Dasha’s statement regarding the tragic events last evening in Philadelphia

From @NBCPhiladelphia

Last night, following the tragic shooting of Walter Wallace, West Philadelphia was plagued by more rioting & looting.  Our heart is with the Wallace family and we support Police Commissioner Outlaw’s commitment to a full investigation. However, violence and disrespect of our police officers must be rejected by all of us.  

I was born in Russia, settled in Philadelphia as a little girl and was raised here.  As a child, I came to admire the Philadelphia Police and the key role they played in the community -- not just as law enforcement, but as mentors and leaders.   

I understand the anger and sadness regarding this most recent tragedy, but the response to violence and tragedy cannot be more violence and tragedy.  Destroying the property and livelihoods of the innocent is criminal.  Our law enforcement professionals need time and resources to conduct a proper and thorough investigation.  Defunding the police department is not the answer -- in fact, defunding will exasperate the problem.

I am running for Congress to represent PA-5, which includes a large area of South Philadelphia just a few short blocks from where I grew up..  My opponent is Mary Gay Scanlon, a lawyer and lobbyist.  She talks, tweets, and marches – but offers nothing new, in terms of policy or plan.  She deals in identity politics and blames others – the police, the Republican party, the President—but doesn’t work hard on solutions to help  I choose a different approach.  We must listen, not talk.  We must be practical, not political.  We must build, not burn.