Linda Stein: The Elephant in the Room
Welcome to “The Elephant in the Room,” a new Broad + Liberty column with information, insights, and musings. The column will be a potpourri of thoughts, ideas, and news gleanings from Philadelphia and the suburban counties. If you’re so inclined, suggestions are welcome: lstein@fiderineews.com
Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District is said to have the most Democratic voters of any in the country. While four candidates are vying for the Democrats’ votes in the May 19 primary, Republican William Small is campaigning for write-in votes to secure a place on the November general election ballot. He needs to garner 1,000 signatures from Republicans and has been out earnestly knocking on doors the past few weeks.
Small, 37, grew up in West Philadelphia and learned about construction from his uncles. An entrepreneur, he now owns a contracting company with four crews, building homes and commercial structures and renovating properties. He also founded a private school in Wilmington, Del., Prep Athletic Academy and Club. Many of the students have had problems in other schools, he said.
Small is also the single father of three: a son who is a student at Community College of Philadelphia, a daughter in high school, and a 5-year-old son.
Small said his main issues are taxes, immigration, and education.
“Philadelphians are overtaxed,” he said. “As a congressman, I would have leverage.”
“Our schools are horrible. Only one in four students read on grade level,” said Small. “And only one in five students are doing math on grade level. And we’re rewarding the school district like they’re accomplishing something.”
“The Democratic Party is just spending recklessly,” he said. “I don’t think they care. And no one’s holding them accountable. Especially not the federal government.”
“Open borders are killing small businesses, especially construction,” he said. Many small construction companies “are being beat out by bids from foreign immigrants who can just make up the numbers. They’re offering cheap work. Some of this work isn’t reported to the IRS. There are no taxes being paid for it. Everything is under the table.”
While President Trump has closed the borders and is deporting illegal immigrants, Small pointed out that Trump won’t be around forever, so Republicans are needed in Congress to “hold down the fort so everything he’s done isn’t undone.”
“If a Democrat is voted in in the 3rd District, or any district, we know nothing will change,” said Small. “Or will change for the worse.”
Philadelphia GOP Chairman Vincent Fenerty said he will support Small if he makes it onto the ballot for the general election.
“If he’s successful, we will welcome him with open arms after the primary,” said Fenerty.
Speaking of voting, Philadelphia election lawyer J. Matthew Wolfe filed a motion against the city’s Board of Elections and commissioners over changes they made in February for the election of committee people.
“For 89 years, the City Commissioners have certified candidates for Committeeperson who get the most votes,” said Wolfe on Facebook. “Seems pretty simple, doesn’t it?”
“Well, this year the Commissioners voted that they will not certify candidates whose votes come as write-in votes as winning unless they receive a minimum of ten votes, even if they receive the most votes. This could mean that a candidate who is on the ballot who gets only one vote can beat a candidate who gets nine write-in votes.”
A hearing is scheduled for April 27.
And some good news on the energy and jobs front.
Sen. David McCormick (R-Pa.) announced the U.S. Department of Energy will spend $5 billion for five hydrogen hubs, including two with Pennsylvania partnerships: the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) and the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2).
“I am proud to have fought for this funding and to see it preserved,” said McCormick. “These two hydrogen hubs are expected to create 41,000 jobs, putting skilled building trades workers such as pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, and welders to work constructing the infrastructure for these new projects. This is a win for Pennsylvania workers, our economy, and our energy future.”
Linda Stein is an award-winning journalist who’s written for newspapers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Arizona. Before joining Fideri News Network, she was the news editor for Delaware Valley Journal. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Temple University and earned her undergraduate degree from Arcadia University. Contact her at lstein@fiderinews.com.
