Philly’s ‘resign-to-run’ rule sets a national precedent for governance amid discussions on potential changes.

A new proposal in the Philadelphia City Council seeks to amend the resign-to-run rule, a regulation stipulating that elected city officials must vacate their positions if they intend to run for another office. This policy aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure public officials remain focused on their current responsibilities.

Philadelphia residents have previously voiced their opposition to similar changes, rejecting attempts to repeal the resign-to-run rule in 2007 and 2014. An additional effort to modify the rule stalled in 2020. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, who first proposed eliminating the rule last year, has brought forth a revised measure that would permit city officeholders to retain their seats while campaigning for state or federal offices. However, officials would still be required to resign if they wish to pursue another city position, such as mayor.

Critics of the proposed amendment argue that the rationale for the resign-to-run rule remains relevant. Campaigning, particularly for higher offices, can be a full-time endeavor involving extensive fundraising, travel, and public engagement that detracts from an official’s ability to serve constituents effectively. These challenges are compounded by potential misuse of city resources during election campaigns, which could unfairly advantage certain candidates over others.

The primary argument for changing the rule stems from the belief that it would foster greater competition among candidates. Thomas has suggested that lifting the resignation requirement could encourage more current Council members to enter races for open congressional seats, such as that of retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. Nevertheless, the current political landscape already shows substantial interest, with eleven candidates announcing their intent to run for Evans’ position ahead of the May primary.

While the idea of increased competition is appealing, the merits of allowing sitting officials to campaign without resigning seem to lack solid grounding. Many officials in the past, whether at the state or congressional level, have faced criticism for neglecting their constituents while pursuing higher office.

Philadelphia’s resign-to-run rule was introduced in 1951, with robust support from the Committee of Seventy, an organization dedicated to promoting ethical governance. Although the organization has softened its stance over time, stating a willingness to consider the repeal only as part of a comprehensive reform package—including term limits and stronger ethical guidelines—it remains firm that the current proposal serves political interests rather than the public good.

Advocates for good governance assert that maintaining the resign-to-run rule is vital to ensure that public officials remain accountable to the voters who elected them. The city’s commitment to high ethical standards, including strict campaign finance regulations, positions it as a leader in governance. As other jurisdictions struggle with issues of political corruption and lax campaign finance laws, Philadelphia has the opportunity to bolster its reputation as a city of integrity and transparency.

In conclusion, any proposed changes to the resign-to-run rule should be carefully considered, particularly in light of the potential implications for city governance and public trust. The call for reform must balance the need for competitive elections with the imperative of holding elected officials accountable to their current roles. Maintaining this rule could ultimately strengthen the integrity of Philadelphia’s political landscape.

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