Editorial: Missing an opportunity

With many voters disgusted with the contented status quo that is the political culture in Philadelphia, this is the ideal time for Republicans to seize the reform planks.

Not the Philadelphia GOP.

Last week brought more reminders of this sorry party's misplaced priorities: Members prefer to live off sops from Democrats rather than win elections. They put patronage above their duty to Philadelphians to offer ideas that better the city.

Inquirer reporters Miriam Hill and Dylan Purcell detailed a controversial race for GOP committee in the city's Fifth Ward, which is led by Michael Cibik, a critic of party leader Michael Meehan.

The candidate? Joan Chapman, a registered Democrat - which means she can't run as a Republican. She's also dead, which means - even in Philly - that she can't run for anything.

It's almost funny that the inept city GOP can't even dig up one of its own to forge a petition.

The story follows previous evidence of fraud in this year's GOP committee races. Last month, Meehan withdrew challenges he brought against candidates when it appeared that signatures had been forged. (A deceased citizen was involved there, too.) Meehan blamed unnamed ward leaders for the problem. The District Attorney's Office is investigating, and should also look at the Chapman petition.

Also last week, Daily News reporter Bob Warner detailed a dispute over board appointments at the Philadelphia Parking Authority, a.k.a. GOP patronage heaven.

Meehan ally Al Taubenberger was reappointed to a 10-year term by Gov. Rendell - from a list drawn up by GOP Senate leaders. What better way to say thanks to the city GOP's compliant members than by rewarding the man who was drubbed in the last mayoral race?

Now, guess who wasn't reappointed? Michael Cibik.

Note the pattern: Meehan critic challenged by his party, and denied board appointment. Meehan pal rewarded.

The backdrop for all this is a state GOP increasingly frustrated with the city committee leadership and pushing for change. State party leaders believe it would be good for Philadelphians - and Republicans statewide - if Meehan and Co. would grow the party and mount credible campaigns.

The saving grace of this week's news is that only one of three Parking Authority positions was filled with a Meehan crony. Rendell has asked for two other names from Senate GOP leaders Joseph B. Scarnati and Dominic Pileggi. They should skip the party hacks and nominate substantive people serious about reform.