Jannie Blackwell
| Jannie Blackwell | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 3rd District | |
|
Assumed office January 6, 1992 |
|
| Preceded by | Lucien Blackwell |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
Jannie L. Blackwell is a Democratic politician and member of the City Council of Philadelphia. She has served since 1992, representing the Third District, which covers much of West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia, including University City.[1]
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. 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. Blackwell also initially opposed banning smoking in public places in the city.
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. She has also at times challenged the role of the University City District in represent citizens' interests over those of the University of Pennsylvania.
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.
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