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COMMITTEE OF SEVENTY RAISES SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT REPORT OF LATEST “527” COMMITTEE ADS

PHILADELPHIA – May 8, 2007 – The Committee of Seventy today condemned the expected airing this week of television ads allegedly targeting Mayoral candidate Michael Nutter that have been paid for by a “527” committee. This is the second time in less than two weeks that the non-partisan organization has assailed the formation of “527” committees as “perversions of the entire campaign process.”

“The ‘527’ committees not only circumvent campaign finance laws, but inject negativity and meanness into the election,” said Zack Stalberg, Seventy’s President and CEO. “This is not what Philadelphians want and certainly not this already scandal-ridden town needs.”

Individuals with ties to both Mayor John Street and 2007 Mayoral candidate Chaka Fattah have been associated with the latest “527” committee – One Step Closer – at various times since its founding in 2005. Although not confirming an ongoing investigation of this group, the Philadelphia Board of Ethics made clear at its meeting today that it was looking into all reports of “527” organizations to determine if they run afoul of the City’s campaign finance ordinance.

“The Board of Ethics is doing a terrific job of moving aggressively to determine if any of the ‘527’ committees are directly connected to any of the mayoral candidates,” Stalberg said. “We are pleased to hear that the Board will also be looking into how to incorporate the use of ‘527’ committees into the City’s campaign finance law following the election.” Stalberg indicated that Seventy intends to share its recommendations for strengthening the law with the Board.

Stalberg pledged that one recommendation will be to ensure complete disclosure of all backers of “527” committee efforts. “If any ‘527’ committee is truly acting at the behest of a political candidate, it is important to get the truth out in the open,” Stalberg stated. “It’s unfortunate that the timing of the efforts of the current ‘527’ committees makes this difficult.”

“Once again, Seventy cautions voters not to be unduly persuaded by positive or negative ads aired by any candidate or committee,” said Stalberg. “Voters should do their own homework on the issues, the candidates’ background and their vision for the future of Philadelphia.”

The Committee of Seventy is a non-partisan organization conducting a permanent campaign to improve the Philadelphia region by demanding ethical conduct of public officials, safeguarding elections, promoting government efficiency and educating citizens.

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Last Updated: May 8, 2007