Jannie Blackwell

Jannie L. Blackwell is the Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Democratic and a former member of the City Council of Philadelphia. She represented the Third District, which covers much of West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia, including University City, from 1992 to 2020.

Jannie Blackwell
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 3rd District
In office
January 6, 1992 – January 6, 2020
Preceded byLucien Blackwell
Succeeded byJamie Gauthier
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic

Opposition to Nutter legislation

Blackwell is notable for opposing certain provisions of pay-to-play and ethics reform bills proposed by then-Councilman Michael Nutter. During a 2005 hearing she stated that minority contractors would be at a disadvantage in bidding for city work if required to disclose campaign contributions.[1] As the lone councilmember to vote against the ethics reform package she noted that placing onerous restrictions on political contributions from firms seeking work would benefit political candidates that are independently wealthy, and that people should be able to contribute to whomever they choose.[2] Blackwell also initially opposed banning smoking in public places in the city.[3]

Other political positions

In 2004, in order to increase her control over West Philadelphia, Blackwell introduced two bills that would give City Council the power to designate local historic districts, rather than having the process controlled by the City's Historical Commission.[4] She has also at times challenged the role of the University City District in representing citizens' interests over those of the University of Pennsylvania.[5]

Blackwell was a member of the Philadelphia Housing Authority board. In 2010, Blackwell was the lone member of the PHA board to vote against terminating the contract of PHA Executive Director Carl R. Greene for his alleged sexual harassment of four female subordinates.[6]

Background

Ms. Blackwell is the widow of former U.S. Representative, State Representative, and City Councilman Lucien Blackwell. She grew up in Philadelphia, and worked as a public school teacher before her career in politics. Her step-son, Thomas, was a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives .

Ward leader

Blackwell is Ward Leader of the 46th Ward Democratic Executive Committee.[7]

Electoral history

Blackwell lost the Democratic nomination for her council seat in the Third District to Jamie Gauthier in the 2019 primary.[8]

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References
  1. Shaffer, Gwen (April 6, 2005). "Ethical Dilemma". Philadelphia Weekly.
  2. Shaffer, Gwen (June 1, 2005). "Game Over". Philadelphia Weekly. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012.
  3. Shaffer, Gwen (March 23, 2005). "With Baited Breath". Philadelphia Weekly. Archived from the original on September 10, 2012.
  4. Harris, Liz (June 24, 2004). "Preservation Taken to Task". Philadelphia City Paper. Archived from the original on March 25, 2009.
  5. Taussig, Doron (July 11, 2007). "An Act of War". Philadelphia City Paper. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007.
  6. Shields, Jeff; Gorenstein, Nathan (September 24, 2010). "PHA chief Carl R. Greene is fired". Philadelphia Inquirer.
  7. Committee of Seventy (2009-12-21). "2009 Citizen's Guide" (PDF). 2009 Citizen's Guide. The Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-04-19. Retrieved 2009-12-21.
  8. Bender, William; Terruso, Julia; McCoy, Craig R. (May 21, 2019). "Blackwell political dynasty falls in West Philly, but incumbents dominate other City Council district races". Philly.com. Philadelphia Media Network. Retrieved 24 May 2019.


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