Anthony Johnson for State Representative

Anthony Johnson for State Representative
180th District

647 E. Raymond St.
Philadelphia, PA 19120
(215) 744-2529 (215) 715-0355
anthonyjohnson4staterep180@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MAY 18, 2011

Summary: Anthony P. Johnson announces candidacy for State Representative 2012

Anthony P. Johnson of Juniata Park officially announces his candidacy for State Representative for the 180th District, 2012. Johnson pledges to take the following actions if elected as the community’s State Representative:

• Secure funding and push for neighborhood patrols.

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

• Provide more police/increase presence in our neighborhoods as well as build a positive relationship between residents and the police through Q/A series of workshops and other activities.

• Provide the community with Literacy and GED programs.

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

• Obtain state/federal funding for existing quality and new grassroots after school programs.

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

• Implement effective recreation centers in the communities.

Mr. Johnson is currently a Human Services lead instructor in a post-secondary school in Philadelphia and is also the founder and director of Dream Field Academy providing mentoring and educational enhancement to at-risk youth in his Juniata neighborhood. He has stated, "I will do everything humanly possible to turn the tide of government-neglected problems in the neighborhood. We need to be role models to our youth and protectors of our senior citizens by showing them that we care enough to devote our time and efforts to make a difference in their lives. This isn't about politics at all--this is about ‘human caring’ at its best."

Johnson has led a grass-roots campaign to protest the lack of government responses to the issues of the neighborhood. “Our community is plagued by unemployment, high-school students dropping out, violence on the streets, and drug dealers intimidating the good people who want a positive quality of life here. The current politicians have brought nothing to our area. It is time for us to stand together as unified citizens and demand better for our families and future generations. I am not a politician—I am a Human Service professional who is dedicated to changing the quality of life for the people in this community.”

Johnson has been the neighborhood block captain for over two years responding immediately to the problems of the neighbors by working closely with the local police department.

Disgusted over the lack of services provided for his Juniata neighborhood, Anthony P. Johnson, a resident and father, wants his son to grow up without the worry of being a victim of violent gang crime or drive-by shootings. He explains, “Our current elected officials are politicians. They are more concerned with their needs than the community’s. I am the ‘un-politician,’ but I am a community activist. I want our residents to join together to demand the services that our community is overlooked for. We will not be divided by ethnicity or culture—we will unite together as people who want to live in peace and without fear. I will truly represent the people who live here and together we will rebuild a neighborhood where our families can be proud to live.”

A number of community organizations have endorsed Johnson for the May 2012 primary election. He will be visiting every home in the community during the next year to talk about the issues that are important to all residents of the community. In addition to being a community activist, he is also a Ph.D. candidate and author.

For further information, contact Anthony P. Johnson at (215) 744-2529 or (215) 715-0355. You can also email him at: anthonyjohnson4staterep180@gmail.com