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Kenney Announces New Licenses And Inspections Commissioner

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia's troubled department of Licenses and Inspections will get new leadership in the Kenney administration.

The mayor-elect announced his new choice for commissioner today.

Jim Kenney didn't look far to find a new L and I commissioner. The current streets commissioner Dave Perri will take the job in January.

Kenney also announced deputy streets commissioner Donald Carlton will replace Perri in the top streets job and the current L and I chief, Carlton Williams, will return to streets as a deputy.

Kenney says Williams is a fine public servant, but was not a good fit at L and I and Perri has some repair work to do.

"I just think we've kind of lost our way at L and I, and the tragic building collapse at 22nd and Market was the culmination of all the problems we've been facing."

The fatal collapse sparked new rules that critics say have been ignored. Perri promised improvement.

"The department of licenses and inspections must place public safety as it's highest priority and become a model city department in terms of communication, integrity and customer service."

 

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