By: JOSEPH GIDJUNIS • Courier-Post Staff • March 31, 2010

CAMDEN — Mayor Dana Redd released a handful of recommendations compiled from her leadership transition team Tuesday for reforming city government and improving the quality of life for Camden residents.

The early recommendations -- which amount to basic advice, ideas and discussion -- include a homeless summit, a citywide cleanup, an economic development team, a wellness campaign and taking inventory of youth development agencies.

At a gathering of city leaders and residents in council chambers, Redd recognized the many business, community and religious leaders who put time into the process and she encouraged everyone to continue soliciting comments from residents.

"I am very determined to move Camden forward and with residents at the table," Redd said. "Let's take Camden to the next level."

A 14-member transition team -- co-chaired by Rutgers-Camden Chancellor Wendell Pritchett and former Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Bass Levin -- was announced in November in an effort to devise initiatives that can be implemented in Redd's first 100 days in office, which will conclude April 14.

"Success will bring more success," Levin said.

The transition team divided into five committees: Housing and Homelessness; Clean, Green and Infrastructure; Economic Development; Family Wellness; and Youth Development.

Pritchett, who co-chaired a transition committee for Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter in 2007, said the ideas offered by the team are not necessarily revolutionary, but what is big for Camden is bringing together good people and good ideas.

"The policies are not really new," Pritchett said. "The implementation is the different part. We're getting people to work together."

Additional recommendations offered to Redd include forming a task force to streamline government, examining the Abandoned Properties Act, creating advisory councils on business and health issues, and organizing a forum for youth development leaders.