Letter to DA Williams

District Attorney Seth Williams
Three South Penn Square
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-8000
Fax: (215) 686-8024


Friday June 4, 2010

Dear DA Williams,

If you have not heard of us, we are the "180th Watchdog Coalition."

The mission of the “180th Watchdog Coalition” is to ensure that the elected officials of the 180th District and the District Attorney represent the needs and concerns of our residents by fulfilling the promises they made to our community during their political campaigns. In order to receive the resources and services that will make a positive impact and bring meaningful changes and reform, it is our responsibility to monitor our elected officials and hold them accountable.

To date, we are made up of 488 Members which include students, parents, teachers, and many professionals from the 180th District, Philadelphia, and far beyond.

We are determined to change the political corruption and police brutality inflicted on the citizens residing in our community. We will not tolerate anything less, Sir, than serving the people as DA with the highest morals and integrity.

We know that as a former ADA, you made some decisions that altered the lives of several Philadelphians.

• In 1996 as the ADA, you failed to protect the rights of (2) Latino men who were victims of a Hate Crime perpetrated by more than 20 individuals motivated by racism. Under Lynne Abraham who was DA at the time, you sided with the police officers and convicted the two men instead.

Mr. Williams, it is no secret that under Ms. Abraham’s tenure, rogue, violent and corrupt police officers consistently violated civil liberties of Philadelphians and were given free reign in the DA’s office. However, Sir, we did not accept this behavior from your predecessor, and it will not be allowed under your watch as DA. During your campaign you stated “That you would not tolerate corruption from the Philadelphia Police Department.” We are holding you to your promise.

• In another instance, you once again failed to protect an individual who fell victim to corrupt political officials that were involved in a contamination scandal that attacked their home and quality way of life.

Sir, our #1 goal is to be sure that you are truly “working for the people." This is an invitation for us to work together for the betterment of "our community."

I along with several members would like to schedule a meeting with you in the immediate future.

We are asking that you always “place the needs of the people first." We will be monitoring your actions as DA of Philadelphia.



Sincerely,

Anthony P. Johnson, Organizer
The "180th Watchdog Coalition"

Terri L. Willmott
Communications Director
shadoerip@hotmail.com