First day jitters at Philadelphia City Council

Philadelphia City Council has returned from recess and it was the first real day for six new Councilmembers.

The council session started with a tongue in cheek warning from new President Darrell Clarke.

“You are in for one heck of a ride, you have no idea what you have gotten yourself into,” said Clarke.

First-term Councilwoman Cindy Bass says it reminded her of the first day in a new school.

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“It was a bit of a learning curve, you find out what everybody’s interests are what their resolutions are that are being offered, it was a great day, a great start,” said Bass.

New Councilman Dennis O’Brien, who was formerly a State Representative, says he’s working to understand the mechanics of Council.

“Even making a motion before the new president is different in a style format that what I’m used to in Harrisburg,” said O’Brien.

Council President Clarke says even though he’s been in office for years, moving to the president’s podium is challenging.  He praised his predecessor Anna Verna for making it look easy.

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