COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Academy of Music Broad and Locust Streets Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Monday, January 4, 2016 10:00 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN ALLAN DOMB COUNCILMAN DEREK S. GREEN COUNCILMAN WILLIAM K. GREENLEE COUNCILWOMAN HELEN GYM COUNCILMAN BOBBY HENON COUNCILMAN KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILMAN CURTIS JONES, JR. COUNCILMAN DAVID OH COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILWOMAN CHERELLE L. PARKER COUNCILWOMAN MARIA D. QUINONES-SANCHEZ COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN COUNCILMAN MARK SQUILLA COUNCILMAN AL TAUBENBERGER MICHAEL A. DECKER,
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the investiture of members of Council, the organization of City Council, the inauguration of the Honorable James F. Kenney as Mayor, and the investiture of members of the Judiciary, City Commissioners, Sheriff, and Register of Wills. We ask that you please turn off all pagers and cellular phones and please be patient. We will start in approximately five minutes. (Brief pause.)
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning and once again welcome to the investiture of members of Council, the organization of City Council, the inauguration of the Honorable James F. Kenney as Mayor, and the investiture of members of the Judiciary, City Commissioners, Sheriff, and Register of Wills. We ask that you please turn off all pagers and cellular phones for the remainder of the ceremony. Thank you. ask that you would rise and bow your heads for the invocation given by His Excellency, Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia. (All members and guests rise.) ARCHBISHOP CHAPUT: Samuel Adams, the political philosopher and one of our nation's founding fathers, once observed that a person is the truest friend of the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue. As citizens of the United States and this wonderful City of Philadelphia, we've inherited freedoms and opportunities that set a standard for much of the world. We have so very much to be grateful for as we begin a new year, and let us turn our hearts for a moment to the one God who made us and who sustains us with his love. Let us pray. Father in Heaven, Scripture teaches us that you formed us in the womb, you created us in your image, and you guarantee the dignity of each and every human being. Make us faithful stewards of the time you give us in this world. Help us to be builders and peacemakers. Help us to remember the poor and to protect the weak. Help us to reflect your light to the world and to show by our action that truth, integrity, and service still shape the purpose of American public life. Bless Mayor Kenney in his time of service, the members of our City Council, their families, and all the men and women who serve with them, and pour down your grace on all Philadelphians so that the renewal of this great city will begin and take root in the goodness and decency of its people. We ask this in your name as your sons and daughters, confident of your love. Amen. (Amen.)
We invite you to remain standing as the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, along with the Philadelphia Prison System Honor Guards, present the colors, while the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale leads us in singing the National Anthem. (Colors presented and National Anthem sung.) (Applause.)
At this time, please welcome City Council President, the Honorable Darrell L. Clarke, to the podium. (Applause.)
It is a great day. I'd just like to take this moment to welcome and thank everyone who has taken time out of their busy day to witness their government in action. It experience. I hope that you really enjoy yourselves, so much so that in four years you come back again. At this time, I'd like to acknowledge some special guests who are joining us today: Archbishop Charles Chaput, Reverend John Roberts, Reverend John Swope, Reverend Terrence Griffith, Rabbi Jill Maderer, former Governor Ed Rendell, former Mayor John Street, former Mayor William Green, former Mayor Wilson Goode, and Mayor Michael Nutter, the Honorable Sheila Woods-Skipper, the Honorable Rosalyn Robinson, the Honorable Kevin Dougherty, the Honorable Susan Gantman, the Honorable Marsha Neifield. And I also wish to acknowledge all the elected officials that are here today and to acknowledge my family who is here with me today. I just have to give a shout-out to them. (Applause.)
This being the day fixed by the Philadelphia the organization of Council of the City of Philadelphia, the hour has arrived, and we will now proceed with the organization of Council, the investiture of Councilmembers. The first order of business will be the election of a temporary chairperson. Nominations are now in order, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I nominate Councilman Bobby Henon.
Thank you. The Chair now recognizes Councilman Green.
Are there any other nominations? (No response.)
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Parker.
Thank you. All those in favor of the motion say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and the nominations are closed. There being no further nominations, all in favor of the election of Councilman Henon will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it, and Councilman Henon has been duly elected temporary chairperson. (Applause.)
Well, good morning and thank you. The first order of business, I appoint Mr. Michael Decker temporary Clerk. The next order of business is the filing of certificates of the election. The Clerk will call the roll. I direct the Clerk to call the roll, beginning with the Councilpersons-at-large in alphabetical order and then proceed with the District Councilpersons in the order of their districts, beginning with the First District. Clerk?
Councilman Henon, a quorum of the members-elect is present, my possession certificates of election from the County Board of Elections in Philadelphia, indicating their election on November 3rd, 2015 for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Thank you, Clerk. The investiture of members of City Council will now proceed. The members-elect will rise and take the oath of office, which will be administered by the Honorable Sheila Woods-Skipper, President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. (Applause.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Good morning. I would ask that all members who will be given the oath this morning please stand, place your left hands on the Bible, and raise your right hands. If you all could just repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause.)
The next order of business is the election of a President of City Council for the City of Philadelphia to serve for four years, commencing January 4th, 2016. Nominations are now in order, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Greenlee.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I proudly and with great honor nominate Darrell L. Clarke. (Applause.)
Thank you, Councilman. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilman Oh.
All those in favor will say aye. Those opposed, nay. There being no -- all aye? (Aye.)
There being no further nominations, those in favor of the election of the Honorable Darrell L. Clarke as President of City Council will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. However, the temporary Clerk will call the roll. Clerk?
The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. Councilman Clarke having been unanimously chosen by the members of City Council, I declare that Councilman Clarke is duly elected President of this Council body. (Standing ovation.)
A little anxious to come to the podium here, Council President. I appoint Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Councilman Greenlee, Councilman O'Neill, and Councilman Oh to escort Council President Clarke to the rostrum. Joining the President at the rostrum will be Nita Wroten and Helen Brown. The oath of office will be administered by the Honorable Rosalyn Robinson, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. You may proceed to the rostrum, please. (Applause.) ROBINSON: Council President, place your left hand on the Bible, raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE ROBINSON: Congratulations.
It is now my pleasure to present to you the President of City Council, the Honorable Darrell L. Clarke. (Applause.)
I'm sorry I was a little anxious. It's only my second time. Folks, I just want to say that it is a pleasure of having an opportunity to serve as the President of the City Council of Philadelphia. It is one of the best jobs in the City and one of the best jobs in the country. So I want to colleagues, all of my supporters, all of the wonderful staff that we have and the people that have given me this awesome opportunity. To my colleagues, some old friends and some new friends, it is my honor to continue serving the people of the City of Philadelphia as President of City Council. I want to thank you again for this privilege. Four years ago, as some of you may recall, I stood on this stage and I was a little nervous, it was my first time, I must admit, but I was extremely optimistic and extremely determined to do the business for the citizens of the City of Philadelphia, and as a result of that, I'd like to say I am so proud of this City Council, the people that I have worked with. And I know that I may rub some people the wrong way, but the last four years I've worked with what I believe to be the best City Council in the City of Philadelphia's history. (Applause.)
And that doesn't include the new members because you guys weren't here. So I'm sure you'll enhance that. But together we modernized property assessments, streamlined planning and development functions in an historic reinvention of municipal government, created the nation's largest Land Bank. Thank you, Councilwoman, for that awesome work. (Applause.)
We authorized an independent Water and Sewer Rate Board to protect consumers and strengthened regulations to make building, demolition, and construction safer. Councilman Jones, I want to thank you for chairing those hearings. (Applause.)
We an affordable future, and that is very important in today's times. Solicited citizen input and community sustainability initiatives at town halls throughout the City of Philadelphia and began working with stakeholders. And, Mayor Kenney, I want to thank you. That trip was awesome to Cincinnati. We look forward to expanding on that. And the last four years were extremely productive, and I'm particularly proud about the fact that we've worked together. And you look at the vote count and the number of our sessions and there were a lot of 17-0, 16-1's, 15-2's. And as a matter of fact, I tell my communications person that a press person actually called me and said, You know, you guys are boring. What do you mean? You're always together. I said, Well, you know, that's And I had to apologize for not having to fight on the floor of City Council. We didn't do that this term, right? Nobody threatened to throw anybody out of the window, right? A la Abscam, there wasn't a movie made after us. But we did some good work. But guess what? We still have so much more to do. In spite of the significant problems we tackled and milestones we reached, far too many issues remain unresolved. None of us here, especially those in this beautiful amphitheater, can feel good about being the most impoverished of the major U.S. cities. Nor can we feel good about unemployment in some of our neighborhoods, unemployment that actually reaches upwards of 40 to 50 percent in some of our communities. We cannot feel good about vacant lots and blighted conditions that still are a part of some neighborhoods' landscape. We have to fix Council made a significant proposal to ensure equitable growth throughout the City of Philadelphia, to make sure that every neighborhood, every neighborhood is a community of choice. And I want to thank my colleagues for working so diligently toward the goal of equitable communities that are inclusive of everyone regardless of who they are or how much they earn. I want to thank you guys so much for that great work. (Applause.)
Here in the City of Philadelphia, a city of working-class communities, that conversation begins and ends with affordability. For those of us who got knocked down during the recession, whether by job loss or lost savings, getting back to where we were has been difficult, has been extremely difficult. Young people are delaying homeownership. be homeowners are now renting. There are some significant challenges. And in spite, you do see market-rate housing in a lot of sections of the City of Philadelphia. And I want to thank Mayor Nutter for working with us to ensure that we have significant growth. But the simple reality is that most of our citizens cannot afford the cost of those new market-rate housing. So last term, City Council set out a goal to building 2,000 new affordable, workforce units on vacant land in gentrifying neighborhoods to make sure that everybody had an opportunity to live in these choice neighborhoods. We are already bucking a trend that is making other major cities less affordable and less inclusive. We will also be rolling out a comprehensive energy strategy to help homeowners, businesses, and our own City government to increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and create more than 10,000 the way. To the press, stay tuned for that. We know that a good quality of life is not just about having a place to live. Economic opportunity, giving people the ability to sustain themselves and their families and have real pride in earning a living, is critical to creating healthy communities. I'm talking about jobs, jobs, jobs. So to create new jobs, we will propose the following: A targeted and coordinated effort among the private, public, and non-profit sectors to secure an amendment to the Uniformity Clause in the Pennsylvania State Constitution, which will allow our city, for the first time in decades, to truly reform our tax structure. This isn't just about delivering tax relief for homeowners -(Applause.)
I know some Chamber people like that. This isn't just about tax homeowners, although that is definitely a laudable goal. This is about making targeted investments to stimulate the economic growth and the prosperity of our city. Two, we need to make sure that young people in the City of Philadelphia graduating from the Philadelphia public schools and other high schools are prepared to join the workforce. For some, that might mean moving on to college and maybe even grad school, but college, particularly with the insane costs and debt associated with it, is not for everyone. So what we want to do and have started those discussions, that we have been blessed to have world-class higher education institutions and teaching hospitals in the City of Philadelphia. Few cities can beat us in eds and meds. As a matter of fact, I'll go so far as to say we're the best. I know Boston is maybe a close second, but at the end of day, the City of Philadelphia has the best eds and meds. (Applause.)
So understanding that, understanding that, as we talk about the School District and some of the curriculum changes, while I understand that we are mandated to teach to the test, how about teaching to the job opportunity? (Applause.)
Wouldn't that be a novel idea? So as a result of that, we have had productive conversations with our major universities, including Penn, Drexel, and my personal favorite, Temple -- it's in my district -- about increasing partnerships with Philadelphia public schools. And I want to thank every college and university official who had looked me in the eye and told me they are committed to doing more for our young people. They're committed, and I'm Together, we must find a way to get more Philadelphia public school students on a path to tech, health, science jobs right here in the City of Philadelphia. That, by the way, is how you really address economic inequality - education plus opportunity. (Applause.)
Now, about our schools. It is beyond unconscionable that in this economic recovery the big banks, the corporations, the CEOs are doing better. They're doing real well, real well. But across the country, the simple reality is that school districts are starving. And this is not just morally wrong, it is also extremely counterproductive as it relates to our health and our long-term viability. We are competing with countries around the globe that don't just think twice about investing heavily in education. In the City of Philadelphia, democracy, we don't have enough teachers, nurses, counselors, books to give our kids a quality public education they need to become successful adults. (Applause.)
But today we have more reasons to be hopeful. We have a governor in Tom Wolf, who is here with us today -- Governor, where are you? (Standing ovation.)
All right, Gov. We still love you here in the City of Philadelphia. I don't know about any place else in the state, but we love you here. So I want to thank the Governor, who is insisting on a responsible spending plan that funds Pennsylvania schools in a responsible way. And we will -(Applause.)
And will, in just a few minutes, have a Mayor in Jim Kenney, a South Philadelphia guy -(Applause.)
-coming from a row home community, just like myself, who knows the importance of a well-rounded education not just for all kids, but especially for the most vulnerable kids, kids who are born into less than stable conditions and less than perfectly safe communities. So we look forward -(Applause.)
-to ensuring that opportunity, because all children deserve a quality education just as our own. Last November, our new Mayor and our new chief education officers and members of my staff, we visited Cincinnati. I'm going to go off script a little bit on this. was extremely exciting. We saw a school that had every opportunity in that school for healthcare. I mean, they literally had an eyeglass store in the school. It was awesome. And I got to tell you, I'm not easily impressed, but I was impressed. But the simple reality is for every city, you need to have a different business model, and in the City of Philadelphia, as we move towards adopting the community school model in a very aggressive way, the simple reality is, to some degree the challenges for that child are not just in the classroom. It's in the home. It's in the way to school. (Applause.)
It's all of the issues, the social issues, that surround that child's life. So what we say, we have to address the entire child. We can't simply just focus on the classroom. (Applause.)
So what we're talking about is creating community schools in an aggressive way. Mayor, I hope I'm not taking a part of your speech. I'm sorry, because I'm free-lancing. I get excited about this. When we talk about the things that people need in communities, we talk about we do not have a City Hall in every neighborhood, right? We do not have a library in every neighborhood, right? We do not have a hospital in every neighborhood. But guess what we have in every neighborhood? A school. So that school should be the focal point of every imaginable service that we can deliver to our citizens, and I think that approach will allow us to create the environment that will make every neighborhood a neighborhood of choice. (Applause.)
So I just want to say I'm extremely excited, obviously, about that potential. City Council has already started the process towards community schools, and we'll be talking about that in a little more aggressive pace, but I want to talk about one thing that has recently become a topic of discussion. Very shortly we will be making an announcement on significant reforms of our criminal justice system, right? (Applause.)
That is not sexy. People, okay, whatever. But the simple reality is that it affects your life if you pay taxes. It affects your life if you have a family member that has had a challenge. It affects your life if you happen to live in a neighborhood where crime continues to be a challenge. It will affect your life if you are a member of the City of Philadelphia. So with this reform, we will look at every opportunity, because we Philadelphian should live in fear of those sworn to protect and serve them, meaning the police, nor should any Philadelphian who has made a mistake and is remorseful and wants to turn their life around and become a productive citizen be denied opportunities to do so. (Applause.)
So to all of you and to my colleagues in particular, all of you, I want to thank you so much for the last four years, and I look forward to the next four years, because it is going to be a blast. So to all of you, I want to thank you so much for being here today. May God bless you. Thank you so much. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. Now it's time to get back to real business. The next order of business is the election of the Chief Clerk of the Nominations are now in order, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Squilla.
Thank you, Mr. President. I nominate Mr. Michael Decker.
The Chair thanks the gentleman, and the Chair now recognizes Councilman Domb.
Are there any additional nominations? (No response.)
Hearing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Bass.
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the nominations be closed. All those in favor of the motion will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion carries. There being no further nominations, all in favor of the election of Mr. Michael Decker as Chief Clerk of Council will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. However, the Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17; the nays are zero. Mr. Decker, having received a unanimous vote of the members of Council, I now declare Mr. Michael Decker duly elected Chief Clerk of the City Council (Applause.)
At this time, Councilman Greenlee and Councilwoman Blackwell will escort Mr. Decker to the rostrum. Judge Woods-Skipper will administer the oath of office to Mr. Decker. JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Mr. Decker, if you will place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations, Mr. Decker. At this time, I will name the officers of the City Council. Please be advised by a vote of the democratic members of Council, the Honorable Bobby Henon was elected Majority Leader, the -(Applause.)
The Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown was elected Majority Whip. (Applause.)
And the Honorable William Greenlee was elected Majority Deputy Whip of the City Council of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Also be advised that by a vote of the republican members of Council, the Honorable Brian J. O'Neill was elected Minority Leader. (Applause.)
And the Honorable David Oh was elected Minority Whip. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the introduction of a resolution government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, and the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer the following resolution.
Mr. Decker, would you please read that resolution.
A resolution to provide Rules for the Government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules, as set forth in this resolution, be adopted as the temporary rules of Council until the permanent rules are adopted.
Thank you. The Chair thanks the recognizes Councilwoman Gym.
Thank you. All in favor of the motion will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The rules contained in this resolution have been adopted temporarily. The resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The organization of the Council of the City of Philadelphia and the investiture of the City Council members are now complete, in accordance with the Rule Charter. (Applause.)
Council is now honored by the presence of John Roberts. I ask you all to please rise as I invite Reverend Roberts to lead us in prayer. (All members and guests rise.)
Let us all pray. Lord, thou has been our dwelling place in all generations, before the mountains were brought forth, forever thou has formed the earth and the world. Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Our Father, we just want to take time to thank you. Not only did you wake us up, but you helped us to get up. You blessed us with a portion of strength where we were able to bathe ourselves without any assistance. And then you brought us to this place on this morning, covering us with your divine protection. you would bless these great leaders of this great city. Bless our Council President. Thank you for the service that he's already rendered. We ask that you will continue to give him wisdom and knowledge and even a greater understanding that he might lead this great city, along with those that are in the office along with him working to make this city a greater city. We pray now for our children, that you will cover them in your divine protection. All lives matter. Bless us now and we shall be blessed. Heal us now and we shall be healed. For how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. We ask that you would be with us on today, and when we leave this place, let us continue to bind together to make this the greatest city in America. I believe we can do it. We trust and look to you, the author and finisher of our faith. Bless our Councilperson. Bless the President. Bless his family. Keep them safe from hurt, harm, and danger. Bless my good friend and President, Darrell Clarke. Touch his body, keep him strong physically, naturally, spiritually, with the wisdom of Solomon to lead this great city, along with our newly appointed and elected Mayor of this great city. And we ask this in thy name and for our sake we pray. And as always, Lord, I thank you for listening. And all God's people said amen. (Amen.) (Applause.)
Thank you, Reverend. Everyone please be seated. At time, I invite the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir to perform "I'll Say Yes." The choir is directed by Garland Waller. (Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir performs.) (Applause.)
Thank you. Extremely inspiring. Today we are also honored by the presence of Reverend John Swope. Before we proceed with the induction of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, I invite Reverend Swope to lead us in prayer.
We give thanks today for how this ceremony has been sprinkled with prayer and song. Good and Gracious God, we who gather today in prayerful recollection for the inauguration of our new Mayor, James Kenney, do so mindful that we are citizens of a great city that mirrors the rich pluralism and diversity of our people who come together out of multiple backgrounds, ethnic, racial, and religious, cultural and social, with varying interests, occupations, and matters of living. We ask that you continue to bless us as Philadelphians as we seek always to respect one another. Make of each of us a productive citizen, willing to collaborate together for the good of our city. Bless us with the fruits of your spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness - so that we may truly reflect in our lives what we know in our hearts, that we are all brothers and sisters of one another since we are all your children. On our Mayor-elect, James Kenney, who assumes his responsibilities to lead our great City of Philadelphia, we ask an outpouring of the gifts that are yours alone to give - wisdom and understanding, counsel and fortitude. in him dedication to the service of our great, diverse city, and may he always see us as willing to work with him. Impute Mayor-elect Kenney with the spirit of truth and grant him wisdom, insight, boldness to address the challenges confronting our historic city. Captivate his heart, Lord. Mold his ethos, Lord. Inspire his mind, and mentor him as he exercises the responsibilities of his office. May he be protected by the shield of your righteousness and be armed with the sword of your spirit. Set down even deeper in him, oh Lord, the sensitivity to the burdens that each of us bear. Make him even more attuned to that groaning that arises from the soul of our city, that groaning that calls out for justice in our time. May he seek ideals beyond what the eye can see and seek always the greater good. Finally, Almighty God, we ask brightness, gentleness, and mercy of your countenance shine upon this wonderful city. Each one of us, out of our various faith, traditions, and heritages, pray in your most holy name, and let us say together amen. (Amen.) (Applause.)
Thank you so much. We will now proceed with the induction of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. The Chair appoints Councilman Squilla, Councilwoman Bass, Councilwoman Quinones-Sanchez, and Councilman Johnson to escort the Honorable James F. Kenney, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, to the rostrum. (Standing ovation.)
The Chair also invites Brendan and Nora Kenney to join him at the rostrum. JUDGE DOUGHERTY: Place your left hand on the Bible, raise your right me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE DOUGHERTY: Congratulations, Mayor Kenney. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. The Chief Clerk will now read the certificate of election of the Honorable James F. Kenney as Mayor of the City of Philadelphia.
Jim Kenney, at an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly elected the Mayor of the City and County of Philadelphia for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January 2016.
The Honorable Kevin Dougherty, Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, will administer the oath of office to the Mayor.
The old saying, it was so nice, sometimes you twice. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, James Kenney. (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. Thank you so much. I can't tell you how humbling and what an honor it is to be standing in this wonderful room with all these people that I have known my whole life and have worked with and to have been sworn in, with my children holding the Bible, by a young man who just got elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, who lived -(Applause.)
-- who he and his brother lived about 100 yards from our home in South Philadelphia, with his brother John, and Kevin. We did pretty good, Kevin, don't you think? God bless America. And it's going to take me a little time getting used to not being in Council, because I voted three times during the course of the session. I kept on saying aye, and my daughter kept on looking at me like I was nuts. First, I want to thank my parents and my children for their support today and every day. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
I also want to thank the Council President and City Council for allowing me to be here today. This is, after all, your session and your reorganization. I look forward to working with you in the years to come on many important things. We will be partners in this endeavor, and we will show you the respect that you've earned as independent elected officials in getting the job done for all the citizens of this city. (Applause.)
I'd like to thank Governor Rendell, Mayor Street, Mayor Green, Mayor Goode, Mayor Nutter, and, importantly, all of our tremendous City workforce who help put this all together and who are working out in the street right now in every capacity to make our city run. I thank you for all your work. (Applause.)
I asked some of my predecessors for advice on the address I'm about to deliver, and above all else, they said to keep it brief, except for Mayor Street, who said as long as it takes. Admittedly, that's never really been a big problem for me. Back in February, I believe I sped-read what was supposed to be a 15-minute speech in about 60 seconds. So bear with me. We actually held that first campaign speech in the Mayor's Reception Room, and looking back, I guess it was a little presumptuous, but I wanted to launch our campaign there because it was the first time I was ever in City Hall, was when my mother took me to that very father promoted in the Fire Department. So that room has special meaning for me. (Applause.)
It was actually Mayor Rizzo who swore him in, which was an interesting process. From a pretty early age, I understood that dad didn't just work to support our family. He worked for all of Philadelphia's families. And that meant that sometimes he was even going to be required to put other families before his own. When you're a child, that kind of sacrifice seems normal. It's your reality. But looking back, I see how extraordinary the sacrifice was that both my parents made. During my dad's long hours at the firehouse, my mother raised all four of us while also working outside the home so that we could attend parochial school. When I went to the Prep, the Jesuits articulated my parents' "magis," which loosely translates to "doing more," doing more for others. At the end of the day, it was the Jesuits' teaching and my parents' selflessness that led me to this stage. Together they taught me that you could never truly be happy unless you're in service to others. (Applause.)
Over the last year, we articulated a lot of different ways that we believe our administration can serve the City - expanded pre-K, stronger neighborhood commercial corridors, community schools, and community policing. And while those policies cover a wide range of issues, they all come from one fundamental truth: government functions properly when it's accessible and accountable to the people it serves. (Applause.)
I learned that early days of government. I started my political career working in constituent services. It was my job to help folks get their water turned back on and to change the alley lights and to replace the basketball nets at the rec center. Thank you. Councilman Johnson is always recked out. And when you spend all day on the phone with people, you realize that when government just works as it's supposed to, it can dramatically change people's lives. For the one in four people in this city living in poverty, an effective public transportation system can make the difference of whether or not they can afford to go to that job interview. For a young family, affordable pre-K can make the difference of whether or not they can save for their children's college education. For an immigrant entrepreneur, a City Commerce their native language can make the difference between a business that succeeds and one that fails. Accordingly, the vision that will guide this administration is that City government should first and foremost deliver efficient, effective services to every single Philadelphian. (Applause.)
And that is regardless if they live in Northeast or Southwest or if they're a knew transplant or their family has lived here for generations. That may sound like a "back to basics" approach, but in reality, it is as large and difficult a goal as ever been announced on this stage. Providing efficient and effective services means that our government has to be ethical and open with taxpayers about the work they pay us to do. services means educating all our children where they live. (Applause.)
Our children should not have to get up before dawn and take three different buses to get to a good school. (Applause.)
But in order to make quality schools in every neighborhood a reality, we will need the private sector and our non-profit partners to come together with the City to create community schools, as Council President laid out very enthusiastically. Providing efficient and effective services also means that everyone feels that they can walk the streets safely and with dignity. But in order to make that a reality in Philadelphia, we will have to put aside our differences and acknowledge two things: that black lives do matter. (Applause.)
And that the overwhelming majority of our police are decent, hard-working public servants who risk their lives every day. (Applause.)
We need to give our police the tools to establish strong relationships with the community they are sworn to protect and serve. (Applause.)
Furthermore, providing efficient and effective services means that parents working two or three jobs should not live in poverty. (Applause.)
But in order to create a living wage economy, our large corporate banks will have to invest in our small neighborhood businesses. Our corporate suite executives will have to hire our returning citizens coming back in reentry. (Applause.)
And we will have to stop pitting the growth of blue-collar jobs of the poor against white-collar jobs in our hospitals and tech firms. We have to, we must do both. To achieve this vision, we will have to work together. Government simply cannot do it alone. We need our businesses, our non-profits, our universities, and everyday Philadelphians to come together and row in the same direction. That kind of unity may seem impossible to some, but there are so many Philadelphians that are already doing it. There are volunteer mentors who go to South Philadelphia High School every day to keep kids in school and off the streets. There are corporations that fund scholarships for our parochial students, like the Neumann-Goretti Women's Basketball Team, so that those young women could become not only national champions on the court, but also their families to go to college. (Applause.)
I can't see you out there, but I'd like the national champion women's basketball high school team to stand to be recognized. (Applause.)
And I just have one more thing to say to you: Squad. I love them. They're great. There are police officers who volunteer with PAL programs so that more of children's first interaction with police officers are positive and fun. And there are community activists who organize so that we all are forced to acknowledge and do something about injustice in our society. There are community development corporations that work with neighbors and developers to make sure that our city grows, but doesn't lose their oldest residents in the process of gentrification. (Applause.)
So to all those Philadelphians and all the rest who have entrusted me with this great responsibility, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I promise to serve you, to be accountable to you and, most importantly, to listen and to work with you so that we together as Philadelphians can make every single neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia the best that it can be. God bless you, and let's go to work. (Standing ovation.)
Get those pictures. Thank you. This is going to be good. Mr. Mayor, again, congratulations. I now -(Applause.)
I now invite Reverend Terrence Griffith to the City. (Applause.)
Let us pray. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou has brought us thus far on our way. We come today, God, on this auspicious occasion to say that without you, this day would not be possible. For this, we give you praise, honor, and glory. We pray, God, for our beloved city, a city forged from the love of liberty. And so we pray that every citizen from gentrified South, affluent Center City, to the poverty-ridden corridors of West and North Philadelphia, we will be equally liberated. We pray, God, that love would flow from heart to heart in the city whose name sprung from the root of brotherly love. We pray that on every block and on every street, each will be her man will be his brother's friend. We pray, God, for a city where mothers and fathers will not have to mourn for children shot down by stray or intentional bullets. We pray for a city where law enforcement and citizens are on the same page in a city where justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. Bless our city, Lord, and may we act like the mother city of America. And while I'm at it, God, I pray that you give us a championship next year. (Laughter.)
Help us to become that city where the tired and the poor, the dispossessed and the immigrant can find rest and relief. But ultimately we are looking for a city whose builder and maker is God, a city free of theme, a city free of death, a city where there will be one race, one creed, and one God. Thank you, God. And we are the praise, the honor, and the glory. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, we pray. Amen. (Amen.) (Applause.) (The Girard Academic Music Program Concert Choir performs.) (Applause.)
How about that, Girard Academic Music Choir. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair invites the newly elected officials to take the oath of office in the presence of Council, the Mayor, and other dignitaries. Would the Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania please rise to take the oath of office. The Clerk will read the certificate of election for the Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Mr. Decker.
At an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly elected Judge of the Superior Court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a ten-year term, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
The Honorable Susan Gantman, President Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, will administer the oath of office. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE GANTMAN: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations. The Chair now invites the Retention Judges of the Common Pleas Court to please rise and take the oath of office. The Clerk will read the certificates of election for the Judges Common Pleas.
At an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly retained Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County for a ten-year term, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Thank you. Judge Woods-Skipper will administer the oath of office. JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Judges, if you will place your Bibles in your left hand and raise your right hands and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Thank you, and congratulations. The Chair now invites the newly elected Judges of the Common Please Court to please rise and take the oath of office. The Clerk will read the certificates of elections for the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas.
At an election 3, 2015, you were duly elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County for a ten-year term, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Thank you, and congratulations. Judge Woods-Skipper will administer the oath of office. JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Judges will hold your Bibles in your left and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations. The Chair now invites the Retention Judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia to stand and take the oath of office. The Clerk will please read the certificates of election for the Municipal Court of Philadelphia.
At an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly Municipal Court of Philadelphia County for a six-year term, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Congratulations. Before the Retention Judges are sworn, the Honorable Woods-Skipper will administer the oath of office to the Honorable Marsha Neifield. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause. )
Now the Honorable Marsha Neifield, President Judge of the Municipal Court, will now administer the oath of office to the remaining Retention Judges of the Municipal Court. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE NEIFIELD: Congratulations. (Applause.)
invites the newly elected Judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia to stand and take the oath of office. The Clerk will please read the certificates of election for the newly elected Judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia.
At an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly elected Judge of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia County for a six-year term, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Judge Neifield will now administer the NEIFIELD: Place your Bibles in your left hand and raise your right hand. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE NEIFIELD: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations. The Chair now invites the City Commissioners to stand as their names are called. They are Anthony Clark, Lisa M. Deeley, and Al Schmidt. (Applause.)
The Chief Clerk will now read the certificates of election for the City Commissioners.
At an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly elected City Commissioners of the City and County of Philadelphia for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Thank you. Judge Woods-Skipper will administer the oath of office. JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: If you will place your left hand on your Bible, hold it in your left hand, and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Lisa, you have some pretty excited fans here. (Applause.)
invites the newly elected Sheriff of the City of Philadelphia, Jewell Williams, to stand and take the oath of office. (Applause.)
Mr. Decker, please read the certificate of election for the Sheriff.
Jewell Williams, at an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly elected Sheriff of the City and County of Philadelphia for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Judge Woods-Skipper. JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Sheriff, you will place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations, Sheriff. The Chair now invites Ronald R. Donatucci, Register of Wills, to stand to take the oath of office. Mr. Decker, please read the certificate of election. (Applause.)
Ronald R. Donatucci, at an election held November 3, 2015, you were duly elected Register of Wills of the City and County of Philadelphia for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2016.
Judge Woods-Skipper will administer the oath of office. JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WOODS-SKIPPER: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations. Democracy, you got to love it in the United States of America. For our final musical selection today, the Girard Academic Music Program Concert Choir will perform "You Raise Me Up." (The Girard Academic Music Program Concert Choir performs.) (Standing ovation.)
Thank you. That was truly lovely. As we conclude the ceremony, I want to thank the Inaugural Committee for their hard work for today's ceremony. I also want to thank our clergy members for being with us and offering their prayers -- and Lord knows, we need prayer -- for us and for our city. The Chair now invites Rabbi Jill Maderer to give a final benediction. And I'd ask that all members and guests please stand. (All members and guests rise.)
Today, we who call God many different names and we who choose not to call to God at all, we Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Philadelphians of diverse neighborhoods, races, sexual orientations, and languages, today we do not take for granted this peaceful transfer of power we call democracy. Grateful for the past leaders who have renewed our city and for the incoming leaders who are dedicated to the promise of our city's future, we rejoice in a Philadelphia whose murals open our hearts, whose culture stimulates our minds, whose food delights our palate, whose diversity inspires our souls, and whose history deepens our roots. This week the Jewish community read in our sacred text the story of Moses' call to leadership. Tending the flock in the wilderness, Moses notices the bush that burns, but is not consumed. he is standing on holy ground, God charges him to lead the Israelites, saying, "Now go, I am sending you." Humble yet courageous, strong yet compassionate, sensitive yet visionary, Moses heeds the call. He cares for and empowers the poor, uplifts the degraded, and sees dignity in the eyes of every human being. Holy One of Blessing, as we go forth from this investiture, we ask your blessing on Mayor Kenney, Council President Clarke, our Councilpersons, City Commissioners, Sheriff, Register of Wills, and members of the Judiciary. As they dedicate themselves to lead our city, to solve our common problems, and to lift up all Philadelphians, God, we ask you to fortify and inspire our leaders with humility and courage, strength and compassion, sensitivity and vision that they may care for and empower the poor, uplift the degraded, and see dignity in the eyes of every human being. fires, fires for justice and for mercy. Ignite within them fires that burn, but are not consumed, that their actions may bear witness to the holy ground on which we all stand. Amen. (Amen.) (Applause.)
Thank you all very much. We have one last bit of housekeeping. I would ask that our good Councilwoman, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown, make a motion for adjournment. Okay. Different scripts. Give me your script, Councilman. It's all good. May we please remain standing as the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments and Prison Guards now remove the colors. (The removal of colors.)
Would our visitors and guests please take your seat for the conclusion of our Council session. The Chair now recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that City Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 21st, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you. It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 21st, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. All those in favor say aye. (Aye.)
The it, and this Council stands adjourned until Thursday, January 21st, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Thank you all very much. (Applause.) (Stated Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.) CERTIFICATE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings, evidence and objections are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the foregoing matter, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same. MICHELE L. MURPHY RPR-Notary Public (The foregoing certification of this transcript does not apply to any reproduction of the same by any means, unless under the direct control and/or supervision of the certifying reporter.)