City is on the rise, Rendell tells audience

Mayor Ed Rendell reaffirmed his commitment to the future of Philadelphia yesterday in a speech at the Franklin Wyndham Plaza, telling Chamber of Commerce members and other community leaders that things are looking up for the city. "We have brought back hope and made citizens prouder to be Philadelphians," he said. "There's a light at the end of the tunnel." Rendell, who was greeted by thunderous applause, added that the first step was balancing the budget, which City Council achieved this year. Having a balanced budget has helped the city in obtaining loans and grants from public and private sources, he said. Rendell explained that two years ago under Mayor Wilson Goode, the city was unable to receive money from most sources because of its severe fiscal woes. Now Philadelphia has received millions in public aid and private investment, he added. "When we begin to have faith in ourselves, others begin to have faith in us," he said. He went on to say that while balancing the budget did bring certain painful decisions -- including a $2.2 million cut in services for the homeless -- the long-term benefits of a balanced budget would make it worthwhile. "We must deal with reality -- reality is that we have less than we did before," he said. "Therefore, we must do more with less." He cited privatization and "creativity" as ways for the city to make the necessary cuts while increasing efficiency. Rendell has already completed six privatizations, most recently the custodial staff at City Hall and the security guards at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In addition, he said he plans to replace streetlights with 4-way stop signs at low-density intersections, something which he expects will save the city more than $1,000 per light. Charlie Pizzi, Chamber of Commerce president, praised the mayor for working closely with the business community. "Rendell sought our help from the day he was elected, and we have responded in rebuilding the city," he said. Ron Rubin, chairperson of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, also lauded Rendell for his efforts. "This was a floundering city and he gave it a sense of direction and purpose," he said. Rendell singled out the Convention Center, which is scheduled to open on time and under budget, as one of the best examples of what the city can achieve. The Convention Center is expected to bring large amounts of business and tourism to Philadelphia and establish it as a premier convention city, he said. "Believe me," he said, "this city is going to take off."