Council neighborhood hearings on budget begin

    Residents of communities across North Philadelphia can head to Temple University tonight to speak with their elected officials face-to-face. City Council’s holding its first official public budget hearing in the community from 5 to 8 pm to listen to public testimony.

    Residents of communities across North Philadelphia can head to Temple University tonight to speak with their elected officials face-to-face.  City Council’s holding its first official public budget hearing in the community from 5 to 8 pm to listen to public testimony.

    Transcript:
    Many city residents told Mayor Nutter what they wanted at forums and kitchen table talks around the city.

    Tonight North Philadelphians get to lay out their budget preferences straight to City Council.

    Patricia DeCarlo is Executive Director of the Norris Square Civic Association.

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    She says some people have power and influence because they’re organized or have money.  But DeCarlo says poor neighborhoods often lack both.

    DeCarlo: “Having a public budget hearing in the neighborhood where folks talk about: this is what’s going to happen, and allowing people and organizations to ask questions and voice concerns I think is a very effective way of listening to those who don’t have that kind of usual power.”

    DeCarlo says many residents are worried about the Mayor’s proposed property tax hike, but want to preserve children and youth services.

    Mt. Airy residents can speak to Council at a public hearing in their neighborhood on April 23rd.

    Listen:
    Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download.  [audio: reports20090331preview.mp3]

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