A consequential conversation, and a time to be heard

by Carla Robinson, Editor
Posted 4/27/23

The choice is between incumbent Councilmember Cindy Bass and political newcomer Seth Anderson-Oberman. Both are vying to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination to represent the 8th District

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A consequential conversation, and a time to be heard

Posted

By the time many of you read this, Wednesday’s scheduled debate between two candidates vying to represent Philadelphia’s 8th Councilmanic District, scheduled for 7 p.m., may already have happened. But for those who get their paper early on Wednesdays, consider this a reminder to come and make your voices heard. 

The choice is between incumbent Councilmember Cindy Bass, who has served in the position for 12 years and now has a clear track record, and her challenger, political newcomer Seth Anderson-Oberman. Both are vying to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination to represent the 8th District in a decision that will be made by voters on May 16.

If you can’t show up in person, don’t worry. While the event itself is being held at the Germantown Jewish Centre on Lincoln Drive in Mt. Airy, it is also being livestreamed and can be found via the QR code shown here. WHYY news anchor and radio host Cherri Gregg will be moderating, along with myself. 

It’s also not the last chance you’ll get to meet these two candidates in person. There will also be a second debate, this one hosted by Germantown Community Radio and Germantown Info Hub, held May 9 at Center in the Park in Germantown. 

The Chestnut Hill Local’s community partners in this first debate include West Mt. Airy Neighbors and East Mt. Airy Neighbors, who are partnering with Pleasant Advisory Council, the Chestnut Hill Community Association, Germantown United CDC, and Face to Face Germantown. They have been working hard to identify the issues that residents care most about, and have developed a comprehensive list of penetrating questions for both contenders. 

So far, they’ve found that public safety and gun violence are top concerns, virtually tied with development and the various issues it raises – from affordable housing to neighborhood congestion and parking. These are followed by complaints about the need for better government and accountability; concern for our public schools and their chronic state of underfunding and requests for more and better economic and community development. 

If you’re one of our readers who were able to make this debate or watch it livestream, let us know how you think it went. Did the questions address your core concerns? Are there any other issues you think we should consider before it’s time to walk into the voting booth? If you weren’t there, write to us anyway! We really want to know what you think. Send your questions and comments to editor@chestnuthilllocal.com

To check your voting status, visit vote.phila.gov or call the county election office at 215- 686-3469.