The Democratic primary for Philadelphia mayor is exactly three weeks away, and it’s still not clear who in the crowded field has the advantage. KYW Newsradio wants to help you learn more about the leading candidates with our podcast, Who’s Running for Philly Mayor.
In the new episode out now, KYW’s City Hall bureau chief Pat Loeb talks with State Rep. Amen Brown.
Listen to episode 6
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — State Rep. Amen Brown wants to ban ski masks. He says it’s part of his strategy to address his No. 1 issue — violent crime.
He has good reason to make that his priority. Growing up impoverished, living in a violent neighborhood, being shot when he was still in middle school — Brown has a remarkable story of triumphing over adversity.
“To this day, I can hear my mother say, ‘Please, save my baby,’” Brown said.
Far from discouraging him, Brown says, those experiences are what motivate him still to do what he can to make the city a better place for children.
“I understand what our most vulnerable and our most violent communities are going through, because I lived it,” he said.
“I took the hits for you. I lived that rough life, so I can fix it so you don’t have to live that life.”
He says he’d begin his anti-violence agenda on Day One as mayor, including the ski mask ban.
“It is not okay for three or four or five individuals to be riding around with ski masks on, making law-abiding citizens feel like they’re about to be the next victim.”
Brown says he’ll also shake up police department leadership.
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The candidate’s ambition does not always line up with his execution. He has made a couple of missteps, including an omission on his statement of financial interest that almost got him tossed off the May 16 Democratic primary ballot.
Brown says that’s just another lesson he learned through adversity.
“Who wants a perfect person? You need the experiences, so… You know what? I ain’t gonna do that again.”
Brown’s candidacy is thinly funded, according to the latest campaign finance report, and he has only recently become more visible at mayoral forums and debates. Nevertheless, he remains confident.
“We have a strong, people-powered campaign. We’re beating the streets, touching the flesh. Money is not going to win this election,” he said. “It is a new day.”
Listen to the full interview and more episodes of the KYW Newsradio original podcast Who's Running for Philly Mayor, in the Audacy app and wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN: WHO'S RUNNING FOR PHILLY MAYOR? — EPISODE 6: AMEN BROWN
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