Dear Friends of the Committee of Seventy:
A pivotal year in Philadelphia politics is now underway. Voters will choose a new Mayor, with several candidates already declaring their intention to seek that office and others are waiting in the wings. All of City Council is up for election, and challengers to the incumbents are already emerging. What happens over the next several months leading up to the May 15 primary election will give us a strong indication of whether our future leaders intend to change the political culture in Philadelphia or continue with the discredited politics of the past. As interested citizens committed to Philadelphia’s future, all of us have an important role to play in this election.
That is why the Committee of Seventy’s mission to promote honest, effective and efficient government, an informed and involved electorate, and fair election practices is so critical. We will ask tough questions, create high expectations for the next Mayor and City Council, and heighten the public's awareness of the critical issues facing our City and the region and their possible solution.
You can help Seventy facilitate this debate by learning as much as possible about the issues and actively participating in this year’s election. As Thomas Jefferson said over 200 years ago:
“Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government…whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”
The entire civic community has an opportunity, and also a responsibility, to band together more effectively to make the Philadelphia region more attractive and prosperous. Seventy intends to work collaboratively with organizations large and small -- from our large and diverse business community, our colleges and universities, arts and cultural organizations, foundations, and other non-profit organizations, to the smallest community groups -- so that collectively we all have a greater voice in making our government more honest and responsive.
Seventy has been around for over 100 years fighting corruption and working in the best interests of all Philadelphians. We are proud of that legacy and, at the same time, well aware that the ongoing municipal scandals present a frustratingly new set of challenges. No other organization concerns itself as directly with the integrity and effectiveness of government. Our mission should resonate with everyone who lives or works here, now more than ever.
Seventy looks forward to working with you to make our City and region a better place. Philadelphia is on the verge of greatness, but we as a city will never achieve that status without honest and effective government. We pledge to do our part, as Jefferson said, to keep you well-informed about things that get so far wrong and how to make them right.
Please visit our website regularly and feel free to contact us at any time to discuss your concerns and ideas.
Thank you in advance for your interest in Seventy. We will continue to work hard to earn your trust and support.
Sincerely,
Howard L. Meyers
Chairman | 
