Well Isn't That Special, Pt. II

The Inquirer Editorial Board has jumped on board with its own suggestions for getting a more open process out of the selection of replacement City Council members.

The party should pledge an open primary for those two district seats and the at-large seat next year. In other words, the party shouldn't endorse the incumbents or work to swing votes their way.

If the party doesn't ensure an open primary in 2007, may its Council incumbents feel the wrath of a disgusted electorate. Remember what happened last spring to a passel of state lawmakers who backed that greedy pay raise?

In answer to their last, rhetorical question, I do remember what happened to the state lawmakers from Philadelphia who backed the greedy pay raise. Nothing. If they're counting on the "wrath of a disgusted electorate" to effect real change, they may be waiting for a while. Besides, I'd prefer to count on the knowledge of an informed electorate.

Why have I talked about City Council elections twice on a blog about the Next Mayor? Clearly, a major part of the next mayoral administration will be how it works with the City Council that will be in place in January 2008. With a guarantee of three (sort of) new members and the possibility of a fourth, the Mayor-Council dynamic could change dramatically. All of those races, though they may get much less coverage and have many fewer television ads, are no less important than the race at the top of the ticket.