Dear Fellow Philadelphians:
Many of you are likely to stay home Tuesday, May 17, 2011. That's because without the usual blizzard of television commercials associated with big ticket races, like the contest for mayor, few seem interested in following the debate. This is regrettable. Tuesday's Primary Election gives voters the largest number of choices for City Council, the so-called "Row Offices" (Sheriff, City Commissioners, Register of Wills) and local and state judges than we've experienced in more than a quarter century. In total, there are 190 separate candidates on your ballot for both the Democratic and Republican Parties. And, of course, there is space to write in the name for any candidate of your choice.
Also worthy of your attention is one ballot question (at the bottom) that seeks your approval to create a "Jobs Commission" which would determine how city government and other public agencies can best work uniformly to create more private sector employment while also preserving the jobs we currently have. We urge you to vote "Yes."On these pages are the names for a wide variety of candidates who are running citywide. We chose not to recommend in the various district Council races as we do not have enough information about all of the complex neighborhood issues at the heart of these contests.
What you will find here are the names of candidates whom have either worked with civil rights organizations for the betterment of Philadelphia or men and women whose previous records of public service make them worthy of the attention of civil rights leaders.
You are allowed to take this sample ballot with you into the polling booth as we're sure it will help cut down on the time you'll need to find all the candidates you may want to see get elected. The candidates recommended on these pages come from many different neighborhoods and backgrounds. But the one thing they all have in common is a record of working to improve our city without regard to race, ethnic origin, religion or gender.
Remember, on May 17 take your time. Check your ballot to make sure all of your buttons are pressed before you press "VOTE" and walk out. Next Tuesday, we hope you will take a friend or family member to the polls so that the experts who predict a small turnout can be proven wrong. A hearty turnout is the best way to protect this democracy that so many of us take for granted and which much of this planet is trying to emulate.
See you at the polls May 17th,
J. Whyatt Mondesire Publisher
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