Age: 64 (DOB: 2/9/46)
Residence: Strawberry Mansion
Hometown: North Philadelphia
Education:• William Penn High School
• Center for Urban Theological Studies, B.S. in Urban Theology expected May 15th
Occupation: Administrator
Family:• Andrew Carn, husband, 60, former State Representative
• Bernard C. Harmon, Jr., son, 33
Career highlights:• Founder of NaamanStorehouse.com, a HIV/AIDs referral and counseling web site
• Counselor and spiritual advisor for the Stop & Surrender Drug & Alcohol Treatment Program
• HIV/AIDs counselor and board member of the Calcutta House for two years
• Legal secretary at the Stein & Silverman Law Firm
• Achieved status of associate minister under the guidance of Bishop Audrey F. Bronson and the late Dr. Becky Carlton, founders of the Sanctuary Church of the Open Door
• Associate minister at the Tenth Memorial Baptist Church
• Affiliated with the Missionary Baptist Pastors Conference of Philadelphia; the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity; the Balm Gilead Ministry; and the Philadelphia Council of Clergy
Political experience:
• Co-block captain of the 3400 block of Ridge Avenue
• Member of the Police Clergy and Chaplain at the 22nd and 23rd Police Districts
• Chief of Staff for former State Rep. Andrew Carn
• HIV/AIDs advisor to State Rep. Jewell Williams and project director of HIV/AIDs Initiative sponsored by Rep. Williams
Campaign website: www.suzannecarn.com_______________________________
Why did you get into politics?
“I have spent my life concerned for the public good. The need for people to be heard and to have their concerns considered is what propels me to be a City Councilperson representing the 5th district. My experiences working for [former] State Representative [Andrew] Carn provided me with the understanding of how our political system works and the importance of serving the needs of the voters. I enjoyed serving as the chief of staff and now want to continue providing services where the need exists. It exists in the 5th District.”
What would your most urgent legislative priority be in office?
“I want to be a part of a legislative process that will have our City spending less, but providing better services, lower taxes and economic opportunities for the residents.”
What most needs improvement in your district?
“In the 5th District we need to create jobs and economic opportunities for the residents. This will enable them to care for themselves and their families.”
What do you love about Philadelphia?
“It is my home, has always been my home and it is a great place to live, work and have fun. Its location has it easily accessible to Washington, D.C. and New York City- hubs of the world.”
What Council practice or custom would you most like to change?
“I would like to change the practice of not allowing the public to speak at regular City Council Meetings. I am happy to see that will be changing soon. I look forward to that kind of voter participation when elected as a councilperson.”
Do you support term limits?
“Yes. To me, [term limits] work. So far, from what I’ve viewed, it just works. It seems to be a fair advantage for all. It allows others to come in and be viable candidates. It keeps the candidates really above board and really on top of their game. It gives leverage for the candidates and for the candidates coming on board and makes sure that checks and balances are put in during that time frame.”
What is your position on DROP?
“It should not apply to public officials. Just looking at our recent situation with the city and the deficit and we’re trying to get money, it doesn’t look good and it does not help the city. We’re trying to get money to really increase those revenues and those areas that need to be taken care of and the DROP doesn’t help. It depletes our revenue.”
Why should the voters entrust you with a Council seat?
“The voters will have access to me. I want to hear their issues and concerns so that I can have those issues and concerns considered during City Council deliberations. I care and will serve them.”
What’s the most interesting non-political thing about you? What one thing would you like voters to know?
“A lot of people know me as Reverend Sue. I was an intern and became an associate minister under the guidance and vision of Bishop Audrey Bronson and the late Dr. Becky M. Carlton. Both are founders of the Sanctuary Church of the Open Door. Both are so important to my life and have enriched my life.
“I am now a minister at Tenth Memorial Baptist where I grew up as a child, so from my mother’s womb I’ve never left the church! I have served on several ministries, including the Missionary Baptists Pastors’ Conference of Philadelphia, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia Vicinity, the Balm Gilead Ministry and the Philadelphia Council of Clergy. I have also served on HIV ministries for people who are infected with HIV/AIDs, this is one of my passions.
“I’d like to see the 5th Councilmanic District have an atmosphere of inclusion between residents and the economic generators of the community, such as Temple University and people who get jobs that are created because of Temple. Just that inclusion- I want to see that so much.”
Written responses from the candidates are posted verbatim. Profiles compiled following telephone interviews are sent to the candidates for verification of their accuracy. The non-partisan Committee of Seventy does not endorse or oppose any candidate and is providing this information as an educational public service. Seventy reserves the right to edit candidate responses for length, clarity, and style.
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