Philadelphia City Council president announces retirement

Philadelphia City Council President Anna Verna says she’s not running for re-election.  

Council President Anna Verna has decided to take her DROP payment of $585,000 and retire instead of running again.

“I’ll tell you I have agonized over this believe me, it’s a very difficult decision I had to make,” said Verna.

One of the potential candidates to replace the Councilwoman in the 2nd District is State Representative Kenyatta Johnson.

“At this particular time I am just weighing my options and going back to Harrisburg to focus on my assignments as my second term gets started,” said Johnson.

Attorney Damon Roberts is planning to announce his candidacy for the seat later this month.  He ran unsuccessfully against Verna in the 2007 primary.

Mayor Michael Nutter says he will miss Verna and admits Council will not be the same without her.

She is the longest tenured employee of Philadelphia government.  And the first woman to be City Council President.