George X. Schwartz (January 28, 1915 – March 26, 2010) was an American Democratic politician who served as a member of the Philadelphia City Council for two decades, including eight years as Council President. His political career ended with his conviction in the Abscam corruption scandal.
Early Life
Schwartz was born in New York City but grew up in West Philadelphia, the son of a successful real estate broker. He graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1932, earned an undergraduate degree from Temple University in 1936, and graduated from Temple Law School in 1940.
Political Career
Pennsylvania State House
Schwartz was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1952 as one of Philadelphia County's at-large seats. He lost his seat in 1954 but regained it in 1956 with the help of Democratic City Committee Chairman and Congressman William J. Green Jr.
Philadelphia City Council
Schwartz was elected to the Philadelphia City Council in a special election in 1960, representing the 4th District. He became Council President in 1972, succeeding Paul D'Ortona. His tenure as President was characterized by an assertive leadership style; he controlled the Council's Democratic caucus, set the course of most legislation, and managed much of the political patronage. He was known by the nickname "the silver fox" due to his graying hair, distinguished figure, and political influence.
During his time on the Council, Schwartz brought several future prominent Philadelphia politicians onto his staff, including Lynne Abraham (later District Attorney) and Bob Brady (later U.S. Congressman and head of the Philadelphia Democratic Party).
Abscam Involvement
In January 1980, Schwartz met with undercover FBI agents posing as representatives of an Arab sheikh interested in building a hotel in Philadelphia. The agents agreed to pay Schwartz $30,000 in exchange for his use of influence over the Council to approve the project. Schwartz was recorded telling the agents, "We got five or six members [of City Council]...You tell me your birthday. I'll give them to you for your birthday."
Schwartz was indicted on charges of accepting a bribe, extortion, and conspiracy on May 23, 1980. He resigned as Council President on May 29, 1980, and left the Council on June 1, 1980.
Conviction and Imprisonment
Schwartz and fellow Council member Harry Jannotti initially had their convictions overturned by the District Court on entrapment grounds, but the Appellate Court reversed that decision and reinstated the verdicts. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case in 1982, allowing the convictions to stand. Schwartz was sentenced to 366 days in federal prison and fined $10,000. He began serving his sentence on April 22, 1985.
Later Life and Death
After his release, Schwartz largely remained out of politics, though he maintained contact with Bob Brady and supported Lynne Abraham's campaigns for District Attorney. His wife, Jerre, died in 1994. Schwartz died of complications from pneumonia at his home in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, on March 26, 2010, at the age of 95.
