Dear Mr. Ramos,
In an effort to educate and inform the voters of the 180th district, we reached out to the local media and local news outlets on March 6, 2012 to inform them that we are interested in holding at least 1 (one) 2 (two) hour community forum to discuss the issues pertaining to the residents of the 180th district in which we would appreciate the participation of 180th district candidate Jonathan Ramos and the incumbent State Representative, Angel Cruz.
If the rumor is true that a certain newspaper planned and held a debate between yourself and Mr. Cruz without the thought of extending an invitation to the Johnson candidacy and it was discovered that this newspaper provided Mr. Cruz's camp with the debate questions in advance and not yours; I assure you, that will not take place with our debate. The debate will center on one area: The residents of the 180th District and the resources and programs they so richly deserve, and which candidate is prepared on the first day in office to achieve it.
What we are interested in is a discussion using a question/answer format by the residents and any and all 2012 candidates for state rep. in the 180th district. As one of the three candidates, I will be including an explanation of my "Vision" Plan for the residents of the district if elected to the State Rep. seat.
Possible topics for discussion:
1. Education
2. Crime
3. overty
4. Unemployment
5. Services for Youth, Families and Senior citizens
6. Transparency/Community Outreach/Resident Involvement
7. Other, as relevant.
Possible Dates:
We are seeking sponsors as well as venues for this event to be held in the 42nd Ward near G. Street & Wyoming Ave. Why this location? To also draw attention to this area which requires a directional street light because every day crossing and driving has become a haven for accidents and near fatalities.
If interested, please contact:
"Friends of Anthony P. Johnson for State Rep. 180- 2012"
647 E. Raymond St.
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Email:
campaign@apj2012.com
Phone:
215-715-0355
or
Email:
johnsonanthony99@hotmail.com
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson for State Rep., PA 180
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
“A VOTE FOR JONATHAN RAMOS IS A VOTE FOR ANGEL CRUZ”
The residents of the 180th District must not continue to vote for Angel Cruz, the incumbent State Representative from the 180th District or Jonathan Ramos who has lost to him on two occasions. The 2010 election declared Angel Cruz a winner over Ramos by a mere 124 votes. Anyone would have demanded a recount and followed through until the end. Mr. Ramos chose not to, perhaps because of his dealings with Renee Tartaglione. In addition, Mr. Ramos has shown that he also doesn’t have the integrity to win by merit against Angel Cruz, so Mr. Ramos resorts to illegal acts instead.
Fact: Mr. Ramos, as you will remember in 2010, was involved in attempting to unseat Angel Cruz by cheating. He received resources from Ms. Renee Tartaglione, a city worker which she and Mr. Ramos knew was "highly inappropriate." Tartaglione would eventually resign from her post. Ramos rode off into the sunset not to be heard of again, until now, 30 days before the 2012 primary election.
Further, Jonathan Ramos has done absolutely nothing for the residents in the 180th District. You can bet the farm that the only time you know Jonathan Ramos resides in the 180th District is during election time; which is every two years.
In essence, a vote for Jonathan Ramos is a vote for Angel Cruz.
It would be an honor to represent the 180th District as state representative, but I will not sacrifice my integrity, honor and self-worth to do so.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
Fact: Mr. Ramos, as you will remember in 2010, was involved in attempting to unseat Angel Cruz by cheating. He received resources from Ms. Renee Tartaglione, a city worker which she and Mr. Ramos knew was "highly inappropriate." Tartaglione would eventually resign from her post. Ramos rode off into the sunset not to be heard of again, until now, 30 days before the 2012 primary election.
Further, Jonathan Ramos has done absolutely nothing for the residents in the 180th District. You can bet the farm that the only time you know Jonathan Ramos resides in the 180th District is during election time; which is every two years.
In essence, a vote for Jonathan Ramos is a vote for Angel Cruz.
It would be an honor to represent the 180th District as state representative, but I will not sacrifice my integrity, honor and self-worth to do so.
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
“Will Not Live to See Adulthood”
My heart is full like so many other citizens in the Republic over the brazen murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin. Originally, I didn’t want to write about Trayvon, because like him, there are so many of our youth murdered that I simply didn’t think my heart could take another child never seeing adulthood; but, here I am doing just that. Trayvon Martin didn’t have to die. The police should have been allowed to do their job and if that had happened, he would have gone home and maybe the next time we heard the name Trayvon it might have been Trayvon, Ph.D., senator Trayvon or President Trayvon of the Republic.
Unfortunately, an overzealous neighborhood watch captain thumbed his nose at law enforcement and took matters into his own hands murdering an unarmed and frightened child that was in possession of only a bag of Skittles and a bottle of ice tea. However, when law enforcement did get involved, they let the perpetrator of this ghastly crime go home-case closed. How can this be? Have we become so apathetic about African American teens that when they are murdered it is somehow their fault, that violence is part of their nature and follows them wherever they go? No. No! That’s not intelligent. Trayvon was a good kid and not the “good kid” that has a rap sheet longer than the Eiffel Tower. He was a good kid, pure and simple.
We are in the midst of a generation of youth that is bitter and apathetic about society because they simply believe there is no justice for them. Alas, the murder of Trayvon is feeding their apathy. The individual that pulled the trigger believes without a doubt that he did the right thing and he is not alone, because there are some citizens in the Republic that share his belief system. But ask yourself; if your child or children were murdered wouldn’t you want every iota of the details that led to it? Doesn’t the Martin Family deserve all the details that led to the death of their child?
No matter what happens now, Trayvon Martin will never come home to his parents, family or friends that love him. But what we can do as a civilized society is demand justice for his senseless death and bring some closure to a heart wrenching chapter that has galvanized and awakened the citizenry to a harsh reality—due to rampant violence and the knee jerk reaction to shoot first, many of our children will not live to see adulthood.
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
Unfortunately, an overzealous neighborhood watch captain thumbed his nose at law enforcement and took matters into his own hands murdering an unarmed and frightened child that was in possession of only a bag of Skittles and a bottle of ice tea. However, when law enforcement did get involved, they let the perpetrator of this ghastly crime go home-case closed. How can this be? Have we become so apathetic about African American teens that when they are murdered it is somehow their fault, that violence is part of their nature and follows them wherever they go? No. No! That’s not intelligent. Trayvon was a good kid and not the “good kid” that has a rap sheet longer than the Eiffel Tower. He was a good kid, pure and simple.
We are in the midst of a generation of youth that is bitter and apathetic about society because they simply believe there is no justice for them. Alas, the murder of Trayvon is feeding their apathy. The individual that pulled the trigger believes without a doubt that he did the right thing and he is not alone, because there are some citizens in the Republic that share his belief system. But ask yourself; if your child or children were murdered wouldn’t you want every iota of the details that led to it? Doesn’t the Martin Family deserve all the details that led to the death of their child?
No matter what happens now, Trayvon Martin will never come home to his parents, family or friends that love him. But what we can do as a civilized society is demand justice for his senseless death and bring some closure to a heart wrenching chapter that has galvanized and awakened the citizenry to a harsh reality—due to rampant violence and the knee jerk reaction to shoot first, many of our children will not live to see adulthood.
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER
Honorable Michael Nutter
City Hall
Office of the Mayor
Room 215
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Sir,
Enacting a law preventing religious, social and civic groups from serving food to the homeless outside makes no sense. Mr. Mayor, you said, “It’s because it’s a matter of public health and safety.” Huh? So, if the homeless are served inside, the public safety and health issue is now addressed? Really, Mr. Mayor?
You’ve also stated you want to bring the homeless inside for a safe and healthy meal. Again, I’m perplexed. Could the same unidentified vans roll up in the back of the building, take the food inside and serve meals that are not nutritious and safe? Are you saying as long as the meals are in the building being served they are somehow more nutritious and safe? Mr. Mayor, how many of the homeless that have been served by these “unidentified vans” have taken ill or have died from eating the foods that are handed out?
You’ve also missed the fact that the food that is provided to the homeless outside are from churches, social and civic groups that publically acknowledge who they are. You also underestimate the intelligence of a homeless vet, a homeless family or homeless teens because truth be told; they are not going to just accept food without first identifying who the charitable giver is. Shame on you, Mr. Mayor.
Finally, what if those who serve the homeless do not possess a building to serve? Are you going to start providing buildings for those individuals with a charitable and giving spirit that serve the homeless? Mr. Mayor, what is the true reason you want you to stop caring and compassionate people from serving food to the homeless outside? Are you embarrassed by the record number of Philadelphians that are homeless? Does it bother you that many of those receiving food outside are not all homeless and in fact, for some, that is the only meal that they and their families will receive?
This is wrong Mr. Mayor. Completely and utterly wrong, sir.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
City Hall
Office of the Mayor
Room 215
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Sir,
Enacting a law preventing religious, social and civic groups from serving food to the homeless outside makes no sense. Mr. Mayor, you said, “It’s because it’s a matter of public health and safety.” Huh? So, if the homeless are served inside, the public safety and health issue is now addressed? Really, Mr. Mayor?
You’ve also stated you want to bring the homeless inside for a safe and healthy meal. Again, I’m perplexed. Could the same unidentified vans roll up in the back of the building, take the food inside and serve meals that are not nutritious and safe? Are you saying as long as the meals are in the building being served they are somehow more nutritious and safe? Mr. Mayor, how many of the homeless that have been served by these “unidentified vans” have taken ill or have died from eating the foods that are handed out?
You’ve also missed the fact that the food that is provided to the homeless outside are from churches, social and civic groups that publically acknowledge who they are. You also underestimate the intelligence of a homeless vet, a homeless family or homeless teens because truth be told; they are not going to just accept food without first identifying who the charitable giver is. Shame on you, Mr. Mayor.
Finally, what if those who serve the homeless do not possess a building to serve? Are you going to start providing buildings for those individuals with a charitable and giving spirit that serve the homeless? Mr. Mayor, what is the true reason you want you to stop caring and compassionate people from serving food to the homeless outside? Are you embarrassed by the record number of Philadelphians that are homeless? Does it bother you that many of those receiving food outside are not all homeless and in fact, for some, that is the only meal that they and their families will receive?
This is wrong Mr. Mayor. Completely and utterly wrong, sir.
Sincerely,
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Why Shouldn't the People Vote for Cruz? Part 1
Some would say it’s easy for me to criticize State Representative Angel Cruz because he is an incumbent. He's been state rep. since 2000, and has defeated all challengers. I'm sure the career politician knows that criticisms come with the territory. So, let's begin.
1) Mr. Cruz is a co-sponsor of HB934: Legislation that in essence suppresses the vote. This legislation hearkens back to the pre-Civil Rights Movement that even state Republicans in Harrisburg crossed party lines denouncing this draconian law. Why support legislation that strips citizens’ right to vote? Well, in the 2010 primary for state rep. there were a total of about 12,000 votes shared between Mr. Cruz and challenger Jonathan Ramos. This was a very small turnout considering that more than 55,000 residents; 70 percent Democrats resided in the 180th District. In that primary Mr. Cruz won--by 124 votes. Mr. Ramos rightfully requested a recount--then shockingly, withdrew it. I guess that was too close for comfort for Mr. Cruz. In 2012 I guess the goal is to suppress the vote for the residents in the 180th District keep the primary close and the incumbent will win. Don't bet on it.
2) According to Russ Diamond, "Young Philly Politics", "after being pressed in 2005 over his admittance to never having read the PA State Constitution, Mr. Cruz closed the argument by declaring his true priority in Harrisburg - qualifying for full retirement benefits." Mr. Cruz has been in office for 12 years- it is time to send him off to collect his unearned pension.
3) In 2008, State Representative Angel Cruz introduced (H.B. 2185) "Syringe-Exchange Program Limitation Act" in the State Legislature that would ban needle exchange programs from operating within 500 feet of a residence or school.
According to the Drug Policy Alliance, 34% of reported HIV infections are among intravenous drug users and their sexual partners. Needle exchange programs have the possibility of reducing infection rates drastically, and are a needed component of the fight against HIV and AIDS.
I believe increased police patrol around sites and participation by neighborhood associations would help to curtail these problems. We must focus on ways to curtail residents’ quality of life concerns, but we should not use a blanket approach from Harrisburg that will tie our hands with this important tool in our fight against HIV/AIDS.
4) Mr. Cruz also opposes the legislation that would make English the official language in Pennsylvania. Good. That is something we both agree on. Unfortunately, Representative Cruz has done very little to empower the Latino population in the 180th District. Further, there are other ethnic residents that he is supposed to represent: African American, Vietnamese, Korean, Italian and other ethnicities in the 180th District--but he doesn’t. A state representative is supposed to serve the “entire district.”
As an elected official you don’t get to pick and choose what ethnicity you will and will not service. I don’t remember Mr. Cruz campaigning to represent some of the population. Is there little wonder why the voter turnout is so low in the 180th District?
Consequently, how do these pieces of legislation that State Rep. Cruz supports create jobs, reduce crime, repair the education system or create after school and senior citizen programs in the 180th District?
They don't! They simply don't!
End of Part 1.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic"
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
1) Mr. Cruz is a co-sponsor of HB934: Legislation that in essence suppresses the vote. This legislation hearkens back to the pre-Civil Rights Movement that even state Republicans in Harrisburg crossed party lines denouncing this draconian law. Why support legislation that strips citizens’ right to vote? Well, in the 2010 primary for state rep. there were a total of about 12,000 votes shared between Mr. Cruz and challenger Jonathan Ramos. This was a very small turnout considering that more than 55,000 residents; 70 percent Democrats resided in the 180th District. In that primary Mr. Cruz won--by 124 votes. Mr. Ramos rightfully requested a recount--then shockingly, withdrew it. I guess that was too close for comfort for Mr. Cruz. In 2012 I guess the goal is to suppress the vote for the residents in the 180th District keep the primary close and the incumbent will win. Don't bet on it.
2) According to Russ Diamond, "Young Philly Politics", "after being pressed in 2005 over his admittance to never having read the PA State Constitution, Mr. Cruz closed the argument by declaring his true priority in Harrisburg - qualifying for full retirement benefits." Mr. Cruz has been in office for 12 years- it is time to send him off to collect his unearned pension.
3) In 2008, State Representative Angel Cruz introduced (H.B. 2185) "Syringe-Exchange Program Limitation Act" in the State Legislature that would ban needle exchange programs from operating within 500 feet of a residence or school.
According to the Drug Policy Alliance, 34% of reported HIV infections are among intravenous drug users and their sexual partners. Needle exchange programs have the possibility of reducing infection rates drastically, and are a needed component of the fight against HIV and AIDS.
I believe increased police patrol around sites and participation by neighborhood associations would help to curtail these problems. We must focus on ways to curtail residents’ quality of life concerns, but we should not use a blanket approach from Harrisburg that will tie our hands with this important tool in our fight against HIV/AIDS.
4) Mr. Cruz also opposes the legislation that would make English the official language in Pennsylvania. Good. That is something we both agree on. Unfortunately, Representative Cruz has done very little to empower the Latino population in the 180th District. Further, there are other ethnic residents that he is supposed to represent: African American, Vietnamese, Korean, Italian and other ethnicities in the 180th District--but he doesn’t. A state representative is supposed to serve the “entire district.”
As an elected official you don’t get to pick and choose what ethnicity you will and will not service. I don’t remember Mr. Cruz campaigning to represent some of the population. Is there little wonder why the voter turnout is so low in the 180th District?
Consequently, how do these pieces of legislation that State Rep. Cruz supports create jobs, reduce crime, repair the education system or create after school and senior citizen programs in the 180th District?
They don't! They simply don't!
End of Part 1.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic"
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
"Are You Really Shocked?"
When Rush Limbaugh called Ms. Fluke a slut, he was calling every female a slut including his own mother. You see, men that casually call women sluts, whores, bitches and "FemiNazis" or any other derogatory term, as Limbaugh also termed women, secretly believe that their mothers are also the aforementioned. He'll do anything for ratings and there are no words that can describe his putrid behavior. Limbaugh is an American embarrassment and he lacks all virtues of integrity, compassion and common decency. We know what Limbaugh represents but the truth is, we always knew. So, are we truly surprised at his recent comments? However, we've reached our limits with him the way a parent's patience evaporates after a child refuses to stop banging the pots or doesn’t clean their room.
Unfortunately, Limbaugh will continue to stay employed at Clear Channel because despite his toxic, stupid and simple-minded rhetoric and the fact advertisers are abandoning him faster than Newt Gingrich abandon wives, Limbaugh has a huge following of people that share his ignorance. This was not the first time Limbaugh has made comments that have caused the ire of the citizenry and unfortunately, it will not be his last.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic"
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th Legislative District
Unfortunately, Limbaugh will continue to stay employed at Clear Channel because despite his toxic, stupid and simple-minded rhetoric and the fact advertisers are abandoning him faster than Newt Gingrich abandon wives, Limbaugh has a huge following of people that share his ignorance. This was not the first time Limbaugh has made comments that have caused the ire of the citizenry and unfortunately, it will not be his last.
"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic"
Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th Legislative District
Friday, February 24, 2012
”A Very Dangerous Man to the Republic”
I felt bad for CNN’s John King as moderator during some of the Tea Party Presidential debates. As moderator, he became the personal whipping magnet for former disgraced Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. Gingrich could not effectively debate with his weak and vacillating counter parts so he with assistance from the audience turned his attention to King with his offensive rants which were both pathetic and disturbing.
Newt Gingrich is a bitter, angry and misguided man. The other Tea Party candidates are woefully unqualified; not only do they have an ineffective domestic plan, but their version of a foreign country is Wyoming and their foreign policy plan is to bomb Iran. However, Newt Gingrich is the worst of the bunch; he has neither a plan nor a clue how to govern effectively. What Gingrich uses to get by is bigotry, hate, fear and bullying. Perhaps, for a time, these tactics will work on the human species; but eventually, when choosing a leader, Gingrich and his ideology, as well as the rest of the Tea Party presidential candidates, must be relegated to the children’s table.
Citizens of the republic must stop supporting individuals that are less than mediocre and who spew down right, stewed to perfection hate. Supporting any of the Tea Party candidates is a wasted vote, but voting for Newt Gingrich would be disastrous. Gingrich is divisive, irrational, dishonest and deeply corrupt and voting for him would be like voting for Joseph McCarthy. Newt Gingrich…”A very dangerous man to the Republic, indeed.”
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”
Anthony P. Johnson for State Representative, 180th District-2012
Newt Gingrich is a bitter, angry and misguided man. The other Tea Party candidates are woefully unqualified; not only do they have an ineffective domestic plan, but their version of a foreign country is Wyoming and their foreign policy plan is to bomb Iran. However, Newt Gingrich is the worst of the bunch; he has neither a plan nor a clue how to govern effectively. What Gingrich uses to get by is bigotry, hate, fear and bullying. Perhaps, for a time, these tactics will work on the human species; but eventually, when choosing a leader, Gingrich and his ideology, as well as the rest of the Tea Party presidential candidates, must be relegated to the children’s table.
Citizens of the republic must stop supporting individuals that are less than mediocre and who spew down right, stewed to perfection hate. Supporting any of the Tea Party candidates is a wasted vote, but voting for Newt Gingrich would be disastrous. Gingrich is divisive, irrational, dishonest and deeply corrupt and voting for him would be like voting for Joseph McCarthy. Newt Gingrich…”A very dangerous man to the Republic, indeed.”
“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”
Anthony P. Johnson for State Representative, 180th District-2012
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