Election for new Controller next week
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
By: Elizabeth Fiedler
efiedler@whyy.org
In less than a week, Philadelphia voters will choose who will be their fiscal watchdog for the next four years. The City Controller audits city spending. In Tuesday's general election, the current Controller, Democrat Alan Butkovitz is seeking re-election. His challenger is Republican Al Schmidt.
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Voters concerned that their tax dollars are being wasted or misspent by the city will find this race of special interest.
Mary Ellen Balchunis is a Political Science Professor at La Salle University.
Balchunis: This City Controller's race is a very important race. It's a watchdog of the city's finances and given the economy not just here but nationally and the state economy – but especially locally. I think people really should be paying attention to this race, unfortunately I don't think they are.
Political observers say Butkovitz has an significant advantage in the race because he is the incumbent, and because of the strength of the Democratic party in the city.
Philadelphia voters who head to the polls will also choose a new District Attorney.