Philadelphia D.A. endorses Cindy Bass in the Eighth District Council race

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams today endorsed one of the seven Democratic candidates competing to represent City Council’s Eighth District.

With the Family Court Building as a backdrop, the city’s top crime-fighter announced his formal support of Cindy Bass’ second run for Council.

Williams, who’s known Bass for more than 25 years, said her support of city law enforcement will make her an asset on Council and help Philadelphia become a safer city.

Williams specifically highlighted her efforts to prevent crime.

“She is committed to doing all that she can to improve the quality of education, to doing all that she can to reduce truancy, to do all that she can to find more jobs and improving economic development so that fewer Philadelphians will choose a life of crime.”

He added that it will be beneficial to have someone on Council who already has connections at the state and federal level. Bass is a staffer for Democratic Congressman Chaka Fattah and worked for Democratic Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz when she was a state Senator.

Bass took the opportunity to speak briefly about her experience fighting crime in the city and her plans for addressing that issue if elected.

“I’m the only candidate in the race that has worked to get guns off the street. I’m the only candidate that has worked to get federal funding for our police. And I’m the only candidate that will continue to do more of the same,” said Bass.

Bass said she wants to reduce the number of youths involved in criminal activity. She said more mentoring and after-school programs coupled with a commitment to education will go a long way in that battle.

Williams’ endorsement comes just over two weeks after Mayor Michael Nutter endorsed Bass.

John McNesby, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5, today also endorsed the Eighth District hopeful along with The Philadelphia Inquirer. Ron Couser, Democratic leader of the city’s 22nd Ward, reiterated the ward’s endorsement of Bass as well.

Other candidates running for the Democratic nomination in the Eighth District include: Bill Durham, Andrew Lofton, Greg Paumier, Robin Tasco, Howard Treatman, and Verna Tyner.

Incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller is not running for re-election. The Democratic primary is May 17. There are no Republicans running for this seat.