T
MAYOR JOHN F. STREET
BUDGET ADDRESS - JANUARY 2001
Implementing a shared vision for a better Philadelphia.
Good morning Council President Verna, members of City Council, members of my Cabinet and Administration, special friends and guests. It is a pleasure to appear before you this morning. Last year, I came before you to describe my vision for a better Philadelphia. Today I stand before you to tell you that we have made great progress in making that vision a reality and I am truly excited for the promise the future holds for our great city.
Allow me to reflect for just a moment on the great year we had. Together, we have become the government that gets things done!
In my first budget message:
* I promised that I would assemble a diverse government comprised of the best, most qualified individuals; I am proud to say that, to date, we have assembled one of the most capable, highly-qualified, diverse group of individuals to serve the City of Philadelphia. These individuals are not simply making government work - they are making government work better.
* I promised you that we would negotiate fair, fiscally sound labor contracts; I am proud to report that our contracts give our workers more yet remain within the limits of the budget.
* I promised you that I would take responsibility for public education as one of the city's highest priorities and would work tirelessly to make a quality education available to every young person in Philadelphia's public schools; I am proud to report that we made significant changes and great strides towards providing every student with a meaningful educational opportunity.
* I promised you that our city would serve as the proud host to thousands of visitors during the Republican National Convention, and that our great city would shine in the national spotlight; I am pleased to report to you that the execution of our host responsibilities to the RNC was an unmitigated success.
* I promised you that we...
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