About the Hal Hovey Award

Philadelphia Reporter Wins
Governing/Stateline.org Award

Tom Ferrick Jr., a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, is the recipient of the fifth annual Hal Hovey Award, presented by Governing Magazine and Stateline.org for outstanding journalistic coverage of state and local government. Ferrick is being honored for his columns on Philadelphia government, including his insightful coverage of Philadelphia's historic 2007 mayoral election.

Tom Ferrick Jr.

During the mayoral campaign, Ferrick regularly challenged candidates' assumptions with well-reasoned, clearly written arguments. He explained how the city's balanced budget concealed long-term financial problems and pointed out the hidden costs of hiring more police officers. Despite his skepticism, Ferrick maintained that the election could be a turning point for his troubled city and highlighted policies that had worked elsewhere.

"Tom Ferrick's love for Philadelphia and his commitment to good government are obvious in every one of his columns," says Alan Ehrenhalt, Governing's executive editor. "His thoughtful writings helped ensure that the voters of his city made an informed choice at the polls. I hope that Philadelphia can be served by his watchful eye and his wit for many years to come."

The award, which includes a $3,000 cash grant, is presented at Governing's annual Outlook in the States conference in Washington, D.C. It is named in memory of the late Hal Hovey, a dedicated public official, meticulous scholar, tireless reporter and constructive critic of state and local government, who died in 1999 after a 30-year career that included major contributions to both journalism and public service at all levels.

Governing, now in its 21st year, is an independent national magazine devoted to coverage of state and local government. It has a circulation of 85,000. Stateline.org is a non-partisan, non-profit online news publication that reports each weekday on state government. Created in 1999, it is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Copyright © 2008, Congressional Quarterly, Inc. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited. Governing, City & State and Governing.com are registered trademarks of Congressional Quarterly, Inc.