For too long Philadelphians have had to settle for mediocrity and a pay to play culture. This hurts the City when new businesses perceive that there is a need to “know someone” in order to get a fair chance within Philadelphia and won’t invest or create jobs here.

We need to reform the current system to create opportunity for all. This includes supporting campaign finance reform and increased transparency in City government. The government needs to be accessible to all and not be open to special favors just for the rich and powerful. Information should be readily available on the City’s website and in multiple languages that would allow all to easily navigate the City government and obtain appropriate assistance when needed.

Andy's 2/13 letter to Committee of Seventy on its Ethics Agenda

Dear Zack:

I very much appreciate your proactive approach to making Philadelphia politics more transparent, more accountable and less tied to special interests. A far cry from where the Committee of Seventy was a few years ago. I am absolutely committed to the Committee of Seventy's Ethics Agenda and believe it is important to keep moving our City forward in the positive direction we are headed. It is important that all branches of our government improve. As a City Councilman I will uphold these and other standards that will not only improve how our government functions, but will help to restore the citizens' faith and trust in our government. I have a few minor additions we may want to consider in future revisions to the City Council Ethics Agenda. To #8, (“I will support amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to provide clear and non-discretionary rules for scheduling a special election to fill a vacancy on City Council.”) we need to find a way to not only clarify the rules around the timing of a special election to fill a Council vacancy, we need to have that election be determined through a fair and open process that allows all qualified candidates to participate rather than ones hand-picked by the few. Regarding the issues of respect for public input and greater access to hearings and meetings, (#9. “I will nurture a culture that treats all individuals coming before Council with dignity and respect and that demands civility among all members of Council and their staffs.”), this could also be addressed by requiring all of these meetings to be on video on cable TV for the record. Too often, hearings are held in which few Council people actually stay to listen to all of the citizens who spend their valuable time to come to testify on important matters. It is important to respect the public process and video- taping all hearings will help to keep our Council members accountable in this regard. Finally, I favor enforcement of nepotism rules (#3. “I will support the enactment of legislation that forbids nepotism in City Council and in other City departments, agencies and commissions.”) and assume that "other City departments, agencies and commissions" includes the Mayor's Office. Thanks for your efforts on behalf of our great city!

Sincerely, Andy Toy Democratic Candidate for City Council at-Large