Mayor Ed Rendell shares his political wit and wisdom

Mayor Ed Rendell met with University students yesterday at an informal question-and-answer session sponsored by the College Democrats to discuss the experiences and political tendencies that shape the policies of his administration. Speaking candidly about his entrance into the political arena, Rendell, a 1965 University graduate, talked of his tenure as assistant district attorney under former Philadelphia District Attorney and current U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), who graduated from Penn in 1951. "You represent crime victims who see the prosecutor as their champion and white knight, someone who can make them whole, bringing peace and closure through a conviction," said Rendell, who addressed more than 25 students in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall. Recalling the nine years he spent in Specter's office, Rendell emphasized his disgust with the partisan outlook he believes dominates Washington. He added that it took him nine years to tell Specter, a Republican, of his Democratic affiliation. "Politics has become a terrible business," Rendell said. "When the country needs real campaign reform, the members of Congress simply want to investigate each other to gain an amount of political turf." Despite his satisfaction with his terms as mayor, Rendell noted that he will not seek to amend the Commonwealth's charter -- which limits mayors to two terms -- and run for a third term in the year 2000. He cited the lackluster third term of former New York City Mayor Ed Koch as an example of the toll the position takes on the mental and physical aspects of its occupant. Rendell noted that he works 18 hours day, 361 days a year -- 80 percent of which is devoted to the economic growth and development of the city. He added that his chief of staff handles the daily operations of the government. "Cities are a lot like restaurants and department stores in that they have a life of their own with a reputation -- and right now we are considered a hot city in every way," Rendell said, explaining how a vibrant metropolis can attract new businesses and hold on to those already there. He also pointed to the creation of a stimulus fund for business growth that is not affected by the federal criteria normally imposed on the loans he can give to businesses. But he also said, "You have ten- and 11 year olds growing up in Philadelphia neighborhoods without one adult male who works beside drug-dealers. You have to instill economic hope for them." Rendell noted his appreciation of the University's efforts to improve Philadelphia's economy, and expressed hope for Penn's continued hiring of West Philadelphia residents.