Education, Immigration Topic Of Local Politician’s Town Hall Meeting
Chestnut Hill’s state representative, Chris Rabb, held a town hall meeting at the college’s SugarLoaf campus on Sept. 26 and connected with constituents about several key community issues.
Both local and national concerns were voiced by a roomful of about 50 constituents, ranging from affordable healthcare and immigration reform to more Philadelphia-centric issues such as gerrymandering and fracking.
Rabb also heavily criticized the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, stating that it would strip protections away from 21,000 undocumented Pennsylvanians.
“This issue is about respecting the basic dignity of our fellow human beings,” said Rabb. “This is a human rights issue that affects all of us. What document makes you more human than someone else? It is unacceptable and we all need to stand up against this injustice.”
Constituents also voiced their concerns about Philadelphia’s struggling public school system and the lack of affordable pre-schools in the area.
“We need to change it so that everyone gets the education they deserve regardless of what zip code or school district they’re born into,” said Rabb, when discussing Philadelphia’s underfunded public schools, especially ones in poorer neighborhoods with high minority populations.
Rabb, a Democrat, is ten months into his two-year term as Pennsylvania state representative of the 200th legislative district. Rabb represents the Northwest section of Philadelphia including Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill and part of Oak Lane.
Despite his inexperience, Rabb exuded a confident and earnest interest in his constituents concerns, referring to his district as his “65,000-member family.”
Several non-profit organizations and state agencies focused on community service outreach also attended the town hall and were able to speak to attendees about the services they provide. Among them included youth organizations, counseling groups, resource centers, and issue-oriented action groups.
