A Conversation with Mayor John Street
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The first long-form interview with Philadelphia Mayor John Street since the start of his new term, will be broadcast Friday, January 23 at 8:00 p.m. on TV12. WHYY's Tracey Matisak interviews Street, embarking on his second term as Mayor of Philadelphia, about his political legacy and career, his belief in God, his upbringing and family life.

In the hour-long program, taped at City Hall on January 15, 2004, Street also discusses controversial issues such as the FBI Investigation of city government, cutting taxes, neighborhood revitalization and school privatization.

Here's a capsule of A Conversation with Mayor John Street:

On religion: Asked if his religious faith conflicts with his political duties as Mayor, he said that there is no conflict. His faith parallels his responsibilities as Mayor and he is not deterred by negative thinking. As a result he has the confidence and faith to do just about anything.

On his relationship with City Council: He said he has a good relationship with City Council and is not tired of being compared to former Philadelphia Mayor (now Gov.) Edward G. Rendell. He said he does not have to tell City Council or Council President Anna Verna how to do business.

On being known as controlling. He said that this image is fueled by the media and that the only people who call him controlling are the people who don't know him.

On advice to his family: Try to keep balance in your life. When his children went to school he told them to study, get good grades and have fun.

On his legacy: He said that he wants to be remembered as "a guy who made a real and valuable contribution to this city."

On his greatest achievement in his first four years in office: He said he wants to get people to understand that government cares about neighborhoods just as much as center city. "So, people feel that my community is important."

On the FBI investigation: He said that the integrity of this government should be without reproach. Street jokes, "They will find no corruption, no sex, no profanity."

On his future political plans: He said, "I have no plans to run for any other public office." However, he said he would not rule out running in the future.