Nutter Reviews Accomplishments in Speech to Greater Phila. Chamber of Commerce
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Michael Nutter today delivered his final address as mayor to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Nutter acknowledged some big accomplishments made during his time in office, including landing the World Meeting of Families later this year.
"I'm pleased to say that Philadelphia is in the best shape it's been in many, many years," he told the business leaders. "We are experiencing growth across the board -- in population, employment, and development."
He proudly told the audience that violent crime is at the lowest rate in more than 30 years, and the revitalization of the Delware and Schuylkill River waterfronts has helped make Philadelphia a hot tourist destination.
"All of this investment and development was again cited by the New York Times as reasons we are 'an urban outdoor oasis,' " he said.
A new mayor will be elected in 110 days, and Nutter says it will be that person's obligation to pick up the torch and continue marching Philadelphia forward.
"The best interests of our great citizens must be our first interest," he said. "That takes character."