Not a Scofflaw

by Derek Green, Esquire

In response to the Inquirer’s July 19th article and July 22nd editorial, I must correct the record with your inaccurate depiction of me as a scofflaw. A scofflaw is defined as someone who habitually violates the law. I am not a scofflaw and neither I nor my actions meet this definition.

Long before your stories, I entered into my current payment agreement where I pay approximately $500 per month and have paid $8,200 in real estate taxes since 2007. I am not a habitual offender that owes several years in taxes. Like others, I have been dealing with a crippling recession that forced our neighborhood small business to close.

As I previously stated, all City employees, myself included, are responsible for paying their real estate taxes. Accordingly, I have paid all assessed interest and penalties that have been included in my payment agreement with the City.

In comparison to Sam's post regarding Vanessa, I encourage progressive Dems to support Byron Davis for State Representative (www.DavisForStateRep.com)

As a candidate, Byron is running under the theme of "make a change to make a difference." He is a teacher, father, and community activist. He is 100% rated by Planned Parenthood (unlike his opponent) and has been endorsed by UNITE HERE!, Philly for Change, AFSCME District Council 47, and others are on the way. He will bring Service, Responsibility, and Opportunity to the constituents of the 198th District. Byron believes that jobs are the key to unlocking the door to prosperity for the residents of this District. Working with labor unions, he is developing job training programs to enable constituents to prepare for Philly's growing tourism and hospitality industry and the nascent green collar economy.

In January, Dan provided some comments on his coffee with Byron Davis and Chris Rabb. Byron (www.DavisforStateRep.com) is running for State Representative in the 198th District against Rosita Youngblood.

On Thursday, February 7th @ 7:00 p.m., Byron will announce his candicacy for State Representative at the Yarnall Auditorium (31 W. Coulter Street) in Germantown.

At the announcement, Byron will receive the endorsement of a major labor union that has hundreds of members that live in the district.

For more information, I have attached the press release below.

I hope that you can join us as "we make a change to make a difference" in the district.

* * * * *

Friends of Byron Davis
P.O. Box 25665
Philadelphia, PA 19144
www.DavisForStateRep.com

Press Release
For Immediate Release

Contact:
Derek Green
(215) 205-4988
Derekgreen@vzw.blackberry.net

BYRON DAVIS ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE (198TH DISTRICT)

Tomorrow night, I hope that you will join me and approximately 100 of the region's best young professionals as we celebrate the Center for Progressive Leadership's ("CPL") first annual fundraiser.

The cost is $50 and will be held on Wednesday, June 27th at the Nodding Head Restaurant (1516 Sansom) from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Many of the region's rising political stars (e.g., Cherelle Parker, Tony Payton, Bryan Lentz) are either CPL trained or are CPL supporters (e.g., Patrick Murphy, Josh Shapiro). In addition, the Host Committee (www.progressleaders.org/files/support_CPL--June_27th%21.pdf) includes many of the best and brightest that our region has to offer.

It will be a great event and I hope to see you there.

These two plain and powerful words can only provide a notion of my deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for your support of my campaign for City Council At-Large.

Although the outcome of the primary election was not the one we wanted, we were successful in running a smart, issue-oriented campaign that has received accolades and acknowledgements from citizens and organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Without you, and your vital support and assistance, this accomplishment would never have been achieved.

On a personal note, this campaign has been a true learning experience. I have grown as a person and I have truly enhanced my love for our City and its residents. Going forward, I will use the lessons learned as a platform for future appointed and elected public service.

Although disappointed, I am not discouraged, and will continue to strive to implement our campaign theme of "Empowering Our Communities for a Safer City."