Broad Street Brief: Council & Controversial Bills; Mayoral Debates

September 22, 2023

City Hall

City Council’s First Week Back: Kenney Veto Override of Recreational Weed Restrictions, Supervised Injection Sites Prohibited

Last week the City Council had an eventful return from summer recess, unanimously voting to override a mayoral veto on cannabis legislation, allowing for recreational marijuana sales at existing medical marijuana facilities. Also, in a 13-1 veto-proof majority vote the Council prohibited supervised drug injection sites, which Mayor Jim Kenney previously supported as a solution to reduce overdose related deaths.

Governor Shapiro Nominates Philadelphia City Council President Clarke to State Liquor Control Board

As City Council President Darrell Clarke wraps up his final term in office, local politicos are asking who his successor will be and what is next for the longtime city legislator. On Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro nominated Council President Clarke to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Election Update

KYW Newsradio to Host Mayoral Debate

Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker and her Republican opponent David Oh will be participating in a debate on KYW Newsradio next month, despite Parker previously indicating that she would not participate in a debate. The two candidates previously served together on City Council.

Democratic Mayoral Nominee Parker Would Appoint Police Commissioner with “Knowledge of Philadelphia,” if Elected

With Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw’s tenure coming to a close, Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker announced that, if elected, she would appoint a police commissioner who has “knowledge of Philadelphia” — a stark contrast from Commissioner Outlaw, who previously served as police chief in Portland, Oregon. This comment comes in the final stretch of a campaign season focused on gun violence, crime, and public safety.

Democratic Senator Fetterman Backs Philadelphia WFP City Council Candidates

Last week, U.S. Senator John Fetterman joined Governor Josh Shapiro in endorsing current incumbent Councilmember Kendra Brooks and her Working Families Party (WFP) running mate Nicolas O’Rourke. The city charter requires that two of the seven at-large seats on council be reserved for members of a minority, which has historically meant Republicans.

Republican District 10 Councilmember O’Neill Seeks 12th Term

For 44 years Councilmember Brian O’Neill (District 10) has represented the far northeast district, often being legislative body’s only Republican. He hopes his decades of dedication to constituent service and standing up to District Attorney Larry Krasner’s “soft-on-crime policies” will help carry him to a 12th term.

Around Town

Acting President of Temple University JoAnne Epps Passes Away

Acting President of Temple University JoAnne A. Epps — who previously led the university’s law school and was appointed to the position earlier this year — passed away suddenly after collapsing at a university event on Tuesday. Temple hosted a celebration of life in gratitude of Epps’ commitment to the institution over the years.

USDA to Invest $12 Million in Philadelphia Tree Plan

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it would be awarding a $12 million grant to the Philly Tree Plan. The funding will supplement the city’s $2 million annual investment in the 10-year forestry roadmap, making the city’s tree coverage more equitable.

Philadelphia Public School Teachers Sue District

Three Philadelphia school teachers filed a proposed class action lawsuit against the school district of Philadelphia for the district’s alleged violation of their First Amendment rights, following teacher protests against asbestos in the Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School building. The dire state of the district’s school buildings was discussed in the first state hearings to change Pennsylvania’s school funding system – a system that was deemed unconstitutional earlier this year

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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