Mayor Kenney Recognizes City's Problem Solvers

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Mayor Jim Kenney stepped into the heart of the city's 3-1-1 Center to recognize the achievements of Philadelphia employees who are on the front line of services.

The mayor banged a gong that administrators use to acknowledge the successes by call takers in solving problems for residents or stepping up to boost the morale of the team on a hectic day.

Kenney says the 60 or so people who staff the 3-1-1 operation are dedicated public employees:

"They care about service, they care about making their city a better place and they work hard every day - 2,500 calls or so a day in here. And then when there's other things going on in here like strikes, SEPTA strikes and other things or God forbid another blizzard, are deluged with calls."

Kenney himself sat down at one of the stations and surprised one caller when he identified himself, took her information, and personally pledged to get her the help she needed in restoring heat and helping her to straighten out a water bill account issue.