Philadelphia, Corrupt and Consenting: A City's Struggle Against an Epithet - Hardcover

Philadelphia, Corrupt and Consenting: A City's Struggle Against an Epithet

More than a century after muckraking journalist Lincoln Steffens derided the city of Philadelphia as being "corrupt and contented," Philadelphia struggles to rise above this unfortunate characterization. Philadelphia, Corrupt and Consenting is the story of a city's confrontation with a history that threatens its future. Author Brett Mandel, who has been a reform-oriented government official and political insider, provides a detailed account of the corruption investigation of John Dougherty, one of the city's most powerful political figures, in order to expose and explore networks of corruption.

This hardcover edition examines the costs of corruption, both financial and nonpecuniary, and considers the opportunity cost that corruption imposes. Mandel explores the nature and development of Philadelphia's unique culture of corruption, emphasizing how machine politics and self-dealing are entwined with city history, creating a culture that allows corruption to thrive. In addition, he provides practical, achievable policies and actions that can produce positive change in Philadelphia and elsewhere.

Insider Perspective on Municipal Corruption

Brett H. Mandel brings credentials as Executive Director of the citizens' organization Philadelphia Forward and Director of Financial and Policy Analysis for the Office of the Philadelphia City Controller. His experience as a reform-oriented government official provides unique insight into how collective actions or inattention give consent to corruption, its roots and effects, and the reasons for its persistence.

Comprehensive Analysis of Political Reform

The book connects historical context from Lincoln Steffens' original characterization to contemporary investigations, examining networks of corruption within local government structures. Mandel's investigation of John Dougherty reveals systemic issues within Pennsylvania politics and Mid-Atlantic urban governance. The author presents practical reform policies applicable to Philadelphia and other municipalities facing similar challenges.

Philadelphia, Corrupt and Consenting is a critique, but above all, it is a call to action for civic engagement and government accountability.