Should the Great Northeast become its own county? Split from Philadelphia entirely? That’s apparently the goal of a petition at Change.org, which wants the region do its own thing and become “Liberty County.”

This is the blurb accompanying the petition, which had 1,200 signatures as of publication of this award-winning Crossing Broad article:

In light of the recent events brought about by the George Floyd protests, the NE Philadelphia section of the city is feeling more slighted than ever by a lack of news coverage, defacing of our local businesses, and the threats against our neighborhoods. Following the rioting and looting within city limits, opportunist and vandals took it upon themselves to split from the protests and take their unwarrented (sic) violence into NE Philadelphia neighborhoods while Mayor Kenney left many of us with no choice but to protect our own homes and businesses.

In no way an opposition to the positive progress as a country, this is a localized issue since the 1980’s when Senator Frank “Hank” Salvatore first suggested the Northeast Secession Movement. The diverse residents of the Far NE feel disenfranchised from the city due to a lack of infrastructure spending in our areas although our neighborhoods maintain a high level of employment and tax revenue input.

Let’s revisit the idea of NE Philadelphia as it’s own county, Liberty County. Split municipal spending with surrounding counties, create our own financial infrastructure, appoint our own mayor/police commissioner, and build a town hall. From Mayfair to Somerton, Fox Chase to Parkwood, and everywhere in-between, let’s put our tax money to good use!

It’s an interesting thought. If the Northeast does secede, I think the county flag should feature a guy with a Flyers calf tattoo walking down Rhawn Street, carrying a case of Milwaukee’s Best.

Just kidding.

I love the Northeast. Used to ref soccer games at the Ramp turf field next to Father Judge. We played  at Parkwood field #10, behind the church (near the clearing where the high school kids would drink and smoke). Also had a cover band that used to practice at some old warehouse off of Torresdale Avenue and I filmed at least 50 high school football games at Lincoln.

Honest to God, this might make a lot of sense. Philly is too big as it is, the revenue and spending situation is FUBAR, and we could use some streamlining in the very near future. Sometimes less is more, and if we let part of the city break off and do their own thing, then we can focus more on issues in center city and surrounding neighborhoods. Maybe South Philly can also secede since they’re basically functioning as an autonomous zone already.

I will sign the petition to have Northeast Philadelphia secede and become its own county. Liberty County.