In the spirit of the encouraging and inspirational purpose of the Fels Institute for Government lecture series, City Councilman Michael Nutter offered the following advice to students.
"Don't do this -- go get a real job," he said. "Actually, it's a great job, and the pay's not bad, and you get a parking space downtown."
Nutter spoke to government and criminology graduate students on Friday, marking the first of a series of Distinguished Lectures at the Fels Institute this semester.
Nutter exemplifies the dedication to public service that Lawrence Sherman, director of the Fels Institute and chairman of the Graduate Group in Criminology, said he hopes attendees will pursue.
"As a Wharton graduate, to dedicate his life to elective office is very distinctive," he said. "Perhaps it will get others thinking about a different path, and that is what Fels is about -- encouraging talented people to dedicate their lives toward public service."
Nutter spent the two-and-a-half-hour time slot recounting his experiences becoming involved with public service and the gratification he has received from this work. Furthermore, he answered audience questions regarding his own accomplishments, Philadelphia crime and the possibility of running for mayor in the next election.
Though he maintained a conversational and relaxed tone throughout, Nutter spoke emphatically and underscored the commitment that politicians must make to their work and constituents.
"You can have all the legislation you want," he said. "But the bread and butter of the job is constituent services. You can think you're saving the world, but if you can't get a car moved, you're worthless."
Ron Ridgley, a second-year graduate student in government administration, said he appreciated Nutter's good nature and admires his political record.
"Michael Nutter has actually visited one of my classes before," he said. "He is probably a shining example of what a city councilman should be. From all my experience talking with him and reading things in The [Philadelphia] Inquirer, I have nothing but good things to say."
Nutter said he looks forward to talking and interacting with students, especially those from his alma mater.
"I've always had an affection for Penn," he said. "I spent four years here, I lived on campus for two, [and] got a great education. It has been very beneficial for me. I only wish I worked a little harder while I was here."
