Philadelphia-area blogger and podcaster Bill Rowland discusses his impressions of the Great Expectations Citizens’ Convention held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Sunday December 2nd.
In this program, Bill covers the event including the welcome session, as well as discussions of three of twelve key issues found in the draft Citizens Agenda. Specifically The Knowledge Economy, City Services and Crime.
Welcome Session
The welcome session included comments by the leaders of the Great Expectations Project, the screening of the winner of the Project’s film contest “Prayer for Philadelphia” (available here: ) and Mayor-elect Michael Nutter’s speech urging people to action.
The Knowledge Economy
The discussion of moving Philadelphia toward a Knowledge Economy was well attended and active. Participants focused on retaining existing college students and graduates, as well as improving access to education for our local students.
The group agreed that coordination among agencies and residents is an important in first step in encouraging the Knowledge Economy.
City Services
The City Services discussion was popular and filled with frustrated residents. It was agreed that the # 1 Priority on the Citizen’s Agenda should be to get into the business of effective, fair and responsive service delivery. Key points included:
1. Make People Accountable
2. The City Charter must be changed:
i. Eliminate Councilmanic privilege
ii. City leaders must be able to hire and fire staff
3. Improve Communication with Residents
Crime
The discussion on crime was perhaps the most frustrating for all concerned. It was agreed that Crime is a complicated problem that is not easily solved.
The main points of the discussion include:
1. Focus on the group most at risk: Young and Poor African Americans.
2. Most felt we should try “Stop and Frisk”
3. Change the City Charter to give the Commissioner more flexibility
4. Control the flow of handguns
Summary
Overall, the Citizens’ Convention acted to energize and bring people together. Most recognize the size of the challenge, but see this moment in time as an opportunity to make Philadelphia the next Great City.
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