The 2nd Ward endorses candidates by a majority vote of its committeepeople. The 2nd Ward’s endorsement committee conducts thorough research into candidates and makes endorsement recommendations to the whole Ward based on questionnaires, interviews, and candidate forums. For judicial candidates, the endorsements committee also reviews Bar Association materials.
US Senator
Governor
3rd US Congressional District Representative
175th State House District Representative
182nd State House District Representative
Ballot Question No. 1
Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to revise the composition of the Zoning Board of Adjustment by increasing the number of mayoral appointees from five to seven; by requiring Council confirmation of the mayor’s appointments; and by specifying qualifications that appointees must possess, including a demonstrated sensitivity to community concerns regarding development and the protection of the character of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods?
The City’s Zoning Board of Adjustment hears cases about zoning permit decisions. Approving this reform would increase the size of the board from five to seven members and require that the board would include: an urban planner; an architect; a lawyer with zoning experience; a person with experience in the construction industry; and at least two leaders from community organizations. All Board members would also need to have shown sensitivity to community concerns regarding development. Board members are currently appointed by the Mayor; this reform would also require that board members be approved by City Council.
The Second Ward recommends voting YES on this ballot question.
Ballot Question No. 2
Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to remove all gender- based references?
The current City Charter generally refers to individuals as men. For example, it uses the words ‘he’ and ‘him’ to identify the Mayor and other high-level City officials. The Charter also includes a few references to City officers and employees using ‘his or her’. This change would require that the City’s Charter use language that does not refer to specific genders. Instead, the Charter would identify individuals using titles and descriptions that could apply to anyone. For example, instead of referring to the Mayor using ‘he’ or ‘his office’, the Charter would specifically identify ‘the Mayor’ or ‘the Mayor’s office’.
The Second Ward recommends voting YES on this ballot question.
Ballot Question No. 3
Should the Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to remove all gender-based references?
The Educational Supplement to the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter sets certain rules for the School District of Philadelphia and its Board of Education. The current Educational Supplement refers to all individuals as men. For example, it uses the words ‘he’ and ‘him’ to identify the Superintendent. This ballot item would require that the Educational Supplement use language that does not refer to specific genders and instead identify individuals using titles and descriptions that could apply to anyone. For example, instead of referring to the Superintendent using ‘he’ or ‘his’, the Educational Supplement would specifically identify ‘the Superintendent’.
The Second Ward recommends voting YES on this ballot question.
Ballot Question No. 4
Should The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to establish the Fair Housing Commission as an independent commission to administer and enforce statutes and ordinances concerning unfair rental practices and certain other matters concerning the landlord and tenant relationship and to adjudicate disputes related to such matters?
The City’s Fair Housing Commission administers and enforces laws related to unfair rental practices and other issues affecting landlords and tenants. Although it has operated lawfully for many years as part of the City’s government, it has not been made a part of the formal City Charter framework. This ballot initiative would include the Fair Housing Commission as a formal part in the City’s Charter and make it more permanent than it is now.
The Second Ward recommends voting YES on this ballot question.
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