The 12th and 59th Democratic wards, both Germantown-based, will host a community forum on Jan. 13, with four of the candidates running for retiring U.S. Congressman Dwight Evans’ seat.

State Rep. Andre Carroll, who represents Germantown, will co-moderate the event alongside “two Germantown young people, Amber Jones, a freshman at Temple University, and Cavance Snaith, a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania,” said Patrick Jones, the 59th Democratic ward leader.

“Including younger voices was intentional and reflects a shared interest in engaging the next generation of civic leaders,” Jones told the Local. “What we’re most looking forward to is giving Germantown residents a substantive opportunity to hear from candidates with proven public service experience, compare their visions, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the future of the community.”

State Rep. Chris Rabb, Chestnut Hill resident Dr. Ala Stanford, state Sen. Sharif Street, and state Rep. Morgan Cephas will participate in the forum.

“The goal is informed civic engagement, done collaboratively and in a way that reflects Germantown’s values and priorities,” Jones said. “Participants were selected through a collaborative process. A proposed panel was developed based on candidates’ depth of public service, experience, and demonstrated capacity to govern, then reviewed and approved by the 59th Ward events committee, with coordination and discussion with 12th Ward leadership.”

He added, “Because petitions have not yet been submitted, there isn’t an official or comprehensive list of candidates, and access varies. The individuals invited are those with established public service records and existing accessibility, which allowed for timely outreach and confirmation.”

The event will be held at the Center in the Park, at 5818 Germantown Ave.

Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district encompasses about half of Philadelphia, mostly on the west side of Broad Street. Included in the district are Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, and Germantown.

As Germantown’s state-level representative, Carroll represents many of the constituents Evans’ successor will represent.

“I’m looking forward to my neighbors being able to have their issues and concerns heard by candidates that will have the opportunity to earn their vote in May, and being the one to ask the hard questions,” Carroll told the Local. “This is an open seat and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our district. Affordability is a huge issue right now.”

He added, “Prices at the gas station, at the market, and rent prices are soaring. We need to know how each one of them plans to go to Washington, D.C., and make life easier for my neighbors and I. The district I live in and serve has the third highest unemployment rate in the state. Now is not the time for promises delayed. We need promises delivered and delivered now.”

The Jan. 13 event begins at 6:30 p.m. at 5818 Germantown Ave. Anyone interested in submitting questions can scan the QR code on the poster.

Tommy Tucker can be reached at Tommy@Chestnuthilllocal.com.