Local Roundup

There are other things on the ballot besides Obama vs. McCain.

by Tom Namako

it's finally voting time

Are you one of those newly inspired first-time voters? Maybe just someone who's been focused on the presidential race? If so, you may be in for a shock: The presidential race is not the only thing on the ballot! There are several other races and ballot questions that will also have an impact on your life. We've rounded up some of the more competitive races and interesting questions here. The races are in the Northeast, where Philly Republicans tend to stand a chance. The ballot questions are for everyone.

U.S. Congress in the 8th District

Where is it? The top section of Northeast Philadelphia, and portions of Bucks and Montgomery counties

Who's running? Patrick Murphy (D, incumbent), Tom Manion (R)

What do they stand for? Murphy has advocated for infrastructure improvements and "pay-as-you-go" fiscal rules for Congress. Manion says he supports making the Bush tax cuts for the top percent of wage earners permanent, and eliminating the "death tax" (estate tax).

Why does this matter? Both Murphy and Manion are former military, and the race has become focused on the Iraq war: Murphy wants a 16-month withdrawal timeline; Manion says he's against "cut-and-run" tactics.

State Representative in District 170

Matt Taubenberger

Brendan Boyle

Where is it? The uppermost northeast corner of the city

Who's running? Brendan Boyle (D), Matt Taubenberger (R)

What do they stand for? Both candidates have crime-fighting plans, with Taubenberger supporting a GOP-backed plan to hire 10,000 new officers statewide, and Boyle advocating for increasing the budget for the witness-protection program, ending parole for repeat violent offenders and hiring more officers.

Why does this matter? The seat is being vacated by Republican George Kenney, who has held it for decades. The Democrats think they can ride the anti-George W. Bush wave to victory here. Also, both candidates are young and will likely be leaders in their parties in the future. Get used to them.

State Representative in District 172

Where is it? The Northeast, but the district is so gerrymandered it's impossible to say for sure

Who's running? John Perzel (R, incumbent), Richard B. Costello (D)

What do they stand for? Costello is running on a reform and crime-fighting ticket. The former president of the police union, he says the first thing he'd fight for is stricter gun laws (not an idea that has escaped other politicians). Perzel, the former Speaker of the House, has recently advocated for senior property tax elimination and parole reform.

Why does this matter? Perzel has represented his district since 1979, and is known as one of the most powerful legislators in the Capitol. He's endured recent criticism for what opponents say are ethical lapses, from sitting on the board of a prison services firm to advocating for legislative pay raises. Democrats are hoping that Costello's police credentials will enable him to bring this seat into the (D) column.

Charter Change Question 1

What is this? Mayor Nutter would like to abolish the 16-member Fairmount Park Commission and allow the Department of Recreation (now in charge of rec centers and smaller parks) to take over all issues related to "land use, preservation of green space, watershed management, sustainability, the sale or transfer of park or recreation land and facilities, and other issues," according to the city Law Department. The Recreation Department, which now reports to Nutter, would also be guided by a new commission.

What should I do? Government watchdog group Committee of Seventy says to vote yes. The change would eliminate redundant expenses, and, given the current economic climate, it's hard to argue with that.

Charter Change Question 2

What is this? This proposes that if two people take the civil service test and score the same, but one has a year residency in the city and the other doesn't, the resident gets the job.

What should I do? Seems like a reasonable proposition that widens the applicant pool for civil service jobs while maintaining a priority for city residents.

(tom.namako@citypaper.net)