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.)