Dwight Evans has been in the job longer than I was alive. It's time to change | Opinion

By Bryan Leib

Tuesday, more than 700,000 residents of Philadelphia's 3rd congressional district will have a simple choice to make; you can vote for me, change agent with new ideas and experience needed to be your next congressman.

I call myself Bryan Leib, I'm 33 years old and I am a private sector political outsider who has the habit of solving problems, working with the community and providing strong leadership in Philadelphia. . And I am the republican candidate of the 3rd district.

You can choose me or re-elect the US Democratic Representative, Dwight Evans, for another two-year term. Dwight has been in the position since 1981 and I was born in 1985. He has been in this position for 37 years, and under his leadership poverty has increased from 15 to 45% in parts of northwestern Philadelphia. and clbadrooms filled with mold / lead / asbestos.

When we look at key performance indicators (KPIs) in Philadelphia, we find that we rank first in poverty; No.1 of extreme poverty, No.3 of income inequality and the top 10 of armed violence. Our state is in the top 40 out of 50 in all major economic indicators. These indicators tell us that our current political leadership is not doing the job.

Please, allow me to offer you a comparison:

Dwight Evans is a career politician (37). He does not support term limits, I do it. He served for 37 years – I'm 33 years old.

It does not offer solutions to end poverty, too.

It does not offer solutions to create jobs, I do it.

He raised millions of dollars for his campaign. I raised less than $ 25,000.

Do not you think your vote counts? Here's why that's the case. Especially now.

He says he supports Israel, our biggest ally in the Middle East, but he is one of the cosponsors of a bill condemning Israel. I will stand side by side with Israel.

He voted against a bipartisan bill designed to give veterans the opportunity to use their VA health benefits in a private medical office from the first day. I would have voted yes.

Finally, in the last month of the election campaign, he sowed fear among voters, as I conveyed a bipartisan message to the need to work together, regardless of our differences. We work together and the only way to reduce poverty, gun violence and job creation is to work together.

I am not endorsed by the unions. I did not receive any financial support or approval from the Republican National Committee or the NRCC. I am not controlled by any major donor or group of particular interest.

My only special interest is you, my Philadelphian compatriots.

I'm running for Congress to represent you and defend our interests as a city in Washington DC. I promise you that if you elect me as a congressional representative, no one will work harder for you, your family, your business and your community. .

In Congress, we need agents of change and bipartisan leaders, not people who point the other way and refuse to work on the other side in the best interests of our city.

In closing, thank you for taking the time to read this open letter. Yes, I'm Republican, but that does not make me a bad guy. I am a Philadelphian first. We are a city of losers, improbable heroes and our story of return is written every day by each of us! If you want a congressman who will fight for you and our city, then I am your man.

On November 6, I humbly ask for your vote. Together we will create a better Philadelphia! Thank you and God bless Philadelphia.

Bryan Leib is the Republican candidate of the 3rd District of Pennsylvania Congress. He writes from Philadelphia.