Planners can have the greatest ideas in the world, but without politicians to enact them into policy or set aside money in a budget to implement them, the plans will wind up sitting on a shelf. That’s why elections matter to planning.
In Philadelphia, Mayor Nutter’s second term will be up at the end of 2015. All 17 seats on City Council will also be on the ballot, as well as Sheriff, Register of Wills, three slots on the City Commission, and a number of state and municipal judgeships. But in a predominantly one-party city like Philadelphia, sometimes it’s the primary that’s more important than the general election. This year’s primary is coming up on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Several organizations are organizing events to help you learn more about the candidates and where they stand on the issues–particularly related to planning.
Next Great City Coalition Mayoral Forum: March 3, 2015
The Next Great City Coalition is hosting a Philadelphia Mayoral Candidates’ Forum on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 from 6-8 pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The coalition of 130 community, faith, environmental, business, and union organizations was founded in 2007. Their mission is to create cleaner, safer, and healthier Philadelphia neighborhoods. A big focus of the March 3rd forum will be sustainability issues facing the City of Philadelphia. Dave Davies of WHYY will be the moderator. Register here [http://my.pennfuture.org/
Better Mobility Working Group Forum: March 19, 2015
The Bicycle Coalition recently released Better Mobility 2015, a transportation and mobility platform for Philadelphia’s next mayor and City Council that seeks to bring sidewalks into good repair, connect the bikeway network, and adopt a Vision Zero policy. The Better Mobility Working Group—comprised of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Penn Future, Bike Share Philadelphia, the Clean Air Council, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Feet First Philly, PenTrans, and others—will co-host a forum with Philadelphia magazine from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the Friends Center, 1501 Cherry Street, Race Street Room. Moderated by Philadelphia magazine Deputy Editor Patrick Kerkstra, the forum will allow citizens to hear where Philadelphia’s mayoral candidates stand on transportation policy, infrastructure, and all the issues covered in the Better Mobility and Safer Streets reports. Register here [http://bicyclecoalition.org/
So don’t forget: Register. Be informed. Vote.
Philadelphia 2015 Election Timeline
April 20 Last day to REGISTER before the primary
May 12 Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot
May 15 Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted civilian Absentee ballots
May 19 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY
October 5 Last day to REGISTER before the November election
October 27 Last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot
October 30 Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted civilian absentee ballots
November 3 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Need information about voter registration or voting in Philadelphia?
Check out http://www.seventy.org/tools/
