Jannie L. Blackwell

Jannie L. Blackwell is a Democratic Councilwoman representing the Third District on the City Council of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has served since 1991. Blackwell's district covers much of West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia, including University City. [http://www.phila.gov/citycouncil/maps/dist3map.html]

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. [cite news | first= Gwen | last= Shaffer| url= http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/articles/9285| title= Ethical Dilemma | publisher= Philadelphia Weekly| date=April 6, 2005 ] 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. [cite news | first= Gwen | last= Shaffer| url= http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/articles/9588| title= Game Over | publisher= Philadelphia Weekly| date=June 1, 2005 ] Blackwell also initially opposed banning smoking in public places in the city. [cite news | first= Gwen | last= Shaffer| url= http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/articles/9182| title= With Baited Breath | publisher= Philadelphia Weekly| date=March 23, 2005 ]

Other political positions

In 2004, 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. [cite news | first= Liz| last= Harris| url= http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2004-06-24/cityspace2.shtml| title= Preservation Taken to Task | publisher= Philadelphia City Paper| date=June 24, 2004] She has also at times challenged the role of the University City District in represent citizens' interests over those of the University of Pennsylvania. [cite news | first= Doron| last= Taussig| url= http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/07/12/an-act-of-war| title= An Act of War | publisher= Philadelphia City Paper| date=July 11, 2007]

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.

References

External links

*http://www.phila.gov/citycouncil/blackwell/