The annual summer break is officially over and there are now four seats and a transition to in person meetings for the first time in over two years. In which case, there are at least four members that have resigned throughout the summer in order to run for the 2023 mayoral race. Meanwhile, there are likely two more individuals that are somewhat considering the idea of joining the race. In which case, it requires them to step down. However, there may be a council member in question that will face a federal corruption going on later this month, thus raising a possibility for more turnover.
Sadly, the vacancies don’t really quite mean much more than the losss of certain voices during debates. In which case, there’s a material impact on the legislative process. This would therefore make it a lot more tough to pass controversial legislation. The Council Members have about eight of the 17 members that have started off in the four-year term in January 2020. This might not bring it to the end.
How will the vacancies be filled?
Cherelle Parker, Derek Green, and Maria Quiñones-Sánchez are leaving their district seats open. Allan Domb retired in August. Helen Gym and David Oh might be teasing the idea of leaving to run for mayor. Meanwhile, Kenyatta Johnson is facing a second trial on corruption charges on Sept. 28. Former Councilmember Bobby Henon had to step down weeks after his own conviction.
The Home Rule Charter holds the authority for special elections regarding empty seats with Darrell L. Clarke.
Such is the case, Clarke has called for the open 9th district and 7th district seats to be filled in via special elections. These elections will coincide with the November 8th general election for both federal and state levels.
The nominees for special elections are chosen by Party Ward Leaders. The Democrats have chosen candidates from their outgoing members, such as former chief of staff, Quetcy Lozada as well as Anthony Phillips, who holds a position as the executive director for Youth Action, a non-profit organization designed to help out troubled children.
These quitting streaks are going to change the reorganization of the committees wherein there are many important decisions made in the meanwhile determining the fate of the council members.
Lawmakers are voting for legislation to end the city’s practice of collecting millions upon millions in Social Security that were originally meant for foster children. That specific bill is asking the city to put aside money in savings for the children to access when they’re 18.
There are plenty of different items on the agenda.
The Votes from ten remaining Democrats and even one member of the progressive Working Families Party will show for the votes issue by issue.
Council’s trio for progressive members show off a package of legislation that is assumed to show privacy protections for patients that actively seek abortion care in Philly while there are doctors who can provide them.
The Program for eviction diversion having been launched through the pandemic, made it into a national model, while asking landlords to find mediation and rental assistance before taking tenants to court.
