City Councilman David Oh has a lot of good ideas to make Philadelphia a better city, but the elimination of “resign to run” is not one of them.
City Council unanimously passed Oh’s bill that would allow city elected officials to remain on the job as they seek higher office. What a shock.
On May 20, city voters will decide whether to approve a change to the Home Rule Charter that will end the resign provision.
The law has been in place since 1951.
Among those supporting Oh’s measure are the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia and the Committee of Seventy.
If approved, it’ll take effect in 2016.
“It doesn’t affect this mayor’s race,” Oh said.
Oh believes that the rule discourages Philadelphia elected officials from seeking higher office.
The only good part of the proposal is that it bars elected officials from running for re-election and for another office in the same election. That would be a real slap in the face to voters.
City officials should show the courage and confidence that then-Councilman Michael Nutter displayed in 2006, when he resigned to make what appeared to be a longshot bid for mayor. He easily defeated four primary opponents, including two congressmen and a state representative who were running because their seats weren’t up that year.
Moreover, take a look at some of the current and former members of Council. Do we really want some of them representing us in federal or statewide offices?
Among those opposing the change are Brett Mandel, a two-time Democratic candidate for city controller, and the Republican City Committee.
“We must draw the line on allowing them to look for another job on our dime. Philadelphia must respond by voting no,” Mandel said.
The Northeast Times strongly urges Philadelphians to vote NO on Question 2. ••
