Job Itzkowitz
At-Large
Campaign website
What is one life experience you have that voters should know about?
I participated in Operation Understanding (“OU”), a program to help facilitate improved intergroup relations, particularly between Philadelphia’s Black and Jewish populations. The program sent 12 students to Senegal and Israel for two weeks in each country with the goal of learning about each group’s history and culture. OU then trained the students to conduct intergroup dialogues across the city in diverse environments. The values developed by OU play a central role in my career and my desire to serve. In college, I facilitated courses on gender and race and sought a career that would allow me to build on my experience, education, and values. I chose law to continue my path of supporting diverse groups and enable me to maximize my impact in the world. I fulfilled those goals by serving as Counsel to the Commission on the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. I staffed hearings around the country, collecting testimony from those impacted by the Act. I also rejoined OU, this time as a board member, and co-chaired the student selection committee for several years. These experiences and values make me an ally who can ably serve as a Council Member to represent all Philadelphians.
What would be your top three policy priorities in office?
Safe Neighborhoods
City Council must use all the tools at its disposal to reduce crime. Too often, Council focuses on regulation that will not withstand judicial scrutiny and is therefore never enforced or subject to extensive litigation. However, there are several policies and programs that Council could fund and implement today to beautify our neighborhoods and reduce crime. Support short-term evidence-based intervention Support basic systems and home repairs Fund citywide daily neighborhood cleaning Plant Trees
Clean Streets
I believe that having a clean neighborhood is a right, not a privilege. There are several programs that Council could fund and implement today to keep our neighborhoods clean: Daily neighborhood pan-and-broom sweeping Containerized trash Expand sanitation enforcement
Great Schools
I am a steadfast believer in public education. As a proud Philadelphia public school graduate, I understand the impact that quality public schooling can play for our students and our communities. But our schools are in need. Many of the problems require additional funding that Council can facilitate: Remediate toxic schools Increase funding Community schools
What sets you apart from other candidates?
Philadelphia has my heart. As a lifelong resident of our City, I’ve believed in our ability to thrive through thick and thin. As a graduate of public schools, and the father of a three-year-old who we plan to send to our neighborhood public school, I believe in the power of a well-funded, rich education to shape the minds of our future, without the perceived need to move to the suburbs. As someone who has founded and led civic groups calling on city government to invest in our youth, our neighborhoods, and our collective future, and who has a keen interest in cities generally, I have a vision for what our city could be: a city of two million or more people with ample economic opportunities for all our residents. As a public servant, I have the experience and expertise to implement municipal services, like I have for eight years at Old City District and two years before that in City Hall. As a former big law attorney, I have the work ethic and mindset to identify problems and implement solutions in a systematic way. Finally, I don’t need the job; I am employable elsewhere, which will free me to make the right decision regardless of whether it prevents my re-election.
How do you plan to work across ideological lines to achieve shared goals?
Philadelphia has my heart. As a lifelong resident of our City, I’ve believed in our ability to thrive through thick and thin. As a graduate of public schools, and the father of a three-year-old who we plan to send to our neighborhood public school, I believe in the power of a well-funded, rich education to shape the minds of our future, without the perceived need to move to the suburbs. As someone who has founded and led civic groups calling on city government to invest in our youth, our neighborhoods, and our collective future, and who has a keen interest in cities generally, I have a vision for what our city could be: a city of two million or more people with ample economic opportunities for all our residents. As a public servant, I have the experience and expertise to implement municipal services, like I have for eight years at Old City District and two years before that in City Hall. As a former big law attorney, I have the work ethic and mindset to identify problems and implement solutions in a systematic way. Finally, I don’t need the job; I am employable elsewhere, which will free me to make the right decision regardless of whether it prevents my re-election.
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
