“ Yes, I am an emotional man and a fighter. Do you think there would be any cities if there were not men like me to fight for them?” Noted reformer Richardson Dilworth Philadelphia mayor, 1956-62
make it lean. keep it clean. Eight Penn Center, 1628 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1002 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 557-3600, www.seventy.org
Making government better in 2010
The Committee of Seventy has been called a “government watchdog,” “the elections people” and a “think tank.” In fact, we are all of these and much more. Seventy is a not-for-profit group that works for effective, efficient government to benefit all citizens and create a better future for our region. Headed by many of the region’s most respected business, legal and civic leaders, Seventy holds one goal highest – to use our voice and our influence to provoke real change. We are fiercely non-partisan and never endorse candidates. Whether we are working quietly behind the scenes or making noise, Seventy fights for better government, fair elections and an honest political culture. We raise public awareness about complex issues in language that is meaningful to non-experts, take the lead on tough issues and often join forces with other concerned organizations.
“ Companies want to invest in a vibrant city with responsible elected officials and an accountable system of government. These same characteristics contribute to a city where families want to live and work. That is why I am so proud to lead the Committee of Seventy. When we call for change, we have only one agenda: this region’s vitality.” Daniel K. Fitzpatrick Chairman, Committee of Seventy Board of Directors President and CEO, Citizens Bank, Eastern PA, NJ and DE
The best measure of Seventy’s success is not government reform for its own sake but fundamental change that will attract more residents and jobs to the Philadelphia region.
the catalyst for true reform.
The Committee of Seventy has been called a “government watchdog,” “the elections people” and a “think tank.” In fact, we are all of these and much more. Seventy is a not-for-profit group that works for effective, efficient government to benefit all citizens and create a better future for our region. Headed by many of the region’s most respected business, legal and civic leaders, Seventy holds one goal highest – to use our voice and our influence to provoke real change. We are fiercely non-partisan and never endorse candidates. Whether we are working quietly behind the scenes or making noise, Seventy fights for better government, fair elections and an honest political culture. We raise public awareness about complex issues in language that is meaningful to non-experts, take the lead on tough issues and often join forces with other concerned organizations.
“ Companies want to invest in a vibrant city with responsible elected officials and an accountable system of government. These same characteristics contribute to a city where families want to live and work. That is why I am so proud to lead the Committee of Seventy. When we call for change, we have only one agenda: this region’s vitality.” Daniel K. Fitzpatrick Chairman, Committee of Seventy Board of Directors President and CEO, Citizens Bank, Eastern PA, NJ and DE
The best measure of Seventy’s success is not government reform for its own sake but fundamental change that will attract more residents and jobs to the Philadelphia region.
the catalyst for true reform.
With the active participation, varied backgrounds, and contrasting perspectives of our Board, Seventy represents many of the most influential organizations in the region. Heartily embracing our role as “the Catalyst for True Reform,” the Board works to put the need for honest and effective government higher on the public agenda and spark real change. CEO and President Zack Stalberg has always been focused squarely on reform. During his 20-year tenure as editor at the Philadelphia Daily News, he made his mark with bold, unorthodox campaigns aimed at making Philadelphia better—particularly a ground-breaking series entitled “Rethinking Philadelphia.” Under his leadership, the paper won two Pulitzer Prizes and regularly produced bottom line results most businesses would envy. His tenacity and willingness to call it like he sees it further energize Seventy’s work. At Seventy’s annual breakfast, nationally recognized speakers, such as Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in 2009 (above), use a non-partisan platform to discuss issues that affect our region.
“I have always been enthusiastic about what the Committee of Seventy is all about. Recently and today I feel especially positive about how much you are accomplishing. You are doing a good job and it shows. From a close observer and a very long serving member (since 1934)— Congratulations!” W.W. Keen Butcher
Taken together, our leaders and their commitment to reform and this region drive our ambitious agenda—one that continues to gain momentum.
dedicated leaders intent on real change.
With the active participation, varied backgrounds, and contrasting perspectives of our Board, Seventy represents many of the most influential organizations in the region. Heartily embracing our role as “the Catalyst for True Reform,” the Board works to put the need for honest and effective government higher on the public agenda and spark real change. CEO and President Zack Stalberg has always been focused squarely on reform. During his 20-year tenure as editor at the Philadelphia Daily News, he made his mark with bold, unorthodox campaigns aimed at making Philadelphia better—particularly a ground-breaking series entitled “Rethinking Philadelphia.” Under his leadership, the paper won two Pulitzer Prizes and regularly produced bottom line results most businesses would envy. His tenacity and willingness to call it like he sees it further energize Seventy’s work. At Seventy’s annual breakfast, nationally recognized speakers, such as Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in 2009 (above), use a non-partisan platform to discuss issues that affect our region.
“I have always been enthusiastic about what the Committee of Seventy is all about. Recently and today I feel especially positive about how much you are accomplishing. You are doing a good job and it shows. From a close observer and a very long serving member (since 1934)— Congratulations!” W.W. Keen Butcher
Taken together, our leaders and their commitment to reform and this region drive our ambitious agenda—one that continues to gain momentum.
dedicated leaders intent on real change.
What has the Committee of Seventy done for the region lately?
Campaigning for Effective Government. Seventy’s report Tackling True Reform: Why Philadelphia Must Innovate helped re-ignite efforts to make city government smaller and cost less. Seventy is leading the way in challenging city leaders to embark on an aggressive post-recession reform agenda. Making Sense of Hard Issues. Seventy communicates complex issues in plain talk. Our new “IN THE KNOW” series, a short Q&A on hot topics, provides easy-to-read and provocative analyses of local government and politics. Fighting for Honest Behavior. Seventy persuaded the 2007 mayoral candidates to commit to making government more trustworthy. The newly elected Mayor then created the Task Force on Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform. Now City Council is considering enacting many of the reforms suggested by Seventy and the Task Force. Battling to Save Campaign Contribution Limits. Though the battle continues, Seventy’s persistence has kept the city’s campaign finance law intact. Limits on contributions have saved donors millions of dollars and seriously crippled the “pay-to-play”game.
Running the Country’s Largest and Best Non-Partisan Local Voter Protection Program. Our Election program functions throughout the year by providing essential and accessible information about registering, voting and even running for office. In 2010, hundreds of trained volunteers will once again field questions on Election Day to make the election as clean as possible. We focus our non-partisan attention on the most hotly contested races to help citizens make informed decisions. Reforming the Board of Revision of Taxes. Seventy helped create a sense of urgency about building public trust in the fairness of Philadelphia’s property assessments and appeals processes by proposing both long-term and short-term reforms to the embattled BRT. Finally, voters have the opportunity to decide how to make the tax assessment process trustworthy. Eliminating Unnecessary Elected Offices. Since 2009, Seventy has called for abolishing four obscure elected offices filled with patronage employees and transferring their necessary functions to other city offices or the courts. The state agency that oversees the city’s finances recently calculated an annual savings of at least $13-15 million from this reform. One of these officeholders has resigned under pressure.
tireless efforts for a stronger region.
What has the Committee of Seventy done for the region lately?
Campaigning for Effective Government. Seventy’s report Tackling True Reform: Why Philadelphia Must Innovate helped re-ignite efforts to make city government smaller and cost less. Seventy is leading the way in challenging city leaders to embark on an aggressive post-recession reform agenda. Making Sense of Hard Issues. Seventy communicates complex issues in plain talk. Our new “IN THE KNOW” series, a short Q&A on hot topics, provides easy-to-read and provocative analyses of local government and politics. Fighting for Honest Behavior. Seventy persuaded the 2007 mayoral candidates to commit to making government more trustworthy. The newly elected Mayor then created the Task Force on Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform. Now City Council is considering enacting many of the reforms suggested by Seventy and the Task Force. Battling to Save Campaign Contribution Limits. Though the battle continues, Seventy’s persistence has kept the city’s campaign finance law intact. Limits on contributions have saved donors millions of dollars and seriously crippled the “pay-to-play”game.
Running the Country’s Largest and Best Non-Partisan Local Voter Protection Program. Our Election program functions throughout the year by providing essential and accessible information about registering, voting and even running for office. In 2010, hundreds of trained volunteers will once again field questions on Election Day to make the election as clean as possible. We focus our non-partisan attention on the most hotly contested races to help citizens make informed decisions. Reforming the Board of Revision of Taxes. Seventy helped create a sense of urgency about building public trust in the fairness of Philadelphia’s property assessments and appeals processes by proposing both long-term and short-term reforms to the embattled BRT. Finally, voters have the opportunity to decide how to make the tax assessment process trustworthy. Eliminating Unnecessary Elected Offices. Since 2009, Seventy has called for abolishing four obscure elected offices filled with patronage employees and transferring their necessary functions to other city offices or the courts. The state agency that oversees the city’s finances recently calculated an annual savings of at least $13-15 million from this reform. One of these officeholders has resigned under pressure.
tireless efforts for a stronger region.
Every issue you care about is influenced by government. Public Safety. Job creation. Services that work. Our strength as a region depends on good government—and good government depends on citizens who participate. Seventy makes government and politics understandable to thousands who might otherwise stand on the sidelines. Our Roadmap to Reform series delivers in-depth information and practical suggestions on a variety of topics that affect our region and our opportunities for growth. We focus on how the economic climate could be a defining moment instead of an excuse for “politics as usual.” Seventy is about real ideas and true reform and we too rely on your participation. Your talents and time help provide an unwavering voice and a clear direction for keeping government honest and effective. Your financial support keeps us independent—an organization that does not accept government money.
Add your voice. Visit us at seventy.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or call Ellen Mattleman Kaplan, Vice President and Policy Director, at (215) 557-3600, extension 102.
Support Seventy today. Make a tax-deductible contribution by calling Loretta Depka, Vice President for Development and Operations at (215) 557-3600, extension 104, or simply visit us online.
Stay informed. Register for email updates at seventy.org to stay current on issues about effective and efficient government.
“ Thank you! It was a wonderful volunteer opportunity. I feel as though I was a part of the democratic process instead of just reading about it in the newspaper. The two other volunteers on my shift were very competent, respectful and enjoyable to be with. Overall it was a great morning and I felt like we made a difference.” Susannah McQuillan, Wyndmoor, PA
the power of participation.
Every issue you care about is influenced by government. Public Safety. Job creation. Services that work. Our strength as a region depends on good government—and good government depends on citizens who participate. Seventy makes government and politics understandable to thousands who might otherwise stand on the sidelines. Our Roadmap to Reform series delivers in-depth information and practical suggestions on a variety of topics that affect our region and our opportunities for growth. We focus on how the economic climate could be a defining moment instead of an excuse for “politics as usual.” Seventy is about real ideas and true reform and we too rely on your participation. Your talents and time help provide an unwavering voice and a clear direction for keeping government honest and effective. Your financial support keeps us independent—an organization that does not accept government money.
Add your voice. Visit us at seventy.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or call Ellen Mattleman Kaplan, Vice President and Policy Director, at (215) 557-3600, extension 102.
Support Seventy today. Make a tax-deductible contribution by calling Loretta Depka, Vice President for Development and Operations at (215) 557-3600, extension 104, or simply visit us online.
Stay informed. Register for email updates at seventy.org to stay current on issues about effective and efficient government.
“ Thank you! It was a wonderful volunteer opportunity. I feel as though I was a part of the democratic process instead of just reading about it in the newspaper. The two other volunteers on my shift were very competent, respectful and enjoyable to be with. Overall it was a great morning and I felt like we made a difference.” Susannah McQuillan, Wyndmoor, PA
the power of participation.
They serve because they love Philadelphia and the region.
board of directors
David W. Brown
Jerome Kaplan, Esquire
Michael Nadol
President and Principal BrownPartners
Eric Kraeutler, Esquire
Managing Director, Strategic Consulting Public Financial Management, Inc.
Glenn D. Bryan Assistant Vice President, Community Relations University of Pennsylvania
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President and CEO Citizens Bank PA/NJ/DE
Carl M. Buchholz, Esquire Managing Partner and CEO Blank Rome LLP
Michael C. Carbone Regional President TD Bank
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
Joseph A. Frick President & CEO Independence Blue Cross
Scott W. Reid, Esquire
President Atlantic Trailer Leasing
Senior Director, Public Policy Comcast Corporation
Patricia A. Coulter
Adam E. Laver, Esquire
William R. Sasso, Esquire
President & CEO Urban League of Philadelphia, Inc.
Blank Rome LLP
Marilyn Z. Kutler, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP
Chairman of the Firm Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
Kenneth Lawrence, Jr.
Howard J. Davis, Esquire
Barbara Sicalides, Esquire
Secretary Dianne L. Semingson
Senior Vice President, Government, Community and Public Affairs Temple University
Daniel M. DiLella
Jackie Byrne Lessman, CFP®
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Treasurer F. Mark Lastner Vice President and General Auditor CIGNA Corporation
P. Edward Lovelidge
Joseph (Chip) W. Marshall, III
David C. Franceski, Jr., Esquire
Pepper Hamilton LLP
White and Williams LLP
Edward M. Dunham, Jr., Esquire
Fox Rothschild LLP
Anthony J. Krol, Esquire
Michael H. Reed, Esquire
W. W. Keen Butcher
Anthony J. Conti
General Counsel Howard R. Flaxman, Esquire
Dechert LLP
Susan S. Pié, Esquire
Bret S. Perkins
Managing Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers
Duane Morris LLP
Cheryl A. Krause, Esquire
Frank Giordano
Vice Chairman Stevens & Lee
Vice Chair John E. McKeever, Esquire DLA Piper
Howard L. Meyers, Esquire Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Kleinbard, Bell & Brecker LLP President & CEO BPG Properties, Ltd.
President DLS International
Zachary Stalberg President and CEO Committee of Seventy
Patrick J. Eiding
Senior Vice President & Senior Banking Advisor PNC Wealth Management
Council President Philadelphia AFL-CIO
Ronald H. Levine, Esquire
Melissa Weiler Gerber
Michael R. Stiles
Executive Director WOMEN’S WAY
Senior Vice President Philadelphia Phillies
Susanne Svizeny Commercial Division Manager Pennsylvania and Delaware Markets Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Post & Schell, P.C.
Jonathan B. MacKenzie
William R. Hamm, Esquire
Managing Partner, Disputes and Investigations Practice Navigant Consulting
Senior Vice President The Day & Zimmermann Group, Inc.
Brian J. McCormick, Jr., Esquire
Graham Humes
Sheller, P.C.
Stephen W. Miller, Esquire
Judith M. von Seldeneck
Timothy Hunter, Esquire
Founder and Chairman Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson
Radian Guaranty Inc.
Hollstein Keating Catell Johnson & Goldstein, PC
Rodney D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Scott Mirkin
President & CEO Fairmount Capital Advisors, Inc.
Executive Producer ESM Productions
SteegeThomson Communications
Chair Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Cozen O’Connor
James C. Schwartzman, Esquire Stevens & Lee Pepper Hamilton LLP
Kathleen A. Stephenson, Esquire Paul A. Tufano, Esquire Senior Vice President and General Counsel Independence Blue Cross
Denean R. Williams, M.B.A. Managing Director and Portfolio Manager Cameron Capital Management
Thomas C. Woodward State President and Philadelphia Market President Bank of America
Kurt C. Wulfekuhler Principal KPMG LLP
Lisa P. Young Ernst & Young
Joan A. Yue, Esquire Reed Smith, LLP
They serve because they love Philadelphia and the region.
board of directors
David W. Brown
Jerome Kaplan, Esquire
Michael Nadol
President and Principal BrownPartners
Eric Kraeutler, Esquire
Managing Director, Strategic Consulting Public Financial Management, Inc.
Glenn D. Bryan Assistant Vice President, Community Relations University of Pennsylvania
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President and CEO Citizens Bank PA/NJ/DE
Carl M. Buchholz, Esquire Managing Partner and CEO Blank Rome LLP
Michael C. Carbone Regional President TD Bank
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
Joseph A. Frick President & CEO Independence Blue Cross
Scott W. Reid, Esquire
President Atlantic Trailer Leasing
Senior Director, Public Policy Comcast Corporation
Patricia A. Coulter
Adam E. Laver, Esquire
William R. Sasso, Esquire
President & CEO Urban League of Philadelphia, Inc.
Blank Rome LLP
Marilyn Z. Kutler, Esquire Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP
Chairman of the Firm Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
Kenneth Lawrence, Jr.
Howard J. Davis, Esquire
Barbara Sicalides, Esquire
Secretary Dianne L. Semingson
Senior Vice President, Government, Community and Public Affairs Temple University
Daniel M. DiLella
Jackie Byrne Lessman, CFP®
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Treasurer F. Mark Lastner Vice President and General Auditor CIGNA Corporation
P. Edward Lovelidge
Joseph (Chip) W. Marshall, III
David C. Franceski, Jr., Esquire
Pepper Hamilton LLP
White and Williams LLP
Edward M. Dunham, Jr., Esquire
Fox Rothschild LLP
Anthony J. Krol, Esquire
Michael H. Reed, Esquire
W. W. Keen Butcher
Anthony J. Conti
General Counsel Howard R. Flaxman, Esquire
Dechert LLP
Susan S. Pié, Esquire
Bret S. Perkins
Managing Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers
Duane Morris LLP
Cheryl A. Krause, Esquire
Frank Giordano
Vice Chairman Stevens & Lee
Vice Chair John E. McKeever, Esquire DLA Piper
Howard L. Meyers, Esquire Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Kleinbard, Bell & Brecker LLP President & CEO BPG Properties, Ltd.
President DLS International
Zachary Stalberg President and CEO Committee of Seventy
Patrick J. Eiding
Senior Vice President & Senior Banking Advisor PNC Wealth Management
Council President Philadelphia AFL-CIO
Ronald H. Levine, Esquire
Melissa Weiler Gerber
Michael R. Stiles
Executive Director WOMEN’S WAY
Senior Vice President Philadelphia Phillies
Susanne Svizeny Commercial Division Manager Pennsylvania and Delaware Markets Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Post & Schell, P.C.
Jonathan B. MacKenzie
William R. Hamm, Esquire
Managing Partner, Disputes and Investigations Practice Navigant Consulting
Senior Vice President The Day & Zimmermann Group, Inc.
Brian J. McCormick, Jr., Esquire
Graham Humes
Sheller, P.C.
Stephen W. Miller, Esquire
Judith M. von Seldeneck
Timothy Hunter, Esquire
Founder and Chairman Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson
Radian Guaranty Inc.
Hollstein Keating Catell Johnson & Goldstein, PC
Rodney D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Scott Mirkin
President & CEO Fairmount Capital Advisors, Inc.
Executive Producer ESM Productions
SteegeThomson Communications
Chair Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, CFA
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Cozen O’Connor
James C. Schwartzman, Esquire Stevens & Lee Pepper Hamilton LLP
Kathleen A. Stephenson, Esquire Paul A. Tufano, Esquire Senior Vice President and General Counsel Independence Blue Cross
Denean R. Williams, M.B.A. Managing Director and Portfolio Manager Cameron Capital Management
Thomas C. Woodward State President and Philadelphia Market President Bank of America
Kurt C. Wulfekuhler Principal KPMG LLP
Lisa P. Young Ernst & Young
Joan A. Yue, Esquire Reed Smith, LLP
“ Yes, I am an emotional man and a fighter. Do you think there would be any cities if there were not men like me to fight for them?” Noted reformer Richardson Dilworth Philadelphia mayor, 1956-62
make it lean. keep it clean. Eight Penn Center, 1628 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1002 Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 557-3600, www.seventy.org
Making government better in 2010