It was the end of an era as longtime Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke presided over his last meeting of the body he led for 12 years and served as both a staffer and Councilmember since 1980.
Clarke was feted, receiving gifts and plaudits from the city council members and other dignitaries.
The marathon meeting was punctuated by visits from outgoing Mayor Jim Kenney and Mayor-Elect Cherelle Parker, each singing the praises of the longtime council leader.
The moment was possibly the closest Philadelphians would get by way of a farewell address from the Mayor, coming full circle by delivering his remarks in the place where his career as an elected official began.
The Mayor highlighted his most notable policy victory, the sweetened beverage tax, from which the generated revenue funded pre-kindergarten seats and rehabilitated libraries and community centers.
Kenney also acknowledged the pandemic’s effects on the city, recounting one of the lowest points of his time in office.
“I remember standing in the an empty Liacouris Center, loooking at a 150 bed hospital we had to build (including) oxygen, electricity, and all the amenities of a hospital,” Kenney said. “I never imagined as either a Councilmember or as mayor that we would actually have to do that.”
Another touchstone for the Mayor is the city’s record fund balance, which is currently almost $1 billion. Other financial high points include significant contributions to the city’s pension fund and an increase in Philadelphia’s bond rating, a key metric of the city’s fiscal health and major factor when borrowing money.
Mayor-Elect Cherelle Parker compared Clarke’s mastery of city council to Lyndon Johnson’s legendary parliamentary and procedural skill in the United States Senate. She also praised his even-keel temperament.
“He never forgot where he came from,” Parker said of Clarke.
When the meeting neared its close, each member of council requested to speak to share their personal reminiscences of Clarke and his tenure.
Common themes expressed were his authenticity, honesty with members, and ability to keep their conversations confidential.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas credited Clarke with helping shepherd all of his legislation over the past four years. He thanked the outgoing president for his personal warmth and help during difficult personal times.
Towards the end of the session, incoming Council President Kenyatta Johnson arranged for Clarke, a known aficionado of car racing, to be presented with NASCAR memorabilia by driver Rajah Caruth.
Before the meeting ended, Clarke addressed the council for the final time, saying he didn’t exactly know what he would do when he retired but intended to stay in public service.
“To the leadership and my colleagues, I’m rooting for you,” Clarke said. “I’m not going to change my phone number, so you can call me at ten o’clock at night. Thank you. I love all of you. God bless you all.”
And with that, Clarke called for a motion to adjourn, effectively ending his tenure in city hall.
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