Kenney on police firings, PAC contributions, SRC in WURD interview

Mayoral hopeful and former City Councilman Jim Kenney discussed the public versus charter school debate, commented on opponent state Sen. Anthony Williams' stance that police should be fired for offensive language, and addressed PAC money contributed to his campaign in his second interview on 900AM-WURD.

Speaking with host Solomon Jones, Kenney said that he is not anti-charter, but rather "pro-child, pro-education" and discussed how lack of proper resources to schools can be problematic.

"It all comes down to resources," he said. "When you pit one system against another, and the resources are tight, it becomes a tension." (Listen for that quote at the 2:17 mark).

When asked if he agrees with opponent Anthony Williams' platform that police officers who use offensive language should be fired from the force without arbitration, Kenney responded by saying that he did agree, but said that the issue settles around how to actually do that.

"I think hate speech is pernicious; it's terrible, it's evil," he said. "The N-word is a word historically that recounts our sinful past. Hurled at anyone [it] is offensive and evil and they should be fired."

"The issue is, how do you get rid of somebody like that and whether or not you can," he said, citing regulations in place such as Act 111 which provides arbitration. "I think you should try."

To also hear more on Kenney's response to PAC contributions to his campaign, his views on marijuana legalization, and what he would do to get around the School Reform Commission, listen here.

900AM-Wurd is one of several partners providing insight for voters through The Next Mayor project.