Blackwell aims for City Council presidency

Local councilwoman Jannie Blackwell is almost certainly looking to upgrade her position in the City Council in the coming year.

Blackwell, who is beginning her fourth term as representative of the third district, which includes Penn's campus, will likely run for City Council president, a move that could unseat Anna Verna, who has held the position since 1999.

The presidential position is internally elected, meaning that only sitting council members vote on the candidates.

Campaigns are far less formal than those for popular elections, and some years, according to Blackwell, the candidates simply "talk to other people" to collect votes.

Nine votes, out of a possible 17, are needed to be elected president.

According to Blackwell, the election will likely be held at the council's Dec. 18 reorganization meeting, but it could happen anytime before the inauguration on Jan. 5.

As president, Blackwell said she would "work on the things that I think matter: institutional, residential and commercial issues in the community." She added that her "great relationship with the police force and Fire Department" would help her coordinate crime and safety issues throughout the city.

However, The Philadelphia Inquirer editorialized earlier this week that it was unlikely that Blackwell would unseat Verna.

According to Verna's spokesman Robert Previdi, she has the verbal commitment of 11 council members, more than the nine required to win the vote.

Verna "feels confident that a majority of the council would like to see her [return] as president," Previdi said.

The Inquirer called it "a good thing" that Verna seems likely to keep her presidential seat.

"Verna is a fair-minded woman who has served as a bridge between Mayor Street's critics and the council faction aligned with him," it said.

"Blackwell lacks the temperament and credibility to lead Council and would likely serve as a rubber stamp for the administration," it added.

But some West Philadelphia business owners would welcome a Blackwell-run City Council.

"It's hard to imagine that it would not help West Philly," said Greg Salisbury, a Spruce Hill resident and owner of Rx restaurant. "She is without a doubt the most powerful voice the residents of the neighborhood have. Anything that gives us greater representation would be helpful."

Penn would also benefit from Blackwell's election, according to Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman.

"Blackwell having positions of power is good for U. Penn," she said. "Certainly her close relationship with the current president, Anna Verna, has been helpful."

Scheman has worked closely with Blackwell on many issues over the past decade, from retail to sidewalk maintenance.

"She's been extremely helpful in helping us manage our relationship with the city," Scheman said, adding that the University could not "do a lot of things [with the city] without her support and energy and creativity."

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