PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Eight candidates running to become Philadelphia’s next mayor hit the stage for a second televised debate Tuesday night, though a lot less fiery this time around.
PHL17 hosted the debate. Moderators presented several topics, but one of the biggest issues was public safety. The seven Democratic candidates and sole Republican addressed drug issues in Kensington, the Fashion District’s recent juvenile curfew policy, and illegal ATVs and dirt bikes that have been wreaking havoc on city streets.
Amen Brown said the ATVs are a citywide issue.
“We need to strengthen the current city laws that are on the books to make sure we are penalizing, we’re fining the offenders, and we’re also confiscating the vehicles and destroying them after they break the law,” he said.
Jeff Brown would take it a step further.
“I will repossess these vehicles,” he said. “There will be very large fines. I’ll be looking to make an example, on the one hand. On the other hand, I think we need a recreational opportunity for them that’s legal.”
He suggested once a year or so, there could be a parade to let riders on the street.
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Helen Gym said enforcement and breakup of gatherings need to go beyond the Philadelphia Police Department.
“The main focus is a really coordinated effort that goes beyond policing and engages many of the riders, and especially community members, as well,” she said.
“We have to look at this using the three buckets,” added Cherelle Parker. “I refer to them as prevention, intervention and enforcement.”
When asked about specific measures the candidates would take to address the surge, Rebecca Rhynhart said city departments need to improve how they work together.
“The police department needs to be directed to actually break this up. The streets department needs to be brought in to create certain barricades or speed bumps,” she advised.
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Rhynhart said the ATV issue is a symptom of no consequences in the city.
Allan Domb pitched a ban on fuel sales to unlicensed vehicles, as well as an enhanced effort to locate these illegal vehicles.
“A lot of these ATVs are stored in U-Hauls or storage facilities, and it’s illegal,” he said. “We should be … using drones to confiscate those vehicles in those facilities.”
Democrat James DeLeon and Republican David Oh were also in attendance at Tuesday's debate. Democrat Warren Bloom was not. Delscia Mae Gray is also still in the Democratic primary race, though she has no campaign committee or candidate website.
The primary election is May 16.
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