Essays by Citizens

The Great Expectations' Deliberation Days forums concerned many aspects of the democratic process — and Philadelphia’s process of selecting mayoral candidates. But among the biggest questions, inevitably, is this one: “Who are you going to vote for?”

Below, 10 citizens answer that question — but, even more important, they explain their choices.

Leon A. Williams
Wynnefield

May 3, 2007
Nancy Biller
of Bella Vista is the organizer of RecycleNOW Philadelphia's Center/South Chapter.

I hope that, within one year of the establishment of a new administration, the entire city of Philadelphia can have weekly incentive-based curbside single-stream recycling.

April 25, 2007
Michele Masterfano
lives and writes in Philadelphia
When I drive across the Schuylkill on 34th Street, coming out of University City, I always think that the Center City towers, with the sunlight reflecting off them, looks like the Emerald City. It looks prosperous, bustling, and happy, even though you are just looking at buildings.

April 22, 2007
For poetry month, we offer some haiku on Philadelphia,
written by participants in the Great Expectations forums:
Curbside dilemma:
The sign says "NOT IN SERVICE."
Please may I get on?
 
I am underground
There is a man in a booth
Where are the tokens?
 
I have two quarters
Brother, can you spare a dime?
I need a transfer.
 
It's been half an hour
Try to have a little faith

April 17, 2007

By John Hickenlooper
Mayor of Denver

Five decades ago, I was a Narberth-born diehard Phillies fan growing up east of the Main Line. My career as an exploration geologist eventually brought me to Denver, where the oil bust of the mid-'80s left me with a healthy severance check and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Feb. 28, 2007 
By Steven Conn, 
a Philadelphia native who teaches history at Ohio State University

Now that the Democratic primary for mayor has kicked into high gear, the next several months will surely demonstrate the wisdom of Tip O'Neill's adage that "all politics is local."

Feb. 27, 2006

By Peggy Amsterdam
President of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Hi, Jen: Thinking of moving to Philadelphia? Great! Philadelphia is fun, diverse and alive. It is a great place to visit, but an even better place to live and work.

Feb. 22, 2007
By Liz Dow
President, Leadership Philadelphia Inc.

It is the year 2015, The king of England has returned to visit his old friend - now mayor - Jane Golden. (At one time, she was the head of the Mural Arts Project.) He's here to learn what she and her fellow leaders have done to create the epidemic of service growing among the region's citizens.

Feb. 12, 2007
By David R. Fair
Vice president for community impact at United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania

There are a couple of ways to fight a forest fire. You can put it out, or you can set up a firebreak.

Feb. 12, 2007 
By Marlene L. Olshan 
Chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern Pa.

Philadelphia is a city with so much to offer. Art museums, theaters, restaurants, shopping, historical landmarks, colleges and universities - these are usually the types of things that people talk about when they talk about a great city.

Feb. 7, 2007
David Feldman
is a planner and architect in Philadelphia who specializes in implementing neighborhood revitalization strategies