"A New Day is Coming to the 180th District."

Dear Members,

The “darkness” has engulfed the 180th District. Our broke, bleeding, and bankrupt community is currently facing several crisis of epic proportion:

• 23.4% of families are living below poverty in 2010

• Unemployment is 11.4% in 2010

• Only 23.9% of the population has completed high school in 2009

• 63% of Latino children will drop out of school in 2010 without a high school diploma

• 30% increase in crime and violence, making the 180th District one of the highest in Philadelphia

The 180th District is mired in peril as the elected officials that are supposed to represent the residents do nothing to improve the current situation--pure and simple. To say that the incumbent State Representative for the 180th District, Angel Cruz, has failed miserably would be an understatement. His “lack of leadership” in serving the public-at-large has become legendary. The basic needs for the 180th District is extensive, and most importantly “vital,” to returning to its rightful place as a “vibrant and safe” community.

But the “dawn” is coming…

The “180th Watchdog Coalition” will be a powerful and vocal voice for the 180th District that will hold all elected officials accountable in serving the needs of its residents. We seek to effectively and efficiently transform the 180th District with programs and reform to improve and enhance the lives residing in the community.

Specifically, the “180th Watchdog Coalition” seeks the following from elected officials representing the 180th District:

• Secure funding and push for neighborhood patrols

• Address crime in the community by increasing police patrol, creating stricter penalties for drug dealers, pedophiles, and violent gangs

• Provide the community with Literacy and GED Programs

• Re-implement extracurricular activities back into the public schools in our communities

• Implement effective recreation centers in the communities

• Partner with local food markets, pharmacies, and retail stores to hire residents that support these businesses as loyal customers to decrease unemployment and poverty

A “new” day…

Conversely, the “180th Watchdog Coalition” can be a part of the outcome in revitalizing the 180th District. We can achieve this vision, and in so doing, give rise to the dawn of a new day in the 180th District. The "180th Watchdog Coalition" needs you to join this fight for neighborhood preservation. Please join me in making this committee a meaningful entity that can help us reach our goals of safety, education, employment, and solutions for our children and elderly.


Best Regards,

Anthony P. Johnson, the “180th Watchdog Coalition”

“Keeping Politicians Honest & Effective”