Philadelphia City Council rolls out 2015 agenda well ahead of mayor

To map out Philadelphia City Council’s agenda for 2015, President Darrell Clarke took to the same podium where in just over a month Mayor Nutter is expected to make a budget address. 

 

After re-affirming that he is running for another term in council instead of trying for mayor, Clarke talked about doing more to make Philadelphia Gas Works more profitable without selling it to a private company. 

“Some of the opportunities that exist with the company in conjunction with the company are quite exciting,” he said. “We are going to be naming a select committee a committee on energy opportunities.”

Clarke says council would work to help create more affordable housing and assist small businesses create jobs.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell says it’s about time that she and her colleagues proactively forge their own initiatives.

“I like the fact that each side says what they want to. The mayor said what he thought should going forward what this last year should be and I like the fact that the president did the same. I think it’s great,” she said. 

Councilman Curtis Jones says Clarke has been a bit unconventional at times.

“He views this body as having an important role in shaping public policy for the city of Philadelphia and attempts to work well with others but is not afraid to be a trailblazer in some areas,” Jones said. 

Mayor Nutter’s spokesman Mark McDonald says the administration is awaiting Clarke’s specific ideas on PGW and looks forward to reviewing their feasibility.