Ethics Discussion Group at The Inquirer

A City That Works - May 22, 2008

Eight people took part in the Ethics Group, six men and two women, mostly white and middle-age, one young Asian man and one African American woman. They came mostly from Fairmount and Center City, with one man from South Philly and one woman from West Philly. They were well informed about what was going on in the city, past and present, and had strong opinions. Everyone participated and listened to each other’s viewpoints. I think they appreciated the opportunity that the Forum gave them to have input into how the city will function and enjoyed the experience. They were a great group with which to work!

What does this goal mean to you?

• The city keeps its promise and gives me back my house. (This woman felt that the city broke a promise to her about her home, which she lost; she didn’t go into the details.)

• If officials break the law or do something wrong, they’re kicked out of office.

• The mayor will publicly support candidates for positions / elected office who don’t have pending issues or “baggage.”

• There’s an absence pf private connections with public entities.

• Decisions are made for the public good rather than for private gain.

• Citizens / I will have a place to go with complaints and issues and be seriously considered and listened to.

• How and why people get appointed to public positions is public information.

• People outside of Philly would see Philly as a place that got rid of corruption.

• Districting is decided by a bipartisan and neutral process.

• I’ll hear stories that are positive about how ethical Philly is.

Performance measures (What would success look like?):

• Establish bipartisan, neutral Redistricting Commission by 2011 with no elected officials on it.

• 100 percent of contracts over x amount of dollars have open, competitive bidding with full public vetting and disclosure.

• 100 percent of appointed officials have no record of unethical behavior after a vetting process that is open to the public.

(There were additional measures, but no time to discuss them. The above were the ones the two small groups thought were their best.)

Customer-service standards:

• In 311 system, citizens’ issues will be dealt with / resolved with a maximum of one transfer, two people.

• Consistent, ongoing communication with same city employee when citizen calls in; citizen gets a case number so his / her case can be followed.

• Redistricting: Media outlets communicate relevant, consistent information to everyone and follow the process, plus have input.

• There should be a survey of citizens regarding customer satisfaction.