As a rash and impulsive act of futility, I am asking my fellow 5th District residents to write me in for the 5th District seat. Incumbent Darrell Clarke has done enough damage to the city.

About me:

I am new to the Philly political scene. I became involved last winter when I chose to support and volunteer for Rep. Evans' primary campaign for Mayor. A very smart, likeable guy, with a decent track record, but he didn't make the connection with the voters and a very capable candidate won. I met many of the mayoral, council-at-large, and judicial candidates and for the most part felt there were some excellent people who fell by the wayside of the great political machine. Haile Johnston was one of these candidates. I watched Councilman Clarke's dealings with the zoning issues, his alliances with developers and the impact they've had on parts of our district, and his retribution on Mr Johnston. I'm not entirely sure where his interests lay, but I am not convinced they're with the majority of his constituents.

My post-graduate career has been working with families and at-risk youth in Philadelphia area since 1993. I currently work with delinquent youth and see the need for reform in our schools, juvenile justice, and community-based services. This is based on my years of work serving these families and trying to navigate the system only to have 2 barriers placed in our way for every success story. I have a master's degree in counseling psychology from Temple ('95) and my undergraduate work is in math and education.

To say I have sat down and thought of a specific agenda with about 8 hours until the polls open would be an utter falsehood. I can say, however, that my experiences working with real families in my district over the years has given me enough "people experience" and understanding of what the needs of some of the underrepresented citizens of our city are. Having listened to and participated in many conversations both virtually and in-person, I feel I have a good grasp of what kind of person most of the people in our city want representing them: Someone who has their interests at heart, someone without a "hidden agenda," and someone who won't take away their pride and livelihood. They want a real person, not some puffed up council aide that is good friends with people with money.

On Tuesday, November 6th 2007, please write me in for City Council for the 5th District.

Ted Panczyszyn, M.Ed.
Utinni27@hotmail.com