I thought it was obvious that people have the right to videotape public meetings of elected officials. Just in case you were wondering, you have the right to videotape any public hearing or meeting of the City Commissioners (as long as you are unobtrusive and not disruptive).
All’s Fair in Love and War
I was delighted to read US Senator Rand Paul’s recent headline-grabbing plea to his fellow Republicans to stop “going crazy on this voter ID thing” and his explicit support for voting rights for convicted felons. It’s a win for democracy.
The Impact of Voter Turnout in Young and Old
Our younger generation doesn’t vote in statewide and local elections in anywhere near their numbers. As a result, issues of particular importance to Philadelphians, like high-quality schools and the money to support them, are given short shrift.
Should Budget Hearings Be Held on Good Friday?
City Council respects the religious importance of Good Friday. Even though the Budget Hearing schedule is crowded, no hearings are scheduled on Good Friday or on Easter. How about Passover?
Accountability and Transparency Key to More Women Candidates
Last week’s message seems to have hit a nerve. Spokesmen for the party machine status quo are on the defensive, saying that they are simply following the party rules. The Women of Philadelphia deserve transparency and accountability.
What’s the Fuss Over Committee People in Philadelphia?
Most of the time, it’s the Ward Leaders who have power over the Committee People in Philadelphia. Once every four years, the Committee People have power over the Ward Leaders. That time is now. That’s why the fuss.
Accountability, Transparency, and the Next City Councilperson
Because the Special Election for the next city councilperson is a one-shot deal, with no primary election, the Democratic nominee will be chosen by a vote of 69 unelected Democratic Ward Leaders of Philadelphia
Does It Matter Who Is Governor?
New Jersey grocery stores can sell wine; Pennsylvania grocery stores are forbidden to sell wine. In Colorado it is legal to smoke marijuana! All these were put in place or maintained by governors working with legislatures.
Getting Philadelphia in the Habit of Voting
At City Hall, I am busy running non-partisan workshops on how to run for Committeeperson, spreading the message about how larger turnout pulls in more resources, sending along job alerts and collaborating on procedural improvements.
Where do Philly’s Ward Leaders Come From?
Philadelphia Ward Leaders. Who are they? What do they do? According to press reports Ward Leaders “spread out the cash in the days before the election” and “make sure the City follows through on what needs to be done in the community.”