JOHNSTON BRINGS NEW LEADERSHIP TO PHILADELPHIA’S 5TH DISTRICT

PHILADELPHIA, March 6—Haile Johnston, a native Philadelphian, has officially announced his candidacy to represent the 5th District in Philadelphia’s City Council. In a campaign barely a month old, Johnston has in a short time gained a swelling of support in the 5th District amassing some 3,000 signatures, four times the 750 minimum needed to qualify for the May 15th primary election.

Said Johnston, “With 3,000 signatures we have received a clear mandate from the voters in the 5th district that they want change.” And while this is Johnston’s first foray on the political stage, he has been working tirelessly as a community activist. He is a block captain in his Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. The non-profit he founded with his wife Tatiana, the East Park Revitalization Alliance (EPRA), has planted over 300 trees, built community gardens, runs after school programs and a summer camp, created jobs for local residents and continues to manage over 13 acres of vacant land. His efforts through the Philadelphia Department of Public Health have enhanced nutrition and recreation programs to combat childhood obesity and helped to ban dangerous trans fats from Philadelphia restaurants. Johnston is the definition of a progressive reformer.

Johnston’s campaign will be moving full steam ahead over the next few weeks, building on the enthusiasm expressed by the voters who helped get him on the ballot. His website, www.Johnston07.com, provides more information about his experience and bold vision of leadership for the 5th District.