As kids return to school, Philly Council hits the budget books

As Philadelphia City Council resumes regular sessions this week after a summer break,  Council President Darrell Clarke has outlined the agenda for fall.

Outside St. Martin de Porres Catholic School in North Philadelphia, Clarke said city lawmakers are going back to work just as children are returning to the classroom.”Back to school … our pencils are sharpened, and our notebooks are ready, and we are ready to do some work,” he said. “We passed a series of legislation during the spring budget session, now comes the implementation phase.”Clarke was asked about Councilman Bobby Henon, whose office was raided by the FBI over the summer and has avoided talking to the media. “Well I’ve seen him, I’ve seen him in City Hall, I’m sure he’s working hard for his community,” Clarke said. “I anticipate seeing him this week.” Among the first planned hearings will be one to make sure the city has enough money to renovate parks, recreation centers and other city facilities.