City Councilman Bobby Henon (D-6th dist.) read a statement following last week’s Council session, the first since the FBI raided his district and City Hall offices.
Henon, whose offices were raided on Aug. 5, said law enforcement would have more answers than him.
“Under the guidance of legal counsel, I will not speculate on the motivations behind this inquiry. But, I can tell you that to date, I have not been contacted by law enforcement nor to my knowledge has any member of my staff. I have encouraged my team to cooperate fully in this process. Lastly, I want to reassure the people of Philadelphia that my office has and will continue to serve them with great pride and dignity. Being a member of City Council carries the enormous responsibility of always putting the best interest of your constituents first — that is what I try to do every day and always will.”
The raid was part of a probe into the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 and its boss, John Dougherty.
Agents paid surprise visits to Henon’s offices at 484 City Hall and 6730 Torresdale Ave. in Tacony.
Henon was political director of Local 98 when he jumped into the 2011 race to succeed retiring Democratic Councilwoman Joan Krajewski. He used endorsements from ward leaders and unions and massive fundraising to overwhelmingly win the primary over banker and former School Reform Commission member Marty Bednarek.
Henon would go on to win the 2011 general election and was unopposed in 2015. He serves as Council’s majority leader and remains employed by the politically powerful Local 98.
FBI agents also raided Dougherty’s South Philadelphia home and Local 98 headquarters at 17th and Spring Garden streets.
Also, state authorities are said to be looking into alleged union intimidation. ••
