Philadelphia conducted its first board of aldermen meeting of the new term Tuesday night.

Newly-elected Mayor James Young didn't waste any time getting right down to business and making changes to the way city business had been handled by the previous administration.

Residents crowded the room to hear what the new mayor was going to say and what he was going to do.

Young asked citizens to bear with him as it was lengthy session. The mayor said it was his first dance and he wanted to make sure he was following the guidelines.

First on his agenda, he said, was doing a better job of accountability with
taxpayers' money.

Young requested a list of everyone who has access to city credit cards and gas cards. He also implemented a rule that any departmental requests or other financial requests of $1,000 or more must provide an explanation of the cost.

Young also said he has heard criticism of mayor's vehicle, a Chevy Tahoe, and he wanted to request a downgrade or trade-in.

Young said he wanted to hold off on making recommendations for chief of police and city clerk until the next board meeting.

But some board members were vocal about their uneasiness about waiting and made motions to re-appoint the current fire chief and city clerk. While aldermen voted to re-appoint the fire chief, the mayor quickly vetoed the motion to vote on the city clerk.

The board elected Alderwoman Janice Payne as Mayor Pro-tem and Roy White as street commissioner. The mayor has the right to appoint all other commissioners.

Mayor Young said, while everyone may not agree on all issues, he says he and the board must act in the best interests for all residents of Philadelphia.