Yo, Philadelphians! What Mike and Al need you to do is . . .

Yo, citizens!

This summer, the Great Expectations project has invited citizens of the region to outline their expectations for the next mayor of Philadelphia. The Yo, Mike! Yo, Al! project invited voters to imagine that the major party nominees, Democrat Michael Nutter and Republican Al Taubenberger, were sitting at their kitchen tables giving them undivided attention. How would they complete the sentence, "Yo, Mike! Yo, Al! The one thing I most need you to do is . . ."

The responses flowed in to the project's Web site, www.greatexpectations07.com more than 600 in all. This summer, the candidates have responded to some particularly well-done citizen essays on the Commentary Page, covering issues such as city services, educations, jobs, litter and crime.

Today, in the final installment, we turn the tables, inviting the two men to talk about what help they would need from the city's residents to achieve their goals. We asked each to complete the sentence, "Yo, citizens! What I really need you to do is . . ."

Al Taubenberger: Help me to keep and create jobs in the city

Yo, Citizens!

I'm reminded of the classic John F. Kennedy quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Great line, and here I am bringing it home by asking what you can do for me as your mayor.

You should be making demands on me, not vice versa. But, I've been asked to tell you some of things I might expect from you, so here they are.

Jobs solve a lot of ills. People who have jobs have self-respect. They're more likely to get off the streets and out of trouble. If you're an employer and are having problems with the city and can't get satisfaction, go to the top. Call my office in City Hall. We'll come up with a solution. If you're thinking about bringing jobs to the city and feel you have to talk to the mayor, call me. You'll have priority.

I know of a woman who is extremely successful in commercial real estate. She lives in Center City but recently moved her office to Bala Cynwyd to avoid paying the wage tax. I called someone for a contribution last week and he said, "I'm moving to Pennsauken. Tomorrow." These aren't isolated cases. Look at the office buildings on the Lower Merion Township side of City Avenue. If Philadelphia didn't have the taxes we have, those buildings wouldn't be there. So: Before you sign a lease or call a mover, call me. I want to talk to you. We'll work something out.

Having served on the Tax Reform Commission from its inception, I give credit to Michael Nutter for having helped us get the tax-cutting process started when he was a councilman. I also give credit to Mayor Street. The city is booming with new construction, and I have to thank him for helping make that happen.

Crime on the streets and safety in the schools are major issues. I'm asking Philadelphians to do their share. Join your local civic group. Be more engaged in your community. If you see something, say something. Become a member of your neighborhood town watch, as I am.

This is a great city of neighborhoods. Exciting things are happening in every section of the city. I'd like you to check out restaurants and stores in neighborhoods you've never visited. You'll be in for a treat. And if you go to my favorite place, the Mercer Cafe in Port Richmond, mention my name.

Michael Nutter: Roll up your sleeves and find ways to connect.

Yo, Citizens!

We stand on the verge of great change in Philadelphia. It isn't often that we get the chance to change the lives of so many of our fellow citizens, but this is one of those times.

Those of us in public life take a pledge to serve our constituents and the city of Philadelphia, but we can't do it on our own. Philadelphians are what makes Philadelphia a great American city; you are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods.

I have traveled all across Philadelphia during the course of this campaign, and I've seen the great things that are happening in neighborhoods across the city. Just one example: Every Saturday morning I have been joined by volunteers to clean-up different parts of our city. It is truly inspirational to see hard-working people giving up their free time and taking pride in their neighborhoods.

If I am elected mayor, I want to clean up Philadelphia, starting at City Hall and extending to the four corners of our city. In City Hall, I want to end pay to play and make government work for all our citizens. And block by block, I want to create the kinds of new partnerships that will not just keep our streets clean, but will create new jobs and revitalize our neighborhoods.

The most important thing that the citizens of Philadelphia can do to help the next mayor is to get involved in the civic life of your city:

Active retired people, find ways to connect with our young people to help them with school work, to prepare for interviews and to communicate effectively.

Young people, get involved in after-school activities. There are numerous community sports programs across the city that are great place to go, stay active and meet new friends.

Small business owners, get to know your communities by sponsoring local events and providing internships for young people who want to gain experience in the world of work.

Those are just some suggestions for ways in which you can get involved in Philadelphia civic life.

But I also want to hear from you. How do you think citizens can be more involved in public life? What are the projects in your neighborhoods that people should get involved in?

Please keep sending your ideas to the Great Expectations project and attend the debates and forums between now and Election Day. The very fact that you are reading these columns and sending in your suggestions shows that you care, and that you are engaged.

Let us ask more of each other. Let us give more to each other. Let us join together to make Philadelphia the most exciting, vibrant, cleanest city in America. Yo, Citizens, let's get to work!