FAQ / Issues
Issues
Stop the Violence
Philadelphia is leading the nation's 10 largest cities in homicides, as murders in our city climb towards their highest rates in over a decade. Currently, no one on City Council has a law enforcement background. As a former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney, David Oh brings his prosecutorial experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system to city government.
David supports a zero tolerance policy towards the sellers and distributors of illegal guns on our streets. He would push to ensure speedy trials for these perpetrators and make sure that they face harsh sentences. Maybe then these criminals will think twice before adding more illegal firearms to our communities.
Many politicians talk about bringing more police to our streets. But before we do that, we need to take better care of our men and women in blue who risk their lives everyday.
David would push for increased police salaries, higher morale in the police departments and would let our police force know that City Hall supports them.
A Real Plan to Bring Jobs to Our City
David Oh has a vision for Philadelphia as an international, world-class city.
He will lead Philadelphia into the global economy, which will create new jobs and new revenues for the public good. He wants to develop our city's major economic engines, which will put billions of new dollars into the pockets of our residents and workers. These economic engines include our ports and shipping industry, arts and culture, cutting edge sports, technology, science and research, tourism, small businesses, transit, and international trade.
If Philadelphia were to dredge (deepen) the Delaware River 5 more feet, we would have access to higher levels of shipping, as we are located in an advantageous location on the east coast. At the minimum, 20,000 jobs would be created for Philadelphians - high wage, family sustaining jobs that don't require a college degree. Not only would this attract new businesses to our city, it would put Philadelphia on the map for global commerce, bringing a steady flow of income and resources to our city.
David also supports the creation of a soundstage in Philadelphia. Currently, there is only one soundstage in our city and it is only capable of holding 150,000 square feet of space for filming. New York City has several soundstages boasting over 800,000 square feet of space and many have up to a 3 year waiting list! This year, MovieMaker Magazine voted Philadelphia the 2nd best city to make a movie (Feb 2007 issue) and with the addition of a soundstage, our city could become the premier filmmaking destination on the east coast.
What will this do for our city? Outside of the jobs it will bring to the many talented filmmakers and actors in Philadelphia, many more high paying jobs will be provided for laborers who will drive the trucks and crew the films. Many in our city will benefit from the movies being made and the increased tourism and civic pride that they bring, including mom & pop stores, print shops, restaurants, accounting & law firms, etc.
Fixing Philadelphia Public Schools
Every child should be able to attend a public school and receive a meaningful education. A meaningful education impacts a child's life in a real way. That means early intervention programs, which include art, music, sports and other curriculum, which build good character. It means learning skills that will meet the demands of today's regional employers. It means quality academics in a safe, clean setting with up-to-date technology. It means well-paid teachers who are compensated for extra effort and supported by the administration.
Bringing Reform to City Hall
Today it is hard to trust our political leaders. With an entrenched pay to play culture and career politicians running our city, who can argue with that? As a lawyer, David Oh fights for his clients everyday. As a City Councilman, David will fight so that every Philadelphian will get a chance to live the American Dream.
Using Arts & Entertainment to Retain Our Youth and Refresh Our Citizens
David Oh has a plan to develop a 24 Hour Innovation & Conversation Area in Philadelphia. No, this is not a club area; real conversation is required.
This would provide a place where artists, musicians, inventors and people from all walks of life can go to exchange ideas at all hours, with the backdrop of live entertainment.
Looking at many of the major cities on the world stage, you will see that this is not a unique idea. Soho in New York. San Francisco. Austin, Texas. Even Tokyo & London. All of these cities share a thriving arts & culture scene that boost tourism, retain college graduates and ultimately bring immeasurable value to their economies.
Download the Questionnaire
