December 13: Slime politics | Inside 205 Race | Natural gas plant for Navy Yard

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The Inquirer has a blistering editorial calling for reform of the city’s Democratic Party, which it sees as an inept incubator of corruption. “Just a month ago, their seemingly bewildered chairman, U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, couldn’t muster the will to oppose the candidacies of a state senator under indictment, a state representative facing trial, and an admitted felon. Democrats were mum when District Attorney Seth Williams belatedly disclosed $160,000 in gifts as he seeks reelection. Their silence signals tacit approval of the slime politics that has seen seven judges, a state senator, and five state representatives plead or be found guilty of corruption charges in the last three years.”

Sandy Smith gets a hard hat tour of The Bridge at 205 Race, where very little is at a 90-degree angle.

Labor leader Gary Masino, president of International Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 19, was named by Governor Tom Wolf to the Delaware River Port Authority board, reports the Public Record.

The Navy Yard announced Ameresco will build and operate a natural gas power plant to service the campus, the Business Journal reports. The project is part of the Navy Yard’s microgrid, which will allow the campus to operate independently of the regional power grid.

Rebecca Rhynhart, the city’s chief administrative officer, is “seriously considering a run for city controller,” reports Tom MacDonald.