Newspapers make endorsements in elections to provide guidance to their readers, who should have as much information as possible in selecting their leaders.
Sometimes making a recommendation is difficult, other times it's remarkably easy.
This is one of those other times.
The Inquirer endorses the candidacy of Democrat MICHAEL NUTTER to become the next mayor of Philadelphia.
The farce that has been called an election campaign should come to a swift end on Nov. 6. Voters should not hesitate to cast their ballots for Nutter, a former City Council member who, in Republican Al Taubenberger, faced only token opposition.
Taubenberger, a genial man more likely to drop the name of a favorite restaurant than an innovative idea, should be commended for agreeing to be the Republican standard bearer.
But his party should be questioning its future in this city when its leaders seem to care more about their allotted share of minority Council seats than about persuading Philadelphians that they could do a better job of running this town.
Sure, Republican businessman Sam Katz ran two credible mayoral campaigns. But that had more to do with the man than the party and seems not to have translated into any party growth.
So, Philadelphia Republican leaders Brian O'Neill, Frank Rizzo Jr., Jack Kelly and Michael Meehan anointed Taubenberger as their champion, knowing he was unlikely to win.
Taubenberger, to his credit, has run as hard as he could, showing up almost everywhere Nutter did on the campaign trail. But their differences on policy issues have been few, giving Philadelphia's mostly Democratic electorate little reason to jump ship.
Nor should voters have changed allegiance had Taubenberger provided more contrast to Nutter's views. Because that would mean the Republican wanted to take Philadelphia in the wrong direction. Taubenberger has agreed with Nutter so much because on most issues Nutter has had the right answer.
Nutter's election promises to usher in a new day for Philadelphia, full of hope and free of the type of corruption-stained allegiances that will taint Mayor Street's legacy. Nutter has long been a proponent of ethics reform.
Nutter recognizes his biggest challenge may be the perception that the city is crime-ridden. Most neighborhoods are safe, but the reputation of those beset by violence creates fear in others. Nutter promises to find a police commissioner capable of getting the most out of his officers and the communities they patrol.
Fiscally, Nutter is determined to cut the onerous business privilege tax, eventually eliminating the gross-receipts portion of that levy, to encourage new employers to come to Philadelphia. He understands that providing jobs is key to lowering the crime rate. He's also determined to negotiate fair wage and benefits agreements with city workers.
Nutter knows the progress made in city schools can't continue without a larger financial commitment from the city and state. He promises that, if elected, Philadelphia will give more money to the schools. Politicians are prone to make promises, but with Nutter, you believe he's for real.