Five mayors impart wisdom to Jim Kenney

Philadelphia's five previous mayors impart their wisdom to Jim Kenney as he prepares to take office:

William J. Green, Jan. 7, 1980, to Jan. 2, 1984. "What I would say to him is be scrupulously honest, totally free of conflicts. Surround yourself with very talented people fixated on what's best for the city as a whole. Always be fiscally responsible despite the demanding interests who will certainly threaten you if you are. No matter how far you've come, you can still learn.

"Yield nothing to the selfish who place their interests ahead of the city's and who demand a lot of your time. And, most of all, may God bless you."

Wilson Goode, Jan. 2, 1984, to Jan. 6, 1992. "My advice is for him to remember that he is the 99th person in over 300 years who's been mayor of this city. That's a very special and unique opportunity to lead a city of 1.6 million people, and that he's not only a political leader, but he's a leader of the entire city and people have elected him to lead the city.

"He should not imitate anyone else who preceded him but be who he is, because the people elected him to be who he is. Work hard and be honest and transparent with a high degree of integrity and success will be yours.

"It was my belief and faith in God that saw me through tough times, and you need to have something bigger than you to get you through tough days. I prayed with Mayor Street and Nutter, and I will also pray with Mayor Kenney when he needs me."

Ed Rendell, Jan. 6, 1992, to Jan. 3, 2000. "You can have passion, but when you're ready to explode because someone is being venal or stupid or corrupt - bite your lip. I've often bit it hard enough that I've drawn blood.

"Just like [how] in a marriage the most important words are 'yes, dear,' as mayor, the most important word is 'no.' Resist the citizen groups always ready to come in and say 'not in my backyard,' or NOPE (Nowhere on Planet Earth) or CAVE (citizens against virtually everything).

"Surround yourself with objects that make you happy, make you laugh, because you'll need to laugh."

John F. Street, Jan. 3, 2000, to Jan. 7, 2008. "Goals: A controversial big idea is better then a series of safe little ones.

"Survival: The sooner you become resigned that you cannot satisfy all your friends, the easier it gets.

"Delegation: Delegate!

"Work: Work is a bottomless pit; working smart is better then simply working hard."

Michael Nutter, Jan. 7, 2008, to Jan. 4, 2016. "Try to schedule some quiet time every day so you can think and reflect. Make sure your folks let you eat from time to time. And do your best every day to keep your word with the public and the public employees.

"After all that - enjoy yourself. It's the best job in the world." - Julia Terruso