📜 PETITION TO IMPEACH / REMOVE THE MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA
For Failure to Uphold Campaign Promises, Public Health and Safety Negligence, Fiscal Mismanagement, and Incompetence in Office

In Philadelphia, there is no direct process for the public to impeach the mayor like in some other states. However, there are a few legal and political mechanisms that can lead to the removal of a mayor:

🔹 1. Removal by City Council (Home Rule Charter)

Under the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, the mayor can be removed for cause (e.g. misconduct, malfeasance, or incapacity), but it requires action by City Council.

Process:
City Council would introduce and pass a resolution calling for an investigation.

They could potentially pursue removal proceedings through the courts, but this process is rare and highly political.
It’s not the same as impeachment at the federal or state level—it’s more akin to judicial removal for misconduct.

🔹 2. State-Level Removal

Under Pennsylvania law, a mayor can be removed:

Through criminal conviction (e.g., bribery, corruption, abuse of office).

By the Governor of Pennsylvania, but only in extraordinary circumstances, typically with judicial involvement.

To: Philadelphia City Council, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Officials, and the People of Philadelphia

We, the undersigned residents, taxpayers, workers, and voters of Philadelphia, call for the immediate impeachment and removal of Mayor Cherelle Parker for breach of public trust, willful negligence, and a consistent failure to govern with transparency, competence, and integrity.

 
GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT

1. Breach of Campaign Promises
Mayor Parker campaigned on bold promises to restore public safety, invest in neighborhoods, and uplift working families. However, her administration has failed to deliver on these promises:

Violent crime, illegal dumping, open-air drug markets, and youth violence continue unchecked in many neighborhoods.

The administration has made no measurable progress on major campaign goals related to public education, employment opportunities, or mental health care access.

Residents are left with empty slogans and no tangible solutions.

2. Public Health and Safety Negligence

Mayor Parker’s decision to place dumpsters in residential neighborhoods as a substitute for proper sanitation services—while sanitation workers were on strike—reflects gross negligence and disregard for public health. This move:

Lacked any organized waste removal plan.

Led to rodent infestations, increased illegal dumping, and neighborhood decay.

Demonstrated a complete failure to resolve labor disputes or ensure continuity of essential services.

Ongoing public safety threats—such as drug trafficking, gun violence, and human suffering in Kensington and other communities—remain unaddressed.

3. Failure to Support City Workers
While failing to present a fair or adequate raise for essential city workers—many of whom continue to work without a contract or clear support—the Mayor’s office:

Created six new City Hall positions, each reportedly earning upwards of $200,000 annually.
These roles have no clear job descriptions or visible accomplishments to justify such extraordinary salaries.
This is a misuse of taxpayer funds during a time when city departments are short-staffed and struggling to maintain basic operations.
4. Incompetence and Fiscal Mismanagement
Under Mayor Parker’s leadership, city operations remain disorganized, underfunded, and demoralized.
Budget priorities are disconnected from resident needs, with large sums spent on political appointments and non-essential programs.
The administration continues to operate in crisis-response mode, rather than with visionary planning, community collaboration, or measurable results.
 
DEMANDS
We, the undersigned, demand the following:

• A formal investigation by the Philadelphia City Council and/or the Pennsylvania 
• Attorney General into the Mayor’s conduct, hiring practices, and spending decisions.
• Public transparency on:
  • All newly created positions and salaries.
  • The administration’s plan to resolve ongoing worker strikes and address public health emergencies.
• The initiation of a City Council impeachment hearing under the authority of the Home Rule Charter or other applicable Pennsylvania laws.
• A process to identify and appoint interim leadership that can restore trust and deliver on the promises made to our communities.