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October 4, 2001
TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA:
I am returning herewith as disapproved, Bill No. 010527 passed by Council at its session on September 20, 2001.
Bill No. 010527 would have authorized a voter referendum on an amendment of the City Charter. This amendment would purport to establish a process for authorizing the privatization of the administration, operation and management of the Philadelphia School District. In effect, the proposed Charter amendment would have prohibited certain privatization contracts absent specific voter approval of the contract. By not signing the Bill on September 21, the day following passage by Council, the referendum can not be placed on the November 6, 2001 ballot. For several important reasons, I have now decided to veto the Bill so that it cannot be placed on the ballot at the primary election on May 14, 2002.
First, amending the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter is serious and significant business. It ought not be done in haste. Although the bill would set in motion a process to amend the City's Home Rule Charter, this matter received virtually no public debate. One brief public hearing was held on this matter-on September 12, 2001, the day the country experienced a tragedy without parallel in our nation's history. Testimony was presented on behalf of my Administration, and by only one small group of community members. Surely a proposed Charter amendment-particularly one purporting to promote public involvement-merits more public scrutiny.
Second, this measure is misleading to voters and would not accomplish what I understand to be its intent. The Empowerment Act of 2000, part of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, specifically authorizes school boards to enter
into contracts with private entities to operate schools or provide educational services. State law prohibits City Council from framing any charter provision that would contravene an act o...
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