The Philadelphia City Paper chronicles unprecedented enthusiasm for filling the lowest level elected positions in the city, answering questions about how the upcoming election could have a big impact on local politics.
"There's a big push on to get Philadelphians to run for committee seats, the lowest-level elected positions in the city. There are 6,724 of these unpaid slots (two Democrat and two Republican in each 'division'), and at any given time, many are vacant.
The efforts to get people like you to run are really part of an initiative to transform the city's political landscape. And it's not entirely a pipe dream. To get on the ballot for the May primary, all you need to do is turn in a petition with 10 signatures before Tuesday. Interested? Well, Mr. Candidate, here are the answers to all your questions..."
"Committeepeople elect and communicate with ward leaders, who form the political parties' City Committees. The committees endorse candidates and, in the case of the Democratic City Committee, effectively decide who will serve as judges and councilmembers in Philadelphia."
FULL STORY: Ward Cleaving
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