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Committee of Seventy focuses on a variety of issues affecting voters in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Browse the issues we're currently working on, or review our archive for ongoing and past issues.
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The Committee of Seventy was established in 1904 to combat corruption in Philadelphia, playing a major role in the adoption of civil service reforms and the passage of the 1919 and 1951 Home Rule Charters. A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, Seventy does not endorse candidates or represent any special interests.
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For over one hundred years, the Committee of Seventy has been the voice of good government and reform. For press inquiries, please contact us at 617-785-6991.
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NON-PARTISAN VOLUNTEERS READY TO HELP VOTERS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

WHAT: The Committee of Seventy has recruited and trained 150 non-partisan volunteers to help Pennsylvania voters on November 4, 2014. Representatives of the media are urged to remind Philadelphians with questions about voting, or who experience problems at the polls, to call Seventy’s NEW dedicated elections hotline at 1-855-SEVENTY (1-855-738-3689).

Killing PGW Deal Cowardly and an Affront to City Taxpayers

PHILADELPHIA – October 27, 2014 – The Committee of Seventy called Philadelphia City Council’s unilateral decision today to kill a proposed $1.86 billion sale of the Philadelphia Gas Works without a public hearing an affront to the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

City Council's Stonewalling on PGW Proposal “Reprehensible”

PHILADELPHIA – October 24, 2014 – The Committee of Seventy today accused Philadelphia City Council of stonewalling to kill the proposed $1.86 billion sale of the Philadelphia Gas Works.

Committee of Seventy Names David B. Thornburgh as New CEO

PHILADELPHIA – October 22, 2014 – The Committee of Seventy has named David B. Thornburgh as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors announced Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014. Thornburgh assumes the position vacated by Zack Stalberg who retired in July. He will officially join the Committee of Seventy in December 2014.

Seventy Urges City Commissioner Anthony Clark Not to Seek Reelection in 2015

Says Failure to Vote for Three Years is Astonishing

City Taxpayers Deserve Permanent Inspector General

Watchdog says OIG should have oversight over all city government

SEVENTY LAUNCHES NEW 1-855-SEVENTY HOTLINE

Will Offer Year-Round Customer Service on Elections and Voting

Seventy Urges Permanent City Police Advisory Commission

Says Current PAC Should be Disbanded

Ellen Mattleman Kaplan To Become Seventy’s Interim President and CEO

PHILADELPHIA – June 26, 2014 – Ellen Mattleman Kaplan has been named Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Committee of Seventy, the Philadelphia-based independent watchdog organization.

Seventy Calls Immediate Public Hearing on PGW Sale “Imperative”

Says Council’s Inaction Could Jeopardize Approval of Five-Year Plan