“My Mission is Crystal Clear.”

The road to becoming State Representative of the 180th District is a long and winding road, full of pitfalls and road blocks that would make a walk through Dante's Inferno feel like a mid-summer's day stroll through the cool breezes.

Part of the process of running for State Representative is gathering enough signatures to be on the ballot. I learned recently that the signatures I personally obtained by knocking on doors of registered voters in the approved zip codes during the worst snow and rain our City ever encountered are now being challenged. In a short time, I will prove that every signature was solicited and authentic.

Not to sound like a broken record, but as I've stated on numerous occasions, I am not nor will I ever be a "career politician" because quit simply I have no interest in "playing the game."

What I am is a Human Services professional--a founder of a grass root, non-profit organization in which academic and non-traditional sports programs have been created to assist at-risk youth residing not only in the 180th District, but also throughout the great city of Philadelphia helping them to become productive citizens.

If elected State Representative in the 180th District, my mission is crystal clear when I say that I will secure funding and push for neighborhoods patrols in the community. I will address crime in the community by demanding increased police patrols and creating stricter penalties for drug dealers, pedophiles, and violent gangs. I will work endlessly and create the presence of safety in our neighborhoods as well as build a positive relationship between residents and the police through workshops and other activities. As State Representative of the 180th District I will provide the community with Literacy and GED programs and partner with local food markets, pharmacies, and retail stores to hire residents that support these businesses as loyal customers to decrease unemployment and poverty. I will obtain state/federal funding for existing quality and new grass roots after-school programs that are essential to the academic and social growth of our children. I will work to re-implement extracurricular activities back into the public schools in our communities, and lastly, I will take the steps to implement effective recreation centers in the communities for youth and adolescents.

Consequently, leading up to the May 18 Primaries, I will address the challenges ranging from the legality of signatures to challenging the status quo of "career” politicians and campaign finance reform. One thing is crystal clear; my mission to create and provide resources to the residents of the 180th District. I, like all of the residents of our neighborhood, are tired of empty promises. We want action--and as a diversified community, we are unified in our desire to live in peace, well-being, and hope for our future generations.



Anthony P. Johnson, candidate for State Representative, 180th District.