Name: Mark Squilla
Age: 48
Residence: Whitman
Hometown: Philadelphia
Education:• St John Neumann (currently Ss. Neumann-Goretti HS) High School, 1980
• LaSalle University, BA, Computer Science, 1985
Occupation: Systems Analyst: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of the Auditor General
Family:• Brigid, Wife, 47, CRNA, (occupation: Nurse Anesthetist for Society Hill Anesthesia Consultants, Pennsylvania Hospital)
• Danielle, daughter, 20, (Nursing student, Penn State University)
• Mark, son, 19, (Neumann University freshman)
• Brigid, daughter, 17
• Gabrielle, daughter, 15
Career highlights:• 25 years in public service, responsible for state wide supervision and support of computer related issues for the Department of the Auditor General.
Political experience:• Elected President of Whitman Council, 2008-present, elected board member for 8 years
• Elected Democratic Executive Committee Representative for Ward 39B, 7th Division 1998-present
• Candidate for Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 184th District, 2004
• Elected representative, Mayor’s Office of Community Service, 2007
• Treasurer/Community Liaison, Burke Community Fund/Playground, nonprofit in charge of maintenance, security and activities
• Community Service Coordinator, PAWBAR (Pennsport and Whitman Beautification and Revitalization)
• Board Member, CDAG (Central Delaware Advisory Group)
• Member, Friends of Mifflin Square
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Why did you get into politics?
“I entered into politics when our local playground was no longer being managed by the city and needed to survive for our kids. After becoming a Committeeman, I came to discover the value of being politically engaged -- gaining access to resources that made our community a better place, and bringing people together to do our part in making that happen.”
What would your most urgent legislative priority be in office?
“It looks like the City of Philadelphia may be facing a budget deficit of at least $650 to 850 million over the next five years. ‘Business as usual’ is literally something our city can no longer afford. As a community activist, I’ve learned that relying on government for everything does not allow for forward progression.
“As just one example, for almost a decade, I’ve spent my weekend mornings supervising community service work done by nearly 2,000 people assigned by the courts after committing non-threatening misdemeanors. Alternatives to incarceration are just one solution that helps reduce pressure -- not just on the budget, but also on an already-strained public workforce. From my own experience, I’m convinced that working to increase the number of opportunities for people found guilty of minor offenses to repay their debt is beneficial to society. It would help those who’ve made mistakes learn a better sense of responsibility by working with the city and communities to clean up the blighted areas of our neighborhoods.
“Another issue I’m passionately committed to is ending the already too long-extended practice of rolling ‘brownouts’ on our fire stations. Sure, these days require tough calls on city services. But the safety of our communities -- especially when it comes to our provision of first responders -- can never be expendable. The cost of a full-strength fire department is a small price to pay when saving lives.”
What most needs improvement in your district?
“With its mix of neighborhoods, history, and an ever-growing central core, the 1st District is arguably the city’s most diverse. But one need that unites all our communities is our shared desire for a better quality of life. Far too often, our community and neighborhood groups go underutilized when the work they do is one of the city’s great untapped treasures -- people who give their nights and weekends to make where they live a better place, and get the job done, one alleyway and lot at a time.
“Especially in a time when this city can take no one’s contribution for granted, City Hall needs to do a better job of partnering with community groups and helping them in any way government can. We need to create more open and green space for our residents to enjoy, as well as keep the Master Plan for the Delaware River Waterfront one of our major priorities.
“Philadelphia’s tax structure, both real estate and business are archaic and extremely burdensome. We need to find responsible ways to reduce the taxes that are imposed on our business community. By doing so it will create more business opportunities and generate more jobs. This in turn will make our city more appealing to new residents. My approach will be to work with these neighborhood organizations and small business owners to listen to their ideas and concerns and help them accomplish their goals.”
What do you love about Philadelphia?
“From the neighborhood where I grew up (and still live) to the bustle of Center City, Philadelphia always has that same kind of family feel to it. Everyone feels like your neighbor -- whether you’ve known them your whole life or they’re someone that has newly arrived. You can’t help but look out for each other, and whatever you need in a pinch, it’s only a door away.
“Philadelphia has something that makes each of us fall in love with it -- culture, vitality, diversity, beauty. Above all, I love Philadelphia for being a place that ‘tells it like it is.’ Like it or not, people will tell you what they think. Of course, that tends to makes public life fairly easy, because you’ll never find any lack of ideas about how we can do better going forward and building on what makes this city great.”
What Council practice or custom would you most like to change?
“Council members are public servants just like every police officer, firefighter, office-worker and janitor on the public payroll, but this can be -- and has been -- obscured by what seems like a different standard. Among the practices that reinforce this impression, is the body’s tradition of not holding a session on a Thursday when a City Holiday falls in that week. Another issue that needs to be addressed is the summer and winter recesses that seem to be excessive. If anything, while most other public servants can ‘clock out’ at the end of their workday, the responsibilities of elected officers should be to do more, not less. Our challenges as a city are very real, and they require real leadership, one that doesn’t ask of the people what it doesn’t do first.”
Do you support term limits?
“Yes. Voters have become all too familiar with the dangers of complacency that incumbency can bring about. In a time when the public isn’t just skeptical about whether public officials really hear them and understand their challenges, major changes to rebuild the people’s trust is necessary. Council can never be accountable enough to the people who give its members their jobs, and introducing a maximum time-limit on one’s service there doesn’t just enhance that, it adds to the sense of urgency to make a positive difference for the city’s future.
“Public service is a sacred trust given for a time, not an entitlement for life. And just as the city changes significantly over every couple decades, so the makeup of its highest body should be encouraged to do the same.”
What is your position on DROP?
“The DROP program was put in place to help the city manage personnel turnover, as well as an incentive for long time employees to retire.
“The problem with the DROP is the fixed rate of return of 4.5%. When council passed this legislation, they were either short sited or not aware that the plan could possibly lose money. In 2003, Council was notified that the plan was losing over 60 million dollars. Unfortunately, no action was taken as the losses continued to grow.
“I think the plan can be refined and continue to be used as a management tool. An alternative could be to implement a floating scale that would allow the rate to go below the 4.5% guarantee. That being said, the DROP should have never been an option for elected officials.”
Why should the voters entrust you with a Council seat?
“The people of the 1st District deserve a Councilman who leads by example. Their trust can never be taken as a green light to take advantage of elected office for personal gain. Elected officials should be motivated to do the right thing at all times and not only around their re-election season.
“My years in community organizing and serving our neighborhoods have been far from glamorous, and anything but lucrative. My heart, my nights and weekends have been and will always be helping neighbors in need -- whether they want an alley-light fixed or to keep our playground open…
“Especially now, the people who’ve always made this city great -- many of them are the ones hurting most in this economy -- are looking to City Hall to be shown that government hears them, that what they need matters, that we’re here to really listen and, above all, we’re here to help. I promise that, just as I’ve given everything I’ve had to my neighborhood and beyond these last years, no neighborhood in the 1st District will be ignored. I’ll do my best to have representation at every community or neighborhood meeting/event, and above all, to listen. Public servants never have all the answers, but we do have the tools to make a difference for others.”
What’s the most interesting non-political thing about you?
“What one thing would you like voters to know? Philadelphia people tend to be pretty colorful, so the answer to this could run pretty long. Maybe it just works to say ‘Born-Italian/married-Irish-‘Pirate’-Mummer-Parrothead.’ (For the record, ‘Pirate’ was my high school’s mascot -- I’m not one of the people raiding ships these days.) Seriously, it might not be ‘interesting,’ but the most important thing in my life -- beyond public service, my career or community, -- is my wife and four kids.
“Brigid and I were raised by great parents who gave us love and every opportunity possible in life, and we’ve worked hard to do the same for our family. Both of us have had to take on extra jobs, more hours, or going back to school over the years so we could keep the bills paid for a six-person household. I know the challenge of making ends meet. But it’s been worth it so that my kids could have the best shot at the same dream my grandparents brought with them from Italy almost a century ago. Whether it’s in keeping the playground running and safe, having schools where nothing short of the sky’s the limit, or simply being able to walk our streets without having to be afraid, I want to work so that every kid -- and every working parent -- in this district and our city can be able to count on nothing less.”
Written responses from the candidates are posted verbatim. Profiles compiled following telephone interviews are sent to the candidates for verification of their accuracy. The non-partisan Committee of Seventy does not endorse or oppose any candidate and is providing this information as an educational public service. Seventy reserves the right to edit candidate responses for length, clarity, and style.