Former councilman returns to City Hall seeking new career

A former Philadelphia City Councilman would like to start a new life … influencing City Council.

Rick Mariano, who served five years in prison after his conviction for taking bribes, showed up at a recent City Council caucus with new yellow business cards marked “Consultant.”

He says he’s seeking clients.

“I have a unique perspective,” he said. “I was a councilman for 10 years. I worked in council for three years. I went to prison for five years. There is no one else in here that can say that.

“So I think I have a unique perspective,” he repeated. “I can lobby these people if that’s what it turns out to be. I am friendly with most of the council people, even the ones that came since I was gone I have a pretty decent relationship with.”

Mariano was an electrician before entering politics and tried to work in that trade after prison, but had trouble.

“I’m getting a little old for that now,” he said. “My knees are shot, it’s an young man’s business.”

Mariano says his conviction does not prohibit him from lobbying.