I am poised to roll up my sleeves and get to work at bringing about the change that is desperately needed. Philadelphians have been crying out for safer and cleaner communities, better schools, resources for our seniors and veterans, job opportunities, etc. for far too long. We’ve been waiting for the right person with the right temperament, fortitude, vision, commitment, passion, and integrity to take the lead and in the process so many of us have lost hope. I’m here. I’m willing. I’m ready. I’m qualified. This is a personal mission for me and I am ready to disrupt the status quo.
How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?
There’s an African proverb that states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” When elected to City Council, I realize that everyone is not going to agree with my ideas. I believe that each member has a genuine care for our city and by focusing on our mutual commitment we can work together to find common ground. This starts by first listening and then transitioning to being understood. Healthy dialogue is the precursor to compromise and when done correctly–maintaining core principles and values–leads to a win for the people of Philadelphia.
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
