I believe the city of Philadelphia is at a "tipping point" and will go in one of two directions. It can continue to never quite reaching the potential that we all know this great city can achieve OR it can go forward and truly become the Next Great City.

In my opinion, Philadelphia cannot reach that plateau if it continues to experience inept leadership at all levels of government, from the Mayor's Office to City Council. As a retired military officer and war veteran, I long ago learned about the importance of competent leadership and the confidence people must have in their leaders.

It is because of this concern about the lack of leadership in Philadelphia now that I wholeheartedly endorse Andy Toy for City Council At-Large. Two things are required of a good leader. One is technical knowledge. One only has to look at Andy's resume to understand he is head and shoulders above the other Democratic Council candidates in experience in the public and private sector. The second thing an effective leader must have is a vision and the ability to convince people to "buy into" that vision.

As I have watched Andy these past months, I am convinced he has that vision. As someone who has worked for or with the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, the Center for Literacy, the School District of Philadelphia, the federal government as well as many community organizations, I have seen first-hand the plethora of issues that confront this city.

We have entrusted this city long enough to those who have consistently betrayed that trust and confidence. It is time to elect someone to City Council that cares about Philadelphia and its people. It's time to ELECT ANDY TOY TO CITY COUNCIL. Joe Eastman USN, Retired
- Joe Eastman