Elections Office Drama

City Commissioners Lisa Deeley and Seth Bluestein may be at risk of losing their jobs in the 2023 election, Philly 3.0’s engagement director observes. That could have consequences for the all-important 2024 presidential race

By Jon Geeting

Guest Commentary: A Better Way to Run Special Elections

Party leaders hand-picked candidates for the two vacant At-Large Council seats. A former longtime committeeperson calls for a more democratic method — and solution

By Karen Bojar

Ideas We Should Steal: Track City Councilmembers’ Votes

Almost every U.S. city discloses how their legislators voted on bills. Not Philly. With most of our mayoral field made up of City Council members, Isn’t it time?

By Jon Geeting

City Council’s Big Risk — The Upcoming Special Elections

Council President Clarke’s call for special elections is delaying mail-in ballots and changing mayoral powers: This could signal trouble for Dems in November, says Philly 3.0’s engagement director

By Jon Geeting

What Happens in City Hall When Council Resigns?

Four City Councilmembers have already resigned to run for Mayor — with the possibility of two more leaving before the new session begins. A former Council staffer explains what that means

By Jemille Q. Duncan

The Return of Stop and Frisk?

The debate, floated by Council President Darrell Clarke and engaged by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, is proof that, when it comes to combatting gun violence in Philadelphia, our leaders live in a fact-free zone

By Larry Platt

Honey, Council Shrunk The Mayor

Mayor Kenney ended 2021 complaining that he’s responsible for things that are out of his control. Council President Darrell Clarke sees a power vacuum. Is that a good thing?

By Larry Platt

Why Won’t Darrell Clarke Support Affordable Housing?

The Council president, with buy-in from colleagues, blocked the transfer of city land to low-income housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity in order to maintain a parking lot. Where are his progressive principles now?

By Jon Geeting