Vote yes to fair play

Today Philadelphia voters have the opportunity to send a powerful message to City Hall. With a "yes" vote on the city's ballot question, citizens will stand up loud and clear and say "enough is enough" to the smog of corruption that chokes the air of politics around here.

Remember the debacles over questionable no-bid contracts that have kept the mayor on the defensive for months? What about the FBI investigation into bribery and corruption charges last year? The mayor's brother running operations at the airport?

The ballot initiative would be a step toward reversing the pay-to-play culture that has thrived in city government for years. It is long overdue.

Many powerful players in Philadelphia agree.

City Council passed an ethics reform bill, and Mayor Street signed on to it. Scores of businesses and political groups from all across the ideological spectrum have been clamoring for such action. But the only way to change the culture of back-scratching politicians is to amend the city's charter -- which requires a "yes" vote from the public today.

Philadelphia has suffered for years under the leadership of pols who answer not to the interests of their constituents, but rather to their biggest contributors. City Hall should not be bought and sold like an item up for auction on eBay.

The ballot measure brings needed transparency and accountability to the process of campaigning and governance. Cutting out no-bid contracts to big donors and requiring disclosure about contributions in the bid process is a good idea.

The public has a right to know how its tax dollars are being spent, and if they are being funneled into the hands of cronies.

It is up to the voters to take down the for sale signs from the windows at City Hall.

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