Lawsuit alleges Register of Wills John Sabatina Sr. maintained a ‘hit list’ to replace employees with patronage hires.

In a significant development within the Philadelphia Register of Wills office, Ian Ewing, a records clerk with a strong performance record, was abruptly fired in January 2024, catching him off guard. Despite having received a performance review indicating he was “exceeding expectations,” Ewing was informed during the workday that his employment was terminated immediately. The lack of explanation surrounding his dismissal suggests deeper issues within the office, notably a controversial strategy employed by the newly elected Register of Wills, John Sabatina Sr.

Reports indicate that the Sabatina administration had compiled a list of employees earmarked for termination to facilitate the hiring of new staff, highlighting potential patronage practices. Ewing’s situation was not isolated, as he subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, claiming he was dismissed for failing to support Sabatina’s political campaign. The city agreed to a settlement of ,000 in Ewing’s case, shedding light on a troubling pattern of politically motivated firings occurring under Sabatina’s leadership.

Since Ewing’s termination, similar lawsuits have been filed by sixteen other former employees of the Register of Wills office, resulting in a cumulative financial impact of approximately 6,000 in settlements that will ultimately burden Philadelphia taxpayers. These developments emerged during the ongoing legal disputes, when city lawyers provided documents that purportedly detailed the systematic approach employed by the Sabatina administration to target employees based on political affiliations.

Historically, the Register of Wills office has been a bastion of political patronage, lacking the civil-service protections available to many city employees. The office employs about 100 people and operates on an annual budget of roughly .2 million. The leadership transitions that have taken place in recent years have further complicated the workforce dynamics, as evidenced by multiple lawsuits stemming from similar dismissals under both former Registers of Wills, Tracey Gordon and Ronald R. Donatucci.

Andrew McGinley, vice president of external affairs for the Committee of Seventy, a good-government organization, has emphasized the need for reform within the office. He noted that the repeated instances of politically motivated hiring and firing reflect a system in dire need of change. In March, a recommendation was made by the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority to abolish the Register of Wills office entirely, as well as the sheriff’s office, although no action has been taken by city officials thus far.

As the fallout from these terminations continues to unfold, the implications of political patronage within the city structure raise significant questions regarding the integrity and meritocracy of public employment in Philadelphia. The ramifications not only affect the individuals involved but also indicate a larger systemic issue that could ultimately lead to an overhaul of how such offices operate. Media News Source highlights these pressing issues, suggesting that without reform, Philadelphia will likely continue to face challenges related to employment practices within politically independent offices.