Nutter spreading around mayor's box tickets

Mayor Nutter had luxury box seats for the World Series, Eagles games and Tina Turner shows, but he's been trying to make sure regular citizens can share his vantage point from time to time.

Since taking office, Nutter has put a more transparent policy in place to govern the mayor's boxes and has provided more seats to community groups and nonprofit organizations.

According to records provided by the city, between October and December, 53 percent of the mayor's tickets at the Wachovia Center, Wachovia Spectrum, Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park and the Mann Music Center went to private groups, nonprofits or the Recreation Department for distribution.

The city also provided tickets to Phillies or Eagles games for families of slain police officers Sgt. Patrick McDonald, Officer Isabel Nazario and Sgt. Timothy Simpson.

Box seats do remain a perk for many in city government. Almost 30 percent of tickets were requested by mayoral employees or executive staff. And 18 percent went to City Council and other elected officials.

For the final game of the World Series, for example, the box was packed with a diverse group.

Nutter, his wife, daughter and brother-in law were joined by Council members Frank DiCicco and Curtis Jones Jr., who each brought guests. Tickets also were distributed to state Rep. Jewell Williams, to guests of state Sen. Shirley Kitchen, to four city employees and to the Democratic City Committee.

In March, the city will begin a trial program to distribute tickets to the Philadelphia School District for students who excel in their studies.

Some tickets remained unused. According to city records, the mayor's box was not used during six Flyers matches and six 76ers games. Mayoral spokesman Luke Butler said the city was working on ways to make sure all available seats are utilized. *