Nothing we want to accomplish – educational achievement, increased employment, crime reduction – can happen unless Philadelphia is led by honest, open officials who articulate a clear vision and have the full trust and confidence of the public.

Unfortunately polls – and our everyday conversations with our neighbors – reveal that the overwhelming majority of Philadelphians think our city is headed in the wrong direction. We have to change course by electing leaders who set the gold standard for honesty and openness and who give Philadelphians a real stake in the future of our city.

As an At-Large member of City Council, I promise to stay active and informed on all of the most important aspects of city governance: the budget, ethics, the charter, public safety, education, economic development, transit, and the environment. I also pledge to broaden the At-Large position by making it a voice for the neighborhoods, a watchdog on the administration, an ambassador to the suburbs, and an advocate in Harrisburg.

I will work to reach out citywide, and I will advocate for easier access to city information. I will also propose that City Council hearings and meetings be held during the evenings and in our neighborhoods. I will advocate strongly for the creation of a citywide Master Plan and for the streamlining of zoning and permitting procedures that contain integral community input. I will also promote the creation of a centralized 311 non-emergency call system, backed by a Citistat tracking system for true government accountability to the people.