The soda tax, a rising homicide rate, urban violence and a dramatic opiate abuse situation are part of the picture against a re-election of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, who has a largely Democratic city on his favor, an advantage that virtually nullifies the chances of his Republican opponent Billy Ciangalini in the November 5 election.
Next Tuesday citizens will have the opportunity to renew their authorities in the city and there will be elections that will give strength and democratic vigor to the positions ranging from the Mayor, City Councillors, Commissioners, Sheriff and Judges.
Around the election of a new mayor – or reelection of the existing one – things seemed easy for Democrats, who have a 7-1 advantage over Republicans over registered voters.
An additional element to be considered is that Philadelphia will use the new and controversial voting machines for these elections. The touchscreen models that will make their debut on November 5 have been a source of contention throughout the year, and this is basically considered the city’s test run before 2020.
However the interest of this editorial material is a review of the participants to conquer the position of Mayor of the City of Brotherly Love.
Jim Kenney: Democrat and incumbent
The rhetoric that points to that an incumbent has never lost re-election for a second term since the city’s charter was updated in 1954 is now outdated.
Mayor Jim Kenney got an easy victory in the primaries. He hasn’t done much campaigning since, and has ignored his Republican opponent’s calls for debate.
But for Kenney, it´s not all a bed of roses. This vote is considered as a referendum, especially on his controversial soda tax, which surrounded him with an early unpopularity.
Polls show that Philadelphia residents largely support the programs, but still regret the tax itself. Kenney also faces a rising homicide rate and an increasingly violent opioid crisis.
In their inventory of priorities to preserve for a future period are: Keep soda tax alive, support the overdose prevention site and keep Philadelphia as a “sanctuary city”.
Billy Ciangalini: The Republican
After a long internal dispute in the Conservative party, Ciangalini earned his right to represent the Republicans in the contest and to counterbalance the Democratic aspirations.
He is convinced that the problems facing the city do not play in favor of his adversary and those disappointments will add up in clicks on the touch screen that will get his votes.
Ciangalini has used Facebook, which has become a personal campaign, to rail against overdose prevention sites and the soda tax. He also used it to incite his supporters to harass a South Philadelphia restaurant that organized a fundraiser for undocumented immigrants. Even though he is Kenney’s only opponent, Ciangalini has not raised enough money to organize a serious campaign. He brought in just over $10,000 in contributions since his run was launched.
Ciangalini’s priorities in defeating his opponent will be: to reverse Philadelphia’s “sanctuary city” status, to oppose overdose prevention sites and to repeal soda tax.
Translated by: José Espinoza
Noticias Newswire
