Title
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
INVESTITURE OF CITY COUNCIL
ORGANIZATION OF CITY COUNCIL
INAUGURATION OF HONORABLE JOHN F. STREET, MAYOR
INVESTITURE OF MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY,
CLERK OF QUARTER SESSIONS COURT, CITY
COMMISSIONERS, REGISTER OF WILLS, SHERIFF, AND
JUDGES OF TRAFFIC COURT
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The Kimmel Center
for the Performing Arts
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Monday, January 5, 2004
10:00 a.m.
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PRESENT:
COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE L. BLACKWELL, Chair
COUNCILMAN DARRELL L. CLARKE
COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN
COUNCILMAN FRANK. J. DI CICCO
COUNCILMAN W. WILSON GOODE, JR.
COUNCILMAN JACK KELLY
COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY
COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI
COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO
COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER
COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER
COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL
COUNCILMAN JUAN RAMOS
COUNCILWOMAN BLONDELL REYNOLDS-BROWN
COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO
COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO
COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA
V A R A L L O INCORPORATED
Litigation Support Services
1835 Market Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(215) 561-2220
P R O C E E D I N G S
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ANNOUNCER: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the investiture to the Members of Council, the organization of City Council, the inauguration of the Honorable John F. Street as Mayor, and the investiture of members of the judiciary, Clerk of Quarter Sessions Court, City Commissioners, Register of Wills, Sheriff, and judges of Traffic Court.
We ask that you please turn off all pagers and cellular phones for the remainder of the ceremony. Thank you. We would like to acknowledge WPVI, Channel 6 for the live broadcast of this ceremony.
Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and bow your heads for the invocation given by His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
CARDINAL RIGALI: I am very pleased to participate today in the inauguration of Mayor Street and the investiture of the Members of City Council during these initial months as the new Archbishop of Philadelphia. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to raise our minds and hearts to God, and ask His blessings on the Mayor, City Council, the judges, and other public servants of this historic and beloved City, our City, The City of Philadelphia.
Dear friends, let us place ourselves in the presence of God and ask His help. God, our Creator and Father, look upon us all gathered together this morning.
We ask Your abundant blessings upon our Mayor and the Members of City Council, these public servants, who are committed to the well being of the City of Philadelphia, and to the harmony, peace, and advancement of all the citizens of this community.
We ask You to give these public servants a sharing in Your spirit. Make them generous, courageous, and creative in the important work entrusted to them. Let them work perseveringly and harmoniously, with unstinted honesty and integrity, to accomplish the lofty mission committed to them. May they always see the great dignity of their role and their empowerment for service to the whole community. May they work together in open and respectful collaboration with one another and with all others, always being inspired by the immense amount of good they can accomplish, always aiming to assist their fellow citizens, always professing the equality of human dignity of every brother and sister in the eyes of God. May their contribution to the City become a dynamic factor of our history. May their service recognize the primacy of God in society, and promote and advance God's plan for the unity and harmony of people of all races, all religious, and all ethnic backgrounds. We thank You, Almighty God, for the readiness and resolve of our Mayor and City Council and public officials to face the ever-present and developing challenges of our City, with its enormous needs. We thank You for their commitment to our people of all backgrounds, and for their willingness to serve generously and with personal effort because the cause is great. We ask You, Lord, to stir up new enthusiasm in all of us, to be conscious of the great calling of our City, to be a beacon of harmony and justice, a sign of truth and love in our nation.
We ask You, Lord, to give us all your peace, peace in our hearts and in our homes, peace in our neighborhoods, peace throughout this great and noble City of Philadelphia, peace as we work together for the well-being of all your people, our brothers and sisters, and for the glory of Your Holy Name. Amen. ANNOUNCER: And now, ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing as the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments present the colors, and the Pine Forge Academy Choir leads us in singing our National Anthem.
(Colors presented.)
(Singing of National Anthem.)
(Applause.)
ANNOUNCER: And now, ladies and gentlemen, please be seated, as we call to the podium City Council President Anna C. Verna.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much, and good morning.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural proceedings for the investiture of City Council Members, the inauguration of the Mayor, and the induction of the judiciary and elected officials.
I am delighted to recognize special guests joining us on stage today. And I would request that you refrain from applauding until all have been recognized. With us we have, as you know, His Eminence, Justin Cardinal Rigali; Bishop Ernest Morris; Rabbi Solomon Isaacson; former Mayor, Reverend W. Wilson Good, Sr.; Mrs. Carmella Rizzo, wife of the late Mayor Frank Rizzo; former Mayor William Green; members of the Philadelphia Congressional delegation: Chaka Fattah, Bob Brady and Joe Hoeffel; Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Russell Nigro; Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Sandra Shultz Newman; Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll; Auditor General Robert Casey, Jr.; State Treasurer Barbara Hafer; City Controller Jonathan Saidel; District Attorney Lynn Abraham; Chairman of the Republican City Committee, Michael Meehan; and Members of the Inaugural Committee.
Thank you all so very much for joining us.
(Applause.)
At this time I would like to acknowledge the First Lady of our City, Ms.
Naomi Post. And I would also like to recognize my husband, Sevy Verna.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: At this time I request COUNCILWOMAN Krajewski please make a presentation of flowers to Ms. Post.
(Flowers presented to Ms. Post.)
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: At this time the Philadelphia Boys Choir will sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
(Singing of Battle Hymn of the Republic.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Beautiful.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: I understand that we have two other elected officials with us who have not been recognized.
And at this time I would ask the Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Perzel, to please stand, along with State Representative Dwight Evans. Please stand to be recognized.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. This being the day fixed by the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter for the Organization of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the hour has arrived, and we will now proceed with the organization of Council and the investiture of Council Members.
Our first order of business will be the election of a temporary chairperson.
Nominations are now in order, and the Chair recognizes COUNCILWOMAN Miller.
COUNCILWOMAN MILLER: Thank you, Madam President. I nominate COUNCILWOMAN Blackwell.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair recognizes Councilman Clark. COUNCILMAN CLARK: Madam President, I second that nomination.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Are there any further nominations?
(No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Hearing none, the Chair recognizes COUNCILMAN DiCicco.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam President. move that the nominations be closed.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Madam President, I second the motion.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: All in favor of the motion will indicate by saying "aye."
(Chorus of "ayes.")
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Those
opposed?
(No response.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The ayes have it. And the nominations are closed.
There being no further nominations, all in favor of the election of
COUNCILWOMAN Blackwell as temporary chairperson will please say "aye."
(Chorus of "ayes.") COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Those opposed "nay." (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The ayes have it, and COUNCILWOMAN Blackwell has been duly elected temporary chairperson, and to her I relinquish this gavel.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. As the first order of business, I appoint Mrs. Patricia Rafferty temporary Clerk. The next order of business is the filing of the certificates of 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 to proceed with the district Councilpersons in order of their district, beginning with the First District.
THE CLERK: Mr. David Cohen?
COUNCILMAN COHEN: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. W. Wilson Goode, Jr.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Jack Kelly.
COUNCILMAN KELLY: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. James F. Kenney.
COUNCILMAN KENNEY: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Juan Ramos.
COUNCILMAN RAMOS: Present.
THE CLERK: Ms. Blondell Reynolds Brown.
COUNCILWOMAN REYNOLDS BROWN: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Frank Rizzo.
COUNCILMAN RIZZO: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Frank DiCicco.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Present.
THE CLERK: Mrs. Anna C. Verna.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Present.
THE CLERK: Mrs. Jannie Blackwell.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Michael A. Nutter.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Darrell Clarke.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE: Present.
THE CLERK: Ms. Joan Krajewski.
COUNCILWOMAN KRAJEWSKI: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Richard Mariano.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Present.
THE CLERK: Ms. Donna Miller.
COUNCILWOMAN MILLER: Present.
THE CLERK: Ms. Marian B. Tasco.
COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Present.
THE CLERK: Mr. Brian O'Neill.
COUNCILMAN O'NEILL: Present.
THE CLERK: COUNCILWOMAN Blackwell, a quorum of the members-elect is present, and I have in my possession certificates of election signed by Mary Colins, acting chairwoman, Margaret McKeown, acting Commissioner, and Eugene Maier, acting Commissioner, acting as the County Board of Elections in Philadelphia, indicating their election of November 4, 2003, for a term of
four years, commencing the first Monday of January, AD 2004.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The investiture of Members of Council will now
proceed. The members-elect will rise to take the oath of office, which will be administered by the Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson, PPRESIDENT JUDGE of the Court of Common Pleas.
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: Will each member about to be sworn place your left hand on the Bible, and raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I do solemnly swear. . .
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: I do solemnly swear. . . PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: . . .that I will
support, obey, and defend. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: . . .the
Constitution of the United States. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON:
. . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. . .
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: . . .the
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of
my office with fidelity.
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS: . . .and I will
discharge the duties of my office with
fidelity.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON:
Thank you.
(Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The next
order of business is the introduction of a
Resolution providing Rules for the
government of the Council of the City of
Philadelphia, and the Chair recognizes
COUNCILMAN Clarke. COUNCILMAN CLARKE: Thank you, Madam
Chair. I offer the following Resolution. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chief Clerk will read the title of the resolution.
THE CHIEF CLERK: A Resolution to provide for the government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair recognizes Councilman Clarke.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE: Madam Chair, move the adoption of the Resolution.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair thanks the gentleman.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano. COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Madam Chair, I second the motion.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: All in favor will say "aye".
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Yes.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I wish to speak on the Resolution.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: I don't know who's speaking.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Councilman Nutter.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Councilman Nutter, you wish to speak on the Resolution? The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, there has been limited opportunity and discussion about this particular Resolution.
In my previous three inaugurations, the Resolution providing for the Rules of Council have been offered on a temporary basis. I did not hear, when the Councilman made the offer of the Resolution, that that would be the case. That has been the practice in the past, and I have not. . . do not recall any discussion with regard to the Rules, that they will be adopted on a permanent basis. All of the Rules that I have previously indicate that they have automatically been referred to the Committee of the Whole, adopted temporarily by this Council. I think we're all aware that there have been a number of significant proposed changes to the Rules that we have operated under, at least for myself for 12 years and many other Members for the last 16 years. I would ask through the Chair, are the Rules being offered on a temporary basis or will there be discussion of the particular provisions which radically change the rules of governance of this Council that we have operated under for the last 16 years?
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair notes that at the previous Council, certainly at the last -- at our last investiture, we adopted temporary rules. But before that time -- And I've been here since the days of Frank Rizzo -- permanent rules were adopted at this session; they were distributed, as these
were, before then, with any changes noted. And when we came to the service of investiture today, those permanent rules were adopted.
COUNCILMAN COHEN: Madam President.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Mr. Cohen. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen. COUNCILMAN COHEN: I wanted to speak in support of the material spoken about by Councilman Nutter. Ever since 1988, this Council has adopted temporary rules, and nothing ever happened thereafter.
Each Member was entitled at any Meeting of City Council to introduce a Resolution calling for an amendment of the Rules, but none did.
This new set of Rules contains a number of changes. We have not had the opportunity to find out the basis for the changes, what motivated them, who felt wrongly treated by the old Rules, or what the cause is for the desirability of the new Rules. I think it would be timely and orderly to have discussions of the meaning of the changes, what they portend, why they're being presented. And the time is not present, when we have many guests here waiting anxiously for the investiture of their family members, either in the judiciary or the row offices.
Therefore, I would like to suggest that it would be very good if we followed the precedent that was set in 1988 and continuously followed thereafter, to have a temporary set of Rules so that we can have
a full discussion in the greater order of business. Thank you, Madam Chair.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. Thank you for your remarks, COUNCILMAN Cohen.
The Chair notes that when the Rules were changed previously, I would like to note that the late Lucien Blackwell changed those Rules. Rules were distributed before Council met, and were voted on.
I would also like to note that this Council met, during which time, in an unofficial capacity, since we know the official meeting is here and the official election of officers is here today. . . And the Chair notes that we met to deal with the Rules of Council, as well as the officers of Council, at a previous meeting, and that all those here voted. No, if there was no discussion, then obviously then there would have been a question about who voted.
The Chair notes that that meeting took place in the presence of the Members of City Council, in spite of the remarks that the gentleman makes this morning. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Madam Chair. COUNCILMAN KENNEY: Madam Chair. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Councilman DiCicco is next.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you,
Madam Chair.
You mentioned that a meeting took place, and I think you're referring to the meeting that was held in Council President Verna's office last Tuesday.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Councilman DiCicco, would you speak closer to your mike.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Thank you, Madam Chair.
You speak of a meeting that took place, and I suspect you're talking about the meeting that occurred in Council President's office last Tuesday.
I don't recall a vote being taken on
the Rules change. The only vote that I recall being taken were on the positions of the President, the Chairs, the minority leader of each party and majority and minority whips.
At that same meeting, many questions were being asked as to the reasons why the Rules were being changed. And my recollection -- I recall that there really was no answer to that given at the time. I also recall. . . I think it was Councilman Kenney, when he kept pressing the issue as to who was the author of these bills, why were they being changed -- We wanted to be able to at least go to either the Law Department, the Solicitor's Office, the tech staff and speak to those folks, whoever they were who made these Rules, because we had some technical issues. I believe it was Councilman Mariano who indicated at that time that the Rules actually were drafted by the Mayor. I haven't had any conversations with the Mayor since last Tuesday. So, I am not ready to vote on these Bills, and I would respectfully request that the motion -- I believe it's in the form of a motion of Councilman Nutter -- that these be adopted as temporary Rules. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair
will note that COUNCILMAN Kenney wanted to
make remarks before the Chair rules. COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Point of information, Madam Chairwoman. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Yes. COUNCILMAN Mariano.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: I'm sorry, Councilman . I didn't say the Mayor said it. I said I wrote it. I'm not the Mayor.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: COUNCILMAN . . .
COUNCILMAN , you're speaking --
(Laughter.) COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Through the Chair? Through the Chair, Councilman DiCicco. You just noted that I said that the Mayor wrote the Rules. And I said then and I say now, I did not write -- he did not write the Rules; I wrote them. COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Madam Chair,
the Councilman is somewhat correct. At one
point during that meeting --
VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Liar.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: At one point during that meeting --
VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Boo.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: -- he indicated that he wrote the Rules. And then, as he was questioned a little bit more, he said that each of the 11 people who were voting in favor of the Rules wrote a page.
I indicated there were 19 pages, so if 11 wrote, who wrote the other 8? e then said, well, I wrote 2 and some others wrote 2.
COUNCILMAN Kenney kept pressing because we knew that Councilman Mariano did not write the Rules. We understand that he didn't write them. He actually admitted it later, and then said, you want to know who wrote them? The guy on the second floor. And I know the guy on the second floor is
the Honorable Mayor, John Street. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: I was at
the meeting, sir, and I do not recall
anyone saying that the, quote unquote, guy
on the second floor --
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Well,
COUNCILMAN Mariano --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- wrote
the rules.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: -- and I always
have a problem --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- and I
was there.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: -- with who said what and when.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you.
(Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
COUNCILMAN KENNEY: Thank you, Madam Chair. I apologize for the weakness of my voice. I would like to reiterate Councilman Nutter's issues and Councilman Cohen's issues, relative to the fact that the number of questions that were asked were not answered, not only were not answered satisfactorily but were not answered at all. There were about five or six major points of contention, relative to the proposed changes in the Rules. And those questions -- There were issues raised as a result of what would happen in certain scenarios. None of those answers were given satisfactorily to me, and in some cases answers were refused to be given at all. Again, I would urge that we adopt temporary Rules and have a full-blown discussion in public, with the public in attendance, at our Committee of the Whole, to discuss each and every one of these proposed changes. They are significant changes that will change the composition of Council totally, and will change Council's role in the running of this government. It will allow the minority party in the City to have a role in picking chairmen, Democratic chairmen of committees. It will allow the minority
party in the City to pick members of committees. Even the United States Congress, the House of Representatives, and the Senate of Pennsylvania, Republicans do not pick committee chairs. They pick chair people of their own party. There's this and a number of issues that we need to discuss, and it really needs to be discussed in a forum where the public can come and hear and have an opinion expressed. So I would respectfully reiterate that point.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you, Councilman.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I do support the fact that we need to have further discussion about these Rules. The first meeting we had when the Rules were presented, we were told there were 11 votes for it. And there was no discussion. Attempts were made to have a discussion about the Rules, and the extent to which they would have an impact on this City. And particularly, I care about what happens to my District. And there was no substantive discussion about why the major, drastic changes were being made to these Rules. I've been on this Council since 1988. We have operated under the same Rules. It seems to me that the Rules have been proposed to change behavior, not to provide a Democratic process for us to execute our duties. So, I would call for an opportunity to have full disclosure, because it not only impacts the Rules of the operations of this Council, but how it impacts on all the people who live in the City of Philadelphia, because how we conduct our business serves as a way we end up dealing with legislation that impacts on us all in the City of Philadelphia. They should not be done in the dark of night, without full discussion, and without full disclosure. (Applause and cheers.)
COUNCILWOMAN LACKWELL: The Chair thanks the COUNCILWOMAN for her remarks.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: Point of order. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair likewise notes there is a point of order. Councilman Goode, point of order.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: Thank you, Madam Chair. I believe Councilman Clarke made a motion that was seconded by Councilman Mariano. I move for the previous question.
VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Shame, Wilson; shame.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: All in favor?
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair,
point of order.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Point of order. COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I would move
for a ten-minute recess.
(Laughter.)
VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Shame, Wilson; shame. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair does not wish that we have a ten-minute recess. We have a motion on the floor. We have been moved the previous question.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I understand that.
VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Shame.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chairman. . .
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: And the Chair will say all in favor -- COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chairman. . .
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- of the motion will say "aye."
VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Shame.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair, I would point out that the motion for a temporary recess takes precedence over the previous question motion.
It is merely to give us an opportunity possibly to resolve this particular matter in as dignified a fashion as possible. We do not wish to delay these
proceedings.
(Applause.)
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I do not wish to delay these proceedings.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: We will
call --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: COUNCILMAN Cohen is absolutely correct.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair rules that we will call for a call.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I do not have a copy, Madam Chair. . . For instance, I do not have a copy of the final Rules.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair rules --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I do not have a copy of the Resolution that was introduced.
The motion that I made takes precedence over the other motions on the floor, Madam Chair. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair then will call for a vote with regard to your request for a ten-minute recess. And the Chair will ask THE CLERK to take the vote. Thank you.
VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Disgraceful.
THE CLERK: COUNCILWOMAN Blackwell. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman Clarke.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE: No.
THE CLERK: COUNCILMAN Cohen.
COUNCILMAN COHEN: Aye.
THE CLERK: COUNCILMAN DiCicco.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
THE CLERK: COUNCILMAN Goode.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman Kelly
COUNCILMAN KELLY: Aye. I'm sorry. No. (Laughter and applause.)
COUNCILMAN KELLY: First day on the job. This is the first day.
THE CLERK: COUNCILMAN Kelly?
COUNCILMAN KELLY: No. THE CLERK: Councilman Kenney.
COUNCILMAN KENNEY: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Krajewski. COUNCILWOMAN KRAJEWSKI: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman Mariano.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: No.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Miller. COUNCILWOMAN MILLER: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman Nutter.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman O'Neill.
COUNCILMAN O'NEILL: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman Ramos.
COUNCILMAN RAMOS: No.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown.
COUNCILWOMAN REYNOLDS-BROWN: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman Rizzo.
COUNCILMAN RIZZO: No.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Tasco. COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Council President Verna. COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Aye.
THE CLERK: The nos are 11, the ayes are 6. (Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. As has been read; therefore, the motion fails. COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The motion
fails.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: -- I appreciate
the vote.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Therefore, we have a question on the floor with regard to the adoption of temporary Rules. And again, the Chair will ask THE CLERK to call the roll.
THE CLERK: COUNCILWOMAN Blackwell.
COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Point of order. What are we voting on?
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Let me correct myself. We are now voting on permanent Rules for the City Council. Again, we will ask THE CLERK to call the roll.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair, I'd like to ask through the Chair at least one question prior to the vote.
There is a technical issue on Page 2
of the Rules that were handed out at the last meeting.
VOICES IN THE AUDIENCE: Boo.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: May the Chair --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Are we to understand --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: May the Chair note that the COUNCILMAN just said you didn't discuss them, and now you want to refer to a specific page and section.
(Applause.) COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair. . .
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair notes -- COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair. . . COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- there was full discussion --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair, I did not say that there was no discussion. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair
has been around every day, and not --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- taken
one day off. COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: No
holidays. The Chair has been there --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- and
there has been full discussion.
(Applause.)
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I've been at the office every day as well, Madam Chair.
(Applause and cheers.) COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair, it just seems --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The vote is what it is, sir.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair, I seek to ask a question with regard to the change in the provision regarding removal of the President.
The change is that our Rules were changed from a term --
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: And I believe you asked this question --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: -- serving at the majority.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- at that meeting, but we are happy to entertain it again. COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I was at that meeting. The questioned was not answered, Madam Chair.
(Applause.)
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: The questioned was not answered, Madam Chair, at that meeting.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: I think it was, sir.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I would only wish to ask the question if there is an explanation as to why the change is being made from a full term for the Council
President to serving at the will of the majority. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Let me say, sir, that the Rules are written before you. Certainly, this is not a forum, and this is not a place where we question --
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- the whole Constitution, the City Charter, the Rules of Council. They are written, and it is our job and our responsibility to formally vote on them today. COUNCILMAN NUTTER: I did with respect to the Chair.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: We have moved to the previous question --
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: This would be the appropriate forum.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: -- by COUNCILMAN Rick Mariano.
And again, the Chair recognizes the Clerk to call the roll.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Thank you, Madam
Chair.
(Applause.)
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Blackwell. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Clarke.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Cohen.
COUNCILMAN COHEN: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman DiCicco.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman Goode.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Kelly.
COUNCILMAN KELLY: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Kenney.
COUNCILMAN KENNEY: No.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Krajewski.
COUNCILWOMAN KRAJEWSKI: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Mariano.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Miller.
COUNCILWOMAN MILLER: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Nutter.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: No.
THE CLERK: Councilman O'Neill.
COUNCILMAN O'NEILL: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Ramos.
COUNCILMAN RAMOS: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. COUNCILWOMAN REYNOLDS BROWN: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Rizzo.
COUNCILMAN RIZZO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Tasco. COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: No.
THE CLERK: Council President Verna. COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: No.
THE CLERK: The ayes are 11; the nays are 6.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: All of council having voted, the Resolutions for City Council pass.
(Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The next order of business is the election of a President of City Council.
Nominations are now in order. The Chair recognizes -- And let the Chair take the prerogative of saying, I doubt we'll have debate on this issue, as we did on the last. And we had this discussion at the same meeting we referred to earlier. (Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Excuse that little aside that I just couldn't resist saying. Nominations are now in order.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Thank you, Madam Chair. At this time I proudly and with great honor nominate Anna C. Verna for President.
(Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. At this time the Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
COUNCILMAN COHEN: Madam Chair, I second the nomination.
(Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Are there further nominations?
COUNCILMAN COHEN: Yes.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Councilman Cohen, you have another nomination?
COUNCILMAN COHEN: No, there are no
other nominations.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. Hearing none, the Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill. COUNCILMAN O'NEILL: Madam Chair, I move the nominations be closed.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Madam Chair, I second the motion.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: All in favor will say "aye."
(Chorus of "ayes.")
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Opposed?
VOICE: Nay.
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The Chair notes there is. . . There being no further nominations. . . VOICE IN THE AUDIENCE: Boo. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: . . .with a majority of Members having voted.
The Chair also notes that we have one nay vote and we have 16 aye votes.
The temporary Clerk will still call the roll. THE CLERK: Councilwoman Blackwell. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Clarke.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Cohen.
COUNCILMAN COHEN: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman DiCicco.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Goode.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Kelly.
COUNCILMAN KELLY: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Kenney.
COUNCILMAN KENNEY: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Krajewski. COUNCILWOMAN KRAJEWSKI: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Mariano.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: No.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Miller. COUNCILWOMAN MILLER: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Nutter.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman O'Neill.
COUNCILMAN O'NEILL: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Ramos.
COUNCILMAN RAMOS: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. COUNCILWOMAN REYNOLDS BROWN: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Rizzo.
COUNCILMAN RIZZO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Tasco.
COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Aye.
THE CLERK: COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Aye.
THE CLERK: The ayes are 16; the nays are 1.
(Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: The ayes are 16; the nays are 1.
Councilwoman Verna, having been duly chosen by the Members of Council, I declare that COUNCILWOMAN Anna Verna is the duly elected President of this body.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: I appoint Councilman Kenney, COUNCILMAN Nutter, Councilman Rizzo and COUNCILWOMAN Tasco to escort COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA to the rostrum. Joining her will be her husband,
Sevy Verna. Judge Frederica Massiah-Jackson will administer the oath to President Verna. (Applause.)
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: Please repeat after me. I do solemnly swear. . .
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: I do solemnly swear. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON:
. . .the Constitution of the United States. . . COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: . . .the
Constitution of the United States. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON:. . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: . . .and the
Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: . . .and I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: Thank you.
(Applause.)
COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: It is my pleasure to present to you the President of City Council, the Honorable Anna C. Verna.
(Applause and clears.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you very much. Thank you.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. Thank you.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. (Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you all so very much. Thank you. Thank you.
Good morning. And again, thank you for joining us on this very important occasion. We are here because the good citizens of Philadelphia elected us. And today we take an oath to perform the duties of our offices with fidelity. To the clergy, we ask for your continued prayers for our City and its leaders. To the family and friends of those elected, we especially thank you for your support and guidance, because it is you who make the greatest sacrifice. And finally, I offer a special acknowledgment to my husband Sevy.
(Applause.)
Sev, you have really have provided me with support and encouragement not periodically but daily, not for a short time but for a lifetime. And I thank you.
MR. VERNA: Thank you.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: This morning, we continue a tradition that dates back three centuries. Our venue has changed to this beautiful new Kimmel Center. But what remains unchanged is our commitment to representative government. It is common to use the individual pronoun I, me, and mine in describing our mission as elected officials.
However, nothing. . . nothing could be further from the truth. Elected officials don't belong to -- Elective offices don't belong to individuals. Individuals hold them in trust for the common good. In 1951 in Philadelphia we adopted a Home Rule Charter, that guides us today, as it has for the past half century. The Charter's message is quite clear and simple. It says there are three branches of government.
A few moments ago the Members of City Council took an oath of office to act as an independent branch of government, ideally working in partnership with the Mayor for the common good, while exercising our own judgments on what is best for the City.
To my colleagues I say, it is our bound duty to preserve the integrity and independence of this Council. We owe it to the citizens who elected us and the framers of the Charter, who saw the need and wisdom in granting us this sacred trust. Today Philadelphia faces many challenges. We have a responsibility to this generation and future generations to improve our schools, our neighborhoods, and our economy.
Public education problems are not unique to Philadelphia. Every urban city is grappling with the same issues.
However, the response of Philadelphia has, indeed, been unique. We supported an unprecedented change to the status quo in public education, and the governance of our schools has been radically transformed.
As a result, in 2002 City Council appropriated an additional $45 million grant from our General Fund in perpetuity, tremendously increasing the City's annual financial commitment to the School District.
This Council will continue to take revolutionary steps to improve the public education of Philadelphia's children.
We must also continue to rebuild our neighborhoods, remembering revitalization depends on the support of hard-working residents, shaping the future of their communities.
We stand here today secure in the knowledge that our successes are only a reflection of the community organizations we represent.
In addition to focusing on our residential communities, we must be aware of our business community.
The businesses in this City and their employees are much more than contributors to our tax base. They are an integral part of the fabric of Philadelphia.
Their needs are our needs, and we must listen to them. We must take greater advantage of our strategic location in the Northeastern United States. Our message must be: Philadelphia is a prime place for business. While recruiting new business, we must retain those companies that have called Philadelphia their home for generations. I am truly excited about the businesses that have chosen to locate in the revitalized neighborhoods. It is imperative to encourage the effort and enterprise of those who want to establish business in Philadelphia.
Although we face fiscal constraints, it will be more detrimental to our City to ignore the realities of a local economy.
As members of City Council, we enact legislation to serve the best interests of our citizens. Legislation may be the subject of great debate, as you can see, but the final objective must always be a better Philadelphia, a better Philadelphia.
I am confident. . .
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: I am confident that we are united in this goal.
It is within our reach, with the help of God, and the collaboration of each other.
May God bless Philadelphia. Thank you very much.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. If I may. . . I also -- And I'm so sorry, Senator. Senator Tina Tartaglione is also joining us, and we welcome her. Welcome.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you.
The next order of business is the election of the Chief Clerk of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
Nominations are now in order, and the Chair recognizes Councilman Goode.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: Thank you, Madam President. I nominate Mrs. Patricia Rafferty.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair now recognizes COUNCILMAN Rizzo.
COUNCILMAN RIZZO: Madam President, I second the nomination.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Are there any further nominations?
(No response.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Hearing none, the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown. COUNCILWOMAN REYNOLDS-BROWN: Thank you, Madam President.
I move the nominations be closed. COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
COUNCILMAN KENNEY: Madam President, I second the motion.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the nominations be closed.
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying "aye."
(Chorus of "ayes.")
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Those opposed "nay." (No response.) COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The ayes have it, and the motion is carried. There being no further nominations, all in favor of the election of Mrs. Patricia Rafferty as Chief Clerk of Council will please say "aye."
(Chorus of "ayes.")
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Those opposed "nay."
(No response.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The ayes have it. However, THE CLERK will please call the roll.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Blackwell. COUNCILWOMAN BLACKWELL: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Clarke.
COUNCILMAN CLARKE: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Cohen.
COUNCILMAN COHEN: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman DiCicco.
COUNCILMAN DiCICCO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Goode.
COUNCILMAN GOODE: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Kelly.
COUNCILMAN KELLY: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Kenney.
COUNCILMAN KENNEY: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Krajewski. COUNCILWOMAN KRAJEWSKI: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Mariano.
COUNCILMAN MARIANO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Miller. COUNCILWOMAN MILLER: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Nutter.
COUNCILMAN NUTTER: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman O'Neill.
COUNCILMAN O'NEILL: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Ramos.
COUNCILMAN RAMOS: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. COUNCILWOMAN REYNOLDS BROWN: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilman Rizzo.
COUNCILMAN RIZZO: Aye.
THE CLERK: Councilwoman Tasco.
COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Aye.
THE CLERK: COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Aye.
THE CLERK: The ayes are 17; the nays zero.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The ayes
are 17; the nays are zero. (Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Mrs. Rafferty, having received a unanimous vote
of the Members of Council --
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: -- I now
declare Mrs. Rafferty as our Chief Clerk. Council Members Kelly and Ramos will
escort Mrs. Rafferty to the rostrum. Judge
Massiah-Jackson will administer the oath of
office to Mrs. Rafferty. PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON:
Repeat after me. I do solemnly swear. . . MRS. RAFFERTY (CHIEF CLERK): I do solemnly swear. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
MRS. RAFFERTY (CHIEF CLERK): . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
MRS. RAFFERTY (CHIEF CLERK): . . .the
Constitution of the United States. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . MRS. RAFFERTY (CHIEF CLERK): . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania . . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . . .
MRS. RAFFERTY (CHIEF CLERK): . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . . MRS. RAFFERTY (CHIEF CLERK): . . .and I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .with fidelity.
MRS. RAFFERTY (CHIEF CLERK): . . .with fidelity.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Please be advised that at a meeting of the Democratic Members of Council, the Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell was elected majority leader and the Honorable Marian B. Tasco was elected majority whip of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Also be advised that at a meeting of the Republican members of the Council, the Honorable Brian J. O'Neill was elected minority leader of the Council of the City Philadelphia, and the Honorable Frank Rizzo was elected minority whip of the City Council of Philadelphia.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The organization of the Council of the City of Philadelphia and the investiture of the City Council Members are complete, in accordance with the provisions of the Home Rule Charter.
The Council is honored by the presence of Bishop Ernest Morris, President of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. I ask you to please rise, as I invite Bishop Morris to lead us in prayer. BISHOP MORRIS: God is smart. What a very fitting time for prayer.
May I say good morning to each and every one of us and to our fine Mayor, John Street; and to our President of City Council, Anna Verna; and to our City Council Members; to our judges; to our elected officials.
If you bow your heads in prayer before us this morning, to say, good morning, Father. We your children want to thank you for the gift of life. May we thank you also for the blessings of living in this section of the world, the United States of America.
We acknowledge that all good and blessed gifts come down from you. We thank you for this day. We thank you for this occasion. We thank you for the men and women who have been placed in leadership of our City: Our Mayor, John Street; President of the City Council, Anna Verna; the City Council Members; the judges; and the other City officials.
We pray that you will continue to endow them with mortal strength, the power of integrity. May they continue the dignity of their office, representing our City as our elected officials. Give to them continued wisdom, as they deal with the complex problems of public safety, restoring poor and downtrodden communities, homelessness, employment, joblessness, education, better schools, health, and safety issues.
Continue to give to them the compassion for fairness for all the neighborhoods. Give to them the cooperation of other City and state officials and the citizenry.
We pray for their health, a special prayer for their families, their strength, as you guide them through these years ahead.
We, the citizens of this great City of Philadelphia, pledge our full cooperation in helping to make our City a better city, a City whose future is bright and wholesome in raising our children to work, to play, and to live.
May you continue blessings upon our great Mayor, our highest elected official. Lead, guard, and direct him. Be to him the kind of God that would encourage him to be the kind of servant of the people of this City that will bring honor not just to the citizens of Philadelphia but honor to your precious name. Bless him, and do for him what you did for the old patriarch Abraham. Make him a blessing to your people. We pray that from this day, this memorial day of this session, that each one of these elected officials will be the kind of servants that every citizen of this City will be proud that they have elected them.
We ask these blessings in the greatest name, the blessed name of the savior of this world, Christ Jesus. Amen.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Amen. Thank you, Bishop Morris.
Will everyone please be seated.
At this time I invite the Philadelphia Boys Choir to perform America the Beautiful. (Singing of America the Beautiful.)
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Magnificent. (Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Aren't they wonderful?
FOR FULL TEXT OF INAUGURAL PROCEEDINGS, PLEASE SEE ORIGINAL 1/5/04 TRANSCRIPT, CHIEF CLERK'S OFFICE, ROOM 402, CITY HALL.
Body
We will now proceed with the induction of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia.
The Chair appoints Councilwoman Miller, Councilwoman Krajewski, Councilman O'Neill, and Councilman Clarke to escort the Honorable John F. Street, Mayor-elect of the City of Philadelphia, to the rostrum. The Chair also invites Mayor-elect Street's wife, Naomi Post, to join him at the rostrum. May we have an escort.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chief Clerk will read the certificate of electon of the Honorable John F. Street as Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. THE CLERK: John F. Street, at an election held November 4, 2003, 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, AD 2004.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. The Honorable Russell Nigro, Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will administer the oath of office to the Mayor.
JUSTICE NIGRO: I, John F. Street. . .
MAYOR STREET: I, John F. Street. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .do solemnly swear. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .do solemnly swear. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
MAYOR STREET: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .and that I will discharge. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .and that I will discharge.
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .the duties of my office. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .and I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .as the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .as the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .to the best of my ability. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .to the best of my ability. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .and with fidelity. . .
MAYOR STREET: . . .and with fidelity. . .
JUSTICE NIGRO: . . .so help me God.
MAYOR STREET: . . .so help me God.
(Applause.)
JUSTICE NIGRO: Congratulations.
(Standing ovation.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Members of City Council, Reverend Clergy, elected officials, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I have the distinct honor to present to you His Honor, the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, the Honorable John F. Street.
(Applause.)
(Standing ovation.)
MAYOR STREET: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Thank you. Thank you so much. At this time I have a surprise announcement to make: I'm having a great day.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: I'm having a great day, and I have no complaints. Before I proceed with my formal remarks, which are prepared -- And they needed to be prepared because you'd be here forever -- I'd like to mention just a couple of folks who are not with us here today that were very special to me. For the first time in my political career, I will not have with me Councilman Thatcher Longstreth.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: COUNCILMAN and Congressman Lou Blackwell.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Civic leader and good friend, entrepreneur, Bill Rouse. They're not here today. (Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: There are others, but in my mind these three men stand out as huge, huge shoes that we have to follow, fill, and really raise the bar on the challenge that we have before us, going into this new term.
I also want to mention a couple of people that are not with us, because they are ill. Carol Campbell is not here. We wish her the best. We know that she's doing her best. But she has just been a wonderful, wonderful source of inspiration, and a huge part of our great Democratic party. And we miss her. And I wanted to mention her at this time.
here are two other people who are not here who may not even have been expected to be here.
They are two police officers who were injured recently in the line of duty, and find themselves hospitalized as a result of their efforts to protect the people of this City.
That's Police Officer Cheryl Butler up in the Temple University Hospital. Cheryl, I know you're out there. I'll be by. I'm checking you out. And then there is Police Officer Ray Plymouth. And Ray is recovering, but his recovery is slow. And I know his mom and his wife are there, along with other members of the family. We want you to know that we will keep you in our prayers and we will be there for you because you represent the very best that this City has and does to protect its citizens. I also want to thank a couple of other people who are here, not the least of which is my cousin Earl, who's 95 years old, who I found out was following this election from day one. Cousin Earl, thank you for coming.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: And then there are a number of other distinguished guests that are here, all the members of the judiciary that are here. We thank them for coming.
The Council President has noted most of them by name, and so I won't repeat all their names. But we really do appreciate the work that our great legislative leaders -- I mean our great judicial leaders do for us, because we as a democracy would be a little less efficient, a little less fair if we didn't have a judicial branch of government to run to to protect our rights and to protect our interests. And so we thank all of them.
Of course, it's a very special thanks to all of the Members of the General Assembly who are here and the other political leadership that's here. I saw our Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Perzel, is here. Thank you, Speaker Perzel.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: We know you have a great responsibility in Harrisburg.
And I was so delighted that two former mayors could show up on a great day like this, Mayor Green and Mayor Goode.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: They may actually be the only two people in this room that know precisely how I feel today.
And it's interesting to note that. . . And I point this out because Mayor Green was the Mayor of this City and got sworn in right here in this City when I got sworn in as a Council Member 24 years ago. And at the time when Mayor Green was sworn into office shortly thereafter, he appointed Mayor Goode his Managing Director, my recollection is, and then the Managing Director became the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia.
And as life would have it, two of the important members of the Green Administration are Cabinet Members in the Street Administration: Phil Goldsmith, our Managing Director and George Burrell, who is our Secretary of External Affairs. (Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: And so you see, in some ways life is a big circle, and that we do depend on the continuity of leadership literally from one generation to the next, from one administration to the next, as we are going to experience the great benefits of this democracy.
And so I thank all of them for coming, and I of course thank all of you for coming because without your support and without your considerable vote on November 4th, I certainly would not be here.
And so, I wanted to congratulate all the elected officials who have taken the oath of office today: The Members of City Council; retention and newly elected judges; the Register of Wills, Ron Donatucci; Sheriff John Green; and Clerk of Quarter Sessions Vivian Miller.
I'm pleased to welcome Councilman Jack Kelly back to the City Council of Philadelphia.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: And I'm pleased to welcome Juan Ramos as a new member of the City Council of Philadelphia.
(Applause and cheers.)
MAYOR STREET: To Council President Anna Verna, you and your Planning Committee deserve a warm round of applause for this spectacular inaugural celebration.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Thank you. Thank you, COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: I also want to congratulate Councilwoman Verna on her reelection as the President of the City Council of Philadelphia, and thank her for serving as a Co-chair of my reelection committee. Thank you, Council President Verna. Thank you.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: For one who has taken perhaps the most improbable route to the Mayor's Office, maybe even in the history of this great City, the opportunity to serve the people of this City and make Philadelphia work for everyone is more than a job. It's a cause, a cause to which I am proud to have devoted most of my professional life.
And I am just as enthusiastic and committed to building a better Philadelphia today as the first day I walked into City Council 24 years ago. I am grateful. . .
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: I am grateful to the person who's going to bring me some water out here, very quickly.
(Laughter.) MAYOR STREET: I don't see any water.
(Laughter.) MAYOR STREET: I am grateful to so many people for this opportunity, but above all I thank the people of Philadelphia who in the general election just passed, assessed the accomplishments of this Administration, the character of its leadership, and decided overwhelmingly to return us to office. I am humbled by your support and confidence.
A special thanks to all the men and women of my Administration for your dedication, commitment and hard work.
Can I just ask all of you to stand up for just a second, all the men and woman who are a part of the Street Administration.
(Members of the Street Administration stand.)
MAYOR STREET: Folks. Give them a
hand.
(Applause.) MAYOR STREET: Thank you.
(Applause.) MAYOR STREET: Thank you so much.
Thank you. Thank you.
And I must also thank my incredible wife and partner, Naomi Post Street.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Naomi Post Street. (Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: It was her vision, advocacy, and commitment that drove this Administration on behalf of children, and her public support through the most emotional and stressful campaign of my entire political career, could not have been better. And I'm eternally thankful to her. Naomi, please stand. And thank you so very much.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Last year I learned just how important family, friends, and faith are when one is at the crossroads of life. The experience, however, has made us stronger as individuals and stronger as a family. At this time I think I have a couple of family members right over in that corner over there (Indicating). I'd like to have all of them stand. Where are they? They're over there some place.
(Street family members stand.)
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Some of my family
members.
Let me take a moment to thank the Members of the Philadelphia City Council because Council does a very, very difficult job. And often Council members are the very first point of contact for citizens seeking the assistance of government.
Although much has been said about the relationship between City Council and my Administration, notwithstanding a special moment or two. . .
(Laughter.)
MAYOR STREET: . . .on the whole the
issues most important to the future of our City have found us working together to make strong decisions in the best interests of our City.
And I thank Council President Verna and all the Members of the City Council of Philadelphia for that.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: And over the next four years, I am committed to building an even stronger and more productive relationship.
Together we can grow Philadelphia's reputation as a City of historical importance, cultural significance, and new economy prosperity. However, achieving this 21st Century Philadelphia we talk about will require more than mere cooperation between the Mayor and City Council. Philadelphia is an indispensable part of the economic engine that drives the success of this entire region. It should be painfully obvious that failure to develop a better partnership within the region will compromise our future, a theme embraced by the Select Greater Philadelphia Marketing Campaign announced recently by The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
I thank former Governor Schweiker for being here, our new President of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Governor, thank you for being with us.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: To protect our region and reverse a negative statewide economic trend will require a strong Philadelphia at the core of a strong region, where cooperation among civic and political
leaders becomes the norm, and not the
exception.
This stark reality is the driving force behind the appointment of Nick DeBenedictis, a man intimately familiar with both the City and suburbs, to chair a group of leaders to help make our regional goals a reality.
From the health care industry, to colleges and universities, from the Vanguard family of mutual funds, to Comcast Corporation, some of the greatest resources in America are located right here in this region. Our goal: capitalize on those assets for the mutual benefit of all of us.
America, grounded in a multi-party political system, has fashioned perhaps the greatest participatory democracy the world has ever known.
The give and take of partisan politics, even when it periodically gets a little loud and a little messy, is a small price to pay for democracy. However, our system works best when political leaders foster honest public debate and steer clear of destructive partisan bickering which interferes with our ability to inspire public support and create a great future for our City, our region, and our Commonwealth.
In that spirit, I extend a hand of partnership to Governor Rendell, Speaker Perzel, and our local legislative leaders in Harrisburg.
Though we may have our partisan and sometimes political differences, we are all Philadelphians. And that gives us a special opportunity and a heightened responsibility to work together to accomplish great things for our City.
I also look forward to continuing the productive relationship we have enjoyed with the members of the Philadelphia delegations and The Legislative Black Caucus in Harrisburg. Their support has been invaluable.
The aggressive agenda we intend to pursue for our City and region will require an unprecedented amount of communication, coordination, and commitment.
Political and economic forces, with legitimate and potentially conflicting goals, will need to be respected and reconciled. And I take a measure of responsibility for doing that work. And we have started that job.
Since November I have talked with or have scheduled talks with the editorial boards of most of our newspapers, children's advocates, and neighborhood activists.
I have met with Governor Rendell and Speaker Perzel, Congressman Fattah, Brady and Hoeffel, Mark Schweiker, Dr. Bernard Watson, Amanda Bennett, Zach Stahlberg, Mark Segal, Henry Nicholas, Paul Vallas, Jim Nevels, Bishop Ernie Morris, Pat Eidding, and many, many others.
Those discussions have covered a wide range of issues, including relocating the Barnes Collection, siting the Microsoft
High School, implementing the automobile insurance agreements we negotiated with the state, protecting the rights of the LGBT community, using Keystone Opportunity Investment Zones effectively, and the importance of the faith-based community in our City and region.
And we're not done. My goal is to develop a new and stronger set of partnerships, minimize the impact of a hard-fought municipal election, and create a renewed determination among local and regional leaders, to work in harmony, to advance a new set of regional priorities agreed to us by us all. In my 24 years of public service, I have always attempted to put the well being of our City first. So, let me be clear. Under no circumstances will this government improperly reward political supporters or condone any culture that does not protect the best interests of our people.
In the coming weeks we will underscore that commitment through a new code of ethics that will spell out a higher standard of ethical conduct for all City employees. Judge Ida Chen, of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas will chair this effort.
In addition, several reform steps have begun at the Philadelphia International Airport, the Minority Business Enterprise Council, and in our Inspector General's office, to ensure the highest integrity of this government at every level. But while ensuring. . .
(Applause.).
MAYOR STREET: Thank you.
But while ensuring high ethical standards.
(Clerk brings Mayor Street water.) MAYOR STREET: Thank you so very much.
COUNCILMAN DiCicco, this water tests
better.
(Laughter.)
MAYOR STREET: That's one great water. (Laughter.)
MAYOR STREET: By while ensuring high ethical standards, we will never abandon our goals of expanding opportunities for businesses owned and operated by African Americans, Latinos --
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: -- women, the disabled, and other minorities.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: We will continue to break down the historic and artificial barriers to their doing business. Philadelphia will be better and stronger when the doors to economic opportunity in both the private and public sector are open to everyone. And I will work with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and all the other minority chambers, to make sure that economic diversity prevails in our City.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: In 1991 a nationally recognized renaissance began in Philadelphia. We demonstrated fiscal discipline and created a bustling Center City that has become a magnet for empty nesters, young professionals, and tourists. It was a proud time for all of us.
But I knew then that Philadelphia could not achieve true greatness with a thriving downtown surrounded by dying businesses and neighborhoods. I also understood that years of neglect and decay in neighborhoods could not be reversed without the support of a healthy Center City. Thus, our commitment to turn our attention to neighborhoods, without turning our backs on Center City. Developing 21st Century neighborhoods and schools and a thriving business community will continue to be the focus of this Administration. Families are the hub of our neighborhoods. And protecting and nurturing our children is our moral
imperative. And we do not intend to neglect that responsibility.
We have built a solid record: After School Programs, a Children's Fund from the construction of new stadiums, public education reform, better child care facilities, and a new last dollar scholarship program that will inspire and facilitate higher education for our children. But we must do more.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: In fact, it is our goal to work with children's advocates, Paul Vallas, and the Reform Commission, to have after-school slots available for every elementary school child in the City of Philadelphia by the end of my second term, and to build new public schools --
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: -- and rehab existing schools that will strengthen neighborhoods and provide a first-class environment for teaching and learning. (Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Nothing, absolutely nothing is more important to our future than providing high quality education options for all children in every neighborhood.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Strong public, charter, parochial, and private schools that are anchors in their communities are all essential. In this year that marks the 50th anniversary of Brown_vs._Board_of_Education , let's make a new and -- a new commitment to fulfill the ideals of educational opportunity and achievement envisioned by that great landmark decision.
We will continue to invest in our neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Transformation Initiative will continue to be the vehicle by which we change the prospects of many neighborhoods from blight to bright.
In Philadelphia there are no throwaway neighborhoods or throwaway people, and that includes the men and women trapped in our Philadelphia prison system.
We will continue our war on drugs through the Safe Streets Program and fight crime and violence in every neighborhood.
And a very special emphasis will be placed on curbing the tragic problem of domestic violence and abuse.
(Applause.) AYOR STREET: My time in neighborhoods has reaffirmed for me that regardless of race, ethnic background, or social status, families fundamentally want the same basic things: A quality education for their children, clean and safe neighborhoods with high quality City services. Fulfilling this dream is perhaps my greatest motivation.
We will complement our work in neighborhoods by implementing a strategic plan for Fairmount Park. The park will be better integrated into the City, both as a place for recreation and relaxation, and as a resource that distinguishes Philadelphia from almost every major City in America. It is an important part of our strategy to attract and retain residents and visitors, not just in our City but throughout our region. And finally, we will bring new vision and energy, or as Pattie LaBelle says, a new attitude. . . to our work of growing the Philadelphia economy. this is no time to tread water.
Despite a national recession, our stewardship over the last several years has Philadelphia well positioned to capitalize on an improving economy.
The activity and energy along the Avenue of the Arts, from City Hall to South Street, are great symbols of our progress and our potential.
Now is the time for bold and decisive leadership that propels Philadelphia to the head of the class in the new economy.
During this second term, we will simultaneously cut taxes and invest in our economy, to become more attractive and competitive.
Our tax reduction program which is the envy of most American cities and states will be an integral part of our future economic success.
The recommendations of the Tax Reform Commission will be the foundation for an honest debate about taxes and services. Tax reductions, tax abatements, and tax incentives are important, especially in an environment where the competition for jobs is so fierce.
But they are only part of the formula for economic vitality. We need a rational tax plan that stimulates our economy, protects our ability to deliver the high level of basic services Philadelphians deserve, and which allows us the resources to invest in the future of our City. We will re-double our efforts to grow our hospitality community, expand the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and persuade the Federal Government to spend greater resources marketing American cities.
We will work to bring gaming to Philadelphia in a constructive and appropriate way, while keeping a watchful eye on important developments like Whitman's Plaza, Columbus Commons, Capehart, Brewerytown and the Naval Home.
We will continue to support community development corporations. We will continue to welcome housing developers like Westrum and Toll Brothers, to help the merchants of the Philadelphia Regional Produce Terminal find a new location inside the City, to modernize the City's skyline by building the Cira Center and One Pennsylvania Plaza, and to do all in our power to show companies like Towers Perrin, Aramark, Ace and Cigna just how important they are to our great City.
In addition to the great work regularly done by our economic development professionals, we will focus additional attention and resources on establishing 21st Century communities at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, Schuylkill River Park, along the Delaware River North, and within some strategic NTI neighborhoods. We have magnificent waterfront sites with extraordinary potential to create new centers of activity to compete for investment, new jobs and 21st Century professionals, particularly in the ever expanding knowledge based economy.
The possibilities can be seen in the great strides we have made in reestablishing the Naval Yard as an important resource of economic vitality for our City and region.
This site, which was acquired in the first year of this Administration, today houses 4 million square feet of occupied facilities, with more than 6,000 employees working for a little over 60 companies. The plans for the next phase of this development include a new mixed-use community, fronting on the Delaware River. This breathtaking project would integrate into City life a waterfront that has been isolated for more than 125 years and position Philadelphia at the forefront of waterfront development nationally.
Achieving our vision will require a significant investment of state, local and private funds. The Governor is attempting to address this issue at the state level right now. And within 60 days I intend to announce the creation of an economic development capital fund which will allow us to invest in our most precious physical assets, our waterfront and our newly created NTI opportunities. A significant amount of my time in this second term will be dedicated to establishing the fund, launching each of these projects, and growing our jobs and economy. Our goal is to create a fund of approximately $500 million to leverage billions of dollars of other private and public investment in our economic
infrastructure.
The platform for achieving this ambitious agenda will be a technology-driven 21st century government, one with a new and exciting spirit. The status quote is not acceptable. I have asked Temple University President David Adamany, School Reform Commission member Sandra Dungee Glenn, and attorney Chris Booth to chair distinguished groups of experts to work with us, to find new and more effective ways to perform our day-to-day functions, to analyze and refine our programs, and to evaluate our personnel. I want this City in an all-out sprint into the future. (Applause.).
MAYOR STREET: Our municipal unions must become our best partners in finding constructive ways to effectively deliver services, to control spiraling pension and health care costs, and to help achieve the efficiencies necessary to implement fair contracts for City employees that include the wage increases they so richly deserve.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: We can make the investments I have described today and achieve our vision for a greater Philadelphia within the constraints of balanced, fiscally responsible budgets. We can attract the talent we need to make it happen, and we will not be distracted. Now is the time for all of us to become optimists. Get beyond the roadblocks. Believe that Philadelphia's greatest days are in front of us. Stop protecting selfish priorities. The Avenue of the Arts should not be pitted against Chestnut Street. Neighborhoods should not be fighting Center City. And the suburbs and the City should be partners. Philadelphia is a world-class city.
(Applause.)
MAYOR STREET: Philadelphia is a world-class City. It is the anchor to a world-class region. The ingenuity, expertise, foresight and political will to create an even greater City and an even greater region, resides within us.
All we have to do is believe in ourselves, trust each other, work together, and keep the faith. God bless you.
(Applause.)
(Standing ovation.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Please be seated. Thank you. Again, congratulations, Mr. Mayor.
To celebrate the inauguration of Mayor John Street, the Pine Forge Academy Choir will sing Some Day.
(Singing of Some Day.)
(Applause and cheers.)
(Standing ovation.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Absolutely magnificent. Thank you so much for sharing with us your beautiful voices in that lovely, lovely song. (Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: At this time would the newly elected and retention judges of the Common Pleas Court please rise and take their oath of office.
THE CLERK will read the certificates of election for the retention and newly elected judges of the Court of Common Pleas.
THE CLERK: Philadelphia, November 4, 2003, Office of the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia. Jacqueline F. Allen, Genece E.
Brinkley, Tama Myers Clark, Stephen R.
Geroff, D. Webster Keogh, William J.
Manfredi, Frederica A. Massiah-Jackson, Rayford A. Means, Sandra Mazer Moss, Joseph D. O'Keefe, Albert W. Sheppard, Jr., Carolyn Engel Temin, Allan L. Tereshko, Thomas D. Watkins, you are duly retained in
the Office of Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas of Philadelphia County for a ten-year
term, commencing the first Monday of
January, AD 2004.
(Applause.)
THE CLERK: Ramy Isaac Djerassi, Loria A. Dumas, Joseph A. Dych, Leslie Fleisher, Holly J. Ford, Brenda Frazier-Clemons, Joel S. Johnson, Jr., Jeffrey P. Mineheart, Paula A. Patrick, Doris A. Pechkurow, Nina Wright Padilla, at an election held November 4, 2003, 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 2004.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Judge Massiah-Jackson will administer the oath of office.
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: To my colleagues, will each of you put your Bible in your left hand, raise your right hand.
Your other right hand.
(Laughter.)
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON:
I do solemnly swear. . .
COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGES: I do solemnly swear. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGES: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Contitution of the United States. . .
COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGES: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGES: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.
COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGES: . . .and I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity. COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Congratulations. (Applause and cheers.)
(Standing ovation.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair now invites the newly elected judges and retention judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia to stand and take the oath of office.
THE CLERK will please read the certificate of election for the newly-elected judges and the retention judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia.
THE CLERK: Robert S. Blasi, Frank T. Brady, Gwendolyn A. Conway, Barbara S. Gilbert, Lydia Y. Kirkland, Marsha H. Neifield, Craig M. Washington.
At an election held November 4, 2003, you were duly retained in the Office of the Judge of Municipal Court of Philadelphia County.
Gerard A. Kosinski.
At an election held November 4, 2003, you were duly elected judge in the Municipal Court of Philadelphia County for a six-year term, commencing the first Monday of January AD 2004.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you.
The President Judge of Municipal Court, the Honorable Louis J. Presenza will administer the oath of office.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: It is obviously a pleasure to be here with you.
Okay. Left hand on the Bible. Raise your right hand, please. Kindly state after me. I. . . State your name.
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: I (Individual names stated). . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .do solemnly swear. . .
UNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: . . .do solemnly swear. . . PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .and that I will discharge. . .
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: . . .and that I will discharge. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .the duties of my office. . .
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: . . .and I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .with fidelity. MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES: . . .with
fidelity.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA:
Congratulations.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair now invites the newly elected judge and retention judges of the Traffic Court of Philadelphia County to rise and take the oath of office.
The Chief Clerk will please read the certificate of election for the Judges of Traffic Court.
THE CLERK: Philadelphia, November 4, 2003, Office of the Judge of Traffic Court of Philadelphia County. Bernice Ann DeAngelis, Joseph A. Howlett, Francis E. Kelly, Fortunato N. Perry, Sr. You are duly retained in the Office of Judge of Traffic Court of Philadelphia County for a six-year term, commencing the first Monday of January AD 2004.
Earlene Green Clark, at an election held November 4
(Applause.)
THE CLERK: -- 2003, you were duly elected Judge of the Traffic Court of Philadelphia County for a six-year term, commencing the first Monday of January AD 2004.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The oath of office will be administered by the Honorable Francis E. Kelly, PPRESIDENT JUDGE of Traffic Court. PPRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: Thank you, Madam President.
Please place your Bible in your left hand, raise your right hand.
I. . . State your name.
TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES: I. . . (Individual names stated). . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: . . .do solemnly swear. . .
TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES: . . .do solemnly swear. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: . . .and the Constitution of this Commonwealth. . .
TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES: . . .and the Constitution of this Commonwealth. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: . . .with fidelity.
TRAFFIC COURT JUDGES: . . .with fidelity.
PRESIDENT JUDGE KELLY: Congratulations.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair now recognizes the three City Commissioners, Margaret T. Tartaglione.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Edgar
Howard. Please approach the podium. Edward -- Edward. Edgar A. Howard, Jr.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Got it. And Joseph J. Duda.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: I definitely want to give special acknowledgment to Senator Tina Tartaglione.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: She had to receive a special pass from Magee Rehabilitation Center to be here. And Senator, we wish you continued good health. And I'm sure it won't be very long before you will be standing side by side with your mother. God bless you.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chief Clerk will read the certificates of election for the City Commissioners.
THE CLERK: Margaret T. Tartaglione, Edgar A. Howard and Joseph J. Duda, at an election held November 4, 2003, you were duly elected City Commissioners for the City and County of Philadelphia, for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January AD 2004.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson will administer the oath of office.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: I do solemnly swear. . .
CITY COMMISSIONERS: I do solemnly swear. . . PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
CITY COMMISSIONERS: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
CITY COMMISSIONERS: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . CITY COMMISSIONERS: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
CITY COMMISSIONERS: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . . CITY COMMISSIONERS: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .with fidelity.
CITY COMMISSIONERS: . . .with fidelity.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair invites the Sheriff of Philadelphia, John D. Green, to the podium to take the oath of office.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: THE CLERK will please read the certificate of election for the City of Philadelphia.
THE CLERK: At an election held November 4, 2003, you were duly elected Sheriff of the City and County of Philadelphia, for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January, 2004. COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson will administer the oath of office.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: I do solemnly swear. . .
SHERIFF GREEN: I do solemnly swear. . . PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
SHERIFF GREEN: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
SHERIFF GREEN: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . SHERIFF GREEN: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
SHERIFF GREEN: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . . SHERIFF GREEN: . . and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .with fidelity.
SHERIFF GREEN: . . .with fidelity.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair now invites Ronald R. Donatucci, Register of Wills, to stand to the podium to take his oath of office. The Chief Clerk will please read the certificate of election for the Register of Wills.
THE CLERK: At an election held November 4, 2003, you were duly elected Register of Wills for the City and County of Philadelphia, for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January, AD
2004.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. The Honorable Louis J. Presenza will administer the oath of office.
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: It's an honor and pleasure, my dear friend, to be here with you today. MR. DONATUCCI: My pleasure.
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: Repeat after me. I, Ronald R. Donatucci. . .
R. DONATUCCI: I, Ronald R. Donatucci. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .do solemnly swear. . .
MR. DONATUCCI: . . .do solemnly swear. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
MR. DONATUCCI: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
MR. DONATUCCI: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . MR. DONATUCCI: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
MR. DONATUCCI: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .and that I will discharge. . .
R. DONATUCCI: . . .and that I will discharge. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .the duties of my office. . .
R. DONATUCCI: . . .the duties of my office. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: . . .with fidelity. MR. DONATUCCI: . . .with fidelity. PPRESIDENT JUDGE PRESENZA: Congratulations. MR. DONATUCCI: Thank you.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Chair now invites Vivian T. Miller, Clerk of Quarter Sessions Court, to the podium to take her oath of office.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Clerk will please read the certificate of election for The Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions.
THE CLERK: Vivian T. Miller, at an election held November 4, 2003, you were duly elected Clerk of the Quarter Sessions for Philadelphia County, for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January 2004.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: The Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson will administer the oath of office.
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: I
do solemnly swear. . . MS. MILLER: I do solemnly swear. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .that I will support, obey, and defend. . .
MS. MILLER: . . .that I will support,
obey, and defend. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
MS. MILLER: . . .the Constitution of the United States. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . . MS. MILLER: . . .the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
MS. MILLER: . . .and the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter. . .
PRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . . MS. MILLER: . . .and that I will discharge the duties of my office. . .
PPRESIDENT JUDGE MASSIAH-JACKSON: . . .with fidelity.
MS. MILLER: . . .with fidelity.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: For our final music selection today, pianist Mateo Ramon Jimenez will perform Amazing Grace. Mateo is a 13-year-old student at Gam, extremely talented, and I know that you're going to truly enjoy his music. Thank you. (Amazing Grace performed.)
(Extended applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Congratulations. At this time I would like to thank Blanche Burton Blyles for the coordination of today's musical selections. I would also certainly like to acknowledge and thank the Chairman of our Inauguration Committee, the Honorable Robert Brady. Thank you so much.
(Applause and cheers.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: At this time, kindly stand for a prayer to be delivered by Rabbi Solomon Isaacson. Following the benediction, I ask you to be seated for the conclusion of the session. Thank you very much. Rabbi.
RABBI ISAACSON: That's a tough act to follow. But if anything, that should help us in our resolve to do exactly what the Mayor has said. That is, that our future is in our hands, to do what we can to help the youth of this City.
And Mr. Jimenez portrayed what a youth that is led in the right way with the proper guidance and leadership can do. And our City, with the proper guidance and leadership of our beloved Mayor, the City Council, our elected officials in Harrisburg and in Washington can help us to lead us, as our beloved Mayor said, into the 21st Century as being the number one City in the country. I was so listening to everybody here. The judges asked everybody to raise
their hands.
I'd like to ask everybody to raise your right hand. You don't have any Bibles in front of you, and you're not elected to anything, officially.
But I'm going to tell you something. I will appoint you and elect you. And I will tell you right now you've all won the selection unanimously, by the vote of one.
And I'm not speaking of myself. I'm speaking of the Almighty God. We raise our right hand to make a commitment to the Almighty.
As our elected officials made a commitment to the Commonwealth, and to our City, and to its citizens, we have to make a commitment to our Almighty that we will be better human beings. If any of us can look at people that would turn around and say, if I only had a second chance. Well, ladies and gentlemen, each one of us every morning when we get up, God gives us a second chance.
(Applause.)
RABBI ISAACSON: Every day of our life that we are able to hug our children and kiss our parents, God gives us a second chance. Every day that we can do good deeds, God gives us a second chance. We just have to take advantage of these so many second chances.
So let us take this. . . not an oath, but let us try to make a commitment that we will be better: Better human beings, better citizens, better parents, better children.
Let us make a commitment that we will all share together, brothers and sisters, with all races and religions. We will share together one thought, one mind, that united we stand, divided we fall. The only way this City can stand and to be able to stand the pressure of its future is if we all are united, looking forward, to be able to achieve and accomplish. And we do this with brotherhood, through love, through respect and honor.
May you grant salvation to kings and dominions, to rulers whose kingdom is a kingdom spanning all eternities, who places a road in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters.
May He bless, safeguard, preserve, help, exalt, make great, extol and raise high our beloved Mayor, our City Council people, and all the elected officials of this great City of ours.
The King who reigns over kings, in his mercy may he sustain them and protect them from every trouble, woe and injury. May he rescue them. May He gather peoples under their sway and cause their enemies to fall before them. Wherever they turn, may they succeed.
The King who reigns over kings, in His mercy may he put into their heart and into the heart of all of their counselors and officials compassion to the good for all of us in our fair City.
In their days and in our days, when we all be saved, may we all dwell securely. May the Lord in heaven be with us and bless us for eternity.
Amen.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Amen.
RABBI ISAACSON: Now I would just like to take the liberty to convey a personal blessing onto the Mayor, as I did the Governor at his inauguration. Mr. Mayor, if you don't mind. I also brought you that red string from Israel.
UNIDENTIFIED VOICE: Oh, you want it
now?
RABBI ISAACSON: That's all right. The left hand. Well, it should go on the right, but since the Mayor is left-handed. . .
(Laughter.)
RABBI ISAACSON: Okay. All right. With God's help, you can have three. Madam President, was this part of the program? But anyway, I apologize. See, you didn't know when you elected him, you elected a Rabbi also.
(Laughter.)
RABBI ISAACSON: I want to make sure your Rabbi stays on here. There you go. Okay.
(Applause.)
RABBI ISAACSON: By the way, this red string is from Bethlehem and from Jerusalem, so this is not just any kind of red string.
And it circles the tomb of Rachel seven times. It's considered to bless an individual, protect him from evil, and to give him success in the Mayor's Office. That's the special Mayor's Office. (Prayer in Yiddish.)
RABBI ISAACSON: May God bless you and protect you.
(Prayer continues in Yiddish.)
RABBI ISAACSON: May God shine his countenance upon you and upon all the citizens of our fair City.
(Prayer continues in Yiddish.)
RABBI ISAACSON: May God grant peace and success to all of us, and peace unto the whole world, and may He quickly bring all our soldiers home safely.
Amen.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Amen.
(Applause.)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. Thank you, Rabbi Isaacson, for your inspiring words, and certainly for your blessing upon the Mayor.
I would ask that the visitors and guests kindly be seated.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco. COUNCILWOMAN TASCO: Thank you, Madam President.
Madam President, I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 22, at 10 a.m.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Krajewski.
COUNCILWOMAN KRAJEWSKI: Madam President, I second the motion.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 22, 2004.
All in favor, let it be known by saying "aye."
(Chorus of "ayes.")
COUNCIL PRESIDENT VERNA: Those opposed "nay."
The ayes have it, and Council stands adjourned until Thursday, January 22, 2004.
Thank you all so very much. I hope you enjoyed the program. (Ceremonies concluded at 12:35 p.m.)
CERTIFICATE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the proceedings are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me upon the Investiture of City Council; Organization of City Council; the Inauguration of Honorable John F. Street, Mayor; Investiture of Members of the Judiciary, Clerk of Quarter Sessions Court, City Commissioners, Register of Wills, Sheriff, and Judges of Traffic Court, taken on January 5, 2004, and that this is a true and correct transcript of same.
DAVID A. DEIK, RPR and Commissioner of Deeds
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End