PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Tempers flared in City Council on Tuesday when District Attorney Larry Krasner asked for an increase in his budget.
Krasner requested $7 million — in additional to the $2 million increase Mayor Jim Kenney has proposed — so he can hire more assistant district attorneys. He said caseloads in the office are too high.
However, during the two hours of questions that followed, he described an office functioning almost flawlessly.
Council members asked pointed questions about how Krasner’s policies and practices affect crime. Quetcy Lozada, whose district includes drug-ravaged Kensington, conveyed what she says is a common complaint.
“We oftentimes hear that folks come to court and there are ADAs that are not prepared for court, and so the cases are not won,” Lozada said.
But Krasner brushed away such concerns and deflected questions about whether he prosecutes cases such as retail theft or gun violations vigorously enough, citing overcrowded courts, an understaffed police department and a “political narrative.”
“When I hear people suggesting that somehow we don’t charge retail theft, feel free to call the Police Department. That is their job,” he said.
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He also blamed politics when Councilmember Cindy Bass focused on a specific homicide case, in which she said she and the family have been pleading for the suspect to be tried.
“It’s election season. What can I say,” said Krasner.
“Election season has nothing to do with Khamir Carlton, who was killed last March,” Bass shot back. “We’re still waiting, and there are a lot of families that are still waiting, for that prosecution to happen, Mr. District Attorney, election season or not.”
Bass had spent the morning at the funeral for 15-year-old Devin Weedon, who was shot to death while walking to school last week. She said she was frustrated by Krasner’s answers.
“It feels as if there is not the level of prosecution and support that the citizens of Philadelphia need coming out of your office,” she said.
Council President Darrell Clarke intervened in the sharp exchange to bring the temperature down, while also underscoring Council’s concerns.
“There needs to be some level of accountability,” Clarke said.
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