Newly elected State Senator Hughes looks to future

and Joshua Fineman While some see devastation in the neighborhoods of West Philadelphia as another example of urban blight, newly elected State Senator Vincent Hughes sees opportunity. Right across the street from his campaign headquarters at 46th and Market streets, Hughes is planning a $30 million development project that calls for 250 new homes and the creation of new jobs. Hughes, a Democrat of the seventh district, won with a resounding 80 percent of the vote, beating Republican candidate Michael Duncan and Libertarian candidate Thomas Brennan. He will fill the remainder of Congressman-elect Chaka Fattah's term. Just as the polls closed at 8 o'clock, Hughes, clad in a sportscoat and turtle-neck, strolled into his election headquarters at 4601 Market Street -- and was already greeted by his constituents as "State Senator." In his victory speech at the Hospital and Health Care Employee Union Hall in Center City, Hughes stressed that his victory was not only a personal victory, but also a victory for the people of the city. "We will do it," Hughes said in his victory speech. "We will make a difference. We are not going to the State Senate to watch." And Hughes, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, showed this commitment to his community by emphasizing the issues of empowerment, education, public safety and revitalization of city neighborhoods. Philadelphia residents proved their commitment to Hughes by putting in a 24-hour day campaigning. "We know he can relate to what our plight is because he comes from the same place," West Philadelphia resident Daryl Townsend said. Hughes, a former University library employee, said he is very enthusiastic about working with the "exciting and energized" University President Judith Rodin. He added that Rodin really knows about West Philadelphia because she grew up here. "I want to work closely with the University community to capitalize on the impact it can have on West Philadelphia," Hughes said. Many people interviewed, especially Hughes' campaign manager Willy Jordan, agreed that Hughes is a sincere, hard-working, hands-on person.