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Residents voted him in office, and now have given 1st District Councilman Mark Squilla the nod for favorite politician.
Before taking office last year, the resident of Front Street and Snyder Avenue served as a committee person as well as a Friends of Burke Playground and Whitman Council Inc., 2455 S. Third St., member.
Rallying to improve the Second-and-Jackson-streets spot, he organized its revitalization that brought more lights, redone pavements and new playground equipment. It helped to set the foundation for a career-path change as Squilla, who graduated from La Salle University with a computer science degree, had been working as a systems analyst for the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General.
“I thought I really enjoyed helping people along the way as a committee person and as president of Whitman,” he said. “On a bigger scale, I would have the opportunity to do more of that as a councilperson.”
His district now stretches from Whitman to parts of Northeast Philly, but he believes his constituents have seen him stand up for his beliefs in order to protect them and promote their neighborhood groups’ initiatives.
“I try to be very accessible, listen to people’s concerns, [am] willing to go out to meetings and I’m not above reproach,” the native of Fifth and Porter streets said. “I think that goes a long way — when people have concerns or problems, they feel comfortable to ask you for help.”
Mayor Michael Nutter and state Sen. Larry Farnese ranked second and third in the polls, respectively.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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