Philadelphia continues to take their message to Mayor Nutter

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of Philadelphians, representing a cross-section of the city took their message of "enough is enough" to Mayor Michael Nutter at the Kimmel Center. Hollywood great James Earl Jones received the Marian Anderson Award tonight at an event sponsored by the Philadelphia Symphony.

"This mayor continues to promote himself as a Hollywood hero, while the city of Philadelphia and its people suffers," said DC 33 President Pete Matthews. "We have taken our message to the Mayor's house, to City Council and to the Philadelphia Marathon; yet Mayor Nutter refuses to listen to the people who elected him. His agenda is one that serves only the richest Philadelphians, all the while the hard working men and women of this great city continue to be disrespected."

"We came to the Kimmel Center tonight to carry our message forward, that the city that Mayor Nutter is building is bad for all of us," added DC 47 President Cathy Scott. "We congratulate James Earl Jones on his award, but want him to be aware that he is sharing the stage with a man who is only out for himself and Philadelphia's wealthiest."

Community groups and activists joined hundreds of city workers from AFSCME DC 33 and DC 47 to shine a light on the hypocrisy that Mayor Nutter represents. Last week, while citizens took their message to the Mayor at his home, he said he was too busy to deal with it, because he was dining with insurance executives. Tonight, he is rubbing elbows with his elite donors, while the workers of Philadelphia are outside calling for a better Philadelphia for all.

"We want this mayor to promote policies that move our city forward," said Automotive Fleet Stores Manager Aaron Holliday. "Mayor Nutter needs to open his eyes to the reality around him – this city is suffering. His belief that putting profits ahead of communities will build this city – is down right wrong. And, we won't stand for it anymore."

A city streets worker, Stan Shelton remarked of the mayor, "I feel like he is living in an alternate reality. I work in these streets and I see how people are living. It's not this fancy Hollywood world the Mayor lives in. He needs to step up and represent the people who elected him, not just the ones who gave him political contributions."

Scott concluded, "DC 33 and 47 applaud the very-deserved recognition of this true Hollywood icon – James Earl Jones. We reject the false image that Mayor Nutter promotes. It's time he puts Philadelphia first to build a better city for ALL."

SOURCE AFSCME District Councils 33 and 47