VOTE “YES” on Charter Change Question #1 tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th.

Mayor Nutter is urging voters to vote “Yes” to amend the Home Rule Charter to combine the Fairmount Park Commission and the Recreation Department into a single department.
Here’s a letter he sent out:

Dear Friend,

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th is a very important day for our nation….

But national and state races will not be the only important items on the ballot this Election Day.Philadelphia voters will have the opportunity to vote on a question that would amend our Home Rule Charter and combine the Fairmount Park Commission and the Recreation Department into a single Department of Parks and Recreation.

A recent strategic plan developed for Fairmount Park recommended a combined department of Parks and Recreation to improve leadership, performance and accountability. Under the leadership of Councilman Darrell Clarke and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, City Council passed legislation to put this question on the ballot and allow voters to fulfill that recommendation.

I urge you to VOTE “YES” to the following ballot question tomorrow:

“Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to merge the powers and duties of the Fairmount Park Commission and the Department of Recreation into a newly-created Department of Parks and Recreation, to establish a new Commission on Parks and Recreation, and to provide for its powers and duties.”

Philadelphia’s parks and recreation facilities enhance our quality of life, strengthen our neighborhoods, promote environmental sustainability and bring tourists to our city. That’s why it’s so important to preserve and enhance these critical assets. A new unified City Department for parks and recreation will respect the history and mission of both departments while strengthening the programs and services we offer to the citizens of Philadelphia.

I am committed to insuring an open and transparent merger of these two departments that will result in strong leadership, strategic investments and improved performance. Please help me by VOTING “YES” on Charter Change Question #1 tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th.

Please forward this email to your friends, relatives and neighbors to remind them to get out and vote tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th, and to tell them about this important ballot question.

Thank you for your support and everything you do to improve Philadelphia.

Sincerely,

Michael Nutter
Mayor of Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Parks Alliance is also urging a “Yes” vote.