Al Taubenberger

Al Taubenberger
Age: 54
Education: Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from the Pennsylvania State College of Agriculture.
Professional: The Republican nominee for mayor of Philadelphia and President of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He has had a long career in government and politics, starting in 1978, when he became a staffer for State Senator Charlie Doherty. Once was grounds supervisor at Friends Hospital.
Volunteer/Community work: President of the Burholme Civic Association and Town Watch. Active patrolling member of Burholme Town Watch. Chairman of the German-American Steuben Parade.
Personal: Married to Joanne; Children: Matthew, 30; Elizabeth, 25; Sarah, 18 and William, 7.
Life long Philadelphia resident.
Neighborhood: Foxchase/Burholme.
Appointer: Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Q&A
Why is zoning reform important to you? It’s important because the city needs a code that people understand, and one that is easily applicable to various sections of the city – a zoning code that makes sense.

Why are you a good choice for this commission? I have served as president of the North East Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce since 1992, so I’ve worked every day for small businesses. I am also president of the Burholme Civic Association and Town Watch, so I see both sides, the business issues and the neighborhood issues.

What is the most pressing zoning issue Philadelphia faces? I think the code itself – that it would become more easily understood by neighbors and small business people, and that you don’t necessarily need an attorney to decipher it, essentially.

What should be done to address this issue? I think working with all segments of the community – business associations, community associations, elected officials – to develop a code that is understandable and works well for our city.