New City Council members taking office in 2012
Mark Squilla, Democrat, First District
Kenyatta Johnson, Democrat, Second District
Bob Henon, Democrat, Sixth District
Cindy Bass, Democrat, Eighth District
Dennis O'Brien, Republican, At-Large
David Oh, Republican, At Large
Mark Squilla - (D) - First District
Background
: Systems Analyst: Commonwealth of Pa., Office of the Auditor General
President of Whitman Council
Elected representative, Mayor’s Office of Community Service, 2007
Treasurer/Community Liaison, Burke Community Fund/Playground
Neighborhood: Whitman
Education: St John Neumann (currently Ss. Neumann-Goretti HS) High School, 1980
LaSalle University, BA, Computer Science, 1985
Why did you get into politics?
“I
entered into politics when our local playground was no longer being
managed by the city and needed to survive for our kids. After becoming a
Committeeman, I came to discover the value of being politically engaged
-- gaining access to resources that made our community a better place,
and bringing people together to do our part in making that happen.”
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Kenyatta Johnson - (D) - Second District
Background: State Representative, 186th Legislative District, 2008 - 2011
Deputy Whip, House Democratic Caucus
Vice Chairman, House Children and Youth Committee
Founder, Peace Not Guns, Inc.
Education: Bok High School, 1991
Mansfield University, 1996
University of Pennsylvania, Fels School of Government, 2000
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
What most needs improvement in your district or in the city at-large?
“I
conducted a listening tour that took me to every neighborhood in the
2nd Council District. During these tours, I heard from constituents who
told me about their priorities. Top constituent concerns were: jobs, the
business privilege tax, clean streets, and education.
“I will implement a
comprehensive anti-bullying initiative to address violence and bullying
in our public schools. As an alumnus and strong advocate of City Year, I
am committed to reducing the dropout rate in the City. I will continue
to advocate for Diplomas Now as a model to improve the graduation rate
in our schools.”
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Bob Henon - (D) - Sixth District
Background: Political Director, IBEW Local 98
Named to the Philadelphia Business Journal's "40 under 40" list, 2004
Recipient of the “Hero of Peace Award” presented by Veterans Against Drugs
Received the 2007 “Spirit of Life Award” presented by Joe Hand Boxing
Neighborhood: East Torresdale
Education: North Catholic High School
IBEW Local 98’s Apprentice Training Academy
What most needs improvement in your district or in the city at-large?
“The
6th District – like the entire city – needs more jobs. Another major
issue for the district is absentee landlords. As with other pressing
needs, I have a multipoint plan to combat absentee landlords:
1. Increase funding for L&I to investigate absentee landlord complaints.
2. Allow the city to change unpaid property fines to a security interest payment and add them to municipal tax bills.
3. Require a local contact person for all rental properties.
4. Charge an additional fee for landlords who do not live within Philadelphia or surrounding counties.
5. Improve local code enforcement to ensure Philadelphia properties are Philadelphia-owned.”
Read the full profileCindy Bass - (D) - Eighth District
Background: Senior Policy Advisor, Urban and Domestic Policy to Congressman Chaka Fatta
Special Assistant to State Senator Allyson Schwartz
Delegate to Democratic National Convention 2000, 2004, 2008
Developed successful housing counseling program for Mt. Airy, USA
Neighborhood: Mt. Airy
Education: Parkway High School, 1986
Temple University, 1990, Bachelors in Business
What Council practice or custom would you most like to change?
“I
believe that Council needs to be less parochial and look outside the
box—and the city—for solutions to the city’s problems. We need to be
constantly seeking best practices, even if they don’t come from within,
and putting them to work here.”
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Dennis O'Brien - (R) - At-Large
Background: State Representative, 169th Legislative District 1976 - 2011
Former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Champion of Justice Award - Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Associate Member, Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 5
Neighborhood: Millbrook
Education: Archbishop Ryan High School, 1970
LaSalle University, 1983, Bachelors in Business Administration
What would your most urgent legislative priority be in office?
“I
want to continue my advocacy on behalf of individuals with
disabilities. Their education and safety has always been a priority of
mine and at present, I feel the city can do more to help. I want to work
with the school district to give teachers the skills to recognize that
students learn differently and to respond to students individually. This
will give students hope and have many other positive affects.
“Secondly,
I want the city to work in partnership with out institutions of higher
learning to bring jobs to Philadelphia. When these institutions expand,
our workforce is put to work, people move to the city, and we become
more attractive for innovation and job creation.”
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David Oh - (R) - At-Large
Background: Attorney, Zarwin Baum in Center City
Assistant District Attorney, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office for three years
Handled Governor Tom Ridge’s trade mission to Korea
Hometown: Cobbs Creek
Education: Central High School
Dickinson College, B.A., political science
Rutgers University School of Law-Camden, J.D.
Why did you get into politics?
“I found that I had a very
board background and wanted to see Philadelphia’s problems addressed
from a more holistic and comprehensive manner. I wanted to advocate on
behalf of innovative and practical ideas that would create good jobs,
offer fresh opportunities, reform our tax structure, reduce crime,
improve quality of life in our neighborhoods and restructure our public
schools around practical education and parent choice. I wanted to see
Philadelphia enter the global economy in a much more serious and planned
manner. I believed that technology would allow our city to improve
efficiency, increase service, and create greater accountability. I
believe the people of our city deserve better."
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