Alan Butkovitz

Quick, someone schedule a debate between these two guys. Two of the
region’s most notable quotables are on a collision course, and I’d like a front-row seat.

As Philadelphia’s fiscal watchdog, City Controller Alan Butkovitz ferrets out wasteful spending by auditing city departments. If he finds waste, he is empowered to alert all and sundry: “Look what I’ve found!” Butkovitz’s team sometimes stumbles on cash on the table., such as when they reported that License and Inspections has not collected $30 million due to poor record keeping.

Brett Mandel

Tax reformer Brett Mandel thinks he can do better. He has been executive director of Philadelphia Forward for the past five years. In that role, he has pressed to reduce city taxes that hit businesses especially hard, such as the wage tax and business privilege tax. Perhaps most importantly, he served as director of financial and policy analysis under City Controller Jonathan Saidel.

There’s one thing you should know about this city controller race. It’s
almost over. Both contenders are Democrats, and the primary election is May 19. In this city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 6-to-1, the winner in May almost is assured victory in November, barring a major scandal. So, if anyone was hoping to hold a city controller debate, the clock is ticking.

Related Links:

Brett Mandel talks about growing up in Philadelphia on This I Believe in Feb 2009

Butkovitz vs. Mandel debated in May 2008 over reassessing Philadelphia home values

Alan Butkovitz talks about being City Controller in a Nov 2007 interview