The Fix: How To Respond to Public Corruption Charges

In L.A., allegations against a councilmember were met by his colleagues … doing the right thing. What a novel concept.

By Larry Platt

The Fix: What If Everyone Had to Vote?

Is mandatory voting — the law in Australia, Belgium, Brazil and other countries — an idea we should steal to boost election turnout? (Also: Democracy sausage!)

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

The Fix: Corrupt and Consenting

In this excerpt from his new book, a longtime political reformer dives deep into Philly’s unique culture of political corruption — and proposes ways to overcome it

By Brett Mandel

The Fix: Is City Council Anti-Democratic?

The public corruption trial of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and a lawsuit against Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier puts the practice of councilmanic prerogative on trial

By Larry Platt

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: How About an Open, Transparent Government Run By… You?

Feeling alienated from your government, at all levels? Maybe we should open it up and change our relationship to it

By Larry Platt

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