PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The departure of Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke presents a rare opportunity for someone new to ascend to the leadership position.
It appears the entire leadership of council may change next session, including majority leader, majority whip, and deputy whip.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson is said to be the favorite for president. Members say he let it be known a few weeks ago that he has secured the nine votes necessary to win the title. At a recent event, Mayor Jim Kenney even referred to him as “President Johnson.”
But councilmembers Curtis Jones and Mike Driscoll, who are still in the race, don’t think those pledges of support are written in stone.
“Until you stand on that stage and get sworn in, it ain’t over until the medium-sized person sings, so we’re going to see,” said Jones. “I’m going to continue to talk to my members about why I’m the better choice.”
Driscoll was with Johnson when Johnson was asked about the race after last week’s council session and answered first.
“We’re in deep, robust conversations, continuing,” Driscoll said.
“Continuing,” Johnson agreed, then added with a smile, “But I feel pretty good about my prospects.”
Mark Squilla, an earlier candidate, has withdrawn from the race for president.
It appears Squilla also may have lost his post as majority whip and Jones, his post as majority leader. Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Isaiah Thomas ran as a ticket: Gilmore, for majority leader, and Thomas for whip; they too have told colleagues they have the nine votes needed for those positions. Sources on council say Cindy Bass is in line for deputy whip.
There’s also a question about who will be minority leader, a post long held by Republican Brian O’Neill. O’Neill faces a Democratic challenger for his seat but, in addition, the Working Families Party is making a ferocious run to claim both of the minority at-large seats. That would leave O’Neill as the only Republican in council, even if he wins re-election. He’d be outnumbered by Working Families members, one of whom would likely take over as minority leader.
Philadelphia’s municipal election is Nov. 7.