If City Council were made up only of district representatives, imagine the tussles among members trying to grab all the city resources they could to better their own slice of the pie.
As earnest as they might be, Philadelphia's progress would be piecemeal because it would arise from partial perspectives rather than a vision of what the whole city should be.
Good governance cries out for some on Council to look out after citywide needs and enhancements that cross district borders.
Those someones, according to the 1951 City Charter, are the seven out of 17 Council members elected to represent the city at-large. They champion the entire city's interests, not a single district's.
At the polls, voters can cast their ballots for up to five at-large candidates. Two at-large seats are reserved by law for the minority party, usually the Republicans. Here are the candidates that the Editorial Board believes would best serve Philadelphia:
Democratic incumbents JAMES KENNEY, WILSON GOODE JR., and BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN; Republican incumbent FRANK RIZZO JR.; and Republican newcomer DAVID OH.
Kenney has been an innovative and effective representative for the city at-large by thinking broadly about its needs, including promoting immigration as a means of economic development. He also has backed anti-graffiti measures. He should continue to push for establishment of a 311 call center, a smart initiative that would be a one-stop phone number for Philadelphians who have questions about nonemergency city services.
Goode also has shown independence and been responsive to some of the most daunting citywide challenges. He has been a top promoter of community reinvestment and economic development, particularly by supporting small businesses. Goode also sponsored legislation to give tax credits to companies that hire former inmates.
Reynolds Brown has been a reliable champion for children, arts and culture. Perhaps in a third term she can make the strong impact on city government once expected of her.
Rizzo has been a force on ethics reform, including restricting the gifts city workers or officers could accept, the outside jobs they could hold, and on banning nepotism. He also is known for helping people when their concerns aren't met by a district representative.
Oh, a 47-year-old attorney, is an energetic, impressive challenger who ran unsuccessfully in 2003 for an at-large seat. He is well versed on important issues and has fresh ideas, particularly about making Philadelphia more competitive economically and attracting a diverse group of young people to live and work in the city.
Whoever is elected to at-large seats shouldn't be shy about challenging any district councilperson who recklessly blocks projects important to the city as a whole. At-large Council members are a valuable balance for promoting projects good for the entire city; they must summon the courage to do so.