On Nov. 17, the PHL Project: Mindfulness Matters hosted a salon that brought together Philadelphia based performers to promote mental wellness through music. Taking place at Drexel University’s ExCITe Center, it attracted audience members from across the city. 

The ExCITe Center, standing for Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies, is an academic center at Drexel. Transdisciplinary research is their specialty, but its mission extends beyond the academic realm.

“It’s both research and adding that community engagement to it as well,” the Project Director for Civic Technology, Andy Stutzman, said.

Following a STEAM-based education model, the ExCITe Center weaves the arts into science, technology, engineering and math. Whether through a workshop to create miniature robots or a video game creation studio, the ExCITe Center aims to provide West Philadelphia students access to unique technology.

“We try to bring science into the community in a way that [students] understand it,” Stuzman said. 

The outreach does not stop with students, though. The founder of the PHL Project: Mindfulness Matters, Rick White, first became connected with the ExCITe Center through a community initiative. Mr. White had heard about their Digital Equity Program, where refurbished computers were being provided to senior residents of Philadelphia. He reached out and quickly received a computer of his own. 

Two years after his initial introduction, his own organization, the PHL Project, was brought to Drexel University. What started as a resource for mental wellness and suicide prevention, expanded to promote healing, awareness and community care through the arts. 

Upon entering, an acoustic loop hummed in the background as conversations were bubbling in the crowd. Tom Krumm, a Berklee College of Music graduate, was the first performer. He played a complex yet soothing series of songs on the violin. Following the act were poets Mama Nzinga and Maya, who shared their approach to mental wellness through storytelling. 

Accompanied by members of Drexel’s Jazz Band, Shannon Tiffany wrapped up the night with a powerful vocal performance cover of Andra Day’s song “Rise Up.” From string musicians to poetry performances, an overarching sense of positivity and sense of community was created at the Mindfulness Matters Salon.

Using music as a vessel, the PHL Project encourages folks to express candidly about mental health. With communication becoming more digitized, opening up about your true emotions may be difficult. White believes in the value of connection through communication with those around us.

“We can’t judge what someone is going through based on how someone looks. We have to put mental health on the table. We have to talk about it,” emphasized White, “outreach to the community is priceless.”

Another Mindfulness Matters Salon will be hosted at the ExCITe Center on Thursday, Dec. 16. The organization values the unique perspective that college students have to offer and hopes to gain participation in their mission from Drexel University students.

On Thursday Nov. 10, “Pac and Biggie are Dead” debuted at Drexel University’s Mandell Theater as part of a collaboration between West Philadelphia’s Theatre in the X and the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design through their Professionals in Residence Project. 

Written by playwright and Audelco-nominated actor Biko Eisen-Martin and directed by Co-Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Theatre in the X Carlo Campbell, “Pac and Biggie are Dead” is a self proclaimed spin-off of Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead,” but broaches its complex theme of man’s struggles with identity with a fresh perspective. 

“[Rosencrantz and Guildenstern] are trying to let Hamlet know who he is, but in real life, you never get to know who they are in the play. You just know they’re his homies,” said Campbell. The comparison between these two men and hip hop legends Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur is clear to Campbell. 

“When I was younger, they were grown. But they were kids compared to grown men. To me as a young man…I thought they knew who they were. I didn’t know they were searching for who they were, I had no concept of that,” said Campbell. “To have these icons, these figures, these legends of culture and blackness be a part of this search, it was appropriate.”

After connecting with longtime friend Bisen-Martin in a South Philly cafe several years ago, Campbell became enamored with his concept, but actually performing the piece seemed unlikely for the small theater company. 

‘Pac and Biggie were so massive we never thought to stage it, it required so much,” Campbell said. 

But when presented with this opportunity from Drexel, he believed it was the perfect choice to show on a college campus.

“We’re doing this with young people around; we’re doing it at a college. Even though they’re not the age where they grew up with [Tupac and Biggie], they’re part of their growing up mythology,” said Campell. This production presents a unique opportunity and he sought to capitalize on its potential. 

“I think there are inroads to a person who comes from the world of Tupac and Biggie or someplace adjacent to appreciate the idiosyncrasies and the nuance of what Tom Stoppard was doing in a way they would not appreciate in the context of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern,” said Campbell, viewing this as chance for those from all walks of life to experience something new together.

When asked what lies at the heart of this piece, Campbell responds simply. “Identity. Love…I’m always leery of boiling something down to something so low a denominator because it sounds cheesy…but it’s love. And so many things that vie to obscure that sensibility. To destroy that sensibility, that outlook, that pursuit. Money. Fame. Other people. And that’s what happened to those young men that were once friends and became separated.”

The final performance of “Pac and Biggie are dead” will run on Saturday Nov. 19 in the Mandell Theater. 

The perfect addition to Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square’s manicured lawns and fashionable shops, Glossier opened its doors to Philadelphia on Oct. 27. All painted in Glossier’s signature pink, the high arches and column facades nod to the neoclassical architecture of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum. Most striking, however, is the undulating walkway that leads guests through the store, mirroring its motto, “Skin first, makeup second.” Cushioned benches nestle into its curves, inviting shoppers to rest, reflect and connect as they sample all of the products available on counters throughout the store.

Ready to greet customers with sage suggestions and a smile, Front of House Manager, Juan Martinez embraces Glossier’s inclusive perspective. 

“Beauty should be approachable,” Martinez said. “We want to find whatever makes you feel good.” 

Novices to makeup will not feel daunted with.  The simple, straightforward products like Glossier’s Futuredew, a nourishing oil serum meant to be applied with the fingertips, and a personal favorite of Martinez. They recommend using the product after your skincare routine to achieve a radiant complexion all day long. Other popular products like the Cloud Paint blush and Stretch Concealer also serve as light, everyday makeup designed for easy application by hand.

 “Glossier sets a new standard for beauty in a world dominated by heavy contour,” Martinez declares. “We believe in coming as you are.” 

That being said, shoppers searching for a more glamorous look will not be disappointed by the eye-catching Ultralip lipstick or the Monochromes eye shadow palette, which comes with three finishes: matte, metallic, and satin. 

Despite costing more than average drugstore dupes, Glossier’s products are relatively affordable compared to other name brands. Whereas Boy Brow, a product designed to shape and thicken the eyebrows with a few simple swipes, sells for $17. In comparison, a volumizing eyebrow gel from Sephora costs up to $24. For shoppers on a budget, Martinez advises checking out the sets of three that helps customers save on individual items and achieve a cohesive look. When asked which specific product gives the most bang for your buck, Martinez recommends Stretch Concealer. 

“When I think of versatility and what’s easiest, the Stretch Concealer is my go-to,” Martinez said. “You can use it all over the face or just where you need it.”

After sampling multiple products myself, I found the Cloud Paint to be light and buttery. A little bit of the gel-cream blush goes a long way, making this $20 purchase is a reasonable, long lasting decision. While the renowned $12 Bomb Dotcom lip blam is hydrating and fragrant, it is expensive for shoppers on a budget. The standout product by far was the Futuredew. For such a light serum, it leaves the skin soft and glowing for hours. The ingenuity of the product is reminiscent of the luminescence of a freshly cleansed and moisturized face, justifying its $26 price tag. 

Marissa Lux, a freshman finance major, regularly purchases the Lash Slick mascara for a wispy, everyday look. Another loyal customer and pre-junior law student, Taniyah Spencer’s favorite products include Futuredew and Cloud Paint, a product that she owns in multiple colors. 

“It’s a five minute, easy, out-the-door look,”  said Spencer, who has visited Glossier since its grand opening. 

Attracting not only faithful followers across the city, but the passersby out in Rittenhouse Square, Glossier’s retail presence invites new customers to try their light and simple products. 

As readers may know, Nov. 8 was Election Day. What adds significance to each election day is the influx of first-time voters. People have all sorts of experiences voting, but young adults in college have some of the more interesting stories as they navigate voting for their first time. Whether those college students are Philadelphia-based or not, they are now of age and can vote if they are registered to vote, which gives them a say in deciding who will lead the state of Pennsylvania next. 

Pennsylvania-born students living on Drexel’s campus who are already registered and willing to vote cast their ballots in various places. They can do it either in an entirely new place in the city or back in their hometowns if they visit their families on weekends. 

“It was in my local township building in a room behind the atrium,” says Dylan Slusser, a freshman communications major from Leesport, a town 70 miles outside of Philadelphia. 

According to Slusser, his township building had “voting machines, so I just had to select whom I wanted to vote for, and then I turned in my ballot.”

Commuter students share a different story. Since these students are not living on campus, they often vote at varying times depending on their specific location. 

“I voted near my home at the St. John Neuman place,” says Jaira Marcos, a first-year psychology major from South Philadelphia. “My mom voted later that day while my dad voted through mail.” 

There is also the fact that Pennsylvania-born students can vote online or mail in their ballot if they decide to cast their ballot early. 

“I had to sign up online for it, and they sent in a mail-in ballot in an envelope within another envelope that had the ballot, and I filled it out in pen and sealed it up and mailed it off,” says Charlotte Harayda, a first-year computer science major from Bethlehem. 

Harayda explains that to apply online, you have to “put in all your information, you have to show your ID, you need your address and a reason for why you wanted a mail-in ballot instead of going in person.”

It is not just how these students vote that is important, but what they take away from it as they are voting while juggling class, clubs and other responsibilities they may have as college students. Slusser thinks that “voting is important since there is always a chance for your voice to be heard, plus you never know exactly what will happen.” 

Harayda also felt that “It’s important to voice our opinions, especially as young people, and make a difference in democracy.”

Aside from their voting experiences, voting decisions on which side students lean towards gets decided by their ideological and political beliefs. 

For Marcos, she said she “leaned toward democrat.” Her beliefs had a big say in that. 

“For a while especially with how Congress wanted to overturn Roe V. Wade, I was concerned about reproductive rights, and as someone who is female and believes that abortion should be pro-choice, I especially wanted to vote in this election because it was an important topic and that people shouldn’t be controversial of what women choose to do with their bodies,” said Marcos. 

Voting as a registered college student is an important experience because they have gained an ability that minors do not have. They have also gained the privilege to decide who will be elected, which impacts the future of key issues in the state of Pennsylvania.

Drexel’s annual Family Weekend took place this year from Nov. 4-6, with a wide array of events to choose from. Most notably, the weekend wrapped up with a Farewell Brunch held in the Main Building. The brunch was only one of many events held by the university to welcome parents, friends and family members. With well over a year’s worth of planning from Drexel Special Events, this Family Weekend was the first full and formal event that invites all families to campus since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

“This is the first real, true Family Weekend that we have done since 2019. We had a lot of families last year, but we were still under some COVID restrictions,” said Drexel Director of Special Events, Katilyn Delengowski. “So this year, I was really excited that we could bring back some traditions that we’ve had previously, [such as] Farewell Brunch.” 

To make up for time lost during the pandemic, Drexel held a multitude of activities both at and outside of the university. Campus partners as well as local Philadelphia historic sites and local attractions worked to arrange activities for students and their families to be able to offer a wide range of attractions that are local to the city.

“I think there’s good enough options, we had some things to choose from then we also went off on our own and did things as well. We enjoyed the music trolley in particular. It’s great to have something fun, interesting, creative, but also to get a sense of the city’s history,” said Mark Kramer, a parent of a student in the class of 2026.

The goal of Family Weekend is to make sure that families are as engaged as they want to be, according to Delengowski. Families are encouraged to get to know the city and campus, as some families have not visited campus since Welcome Week and student move-in. This occasion is especially important for those families who have not attended since their student’s first year due to pandemic complications. 

“Having not seen my family since I moved in, it was a nice grounding moment for me. It was also a nice opportunity to let them know what I’m doing here and that their money is going to good use,” said Cole Brashears, a music industry major in the class of 2026. “To see [family] after two months of being on my own made it a great event.” 

“In higher ed, it is becoming more and more of a symbiotic relationship and we’re finding that families want to be more involved. Family involvement with students has increased each year since I’ve joined here. It’s really making sure that we know while it’s the student’s experience at Drexel, that part of the student experience really needs to acknowledge where they came from and if families want to be involved,” said Delengowski. 

While Family Weekend is oriented towards facilitating said symbiotic relationship towards families and the university, the events help students reconcile their familial relationships with the new families they have on campus.

The Pennsylvania gubernatorial race between main candidates Josh Shapiro and Doug Mastriano is one of the most followed in the country. The last presidential election showed that Pennsylvania, even though famously known as a swing state, was the state that decided Joe Biden’s election results. Pennsylvania has had two Republican and two Democratic governors in the past 20 years. Currently, democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro is leading by almost nine points.

The number one issue on the ballot is abortion. Mastriano, the far-right Trump-endorsed candidate, has stated “I want abortion to end, period.” He has been in the PA Senate since 2019. The Mastriano campaign website focuses on issues such as “The Right to Life, Illegal Immigration and Sanctuary Cities, Women’s Sports and The Second Amendment.” According to the New York Times, Mastriano has not had any presence on TV since May.

Josh Shapiro’s campaign focuses on issues such as “Abortion Rights, Black Economy Equity, Energy and the Environment and LGBTQ+ rights,” as mentioned on his website. Shapiro has served as the PA Attorney General since 2017.

The Triangle talked to Drexel students about their opinions on this race. The people interviewed are all women, under the age of 30. None of them are first-time voters.

“I am voting for Josh Shapiro. I feel like the Democratic party never produces a great candidate, but it’s a no-brainer when you look at their value systems and policy ideas. Although I don’t agree with some of his more conservative stances on policing and crime, Shapiro supports civil liberties and basic human rights,” said fourth-year Global Studies student McKenna Cole. “Growing up in the Midwest and in a religious community, inaccessibility to abortion is not an abstract idea. Abortion is something that has existed forever and the criminalization of it is rather new. I think banning abortion is just one aspect of a much bigger effort to further suppress the lower class.”

Connie Yoon is a senior music industry student. She was born and raised in a swing state in Pennsylvania. She lives in a primarily Republican area and is eager to vote in this upcoming election.

“I am mainly voting for Josh Shapiro because of his position on abortion laws. My area in general in my county is pretty red. I feel like Josh Shapiro does a good job of addressing how important it is for women’s rights to be protected. Doug Mastriano is an older candidate and he can be pretty out of touch,” said Yoon.

Ellie Herman is 22 years old. She is the President of the Drexel Women’s Empowerment Club. She has been voting in PA elections since she was 18. She thinks that voting will not create institutional change, but it’s a great start to being active citizens in our communities.

“With the overturning of Roe, we are now seeing an extremist conservative wave consuming the country and attacking the rights and autonomy of women and the LGBTQ+ community. If we lose this election to Mastriano, we know very well that he will work to ban abortion in Pennsylvania, which is not representative of the people in this state and what we truly support,” said Herman.

Makayla White is 28 years old. This is the first time she is voting in PA. She has been getting familiarized with the issues in the PA race and decided to vote here.

“As students and Gen Z are getting older, more have the ability to vote and shape future elections. Many candidates are supporting legislation for higher education, climate change and other major topics that directly affect students and Gen Z,” mentioned White. “Shapiro holds many similar ideals to my own in concerns to major issues such as inflation, gun laws, climate change and abortion rights.”

Drexel University will close at 2 p.m on Nov. 8 and faculty is encouraged to be flexible with students and classes. 

Election Day is quickly approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and student organizations on Drexel University’s campus are preparing voters to go to the polls. 

Drexel Democrats President, Aidan Cotton, a third year materials science and engineering major with a minor in political science, described how the organization is interacting with the Drexel community. Vice President of Drexel University College Republicans (DUCR), Jason Check, is a third year finance and legal studies major and politics minor. Check explained how DUCR wishes to strengthen its presence and reputation on campus. 

Both Drexel Dems and DUCR are organizations whose purpose is to promote open political discussion and involvement in the community. 

“For any university to succeed, there must be a free flow of ideas, including ones you agree with and ones that go against everything for which you stand for,” Check wrote  in an email.

As an organization, Drexel Dems acts as “a united front” in support of candidates voted in by the Democratic Party, according to Cotton. Specifically, Drexel Dems supports Josh Shapiro, the candidate for governor of Pennsylvania, and John Fetterman, who is running for Pennsylvania’s Senator.

According to Check, “The overarching mission of DUCR is to ensure conservative values are defended at Drexel and in America.” 

While there is a preference for conservative candidates, the organization does not officially endorse candidates and does not want to “engage in any activity to force members to like one candidate over another,” Check said. “Put simply, we lay out all of the facts, and let our members and the Drexel community decide for themselves,” he continued. Personally, Check supports Doug Mastriano for Pennsylvania governor and Dr. Mehmet Oz for US Senator. Check elaborated on his choices by emphasizing the need for political candidates to be consistent with policy positions. 

Leading up to the election, Drexel Dems focused on registering all students to vote before the Pennsylvania registration deadline on Oct. 24. On the move-in days for Drexel, University of Pennsylvania, and Temple, the club held registration events for students arriving on campus. 

“In Pennsylvania, even if you’re moving from out of state…if you’re living here for a couple of months, you can register to vote,” Cotton explained. 

After the registration deadline, Drexel Dems “shifted into a ‘Get out to vote’ plan,” Cotton said. 

Drexel Dems plans to have a “Dorm Storming” event on Nov 6. According to Cotton, small groups of students will knock “door-to-door in each dorm” to inform students of their polling location and help them solidify their plan to go out and vote. Additionally, they plan to “Chalk the walk,” in which they draw arrows and enticing graphics on the sidewalk to guide people where to vote, such as the Daskalakis Athletic Center, Cotton explained. 

After the election, Drexel Dems wants to expand its efforts by hosting fundraisers and more social community-based events, working with local restaurants, UPenn and Temple. Specifically, Cotton expressed the desire to collaborate with DUCR on events like their first debate held on Oct. 20 on Lancaster Walk. Check also disclosed plans for DUCR to organize similar events, particularly to encourage political dialogue. 

“The discussion was interesting, to say the least,” Check said. “Both sides of the most important issues [for] likely voters were discussed academically thus providing insight into the views of the opposing student group.”

“I was shocked to see the turnout,” Cotton said. He continued by saying it was “Very, very encouraging to see people just willing to stand there and just hear out both sides. I thought that was wonderful.”

DUCR hosts weekly meetings to “discuss important political conversations, current events, and policy decisions,” Check said. In the future, DUCR plans to “hold both Republicans and Democrats accountable.”

“Unfortunately, DUCR rarely interacts openly with the Drexel community,” Check stated. 

He strongly wishes to promote the club to combat the problem of “the treatment of conservatives on campus,” Check said. He continued to claim, “Drexel is not an encompassing place that wants to hear all political viewpoints.” 

In a statement sent out to the university community on Oct. 5, President John Fry informed students and staff that the university will be closing on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 2p.m. for elections. 

While classes are not canceled, “faculty are encouraged to be flexible when possible and supportive of students who may be working the polls,” President Fry said. 

The letter further acknowledges the Undergraduate Student Government Association’s push in encouraging the university to close early “in an effort to combat low voter turnout.”

According to the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University, national college student voter turnout was approximately 40.3 percent for the 2018 midterm election.

Cotton said this percentage was “Not as high as we would like it to be.” 

“It’s easy to kind of get the feeling that one vote isn’t going to change anything but… the student demographic is one that when we show up to vote in numbers, that is enough to swing an election…” said Cotton. “I’m sure you’re sick and tired of hearing from people that ‘Oh your vote matters…’ and even if you don’t believe it…what is really the truth is that the student demographic is…a big force to be reckoned with when they all turn out. So keep that in mind come Election Day.”

“No matter what your political leanings are, please vote for whomever you choose,” urged Check. “The only thing worse than voting for someone I oppose is not voting at all. Let your voice be heard. Go vote next week… It is our job as average citizens to hold out elected leaders accountable for their actions.” 

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman is the Democratic candidate in Pennsylvania’s 2022 senate race, vying for a seat against Republican candidate Mehmet Oz in what some experts argue is among the most important races in the country for changing the balance of power in the Senate. Mr. Fetterman spoke with The Triangle in a brief interview over email to discuss his positions on political issues relevant to his campaign and directly describe to young voters the impact he believes electing him to the Senate would have.

CD: How do you plan to balance your ideas for prison reform with policy that effectively mitigates crime as it rises across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania as a whole?

JF: I’m very proud of my work on the Board of Pardons, which has been widely praised including by elected Republican officials. I took a fair-minded approach to cases, voting to give second chances to the wrongfully convicted and deserving, but also voting to deny hundreds of applications where I felt clemency wasn’t merited.

One of the proudest moments of my career is freeing Dennis and Lee Horton, two wrongfully convicted brothers from Philadelphia who spent 27 years each in prison for a crime they did not commit.

My work on the Board of Pardons doesn’t take away from the fact that I’ve been effective at taking on crime. Unlike Dr. Oz, who lives in a gated mansion in New Jersey, I actually tackled crime as mayor and chief law enforcement officer of Braddock, working closely with law enforcement to make our community safer. Braddock was a town deeply plagued by gun violence when I came here to help local youth get their GEDs and find jobs. After two of my GED students were gunned down, I decided to run for mayor to stop the violence. Under my leadership, Braddock’s homicide rate declined, and we went 5 and ½ years without a homicide. This hadn’t been accomplished in the decades before or any time since. Dr. Oz is going to keep lying on television, because that’s what he does, but that’s my record on crime.

CD: Can you please explain the steps you intend to take to protect women’s reproductive health in Pennsylvania?

JF: Women should have control over their own bodies and their own lives. I support eliminating the filibuster to pass a bill like the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify the right to an abortion into law. Dr. Oz thinks that “local political leaders” like Doug Mastriano should have a voice in women’s healthcare decisions–he literally said that.

I believe that politicians have no business being involved in these choices.

CD: Can you please explain your ultimate goal regarding access to affordable schooling and student debt relief?

JF: Unlike my opponent, I actually have a real agenda for students and Pennsylvania’s young people. The price of college has become outrageous and there are too few opportunities for the many young people who don’t think college is the right option for them.

I have always been clear that we need to cancel some of the student loan debt that’s crippling Pennsylvanians, especially for folks who are struggling. But we need to do more than that, to make sure that the cost of college isn’t so high to begin with.

In Washington, I’ll work to increase investments in career and technical programs to prepare young adults for successful and in-demand careers in critical industries. For students who do opt to attend college, I will make sure the cost isn’t a barrier. I’ll support efforts to make community colleges tuition-free, eliminate interest on federal student loans, and expand Pell Grants for students that come from low-income households.

CD: How would BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Pennsylvanians feel protected with you representing them in the Senate?

JF: I have consistently stood with the LGBTQIA+ community, even before it was popular. Back in 2013, when same-sex marriages were still banned in Pennsylvania, I was the first and only elected official in western Pennsylvania to solemnize same-sex weddings. I believe everyone deserves equal protection under the law, and with extreme Republicans trying to pass legislation that discriminates against LGBTQIA+ Americans and targets transgender kids to score cheap political points, we need to fight back.

In the Senate, I will vote to finally pass the Equality Act, which would ensure that civil rights laws—like protections against discrimination in employment and housing—apply to sexual orientation and gender identity. I will also support efforts to end the hateful practice of so-called “conversion therapy”– unlike my opponent Dr. Oz who hosted television segments promoting conversation therapy in 2012–and fight to strengthen anti-harassment policies on school and college campuses.

I have also been unwavering in my support for the Black community. I served as mayor of a 70 percent Black town for four terms and I chose to run for that office because gun violence and public safety were my top concerns. And now, as Lt. Governor, I’ve worked to right wrongs in the criminal justice system by freeing wrongfully convicted and deserving inmates who were wronged by a system that overwhelmingly hurts Black Pennsylvanians.

CD: In what ways do you envision the country improving with the federal legalization of marijuana?

JF: Weed should be legal, nationwide. For jobs, justice, and freedom. It’s far past time we end the failed war on drugs and let go of this bizarre superstition and criminalization of a plant. More than 350,000 Americans were arrested for marijuana in 2020, and because marijuana is still illegal under federal laws, people who are using this plant legally in their home state may still be denied federal employment. It’s a disgrace.

The reality is that legalizing marijuana would allow our police force to focus on violent crime and crack down on traffickers dealing hard drugs like heroin and fentanyl. There is no reason why our police force should be wasting its time on the use of a plant, when it could be investigating violent crime or hard drug trafficking. Republican State Senators Dan Laughlin and Mike Regan agree that we need to take action and legalize marijuana. This is a bipartisan issue that is supported by the vast majority of Pennsylvanians.

In addition, it would provide extensive economic benefits. Right now, there’s a marijuana market in Pennsylvania, but it’s an illegal market and the money goes to cartels and dealers. If we legalize marijuana and tax it, like many other states across the country have done, we can use that funding to reinvest in our schools or use the income as a tax rebate for hardworking Pennsylvanians, instead of letting it go to drug dealers and cartels.

CD: In what main ways should students expect electing you to practically affect their lives?

JF: I actually know what people in Pennsylvania are going through. I grew up in York, Pennsylvania, went to college in Reading, and have lived in Braddock, my current home, for nearly 20 years. My commitment to Pennsylvania is clear. Oz is only interested in helping himself and will sell out anyone who gets in his way, just like he has been doing for his whole career.

Additionally, I actually have a real agenda for students and Pennsylvania’s young people. The price of college has become outrageous, and there are too few opportunities for the many young people who don’t think college is the right option for them.

I’ll fight to lower the cost of college and expand access to education, so everyone can make the best decision for themselves without worrying about costs. And I’ll vote to eliminate the filibuster and pass common-sense gun reform, implement a $15 per hour minimum wage, protect the right to an abortion, deal with climate change, expand union protections, and fight to implement the kinds of policies Pennsylvania’s young people deserve. Dr. Oz won’t, it’s that simple.

This interview’s publication comes following a nationally-televised debate between Lt. Gov. Fetterman and Dr. Oz on Oct. 25, 2022. This debate addressed these and other topics, including inflation and Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, the structure of healthcare, energy sources, and immigration. The Triangle reached out to Dr. Oz’s team for an interview as well, but received no response. To access the debate, watch the full footage by abc27 News on Youtube or read the transcript at Rev.com.

Nov. 8 is Election Day–are you prepared for what is on the ballot?

Everyone is talking about the senate rivalry between Fetterman and Oz, but being informed about what will be up and down on the ballot is essential. This election will determine who holds power as the state governor for Pennsylvania, the U.S. Senate as well as the House of Representatives. Hot topics for those people running this year center around abortion rights and access to healthcare, COVID mandates, affordable housing and immigration rights. 

If you did not choose to mail in your ballot, you can find where your voting zone is to cast your vote in person. It should be noted that you cannot walk into any poll area to cast your vote; you have to go to the one that aligns with your address in Philadelphia. Head to pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx to find the address of your polling location. 

According to Billy Penn, there will also be two questions on the ballot:

Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to create the Department of Aviation and to transfer certain functions related to operations of City airports from the other City agencies to the Department of Aviation?

This question asks voters if the city of Philadelphia should create a Department of Aviation to oversee airports, such as the Philadelphia International Airport and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Voting yes would mean the creation of a new city department for aviation instead of operating under the Department of Commerce.

And

Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for a preference in civil service examinations for qualified graduates of Career Technical Education programs in the School District of Philadelphia?

This question asks if Career Technical Education (CTE) graduates should be given preference points on the civil service examinations.  

Now to get into what names are going to be on the ballot and what they would focus on if elected– as according to Billy Penn and the candidates‘ election campaign websites:

For Pa. Governor: 

Douglas V. Mastriano (Republican Party) 

Mastriano has strong views on reproductive rights and claims he will sign the Heartbeat Bill into law, which means terminating a pregnancy after six weeks would be illegal. Mastriano also wants to end all funding to Planned Parenthood. His campaign website claims that on day one, Mastriano wants to place a ban on assigned-male-at-birth persons from entering girls’ locker rooms and restrooms as well as ban AMAB persons from competing in girls’ sports. Mastriano also wants to ban the teaching of critical race and gender theories in schools. 

Other focuses for Matriano include:

• Bring an end to all vaccine mandates
• Make Pennsylvania a constitutional carry state
• Eliminate “no-excuse mail-in voting” and drop boxes
• Pull out of the Regional GreenHouse Gas Initiative and encourage investments in natural gas and coal 
• Lower the property tax  

Josh Shapiro (Democrat)

Josh Shapiro is the current Attorney General for Pennsylvania. If elected, he claims to veto any attempt at Pa. legislators make to restrict abortion rights. He also promises economic equity for Black Pennsylvanians and wants to invest in clean energy. In addition, Shapiro plans  to expand affordable housing opportunities and actively supports LGBTQIA+ rights. 

Other issues of interest include:

• Protecting workers’ unions
• Blocking restrictions on mail-in voting
• Creating programs to support small businesses
• Prioritizing school funding and children’s mental health

Christina DiGiulio (Green)

• Get rid of fracking
• Challenge heteronormativity

Matt Hackenburg (Libertarian)

• Second amendment rights
• Decriminalize victimless crimes

Joe Soloski (Keystone)

• Decriminalize cannabis
• Term limits for state representatives

For Pa. Lieutenant governor:

Austin Davis (Democrat)

• Running mate of Josh Shapiro

Carrie Lewis DelRosso (Republican)

• Running mate of Mastriano

Michael Badges-Canning (Green)

• Endorsed by the Green Party

Tim McMaster  (Libertarian)

• Endorsed by The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

Nicole Shultz (Keystone) 

• Representing the Keystone Party

For U.S. Senate:

John Fetterman (Democrat) 

John Fetterman is the current Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. If elected, Fetterman plans on banning members of Congress from owning and trading stocks while encouraging there to be more American-made products. He also supports access to universal healthcare and believes in supporting reproductive rights and abortion. Fetterman also is in favor of passing the Equality Act which would have civil rights laws apply to sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Other points of interest for Fetterman are:

• End price gouging
• Support for a more “humane, safe and secure,” immigration system
• Cut taxes for working people
• Fight to strengthen anti-harassment policies in schools and on college campuses
• Support for raising minimum wage to $15 an hour
• Support for workers’ unions
• The legalization of cannabis and expunging past records of “non-violent marijuana offenses”

Mehmet Oz (Republican)

According to his campaign website, if elected, Oz wants to support policies that limit abortion rights and is described as being “100% Pro-Life.” Oz also wants to increase border surveillance by either a “physical wall,” or having more border patrol stationed. Oz also supports having an increase in fossil fuel investments and wants to increase coal production. 

Other issues outlined by the Oz campaign include:

• Blocking laws that make it difficult to purchase guns
• Stop universities from raising tuition every year
• Does not support “cashless bail”

Erik Gerhardt (Libertarian) 

• Reduce taxes
• Legalize marijuana
• Does not support gender affirming care for trans youth

Richard L. Weiss (Green)

• Supports The Green Party Green New Deal
• Supports easing tensions with China
• Supports medicare and reproductive rights

Daniel Wassmer (Keystone)

• Pro choice
• Pro second amendment
• Take steps to solving public corruption

For U.S. House:

If you are interested in identifying what district you are in, enter your zipcode on ziplock.house.gov. If you are a West Philly resident, you are in the 3rd Congressional district of Pennsylvania. 

Second district

Brendan Boyle (Democrat, incumbent) 

Boyle is endorsed by Congressional Black Caucus PAC, Progressive Turnout Project, the Sierra Club, PennEnvironment, and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

Areas of interest include:

• Expanding healthcare coverage
• Support for working families and debt ceiling reform

Aaron Bashir (Republican) 

If elected, Bashir will support higher education for middle class families and help small business owners. He is endorsed by the Pennsylvania GOP.

Other issues Bashir will focus on include:

• Creating jobs in IT, trade and energy
• School choice

Third District

Dwight Evans (Democrat, incumbent)

Evans is endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the Progressive Turnout Project, PennEnvironment, and the Sierra Club. He wants to make fresh food more accessible to people in cities and push for access to affordable housing. 

Evans also wants to:

• Increase urban mobility and infrastructure
• Find solutions to gun violence

Christopher Hoeppner (Socialist Workers Party)

The Triangle could not find a campaign website for Hoeppner, but according to Billy Penn, he supports access to affordable housing and healthcare. Hoeppner also shows support for building more unions and working to oppose capitalism.

Fifth district

Mary Gay Scanlon (Democrat, incumbent)

Maru Gay Scanlon is endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, PennEnvironment, the Sierra Club, and the Progressive Turnout Project.

If elected, Scanlon will focus on:

• Supporting efforts to increase gun safety
• Protecting voting rights

David Galluch (Republican)

According to his campaign, Galluch plans on stopping inflation by supporting policies that support more American and Philadelphia-made products. 

Other issues Galluch will focus on:

• Decreasing inflation
• Continued funding of police

Pa. Senate

If you are interested in identifying what Pa. senate district you are in, visit seventy.org/political-maps-of-philadelphia/state-senate-districts. 

Fourth District

Art Haywood (Democrat, incumbent) 

Art Haywood supports the independent investigation of deadly police intervention

And also supports funding for diversity, equity and inclusion at state colleges.

Todd Johnson (Republican) 

Todd Johnson places concern on blocking abortion rights and also supports the expansion of charter schools.

Eighth District

Anthony Hardy Williams (Democrat, incumbent)

Anthony Hardy Williams is a current democratic whip who has supported a bill which requires people applying for jobs at schools to disclose sexual abuse allegations. 

John Hayes (Republican)

John Hayes expresses his opposition to vaccine and mask mandares and does not support the teaching of critical race theory in schools. According to his election campaign website, Hayes wants to cut down on government spending. 

Pa. House

If you are interested in identifying what Pa. house district you are in, visit www.vote.pa.gov/Pages/Pennsylvania-Redistricting-House-of-Representative.aspx. 

172nd district

Kevin J. Boyle (Democrat, incumbent)

Boyle does not have an election campaign website. He supports pro-choice funding. Boyle was previously arrested for allegedly violating protection from abuse order, according to an article published by WHYY in Sept. of 2021. 

Al Taubenberger (Republican) 

Taubenberger believes in installing term limits and wants to improve street safety. If elected, he says he plans to bring down the cost of living in Philadelphia.

177th District

Joe Hohenstein (Democrat, incumbent) 

If elected, Hohenstein plans on supporting gun safety and making education more inclusive to disabled children. He is endorsed by the Working Families Party, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, UFCW Local 1776 Keystone State and Planned Parenthood.

Mark Lavelle (Republican)

Mark Lavelle is a bipartisan candidate who wants to work with law enforcement. The Triangle could not locate a campaign website. 

182nd district

Ben Waxman (Democrat) 

If elected, Waxman wants to maintain vaccine mandates and supports the Green New Deal for Pennsylvania. He also wants to drive support for an increase in affordable housing.

Albert Robles Montas (Republican)

Albert Robles Montas is endorsed by the Philadelphia Republican City Committee. The Triangle could not find his campaign website. 

184th district

Elizabeth Fiedler (Democrat, incumbent)

Fielder is endorsed by The Democratic Socialists of America, Planned Parenthood, Gov. Wolf and Attorney General Shapiro. If elected, Fielder wants to invest in public school repairs. 

Marjilyn Murray (Republican) 

Murray claims to be pro-law enforcement and against safe injection sites. Murray wants to focus on the health and safety of schools in Philadelphia, if elected. 

194th District

Tarik Khan (Democrat) 

Tarik Khan shows support for Medicaid and the Green New Deal in Pennsylvania. If elected, he would support a ban on fracking and believes abortion is a fundamental human right regardless of background. 

Torren Danowski (Libertarian)

Danowski is an advocate for mental healthcare and does not support the United states being involved in foreign wars. The Triangle could not find a campaign website. 

200th District

Chris Rabb (Democrat, incumbent) 

 Rabb is endorsed by Reclaim Philly, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, many labor unions and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. He is an advocate for abortion rights and has had 6 bills and amendments passed while in office which include cracking down on police misconduct. 

Kionna West (Republican) 

Kionna West opposes access to abortion and supports funding for small businesses. She is also focused on neighborhood restoration.