The incumbent is the irredeemable ex-cop Franklin Cooke. His only legislative ‘accomplishment’ of note is/was destroying legitimate LEOBOR reform, Which, to be fair, is precisely why fellow ex-cop and then-Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf placed Cooke in a position to do so.
Pam Salaam is a beloved figure in the Southbridge community, a community that has both been overlooked and exploited by a series of city and state public officials. Including, of course, John ‘What’s Wrong With Slag Grinding’ Carney. The 16th RD runs from Southbridge to Jefferson Farms. I think it’s tailor-made for Pam.
Her top stated priorities are environmental justice and safer communities.
Environmental justice issues include: Excessive tractor-trailer traffic; cancer cluster caused by industrial businesses surrounding residential communities; food deserts/food insecurity; and Southbridge being below flood level.
Her safer communities issues include: addressing gun violence; providing trauma-informed care; suicide prevention; and, of course, education. She also makes clear that police reform is another of her priorities.
Why is Pam beloved? Not just for her involvement with Neighborhood House, her founding of Postive Thinking/Positive Change, Inc, but for her volunteerism w/o regard to gaining accolades. Nevertheless, she got a well-deserved one. She earned a 2020 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for:
Pam Salaam (New Castle County)
• Pam Salaam is not a member of any organization, but goes out on her own to collect and prepare food to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness in New Castle County. Pam visits parks throughout the county and meets with individuals to make sure that their needs for food and basic supplies are met, even using her own resources to purchase needed items. Her meals always include fruits, vegetables, meat and dessert, and are prepared and served fresh each day.
When you look at Pam’s priorities, you realize that Franklin Cooke could have taken the initiative on any or all of them. But he didn’t. Protecting the cops from suffering any consequences for out-of-control behavior was his sole priority.
I’m pretty sure that both Pam Salaam’s website and Act Blue account will be up as soon as she files early next week. I’ll be linking and I’ll be donating.
I’m psyched!