-- that will revolutionize the election process in Philadelphia, and maybe we won't have to stay up until 4 o'clock in the morning to try and figure out who won. (Applause.)
Actually, Darrell Clarke, Councilman Clarke might also be interested in such a proposal. (Laughter.) (Applause.)
Councilman Clarke and I have been recently affectionately referred to as the "landslide brothers." (Laughter.)
Clearly, however, this year's Fiscal Capital Budget contains less funding for many departments than have those in recent years. There are several reasons for that. First, we are fast approaching our legal debt limit. This debt limit limits the MAYOR'S ANNUAL BUDGET MESSAGE amount of money we can borrow to fund our Capital Program. By the end of Fiscal Year 2000, we will only have $288 million left in our borrowing capacity. That capacity can only grow as we repay our old debt or as the assessed value of our real estate grows. We must develop strategies that will allows us to maintain a reasonably sized Capital Budget without incurring excessive levels of debt. We must live within our means, we must maintain our fiscal discipline. We must adopt balanced budgets that are a pre requisite to the stability and credibility of our Philadelphia government. The budget I propose today meets this crucial task. I'm excited and honored to have this opportunity to work with this Council and the citizens of Philadelphia to realize our vision for a better Philadelphia. In conclusion, I repeat the request that I made at the day of my inaugural address. I asked for your ideas and your energy, your cooperation and prayers so that Philadelphia in this new century will continue to grow and thrive SPEECHES and fulfill its destiny as a world-class city, a place of hope and opportunity for all our people, a better Philadelphia. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
Are there any speeches on the part of Minority? (No speeches on the part of the Minority.)
Are there any speeches on the part of the Majority? The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter. Councilman, before you start speaking, may I ask our guests to please leave in an orderly fashion. We're trying to conduct business. Thank you. Councilman Nutter?
Thank you, Madam President. Just a couple housekeeping items. First, I wanted to congratulate and welcome our two new colleagues for their first session in these chambers: Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. SPEECHES (Applause.)
Second, Madam Chair, for some people who come to the Council sessions or for others who may watch on the government channel, I would like to point out and express welcome to our Majority Whip, Councilwoman Marian Tasco, to this side of the room. We are pleased to have her. We lament the loss of Councilman Jim Kenney to the other side of the room but we know that Councilwoman Blackwell and Cohen and Krajewski and the others will take care of him over there and watch over him in his stay on the other side of the room. We look forward to a lively -
Moved to the left, the Councilman moved to the left. Let it be known that Councilman Kenney has moved to the left and that Councilwoman Tasco has moved to the right. SPEECHES We look forward to exciting sessions here in City Council. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. Are there any other speeches? The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to also welcome Councilwoman Brown and Councilman Goode. I want to say that last year, I won "The Rookie of the Year" honors. If either of you need tips as to how to win that this year, please feel free to give me a call. Thank you. (Laughter.)
Madam President, let me say that our new colleagues are on the proper side of the room. Thank you. (Applause.) ADJOURNMENT
Are there any other speeches on behalf of the Majority? (No response.)
Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco for a motion to make an adjournment.
Madam President, I move that this session of Council be adjourned. (Duly seconded.)
That this session be adjourned until Thursday, February 10th, the year 2000.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, February 10, 2000. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. Thank you all very much. ADJOURNMENT (Adjourned at 11:04 a.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, February 3, 2000, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter