blackwell is notable for opposing certain provisions of pay-to-play and ethics reform bills proposed by then-councilman michael nutter. during a 2005 hearing she stated that minority contractors would be at a disadvantage in bidding for city work if required to disclose campaign contributions. as the lone councilmember to vote against the ethics reform package she noted that placing onerous restrictions on political contributions from firms seeking work would benefit political candidates that are independently wealthy, and that people should be able to contribute to whomever they choose. blackwell also initially opposed banning smoking in public places in the city.