In her first budget address Thursday, Mayor Sherrell L. Parker set a July 1, 2024 goal to resume sheriff sales of the city's tax-plagued properties. Hundreds of properties were put on hold after problems arose when the auction was outsourced to an online company.
Kelly Rascoe, director of the Philadelphia Institute for Community Justice (ICJ), said Bilal used the podcast to educate Philadelphians about how sheriff sales, or public auctions of foreclosed properties, work. If explained correctly, the public will benefit from podcasts.
This podcast has been in the works for over a year and we didn't need to hire any new employees. Bilal said everyone involved in audio production is already staffed within the department.
ICJ's Rascoe said the public would benefit from the sheriff's podcast if residents were able to make phone calls during the hour-long program. Residents who wish to ask questions of Sheriff Bilal will be provided with a call-in number during the broadcast of the program.
“If they're true, that's a good idea,” Lascaux said. “Are you going to air your dirty laundry?” Are you really going to talk about being understaffed? ”
Rascoe said the podcast could have an impact if the public can provide feedback and gain a better understanding of what the sheriff's office is doing.
Saturday's show will feature the sheriff's office's civil division.
“I'm excited about the possibilities today, but I might be disappointed on Sunday,” Lascoe said.
