With less than three weeks left before the May primary, the five Democrats running for state representative in the 194th Legislative District went toe-to-toe April 28 in a debate at Roxborough Memorial Hospital.

The candidates, four men and one woman, are vying for the hotly contested seat held for 17 years by Democrat Kathy Manderino. The 194th, which covers much of Northwest Philadelphia and parts of Montgomery County, is a unique urban-suburban district, and the race is one of the most closely watched contests this election season.

As they had in past forums, the candidates addressed a number of questions from audience members, most of them presubmitted, some on the spot. Topics ranged from state pension reform to a move to modernize the commonwealth's liquor system.

"A lot of my priorities come from the constituents I talk to," said candidate Josh Cohen, a Roxborough resident and former aide to City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.

Cohen, 36, stressed that he is the only contender who quit his job to run for election. Although he said the decision to resign from his position at City Hall proves his dedication, it also is required by the city's Home Rule Charter.

"That was a giant leap of faith, and a huge personal sacrifice for me and my wife," Cohen said.

Cohen was passionate about another topic - liquor reform. He said he doesn't support privatizing the state's liquor system because it would mean 4,000 government employees in 600-plus state-run stores across Pennsylvania losing their jobs.

Pam DeLissio, the lone woman in the race, is also the only candidate who voiced support for looking at ways to modernize the state-run system. She stopped short of full-on privatization, although she said as much in previous debates. She said it behooves lawmakers to open up the issue for debate.

"One thing that has frustrated me my entire life is overall acceptance of the status quo," said DeLissio, who was endorsed by Mayor Michael Nutter and Manderino. "I think if the system needs to be modernized in some way, that's a discussion we need to have."

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was created more than 80 years ago after Prohibition was repealed. Pennsylvanians have expressed a need for reforms, making beer available in supermarkets to an all-out privatization of state liquor stores.

"The Commonwealth's in the trouble it is because we're too content with the status quo," DeLissio continued. "I like to think out of the box, and I like to lead those kinds of discussions."

The other candidates said they preferred to keep system as it is, noting alcohol sales provide state coffers with millions of dollars each year.

"We never have to sue the state stores for taxes because they pay it right away," said candidate Lou Agre, 21st Democratic ward leader and union organizer.

Agre has his own shining endorsement - from Councilman Jones, whose 4th District includes Manayunk, East Falls and Roxborough.

Both Agre and fellow candidate Keith Newman, a Manayunk resident and schoolteacher, agree the state system is beneficial from a health and public safety standpoint, and said store employees trained to ID customers help prevent underage drinking.

The candidates also addressed a question on redistricting. The 194th hasn't always included neighborhoods from bordering Montgomery County. But, thanks to redistricting, the district now covers neighborhoods like Manayunk, Roxborough, and Wynnefield in Philadelphia, as well as Bala Cynwyd, Merion, and Merion Station in Montgomery County.

Cohen said during his campaigning he discovered resentment on the part of suburbanites who consider themselves to be the "stepchild" to Philadelphians, presumably because most of the district is centered in the city.

"There's no rhyme or reason to how these districts are drawn," Cohen said.

Newman said attracting a more diverse group of homeowners and residents to the district could make the issue of gerrymandering moot, while Agre said redistricting should be done by an impartial panel, perhaps consisting of retired judges and others who could help redistrict an area in a sensible way.

DeLissio agreed with Agre's suggestion of using an impartial panel for any future redistricting.

"It should be a bipartisan effort from folks who have nothing to gain," she said.

On budgetary issues, most agreed it's important for lawmakers to look at ways to save money before rushing to raise taxes.

"We need to look at frivolous spending," said candidate Bill Morris, a Roxborough native and union carpenter. "Nobody wants taxes. I don't want any more taxes. We have enough taxes."

Agre suggested starting with the prison budget.

"Alternatives to incarceration is an excellent idea," he said, voicing support for mandated treatment programs and other forms of punishment for nonviolent offenders, so as to free up jail space, and, in turn, save money.

Agre said the state's $2.2 billion prison budget is problematic, and he proposed looking at alternatives.

Cohen suggested looking at small ways to save, like using double-sided printing, raising the vehicle registration fee and upping the gas tax.

"We must find greater efficiencies in our government," he said.

DeLissio proposed a regional approach, saying looking to what's going on in the greater region might help to identify redundant services that could be eliminated.

Newman, the teacher, cautioned against simply taking more from people's pockets as a budgetary fix.

"Raising taxes does not increase revenue," he said, "it costs jobs."

As the five squared off, the lone minor-party in the race made his presence known. Hugh Giordano, 25, the Green Party candidate, lined the back of the hospital meeting room with a handful of supporters toting signs and placards with Giordano's name and likeness.

Prior to the debate, Giordano held a press conference to denounce a move to keep him from participating in the forum.

"The organizers of this event have decided not to make this forum like the past two and have decided since I am not in the (Democratic) primary election, that you should not be able to hear my platform and positions on the issues," Giordano said.

Giordano had an impressive showing at the first forum early last month at the Roxborough Development Corp. offices, when he received applause from a packed room on his stances on various issues.

"I am the only candidate that says absolutely 'no' to corporate contributions and CEO money," he said outside the hospital. "For this is why politics does not work for people, yet corporate greed and profits soar."

Giordano claims organizers initially invited the Republican candidate to participate in the forum, but changed the rules to also exclude the Republican after Giordano raised the issue of unfairness. While some argue Giordano should have been excluded all along, since the debate was for Democratic primary contenders, Giordano's camp claimed Philadelphia's reputation as a one-party town leads voters to reasonably believe that the nominated Democrat will win come November. Hence Giordano's desire to participate in the process now.

"This is a time where people are active right now," he said. "There's no guarantee that the Democrat will show up to the forums in the fall."

Reporter Jon Campisi can be reached at 215-354-3038 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it