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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Stirring words in controller hopeful's concession speech
Republican challenger Al Schmidt , who lost his bid for city controller on Tuesday.

Former city housing director Tommy Massaro was impressed enough with city controller candidate Al Schmidt's concession speech to send the original draft. He's right. It's a classy speech.

Schmidt, who was the Editorial Board's pick for controller, writes: 

"You're witnessing history tonight--because this is the first step in reform in Philadelphia in years. And you're witnessing it at a somber time in Philadelphia's history. The city is in a fiscal crises. Revenue is less than projected--expenses are higher than expected, and our leaders don't have a plan.

I'm disturbed that city agencies haven't been audited. I'm disturbed that the Parking Authority hasn't been audited. Why? I don't know. Are they covering something up? We're going to find out.
 
I'm even more disturbed that The Republican Party in Philadelphia is perceived as a division of The Philadelphia Parking Authority.

I'm disturbed that the City of Philadelphia is missing out on applying for federal stimulus money. That there's no clear leadership there. That's hundreds of millions of dollars we could be putting to good use. That's libraries remaining open. More police fighting crime. And increased city services. We're not getting that money because of well intended but weak management.
 
I'm disturbed that the city doesn't have a chief salesman. We haven't had a commerce director, the person in charge of bringing in new business--for eight months.
 
I could go on and on - but tonight, thank yous are in order. ... Thank you to Democrats, both citizens and elected officials, who had the courage to put registration aside and do what's best for the
fiscal prosperity of the city. And to the people who tirelessly worked for me (names) I thank you
from the bottom of my heart. ...

Historic movements start with courage - the kind the three freshmen in City Council have shown by banding together, doing what is right, and making a difference. The courage to do what's right ... It has to start somewhere. And that somewhere was here, today at the polls, and tonight with you. I'm thrilled to be witnessing it with you - together."
 
Posted by Russell Cooke @ 1:30 PM  Permalink | 4 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:24 PM, 11/04/2009
    The Democrat Inquirer editorial board loves Republican speeches... as long as they are concession speeches. They are feeling nice because their guy won. (I know they endorsed Schmidt, but that was their token Republican endorsement.)
    — fafafooey
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:35 PM, 11/04/2009
    token endorsement? the Republican party is a joke, read the Philly mag article the same loser Meehan family has run it for generations and they are corrupt and contented.
    — dreinterests
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:37 AM, 11/07/2009
    That's a classy speech from a classy guy. He'd have my vote for mayor!
    — ccmomof2


4 comments
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