The upcoming appointed City Commissioner should be 3rd party

We are joining with WFP to uplift their demand that Philly’s next city commissioner be a 3rd party candidate. 

Al Schmidt, The lone republican in the City Commissioner’s office has resigned before the end of his term. By law, this minority seat cannot go to a Democrat. Instead of a special election, this seat will be appointed by Mayor Kenney and then voted on by members of City Council for confirmation. 

For half a century this seat has gone to the Republican Party. But as we get closer to the one year anniversary of the January 6th attack on the capitol one thing is clear: This appointment cannot go to a Republican. The Republican party has done nothing in the year since the attack to take any accountability or to reflect on the role they played in destabilizing our democracy. Instead they’ve introduced copycat legislation throughout the country to restrict the rights of voters and sow distrust in the election system. We cannot let this seat go to a Trump Republican who will use the office to disempower Philly’s voters!

Through Kendra Brook’s historic election to City Council, Philly voters have shown that another path is possible when it comes to minority seats like this one. We know that independent and 3rd party voters outnumber registered Republicans in Philly and it's time for their voices to be reflected in this seat. We also know that Philly’s voters care about defending democracy. Following the presidential election, thousands of Philadelphians took to the streets in radical joy and solidarity to make sure every vote was counted. We showed the country that great things happen in Philadelphia!

The question before Mayor Kenney and City Council is will you reward the Republican Party for their violent attacks on our Democracy? This is a political choice with political costs to Philadelphians. Let’s chart a new path together and appoint a 3rd party candidate who will work to represent ALL voters.