After a year on the job, Philly311 director answers your questions

All this week, Newswork Tonight listeners were offered a chance to call in questions for Tim Thornton, director of Philly311, and earlier today we presented some of them to him during a visit to City Hall.

Philadelphians turn to 311, the city’s non-emergency contact center, to find out information like what day trash is collected or how to reach an elected representative, or to request services such as a pot hole repair or the removal of an abandoned vehicle. But you may not know what happens in the time between when your phone call is placed and when the problem is addressed.

On an average day about 20 people are stationed at Philadelphia’s 311 call center in City Hall. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Tim Thornton, who has been the director of Philly311 for the last year, brings with him ideas formed from decades in the private business sector.

All this week, NewsWorks Tonight listeners were offered a chance to call in questions for Tim, and on Friday morning we presented some of them to him during a visit to 311 headquarters at City Hall.

And, by the way, if you’re curious about the song that plays at the end of the audio segment, it’s a Philly311 “theme song,” performed by Philly’s own Kenn Kweder.