Cindy Bass celebrates resounding Eighth District City Council victory

Democrat Cindy Bass cruised to victory Tuesday night to become the Eighth District’s next City Councilperson.

In her second Council bid, Bass took home 88 percent of the votes, easily beating out independent candidate Brian Rudnick. She will replace Democratic incumbent Donna Reed Miller, who is retiring after four terms in office.

Bass celebrated her general election win with dozens of supporters in Chestnut Hill. In her victory speech, delivered about two hours after polls closed, said she looks forward to fighting for the residents of the Eighth District.

“This is a job that can’t be taken lightly. Lives are on the line. Communities are in distress and time is of the essence,” said Bass inside Philly Platinum Grille on Crittenden Street.

The East Mt. Airy resident said she wants to bring new businesses and create jobs in the district. Bass also stressed the need to reduce blight there and called on her new constituents to partner with her office.

“I cannot do it without you. I need your support and I will need your help,” said Bass.

Ninth District Councilwoman Marian Tasco was one of a handful of city officials that stopped by the festivities to congratulate Bass.

“It’s very good for the Eighth Councilmatic District to have Cindy Bass as the new Councilmember. She has a lot of experience working in the community and her heart is there to help the constituents,” said Tasco, who is expected to run for Council president.

Rudnick was not immediately available Tuesday evening for comment.

Bass, a longtime legislative aid with U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Phila.), easily emerged from a crowded Democratic Primary field in May to capture the party nomination. She’ll be sworn into Council in January.