While he plans to leave politics behind when he officially retires at the end of the month, Mayor Rayburn Waddell's hard work and dedication to the city will be evident for years to come, many say.
Sitting behind his desk in City Hall on a recent afternoon, surrounded by family photos and framed recognitions now off the walls and ready to be moved, Waddell was somewhat reluctant to talk about the growth and positive changes which have occurred under his watch as mayor over the past 12 years.
He previously served two terms as an alderman.
He pledged to remain a goodwill ambassador for Philadelphia and plans to continue to volunteer with such groups as Main Street.
The city's first full-time mayor, Waddell hit the ground running when he was first elected in 1997, soon pushing to convert Main and Beacon streets to one-way traffic due to visitors traveling to and from the then newly opened Silver Star Hotel & Casino.
He fielded numerous complaints early in his administration about the traffic congestion before the streets were changed.
From there he pushed for improvements and expansion of the airport to attract and retain industry.
"Our industries were suffering when I took office because they couldn't land their jets out there without burning up their brake shoes because the runway was so short," he said.
Throughout his administration, Waddell sought growth in other areas, ending his career with a new renovated and expanded park system, a ladder truck for the fire department and the renovation of the historic train depot, among others.
No one is prouder of the new park than Waddell, he said.
"People who don't appreciate our park, would be hard to please anyway," he said. "We did that along with the county without a tax increase."
During Waddell's tenure as mayor, the city received more than $13 million in grant monies to fund numerous projects, some of which have yet to be completed.
The repaving of portions of Pecan and Railroad avenues and Herman Alford Drive are planned for later this year while dirt work is under way for a new senior citizens center.
"It's a lot easier to put projects together when you have grant monies," Waddell said.
His career as mayor was not without its challenges, however.
Among the biggest was Hurricane Katrina as the city had to remove tons of debris in the wake of the storm.
Through it all, Waddell said he enjoyed the support of aldermen and the city clerk, along with good leadership in the police, fire and street departments.
"The city was well off when I took office," he said. "I think it had between $2 million and $3 million in reserves. We have $7 million in reserves now. The city is in very good shape with a $7 million cushion."
Waddell, 67, is looking forward to his retirement and especially spending more time with his family.
A loyal fan of Ole Miss baseball, he is now gearing up for football season.
Waddell and his wife, Wanda, are planning a trip to Brazil to visit with Vanessa Kaiser, who lived in their home previously as an exchange student and became a part of their family.
"She's like a third child to our family," he said. "She's been back here to visit so we are going to go and see her and her family in Brazil."
While he previously worked in the used car business for about 35 years, Waddell said he doesn't plan to get heavily involved in any business venture when he leaves office.
Looking at a gallon-sized candy jar that's been on his office desk through most of his tenure, Waddell said he wished nothing but the best for the new mayor and board.
"Kenny Rea gave me that jar 12 to 15 year ago," he said. "I use to keep it on the front counter filled with candy for visitors but it got to costing about $25 a week, so I moved it to my desk."
The jar will probably be among the last personal items removed from his office because, after all, it's witnessed the city's history alongside the mayor for the past three terms.
"I guess I've accomplished everything I set out to accomplish," Waddell said. "I don't feel like a loser, I just lost the election."
