by KYW's vice president and general manager David Yadgaroff
The appointment of a highly regarded, professional city administrator as managing director in the new Philadelphia government is a welcome step away from the long shadow of political payola that has shrouded City Hall for too long.
Michael Nutter’s choice of Camille Barnett (see related news story) is yet another signal from the mayor-elect that he meant what he said on the campaign trail: that Philadelphia will enter a refreshing new era in which decisions will be based on community interests, not political ones.
The team being woven together has the background to do just that. Incoming finance director Rob DuBow (see related news story) comes from the state agency that dragged the city out of a fiscal swamp. Managing director Barnett has broad experience in city government and has shown the ability elsewhere to resist political pressure.
Philadelphia is flat out of political wiggle room in hiring, awarding of contracts, or the creation of pet projects.
Charles Ramsey, Philadelphia's incoming police chief (see related news story), chalked up dramatic success in curbing crime in the nation’s capital. There are solid reasons to believe he’ll do the same here, while the front office attracts business and taxpayers.
And for insurance, Nutter has hired a trio of ex-federal prosecutors who know political corruption -- as watchdogs -- just to keep everyone honest (see related story).
As our British friends might say, “Brilliant!”
To submit a comment or reply to this editorial, send an e-mail to yadgaroff@KYW.com
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