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Why Philadelphia officials have to resign to run for higher office
Philly’s 2023 mayoral race is expected to kick off any moment now, but if councilmembers want to become candidates, they’ll have to resign their seats.
- The city’s “resign-to-run” law has been on the books since the Home Rule Charter was adopted in 1951. Despite Council resolutions trying to change it, Philadelphians have twice voted to keep it in place.
How does it work? Asha Prihar explains why we should expect to see vacancies soon in City Council, and what’ll happen when we do.
Remembering Ruffhouse Records, the ’90s hit music label
Many of the most influential albums of the 20th century were recorded in Philadelphia, from classical to soul to hip hop.
- One of the city’s biggest music powerhouses was Ruffhouse Records. Founded in Northern Liberties in 1989, the label had a string of major hits before closing about a decade later.
Some of the bands launched from this Philly pad, writes Avi Wolfman-Arent: Cypress Hill, The Fugees, and Kriss Kross — of smash hit “Jump.”
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Pa. Democrats have a new party chair: state Sen. Sharif Street, son of former Philly Mayor John Street. He won a heated contest, with Shapiro, Wolf, and Casey backing a different candidate. [Politics PA/Inquirer$/City & State]
- The owner looking to revamp UC Townhomes, where tenants are protesting their relocation and Councilmember Gauthier passed a bill to halt demolition, asked for an extension of its housing voucher contract, but residents say it won’t really help. [Daily Pennsylvanian/WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- A massive wildfire across the river in South Jersey has burned at least 11,000 acres of Wharton State Forest. After two days, officials say it’s 50% contained. [CBS3/@njdepforestfire]
- In the 1980s, RJ Reynolds was about to launch a new menthol cigarette called “Uptown” — but a group of Black Philly leaders protested, and the plan was dropped. [WHYY]
- The Eagles are rolling out a new “wordmark” that ditches the collegiate-style outlined lettering for a font reminiscent of a Bauhaus-influenced digital clock. [NBCS Philly/@MySportsUpdate]
- Barcade is opening a second Philly location in the Hale Building at Juniper and Chestnut, due to launch in early 2023. [NBC10]
- Natural wine is taking off in what Joe Beddia calls “a beer town,” thanks to Philly’s high-end pizzerias. [Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Visitors from six countries are in town for the international urban parks conference “Greater and Greener,” and Mayor Kenney joins a forum at the Sheraton (8:10 a.m.). Midday, Kenney announces three new schools will get extra attention as part of the Rebuild-funded community schools program (1:30 p.m.). Afternoon brings the mayor to Fishtown Rec Center for the ribbon cutting on its long-awaited new pool (4 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
? Tonight! Test your local knowledge and join us at the top of Chestnut Hill’s cobblestoned Germantown Avenue as we take over Tavern on the Hill for a night of Philly trivia with happy hour specials and prizes. Free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21)
? The Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square with over 30 life-size displays taking over the park. Admission is $20-$23 for adults, $12 for kids. (June 21 to Aug. 7)
? Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse hosts Love Now Media’s Black comics storytelling workshop, for fans and creators alike. (6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 23)
