Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke at last week’s Greater Bustleton Civic League meeting, telling members she is governing on her campaign platform.
Parker’s priorities are a safer, cleaner, greener city, with economic opportunity for all.
A former state representative and city councilwoman, she touts intergovernmental cooperation and working with state and federal officials.
Parker said she is not perfect and surrounds herself with a team that challenges the status quo, citing Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson, chief of staff Tiffany Thurman, chief deputy mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley and Carlton Williams, director of the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives.
Overall, Parker described her philosophy as “GTY” – Getting to Yes.
“That’s my job for you,” she said.
Parker said she promotes public-private partnerships and welcomes help from everyone from philanthropists to building trades unions, which recently lent the Philadelphia Housing Authority $50 million to create affordable senior housing at a West Philadelphia apartment building.
“The building trades led and made a historic investment,” said Parker, teasing an upcoming announcement about home preservation.
Several people credited Parker for the city’s snow-removal efforts and cleaning programs.
The mayor said the city has spent more than $60 million in the last month to plow snow and remove ice, with sub-freezing temperatures making the job more difficult.
The job was completed by DC 33 and 47 members, contractors and same-day work and pay hires.
“We used a strategy called the One Philly strategy,” Parker said.
Parker was joined by the sanitation department; the Fire Department; the Department of Streets; Community Life Improvement Program and its longtime head, Tom Conway; the Division of Housing and Community Development; and the Department of Licenses and Inspections – Safety & Compliance and its commissioner, Basil Merenda.
The mayor will give her budget address on March 12.
In other news from the Feb. 24 meeting:
• The crowd included City Controller Christy Brady; City Elections Commissioner Lisa Deeley; Tom Campion, manager of the 10th Councilmanic District Neighborhood Community Action Center; Charlie Kueny, president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Bob Stewart, representing Register of Wills John Sabatina; Viktor Kagan, representing state Rep. Sean Dougherty; Madonna Duffy and Alice Udovich, representing City Councilman Brian O’Neill; and Rob Gurtcheff, Democratic candidate in the 170th Legislative District.
• The Police Department was represented by Chief Inspector Michael McCarrick, Inspector Robert Heinzeroth and Capt. Steven O’Brien, commander of the 7th Police District.
• The GBCL voted, 30-14, to oppose a variance for a house at 866 Medway Road. The owner needs a variance to legalize the removal of a parking spot, specifically by converting the garage into living space. Neighbors complained that the property has two electric meters, two air conditioning units and an illegal kitchen in the former garage. They also said other people have been living in the house, though the owner said he does not rent the house, adding that relatives have stayed there during Ramadan. The Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for March 11.
• The 10th Councilmanic District Neighborhood Community Action Center is located at Hayes Recreation Center, 9800 Roosevelt Blvd. For city issues, call 267-496-3963 or email [email protected].
• Reps. Sean Dougherty and Ed Neilson will hold a Utility Clinic on March 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pelbano Recreation Center, 8101 Bustleton Ave. Visitors will have the opportunity to discuss their gas, electric and water bills with a legal expert free of charge; meet with utility company representatives; and learn about programs that can help. Bring recent utility bills and proof of household income. Contact paralegal Maggie Lind at 267-443-2572 or [email protected].
• Rep. Sean Dougherty will hold a Senior Expo on March 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Chase Recreation Center, 7901 Ridgeway St. Lunch will be provided. To register, call 215-331-2600.
• Jill Henon, a community affairs liaison with City Controller Christy Brady, is available to help people with property tax/rent rebates every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hayes Playground, 9945 President St. Call 215-686-7888 or email [email protected].
• The Greater Bustleton Civic League will meet on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. at American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. ••
