My name is Lynne Abraham and I would like you to vote for me on May 19th in the Democratic Primary for Mayor of Philadelphia.

This candidacy, like much of my life, can hardly be described as conventional.  Like dreamers everywhere, I see the best of what the future holds. To quote Robert Kennedy: “Some men see things as they are and say why.  I dream things that never were and say, why not.”

As we approach the most important Mayoral election in decades, Philadelphia is a city poised for greatness, but stymied by a system that perpetuates the status quo. Most of us share a common vision for the city: a quality education for our children, well-paying jobs and job opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and good community-focused law enforcement relationships. This vision will never be realized as long as we have politicians doing their own business and serving vested interests – rather than doing the people’s business. 

I believe a city as big and complex as Philadelphia needs a strong Mayor form of leadership. That person needs to be an independent thinker, but also a collaborative worker. To get it right, we must have a comprehensive approach. Our children are our number one priority and saving our schools is our number one challenge. I will achieve our common goals by bringing stakeholder representatives to the table: the superintendent, principals, teachers, students, all parents, community leaders, business leaders, government leaders, and civic organizations. We must honor our teacher’s contracts, but also hold them accountable for the success of our kids.

My experience as a leader makes me uniquely qualified for this job. As District Attorney I worked effectively in trying cases, presiding at jury trials and leading an office of 600 employees that handled 75,000 cases a year. I fought to protect victims of crime, especially those least able to protect themselves.

My opponents, Jim Kenney and Tony Williams, are getting millions in television ads from outside spending groups. This is wrong. City Hall should not be bought and paid for by the special interests or Wall Street bankers. That is why I rejected “dark money” and called on my opponents to do the same. 

If you want a leader who will succeed, who has the brains and know-how to get things done—then I’m your mayor. If you want a leader with the grit and courage to tell Philadelphia the truth—then I’m your mayor. If you want someone to put Philadelphians first and rise above the vested interests—then I’m your mayor. And together, we’ll turn Philadelphia into the Next Great American City.