After the breakout sessions, all three groups reconvened in the gym for the Q&A session. Councilman Curtis Jones took a walk over to my group's giant sticky notes which were taped to the wall. He took it all in and turned to say: "They're gonna ask me all these questions?!" to which I replied with a smile, "As many as they can."
The crowd took their seats after grabbing some coffee and cookies from the spread in the back. The Inquirer's Chris Satullo took the time to introduce the newly elected Jones to the crowd and thanked him for coming down into the fray and for the good turnout on that cold night. And then the questions started. Two of the earliest questions were about zoning/development, specifically if Jones would pledge his support to local community groups who have concerns about incoming development. Jones started off by saying that he thinks this district is the hottest in terms of new development and invited the crowd to tell the other council members he said so. He pledged his support for local causes and said that 9 times out of 10, he'd err on the side of the community's wishes instead of those of developers'. He added that he'd propose regional zoning boards.
Jones was asked what he'd do to get single stream recycling in the 4th District. He stated the obvious in that now that, former 4th District Councilman, Mayor Nutter was in office, there would be a bit more attention paid to the district and since Nutter is gung ho about recycling, there would be added impetus. Jones said that the 4th would be next in line to get single stream recycling in the city to a good amount of applause. Satullo followed up with a question regarding the holdup of an expansion of the very effective recycling program in the NW. Jones was aware of the program and the holdup, but unaware of the cause or when the program would be launched city wide.
In answering one question about feeding the hungry in the city, Jones moved the conversation to education. Steve asked about the Philabundance program and how it could get more money from the city and the increasing disparity between the hungry and poor and the rich. Jones said that he served on the board of Philabundance for a year and knows about the program and difficulties it faces very well. He said solving the problem starts with education. He pointed to a German vocational program where students spend half a day in classes and half a day in a DaimlerChrystler plant learning from a master as an apprentice. Those kids have a foot in the door into a trade right out of school as well as an education should s/he decide it's not for them. He noted that one of the quickest growing industries these days is greening and that this city could focus some of it's energy to furthering the field and providing opportunities for real jobs for the next generation. He said that the 25% of the city in poverty must be lifted out and through a combination of education and job opportunities, it can be done. Jones added that he wanted to be a transitional politician instead of a transactional who works on a pay to play.
Diane, a Main Line resident, but Center City worker, asked how the city can get more funding for it's schools pointing to the difference from the Main Line. Jones said that the city must pressure Harrisburg for more money and that while former Philadelphia Mayor and current Governor Rendell has done a lot, more has to be done to better the situation in Philadelphia's school district. He added that private corporations should get more involved and pointed to the Microsoft school at 40/Parkside. He broke down the school going population into three groups. The 20% - 25% who need no incentive to go to college; they simply have an internal drive that pushes them forward. The 20% - 25% who simply have no chance to graduate and will drop out for one reason or another; he noted that some failing schools have a 50%+ drop out rate. But that middle 50% or so is where the system must concentrate its efforts to energize and push along to the next level. But it cannot be done without the help of corporations wiling to get involved with schooling.
An attendee asked for Jones' opinion on Nutter's Stop & Frisk campaign. Jones told an anecdote from his childhood. He remembered when he was 16 and getting his drivers license. He recalled borrowing a family member's car and taking a girl out on a date. During the date, he was stopped by an officer and was berated and abused Jones. The date ended shortly afterwards. He recalled attending the 10,000 Men gathering at Temple's Liacouras Center and he polled the attendees about the program. It was 50% - 50% based on age he said. Those under 30 were vehemently against the program, those above 30 were in favor of it. As a compromise, Jones suggested taking the physical violation of friskees by using metal detecting wands instead of physical searches. Taking the physicality of the search out of the equation may help decrease the intrusion of the program. Satullo asked if Jones knew the cost of a single wand to which Jones said he didn't know, but would email Satullo with an answer soon.
Harry turned the tables and asked what we the people could do to help Jones out in office. Jones said that from the top of the 21st to the bottom of the 4th wards, everyone has been incredibly helpful already. He stressed that when groups call for him to come to show his support and work on projects, half of the work is already done making his job that much easier. He wanted everyone to continue doing the great work they've been doing. One thing he did plan on doing was starting a block captain boot camp to help neighborhoods organize even more.
The final question of the night was for the Great Expectations people: why were the casinos dropped from the agenda? I actually hadn't noticed the change, but one eagle eyed follower obviously did. Satullo explained that after going all over the city meeting with people, most of the city was in favor of the casinos being built. Over 50% he said. Especially those in the areas where the casinos were going up. Satullo said that people wanted the construction jobs and daily jobs which would be created. And people wanted to keep the money from going to Atlantic City. News to me.
After the event was over, there was a line to speak with the new councilman. He obliged by staying until the end answering questions and meeting new constituents. He stayed right up until the Great Expectations crew was breaking down and shipping out for the night. To learn a little more about Jones, I recommend reading this Philadelphia Weekly article by Kia Gregory from August.
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