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The Committee of Seventy
Eight Penn Center
1628 JFK Boulevard
Suite 1002
Philadelphia, PA 19103
p. 215-557-3600
f. 215-557-3608

Objectives and Principles

The Committee of Seventy is a non-partisan organization conducting a permanent campaign to improve the Philadelphia region by demanding ethical conduct of public officials, promoting government efficiency, educating citizens and safeguarding elections.

Seventy's numerous and diverse endeavors are predicated on the following basic tenets:

  • Government should be excellent and honest;
  • Public elections must be free and fair; and
  • Citizens who do not hold public office can and should affect those who do

To accomplish these objectives, the work of the Committee includes the following:

  • Developing an informed and active electorate through non-partisan, educational means;
  • Investigating illegal action, misconduct, and inefficiency in government and the elections process, and taking appropriate action thereon, initiating litigation when necessary;
  • Researching and disseminating information regarding City policy, politics, and public officials;
  • Encouraging and aiding public officials in the performance of their duties through such means as research-based governance studies; and
  • Informing and educating the public about civic affairs of current importance, including municipal finance, interpretation and observance of the City Charter, and other related matters.


Committee of Seventy's
2008 Citizen's Guide
The Committee of Seventy is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)3 organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or party affiliation. Seventy does not lobby or support, endorse or oppose candidates for office. © 2005
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