This is part of ongoing coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoods funded by J-Lab. During the election against his 30-year, incumbent challenger, Kevin Boyle says he changed the focus of his campaign. After hearing residents in a variety of the neighborhoods in the 172nd Legislative District he hoped to represent talk about poorly maintained nuisance properties owned by people not living in the community, Boyle made absentee landlords his signature issue. In fact, it’s that pivot to absentee landlords that Boyle credits with being a major reason behind his beating the legendary John Perzel, who, though facing corruption charges, had overwhelming name recognition. The topic was the first he publicly addressed after being sworn in as a freshman state House Democrat, alongside his brother, in January. It’s a topic he says that has not fallen from being a top priority. continue reading »

State Rep. Kevin Boyle (right) receives the 15th PDAC Appreciation Award. Photo courtesy of the Office of Kevin Boyle.

Capt. Bachmayer and 15th PDAC President Mike Tait give State Rep. Kevin Boyle the 2011 15th PDAC Appreciation Award.

15th District Capt. Bachmayer reviews crime statistics with Holmesburg residents.

Capt. Bachmayer of the 15th Police District attended last night’s Holmesburg Civic Association meeting, where he gave comparative crime statistics from 2009 and 2010. He also promised to address concerns over the WaWa at Frankford Avenue and Sheffield Street, where aggressive panhandlers have been loitering and a video rental machine is blocking customer’s vision as they come out the door, causing safety issues. Video below.

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15th District Captain Bachmayer

With another snowfall on its way, Mayfair residents noted at last night’s civic association meeting that some people are already saving their parking spots.

“You’re not allowed to put anything out to block your spot,” said Capt. Bachmayer of the 15th District — especially when the snow hasn’t even begun to fall. continue reading »

15th District Capt. Frank Bachmayer talks to an unusually small crowd at the March Holmesburg Civic Association meeting.

Captain Frank Bachmayer has 28 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, including his eight as captain.

And his message to residents who attended last night’s Holmesburg Civic Association is something he made sure to hammer home: the 15th District is “not the old district of 10 years ago.”

Meaning, he explained, that the busy district has its share of crime — more than just the quality of life issues some residents focus on.

Bachmayer told the 15 meeting attendees (an unusually small crowd for the HCA) that the 15th is the busiest and most populated district in Philadelphia, leading the city in robberies.  “And it’s not just in Frankford,” he emphasized. continue reading »