Fattah soon to have three proteges on Philadelphia City Council

It’s been widely noted that Tuesday’s primary election in Philadelphia brought a rise in influence for the electricians’ union Local 98 as its political director won nomination to a Council seat. But another major player in city politics saw a power surge as well.

Democratic Congressman Chaka Fattah’s long time staffer Cindy Bass won nomination to the 8th district council seat, and without a Republican opponent, she’s assured of a Council office in the fall.

She’ll join former Fattah legislative director Blondell Reynolds Brown and another close Fattah associate, Curtis Jones, giving Team Fattah three of Council’s 17 seats.

Fattah says he’s not in the patronage and power game.

“I’m not in a competition with anybody who’s trying to have influence,” Fattah said. “I’m really trying to have an impact on public policy by getting people who are committed to public-spirited efforts to address the city’s real challenges.”

Fattah lost to Michael Nutter in an intensely-contested mayor’s race four years ago. The two have repaired that relationship, and Fattah has influence in the executive branch of city government as well.