Temple Students Weigh in on Mayoral Candidates' Safety Efforts Ahead of Primary Elections

Strategic Insights -

With primary elections for Philadelphia's 100th mayor just around the corner, voters, including Temple students, are eager to hear candidates' plans to address the city's growing crime problem. Several candidates vying for the top spot have promised to implement policies that would improve safety around Temple's Main Campus, including increasing the university's police force, cracking down on illegal guns, and providing more resources to those impacted by violent crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • 10 candidates are competing for mayor, with 9 Democratic candidates and 1 Republican, and the primary elections will take place on May 16.
  • Several candidates, including former Philadelphia City Council members Helen Gym and Allan Domb, have said they would declare a state of emergency if elected due to gun violence.
  • Gym has proposed bringing all relevant agencies together to address gun violence, improve 911 response times, and issue non-police mental health crisis units.
  • Domb has advocated for a public safety cabinet composed of all city departments and other stakeholders, including Temple security, to combat crime.
  • Jeff Brown, a Shoprite and Fresh Grocer owner, plans to increase police wages and the number of police personnel to address understaffing and protect students.
  • Pennsylvania State Rep. Amen Brown referenced the fatal shooting of Temple Police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald and said he will work to reduce the number of violent offenders and prioritize warrant enforcement.
  • The Emergency Operations Center, a control facility overseen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, could be activated to assist in combating crime, as proposed by former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart.
  • Temple students prioritize safety, with 58% identifying it as the most important issue facing the university, according to a March 2023 poll by The Temple News.

Statistics:

  • 497 homicides have taken place in Philadelphia over the last 12 months, with an average of 10 homicides per week, according to 6ABC Action News' Neighborhood Safety Tracker.
  • The city has experienced a significant increase in gun violence, with several candidates citing it as a top priority.
  • Mayor Kenney's final budget plan proposed more than $200 million for anti-violence programs and increased funding for the police department.

Sources:

  • Grace Rufalo, News, "Byline: Grace Rufalo How will the next mayor impact Temple's safety efforts?" - "Primary elections for Philadelphia's 100th mayor will take place on May 16. 18 April 2023"
  • "The Temple News" - "58 percent of students identified safety as the most important issue facing Temple, according to a March 2023 poll."
  • 6ABC Action News' Neighborhood Safety Tracker - "497 homicides in Philadelphia over the last 12 months, with an average of 10 homicides per week"