Citizens Voices

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

Forums throughout the community have given Philadelphia residents the opportunity to talk about their concerns and get feedback from mayoral candidates. With so many choices, these readers have plenty to say —  about the candidates, the answers, the lack of answers, and the political process.

Patricia Berrian Marrujo
East Oak Lane

A small group met in West Oak Lane during one of the Great Expectations January community events, but these 10 citizens had plenty to say. Listen to small group discussions of: city planning; crime and violence; transportation and the city's image; parental involvement; school

About 35 residents came together for a community forum looking at residents' hopes and fears and to share their vision of what the city and its leadership would look like in 10 years.
Neighborhood resident John Paul Hammond spoke to the need for more harm-reduction centers in the city. Other issues that participants raised were development along the waterfront and the state of the city schools.

Great Expectations brought together community members from throughout the region earlier this year to hear what they were looking for in Philadelphia leadership. Listen to Steve Nelson from Conshocken talk about his concerns for the future of Philadelphia and the region. Or hear Jenny Caldwell of Collegeville share her main concern for the region: transportation.