Council Speaker Clark Won’t Seek Re-Election – NBC10 Philadelphia

“Some people ask, ‘Why did it take you so long to make a decision?'” Clark said. “This is not a decision to be made very easily or very quickly.”

As noted in a press release announcing Clark’s decision, Clark was first elected to the City Council in 1999 as a member of the Fifth Ward, when former Fifth Warden and City Council Speaker John F. Street resigned to run for mayor. became his successor.

Clark was re-elected to the council in 2003, 2007 and 2011. Later, with the support of his colleagues in the Council, he succeeded Anna Verna as President of the Council.

He was re-elected to the council in 2015 and 2019, each time with unanimous support from his peers for a term as council chairman, Clark’s office said.

“We have a lot of work to do this year,” Clark said in a statement. and advocating reforms to help attract and retain workers, with a focus on creating a new Deputy Commercial Secretary On Job Creation – All these initiatives and others will come into force in 2023 It’s scheduled. We have work to do.”

As for what’s next for lawmakers, Clark said he plans to work hard over the next 10 months and remain involved in public service after his term ends.

“At the end of the day, I think it’s time to do something else,” Clark said. “I will remain involved in public service. I will make the most of the next 10 months as it relates to what I do with my colleagues on the Philadelphia City Council. I will not slow down.”