If you go to the Parking Authority website, www.philapark.org, there’s no indication about who governs the Parking Authority. The PPA Board of Directors isn’t even listed. But as a government agency taking in almost $200 million in taxpayer dollars, this six-person body is a publicly accountable board. So how much do we know about them?

Since the 2001 takeover, the Governor has the power to appoint PPA board members. From what I can tell, Gov. Ridge and Gov. Schweiker appointed all but one of the PPA board members. Much like the school district, the original takeover law estblished extensive term limits that would likely outlast the majority time of even a second-term succeeding governor – raising the question, who is this board accountable to?

In any case, it’s worth knowing who the board is and making sure people reach out to them to let them know their moral and civil duties are at least equal to their political allegiances.

The following people have served on the PPA board since at least 2001, with the exception of Pete Matthews who was appointed by Governor Rendell in December 2006.

PPA Board:

Joe Ashdale, chair
Pres., DC21, painters union
2190 Hornig Road
Philadelphia, PA 19116
215-501-0130 x30

Al Taubenberger
Pres. Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Michael Cibik, 5th Dist. Republican Ward Leader
Partner, Cibik & Cataldo

Herman “Pete” Matthews
President, AFSCME DC33

Russell R. Wagner, CPA
Sr Vice President Finance
Holy Redeemer Health Systm

Karen M. Wrigley, O.D.
Wrigley Eye Associates