Highlights from KYW Newsradio's debate with Philly mayoral candidates

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With less than two weeks until the Pennsylvania primary, the five leading Democratic candidates in the running to be Philly's 100th mayor participated in a special 90-minute debate Thursday morning in the KYW Newsradio studios.

Candidates Rebecca Ryhnhart, Cherelle Parker, Helen Gym, Allan Domb and Jeff Brown, who are all statistically tied at the top of the race, took questions from a panel of KYW reporters and anchors. Community impact reporter Racquel Williams, City Hall bureau chief Pat Loeb and education reporter Mike DeNardo joined morning drive anchor Ian Bush in asking the candidates questions about gun violence, schools, housing, leadership and more.

During much of the debate, the candidates tried to stick to the talking points that have taken them this far. However, in one segment, they had to answer criticisms that others have levied against them.

Jeff Brown was asked about a statement he had made in a previous debate, saying the Ethics Board settled a case against him.

“The case that was in court was resolved. There was a settlement agreement,” he said. “And we understand that we will, at some point, continue to address this case, and they may sue me, or it may just be done administratively, and I may sue them.”

On April 10, the Board of Ethics accused the Independent Expenditure Group, also known as the political action committee (PAC), that’s supporting Jeff Brown of coordinating with him. On April 24, a Philadelphia judge signed an order barring PAC For a Better Philadelphia from spending any money to influence the outcome of the May 16 primary or Nov. 7 general election. This was part of a larger case involving the two.

The board of ethics case was settled, not the wider case against Brown. The rest of the case is still pending.

Domb was asked about pouring a lot of his own money into his campaign, how he will navigate as mayor not being able to draw from personal resources, and voters who may want someone different.

"I tell you the benefit of my campaign – I'm not beholden to anyone, but I'm accountable to every resident and citizen of this city," he said.

Rhynhart responded to criticisms about her experience under previous administrations that she touts isn't as relevant as she says it is.

"As city controller, it's not right to just pigeonhole me as a numbers person or a report writer."

Parker was asked about being an establishment candidate.

"I've proven that I can get it done. Many of my opponents are what I call expert articulators of problems and short on solutions."

Gym was asked about her passionate supporters and not reaching voters outside that.

"I think our work resonates and I'm glad and proud to have a supportive group of people,” she said. “And to be clear this isn't just a fanbase."

Gun violence has been at record levels over the past few years, and it’s the overwhelming factor that impacts the quality of life and safety in the city. Community impact reporter Racquel Williams asked the candidates how they would hold themselves accountable for cracking down on gun violence in the city.

Both Domb and Rhynhart had similar goals of reducing homicides by 50% in their first term.

The other three leading Democrats were less specific.

Cherelle Parker invoked the power of government.

“I have the audacity to believe that we really can bring hope and pride back to our city and make people believe that government can be a tool to positively impact their lives,” she said.

Jeff Brown reiterated his plans for gunshot cameras, saying he will report not only on outcomes, but also how they’re progressing and implementing their plans.

Helen Gym says she’s “outcomes focused” on her work.

“It's not only that  we're going to see gun violence go down and the number of shootings and prosecutions go up, I also need to make sure that people's health metrics improve.”

Education reporter Mike DeNardo spoke with the candidates about project proposals.

There were few direct endorsements or condemnations of the proposed 76ers arena in Chinatown.

Rebecca Rhynhart said she hasn't seen details on how the project could work without public money, and that people living near 10th and Market streets need to buy in.

"This should not move forward unless the residents are comfortable. And right now they're not."

Helen Gym said not enough is known about the proposal.

"I've made it clear that neighborhoods have to thrive and that billionaires don't need tax subsidies. I don't think any of the financial impact has been cleared."

Cherelle Parker agreed that a mayor shouldn't give a knee-jerk reaction before the plan is fully evaluated.

"Any proposal that has the potential to have a large economic input in our city, we have to hear it out."

Allan Domb said any Sixers arena should have to be part of a coordinated plan for East Market.

"Walking past Market Street going past Loews on the right side from City Hall and seeing all that's going on there, the empty lots - we need a plan for that whole area."

And, as for paying to look into the feasibility of a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway, all of the candidates supported it, except Jeff Brown.

"If we set this as a priority, we'll waste an incredible amount of money planning something that's never going to happen,” Brown said. “I want to focus on what's really going to happen."

The candidates are making some very specific promises on crime, poverty and the economy. Will it help them get elected or trigger backlash if they can’t deliver?

Domb says it starts with the first hundred days. He plans to clean every vacant lot, board up abandoned buildings, and clean all the street. His goal is to bring 100,000 people out of poverty.

Gym wants to make sure that public transit is welcoming and that people's health metrics improve.

And Rhynhart hopes to have a 50% reduction in homicides in her first term.

Public Affairs Consultant Larry Ceisler says he doesn’t believe their promises are meant to be taken literally.

"I gotta believe voters understand it’s just political rhetoric but it goes to the candidate’s commitment to solving the problem," he said.

The primary election is May 16. Get to know the candidates better in our voter guide here, or listen to one-on-one interviews with them here.

Listen to more highlights from the debate in the playlist below: