Want to end Democratic corruption in Philly? Vote GOP

Did you hear that? The anger? The outrage?

Yeah. Me neither.

Another elected Philadelphia Democrat has been indicted, yet the case of Rep. Chaka Fattah sparked hardly a minute's interest. There were big headlines the first few days, sure. But before any trial, conviction, or sentencing, the media shifted from reporting the facts to speculating on the only question that seemed to generate any interest:

Who might be the next Philadelphia Democrat to replace Fattah?

What's become of this rough-and-tumble city of Rocky Balboa? What's to make of this city that makes national headlines for throwing snowballs at Santa and assassinating hitchhiking robots? Where's the fighting spirit, Philadelphia?

I know. I get it. After a seemingly steady stream of elected Philadelphia Democrats falling to a multitude of ethics charges, there's no denying it. Surrounded by stench, we've become nose blind.

But, Philadelphia, it's time to open up a window and let the stink out.

Get ready. I'm going to say it:

Philadelphia, it's time to vote Republican.

This will be hard for many of you. I understand this. Thanks to a media fascination with the nut jobs, the GOP is too often seen as the party of hate, the party of fill-in-the-blank-ism (and, unfortunately, some national Republicans at times appear to live up to this brand). Yet, there are reasons for even the most liberal of Philadelphia Democrats to consider holding their noses and voting Republican this year.

In the sea of the like-minded, Philadelphia needs elected officials who are willing to swim against the tide. Exhibit A is Primary Election 2015.

One would be hard pressed to define this May's election cycle as a robust exchange of ideas. It's not like there weren't opportunities. Yet, at the more than 80 issues forums, candidates offered nearly identical solutions in a suspenseless exchange of "me, toos."

Poverty. Pensions. Education. If Philadelphia is to truly confront its most intractable problems, it must elect individuals resistant to the go-along-to-get-along culture of city politics. And, I don't mean just Democrats. The few Republicans elected to office must be willing to push the limits of public discourse and serve as a boisterous and loyal opposition.

Disagreement and debate engage voters and enrich policy. We need more of both. And, we need to elect Republicans willing and able to provoke thought and push alternative ideas.

Now, reform-minded Democrats may be tempted to quench their thirst for such debate by casting a vote for a bike-sharing, former Democrat, the IINO (Independent in Name Only) candidate. But, to really challenge the status quo, a robust two-party system is key.

Competing factions locked in debate is what our founding fathers envisioned. Such a system would ensure that laws would not settle into the most extreme ends, but be moderated to the middle by the power of an alternate, organized, and vocal opposition. Two Republicans in City Council can offer that moderation.

Philadelphia would also be well-served by electing purple-hued Republicans to the state legislature. On Tuesday, voters will have an opportunity to do just that when the 174th, 191st, and 195th Districts hold special elections to fill the State House vacancies created by the latest round of Philadelphia corruption scandals.

It's no secret that the redder-than-red legislative body in Harrisburg abhors Philadelphia. As one high-ranking Democrat put it to me, maybe it's because the folks we keep sending them are "corrupt and contented" — and eventually convicted. Point well taken, but we might also consider the fact that our Philadelphia delegation is, well, largely composed of Democrats.

One positive sign is the recent election of Republican Martina White, in the 170th. Her win expanded the Philadelphia Republican delegation to Harrisburg from one to two, but it more than doubled the city's influence within the legislature. We can assail Harrisburg all we want, but with a legislature dominated by Republicans for more than 50 years, it would serve Philadelphia to elect individuals who can truly caucus with and move leadership.

Like many urban Republicans, the Philly GOP prefers a potion that is more pragmatism and libertarian than tea. Therefore, in Harrisburg, when advocating for our city, Philadelphia Republicans are swimming against the tide. This month, send them some reinforcements via the special elections, and help Philadelphia out.

And, if you can't vote Republican for the city, then vote Republican for the Democratic Party. Granted, in some races, the Republican City Committee may fail to offer up a candidate. In other races, it may not always offer the most attractive alternative. (Heck, a beggar looking for his next sacrificial lamb can't always be choosy.) But, with its 9-1 voter advantage, the Democratic Party can be choosy — and should be. Without true political competition, however, it needn't be and, as a result, hasn't always been. You want great Democratic candidates? Introduce competition in the voting booth and force the party to put forth its finest — every time.

For liberal Philadelphia Democrats sick of the stink of corruption, that should be reason enough to vote for a Philadelphia Republican this year.

Farah Jimenez is chair of Terry Tracy for City Council at Large. phillyfarah@gmail.com