Campaign website
www.charlesreyesphl.com
What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?
It was instilled ever since I was a little boy to always be concerned about others and not just my own needs. I grew up watching my mom and family members giving back. I grew up from humble beginnings. When I was 29 years old my mother had a stroke that rendered her non-verbal. I vividly remember that day. I was sitting outside with her when an unhoused woman approached our porch seeking water. I watched my mother run into the house and get her water. As the woman was walking away, my mother said to me, “You never know when you’ll be in the same situation. What’s wrong with giving her a cup of water?” Ten minutes later my mother had a stroke. She always demonstrated in her words and in her actions, how important it is to serve the people around you. From that day, I’ve made it my mission to honor my mother by giving back to the community around me.
What would be your top three policy priorities in office?
Public safety, education, and economics.
Public safety is my top priority. When I'm in Council, I will focus on ensuring that we are funding mobile crisis units in our communities to provide necessary interventions and reduce the gun violence in this city. We cannot police our way out of this public safety issue – if we could, the $788 million we budgeted for the police department last year would resolve our problems. We must address this issue from a holistic lens. Education is also one of my core priorities. I want to make sure there are earmarked funds to address the mold and asbestos issues in schools. When I’m on City Council, I will also work with the School District leadership to remove barriers to partnership and make it easier for organizations who are equally invested in the success of our young people, to partner with schools and give our children the diverse learning experience they deserve. My third priority is economic mobility. It’s a primary focus for me that the Office of Workforce Development is fully and permanently funded and resourced to help people in the city become certified and trained to obtain family sustaining jobs.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I listen to the heart of the people. It starts with an embrace. I'm not scripted. I don't come from the school of being a “fine-tuned” politician. My commitment to serving others has been recognized by Good Morning America as a National Community Leader Honoree and a Mayor Jim Kenney proclamation recipient for June 13, 2019, for “Give Back, Make an Impact Day.” Governor Tom Wolf and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have recognized my impact as well.
How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?
The first step is building relationships, bringing people together, and creating a foundation of respect and professional courtesy. So much of that is missing from the current political climate. I plan to be the type of Councilperson that listens to ideas and gives people the space to speak their truth.
The Committee of Seventy has partnered with the Carter Center to promote the Candidate Principles for Trusted Elections to improve the voting process, encourage honest leadership, and promote civic engagement. Do you support the Candidate Principles?
Yes
