In wake of theft charges against former campaign manager, Philly councilwoman won’t resign

Dodging questions on the federal charges against her former campaign manager, Philadelphia City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown says she intends to stay on the job.

 

 

Brown, who admitted taking thousands of dollars from her campaign fund for her personal use, would not say Thursday if she is under investigation as part of the federal case against former campaign manager John McDaniel. McDaniel has been charged with stealing about $100,000 from Brown’s political action committee.

“As we all know, when there is a federal investigation going on, it’s inappropriate to comment,” she said. “And at this hour, my answer to that question is no comment.”

Brown did say she has no plans to resign from her post.

“I’ve continued to be in quite a lot of contact with all of my colleagues and I’m encouraged by the level of support I’ve received and continue to receive,” she said.

Federal officials have not said anyone else is being targeted in their investigation into the matter.

Brown last week admitted using thousands of dollars in campaign funds for personal purposes and failing to disclose income in required statements. At the same time, her campaign fund failed to disclose dozens of cash transactions.

The disclosures came in a settlement agreement with the Philadelphia Board of Ethics, resolving one of the most serious enforcement actions brought against a city official. The required penalties and payments set an ethics board record — more than $48,000 for Brown and her campaign committee.