Jim Kenney Elected Mayor Of Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) — Former longtime Councilman Jim Kenney was elected mayor on Tuesday on a promise to push for universal prekindergarten education and step up efforts to fight poverty by building an economy "for all of Philadelphia."
Kenney greeted his supporters at election night headquarters shortly before 9 p.m.
"As I have said tonight I want a lot things for our children: quality schools, pre-k, community policing and job opportunities that can support their future children. But most of all, I want them to grow up in a Philadelphia where we all look past our differences and join together to create a better place for all of us to live," said Kenney.
Many at the celebration say they look forward to Kenney making a difference in schools safety and jobs.
Kenney, a Democrat, overwhelmed his Republican challenger, business executive Melissa Murray Bailey, in a city that hasn't had a GOP mayor since 1952 and where the primary is considered the more important election.
He will take office in January, replacing Democrat Michael Nutter, who was limited to two four-year terms.
"If we all learn to see the world through one another's eyes, then every Philadelphian will be able to walk our streets safely and with dignity," Kenney said. "If we all pitch in, then Philadelphia teachers will actually have the resources they need to teach and our smallest, most vulnerable children will go to pre-k."
Besides pushing for prekindergarten education for all children, Kenney said he would seek bail reform in the nation's fifth-largest city, where thousands of people are behind bars awaiting trial.
Philadelphia, which has about 1.5 million residents, has been on the upswing in recent years, helped by a building boom and an influx of millennials and empty-nesters spurring new bars, restaurants and condo projects.
The city has won international acclaim as a tourist destination for its rich history, boasting the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and its arts scene, featuring The Barnes Foundation museum, the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps in "Rocky." The city just hosted Pope Francis and will welcome the Democratic National Convention in July.
But the school system remains troubled 15 years after the state wrested control from local officials, causing many newer residents to leave once their children reach school age.
What's more, the poverty rate remains stubbornly high. Recent Census data put it at just over 26 percent, the highest among the nation's 10 largest cities.
Kenney said in his victory speech Tuesday night that the economy would be key.
"If we build an economy for all of Philadelphia, then we will not only grow our commercial corridors and provide a real path for returning citizens, we will break the cycle of poverty for so many families," he said.
Kenney sees universal pre-K, a hallmark of fellow liberal Bill de Blasio's first year as New York City's mayor, as a prong in attacking poverty and an investment in neighborhoods long suffering from high joblessness and crime.
He wants job training for people who have been without work or who are re-entering society after time in prison and reforms to reduce the high percentage of people stuck in jail while awaiting trial because they can't afford bail.
In 23 years on the City Council, Kenney, 57, successfully backed marijuana decriminalization and supported penalties for gender identity and sexual orientation hate crimes.
Kenney had the backing of most city unions, including an endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police. He also enjoyed widespread support from the city's gay community and immigrant groups.
Kenney said he supported keeping Philadelphia a sanctuary city for immigrants who entered the country illegally.
His opponents in Tuesday's election included two independents and a socialist.
Kenney delivered the following remarks tonight, after he was elected to serve as the city's 99th mayor:
"There are a lot of people who deserve recognition for this victory - far too many to name - but I do want to take just a few seconds to thank my parents and my children. None of this would have been possible without your love and support.
Throughout this campaign, I have been asked, time and time again, what I am going to do to move Philadelphia forward. Tonight, surrounded by all of you, I am reminded that it is not what I am going to do, it is what we are going to do. If we all learn to see the world through one another's eyes, then every Philadelphian will be able to walk our streets safely and with dignity. If we all pitch in, then Philadelphia's teachers will actually have the resources they need to teach; and our smallest, most vulnerable children will go to pre-k. And if we build an economy for all of Philadelphia, then we will not only grow our commercial corridors and provide a real path for returning citizens --- we will break the cycle of poverty for so many families.
Some will say that these are lofty goals. Back in January, this victory also appeared to be a very big reach, but this campaign showed Philadelphia what can happen when people from all different walks of life work together. Behind this campaign we had environmentalists, feminists, teachers, working families, first responders, unions, public school parents, clergy, the LGBT community, immigrants, and so many more. Together, these groups did far more than just elect a new mayor, they proved that every neighborhood matters.
Standing in a place that celebrates the aspirations of Jewish families seeking the American Dream, I am reminded of the neighborhood in which I grew up. In those days, South Philly was a mix of immigrant families from all different backgrounds and faiths - Irish, Polish, Catholic, and Jewish. But despite their differences, they all worked together to create a better place for their families to live -- whether that meant watching after one another's kids or making sure that the elderly neighbors pavements got shoveled.
As I've said tonight, I want a lot of things for our children, but, most of all, I want them to grow up in a Philadelphia where we all look past our differences and join together to create a better place for all of us to live. A place where we not only agree that all neighborhoods matters, but where we act on it."
On Wednesday, the Office of City Commissioner Al Schmidt tells CBS 3 their unofficial preliminary figures indicate a turnout of about 25.5 percent, as compared to 2011's 20 percent turnout for the general election.
KYW's John McDevitt contributed to this report.
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