PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A former member of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration is launching a bid for Philadelphia mayor, positioning herself ahead of next year’s election.<\/p>\n
Shania Bennett, 26, previously served as Parker’s Director of Youth Engagement before leaving the administration in May.<\/p>\n
Before that, she worked for state legislators and became one of the youngest committee members in city history for the 48th Ward at age 18.<\/p>\n
“I’ve just, I’ve done everything that adults have done just 10 years earlier,” Bennett said.<\/p>\n
Bennett has not yet released a detailed policy platform, but she said her priorities include addressing root causes of crime such as poverty, jobs and education, while also making it easier to do business in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
As she begins connecting with voters, Bennett said she hopes to engage younger residents through both traditional outreach and digital platforms.<\/p>\n
“When we talk about engagement and pulling people out in general, I look at social media as a tool. Social media does not equate to votes,” Bennett said.<\/p>\n
She said voter outreach must go beyond online engagement.<\/p>\n
“If you don’t engage, if we don’t find creative ways to meet people where they’re at during times, accessibility means nothing without being responsible,” Bennett said.<\/p>\n
The Philadelphia mayoral election is scheduled for next year, with the primary election set for May.<\/p>\n
Parker, Bennett’s former boss, has spent more than two decades in elected public office.<\/p>\n
Bennett is currently the first announced challenger to seek the city’s top office.<\/p>\n
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