Philly residents bear costs of patronage in settlement over Register of Wills’ ‘hit list’ controversy.

In recent years, the debate surrounding the efficacy and relevance of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office and the Register of Wills has intensified, amplified by calls from the city’s financial oversight board and local civic organizations such as the Committee of Seventy. A growing cadre of advocates—including this publication’s Editorial Board—has consistently advocated for the abolition of these two offices. The rationale remains clear: the actions of the officials who inhabit these roles continue to reinforce the arguments for their dissolution.

Recent developments have only fueled these concerns. A troubling report has surfaced involving a so-called “hit list” targeting employees of the Register of Wills based on their political affiliations. This newly revealed situation underscores a pervasive culture of patronage, prompting further scrutiny and dissatisfaction among the public.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson are urged to address these issues head-on. The recent legal challenges against the city have spotlighted the conduct within these offices. Specifically, Ian Ewing, a former employee, settled a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination due to his lack of support for Register of Wills John Sabatina Sr.’s campaign. In total, 16 former employees have filed similar claims, revealing a pattern of politically motivated dismissals.

Evidence brought forth in legal proceedings indicates that around 30 individuals, primarily affiliated with former Register of Wills Tracey Gordon, were flagged for firing without any nonpolitical justification. Sabatina assumed office with promises of restoring integrity, but instead has perpetuated the entrenched patronage system. Notably, investigations have identified that he has filled his ranks with local Democratic political figures, a stark departure from the office’s apolitical mandate.

The Register of Wills has long been a nexus of political patronage. Historical accounts demonstrate that Gordon faced lawsuits for similar mismanagement, costing taxpayers upwards of 0,000 in settlements due to politically motivated terminations. Currently, the financial implications of Sabatina’s decisions have already reached 6,000, a significant burden for an office operating on an annual budget of over million.

Additionally, the longstanding history of relying on patronage within the Register of Wills complicates the office’s governance. Unlike other municipal roles, employees here lack essential civil service protections, facilitating a dynamic where political connections dictate employment outcomes.

Given that the office’s primary responsibilities—recording wills, administering estates, and collecting inheritance taxes—are fundamentally nonpartisan, political bias should have no role in its operation. The necessity for reform is expanded to include the sheriff’s office, which, like the Register of Wills, has faced longstanding allegations of corruption and mismanagement without significant organizational reform.

Despite previous efforts by leaders like former Mayor Michael Nutter to eliminate unnecessary positions, current officials have shown reluctance to pursue similar transformative measures. This inertia poses a financial strain on Philadelphia residents who may continue to bear the costs associated with these politically fueled terminations.

Until decisive action is taken by city leadership, the issues that plague these offices will remain unaddressed, perpetuating a cycle of inefficiency and political favoritism that Philadelphia citizens will continue to finance. The call for greater accountability and reform is essential for initiating positive change in the governance of these vital public roles.

For now, stakeholders and citizens alike watch closely to see if Parker and Johnson will rise to the occasion and confront these persistent issues. Media News Source will continue to monitor these developments as the dialogue on political accountability in Philadelphia evolves.