A mayoral candidate of Philadelphia drew audible gasps for his comment on trash collection that critics called racist, during the debate on Tuesday night.
Candidate for mayor of Philadelphia drew audible gasps for his comment on trash collection.(Photo: Fox News)
Democratic Rivals Criticized Mayoral Candidate Comment On Trash Removal
In the largely Black city of Chester, where about a third of Philadelphia’s trash is transported to be burned, complaints of air pollution and environmental racism have been made. Jeff Brown, the owner of Brown’s Super Stores Inc., a grocery store chain with headquarters in Philadelphia, has never held public office.
“Chester is Chester,” Brown said. What would be best for my Philadelphians will always come first to me because I’m concerned about how their lives are going.
“So, you don’t care about Chester,” the moderator replied.
Brown stated, “I do care, but if I’m the mayor, I don’t work for them.” “The trash has to go somewhere, and whoever gets it is going to be unhappy with it,” I say on behalf of Philadelphia.
The audience and Brown’s Democratic rivals immediately criticized his comments.
Mayoral Candidate Comment Was Remarked As ‘Inappropriate Response’
Former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart remarked, “That’s really not an appropriate response.”
Cherelle Parker, a former member of the city council, said, “That response is the same way you treat the Black and Brown community,” to cheers.
Helen Gym, a former member of the City Council, added, “This is disgraceful.
Covanta, a waste-to-energy incineration business that has previously come under fire for its air emissions in Chester, has a long-standing contract with Philadelphia.
When Covanta’s contracts with Delaware County and the City of Chester were extended for an additional three years in April of last year, there were protests.
Nine Democrats are competing for the party’s nomination to take on Republican David Oh, who is the only candidate in his party’s primary. They are vying to succeed Jim Kenney, whose second term as mayor expires.
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