During my campaign for a City Council seat, people constantly told me ‘It’s Time for a Change.’ When asked what they wanted to see changed, the answer was always that they wanted to see a change of personnel at the head of City government. With my win, one City Council position was changed. Mission Accomplished?
Now the streets are wondering if anything changed at all. They are asking if I’m just like the rest of them. In fact, some are even saying I drank the Kool-Aid and have become part of the same political machine that I fought against to get on City Council. If you ask anyone from that machine if I’m part of their team, I’d be really curious how they’d answer.
For the second time since I’ve been on Council, the Mayor has abruptly ended a City Council meeting without allowing Council members to have comments. Before I got on Council, there were hardly any comments made by Council members and since I arrived every one of us has something prepared to share at the end of the meeting. Since this practice of abruptly ending meetings seems to be becoming a troubling trend, I’ve been forced to stop staying silent on my blog about what’s going on in City government. Yes, I’m back to blogging.
Change of Direction
I can’t tell you where Chester is headed. For a group of people who have been working together for years, the city leaders present no clear path for a future for Chester.
All I continue to hear from them is how bad the Republicans left things for the Democrats when they took over 11-years ago, especially with regards to inheriting a broke city from the Republicans. The Mayor prides himself on 5-straight years of a balanced budget, but refused to tell us that there were things not on the balance sheet, like a skyrocketing pension obligation, that has us in receivership now.
Chester can’t continue to ignore our biggest problems by kicking the can down the road hoping, and not planning, for a sound future.
Change of leadership style
Obviously, if you’re not going in a particular direction, anybody can lead you anywhere. Since joining City Council, with all the problems we’re facing, I can count on half of one hand the number of meetings to strategize or confer on the city’s future that we’ve had as a body. Even if things were going well for the city, it would take some work to keep it that way. The lack of communication is alarming. But, if you have nothing to talk about, like how the city is moving forward, it becomes every man for themselves all marching to a different drum beat. If it weren’t for the Receiver and his project team, there would hardly be any meetings of importance at all within City departments.
The Wall between the Receiver and the City
The reason the city has such a hard time with the Receiver is because his team is here to chart a new course for Chester that will get us out of fiscal ruin. For some strange reason, there seems to be an attitude that we don’t want the Receiver to uncover and make public how bad things are. But, until he does that, nothing gets fixed. Chester can’t continue going year after year not fixing anything. Instead of embracing the seemingly unlimited resources that comes along with the Receiver to resolve our issues, I constantly hear how much the city disagrees with his methods, finding, solutions, authority, salary, staff, hometown, hairstyle and so on.
The Receiver’s project planning methodology is foreign to a city government that traditionally manages on the fly. The Receiver’s project management methodology is the most efficient and effective way to get thing done in business. But, unless we find people to run this city like the $60 million dollar business that it is, nothing will change.
Employees are in need of training
I’ve never worked anywhere where I didn’t get a performance review. Those reviews determine raises, promotions, strengths, and weaknesses. Without them, how do you know what your most valuable resources (the employees) are worth? I don’t know when Chester city ever did a performance review. As a result, we’ve got many employees who don’t have common office productivity tool knowledge. You can’t be effective in the workplace unless everyone knows how to use email, MS Office, Google Drive, Adobe, and the Internet, if these are the tools you’re using throughout the enterprise. Soft skills as simple as returning phone calls and following up on requests are not a standard practice among city employees.
Every new hire should go through an orientation. I’m one of the most recent new hires and it took quite an effort to clear out my office from the old Councilman, get a computer, email address, door key, paycheck and benefits. I received absolutely no information from the former councilperson who directed my department to help orient me to the responsibilities and projects I was responsible for (which goes back to the lack of overall direction in City government). My office phone just started working last week, six months into the job.
An Ethics policy would be a welcome change
The Mayor was confronted by a lady at a City Council meeting who wasn’t too happy that he took donations from people wanting to bring their business to Chester. His response was that it was legal. That’s like saying, I can’t be arrested for making a bad decision. What ethic policies do is provide a rule book to help protect public officials from making bad decisions that create horrible optics or imply perceived shenanigans that may indeed be legal but could be harmful to the city and its clients/citizens. An ethics policy shows we make decisions responsibly. It shows we value integrity. And it provides a clear point of reference when enforcing corrective action.
I’m in charge of Public Property and Recreation, and, if I had my way, that’s all I’d work on. But, I’m drafting an ethics policy for the City and expect to have us vote on implementing it in the near future.
I’m not sure how anyone defines Change when it comes to Chester City officials, but my position on Chester City Council has changed quite a bit in the first 6-months with a lot more to come. You may not see the impact of having someone new on Council that’s not part of the old machine, and you certainly don’t see the microaggressions that come with the turf, but I’m still that agent of change, something this city government needs a lot more of.
LINK to Share Post : https://wp.me/p2kkJO-8YW
Chester Matters Blog 
Stop thinking like a manager and start thinking like a board member. Change the city charter. Establish council as a strategic body, not an executive body. Then the council can hire professional staff to run things right.
Good start!
Now when do you announce the run for mayor?
Probably hop on stage during the Trina concert to make the announcement
You better NOT !
LOL
Holler back 🙏🏽! Lord hear our prayers 🙏🏽!
Seems like the concern is more than just the Receiver exposing how bad things are, the corruption in the Mayor’s office is just barely below the surface and Kirkland is losing control. Thanks for the transparency, it’s refreshing to have someone confirm what we suspect. The issues with general staff is apparent to anyone who has tried to obtain a permit or address bulk dumping or anything streets related.
Glad to see your blog back. Easy to read and keep up. So good to hear objective observations about areas in need of improvement, without snark!
Keep making strides for a better Chester! Keeping holding the others accountable
Keep asking the HARD questions
Remembering a pre-election conversation, I’ll now say thank you and welcome back.
What I have learned throughout the years is that you cannot please all the people all of the time. There has been many changing of the 💂♀️ guards during the past twenty years. Dating back to Mayor Nacrelli to the present. When will the City of Chester implement some form of ETHICAL GUIDELINES and TRANSPARENCY? Why are we left in the dark when there are a list of pertinent things that “WE THE PEOPLE “ are not privy to during this day and time?
I love my city so much yet I often cringe over the ways in which our city has been “RAPED” and “DEVOURED” by folks who have literally “SOLD THEIR SOULS TO THE DEVIL!” As we are all aware ..money is the ROOT OF ALL EVIL! If you do not believe me..open up your Bible’s and go to 1 TIMOTHY 6:10. Rather than point one’s fingers towards anyone in particular; only the LORD knows what to do with this situation.
I have many questions and concerns about our children, families, schools, businesses, and last but not least, City Hall! I cannot solve these problems and issues by myself. Therefore I read your Blogs and that of your readers for insight, knowledge, and understanding.
In order to make a change in this city, we must first change our mindset and think 🤔 clearly about the present state of affairs and the direction of our city council. We cannot continue to sit “IDOL “ and say that we..”HEAR NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL AND SEE NO EVILS!” Therefore shame on US!
Last but not least I am certainly pleased with the demolition of the former Pulaski Junior High School.; for I have been waiting patiently for the city to demolish it and now it is gone. The LORD has answered my prayers.🙏🏽 The TRASH TO STEAM PLANT IS THE NEXT ONE TO BE DEMOLISHED! In order for us to get this HAZARDOUS DUMPING FACILITY REMOVED FROM CHESTER…we need to PRAY DAILY FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. We complain about BLACK ON BLACK CRIME; however we are totally ignoring the real “ENEMY “ in our city that is destroying our health and lives.
Wake up Chester for your life depends on what you want from City Council! Once again; Lord hear our prayers.
Councilman Roots, I appreciate you and what you’re doing to bring Chester city staff (powers that be) into proper business acumen, the use of common business equipment and technology.
I look forward to you continuing your blog because it’s been my only means to know what Chester is doing for or not regarding its citizens and infrastructure.
The change I like to see is Chester officials working with federal and state fund sources to remove unfit dilapidated houses and build affordable housing both rentals and homeownership.
This business involving Chester city pensions I’d like to know if there’s a way to corrective action? Ruby
Mrs. Benson I wholeheartedly agree with you . One of my main concerns is that Chester City Officials and their loyal employees will continue to hire their close friends and Allie’s to work alongside of them in POSITIONS that by far EXCEEDS their INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS, and EDUCATIONAL SKILLS.
The Chester Police Department is a case example of poor management; however some folks allowed the hiring of folks who should have been denied employment based upon their past behaviors.
Let’s get this on the records ASAP…the City of Chester does not have the manpower or resources to turn the city around. Street closures for years,
case example; the Lloyd Street Bridge, and Seventh Street Bridge .
Traffic Ticket Personnell riding around the city of Chester searching for cars that are illegally parked. Downtown Chester looks like it needs a complete makeover. You cannot tell me that the building’s throughout The Avenue of the States meets the LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF LICENSE AND INSPECTIONS! God forbid the collapse of one or two buildings. These buildings were GRANTED A PASS to operate. The Historic Courthouse and former Chester Police Department are a reflection of the numerous “INJUSTICES OF THE PAST.” Yet both buildings look like the “RUINS OF THE HOLOCAUSTS!” Growing up we were BLINDED by the ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR ANCESTORS! The statue of KRISTOPHER KOLUMBUS once perched proudly… looking towards the SOUTHWEST DIRECTION OF THIS WORLD is now absent. Hmmm, I wonder why?
Now here we are in 2022 and we want to celebrate our historic history by inviting the “BADDEST BITCH” in the Hip-Hop Entertainment Industry to celebrate our INDEPENDENCE in a local park. TRINA is not for the entertainment of young children and Seniors. I like THE BADDEST BITCH and TRICK DADDY and a vast majority of the musical entertainment industry. But come on City Council y’all got to do better! I suggest that y’all change this Venue to the 2701 ROCK 33RD STREET CLUBHOUSE. Cover Changes should be $100.00 per person that will include one free beverage. Finally fifty percent of the proceeds to be allocated to the following; DAP, of DELAWARE COUNTY, S.T.E.M. and the WESLEY HOUSE,
What about renting out the Soccer ⚽️ Stadium in the near future? Just a thought. Have a blessed day.
As a Councilman, how are you allowed to discuss city business and what are you doing or have you done to make changes? I’m extremely disgusted by this post and your overall lack of professionalism. Do you discuss Delcora business and the tunnels they’re about to build underground to add on to the environmental racism issue that’s already here?
City Council comments would be the perfect place to make announcements but we’re muted. Are you asking me to write about the tunnel? I’ll be happy to.
Please do! And please tell the truth
..like your part in the bullshit. You didn’t even know one of your staff booked Trina for the 4th of July lol. Maybe cut your hours at Delcora and add on another day at City Hall…since you’re so vested in turning it around.
Please do what? And yes, I have no involvement in the 4th of July celebration and I didn’t assign anyone on my staff to work on it either. You’ve probably noticed that the mayor’s office and the department of finance are now staging events. That’s Chéster City government for you.
Please do write about it…
Is city business not public interest? Do the residents of Chester have no right to know what is happening within their own government? Which part are you disgusted by? Could it be the acknowledgement of a failure to train and hold employees accountable? The city works for the residents not the other way around
Girl fuck you! Especially if this is that no neck theft. In 20 years we won’t even recognize this city. The white man that owns the Swarthmore Inn and provided financial backing…y’all letting him and his people use this black man as a way for them to take what they really want…Chester. Miss me with the bullshit. And please understand, employees weren’t trained while the Repubs were in. This guy can’t even control his department.
So what’s your role in the city offices? You the one that answers phones with an attitude and never returns calls?
Wasn’t it Miss Williams that was rambling about “they’re taking our city” but I know she wouldn’t fix her fingers to type your incoherent mess. Who’s taking our city? Outside interests? Sure. Those same outside interests have been lining Kirkland’s pockets for years. He smiles in your face while he enriches himself and “speaks truth to power.” He’s a low life figure calling on social justice language to try to trick people into thinking he’s about anything. Here you go, baby. Learn something:
https://www.delcotimes.com/2012/10/09/marcus-hook-mayor-jay-schiliro-seeks-investigation-of-state-rep-thaddeus-kirkland-with-video/
https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/politics/state/20130212_State_rep_from_Chester_faces_ethics_probe.html
https://whyy.org/articles/chester-parking-contract-tied-to-campaign-donations-to-mayor-thaddeus-kirkland/
I’m actually not but if I was a receptionist there and had to speak to you, I’m not sure how nice I would be. And sweetheart, I’ve read those articles before. And I’m not sure why you’re bringing up Liz…did I mention her? Like I said. He needs to gain control of his department and figure out why “his staff” is planning such a huge event he knows nothing about. And you’re right about those outside interests….They’re going to be lining Roots, Kareem and everyone after. Oh…and where do you dispose of your trash? Exactly…be blessed.
When I identify something going awry in Public Property and Recreation, I’ll address it. If you have evidence of what you allege, please send to me. I’ll deal with it. I encourage citizen involvement. I appreciate your assistance. Send your evidence to sroots@chestercity.com. Do so anonymously if you must.
Amen and I pray for a solution to all this political pollution, nonsense ,and foolishness going on within City Council. Have a safe and enjoyable week. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYERS 🙏🏽!
I know my vote for you was the right one. Thank you, please continue to do the hard work that is so clearly necessary.
I can’t vote or run for office in Chester, but if someone who does and supports these “Roots” WOULD run for Council or other offices, I’d be willing to support their candidacy. Most important ingredients are willingness & commitment!! It’s not hopeless; thanks to Stefan for paving the way!
What Does 1 Timothy 6:10 Mean? ►
For the LOVE of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:10(NASB)
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/1-timothy-6-10
I’m glad you took the time to address the end of the council meeting. I don’t attend just watch the meetings I assumed because it got heated they cut the camera, my question would have been what’s the purpose of broadcasting if the whole meeting isn’t shown, didn’t know he just ended the meeting. What is the policy concerning the public access channel and the broadcasting equipment as a council person, can you use them anytime you like. I think you would be perfect to host a show about the city. I see the mayor post some interviews on the city’s Facebook page.
No one cut the camera off during the meeting. The entire meeting was recorded perfectly on our equipment. Unfortunately, City Hall’s internet connection isn’t up to the challenge of broadcasting live to a large group of viewers creating the situation viewers experienced at the last meeting. Council chambers has never been equipped to live stream but had to adapt due to COVID. A new broadcast system was installed and put in use 2 months ago. Upgrading the internet bandwidth is coming soon. And yes, I intend to follow the mayor’s lead and do video reports from Public Property and Recreation.