Campaign website
citizensforsamoropeza.com
What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?
I was a professional boxer and MMA fighter. Fighting instilled values in me like discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic. I come from the trades and I have two young children. I know what a hard days work feels like to support a family.
What would be your top three policy priorities in office?
First, public safety. We need to prioritize recruitment and retainment of highly-trained police officers. We also have to use our police officers more effectively using data and intelligence so they can focus on the areas that have high rates of crime.
Second, education. We need to make sure our schools are fully funded and that the money is being used to maximize educational goals for our children. We should allocate more money in our schools to introduce children to the trades as an additional career option.
Third, trash, urban decay, and blight. No one wants to live in a neighborhood with lots of trash. I started a non-profit called Rescuing Streets Through Clean-Ups to help neighborhoods struggling with trash and illegal dumping by physically picking up and discarding thousands of tons of debris. In Philadelphia, we need to ensure our Sanitation Department is revitalized to ensure all Philadelphian's get their trash picked up.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I'm a political "outsider" that does not worry about pleasing the political machine that got Philadelphia in the difficult situation that it is in now. My grassroots campaign focuses on "People First" issues to help every Philadelphian improve their quality of life.
How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?
I want what's best for the people of Philadelphia. I won't let anything undermine that goal. That should be every elected officials promise to the people they lead. Everyone has their own opinions, but an elected official needs to have the ability to be self-conscious of their biases to work with others to solve the issues most impacting 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
