Pa. Municipal Officials, Visiting Philadelphia, Lend a Neighborly Hand
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Grassroots politicians from all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are in Philadelphia this week for the annual convention of the Pennsylvania Municipal League.
Today, they kicked things off by refurbishing a dilapidated playground at 38th and Poplar, in West Philadelphia.
Wearing t-shirts and shorts, this small army of mayors and councilmembers didn't seem to mind the blazing sun as they planted shrubs, installed new equipment, and put a fresh coat of paint on walls and benches at the Clayborn & Lewis Playground.
"It gives us a chance to give back, builds camaraderie among the elected officials across the state, and helps the community," said Allentown mayor Ed Pawlowski. "You can't ask for more."
A sweaty Mayor Nutter led the paint detail although, to hear his flowery description of the work, the heat may have getting to him.
"At a municipal type level, it is Michelangelo-type work," the mayor effused. "You've never seen a wall painted like this! I want you to look at the expertise, the technique, and that style on that section of wall..."
On a more serious note, Nutter said one of the hot topics of discussion this week is how to best achieve full and fair funding for public education in Pennsylvania.
