Your City Defined

Pay-to-Play

There’s stuff that’s illegal ... and then there’s everything else

By J.P. Romney

Who Will Return Johnny Doc’s Money?

The convicted labor leader’s union has spent $40 million on Pennsylvania politicians since 2010. A writer for Broad + Liberty wonders if they will finally distance themselves from his influence.

By Gina Diorio
The Fix

You Can’t Change a Culture of Corruption…

… when just about everyone in it is complicit. State Rep. Jared Solomon and Councilmember Maria Quiñones Sánchez have spoken out. But, in the aftermath of the Dougherty conviction, where are the others?

By Larry Platt
The Fix

A Post-Dougherty Anti-Corruption Crusade?

In a special Citizen Zoom series, former mayoral candidate Sam Katz, State Rep. Jared Solomon and City Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez weigh in on how we got here and how we move forward

By Larry Platt
The Fix

How To Reform The City Charter

Our Drexel class on rewriting Philly’s constitution last year produced dozens of ideas. Here are some of the best for changing the relationship between government and the governed.

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
The Fix

Is Now The Time to Go Softer On Public Corruption?

A ballot question amends the charter’s ban on political activity. Is there evidence that, left to their own devices, our political players will make good government choices?

By Larry Platt
The Fix

It’s Always Groundhog Day

In another black mark on public integrity, former Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, now an employee of the Register of Wills, applied for the controversial DROP program. Will Tracey Gordon step in?

By Larry Platt
The Fix

R.I.P Councilmanic Prerogative

Every councilperson convicted of a crime in Philly since 1981 committed offenses related to councilmanic prerogative. There is, Philly 3.0’s engagement director says, another way: Planning

By Jon Geeting
Guest Commentary

Philly’s Left Needs to Get Government Right

Congratulations progressives, you’ve won big in Philly. Now, a good government advocate notes, it’s time to make actual progress where it counts

By Brett Mandel
Guest Commentary

A Morally Deadly Epidemic

A former city official laments the seemingly unending corruption among our elected officials—and urges Philadelphia voters to demand real change

By Phil Goldsmith