When Jim Kenney was elected mayor in late 2015, it remained to be seen what direction he intended to take Philadelphia. After campaigning on education reform and job outlook improvement, voters were anxious to see what Mayor Kenney’s first steps in office would be.
As Mayor Kenney’s first actions took place over the past five months, it was clear he wanted to get a head start on education issues. This course came to a peak when he introduced his intention to provide universal pre-K, along with other services, by instituting a citywide soda tax.
However, even with this heavy focus on education, Mayor Kenney has many other goals for his time in office. One of these is the advancement of women’s rights and abortion access. This aspect of Mayor Kenney’s intentions was on display recently when he offered remarks at the spring gathering of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
“Having a family, raising a family, deciding to have a family, is a really important decision because none of us would be here without that,” said Mayor Kenney. “But being put into a circumstance that does not allow you to fully reach your potential because the burden of parenting is on you and you alone, in a time when you have no one else to help you, that is debilitating.”
He later added, “It’s information, it’s health, and it’s choice.”
The annual event, this year featuring former Texas state senator Wendy Davis as keynote speaker, focused on the services, advocacy and education provided by Planned Parenthood in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. While Mayor Kenney’s remarks were short, his presence was a clear encouragement to the organization and people in attendance.
“Where did he come from,” Davis asked. “Can we please replicate him all over the country? How refreshing to hear someone so outspoken and not afraid to voice some strong opinions.”
Dayle Steinberg, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, said she is looking forward to working with Mayor Kenney throughout his time in office.
“We are so fortunate to have him as mayor of our fine city,” she said. “He openly supports Planned Parenthood and our mission.”
-Text, video, and images by Andreas Dienner.
Why hasn’t the mayor or his STAFF responded to my NUMEROUS CONTACTS.why hasn’t the city allowed a 7thAmendment JURYTRIAL.The mayor appoints board members @RDA.The city attorneys have OPPOSED JURYTRIALS .The RDA REFUSES TO PAY for my home.That was taken by defective means over 2years ago(STOLEN)without payment.City council hasn’t been much help either except Mr.Jones.see wh.gov/isEhH