Evans advocates
for accelerated change

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Dwight Evans describes himself as "impatient."
"I want to get things done," he said.
Evans, one of seven Democrats running for mayor in the May 15 primary, has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 1981. The 203rd Legislative District that he represents includes much of Northwest Philadelphia and divisions in the 35th Ward in Lawndale, Crescentville and Summerdale.
In the House, especially in his role as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Evans said he can "influence" the course of direction of the state. As mayor, he can "change" the direction of the city.
Evans, 52, is hoping to trade Harrisburg for City Hall because he wants Philadelphia’s progress to accelerate, not limp along. He believes next month’s winner — who’ll face Republican Al Taubenberger, who is unopposed in the GOP primary — will ultimately serve eight years as mayor.
"That’s why this primary is extremely important," he said. "There is a clear difference."
Evans visited the Times office last week to discuss his candidacy. This is his second run for mayor. He finished a distant fifth among six candidates in the 1999 primary. He’s also lost past primaries for governor (1994) and lieutenant governor (1986).
In this race, Evans has been endorsed by Transport Workers Union Local 234, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, black police organizations and several state lawmakers, including Sen. Shirley Kitchen and Reps. Mark Cohen and Mike McGeehan. He’s raised about $2.5 million.
The veteran legislator is seeking to become the city’s top executive because he thinks he’s the best candidate. He believes he’d work well with City Council because he would work with them individually, like he does in the House Democratic Caucus and on the Appropriations Committee.
The mayoral race also includes former Councilman Michael Nutter, U.S. Reps. Chaka Fattah and Bob Brady, businessman Tom Knox and two minor candidates. To run, a candidate needs to be 25 years old and a city resident for three years.
"They’re all qualified to run, but are they qualified to lead?" Evans asked.
Evans, who announced his candidacy on Dec. 11, believes his experience makes him the best qualified to lead the city. He contends that his focus has always been on helping the city, not just his legislative district.
As an example, he cites his past work reforming the police department and School District of Philadelphia, backing charter schools and the Educational Improvement Tax Credit for private school students, supporting creation of the Pennsylvania Convention Center and voting to lower the wage tax with gaming profits.
"I led on all those issues," he said.
At one time, Evans was part of the so-called "Gang of Five" that led city reform efforts at the state level. He was joined by Reps. George Kenney, John Perzel, John Taylor, all Republicans, and Anthony Williams, a Democrat who is now a state senator.
Among their reform proposals was a change in police department leadership. Then-Mayor Ed Rendell ultimately hired John Timoney as commissioner. Evans liked the job done by Timoney, who is now chief in Miami, and has pledged to invite him back as commissioner if he is elected mayor.
Evans proudly notes that shootings are down in the 14th and 35th police districts, where his district is based. He links the decrease to a combination of things: more police, plenty of programs at recreation centers, educational opportunities, economic development initiatives and rehabilitation of vacant properties. He plans to do the same across Philadelphia.
In terms of education, Evans wants to reduce class size and focus on lowering the dropout rate. He remains an enthusiastic supporter of charter schools.
"There should be no moratorium on charter schools," he said. "There should be more charter schools. There should be more options."
As for higher education, he wants to use a combination of city and state money to make tuition free at Community College of Philadelphia. He thinks that would enable the poor to find good jobs and become part of the middle class.
While many of his proposals would require time to implement and even more time to realize results, Evans identified some quick fixes. He’d plant 50,000 trees in his first four-year term, encourage businesses to use mesh rather than metal grates and clean up graffiti.
Evans defended his role in the controversial July 2005 vote by the state legislature to raise its pay. He thought he deserved the raise because it’s his only job and one that he does seven days a week. He added that his constituents re-elected him last year. He acknowledged the vote — held at about 2 a.m. — could have been handled better, but noted that Republicans were in charge of the House at the time.
Speaking of controversy, Evans is sure to create it if he follows through on a suggestion to look at eliminating unspecified elected offices in Philadelphia. Such a change would require voter approval to amend the Home Rule Charter. Allegheny County residents approved a similar proposal to save money.
"Everything should be on the table," Evans said. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com