Philip Vecchio

Phillip Vecchio was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His career experience includes working as a carpenter. As of 2023, Vecchio was affiliated with the carpenter's union.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a father first and foremost. It is for my children that I must overcome my own past to fight for their future. I am a successful union carpenter now, but many years ago I was an incarcerated felon with more than just ties to organized crime. I grew up in a very different family you could say.

I have learned from my mistakes and I intend to give my last breath fighting for a future we can be proud to raise our children in. A world where we can breathe clean air, drink clean water and have the freedom to walk outside without fear of violence. I believe that crime and poverty go hand and hand, with the exception of the biggest crooks in the game - the ultra-wealthy stealing the wealth of our collective labor. It is my goal to provide a job guarantee and an affordable home to anyone that wants one. I'm talking about taking wealth from the top, wealth that we created, and bringing it back down to our level. No more trickle-down economics. It is time we rise up together ✊🏼

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Affordable Healthcare For AllJobs Guarantee with a living wageAddress wealth inequality by taxing the rich

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Destroying the corporate chains of unfettered capitalism.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Malcolm X, however, I'd like a happy ending.

He was a truly amazing human being all around.

He was incarcerated and after constantly educating himself he turned his life around to inspire millions of others.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I'm an atheist/agnostic that digs a lot of Jesus verses, in particular, those in regards to helping people.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Truth to one self.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

You just have to meet me.

I'm like nothing you have ever seen before.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To serve with total honesty to their constituents.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Everlasting change for good.

10,000 years from now I want people to still feel the effects of my policies, in a positive way.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

September 11th was probably the biggest.

I was in 7th grade science class watching the news unfold.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Grocery store bagger.

At 14 years old, I quit after the 3rd week because I didn't want to clean the bathroom without gloves and supplies.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Count of Monte Cristo

Probably because we shared a prison cell.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Batman

(Michael Keaton edition)

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Rob Zombie - Rock and Roll (in a black hole)

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Overcoming a potential life of crime to serving the greater good.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It can waste years and still accomplish nothing for regular people but does great for huge multinational corporations and arms manufacturers.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes and No.

I grew up in a political family and can tell you that most people that are entrenched in politics for years end up selling out the people they represent.

I'm here to change that.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Overcoming late stage capitalism and the downfall of global democracies, including our own.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No, 4 years.

Give US a chance to do something besides fundraise for reelection.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Yes please!

Tell the career politicians to get a real job.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Current United States Senator, Bernie Sanders.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The stories that hurt the most are the ones where people are dying from lack of healthcare and begging for money on GoFundMe. That cuts the deepest.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Let's keep it family friendly 😄

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Discretionary spending in the Defense budget for starters.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

To obliterate internal corruption.