Four years ago, rookie Mayor John Street stood behind the podium at the Academy of Music and outlined his lofty blueprint for Philadelphia.
He spoke about creating a "world-class city," one with better public schools, less blight and two new sports arenas.
On Monday, second-term Mayor Street stood behind a similar podium in a building a block south of where he took his oath four years ago, having accomplished, or set in motion, many of the initiatives in that speech.
Following an impromptu and very public session of City Council, the mayor took the stage at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater and delivered his final inaugural address as the elected leader of Philadelphia. Again, he presented a plan for his next four years in office, still largely focused on elevating Philadelphia to world-class status.
Street also addressed one of the issues that dominated November’s election — his acceptance of the "pay-for-play" system of politics. The policy has come under the microscope during the ongoing federal probe of the city government.
During a pre-election debate with Republican Sam Katz, the mayor blurted that campaign contributors had a "greater chance" of getting city contracts than non-contributors. Street seemed to back off that position about halfway through his speech.
"So let me be clear," he said Monday, "under no circumstances will this government improperly reward political supporters or condone any culture that does not protect the interests of the people."
The city will announce a new code of ethics in the next couple of months that will "spell out a higher standard of ethical conduct for all city employees," said Street. The mayor has appointed Common Pleas Judge Ida Chen to lead this campaign.
Street also noted the Philadelphia International Airport, Minority Business Enterprise Council and Inspector General’s Office already have implemented policies to prevent cronyism.
At a press conference after the inauguration, Street declined to go into detail about the forthcoming changes.
"We are going to look at some things and make some changes that have not yet been discussed in the city," he said.
The mayor dedicated part of his speech to the development of the old Navy Yard, first alluding to a plan to "establish 21st-century communities at the Philadelphia Naval Yard."
"We have magnificent waterfront sites," Street said, "with extraordinary potential to create new centers of activity to compete for investment, new jobs and 21st-century professionals, particularly in the ever-expanding knowledge-based economy."
The next step, he said, is to create a "mixed-use community" along the Delaware River.
"This breathtaking project would integrate into city life a waterfront that has been isolated for more than 125 years," Street said, "and position Philadelphia at the forefront of waterfront development nationally."
Within 60 days, the administration will announce the creation of an economic development capital fund that will be dedicated in part to waterfront projects. The fund will be formed from state, local and private investments — Street said Gov. Ed Rendell has begun to address the issue at the state level.
The mayor’s target for the fund is $500 million, which, he said, could then be used to leverage billions into other public and private investments.
Street’s inaugural touched on familiar topics, too, like continuing to improve the public schools and retaining and attracting businesses.
And minutes after councilmembers passed new rules governing the legislative body by an 11-6 vote — including changes that some councilmembers believe were orchestrated by Street and hinder Council’s ability to act as an independent body — the mayor talked about his good working relationship with members.
"Notwithstanding our special moments on the issues most important to our future, we have worked together to make strong decisions in the best interests of the city," he said.
Street added he is committed to building a "stronger, more productive relationship" with the body, and afterwards denied influencing Council’s rule changes.
