Above: Office of State Rep. Tommy Blackwell, West Philadelphia.
Glass was shattered but computers and files were not destroyed.
Arson at office of state Rep. Thomas Blackwell will not deter him; Lewis Harris Jr. allied to help.
by Van Stone
State lawmaker, Tommy W. Blackwell, IV, known for efforts to rid his district of violence, illegal liquor sells,illegal gambling, such as a casino, and drug-related activities had his office set on fire in an arson.
State Rep. Thomas Blackwell's office in West Philadelphia took a hit of minor damage in the blaze set around 4 a.m. Friday, according to police. It was quickly noticed by passers-by and doused by the fire department, police Lt. Frank Vanore said.The fire was set after someone threw a rock through the office's front window and poured an accelerant inside, said Vanore. Blackwell, a Democrat, said that he and his staff will work out of his North Philadelphia office until the other one can be repaired. A Personal secretary of Blackwell says about the anger against the Blackwell office, "we will not be away from here for long. We must remove the violence and non-violent crime from this district."
Blackwell plans to increase his redevelopment of the 52nd Street Strip boundary from Pine Larchwood Avenue to Lancaster Avenue by supporting millions of funding dealing with the neighborhood's climate, vegetation, population, land use, and industries. "I'm trying to help the community district eradicate the illegal things going on around here," Blackwell said. Lewis Harris Jr., Education, Public Safety and Health businessman arrived at Blackwell's damaged office to support removing crime and violence from the West Philly community. A few years ago, Harris Jr's. office was bombed by angry groups as an intimidation tactic.
Harris Jr., plans to use the office of the city commissioner,(voting commissioner) to increase training for childcare staff, school mentoring and evening programs for families in the business district. "This will inhance Blackwell's target, a fresh and safe 52nd and Market Street area for black people that are suffering at the hands of crime,Harris Jr., says."
