Darrell L. Clarke (politician)
| Darrell L. Clarke | |
|---|---|
| President of the Philadelphia City Council | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2012 |
|
| Preceded by | Anna Verna |
| Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 5th District | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office May 18, 1999 |
|
| Preceded by | John Street |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Political party | Democratic |
Darrell L. Clarke is an American politician, and member of the Democratic Party. He is currently the President of the Philadelphia City Council, where he represents the Fifth District, which emcompasses North Central Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, Lower Hunting Park, Ludlow, Yorktown, West Poplar, Fairhill, Brewerytown, Francisville, Spring Garden, Fairmount, Logan Square, and parts of Northwood, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Center City.[1]
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[edit] Early life and education
A native of North Philadelphia, Clarke graduated from Edison High School.[1]
[edit] Political career
Clarke was a longtime aide to John Street,[1] who represented the Fifth District for nearly three decades, and eventually became Council President.
[edit] Election to city council
In December of 1998, Street resigned as a member of the City Council and as the body's President. His resignation was prompted by that of Mayor Ed Rendell, who became the General Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. By virtue of his position as Council President, Street was automatically elevated to the office of Mayor.
Clarke ran for, and was elected to, Street's Fifth District seat in the 1999 special election held on the day of the state's primary.[2]
[edit] City council tenure
Clarke is a former Majority Whip, and is the Chair of the Fiscal Stability and Public Property Committees and Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.[1] He was elected to the position of Council President, after the office was vacated by the retiring Anna Verna.
One of Clarke's most notable legislative actions was his support of the bill to evict the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America from their 80 year old building over their refusal to allow homosexuals to serve as scoutmasters.[3]
[edit] See also
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Wikinews has related news: Philadelphia breaks 80 year old building lease; moves to evict Scouts |
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d "Councilman Darrell L. Clarke - 5th District, Majority Whip". City of Philadelphia. http://www.phila.gov/citycouncil/DarrellClarke.html.
- ^ "Verna Sure of Support, Primary Leaves Her With Votes to Continue as Council Pres.". Philadelphia Daily News. May 20, 1999. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI.
- ^ Slobodzian, Joseph A. (2007-06-01). "Council votes to end city lease with Boy Scouts". Philadelphia Inquirer. http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20070601_Council_votes_to_end_Boy_Scouts_lease_The_group_must_pledge_not_to_discriminate_against_gays_or_else_pay_market_rent_to_the_city_.html.[dead link]
[edit] External links
- Councilman Darrell L. Clarke - 5th District official city website
- Councilman Clarke official personal website
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