On March 4, 2016, the monthly #AskKenney Twitter Chat returned, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Mayor Kenney — the Mayor lost his voice!
This month, nearly 100 questions were tweeted to the Mayor. Topics ranged from combating blight to the Mayor’s proposed budget, including paying for quality pre-K across the city and rebuilding neighborhood parks and rec centers.
If you haven’t looked at Mayor Kenney’s proposed budget yet, you can do so online here.
Check out a recap of the event below, and if you didn’t get your question answered, the Mayor will be back next month taking questions.
The budget was a popular topic, with several questions tweeted:
@PhillyMayor Hey Mayor Kenney! Which sign at the budget address yesterday was your favorite?? #AskKenney
— zhenya (@Zhenyanalywayko) March 4, 2016
Favorite signs: #FeelTheFern (very clever!) and "Rec It Jim" #AskKenney https://t.co/wXG6cr8MeV
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
@PhillyMayor #AskKenney thrilled re funds for SIP, will there B more investment 4 corridor mgmt in FY17 which is key to recruit biz to SIP?
— Beth McConnell (@BAMinPhilly) March 4, 2016
Adding corridor managers, putting in lineitem for storefront improvement program, expanding CLIP citywide #AskKenney https://t.co/RoEszu5Swk
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
#AskKenney @PhillyMayor Which neighborhoods will be the first to see #communityschools? What metrics are you using to determine this?
— Engage Philadelphia (@ENGAGE_Philly) March 4, 2016
First, we need the funding. It's a collaborative process: we'll work with District, community & parents #AskKenney https://t.co/1axMKTuqgC
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
#AskKenney Study shows 43% of Philadelphians live in economically distressed areas. What's your plan to reduce chronic poverty?
— Faye Anderson (@andersonatlarge) March 4, 2016
I outlined in my budget: Invest in parks, recs, libraries in all neighborhoods. Pre-K, community schools #AskKenney https://t.co/vVXxbXyLGd
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
People from across the Delaware River decided to participate in #AskKenney, too.
Get your soda at half-price in NJ! Thanks @PhillyMayor for boosting #NJ businesses! #AskKenney
— NJ Retail Merchants (@NJRetailers) March 4, 2016
.@NJRetailers That idea sounds as lame as your Gov. No major effect seen after cigarette & liquor tax #AskKenney https://t.co/UmI2MPhS8F
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
A few people asked about the tax on sugary beverages outlined in the Mayor’s budget:
@NBCPhiladelphia #AskKenney What happens when people stop buying "sugary drinks", where will you get the money from to fund these programs?
— Andrew Barbagello (@ABarbagello) March 4, 2016
Decrease built into projections. Some people will keep drinking, and the decrease levels off #AskKenney https://t.co/SsqOyncm7n
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
Do you have any data on who the Soda Tax would primarily impact? You don't see nearly as much soda in middle class home. #AskKenney
— chad nelson (@bibliotechy) March 4, 2016
That's bc big soda ads target low-income communities. Pre-K, community schools, will serve communities #AskKenney https://t.co/mVxP8yfTZk
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
The Mayor outlined steps the City is taking to tackle litter — but you can help, too, by signing up for the 9th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup in your neighborhood.
@PhillyMayor #AskKenney – How is your plan for tackling litter – illegal dumping coming along? This time of year our litter really shows.
— Kelly O'Day (@dkod) March 4, 2016
We're expanding CLIP citywide, that addresses short-dumping, vacant lots, neighborhood clean up #AskKenney https://t.co/fszlJbWelT
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
One tweeter asked about the City’s sustainability and environmental efforts.
#AskKenney @PhillyMayor what are you doing to reduce the city's emissions and pollution?
— Scott Low (@scottlow5) March 4, 2016
Proposed $100 million to support Council President's green jobs plan, also updating @GreenworksPhila #AskKenney https://t.co/Jn1iFkE8OQ
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
The folks at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s PolicyLab asked about lead exposure.
#AskKenney – How is #Philly thinking about children with #lead-exposure? https://t.co/CQAD208LZ8 @PhillyMayor
— CHOP PolicyLab (@PolicyLabCHOP) March 4, 2016
Focused on addressing lead paint, increasing enforcement of landlords #AskKenney https://t.co/RpHFi9KHhA
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) March 4, 2016
Be sure to follow Mayor Kenney on Twitter (@PhillyMayor) to learn when the next #AskKenney will take place.