Democratic District Attorney candidate Seth Williams visits Lawncrest Civic

The Lawncrest Civic Association hosted many guests at its meeting last night, with Democratic District Attorney candidate Seth Williams being the highlight.

“No matter who you are or where you live,” Williams said, “everybody wants the same things: a good job, to go home to your family and be safe.” As the potential new district attorney of Philadelphia, Williams promised the packed meeting he’ll take steps to provide those things for the city.

Born to an unwed mother in 1967, Williams was placed for adoption and spent time in an orphanage and two foster homes before being taken in the Williams family – his father a teacher, and his mother a secretary. That, Williams said, is where he was taught that “unless you’re part of the solution, you forfeit your right to complain.”

Williams supplied facts to the more than 50 people in attendance about the city’s criminal justice problems.

• Philadelphia leads the nation in handgun homicide.
• Fifty-nine percent – twice the national average – of felony cases get thrown out because the district attorney’s office isn’t ready.
• More cares are stolen from Franklin Mills Mall than any other place in Philadelphia.

Williams said he plans to “go after people who are profiting on bloodshed” as a result of the high number of illegal handguns in the city. To combat this, the candidate told Lawncrest residents he wants to assign assistant district attorneys geographically – the same way all other city employees, including police and probation officers, are assigned.

“I want to make Philadelphia safer for all of us,” he said.

Williams will run against Republican candidate Michael Untermeyer, who spoke at last month’s Lawncrest meeting and again at last night’s Northwood Civic meeting, in the Nov. 3 election, and encouraged residents to go out and vote, because “who the DA is matters.”

Also at last night’s meeting…several zoning issues – including an over-the-counter permit for two store units at Rising Sun Avenue and Knorr Street – were discussed…Incumbent Democratic city controller candidate Alan Butkovitz addressed residents about his campaign, calling Lawncrest “one of the more exciting and well-attended civic meetings in the city.” Republican candidate Al Schmidt spoke at last month’s meeting and at last night’s Northwood Civic meeting…Mark Mroz, 2nd District community relations officer responded to concerns from lasts month’s meeting and has issued more than $1,700 in tickets to the Penske truck driver who parks on Levick Street and makes it hard for other drivers to see…Lucky number 303707 won $45 in the 50/50. The association will also raffle off 10 turkeys at next month’s meeting for Thanksgiving…President Bill Dobow asked residents to keep Charlotte Kranz, Paul Garr and Hank Baumgartel in their prayers.