PR&LA Winter 2018

Winter 2018 • PENNSYLVANIA RESTAURANT & LODGING matters •  19 HOW DOES THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IMPACT YOUR DISTRICT/PHILADELPHIA? The hospitality industry significantly impacts my district. It’s one of the growth industries in America that has tremendously improved in Philadelphia in recent years. When former Mayor and Governor Ed Rendell and former Governor Tom Ridge dedicated funding for Avenue of the Arts, the industry grew significantly. In my district, I have the University of Penn and Drexel University, which draw a lot of parents who come to visit, stay in the local hotels and go out to eat in the local restaurants. These businesses have a huge positive impact on my community. WHAT OTHER LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES DO YOU HAVE? A big priority for me right now is judicial reform. I’ve worked with Democrats and Republicans on this issue. If you have a conviction that’s not a felony and it’s been more than ten years, we’re working to get that expunged from criminal records. This will help people to be more effective at getting employment, which is so difficult but essential for those with records. I’m also working on bringing some positive changes to the probation process aimed at creating opportunities and reducing barriers to economic success. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT HOW PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNMENT OPERATES, WHAT WOULD IT BE? We need to spend more time educating people on how to be citizens early in life. People aren’t participating politically because they don’t understand how the process works. It takes more than just one civics class in the curriculum. We need to change how we distribute resources so working people can be more engaged in the process. They need to understand the importance of involvement, and that starts at a young age. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS? I have no idea. I’ve never had much of a plan when it comes to life other than two things: providing for my family and helping other people. I went from business to politics and throughout my career in both, I’ve strived to do those two things. I’m not sure what my next venture will be, but I know it will involve taking care of my family and helping people. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY WHO WANTS TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS? People in hospitality need to get involved and jump in front of this. Hospitality represents such a significant part of Philadelphia, but I don’t think enough of them are present in terms of political campaigns, volunteering or even running for office themselves on an economic development plan for Philadelphia or Pennsylvania. Small business drives Pennsylvania. That’s not a Republican mantra or a Democrat mantra, it’s a Pennsylvania mantra. We need more aggressive, younger entrepreneurs getting involved. •