With 7 out of 10 voters in Philadelphia being Democrats, it is extremely probably that Parker, 50, will win the final election in November, making her Philadelphia’s a hundredth main. Parker has received the help of a lot of the black political institution in a metropolis the place blacks make up over 40 p.c of the inhabitants.
Through the marketing campaign, Parker argued that her expertise in authorities would allow her to handle points together with public security and high quality of life within the nation’s sixth largest metropolis.
She served as state consultant for Northwest Philadelphia for 10 years till her election to the town council in 2015, a place she held till September.
Parker’s stance on crime has been in comparison with that of New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams (D), a former police captain who was keen to confront his celebration’s liberal wing on policing issues.
Through the marketing campaign, Parker seemed to be open to supporting the controversial police tactic referred to as “cease and frisk”, however mentioned it ought to be executed in accordance with the structure.
“We can not afford to remove any authorized instrument from legislation enforcement in order that they will make sure that our public well being and security is our primary precedence,” she mentioned in April, based on the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I help what known as “Terry Stops”. This implies legislation enforcement will need to have good purpose and affordable suspicion.”
Parker additionally pushed for extra cops and bike patrols, writing in an Inquirer article that the town wants extra cops “in our metropolis’s business corridors, colleges, recreation facilities, and libraries to maintain Philadelphia residents secure.” ” “
“My hope is that these native officers will develop and strengthen relationships with the group whereas restoring belief,” she wrote.
Extra broadly, Parker said in the course of the marketing campaign that coverage selections ought to come from the “group” and never from “the individuals who suppose they’re coming to save lots of the poor.”
“They know it is not Sherel’s involvement in what I name ‘I do know what’s finest for you folks’ policymaking, nevertheless it’s coming from scratch,” Parker mentioned Tuesday morning on the polling station.
Parker, who grew up within the Northwest Philadelphia space, was raised by her mom, who died when she was 11 years previous. She then lived along with her grandparents. Her grandmother died when she was 16 and he or she was left within the care of her grandfather. She spoke of being raised by her “villages”, together with neighbors.
Parker didn’t attend her personal victory celebration Tuesday night time.
“Sadly, Scherel developed a current dental drawback tonight that required quick medical consideration and is at present present process therapy on the College of Pennsylvania,” her marketing campaign mentioned in a press release. “Sherrell is wanting ahead to celebrating with all of his mates and supporters and thanks all of Philadelphia for making historical past tonight!”
For the Republican facet, David Oh, a former metropolis council member, ran unopposed and is the de facto nominee.
