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Police Oversight Commission: No time for “toxic dysfunction”

Three of nine the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) members resigned Tuesday, with one charging that disputes among the commissioners have led to “toxic dysfunction” so severe that the body must be “dissolved and restructured.” Added to the Home Rule Charter in 2020, the CPOC became operational last year, replacing an under-resourced and largely ineffective Police Advisory Board. Unlike its predecessor, this commission can issue subpoenas and participate in police misconduct inquiries, but the commissioner disputes and hiring challenges are frustrating the agency’s performance.

Voters nix quick fix: The Inquirer reported that hiring difficulties were one cause of the disputes, and voter rejection last month of a Charter change that would have made CPOC staff exempt from the civil service will not ease those challenges.

The disapproved ballot question was a surprising and unusual outcome. For Seventy’s part, we expressed concern in earlier testimony about the special carveout and that the entire civil service system needs an overhaul to address the hiring crises across city government.

Western PA city manager charged with stealing taxpayer money

DuBois, a city of nearly 7,500 residents some 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, found itself in an unwelcome statewide spotlight after its longtime city manager, John “Herm” Suplizio, was charged in March with stealing some $620,000 of city funds between 2014 and 2022. The state Attorney General’s office alleges that much of the money was taken from two accounts he controlled. Then last month, the DuBois solicitor arrived at City Hall with $93,200 in cash she said was city money. The city’s top lawyer didn’t say how or why she got it, but she did say it came from one of the accounts Suplizio had been charged with raiding.

How could no one notice? Spotlight PA’s reporting on the scandal focuses on the lax oversight—stemming both from inadequate accounting methods and undertrained personnel—that enabled these alleged thefts to occur, and on the statutory power the city manager wields under the “council-manager plan” DuBois operates under.

New broom: In the May 16 primary, the incumbent mayor and two Council members (each of whom initially backed Suplizio following his indictment, according to Spotlight PA) were easily ousted—by write-in candidates.

C70 is looking for its seventh cohort of Buchholz Fellows — a group of emerging young leaders in the private or nonprofit sector — to serve on our board, help improve government in Philadelphia, and grow their leadership skills. Apply now.

Draw fair lines: C70 joined Fair Districts PA and other organizations for this panel discussion examining the past redistricting cycle, considering lessons learned about independent citizen commission redistricting and exploring future reforms.

Voter ID debate: After a lengthy debate at its Wednesday meeting, PA’s Election Law Advisory Board couldn’t decide on a position on voter ID in advance of any election legislation that might be considered ahead of the 2024 elections.

Ethics Board and the mayoral race: The Inquirer examines the actions and impact of the city’s Ethics Board in the mayoral race and the board’s decision to engage one of the super PACs in court.

Repeal closed primaries: BallotPA chair David Thornburgh and Open Primaries president John Opdyke host an online forum on the campaign to allow independent voters to vote in primary elections. Guests include former PA Senate president Joe Scarnati and Jennifer Bullock of Independent Pennsylvanians.

Transparency rollback: Unlike former Gov. Tom Wolf, Gov. Shapiro won’t make his daily calendar public. The PA Office of Open Records is OK with it, but not the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

Women in Public Leadership Event

Tuesday, June 6, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

The Committee of Seventy’s Second Annual Women in Public Leadership event features a timely and important conversation on the vital role the media plays in a democracy. Dr. Kerry Sautner, Chief Learning Officer for the National Constitution Center, will moderate the discussion between Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large and Founder of the 19th*; Lisa Hughes, publisher & CEO of The Philadelphia Inquirer; and Sarah Glover, VP of News & Civic Dialogue at WHYY to discuss their path to leadership, how news organizations can strengthen democracy, and the challenges and opportunities their industries face in light of the heightened partisanship facing our nation. C70 will also honor renowned civic leader, Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition, for her tireless work advancing social and economic justice, promoting voter engagement, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Purcahse a ticket.

Elevating Civic Literacy in PA for a Brighter Economic Future

Tues., June 13, 11 AM

Zoom



C70 joins Business for America in hosting this webinar to give businesses an opportunity to learn how they can assist in elevating civic literacy in schools and communities to enhance both the economy and our democracy. Panelists include Former U.S. Rep.Jim Gerlach and CEO of Greater Reading Chamber Alliance; PA Youth Vote executive director Angelique Hinton; and Arielle Jennings, the chief partnerships officer at Generation Citizen. Register.

Seventy's membership program broadens, diversifies, and expands our community of champions of local democracy. Become a member and receive notification about Event signups, Annual Membership Impact Reports, C70 swag and Invitations to members-only experiences and receptions.