Shaniele Brown
At the “Politics in the Park” event on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Hoffman Park, 226 Scottdale Road, Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, the focus was on the power of voting in a democracy, underscoring how every individual—especially young voters—can help shape political outcomes and drive meaningful change by participating in the electoral process.
Panelists included Siddiq Kamara, candidate for Delaware County Sheriff; Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor; Upper Darby School Board Director Damien Warsavage; Pennsylvania State Representative Jennifer O’Mara; and Mary Presley, treasurer for Leave Your Mark Political Action Committee. Notable attendees included Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Lansdowne Mayor Magda Byrne, and Pennsylvania State Representative Gina H. Curry.
During the discussion, the panelists reflected on their motivations for entering politics. Presley expressed her desire to move beyond complaints and take action on her concerns. The results of the 2016 election motivated Taylor and O’Mara to become more engaged in the political arena. Warsavage cited personal experiences with injustice in high school as a driving force. Kamara spoke about his commitment to public service, rooted in his experiences as a former police officer and U.S. military veteran.
For those looking to make a change in politics, the panelists shared valuable insights: Warsavage urged attendees to “do what you feel is right,” while Dr. Taylor emphasized that “your voice is your power.”
The event, which attracted a community of about 100 people, featured free food, including chicken, rice and peas, sandwiches, desserts, and light refreshments. Vendors scattered throughout the park provided additional resources, creating a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by lively music that kept the gathering fun and inviting.
Speaking with Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who represents Pennsylvania’s 5th District, she emphasized how crucial younger voters are to the future of the country. “There’s now more people among the younger cohort than there are in the older cohort, but they don’t vote,” Scanlon said. She added, “Since the younger generations don’t vote as much, politicians don’t seem to pay attention.”
Congresswoman Gay Scanlon touched on gun control, noting, “Supreme Court decisions are saying there are things we can do consistent with the Second Amendment.” She added, “We don’t have a good background check system; there are too many loopholes.”
In a related conversation, Siddiq Kamara, candidate for Delaware County Sheriff, also discussed his views on the current state of gun control. One of his key focuses is “going to different towns in Delaware County to train people to safely store their firearms,” he said.
As the event wrapped up, Lansdowne Mayor Magda Byrne shared her thoughts on its success and emphasized the importance of engaging young voters. “Please get out and vote–however, you have to, and when you do, know who you’re voting for and why. It’s important to say, ‘I want to vote for this person because they resonate with me,’” she urged.
When asked what he hopes people will take away from the event, Kamara responded, “The importance of voting, building relationships, and why this election is so important.”
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